CleveFan

Great news about 55 Public Square! I’m always impressed with the journalistic work of KJP- thank you! Just referring to the appearance of the tower (having not been inside it) I think it has aged very well stylistically and looks young for its age. Just fantastic to see the continued investment and energy downtown.

I would be fine with it not blending in with what’s there. Something along the lines of that Weston Superblock rendering would be cool. Forward looking Cleveland.

I think a lot of us could live with that design! - but maybe not Stark - it’s a reminder of the original Nucleus - times two.

A great and fun day on UO. ( A special thanks to KJP For the great journalistic work.) I understand it’s not quite time for the party until “shovels in the ground” but I just had to say Congrats to the CLE. I’m one of the city’s life-long fans (keyword) that probably gets too excited at each new rumor about this massive project - but that may come partly from growing up in Cleveland and experiencing some of the tough years when the city was the butt of jokes nationally - (yeah, I’m that old!) It’s been inspiring to see the rebirth of the downtown and other neighborhoods of the city in recent years. I agree with those that see this as a true game changer for the city. Not just the vital numbers on actual jobs preserved and added by SW’s decision - but the optics, if you will, as a mighty new HQ begins to rise. It’ll be fun to opine and debate the design- but I’m sure we all agree that had SW left the city - it would’ve been a critical blow. Now, instead, the Renaissance of Cleveland continues with even more energy.

Anybody having a little more trouble than usual falling asleep tonight? After so much fun rampant speculation tonight!

Sometimes people are reasonably responding to recent posts by those insiders. Speculation and opinion is part of what makes this board fun.

Notice where Partners Healthcare campus is located in relationship to Boston’s downtown. None of The examples of corporate campuses posted by MrNyC appear to be in the heart of a downtown. If this is what SHW wants- the riverfront is perfect.

And would it become a dark zone in evening hours, weekends and holidays?

We’d all like to see the parking lots off PS disappear, but I have to agree. A “campus” with lower rise buildings and the tallest tower 30 stories or less sounds better suited to the riverfront. I know we’ve waited a long time for that west side of the square to be built upon but Public Square will always be there. That parcel needs an iconic tower with a more urban neighborhood at Weston. The new Justice Center Tower could be part of that scenario depending on how it fits into the big picture and its ultimate height and design.

Always exciting to see a new Neotrans article - thanks KJP! Would the original Weston Superblock renderings be similar to the scope, size and look of the new SHW campus? I forget how many square feet of office and residential were in that huge project.

The one on the right actually looks a little scary

Right - but while we’re on the ground locally, looking up, there’s often a national audience looking down at beautiful shots of the city taken from it. And we’re not completely off topic because we’re discussing some pros/cons of the leading possible sites. And if I can sneak just one tangential comment in here - did everybody notice how T- Mobile used the Cleveland skyline - not once, but twice, in their city- themed baseball commercial during World Series game 7?

But these new glass towers will make it warmer downtown for Cleveland’s long winter!

I initially felt that Public Square/Weston Lot was the only place for the new HQ, considering the company’s history in Cleveland and international prestige. But after reading the latest (and once again great) Neo-Trans blog and “remembering” that Tower City master plan rendering from 1990, I’m thinking how transformational SW would be at the riverfront. The tallest tower, apparently to be 40 stories, will not appear quite as high as it would on the square, but it would generate a new excitement and vitality along the riverfront - extending fo Scranton Peninsula area. It would also be front and center for National TV events with those Goodyear blimp shots. It might also happen on a faster timetable than the PS site. My only concern would be public access to a vital stretch of riverfront. How it will play out is fascinating. If I were a betting man, I’d put my chips on the riverfront site. Ultimately the presence of SW downtown is a huge Cleveland win and (as soon as it’s officially announced) let’s enjoy the victory.

Agreed. The infusion of buildings like The Lumen, Hilton, One Cleveland (and even the Beacon) have been critical in modernizing Cleveland’s look and image. Don’t get me wrong - the older, beige-toned buildings include some world-class structures, but I think it’s very cool to move forward with modern buildings that evoke our time in the 21st century. And that doesn’t have to be a ”typical” tower that could be in virtually any big or not-so big city. As to the location of a new Justice Center, I would definitely rather not have it atPublic Square . (It’s likely that it would be the better part of a decade until that project eould rise) That said, given the many years we’ve already waited to complete the 4th side of PS - and the chances of another SHW coming along - a well designed new courthouse tower of 500’ could be very satisfying. But it’s design would have to be a Home run at that centerpiece location.

Even Terdolph likes it!

Let it all happen!

Thanks for the usual well written, informative article KJP. I know a lot of people are completely frustrated with Nucleus, but that detailed new presentation doesn’t look like Stark is just looking for publicity- I think they’re gonna take it to the finish line ( with the House Bill seemingly made to order .) I have my complaints with some design elements but I’d definitely like to see Nucleus happen - it would help continue the momentum downtown and add a significant vibrancy and energy to the district.

I don’t think anyone has indicated whether or not the Beacon sign is going in - but if it does - wouldn’t it be most impactful on the south side of the building?

Good to know that others share my opinion!

PlayHouse Square is one of the big reasons among many that I’m very proud to be from Cleveland. Different architectural tastes aside, this tower is going to be worthy of PlayHouse Square’s highly respected reputation. The juxtaposition with the Keith Building, though a striking contrast, works beautifully in a big- city sort of way. The Lumen is going to really take PHS to a higher level. In turn, this great theater district will do the same for the Lumen. The folks at Pleyhouse Square really did this right, from vision to execution.

So you’re walking back the big October 14 article?

i thought the DCA video was extremely well done - a nice acknowledgement of Cleveland’s great past with high aspirations for its future. But regarding the SW building(s) design- - our best published source (by far) on the subject has already said not to expect more than a 40 story tower for the tallest building. That can still be a major presence on the skyline - but it won’t be a Supertall and clearly not as high as the “almost” Supertall Key Tower (which is just 40 feet short of that status ). Like many, I’m a tower lover and understand that this may be CLE’s only real shot at That exclusive club in our lifetimes (younger and older). But just in terms of the cityscape- -Key Tower comes close to doubling the height of even the current 4th tallest (Erieview). Key draws the eye strongly towards the Public Square “big 3” and somewhat deemphasizes the skyline as a cohesive whole. As a comparative example, When I look at the Pittsburgh skyline, it seems much more dense and cohesive - but Cleveland actually has 142 high rises - more than Pittsburgh. It’s the proportionality - and the number of 500’ plus towers that is the difference. Anyway, I’m just thinking that SW’s new HQ might be more complimentary as a 600-700 foot tallest tower with a significantly high second building contributing Some height and more density, especially if it’s on the Westin lot.