Htsguy

New Bridgeworks design is before Landmarks for conceptual review this Thursday.

Just think what this area would look like if the original Bridgeworks building was built, as well as the Viaduct apartment building. Of course, Viaduct was even more pie in the sky but it is nice to dream.

^It does not appear that most posters are objecting to the height reduction. In fact, the project might be improved if they actually make it smaller. Now that they don't have a high rise they have to fit all the necessary square footage on a less vertical footprint and that seems to be the problem. The developers all but admitted that it does not make economic sense, even with reduced building costs arising out of the new design, if they don't keep it as large as it was, square footage-wise, when the concept was taller. A 6 over 1 could work on this corner. There are many examples of quality architecture arising from this more economical development concept. They just need to go back to the drawing board and figure it out. Reducing the monolithic nature of the current design would help significantly.

The boards have approved every design they’ve presented so far with hardly any delay. If there has been any delay, it’s been on the part of the developer in putting the designs before landmarks and the board of zoning appeals. In fact, the city has approved the designs despite some pushback from some community groups.

I agree with the opinion that this corner deserves something more. That said, they have built a lot of schlock on Short North as well and it gets worst as you approach the OSU campus.

Like I said, design review comments were generally negative. That said, it is only an advisory body. Even if they eventually vote down the building, the final say is up to Landmarks. Yesterday's review was for the conceptual vision. They will be back before design review again, probably with changes, before it goes to Landmarks. Or maybe it will go to Landmarks next week for conceptual review as well. Even if it does, there will not be a final vote. There are obviously more architects on the design review Board than on Landmarks so I respect their opinions more, even if they do not have final say.

While taking down some or all the garage has been discussed, I am pretty sure there are no firm plans to do so in the near future, and its demo is not part of the current Progressive Field renovation plan which will take two years to fully implement.

The new design went before Ohio City design review yesterday. It was a conceptual review, so no vote was taken. Probably lucky for the developer. 5 individuals spoke on the record after the presentation. All seemed to understand the necessity of the new design given economics. That said, there was very little in the way of ringing endorsements at this point. Range of opinions were one guy who clearly absolutely hated everything about the building to a gentlemen who was more understanding but still had many issues. In fact the more positive guy felt the top was completely unsuccessful. The biggest "negative" was the massing. All five seemed to agree it was a monolith with elevations that needed to be broken up in some manner. They felt the brick work was interesting but the mass was not articulated very well. And as noted previously, the top story did not go over well for a whole host of reasons. One guy says it looked like it was just stuck on the building Many many other comments...just to throw a few out. Plaza not done well compare to previous plaza, especially how sunken it is. Pedestrian flow compared to the other building is awful. Panels around the windows unnecessary. Garage is too intrusive at this point especially, where it interacts with the plaza. At this point the developers don't seem to be incorporating elements from the soon to be demoed building, and one panel member stated that was the only reason he approved of the demo for the previous design, and would vote against demo here it this aspect in not corrected. Developers indicated they would take comments to heart but not much they could do with the size or siting of the building.

The city should have built a parking garage on the east West Side Market lot years ago. They still should do it and get a developer to put housing on top. Oh yeah...no $$$. Somebody figure it out.

^^My head starts to hurt so much whenever she starts to speak. Especially when the issue is supposed lack of parking.

Intro question @KJPIn the past few months you have made it clear that the Intro developers have put on hold any Phase 2 plans due to the usual suspects: high interest rates, increased construction costs and difficult financing environment. In your most recent article -and maybe it is just me and the way I am interpreting your verbiage- it seems like you feel the prospects of any future phases, despite the success of phase 1, are completely dead and Intro Phase 1 is it, at least from this team. Am I reading too much into what you said?

Looks like he lost this appeal (he was stupidly proceeding pro se). In fact he is a two time loser when it comes to appealing Board of Zoning Appeals decisions. Also lost a case in 2018, that time with legal counsel.

I looked over the thread, and I think I was confused as well. @zbaris87was clearly referencing the Mayfield theater, and not the primo Vino project. Hopefully that is on track with the new equipment on site. It has been taking forever. Actually, as I dictate this, I’m sitting across the street from the fenced in site having dinner. Corbo’s lemon ice is next

Primo vino

I remember that as well. But then WXZ got involved, and as I’ve indicated above, had an approved design. As part of that process, they also got approval for the demolition. I also remember an extensive discussion at landmarks regarding the demolition with one of the board members getting into heated debate with the previous owner, accusing him of letting the building fall into disrepair. I know I sound like an idiot, but this is really confusing to me. What happened to the approved design?

I am really confused. I remember the design going through Landmarks and it was approved. I recall lots of debate, especially about the height of the building. Are you saying they are starting from scratch with a new design and all that entails including community meetings with the locals and then the city approval process again? This will take a pretty long time. I liked the design that was presented way back when. Also, how were they able to demo the building without an approved design? Is this a bait and switch?

If you a referring to the site depicted in above picture, isn't that where the recently announced Cleveland Clinic/Cavs facility is suppose to go?

OK here’s a stupid question. When you say “ concrete plan” are you referring to specifications for the pouring of concrete, say for the foundation? Or are you saying that there are not any concrete plans for the entire project which would seem strange at this point since it was approved months ago.

Thanks for the info. I LOVE WXZ. Big fan boy. I will admit, however, that they move at a deliberate pace when it comes to planning a project and even once construction begins. Good examples are via 126 and the primo Vino projects in Little Italy.

@KJP do know one way or another whether RTA has the funding for the West 25th transit project? As referenced above, that could be/is an important element of the park project-although separate from it- especially the narrowing of the street as it reaches Detroit.

Fixed it

They have thought of everything and have done a great job with each individual element. This is going to be a gem. The only thing about which i am curious is the path lighting, as they don't seem to be emphasizing that in the renderings at this time, unless I am missing it.

I heard a rumor that the development team is planning on tearing down the Tower and constructing a 5 over 1 as it will be more economical, especially if they can secure an off the shelf Geis design.😉

I will be curious to hear the thoughts of the actual architects on the design review board and Landmarks Commission. I will be less interested in some of the lay person opinions, especially one M.A. on Landmarks. One thing is for sure, Julie Trott should be pleased by the height reduction.

I don't think DustinFox will be logging on today. I believe Mondays and Tuesdays are his days to sit in the front of his house and yell at kids to get off his lawn.