Htsguy

^I don't know...I think it was pretty much reached upthread when he stated a downtown TJ Maxx and Burlington would "transform" downtown Cleveland. Edit: Actually I think he stated this in the Tower City thread.

^^I have never thought of either of those places as a department store (or anything to jump up and down about either).

I think I can add to the list of cities without traditional downtown department stores...I don't believe Baltimore or Denver have one.

^why not just tell us. Isn't that what this board is all about?

^I kinda get a chuckle how we can go on and on based on something the "girlfriend" who works at Brooks Brother heard. Can you imagine the explosion here if something was actually announced with concrete facts?

Yes. If the constitution prohibits it then it probably won't happen. BUT wasn't the Columbus? casino moved from the amendment location(s)? Yes the casino in Columbus was moved after another statewide vote to amend the Constitution.

^It is on East Blvd. across the street form the art museum and next to the CWRU law school.

^Entertain dollars are scarce. This would just give the casinos one more advantage in chasing after those dollars. I can guarantee you that the tavern and restaurant industry lobby will howl long and hard if this were proposed (not to mention the Carrie Nation lobby which would oppose any weakening of Ohio's liquor laws)

So this is a "good thing" (for retail)? I guess it could be. Why? Gilbert and his various partners have a vested interested in the mall given it is attached to the casino and their new hotel and is close to the Q as well as his Quicken Loans office. They also have $$$ (although how deep is the well?) and have not shown a fear of spending it. That said....a retail venture is something new for these guys and they have little or no expertise. FC has lots of expertise (which includes connections in the industry and the ability to leverage since they are nationwide) and could do little to turn the mall around. I for one don't know the reason for it? Is it Cleveland itself (which FC regularly argues), the economy and the companion contraction of brick and mortar retail nationwide, or (like I believe) they really had no interest in doing what was necessary to rehabilitate the mall given the current environment and really are just plain worn out from trying the past 10-12 years. So for this to be a "good thing" Gilbert and his buddies are going to have to spend big time and bring in a reputable, fresh and vigorous management company to deal with the mall because quite frankly I don't know that they really know what to do with it, or have the time or energy since they are already focused on loans, basketball and gambling. If they do buy it, I hope this is part of their plan. I imagine they are bright enough to realize this but again, how much of effort do they want to make to foster retail and do they have the interest in spending the big bucks to do it. And if all this is true (as there tends to be lots of speculation and rumor in this thread), maybe they don't even have an interest in reviving or expanding retail and have other ideas for TC. I guess we will have to wait and see.

^Are you saying we should have special alcohol laws for the four casinos or this should be the case for the thousands of other drinking establishments and restaurants in the state of Ohio. If not, I cannot understand how you can favor one type of business over another in this regard (either ethically, economically or legally).

^they have been talking about that for years...my guess is that they will still be talking about it for years even once the station moves.

I know it is possible many posters are going to jump all over R and R, but I don't find it unusual that prostitutes are drawn to the casino, especially since it is the new "toy" in town and they are feeling it out as a potential place for business. Not that they are actively soliciting on the floor but just being available "in the scene" (say similar to an NBA All Star weekend).

^I would not find this surprising...this is a natiionwide problem. And my guess is that even "suburban style" projects are going to have problems without tons of equity and many creative bridge loans.

Klingaline....I echo KJP comments and again thanks for the inside information. The primary reason I visit the board (and REAL news has been far and few lately). Now that leaves a very important open question. Why were the owners uncomfortable with the Cleveland International Fund? Is it due to their past issue or is it something new?

^Checked out another rendering on the Planning Commission site. It is apparently built to the sidewalk except for what appears to be a small strip of grass in front but, unfortunately, is surrounded by parking lots which are also build to the sidwalk on either side of the building. It looks almost like an island in a sea of parking. Edit: The photo Cleveland posted is the rendering I was referring too. Blah.

^This looks like a new design, although it has been so long since I viewed the first renderings I am not sure. I hope they build up to the sidewalk as, if I recall correctly, the first plan had a pretty significant setback and (not sure) may even have had parking in the front. Not crazy about the windows. Would like to see more renderings.

The Cincinnati Streetcar thread "veers off topic"? What are you talkin about Willis? :wink:

^Only on Urban Ohio...fast breaking news...just like you're there.

^Agree...does this mean no more on site long term parking? Everytime I park in LTP it seems full. Where are these cars going to go. All off site? Pain.

^OK I am going to be that pain in the butt poster who mentions that this article has already been posted in two other different threads ("Filling in Euclid Avenue" and "Downtown Residences"), and two days ago to boot. It is frustrating when the same article is posted in so many different threads since the follow up discussion is all over the place. Somebody will make a comment and it is hard to recall if it was in this thread or that one and the discussion becomes scattered and people just keep repeating themselves. Also, what does this have to do with Gateway? Really don't consider Euclid Avenue (especially the south side or west of East Ninth Street where the buildings are located) part of Gateway.

Come on guys, no charter school could afford the purchase price (either one) let alone the additional millions it would cost to fix the serious problems that building has to have (and configure it into a workable school building as well). It is a non issue and a silly article. The bigger question is who does the school board think they are going to get to purchase it and turn it into a hotel even given its prime location. Again, millions and millions to renovate and look at the problems the developer of the Kimpton on East Ninth has been having to get financing (read the thread...financing just fell through and they have been working on it for years). Is the $$$ even there for such a project?

^That all makes 100% sense. In addition, hopefully this is a lesson to all those on this board who are so quick to say off hand.... this should be done here and this is the project I proposed and why isn't something getting done on this plot of land or by this building owner or why hasn't a TOD gone forward at this intersection. CRM has been working diligently to put together this package for more than two years now (actually it might be more like three) and is still running into road blocks (despite the fact it has a tenant and valuable tax credits).

^I believe it was mentioned in Michelle's PD article that was posted in a couple of threads. Probably a very good building for a conversion. It was last renovated (complete gut job ) in the early 80's or so (my dad had an office in the building...they did a good job at that time) so it is not like they are dealing with very old building with very old issues. Plus it is right on the Park and grouped with lots of other residential (Statler, Reserve Square, Chesterfield) so it is not like it will be isolated.

Thanks for the information Michelle. I do find it interesting that CRM was awarded tax credits on another project in the most recent round when they are having issues with the first project on which they earned credits.

^Boy none of that really sounded that great to me (not the apartments but the fact that financing feel through and that things have to be worked out and some "news" in a month...which sounded very vague (and of course that is six months in developer speak)).