CleveFan

Really excited to see 515 happening - anything of this size bringing new residents downtown is a major victory. I'm not a pro like many of you in the Forum, but I have learned that judging the building by the renderings can be a bit misleading - sometimes the finished product looks better than the concept drawings - I'm thinking of the new Hilton... Having said that, I find the Beacon design to be uninspiring. Just not a fan of that box-like shape - we see enough of that downtown with buildings like "the 9", Justice Center, etc. I know there was a height limitation, but it would've been great to have traded some of the bulkiness for a leaner, taller structure with a more interesting shape. Seems like there was an emphasis on having the building "fit in" with many of the older brick buildings nearby. I really like that the color fades as it ascends, but I would've liked getting away from the red brick tones completely. I'm hoping that the big windows will really make the contemporary side of the building's personality come out more. And I'd love the design commission to suggest a change on that "shed"-like structure on top. Overall, great addition for downtown.

I like "MikeHuncho"'s idea in response to Steven Litt's July 26 article on Cleveland.com.....imagine something like the National Harbor on the Potomac River https://www.nationalharbor.com/

Absolutely cannot believe that anyone who understands the value of that lakefront property would want such an ugly looking outlet mall, which could be off of any major highway anywhere, sitting on our most precious real estate. I'm all for outlet shopping downtown, but my god, please, don't let this happen on this site - Cleveland must use the downtown lakefront for more unique, innovative, world-class, tourist-friendly, national media-worthy attractions. If you showed me an "Inner Harbor"-like complex with super cool places to dine and play, combined with some really cool retail, that might be a possibility - but this warehouse would further compromise our ability to continue reshaping a world class waterfront. This thing is right out the windows from the Hilton - this is a huge mistake in judgement if allowed to happen. Let's not be so desperate for a new shopping mall downtown that we allow our most beautiful vista to be permanently scarred. This thing is a disaster.

The only thing I like about having shopping anywhere near the lake is that the RRHOF needs more than a science center to maximize its potential...today's visitors to destinations are always interested in having the option of shopping nearby. My great fear is that the beautiful development we're seeing right now along the lake - (I love the new complex at Voinovich Park) will be ruined by a parking lot and a bad looking outlet mall right on our most precious lakefront...that would be a tremendous mistake. About as dumb as building the football stadium on it.

Feeling really proud of Cleveland following the convention - watched multiple media outlets all week - enjoyed FOX in part because they had a continuing graphic that read "Cleveland" even during breakaways, when they would run a split screen - you couldn't forget for a second where the center of the political universe was. I'd bet that the city was mentioned more in the national media than it ever had been before in its history. minute by minute - all week. The shots on MSNBC fromf East 4th looked vibrant - lots of people all over - the opening night shots of a crowded plaza around the RRHOF and the perspectives of the downtown from the lake were beautiful. Kudos to the police - you heard so many great stories of how they helped people all week - great leadership by Police Chief Calvin Williams. Endless compliments in the media about the people of Cleveland and how great they were! You simply have to feel proud that our city, long beaten down unfairly in the media, finally got its due. The city looked great and I don't think you'll be hearing too many "mistake by the lake" jokes any more. Now, can we keep the momentum going?

There are some very sharp minds on this forum - no doubt. But I just don't understand the argument by some of them that the importance, beauty, livability and social drawing power of a unified public square is just not needed on the grounds that the RTA would have to be compensated for costs for the 3- 4 extra minutes that its buses would need to go around it. Go visit central park (where I go frequently) and see how traffic needs are "balanced" against the greater good of an unbelievable park in the middle of the country's largest city. By comparison, Public Square's space is small - we are not talking about an overwhelming imposition on bus schedules or traffic in general. I bet that the few minutes difference in the routes that would have to go around a unified public square would immediately become "normal" and would put no burden on riders. From what I've seen (and has been quote in this forum) projected costs for a change in the bus routes would be relatively minor, by today's standards. The investment return would be a truly great space, completely oriented to 21st century urban dwellers - uninterrupted by buses going through the middle of it on a regular schedule. Public transportation is vital, I grant you that... But I don't know one person who ever went to a destination city and came back saying - "Oh my God, you've got to visit there - they have such efficient bus routes!"

The number of anti-bus lane voices seems to be growing fast as everyone experiences the new public square as a unified park-like space...Could a petition of signatures to stop the bus lanes work?

Brilliant observation! Imagine what it could be....

This is so much fun! The tribe has created the perfect segue from the championship Cavs! And yes, StPats is SO right - this team deserves much better than "last in attendance".

I'm feeling optimistic - we won the NBA Championship - anything is possible! - even that Nucleus becomes reality! And whatever downsizing may be occurring, from the bits and pieces we're hearing, it might be the best thing that could happen. I'd love to see the essence of the Nucleus design maintained with a less bulk-like rectangular box dominating the skyline. A thinner tower with the same basic design (and height) would solve the problem - with or without the flat roof aesthetic discussed some months earlier in this forum.

I 'm sure we all agree that livable cities need buses and I think we can wait and see how frequently and "bothersome" the buses cutting through the square is really going to be. However, thanks KJP, for your numbers on the additional "minutes" needed for those bus runs and the per-year cost of less than $200,000 in order to create and preserve a truly unified public square. To me, that's a deal - I'll take it.

The square is looking fantastic! I do get that "slightly European" comment someone made - perhaps the older quality of some of the buildings mixed in with the newer and the historical monuments all create some of that feeling... and though it didn't look packed in those great pics, it certainly seems like it's going to become a big draw for people. I'm with the many that are asking - why the heck can't buses just keep going around the square? - it's not like this is Central Park and they have to go 10 or 20 blocks out of the way...it shouldn't even be an issue - I wouldn't be surprised to see that evolution in the near future. I hope the water feature is fixed and we see that blue color in the southern side.. And yes, police presence there should be an ongoing, round-the-clock thing....just like some of the public spaces in NYC.. I do wish that there was more lawn green space in the square, but - can't have everything - overall, a critical, extremely well done addition for the city. Looking forward to the official opening and seeing the media coverage of it...

Really enjoyed the pics of the city from the perspective of Edgewater and the lake...the city looks so different and coastal - we still sometimes forget what a tremendous asset Lake Erie is - it just takes Cleveland to another level to have that coastline.. Wendy Park looks like a great place to hang out and relax - and seems like there's so much potential to develop those parks and beach areas along the lake. Happy to see one of the all-time urban.ohio greats (KJP) with a new fiancee! I thought I was seeing a little less published by KJP recentl¥ - now I know why...(just kidding, you're still on top of your game..) Congrats... .

Can't believe how bad the communication has been about the opening of PS - I was almost glad to see someone else asking the question about the opening - I was afraid I had just missed the announcement...

Thanks TPH2 for the great shots of PS both daytime and night time. The lighting of trees within the square looks great - as do the buildings which are lit around the square. I don't remember seeing night time shots at ground level previously - but as mentioned before, the project is not just transforming the 10 acre space of the square itself - there is a synergy created with the buildings around it, so that the city around it looks more beautiful itself. I'm still eager to see the south half of the square come to life with the fountain or splash area. Interestingly, as the 3 sides that have buildings (towers) on them look even better, the open Jacobs lot side looks more - let us say "noticeable", and that's being kind - especially in the daytime perspective provided.

Love the modern blue-glass look of the Hilton in the skyline and the overall design - love the views of the city from the hotel - love the attention to detail inside (e..g. moss wall...references to Cleveland bridges and history, etc. and Bar32 will rock) love that it's on-time and under-budget - all in all, a great accomplishment for the city. The article says they are already booking lots of business post-RNC that wouldn't have come to the city previously - yes, it will be cool to hear more news about forthcoming big conventions. BTW, there was a view of the city from the lakeside on one of the Cavs games the other night where the light strip and the hotel was now part of the cityscape - looked very good.

Cavs look extremely impressive tonight. Just watching on tv, I admit, but I have to be honest, as a regular NBA viewer, our crowd is 4th ranked of the 4 cities left - Golden State, OKC, Toronto - all better. Never thought I'd say that about a Cleveland crowd.....

It's looking really great! Really transforms the whole look of the city - the buildings around the square somehow seem more beautiful, too. Love 327's idea of trellises and vines on the cafe walls...

Interesting that news of a possible design change for Nucleus comes out, sort of happenstance, in the Crains article - the original plan for Nucleus was actually 54 stories and 647 feet tall (not 52) and if its true that the new design is 48 stories, it could mean a change in height of about 72 feet, based on the number of floors and height originally proposed. Great to read that there will be residential units for sale.

Steven Litt's May 13 article and accompanying photos give a real sense of the vistas and aesthetics created by the new Public Square on street-level. I'm pleasantly surprised about what I see at this point - and I've always been cautiously optimistic about how it would turn out. Obviously, the devil is often in the details in design - and I think we're seeing a lot of very cool elements coming together as we hoped - love the elevation of the hills, the large green lawn with terraced levels, the attention to detail in the sidewalks and the new perspectives of the city from the square. I'm a little concerned about the southern half, in terms of the lack of color - but hoping that the splash zone will make it really "pop". Thinking that the water will look fantastic. My disappointment, as for many, is that the bus lane remained in the final design - but maybe that can change in the near future. The design elements that acknowledge the history of the city - and this space - are appreciated - the the change in the dynamic of this space is clear. As for when PS opens, I certainly hope that it is BEFORE the RNC. Though the big convention was a key catalyst for this project - ultimately, this space belongs to Clevelanders and it would be only fitting if it was open to residents first, officially - before the visitors arrive.

I was a bit surprised to see the lack of "buzz" after hearing about this West Bank proposed project and checking into the forum to see what the experts thought - I guess, that, although exciting, right now, people aren't taking it too seriously, given a seven year time frame for realization. I get that the design is in a very early stage and might be fun to talk about, but realistically is not worth giving too much energy to, at this point anyway. Personally, I like the look of the main complex in the model. Having said that, I've lived in a twin tower complex and a lot of apartments wind up with having a view of another tower, at pretty close range. I now live in a high rise with an amazing view - but I'd be hesitant to buy an apartment in which my view was dominated by the "other tower" in a twin tower type design. I'd prefer to see one combined tower rising from the complex - and, yes, it would be cool if that single tower became much taller than the buildings in the two tower model. You could have the same number of units - but on one dynamic tower with each unit having a truly premium view, unobstructed by a neighboring twin tower.

The pics of PS look great! I'm with those that don't think that the historic value of Public Square meant it couldn't have a new design for a new time and generation.. I agree with the idea that it is but one "piece of the puzzle" in helping the city move forward. I'd wager that not that many people went to the previous version of public square for enjoyment or aesthetic value. Now, it has a chance to become that kind of a place. Will it happen overnight? -probably not, but it should immediately become a more dynamic place in the center of the city with a much more inviting, modern feel - and as more people live downtown in existing and planned residences near by, it should be a great space in which to take a walk, or have a lunch, etc - (we'll see how it fares as a possible concert venue) - but the point is that Public Square is about to become more of a people-friendly, interactive environment and I think the city made a good investment in its future.

Thanks MrClifton88 for the great pics of the new Public Square which is really coming together - It's going to be top shelf.. I do wish there was a little more "green" in its design - but we're not seeing a final product yet... I'm just thankful that a coalition of people in town pulled together, worked hard, and are making this a reality for the city - (I can't imagine how Sherwin-Williams or some major company could not want a sparkling corporate headquarters towering from that remaining empty lot next to the square.) Having said that, it was quite a juxtaposition to go from seeing the new pics of the square and then going directly to the article illustrating the new animal art that will be added. I'm trying to keep an open mind - maybe it's going to be one of those things "you have to live with for awhile to appreciate" - but it looks very...um......"plastic"... Then again - who knows? - maybe kids and families will love it and it will add to the growing popularity of the city as a tourist destination. I think that's a stretch, but I hope its the case..

Great, clutch series for the Tribe in Motown - they needed to get the monkey off their back with Detroit - and now, we've changed the narrative of a losing April and having to come from way behind - (I know, there's a week left in April...) And the way KC has started, we're going to have to stay fairly hot

Nobody's happier than me about the Cavs winning - (congrats Cavs on a series sweep)...I also get that Kyrie is one amazing and special player - but is that one against five mentality going to work against a great team deep in the playoffs? Everybody standing around in that half court offense - makes me nervous as they go forward. Had we not hit a couple unbelievable shots, like the half-court before half time, and, of course, Kyrie's shot to go up 100-96 - this game could've definitely gone to the Pistons. Detroit deserves credit for fighting hard even against overwhelming odds, down 3-0 tonight.