Firenze98

In my opinion, I would have preferred to see a smaller version of the chandelier over Star Plaza instead of the behemoth over the street. Either way it'll probably be a tourist attraction.

That makes sense. By the way looks like we'll see design options on November 12th.

Do we really need another Grand and Junior Ballroom? If you figure maybe 10' between guestroom floors, the 16 story L-shaped option might only give us something in the Hanna Building height range or the height of the remodeled Westin....meh. I'd prefer an iconic tower but as long as it is a great design, a 16 story L-shape could work too.

^I agree. That's why I was asking since it would be a shame to not be open to the public.

Does anyone know if the Azure Sky rooftop sun deck and bar will be open to the public or just for apartment peeps and hotel guests?

I'm assuming the only thing repurposed was the actual clock?

I cannot keep up with the pace of development in Cleveland these days. You can get whiplash downtown looking at developments! Seriously, is there another city that has had as many renovations and new projects constructed or under construction in the past 6 years as Cleveland?

A few Tweets from Michelle McFee earlier today because of Hilton deal: "Construction expected to start by end of this year." "Cleveland expects to lock in huge convention in 2018 with 7,200 room nights." "Cleveland lost a 2015 event to Indy because we didn't have an attached hotel." "People are ready to book conventions now that the Hilton deal has been announced." Even the IX Center is getting some love. "IX Center is finalist for another huge show, which wouldn't happen without adding downtown Hilton"

I thought about the Ritz but isn't that exclusive to the Casino now? Or are there just a block of rooms set aside for the Casino to offer gamblers?

It's been stated that the ultimate goal is to land a Presidential convention in 2016. Is there a magic number of hotel rooms that are required in order to be considered? 15,000? 20,000? The starting lineup of hotel brands in downtown has improved a lot over the past few years. With all the new hotels in development, downtown Cleveland will have over 4,500 rooms. Is there a magic number of rooms within said distance that are required? Including the suburbs there are countless more. I know I'm missing some but to name a few in the downtown area: 650 - Hilton Convention Center 484 - Westin 441 - Renaissance Cleveland 400 - Marriot Cleveland 379 - Doubletree 293 - Hyatt Regency 240 - Hilton Garden Inn 205 - Wyndham 200 - Le Meridien 194 - Hampton Inn 180 - Drury Plaza 175 - Residence Inn 156 - Metropolitan 150 - aLoft 142 - Radisson Inn 141 - Holiday Inn Express 122 - Kimpton

What the heck is that building where PNC plaza sits now?

I disagree. It is an odd site but they should have made this at least a two story building with offices above. That is actually what is noted on the original leasing plan. Building 10, Office over Restaurant. In my opinion, single story buildings do not belong in a city.

There is an awful lot of steel onsite next to the building. Any idea what this is for? I didn't think this project had secured financing or anything. Unless it is to stabilize the structure or is bracing steel to perform some demolition.

The apartments will range from just under 1,000 square feet to 3,000-square-foot corner units with views of Lake Erie, PlayhouseSquare and Public Square. Calabrese said most of those large units are spoken for -- one of them by a member of the investor group behind the project. http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2013/06/developer_resumes_work_on_50_m.html If there are views of Lake Erie from the apartments, I'm assuming upper floors as well.

I'm surprised this project isn't listed on Geis' website as a current project.

Edit: It's 1220 Huron that is being converted to 80 apartments. 1224 Huron is to be converted to 9 apartments. Source: http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2013/09/a_time_of_change_for_downtown.html#incart_river_default#incart_m-rpt-2

^ Totally agree! This may become a tourist attraction as well. I wonder what becomes of the beautiful vaults in the basement? Are offices still planned for the third floor?

Sorry for the poor quality. I only had a low resolution image. A lot of work to do but it'll be awesome when finished.

Thank God that building was never "modernized". Also, if this is converted into apartments, I'd rather see them fill the store fronts with uses other than another restaurant. Maybe a pool hall, wine bar and a small convenience store or something.

I definitely know what you mean. Given the slight setback of the City Club Building's main volume and its cornice line, and those west facing windows on the Schofield Building, those two buildings come together in a really awkward way. Does anyone know which building was built first? I know the original portico of the City Club Building went up to the property line, but I don't know if that's why the office portion was set back or if the portico was merely a way to bridge the gap and the setback was required for a different reason (e.g., an easement). Schofield constructed in 1902 City Club constructed in 1903 I suppose the way the property lines were laid out left the awkward skinny parcel at the corner.

^Sorry. Didn't realize that was already posted.

MMPI out as operator. On Cleveland.com

Now it's the Huntington Building's turn to be converted to apartments. Prime location right across the street.

I agree. They should locate a film studio in the sea of parking lots between E 13th and E 17th streets, not along the lakefront.

^Like the construction of the 515 tower into apartments...not condos. Again though, those apartments would have to give Uptown a run for their money in terms of what they charge for rent. New construction, high rents.