willyboy

Hmm, it doesnt sound like the tapas place that we originally heard about.

I know what you mean, but lighting the guardians is budgeted for - as a part of the Hope Memorial bridge improvements that are part of the bigger innerbelt bridge project.

I think they would. But the high stakes/vip area will be in and will remain in the Higbee building. Thats mainly what the (close) garage and ped bridge are for. Nothing a valet lane on Prospect couldnt solve (kinda like they already have in fron of tower city on Prospect)

I was at a portion of the city planning commission this morning. Nothing related to the casino was on the agenda however Bob Brown mentioned that there was a meeting yesterday of about 20 (he didn't mention who was there or whether it was public) that looked over alternatives, they didn't find anything that was feasible but they're continuing to look. There's at least 1 alternative listed at the Save Lower Prospect Ave Facebook group - http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_211966452169552 Yes, there was a meeting between the Landmark Commission members, the Historic Gateway staff, representatives of the Cleveland Commission, and representatives of Rock Gaming and their architects to examine other alternatives for parking that would spare the Columbia Building and to determine if the demolition of the Columbia Building is the best solution. This is what the Landmark Commission suggested when they tabled the discussion at the previous meeting. I have a feeling the determination is hinging on finding this alternative, and the fact that you say they didnt find anything that was feasable isnt a good sign... Although I think Rock gaming and City Planning/ the Mayor have predetermined that there were no alternatives.

Perk Park is back at Design Review for furnishings. Now they have some pictures posted..: (Theres more on the design review site) http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/designreview/drcagenda/2011/06032011/index.php

There will definately a larger focus on food at the new one. The old one was focused more around the music. In fact the new one will only have music on weekends. They went through a couple of different owners the last few years. From the original Ms. Chesler (Mike Chesler the urban developer's mom) to the former owner of Johnnys. The current chef, who is also the owner now (and apparently the last owner at the previous location) spent a number of years at Johnnys (after studying in Paris). So yeah more of a food focus.

I saw this in Scene the other day. Thought some of you might get a kick out of. Pic of the Day: A Vision of the East Bank of the Flats Posted by Vince Grzegorek on Fri, May 27, 2011 at 9:53 AM The Plain Dealer reports this morning that plans for the East Bank of the Flats are moving along. In addition to a burger joint, developers are working on a seasonal nightclub, a Mexican restaurant, and a steakhouse. In other words, the prized land on the banks of the Cuyahoga River will resemble Macedonia or Strongsville........... ............... So maybe the reality is something more akin to Crocker Park. Forum Architectural Services LLC released a rendering of the finished product, including the nightclub, which promises "a South Beach feel with a Vegas attitude." A few things we can learn from the image: 1) Apparently, the project will draw yachts to Cleveland. Who knew? 2) The architects are big on lights. Like, really big. 3) At least 74 people will come to see what's happening. 4) Very few of them will be black. http://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2011/05/27/pic-of-the-day-a-vision-of-the-east-bank-of-the-flats

I'll say... Great Food! Great Fun! Great Times! North East Ohio's Very First Casino Themed Restaurant! Our Mission Statement Aces Grille will provide a comfortable and fun atmosphere where our guests will encounter excellent culinary experiences, quality entertainment and world class service. We will be committed to developing personal relationships with our guests and community while sharing with them our passion for food. Hope to See You Soon!

Clevelander17, I actually agree with your posts the last couple of pages. I know dealing quite a bit in real estate circles the past year, that much of what you say is true.

Then Cimperman isnt your man. He's supportive of the demolition, but also the owner of the Columbia was a campaign contributor. He's quite the sell-out.

Thats right. I posted it a couple of pages back.

And the determining meeting will be Thursday June 9, 9:00 am in the 5th Floor Conference Center, Room 514 City Hall

Yeah I know. Brown "isnt talking" as far as what some of the other options were. Im really getting that Rock has them wrapped around their finger and the city just wanted everything to go smoothly and easily for Rock. Im also getting that there really wasnt much in the way of dialogue with Gateway or anybody else (as there should have been if there was much in the way of due diligence). It seems Rock decided what they wanted to do (which Im guessing was the easiest) and went forward. I think Brown and planning had thrown some measures out there, like having a drop off lane on Prospect or Ontario, but thats about it from anything that I have heard from the city. Again, Brown refuses to go any further.

Well DC is a bit of a different story... When Cleveland has the amount of tourists, visitors, density and jobs then I would say that.... DC has been witnessing a great deal of pent up demand the past few years that is just now being met. Theres no doubt that what does happen in Cleveland, and we see it again and again, is that the previous "hot" areas transition, which I guess isnt so bad as long as they stay stable. I guess even DC has seen that happen with 18th St. in Adams Morgan

I hadnt realized that the PD article had not been posted yet (you guys are slow today)... Anyway congrats to anyone that wroite a letter and got involved, just shows you can have an impact! :clap: "I don't think in the five years I've been here that we've had this number of people come in and talk with this passion, in tears," Coleman said, referring to about a dozen people who spoke against demolition. The commission staff recommended that the request for demolition be turned down based criticism in more than 30 telephone calls and e-mail messages received before the meeting. Staff member Donald Petit told the commission that the welcome center plan, as currently designed, didn't justify the taking of the Columbia Building. Coleman criticized the developer for not getting community input on its plan. "It's imperative that everyone be at the table," Coleman said. "We have to have more of a dialogue." .

Pat I agree that should be an option (I had advocated for that to be looked into). They could expand the Gateway North Garage to the North and South if they needed to. Even a skywalk in that spot would be much less obstrusive, and I would think that would be a very improtant link if they were truly planning to build the second phase. They do state in the article that they wanted a walkay of less than 200 feet for their high rollers...?

There was never a plan B. They just came up with the easiest and cheapest idea. (Trust me Ive pressed Brown about what some of the other options were they looked at) Look they dont even know who owns the May Co. garage! Heres the story from Green City Blue Lake: Not stuck between Rock Gaming and a hard place Submitted by Marc Lefkowitz | Last edited May 27, 2011 - 8:11am “There has not been one change in (Rock Gaming’s) position even after hearing the distinguished pleas we’ve heard today. They don’t know who owns the May Company Garage (across the street), and is it possible to do a valet service there. “They tried bringing in the big wheels, but I know the mayor. He’s a good man. I don’t think he’d want this to be rammed through. Gateway has done a lot to get down to the nitty gritty and make things happen. I don’t think they’ve been involved in the way they could.” http://www.gcbl.org/blog/marc-lefkowitz/not-stuck-between-rock-gaming-and-hard-place

Very Cool Smith! Hey wasnt there a door on the side of the SOHO space. Id think it would have made a nice connection for outdoor dining.

Have the burritos gotten better since they opened? I remember people say that they were somewhat lacking. I was only there once not long after they opened and certainly enjoyed it, mainly because it was local and the people and place was nice, but I dont know that I remember if the burritos were spectacular, although now Im going to go next time in town.

They mention that in this article in Crains about 3rd frontier and the effort to win an International Space Station lab in NE Ohio. Ohio puts $2M behind effort to bring International Space Station lab to NE Ohio "SLA would not be based at NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland. Instead, it likely would be based in a soon-to-be renovated building adjacent to the new MidTown Tech Park on Euclid Avenue. NASA Glenn wants to remain neutral in the race for the space station lab so it might win work from whichever firm wins the contract." http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20110525/FREE/110529926

I would expect at the very least... I havent heard details as to if it is merely the discussion being tabled or if it is more so delaying approval based on better alternatives or some pressed changes... Either way Im hoping it gives Rock Gaming an indication that they may need to come up with some other scenarios.

Apparently the Landmarks Commission tabled the discussion of the demolition of the Columbia building until June 9th... Im not sure what this will mean in the grant scheme, but I guess it is at least a semi victory to anybody that wants to see more thought and dialogue put into this decision. I would hope it also sends a message to the casino folks that maybe there will be some standards required after all.

They are into their 4th hour of discussions at the Landmarks Commission meeting. Apparently it has been a good discussion and there has been a lot people showing support for the Columbia. Im hoping at the very least that the Landmarks Commission will delay the Certificate of Appropriateness until better alternatives can be developed, if not moving to deny it outright.

Just a reminder for In the morning for anybody that would likie to attend. Should be a nice crowd. Also, posting "Save Lower Prospect Ave" Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_211966452169552 Landmarks Commission Meeting on Columbia Building Demolition Location: ‎5th Floor Conference Center, Room 514 City Hall Time: ‎9:00AM Thursday, May 26th..

Burnham, are you able to do a mock up of the basic concept with possibly the same entrance, but with the ramp looping around so that they would also exit on the back side of this block, utilizing an expanded Gateway north garage and having traffic exit back out to Huron or E4th or something. Valet requires dropping off your car. It shouldnt matter how the complex is arranged.