Center St (and all the area bridges) would last a lot longer if there weren't fleets of 10 axle dump trucks crossing them daily.   I've noticed the Detroit Superior decking is getting pretty torn up lately as well.  

And how much longer do they expect the Main Avenue bridge to last?

^ Good point. I may be in the minority here but I love that bridge. Driving in from the west side I think the view (albeit a quick one) crossing the river is my favorite one of downtown. And from its base in the Flats it serves as a physical and visual connector to both sides of the river. Plus it's blue lol.

About 10 years ago I visited Willamstad, Curacao.  The city is bisected by a river similar in size to the Cuyahoga, and both banks of the river have sizeable pedestrian tourism.  Cruise ships and Oil Tankers use that river as the ore ships use the Cuyahoga, so they had a similar challenge to CLE.  They developed a floating pedestrian bridge that works really well.  It's hinged like a jackknife on one shore and clips into the other shore so pedestrian can freely walk between both side of the river.  When ships need to pass it fully opens, but when smaller boats need to pass it open partially to let them pass, then re-clips and pedestrian can continue crossing.   I always though CLE should consider a similar option for crossing the Cuyahoga.   

 

5 hours ago, MuRrAy HiLL said:

Some sort of temporary pedestrian alternative should have been mandated and built beforehand...this is completely unacceptable. 

There really is just not enough money unfortunately. That would cost as much, or more, than the project itself. 

Light rail extended across the lower deck of the Detroit Superior bridge with stations at both ends would solve this problem brilliantly. And it would only take two of the four original Right of Ways, so another one could be used as a multi purpose trail for walking / jogging / biking. 

19 hours ago, originaljbw said:

^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.

Didn’t we just open a $20 million pedestrian lift bridge to traverse people across a marina? When is Frank Jackson’s term over? 

Edited December 18, 20213 yr by marty15

22 hours ago, MuRrAy HiLL said:

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

 

It might involve problems I don't know, but wouldn't it make more sense to schedule this project from September to early June so as not to ruin the Flat's biggest business time of year?   A 10-month closure does seem like a leisurely pace.

4 hours ago, Dougal said:

 

It might involve problems I don't know, but wouldn't it make more sense to schedule this project from September to early June so as not to ruin the Flat's biggest business time of year?   A 10-month closure does seem like a leisurely pace.

I remember reading an article earlier that if they did that then there would have to be a pause during the cold winter months that would cause the bridge to be closed even longer. They originally wanted to start this year but decided against it to have the bridge have to be closed for less time.

Delete if in the wrong thread.. maybe the Scranton one?
But damn I am loving this canal work in downtown Indy.





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

On 12/24/2021 at 9:51 PM, GREGinPARMA said:

Delete if in the wrong thread.. maybe the Scranton one?
But damn I am loving this canal work in downtown Indy.





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Reminds me a bit of the SA Riverwalk (in areas outside of the really active parts). If that canal plan came to in The Flats this would be cool! Also let it freeze in the winter so we can skate on it (a la Canalside in Buffalo).

8 minutes ago, GISguy said:

 

Reminds me a bit of the SA Riverwalk (in areas outside of the really active parts). If that canal plan came to in The Flats this would be cool! Also let it freeze in the winter so we can skate on it (a la Canalside in Buffalo).

 

And also Ottawa.

Edited December 27, 20213 yr by LibertyBlvd

Couple observations from a walk this morning;

 

I was worried that the ESPN project next to Thirsty Dog had died. There’s been next to zero visible progress externally this year and the sign disappeared from the site a couple of months ago. However, there was a couple of trucks outside and construction-type noises coming from the inside. It could be that bagel place that’s coming next door, but it did seem more located on the ESPN spot. 
 

Up the street on Old River Road and just in time for the coldest time of the year, the Frozen Daiquiri bar finally looks ready to roll. 

5 minutes ago, roman totale XVII said:

Couple observations from a walk this morning;

 

I was worried that the ESPN project next to Thirsty Dog had died. There’s been next to zero visible progress externally this year and the sign disappeared from the site a couple of months ago. However, there was a couple of trucks outside and construction-type noises coming from the inside. It could be that bagel place that’s coming next door, but it did seem more located on the ESPN spot. 
 

Up the street on Old River Road and just in time for the coldest time of the year, the Frozen Daiquiri bar finally looks ready to roll. 

ESPN’s move to the East Bank was discussed on air as recently as last week.  So there’s that, at least.

^ Good to hear. I’ve never listened to that channel. 

https://www.bizjournals.com/cleveland/news/2022/01/12/flats-forward-sees-clevelands-flats-south.html?ana=cleveland

 

Interview with Jim Haviland executive director of Flats Forward about development in the Flats, particularly the southern parts. 

4 minutes ago, Ethan said:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cleveland/news/2022/01/12/flats-forward-sees-clevelands-flats-south.html?ana=cleveland

 

Interview with Jim Haviland executive director of Flats Forward about development in the Flats, particularly the southern parts. 

 

This version can be read...eh a little deeper:  https://www.cleveland.com/business/2022/01/south-bank-is-clevelands-flats-next-development-destination-says-flats-forward-exec.html

Edited January 13, 20223 yr by MuRrAy HiLL

Glad to see development continuing to new areas soth in the flats, but when is there going to be some activity on the West Bank? Has there been any news or rumors I've missed? 

11 minutes ago, Luke_S said:

Glad to see development continuing to new areas soth in the flats, but when is there going to be some activity on the West Bank? Has there been any news or rumors I've missed? 

 

I asked around about Flats West Bank just before the holidays and every one of them said "all is quiet."

 

So that must mean a huge development is in the works! 😋 

On 8/20/2021 at 2:36 PM, acd said:

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

 

 

 

On 8/20/2021 at 2:36 PM, acd said:

On 8/26/2021 at 3:51 PM, NorthShore647 said:

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."

 

 

 

Have these properties officially changed hands? If not, any news? (The metroparks app, and https://clevelandgis.maps would indicate they have not). 

1 hour ago, Ethan said:

 

Have these properties officially changed hands? If not, any news? (The metroparks app, and https://clevelandgis.maps would indicate they have not). 

I couldn’t find anything on the Catanese property, but I did find this update on the Flats Industrial Railroad in their October meeting minutes.  They say there is a purchase agreement, but they’re applying for a grant.  Also, they’re going to break off a small part of the Flats property to re-sell.

An interesting tidbit from the agenda for the upcoming Metroparks board meeting (1/20). It looks like The Foundry got some government money to build a boardwalk in partnership with the MetroParks, along with some other cool things!

 

8 hours ago, Ethan said:

An interesting tidbit from the agenda for the upcoming Metroparks board meeting (1/20). It looks like The Foundry got some government money to build a boardwalk in partnership with the MetroParks, along with some other cool things!

 

The Foundry got a state capital grant and are required to use the Metroparks (or another governmental entity) as a fiscal agent. Metroparks really isn't doing anything other than being a pass through. The Foundry has been working with other non-profits to tie in the boardwalk area along the river so that it feels like an extension of the boardwalk along Rivergate Park, etc. 

52 minutes ago, 3231 said:

The Foundry has been working with other non-profits to tie in the boardwalk area

Thanks, out of curiosity, do you you know which non-profits? 

Keep those boardwalks coming!

2 hours ago, Ethan said:

Thanks, out of curiosity, do you you know which non-profits? 

 

Canalway partners would seem like a usual suspect, but that's just an educated guess

On 1/14/2022 at 5:12 PM, acd said:

I couldn’t find anything on the Catanese property, but I did find this update on the Flats Industrial Railroad in their October meeting minutes.  They say there is a purchase agreement, but they’re applying for a grant.  Also, they’re going to break off a small part of the Flats property to re-sell.

Is there any chance the old railroad bridge by brewdog could be turned into a pedestrian bridge  between Columbus rd and carter rd?   Could really make both peninsulas more pedestrian friendly as they are developed. 

4 hours ago, Morningtheft2 said:

Is there any chance the old railroad bridge by brewdog could be turned into a pedestrian bridge  between Columbus rd and carter rd?   Could really make both peninsulas more pedestrian friendly as they are developed. 

I thought it’d be cool if the Metroparks would use it for recreational rail man cars, along with an all purpose trail along side.

Edited January 21, 20223 yr by marty15

Cleveland Whiskey update:

Foundry Story. https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/hidden-gems/cleveland-hidden-gem-how-the-foundry-is-bringing-back-water-sports-to-the-cuyahoga-river

 

Seeds & Sprouts XXII – Jacobs Pavilion, Van Dorn, Ohio City, BigHaus

 

In this article:
+ Jacobs Pavilion renovations in the cards
+ Van Dorn Iron Works’ last structure to fall
+ BigHaus in Edgewater returns sans offices
+ Developer to demolish Ohio City eyesore

 

MORE:

https://neo-trans.blog/2022/02/14/seeds-sprouts-xxii-jacobs-pavilion-to-refresh-van-dorn-and-ohio-city-eyesores-falling-bighaus-rising/

1 hour ago, KJP said:

 

Seeds & Sprouts XXII – Jacobs Pavilion, Van Dorn, Ohio City, BigHaus

 

In this article:
+ Jacobs Pavilion renovations in the cards
+ Van Dorn Iron Works’ last structure to fall
+ BigHaus in Edgewater returns sans offices
+ Developer to demolish Ohio City eyesore

 

MORE:

https://neo-trans.blog/2022/02/14/seeds-sprouts-xxii-jacobs-pavilion-to-refresh-van-dorn-and-ohio-city-eyesores-falling-bighaus-rising/

Hmmm - Link is not redirectoring

39 minutes ago, simplythis said:

Hmmm - Link is not redirectoring

 

@simplythis Site was down for a little bit. It's back.

I have always wondered why this property at 1681 Columbus Rd has remained a parking lot all of these years. It could be a great site for a NRP type development or maybe Geis.  Loopnet shows it valued at  1.7m but doesn't show it for sale.  What a great little neighborhood that could be, especially with those made for rehab buildings across Columbus. Anybody know anything?

2 hours ago, freethink said:

I have always wondered why this property at 1681 Columbus Rd has remained a parking lot all of these years. It could be a great site for a NRP type development or maybe Geis.  Loopnet shows it valued at  1.7m but doesn't show it for sale.  What a great little neighborhood that could be, especially with those made for rehab buildings across Columbus. Anybody know anything?

There was an apartment complex proposal for there years ago I believe. Not sure why it failed 

14 hours ago, freethink said:

I have always wondered why this property at 1681 Columbus Rd has remained a parking lot all of these years. It could be a great site for a NRP type development or maybe Geis.  Loopnet shows it valued at  1.7m but doesn't show it for sale.  What a great little neighborhood that could be, especially with those made for rehab buildings across Columbus. Anybody know anything?

 

Yes, because the bulkheads along the water's edge can't support the weight of buildings there unless they were replaced and significantly reinforced with tie-downs/anchors that extend deep into the soil away from the river. The cost is prohibitive to any development here except a vertical one. The zoning allows for a building of about 17-18 stories IIRC. Needs to get in the hands of a motivated, deep-pocketed developer who wins a big TMUD credit or US Army Corps of Engineers grant (highly competitive!).

Unpopular opinion, but I actually don't want the Flats to be full of massive high rises.  A huge part of what makes that area great and special are the small, human-scale historic buildings, and the views of the river, the bridges, and the valley walls.

^ I agree.  I also don't care to see high rises on the lakefront.  Sorry, Haslam.   I would rather see high rises built on those parking craters in CBD.

7 minutes ago, X said:

Unpopular opinion, but I actually don't want the Flats to be full of massive high rises.  A huge part of what makes that area great and special are the small, human-scale historic buildings, and the views of the river, the bridges, and the valley walls.

 

I agree for the most part, but that site is pretty close to downtown and might make sense for a vertical development if the bulkheads can be addressed.

1 hour ago, KJP said:

 

Yes, because the bulkheads along the water's edge can't support the weight of buildings there unless they were replaced and significantly reinforced with tie-downs/anchors that extend deep into the soil away from the river. The cost is prohibitive to any development here except a vertical one. The zoning allows for a building of about 17-18 stories IIRC. Needs to get in the hands of a motivated, deep-pocketed developer who wins a big TMUD credit or US Army Corps of Engineers grant (highly competitive!).

I am looking for something to the scale of what is across the street. Something like the new buildings at FEB would look great there. 

6 hours ago, KJP said:

 

Yes, because the bulkheads along the water's edge can't support the weight of buildings there unless they were replaced and significantly reinforced with tie-downs/anchors that extend deep into the soil away from the river. The cost is prohibitive to any development here except a vertical one. The zoning allows for a building of about 17-18 stories IIRC. Needs to get in the hands of a motivated, deep-pocketed developer who wins a big TMUD credit or US Army Corps of Engineers grant (highly competitive!).

I've always favored this parcel as a further enlargement of Canal Basin Park. I love riverfront parks, and the news about the bulkheads just adds more justification for making it parkland.

 

I agree with several of the other posters in that I'd prefer to keep the Flats a bit well flatter, than 17-18 stories, for all the same reasons. If a high rise is out of place, and a mid rise can't be made to work for the cost, than parkland is the best option.

 

Flats apartment project wins BZA nod
By Ken Prendergast / March 1, 2022

 

A proposed renovation of two historic, decayed buildings in the Flats cleared another hurdle yesterday when Cleveland’s Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) unanimously approved a variance from having to strictly adhere to parking requirements in the city’s building code.

 

MORE:

https://neo-trans.blog/2022/03/01/flats-apartment-project-wins-bza-nod/

Great project, though I wish they would acknowledge the long cherished history of the building and call it the Swinger. 

Awesome to hear and great article! Lots of great details in there. I loved the part where they liken the Viaduct to something like the High Line in NYC. It would be cool if the buildings on/around the viaduct continue to be built up and they can turn the whole viaduct into an awesome pedestrian only walkway. Only thing is there is a ton of parking on that thing now and it'll have to go somewhere. 

This is a great project but are there any plans to develop the giant surface parking lot next to it at Nautica? Flats West Bank (and especially the viaduct area) has a ton of potential but currently so much of it is just surface parking.

9 minutes ago, Dblcut3 said:

This is a great project but are there any plans to develop the giant surface parking lot next to it at Nautica? Flats West Bank (and especially the viaduct area) has a ton of potential but currently so much of it is just surface parking.

 

No plans. The property is still for sale by Jeff Jacobs. There has been interest but no takers so far.

How about another project on the other side of the river than the one I posted above??

 

 

The Pine to grow on Flats’ Columbus Rd Peninsula

By Ken Prendergast / March 3, 2022

 

Surrounded by the waters of the crooked Cuyahoga River, The Pine may grow on the Cleveland Flats’ Columbus Road Peninsula. The Pine, in this case, is a 45-unit mixed-use development that is nurtured by its proximity to not only the river, but by new parks and boardwalks intended to increase public access to water.

 

MORE:

https://neo-trans.blog/2022/03/03/the-pine-to-grow-on-flats-columbus-rd-peninsula/

I absolutely love it.  That's a great little collection of buildings, in one of my favorite parts of the city.

Glad to see the preservation. I love that little block. Not too crazy about universal height, but looking forward to seeing how things progress. 

Fantastic! I often walk down Columbus and I’ve always thought that 1720 would make a great apartment conversion. I hope they keep and restore the wonderful window decorations.