Htsguy

^no

^I find this very difficult to believe, especially given the great difficulty in obtaining condo loans lately. I wonder if there are no lofts or penthouses available because they have been rented. They were marketing a rent to own program which does not mean the "renters" are actually buying the properties.

Had dinner at XO Steakhouse last night with a group of 14. Strangely, given the number of years it has been around, I had never had dinner there (lunch a couple of times just for a burger, but not dinner). It was absolutely fantastic. To a person everybody raved about what they had. One of the best steaks I had in a long time (New York strip topped with blue cheese...you basically can create your own steak dinner with toppings, sauces etc). Service was great...it was of course a slow night being a Monday in January with the NCAA Championship game on (only 4 other tables during the 3 hours we were dinning) and I am curious whether service is as good when it is busy. While it is of course pricy, it is the new place I am going to recommend in town when somebody is looking for a steak house.

^You would be surprised by the number of strong small businesses in the area you describe.

But we do have to worry about the fact that the building is damn cheap looking.

I wonder how long the zoning for Cornell has been on the books. I know at one time it was a residential street...in fact, I think Bob Hope might have been raised on the street.

"Prospect is sad"...how old are you? Do you recall what it looked like pre-Gateway in the eighties?

According to Crain's, Maron just bought the Volk's Jewelry and Loan Building on Prospect. The reporter could not get a comment from Ari Maron or the owner of Volks but suggested that improvements must be on the way because financing in excess of the purchase price has been lined up as evidenced by two mortgages which were recorded on the same day the purchase closed.

KJP you should take a look at the museum website which gives a complete overview of the renovations to give you a better idea of what is being done. Couple of things...the project is far from over and is still a construction zone which explains your entrance issues. Most people will probably enter through the unfinished atrium which will be amazing, impressive and not dreary. Yes the 1916 building was totally renovated (in fact it was closed for quite some time during the renovation) and in fact significant portions of it are still not open. Don't take this the wrong way but I would have thought you of all people on this board would have been more up to date on the renovations, especially given how long they have been in the works.

I am in position where I can observe on a daily basis parents who are afraid to or just won't discipline their kids. Sometimes it just amazes given how I was raised (and by the way we still adore our parents). This is probably the reason that corporal punishment is needed in schools...(of course these laid back parents will be the first to howl about it)

^The Universtiy Square concept is sound it was just poorly executed (architectually and materials).

Although not saying much, it is probably the best looking parking garage on the UH campus (looks almost like an actual office building) which was necessary given its prominent location.

While Schneider does tend to get things done, I really can't understand (despite his explanation) the retail component and his source of funding for it. He might have a funding source which eludes other developers today in Cleveland and nationwide since he seems so positive. I am really skeptical that this is going to get done, or get done anytime soon. The only part that does make sense is the rental apartments. I constantly hear comments from people (out of towners going to school primarily) that want (and CH lacks) modern apartment choices so they find places more distant from University Circle. Obviously even Schneider understands that condos are a no go given the number of stalled condo and townhouse developments in CH.

If they just closed financing last week I cannot image construction would begin that quick no matter who is quoting supposed dates. I would also imagine that they still have to finish much of the infrastructure work. Add in the fact it is winter and the holidays and I would guess you won't see that much movement down there for a month or so. In any event I have not been by personally.

^Those unemployment numbers are just plain wrong for Cleveland...lower than Ohio's rate of unemployment and the nation as a whole.

^I'm confused. The last paragraph on the website states it is fully funded.

I have never been in a Wal Mart in my life (people are always amazed by this), exactly for the reasons expressed by Hts121 (I am also kinda afraid of the customers :-))

I am so opposed to this idea (which has been out there in the sporting press for years) that I have, in past, written my Alma mater and informed them that I would never contribute another dime to the university if they paid athletes. There are multiplicity of reasons not to pay athletes (more than they get already...I mean a free education...please) but the primary one in my mind is that it elevates them over their "ordinary" fellow students (more than already) and gives the perception that their contribution to the school is more valuable than say a physic major who does volunteer work on campus or works in a lab assisting a prof on important research (just one example of hundreds). It will separate them from their fellow students more than they already are. Plus the system will of course value and reward certain student athletes (football players) over others (cross county champs), causing even further resentment. I don't by the argument that they are making millions for the university and should get their cut. Again they are already getting a valuable commodity in an education (most of whom could care less) as well as an opportunity to learn their trade and show case their talents for free in order to make big bucks later. They also already knew the score when they signed up. If the whole college route is such a chore they should just forgo it and wait for the appropriate draft (not a smart idea) or the professional football and basketball leagues should set up minor leagues (at a huge cost) just like baseball.

^According to JMasek in the RTA construction thread, construction is not to begin until the summer of 2012. I would think he is more in the know.

Thanks for all the pics....and the people in Chardon are saying...yeah....so.

^yes

^except in Ohio which is going to become even more backwards and unattractive to business and the young.

^I am a left of center all the way and I have to disagree. I would bring back the corporal punishment we had when I was in school (in fact, while I hated it back then myself, I would not have a problem with the least administratively formal corporal punishment administered by teachers regularly...it did keep kids in line and kids needed it...then and now...probably more now).

Wanted to mention something about Room Service which has been discussed in this thread (possible store on E. 4th). I first learned of it on this board and it seemed like an interesting store (gifts for my sisters) so I checked out their website to find out, among other things, their location on West 25th. I got the address but probably should have done a map quest because when I drove over I could not find the store and addresses were hard to locate because it was dark. Anyway I did not want to give up so the next few days I keep calling the store to find out their exact location so I could return. I called for three days straight at different times of the day (at least 8 times) and always got voice mail (I did get a live person the week before when I was trying to determine their hours). I did not want to leave a voice mail message as I am hard to get in touch with. Anyway I still don't know where they are located on 25th and basically just gave up. They lost a very substantial gift card sale. I know they are probably a small store and perhaps under staffed during this time of the year, but if you are going to remain in business for long you have to try and answer your phone in the middle of the day. I probably put more effort into locating them them most people would. Some what troubling.

^Loved Lola's but that is not hard. She was actually very tense because it was the day after the storm and we had a tough time getting downtown from the near east side. Traffic lights were still (or maybe again) out all the way from University Circle to downtown including at major intersections (only saw one cop directing traffic...at Ninth and Prospect) and drivers did not remember their traffic school rules. She was worried we were going to be late for the theater (made it in plenty of time) and even wanted to cancel dinner. I spent much of the time trying to calm her down.