June 6, 20214 yr Yeah, as an eastbank restaurant employee, people (usually tourists) ask all the time how to get to Shooters. They point, and it's literally 200 feet away. I have to unfortunately tell them it's a mile car ride or they can take the water taxi and they have to be back by sundown. I'm sure people at Shooters/Music Box ask the same question and get the same discouraging answer. Gondolas would have to go as high as the high level bridges, which seems impractical for loading at river level in the flats. But the bridges, rehabbing them for pedestrian access would surely cost less than for full automobile or tain traffic, right? Still not cheap but to see them in motion would be great entertainment.
June 6, 20214 yr The gondolas through the flats would be awesome. Platforms at both sides of Main Ave, continuing to another at Canal Basin Park, another at Irishtown Bend Park, then traversing over Scranton peninsula, with a eventual platform there, then ending at the top of the hill at Carnegie and Ontario across from Progressive Field and RMFH. That’d be so cool.
June 6, 20214 yr Hey, maybe whoever did the pedestrian bridge across the harbor could do another pedestrian bridge across the river. I'm sure they would do a stellar job.
June 6, 20214 yr 2 hours ago, skiwest said: Hey, maybe whoever did the pedestrian bridge across the harbor could do another pedestrian bridge across the river. I'm sure they would do a stellar job.
June 20, 20213 yr On 6/6/2021 at 1:21 AM, tykaps said: Finally got around to watching the planning commission recording from Friday. It was mentioned that Columbus Peninsula currently has several proposals in the design phase that would convert existing structures to residential. There are also apparently "a few projects" considering new construction residential or mixed-use. More stuff on Columbus Peninsula development from Crains: https://www.crainscleveland.com/real-estate/flats-rezoning-plan-comes-amid-big-changes-columbus-road-peninsula
June 20, 20213 yr That’s quite an interesting article. Nice to hear that the Cantanese want to stay in Cleveland if possible and are very pro development- but that strip club owner sounds like a great guy to work with 🙄 Also glad to hear some of these historic buildings will be saved.
June 21, 20213 yr Once again, I'm impressed with Michelle Jarboe's comprehensive work. The big surprise for me here is learning about a new plan coming together for the Cuyahoga Valley from Harvard to the Lake.
June 21, 20213 yr Gotta love John Catanese’s quote in the article “We’d love to stay in Cleveland and we’d love to help recreate the city. If our property works best as residential or boat docks, we’re all for it.” The Flats has amazing potential to become the next boom area and tie together the development to the west and longer term visions along the shore. I think the possibilities there are really becoming apparent to developers now.
June 25, 20213 yr Work Location 1003 British ST CLEVELAND OH 44113 Project Description: Outdoor Climbing Wall ERECT OUTDOOR CLIMBING STRUCTURE PER APPROVED PLANS Owner: CLEVELAND ROWING FOUNDATION 1785 MERWIN ST CLEVELAND OH 44113 Responsible Party information Peter Stancato Nosotros Rock Climbing Gym 14321 Detroit Ave Lakewood, OH, 44107 Job Value($): $25,000.00 "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 9, 20213 yr Vacant? Wow, since when? Sheesh, I've been gone too long. Are there any squatters known to be living in there? It's a pretty good sized place.
July 9, 20213 yr Didn't @KJP have this on his radar about a year ago? I think he suggested it was still in the iffy stage. I do recall some elaborate conceptuals floating around at some point (which were probably just pretty pictures for marketing purposes). Cannot read Michelle's article. Wonder if these possible developers are that same as before.
July 9, 20213 yr The Left Bank Building is beautiful. I can't believe it's taken this long to convert it into apartments.
July 10, 20213 yr 5 hours ago, ExPatClevGuy said: Vacant? Wow, since when? Sheesh, I've been gone too long. Are there any squatters known to be living in there? It's a pretty good sized place. I swear I've seen people in this building as recently as this fall.
July 10, 20213 yr ^Same here. In fact, I’d swear I’ve seen people in there this year. My hovercraft is full of eels
July 10, 20213 yr There are residents in there but only a few. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 16, 20213 yr Vision for the Valley: https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/21010772/vision-for-the-valley_final-report.pdf Cleveland's planning commission adopts Vision for the Valley Michelle Jarboe - Crain's Cleveland Business - July 16, 2021 "The Cleveland City Planning Commission voted Friday, July 16, to adopt a sweeping plan for guiding investments along 8 miles of the Cuyahoga River, stretching south from Lake Erie. ... Haviland described the document as a playbook, one that's not meant to derail projects that are already underway or negate preexisting planning efforts. The plan notes, for example, that developers who own the western side of Scranton Peninsula already have a master plan for a mixed-use neighborhood called Thunderbird. ... Flats Forward also expects to hold monthly meetings of the Vision for the Valley team to keep momentum going. But commission member Lillian Kuri suggested that the timing might be right to create a waterfront development authority to oversee investments along the river and across the lakefront, in multiple cities."
July 16, 20213 yr I scanned Vision for the Valley for any mention of the old B&O Terminal, which I would love to see restored, turrets in place, flags flying. But the report is only 317 pages; there's no room to get into specifics. Remember: It's the Year of the Snake
July 17, 20213 yr 1250 Riverbed - wasn't the proposal from within the past year to year and a half for a hotel? Dream Hotel?
July 17, 20213 yr 15 minutes ago, mas1092 said: 1250 Riverbed - wasn't the proposal from within the past year to year and a half for a hotel? Dream Hotel? Pandemic killed it. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 22, 20213 yr Hopefully this is the right thread. Irishtown Bend News. https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/cleveland-metro/ohio-city-inc-purchases-front-steps-housing-and-services-land-for-irishtown-bend
August 7, 20213 yr New apartment complex in Cleveland’s Flats gets design approval Apt Development Group, a Cleveland- based developer of residential real estate, has received design approval from the City Planning Commission for a new apartment complex in the Downtown Flats. The Apollo Apartments, which will be located at 1250 Riverbed St., plans to feature 70 one-bedroom efficiency-style units after renovations, according to its project representative, Kyle Dreyfuss-Wells of RDL Architects. “There are some views here that show some potential sight improvements under the viaduct and some on-street parking,” Dreyfuss-Wells said. “But that’s still being worked out and negotiated, so we want to focus on the building today.” More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/cleveland/news/2021/08/06/apt-flats-adl.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
August 7, 20213 yr I always loved the unique and varying designs on the balconies of this building. I doubt they will be keeping them, but it would be nice if any new balconies can be of similar style. They really tie in to the aesthetics of the neighborhood and the bridges.
August 7, 20213 yr Projects on the riverfront. https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/whats-going-on-with/10-projects-that-are-changing-clevelands-riverfront
August 9, 20213 yr Thanks @simplythisfor sharing the riverfront development piece. It’s an exciting time for development in Cleveland. The SW HQ Tower will be the obvious symbol of a city on the rise again over the next couple years. But the projects in development along Cleveland’s riverfront may be the most transformational to the quality of life and growth potential of the city’s future. I love that a new generation of forward thinkers are envisioning the possibilities of living working and playing in the city’s most unique and characteristic setting. Just the forthcoming Irishtown Bend Park will be a game changer. Edited August 9, 20213 yr by CleveFan
August 20, 20213 yr It looks like Cleveland Metroparks has some plans for the Columbus Peninsula that I hadn't heard about before. They're hoping to buy the Catanese property along the river and turn it into an expansion of Rivergate Park. They're also looking to acquire land from the Flats Industrial Railroad for more greenspace and trail connections. Looking at their maps of the proposed expansions, it makes me wonder if they're trying to turn the whole western half of the peninsula into one big park space, which would be kind of awesome. Source is the agenda for their board of commissioners meeting from yesterday: https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/getmedia/1777bb5a-82e2-4199-86f2-c34f07e28edb/8-19-21-AGENDA.pdf
August 20, 20213 yr Stop doing so many things, Cleveland. I can't keep up!! "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
August 20, 20213 yr I am actually a little concerned about that purchase. the portion of the Catanese property along the river is nothing special and would make a great connection from Rivergate Park to Settlers Landing! I truly hope they don't intend to tear down the cool industrial properties on the East side of Merwin Ave though!
August 20, 20213 yr I'd rather see a riverfront neighborhood spring up over here, but I guess more green space it is.
August 26, 20213 yr Metroparks buys buildings on Columbus Peninsula Stan Bullard - Crain's Cleveland Business - Aug. 26, 2021 "The pair of squat industrial buildings in the Flats don't look like much and lack much history. But their locations and size made them worth a total of $1 million to the Cleveland Metroparks. The buildings at 1045 French St. and 1725 Fall St. are on the north edge of the district's Rivergate Park, which makes them ideal locations for a service center owned by the parks system, replacing nearby leased buildings on Columbus Road. ... Sean McDermott, Metroparks chief planning and design officer, said in an email that the buildings will provide a home for operations associated with Rivergate Park and will enhance the system's ability to serve the Lakefront and Ohio & Erie Canal reservations."
September 13, 20213 yr Platform tennis facility nears completion in Cleveland’s Flats Marc Bona - Cleveland.com - Sep. 13, 2021 "So far the organization has spent $600,000 on the infrastructure, and as of last month needed about $150,000. Money has been raised through donations and with some corporate backing. The Pittsburgh-based American Platform Tennis Association, the national governing body, helped with the largest grant in APTA history, Stewart and Nejedlik said. ... Pending finishing infrastructure touches and permits, target date for balls to start flying is October or November, though the warming hut probably will take longer to complete. ... In addition, an all-volunteer-run, youth-mentoring program is in the works, for middle and high-school students to learn the game. The plan is to have half the group on the court while the other half will be in the hut working with life skills and homework."
September 17, 20213 yr I just read about this… hooray? https://www.bizjournals.com/cleveland/news/2021/09/15/bedrock-cle-915.html
September 17, 20213 yr 1 hour ago, Nickel Plate RR said: I just read about this… hooray? https://www.bizjournals.com/cleveland/news/2021/09/15/bedrock-cle-915.html Thanks for posting but a little late to the show. Has been discussed at length the past two days in the Tower City thread. Check it out.
October 20, 20213 yr https://www.crainscleveland.com/real-estate/young-developer-buys-1250-riverbed-building-flats-plans-apartments Some Nice renders here.
October 20, 20213 yr 25 minutes ago, Ineffable_Matt said: Does it still include the 20 story hotel? Nope. About 70 units which should be 500 sq. ft. average with $1000/mo. rent average. Nice addition that should sell out quickly at those rates.
October 20, 20213 yr Looks like it will be called the Appolo. More pics: https://www.apt92.com/projects--properties.html
October 21, 20213 yr Great to see a young developer investing in Cleveland and rolling his sleeves up to make a great contribution. The price points are a steal when you consider amenities, views and location.
December 1, 20213 yr The Metroparks has an agreement to purchase the surface parking lot next to Collision Bend on Old River Rd. to make it public greenspace and hopefully eventually realize a riverfront pedestrian walkway along the riverfront throughout the Flats. From page 111 of the 11/18 Agenda here: https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/about/cleveland-metroparks-organization/board-of-park-commissioners/board-meeting-archives Their map showing the property location is interesting. They're a lot closer to being able to start on the riverfront walkway than I thought. I'm not sure how they'd deal with the active businesses on Old River, but besides those it looks like the Graincraft property is all that's missing to be able to connect Rivergate to FEB. It also looks like they're planning to eventually extend the Red Line Greenway across the river, which seems like it would be a big undertaking, but very beneficial if there's improved bike/pedestrian infrastructure in the Flats.
December 1, 20213 yr A park on that lot will be very interesting considering the property transactions occurring in that area. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
December 1, 20213 yr Do we really want a park at that site? Definitely want to see easements to ensure public waterfront access and a midblock connection between the waterfront and street, but beyond that, I think I'd rather see more commercial/residential development.
December 1, 20213 yr 11 minutes ago, acd said: The Metroparks has an agreement to purchase the surface parking lot next to Collision Bend on Old River Rd. to make it public greenspace and hopefully eventually realize a riverfront pedestrian walkway along the riverfront throughout the Flats. From page 111 of the 11/18 Agenda here: https://www.clevelandmetroparks.com/about/cleveland-metroparks-organization/board-of-park-commissioners/board-meeting-archives Their map showing the property location is interesting. They're a lot closer to being able to start on the riverfront walkway than I thought. I'm not sure how they'd deal with the active businesses on Old River, but besides those it looks like the Graincraft property is all that's missing to be able to connect Rivergate to FEB. It also looks like they're planning to eventually extend the Red Line Greenway across the river, which seems like it would be a big undertaking, but very beneficial if there's improved bike/pedestrian infrastructure in the Flats. With the closure of that parking lot, I think it might be feasible to turn most of that block of Old River Rd into a pedestrian only road like E 4th. There's not much need for cars in between the 1313 parking lot and Samsel's loading docks under the billboard. The only issue I can think of is the gate next to 1316, but it doesn't seem to really be used.
December 1, 20213 yr 5 minutes ago, StapHanger said: Do we really want a park at that site? Definitely want to see easements to ensure public waterfront access and a midblock connection between the waterfront and street, but beyond that, I think I'd rather see more commercial/residential development. There were prospective buyers of that lot who wanted to develop it. But the seller wanted millions for the property and, in order to develop it, the bulkhead along the river had to be repaired, costing 7 figures. I have an article coming. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
December 1, 20213 yr 53 minutes ago, StapHanger said: Do we really want a park at that site? Definitely want to see easements to ensure public waterfront access and a midblock connection between the waterfront and street, but beyond that, I think I'd rather see more commercial/residential development. Agreed. An easement for a boardwalk would be great but I'd rather see the lot developed with something mixed use. There is a ton of park space being built in the flats already. Edited December 1, 20213 yr by Mendo
December 1, 20213 yr While l'm usually a proponent of green space l think the best use of the site is mid-rise residential. Of course extending the boardwalk from FEB would only enhance the river front and complement said development. But what do l know? I'm just a frustrated amateur urban planner. Carry on.
December 17, 20213 yr Some sort of temporary pedestrian alternative should have been mandated and built beforehand...this is completely unacceptable. Cleveland’s Center Street Bridge in the Flats to close for 10 months - ‘A total pain in the butt’ Updated: Dec. 17, 2021, 9:23 a.m. | Published: Dec. 17, 2021, 9:23 a.m. By Sean McDonnell, cleveland.com CLEVELAND, Ohio — A main artery between the west and east sides of the Flats will close in January for 10 months, leaving motorists with a 2.5-mile detour and pedestrians with no shorter option. The Center Street Bridge, known informally as the “swing bridge” and recognizable from its red color, will undergo work through late October, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation. Construction is expected to start Jan. 3. Mike Miller, owner of the Music Box Supper Club on the west side of the river, said he just started seeing signs about the closing. “It’s happening and it’s going to be a total pain in the butt,” Miller said. “It practically eliminates the ability to walk from the east bank to the west bank.” https://www.cleveland.com/business/2021/12/clevelands-center-street-bridge-in-the-flats-to-close-for-10-months-a-total-pain-in-the-butt.html
December 17, 20213 yr I don't see how you could safely build a pedestrian path that clears the large shipping traffic. I'd be all for it as this impacts me daily. It's going to be a long 10 months...
December 17, 20213 yr ^If only Cleveland had the money rehab that train bridge right there next to Nautica so it could be used for concerts and summer holiday weekends.
Create an account or sign in to comment