yanni_gogolak

Now you are getting somewhere. Wood is not used for structural purposes over 4 stories. There is a large push in Canada and Europe (go figure, they are ahead of the US again) for tall structures made of wood construction. It is slowly catching in the US. Also, brick is not a structural component. Brick is a cladding for decoration and weather. Brick can be used with any structure, wood, concrete (cast in place, precast, concrete block) or steel. I cannot speak as to why Uptown used cast-in-place concrete structure, but my guess would be aesthetics. They left the ceilings and some of the columns exposed in the units.

What exactly is "minimally acceptable under the building code"? It either meets or does not. You can use whatever materials are allowed by code to meet those requirements. Everyone is using wood framing because it is the most cost effective over the short term, the basic ideology of almost all developers.

Spent a week there one night.

Canal Park getting face-lift; fans getting new seats, views, food By Phil Trexler Beacon Journal staff writer Published: January 28, 2014 - 01:12 PM | Updated: January 28, 2014 - 01:36 PM Ken Babby is continuing his transformation of Akron’s downtown minor-league baseball scene. In the 15 months or so that he’s owned the ball club, Babby has changed the team’s name to the RubberDucks, installed a new scoreboard hailed as the best in Double-A leagues, he’s spruced up the concourses and brought a renewed interest to the 17-year-old franchise. http://www.ohio.com/news/break-news/canal-park-getting-face-lift-fans-getting-new-seats-views-food-1.462388

Major commercial/residential venture targeting Green By George W. Davis Special to the Beacon Journal Published: January 16, 2014 - 06:17 PM GREEN: A joint commercial/residential venture valued at $40 million to $45 million in a Planned Development District has taken a major step toward being part of the city’s Massillon Road Corridor. The commercial site — 11.5 acres fronting Massillon Road — has been named The Grove. The multifamily residential development on 12 acres of the eastern half of the development district has been named The Grove Villas of Green. http://www.ohio.com/news/major-commercial-residential-venture-targeting-green-1.459827

Last Saturday I happened to be Downtown when they were putting the new bridge in place from the new Akron Children's Hospital to the new Hospital they are building. Pretty interesting considering they had to twist it 90 degrees in between to existing buildings and it has to fit pretty much exactly.

Zip line near Summit Lake in South Akron still alive Published: December 31, 2013 - 09:46 PM Cascade Locks Park Association moving forward after year of change Plans to build a zip line along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in Akron are still alive. The No. 1 site being explored is near Summit Lake in South Akron, said Ferris W. Brown, the former executive director of the Cascade Locks Park Association. “The plan is alive ... and we’re limping along,” he said. http://www.ohio.com/news/zip-line-near-summit-lake-in-south-akron-still-alive-1.456340

New orthopedic center planned in Jackson Township By Cheryl Powell Beacon Journal medical writer Published: December 30, 2013 - 06:34 PM An Akron developer recently announced plans to build a 44,000-square-foot outpatient medical office and surgery center for Spectrum Orthopaedics Inc. in Jackson Township. Signet Development Ltd. will own the facility, at the corner of Frank Avenue and Applegrove Street, and lease the building to the medical practice, according to Mark S. Corr, president and chief operating officer of Signet Enterprises. Affiliates Signet Equity Partners and Signet Capital are arranging funding for the project. http://www.ohio.com/news/new-orthopedic-center-planned-in-jackson-township-1.456061

I reluctantly post the following: An arena for Akron: Who wants it? Where should it go? Who will pay? Is it a good idea? By Stephanie Warsmith 
and Katie Byard Beacon Journal staff writers Published: December 28, 2013 - 06:33 PM | Updated: December 29, 2013 - 02:16 AM When the University of Akron basketball team travels to a campus with a newer and bigger arena, player Jake Kretzer imagines what it would be like if this were home. He changes the seats to navy blue, and he hears the roar of a swelling crowd of Zips fans. http://www.ohio.com/news/an-arena-for-akron-who-wants-it-where-should-it-go-who-will-pay-is-it-a-good-idea-1.455683

Cuyahoga Falls council to consider three development projects By Gina Mace Special to the Beacon Journal Published: December 22, 2013 - 09:47 PM | Updated: December 23, 2013 - 12:27 PM CUYAHOGA FALLS: When City Council meets tonight for the last time in 2013, members are expected to vote on legislation related to three development projects. The council will decide whether to approve the site plan for LA Fitness. The California-based chain plans to build a 45,000-square-foot health and fitness club at Portage Crossing. http://www.ohio.com/news/cuyahoga-falls-council-to-consider-three-development-projects-1.454454

City to vote on purchasing vacant Barberton lot By Alison Stewart Special to the Beacon Journal BARBERTON: The future use of the former Oakdale Elementary property remains up in the air. Mayor Bill Judge said City Council would vote on making an offer on the lot during Monday’s regular meeting. Summa Barberton Hospital officials, who entered into a purchase agreement with the Board of Education in May for $73,000, are moving forward with a plan to turn the property into a parking lot. Hospital officials held a public meeting last week to work with residents who were concerned about the proposal. http://www.ohio.com/news/city-to-vote-on-purchasing-vacant-barberton-lot-1.452636

How is the new YMCA coming?

Akron City Council approves 60-unit apartment building for veterans, homeless, disabled in North Hill By Stephanie Warsmith Beacon Journal staff writer Published: December 9, 2013 - 10:23 PM | Updated: December 10, 2013 - 10:46 AM Akron council members not only approved a controversial new apartment building for veterans, the homeless and the disabled in North Hill on Monday — they voted to make it larger than originally proposed. Joel Testa, the developer, initially asked for 40 units, but bumped his request up to 60, based on the need in the community. He said Continuum of Care, which surveys the homeless in the area, estimates 388 additional beds are needed to service the homeless. He argued against putting off the project, as one councilman suggested, because of the need. http://www.ohio.com/news/akron-city-council-approves-60-unit-apartment-building-for-veterans-homeless-disabled-in-north-hill-1.451206

Stow City Council gives blessing to Little Caesar's on Kent Road; former Taco Bell demolished by Jeff Saunders | reporter Published: December 1, 2013 12:00AM Stow -- Four years after a Taco Bell closed, demolition of the vacant building began Nov. 25 in preparation for the construction of a new Little Caesar's location on Kent Road (Route 59), west of Fishcreek Road, next year. The building was completely demolished by the next day. The action followed City Council's Nov. 21 6-0 approval, with one absence, of a site plan and conditional zoning certificate for the pizza franchise. http://stowsentry.com/news%20local/2013/12/01/stow-city-council-gives-blessing-to-little-caesar-s-former-taco-bell-demolished Owners, city 'excited' over Stow-Kent Shopping Center redevelopment Site plans for redevelopment to come before planning commission Dec. 3 by Marsha mckenna senior editor Published: December 1, 2013 12:00AM Stow -- "It's starting to feel more tangible." That's how Mayor Sara Drew describes the proposed $15 million redevelopment for the Stow-Kent Shopping Center, which is on the Dec. 3 planning commission meeting agenda for site plan and conditional zoning certificate approval. The request is being made by Stuart Graines and Rob Risman of Stow Kent Associates LLC, property owners, to allow the redevelopment of the plaza into a mixed-used development. http://stowsentry.com/news%20local/2013/12/01/owners-city-excited-over-stow-kent-shopping-center-redevelopment

There is no reason to have retail on the one in Akron now and in the foreseeable future based on location. As far as the height, 4 stories is as tall as they can go with typical wood framing. Wood framing is used because it is the most affordable.

Architects chosen for old Hudson's site redevelopment Detroit — A major step toward redevelopment of the old Hudson’s site on Woodward came Monday with announcement of architects to lead the project. The 2-acre property is owned by the Downtown Development Authority at ground level. Dan Gilbert’s Rock Ventures has a contract for development rights. New York-based SHoP Architects will partner with Detroit-based Hamilton Anderson Associates to create what Rock Ventures called “an innovative concept for a signature development” in the central business district. From The Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20131125/BIZ/311250091#ixzz2lqxqQS94 I'm very jealous and the worst part is that there is likely some Cleveland dollars going to it.

Hard Rock Rocksino to open Dec. 18 in Northfield By Rick Armon Beacon Journal staff writer Published: November 19, 2013 - 10:09 AM The new Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park in Northfield will open Dec. 18, as promised. Racino officials had pledged earlier this year to open that date. The company made it official Monday night, announcing that the gaming and entertainment venue will open to the public at 5:30 p.m. that day. A special ceremony is planned for 4 p.m. and a “guitar smash,” the traditional way Hard Rock opens a new venue, at 5 p.m. http://www.ohio.com/news/break-news/hard-rock-rocksino-to-open-dec-18-in-northfield-1.445967

Cleveland may see more Red, if steakhouse operators take over former Accent space in University Circle: Restaurant Row CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Could Brad Friedlander, and Cleveland, be seeing more red on the horizon? The principal partner in Red the Steakhouse -- which just opened a fourth location and its second Cleveland area spot, on Wednesday -- confirmed that Red Restaurant Group is considering a spot for a new concept in University Circle. Instead, the University Circle spot could likely become an upscale Latin-themed eatery. The name Roja -- Spanish for "Red" -- is under consideration. http://www.cleveland.com/dining/index.ssf/2013/11/cleveland_may_see_more_red_if.html#incart_flyout_entertainment

It's fine dining, not Applebee's. Here is a photo slideshow: red, the steakhouse: a start-to-finish slideshow http://www.freshwatercleveland.com/features/redsteakhouseslider111413.aspx

input wanted for design of new convention center hotel Thursday, November 14, 2013 County residents are being asked to share their opinions as they pertain to the new Convention Center Hotel. The 650-room hotel will replace the Cuyahoga County Administrative building at Lakeside Avenue and Ontario Street and serve as the main hotel for the nearby medical mart and convention center. Representatives from the architecture firm Cooper Carry will be in town on Wednesday, November 20th, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. to share preliminary designs for the new Convention Center Hotel and solicit input from local residents. The hotel is on a fast track, with County Executive Ed FitzGerald stating a goal of a 2016 opening. The meeting is free and open to the public. Cleveland Public Library Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium 325 Superior Avenue East Questions and registration (not required): [email protected] http://www.freshwatercleveland.com/inthenews/coopercarry111413.aspx

University of Akron seeks donors for WWII memorial on campus By Jim Carney Beacon Journal staff writer Published: November 10, 2013 - 11:58 PM | Updated: November 11, 2013 - 07:42 AM Donors are wanted for the re-creation of one of the most dramatic war memorials in the Akron area. The University of Akron estimates it will cost $75,000 to erect a World War II memorial on the site where those killed in Vietnam, Korea and World War I already are memorialized in a grassy area east of Bierce Library on campus. So far, no money has been raised for the project. http://www.ohio.com/news/university-of-akron-seeks-donors-for-wwii-memorial-on-campus-1.443845

Market District store opens in Green By Lisa Abraham Beacon Journal food writer GREEN: When Tyler Florence, celebrity chef and Food Network host, came to town to help open the new Giant Eagle Market District store on Thursday, hundreds lined up for a chance to take a photo with him and get an autograph. Florence happily signed books, photos and even Pez candy dispensers for a pair of Akron collectors. http://www.ohio.com/news/market-district-store-opens-in-green-1.443152

FirstMerit closes six Citizens Bank branches because of proximity to existing branches By Betty Lin-Fisher Beacon Journal business writer Published: November 7, 2013 - 08:00 PM | Updated: November 7, 2013 - 08:38 PM The recent moves of some bank branch offices in Fairlawn were precipitated by FirstMerit’s closure of the former Citizens Bank branch on Smith Road. On Oct. 18, FirstMerit closed six Citizens branches in Northeast Ohio because of their proximity to existing FirstMerit branches, said spokesman Rob Townsend. http://www.ohio.com/business/firstmerit-closes-six-citizens-bank-branches-because-of-proximity-to-existing-branches-1.443143 CFBank planning move in Fairlawn By Betty Lin-Fisher Beacon Journal business writer Published: November 7, 2013 - 07:43 PM | Updated: November 7, 2013 - 08:38 PM A bank building shuffle is about to take place in Fairlawn. CFBank, headquartered in Fairlawn with four branches, has sold its building on the corner of Smith and Ghent roads to Westfield Bank. That means Westfield will move from its location on West Market Street. http://www.ohio.com/news/top-stories/cfbank-planning-move-in-fairlawn-1.443135

Schwebel bakery in Cuyahoga Falls to close By Katie Byard Beacon Journal business writer Schwebel Baking Co. plans to shut down its longtime Cuyahoga Falls bread-baking facility sometime next year and offer most of the roughly 140 employees there transfers to the company’s Solon plant. The move is prompted by the planned installation of an additional bread-baking line at the more modern facility in Solon, officials of the Youngstown-headquartered bakery said. http://www.ohio.com/news/break-news/schwebel-bakery-in-cuyahoga-falls-to-close-1.443018

Infiniti of Akron now open in Green 10/31/2013 - South Side Leader By Staff Writer Infiniti of Akron, part of The Collection Auto Group, began construction of a 4-acre site in early spring with the demolition of the former Enterprise Rent-A-Car structure. Construction included an advanced LED low-lighting system that is neighborhood friendly, according to company officials. The business, located at 3332 S. Arlington Road, hosted a public grand opening for the $5.5 million facility Oct. 26. http://akron.com/akron-ohio-business-news.asp?aID=21178