downtowndreamer

I respect everyone's opinions, and there are some valid points in there, but the negativity does not help Cleveland. A few things are true. Cleveland is not New York, Chicago, or even Minneapolis. These price points work in places like Kansas City and Denver. Denver actually has less downtown housing than Cleveland. They did say it's going to be an upscale community with their mid pricing to be in the mid $300's. I agree, the first phase doesn't cater to the average buyer, but it future phases will. At least, that's what they say. On top of that, you can get Tax Abatement, and with all the new developments being announced downtown, there's some great synergy about to happen. Maybe, I'mtoo optimistic, but I think they'll do well with the diversity of product types. Also, their finishes are pretty high end. Unless you have a ton of money...there won't be any need for upgrades. Hardwood floors, tile, granite countertops, nice appliances are all included in the prices. Thoughts?

Are the Painter's lofts and Mueller's conversions?

I was at the sales office today, and the site plan and the elevations are old. There is a new version on display that doesn't look exactly like that. The Sales Manager did say that they were going to have lower priced types of units as well. Just not on Block #1. Block #3 will have condos starting in the mid to high $100's. The Town Houses are supposed to be priced aggressively as well. I've been told...South of $300,000 is their aim.

Block I is about 4 different building all on that E. 12th and St. Clair, 12th, and Hamilton, Hamilton and 13th, and 13th and St. Clair. Plus, they'll have the Live/Works

Overall this is great for Cleveland. The more downtown housing the better. More attention creates more excitement and more people start to look at downtown as a viable option for them. Stark knows how to attract retailers, which is desparately needed Downtown. Not sure he knows how to build condos....maybe he'll sub it out like he did at Crocker Park. His connections with retailers will open doors for The Avenue District's retail and Euclid Ave. The one thing I can't see is Stark being able to be fully operational in 2008. Lots of hoops to jump through with the Port Authority and the city, but the first shovel in the ground in '08 can happen.

Their newsletter just landed in my inbox. Cool interview with the architects. http://www.theavenuedistrict.com/newlayout/articles/the-avenue-district-architects.asp

I can't disagree with your 2nd point...extremely valid. The old site-housing, housing, and more housing!

The best location is still next to Tower City for the Convention Center, I think. That's the urban core. Build from the center out. Density is the key...then, you have a nice piece of land for a bunch of developers to take a whack at proposing what to do with it. Just my take.

These things look boring architecturally. Hardly urban. Start over!

Any new information on the Convention Center?

Thanks KJP. I love this stuff. I think downtown Cleveland can really explode soon with development. This could be the beginning with all the projects in the works.

I talked to their Director of Sales and Marketing, and he said their sales office will be in the Galleria across from the food court. I ate lunch yesterday in the Food Court and there's a place across from Stone Oven under construction. I'm pretty sure that's it. He said it was next to a bookstore and an art gallery. The website is updated too.