Htsguy

^Unfortunately KJP, your more detailed explanation of your conversation with the "development guy" leaves me even more pessimistic than your original post. Seems much more "speculative" on his part than the original statement that "Jacobs Group is working on project for this site". That said, I was intrigued by your Progressive thoughts as, when I was mulling this over, I thought Progressive would be and ideal tenant and a tenant as you described. In other words, I cannot see them moving the headquarters given their commitment to their current multiple spaces in the "burbs, but moving a couple of large departments downtown and having a good size presence, especially for the employees described in your post.

I sorta have to agree with May Day...still not holding my breath. Even though it is now "mixed used" (what ever that means) I would imagine that a major component would be office space and as we all know they are not going to be able to get financing (and we know that they are a very cautious company) without a major tenant. At this point I could not imagine who that would be. "Working on a project for the site" as mentioned by KJP's development insider can mean many things. Unfortunately, it could mean as little as a guy in a small office trying to tag a tenant and reporting to his boss every couple of weeks. If it is at that stage and the guy is also working on Jacobs "green fields" in Avon there will be plenty of parking on PS for the foreseeable future. Hopefully it has progressed much further than that but really no signs of that.

Apparently they did not get the tax credits they were seeking in the current round just awarded. Wonder how this will affect the renovation?

ridiculous and political pandering. The public owns these facilities and they should be maintained as needed. I would only agree if the money was going to enhancements rather than regular maintenance.

^yes

^No...this garage is on Rockwell not across from the Westin

^Isn't the garage being discussed on Rockwell? Do I have the wrong garage. I don't recall any retail in it.

^I believe Geis had bought the buildings and applied to have them demoed, but I am not quite sure they currently have any plans for the location.

^Funny if that is the case because it really looks as though the entire restaurant décor (liked or not) clashes (maybe too harsh a word..."contrasts greatly") with rest of the hotel design and décor both inside and out.

^what is even funnier is that the two "supporters" are even contradicting each other. One says it "is" upscale (which it appears is a wild exaggeration) and the other states "who cares" that it is not upscale, it will be supported by the shoppers of Mason which apparently is the center of the earth.

^Why am I not shocked by the last sentence.

^They will also be closing many Office Depot/Office Max's nationwide due to the merger of the two companies. For whatever reason this business model, which was hot 10-15 years ago, is in decline. I don't know if it is the time I go (although I usually go on different days at different times), but the 3 Office Max's I patronize always seem to be dead and I mean dead.

^I know this has nothing to do with the hotel but why would you describe Cleveland as "blustery" (which of course it is) when mentioning that somebody moved from Boston. It is not like they were moving from San Diego. I mean every time I looked Boston was getting hit with a huge snow storm this year. Oh Well.

^have to agree and they are on a pretty prominent site off the Shoreway.

^a little smile here. cfdwarrior (by the way welcome to the site) complains that the townhouse design is too modern when a few months back a poster was complaining it was too "faux old" So what is it modern or old? I guess it is a matter of perception but interesting that two different posters are at two extremes when trying to classify the design. I am wondering whether that is a good thing or a bad thing?

^I'm not sure but I think Keller Williams might be going into that space. I saw a sign driving by but it was dark and I am basically blind (which is nice for all my fellow drivers).

^Why taller...just for taller sake....I imagine the county and developer did an analysis of its current and future space needs and decided the size of the building fit their needs. Why should the taxpayers incur needless costs to build a bigger building if it is not needed. If I were to incur additional costs I would have put it into a more interesting design and higher end finishes...but really even that is hard to justify given the needs of the county and the fact that the county took a hit buying this building in the first place.

^I have a former employee who works at the Market District in Solon as a "cook". He says 90% of the food is prepared off site and shipped in like most Giant Eagles (they just heat it up). I know that it not the case with Whole Foods where the food is prepared fresh on site.

^Hmmm....already being discussed in Downtown Residence thread

^Actually, I really cannot see your point.

Driving by the UC station construction site yesterday and today, was surprised to see that they have already started to demolish the bus waiting area across the street from the new waiting area on Cedar. Would have thought this would have been one of the last things to be done since the new station is still probably a couple months away from opening. If I recall correctly this spot is suppose to be turned into a green area.

^This is the same blah blah blah from six months ago.

We initially started with Highland Heights and Mayfield. They are both decent areas but I don't think you can say they are just as good as Westlake. Perhaps they are more like Avon. Highland Heights has the Aberdeen area and Mayfield has some newer construction. But we have lived on the East side for many years now and want to move to the West side. It seems livelier on the west side, you see more people walking around, running, soccer games around the Crocker park area. I would say the community seems more active there. The housing options are a lot more there too. We are looking for a house built post 2000. To each his own. Good luck. But I couldn't disagree more about the "liveliness" aspect. I have been traveling to Westlake and that general area a lot more this past year and I always wonder (outside of Crocker Park) where all the people hide during the day. Mayfield and HH are absolutely at least on par with Westlake....... and I would bet the city services are superior. Of course, Westlake has them both beat in the McMansion department. **There's a sprawly suburban development called Chagrin Falls in Solon? (double face palm) ***Given the type of house/neighborhood you are looking for, have you considered some of the south side areas? Broadview Heights and Brecksville come to mind. If I was looking for what you are eyeing, I would also consider Medina County. I'd bet you can get the most bang for your buck out there and I actually like downtown Medina. Actually Hts., city services is one thing that Westlake has going for it. They seem to have money to burn (especially compared to other suburbs). I have to laugh when I see 6-8 guys tending to flowers in the median on Crocker Road. Again Westlake is not my cup of tea. I am actually thinking of moving to the west side after living on the east side my entire life (the commute is killing me) and while I work in Westlake I would never live their in a million years. Probably end up in Ohio City or Lakewood.

^^^If you are looking for sprawling suburban subdivisions than you are right...Westlake is right for you...try to avoid the ugly ones (architecture and building materials)...there are many of them in Westlake. It is a bit older but check out the Estates which is off of Crocker as well as Hillard. It might be a little out of your price range but you may be able to find something for 350,000. Very well maintained. The commute will still kill you but seems like that is not that big a deal for you.

I live in Cleveland Hts and drive to the far end of Westlake every day (closer to Avon than Rocky River). No traffic it takes me 40 minutes. Add 10-15 with traffic. Ignoring the commute neither Westlake or Avon excite me much but I am not much of a suburban person. If you had to live on the West Side I would pick Rocky River or Lakewood over either Westlake or Avon but of course you won't find much in the way of "new" in those suburbs. You said Westlake is "Urban". There is nothing remotely urban about Westlake including their version of Disney Land (Crocker Park). Schools are better than average but certainly not outstanding.