Htsguy

^I know I sound like a broken record when it comes to Coral, but none of this surprises me. If all true this does not bode well for Lot 45

If, as noted above by ClevelandOhio, that this "current downtown population discussion" centers around what kind of critical mass of residents you need to foster "downtown retail", I guess my question is what kind of retail are you taking about. Is is strictly "convenience retail". If it is more in the nature of national chains (lets not get bogged down in low end, middle end or high end since downtown really lacks all three compared to years past) would you not only consider the downtown borders, but expand that to Tremont, Ohio City, Detroit Shoreway and even Edgewater and University Circle. Residents in those neighborhoods would clearly preferably shop downtown if the retail existed since it would really be the closest for them than suburban malls (even University Circle...easier to hop on a bus to go downtown to shop at a Banana Republic that go out to Beachwood).

^Two executive chefs at such a small space. Doesn't sound like great cost control to me. Maybe that is one of the reasons they are no more.

^My observation over the months is that this is Keith M.'s "issue" and he and brings up a version of it in multiple threads (often when it is only tangential to what is currently being discussed). I have to agree with you Strap...somewhat confused by his point here given the facts.

^I think many of the posts were moved the the Cleveland Retail thread...and then the thread was locked.

^Okay here is my theory why no free standing stores. Stores like Burberry, Fendi, Gucci, Chanel are going to want to be located together and in Cleveland they are going to want to be on the east side...and guess what, there is no room at the usual suspects in most instances for multiple high end stores. Since they are already selling their wares in the city at multiple locations, Saks, Nordstrom, some smaller boutiques (I bought my first Burberry coat at a small men's store on Shaker Square way back when) they figure why bother. Edit: LL Bean?

^I don't know what Columbus has but I don't think high end when I think of that city. Pittsburgh just lost their Saks and Indy just lost their downtown Nordstroms (although I think they have one in the burbs).

Lafont....is there something you know about the lot at Euclid and Ford. I thought that is a part of uptown phase 2, and I was not aware that it was a "go"...at least not this year. Is it going forward so soon?

^great post on so many levels.

I am sure I am in the minority on the board but I don't see the casino doing much to bring back upscale shopping to TC. I do believe it will eventually result in "more shops" and perhaps even better shopping than is there now (which of course would not be difficult). However, to draw the stores MTS would like (and boy would I personally like to see Barney's back) I think you need a regional draw department store such as Neimans. I don't think FC has the power or the energy to bring them to the table.

^^Is Water Tower Place that upscale? It has been a LONG time since I have been in there. While I recall it was very nice and higher end (Lord and Taylor's I believe which is no longer there), I do not recall that much "upscale shopping" as compared to other malls and stores directly on Michigan Avenue.

^Do you think the hours will expand (cafe) once the project is actually done and tenants move in?

^You know...my bad...you are right....I mis- read way back when and thought he was referring to Circle 118 which are going to be building some rental townhouses. I actually agree that Circle East could be a problem for somebody not familar with Cleveland and it is indeed barren around there. Sorry for the confusion.

^I drove by today...it is about 150-200 yards from the new uptown apartments and retail (to the west). It is across the street about 100 yards from the CWRU stadium and dorms that surround the stadium. To the south are the Coltman townhouses (if would take you 3-4 minutes to walk to them). Right across the street the CIA addition is to start this spring or summer. I am ignoring a few restaurants already on Euclid (same side of the street) as well as many other planned developments (like the MOCA which you could walk to in 5 minutes). I think that is great connectivity. The only direction which is a problem is to the east (where indeed some sort of power station is going but that direction is blocked by the tracks as well as the free clinic. In addition the for sale housing in the development are selling better than I thought they would given they are right on Euclid and near the tracks.

^Barren is the last word I would use to describe the immediate area.

^I'm assuming your location question deals with safety rather than noise (it being right by the tracks). Personally I wouldn't have a problem. The townhomes are practically part of the CWRU campus, only a few hundred yards from relatively new dorms with hundreds of students. They are also right across the street from the Coltman townhouse development which sold out in a flash and just yards from the new Uptown development which will have lots of activity all day long due to combination of residential and commercial. I have always thought there is safety in numbers not to mention all the institutional presence which also can contribute to safety. Of course you have to always be aware of your environment in the city, but I would live there in a heartbeat (and there is lots of greenery near by which would appeal to your girlfriend who wants more of a suburban vibe.

I don't think MTS is going to agree with his take on the early history of Tower City and efforts made by Forest City.

^thank you

^My bad...saw that you have already done that. Thanks.

KJP...perhaps you should merger the comments from the downtown res. thread regarding this project. People have been discussing it at length in that thread since early this morning and there are a number of interesting points made therein.

^I did...I use to stuff myself their during their buffet lunches (really, I hurt for two hours). All the food was great. If this place is anywhere near as good I would be there once a week.

^^^I am just guessing (I am sure somebody on the board knows) but it would appear you can just have an option on a building rather than owning it out right (like k and d here) in order to get tax credits. However, does this count against you when they are ranking factors in deciding who gets the tax credits (in other words does an applicant who actually owns a building get more points when they do the formula to decide who gets them...I know they are competitive.)

^flip side in hudson

r and r...I would not question the music...I probably would not go (although I have never been) because I doubt the food will be my cup of tea.

^where exactly? I use to always pay for parking when travelling to Akron and it actually was not cheap given the size of the city.