I recently hit that Constantino's and was pretty disappointed. Nothing like the downtown location I used to frequent. I haven't been but the uptown one looks pretty sweet too. People are probably thinking of those. I have to agree that'd be much more exciting, I'm sick of seeing GE's everywhere as well. It really doesn't feel like any of the others would be feasible though.

I wonder if Constantino's was in play for the new location at all?

 

I'd love to see their current location replaced with a more upscale version. 

Constantino's is nice and all but they are ridiculously expensive. I don't know why everyone is such big fans. I personally would never do my big shopping there. I wouldnt shop Giant Eagle either but they are still better price wise than Constantino's 

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2013/11/giant_eagle_plans_small-format.html#incart_river

 

This article says GE could block any other grocery store from this location until 2022.

 

It's interesting that this is only coming out now.

 

The Cleveland area is not a priority for the Pittsburgh store anyhow....

^ Wish this would have come out earlier.

 

"Cleveland protectively took possession of the church in 2002, accepting it from a company affiliated with Giant Eagle. At that time, the Pittsburgh-based grocer still operated a store in Carnegie's strip center on Clifton.

 

To prevent a competitor from moving in, the grocer placed deed restrictions on the church that make it nearly impossible to build a sizable grocery store on that property or the surrounding land. Those restrictions don't roll off until late 2022. Giant Eagle is the only party that can lift them."

I wonder if Constantino's was in play for the new location at all?

 

I'd love to see their current location replaced with a more upscale version. 

 

I'd love to know how the Clifton location is hanging on.  I have tried to support that place countless times but everytime I go in, the food is unappealing, warmed-over, overpriced...  I suspect they'll have to reformat with this new store coming online that sells prepared foods

^ Wish this would have come out earlier.

 

"Cleveland protectively took possession of the church in 2002, accepting it from a company affiliated with Giant Eagle. At that time, the Pittsburgh-based grocer still operated a store in Carnegie's strip center on Clifton.

 

To prevent a competitor from moving in, the grocer placed deed restrictions on the church that make it nearly impossible to build a sizable grocery store on that property or the surrounding land. Those restrictions don't roll off until late 2022. Giant Eagle is the only party that can lift them."

 

I wonder if they've tied up any other properties like that, either in Cleveland or the suburbs.

 

Specifically, I'm thinking of the eastern part of Meadowbrook Square in Bedford, where Top's and Target were.

I knew there was more to the story about Giant Eagle and that land.  Their deed restrictions effectively prevented anyone from building on there who would compete.  The guy from Carnegie made it sound like Heinen's, Traders Joe's, etc. simply "didn't want to" build there.  Of course they wouldn't want to, the restrictions on their building were probably so prohibitive that they said screw that!

 

Giant Eagle Market District... put lipstick on a pig it's still a pig.

Yeah, it's really really annoying.

 

The city took a property with a codicil and never did anything with it.  Then GE swoops back in after years of neglect and benefits. 

 

Water under the bridge but I'd really like to see a figure on just how much cash the city has spent over the years on keeping that church maintained, only to demolish it years later. 

I knew there was more to the story about Giant Eagle and that land.  Their deed restrictions effectively prevented anyone from building on there who would compete.  The guy from Carnegie made it sound like Heinen's, Traders Joe's, etc. simply "didn't want to" build there.  Of course they wouldn't want to, the restrictions on their building were probably so prohibitive that they said screw that!

 

Giant Eagle Market District... put lipstick on a pig it's still a pig.

 

They did something like that at Methane Hills (Citiview) which is supposedly part of why Walmart moved out.

Scene chimes in. Eric Sandy used to write for the Lakewood Sun Post...

 

http://m.clevescene.com/cleveland/blogs/Post?basename=giant-eagle-conceptual-plans-presented-for-corner-of-west-117th-and-clifton&day=11&id=scene-and-heard&month=11&year=2013

 

Site plan:

From Cudell Snippets eNewsletter.....

 

New Gordon Food Service Store on West 117th Street Now Open

 

While the Retail Grand Opening festivities will not be until December 2 - 7, the store is open and serving the community.  We are so pleased to have been a part of seeing this attractive new building come to the community as the first location for GFS in the city of Cleveland!  The week of December 2 -7 will feature food sampling and on December 6 & 7, there will be a huge tent in the parking lot with 50 different product samplings.  Official ribbon cutting will be December 3rd at 10 am. 

From Cudell Snippets eNewsletter.....

 

New Gordon Food Service Store on West 117th Street Now Open

 

While the Retail Grand Opening festivities will not be until December 2 - 7, the store is open and serving the community.  We are so pleased to have been a part of seeing this attractive new building come to the community as the first location for GFS in the city of Cleveland!  The week of December 2 -7 will feature food sampling and on December 6 & 7, there will be a huge tent in the parking lot with 50 different product samplings.  Official ribbon cutting will be December 3rd at 10 am. 

 

Way to go Cudell.  (yawn).

The design isn't that attractive (its cookie cutter and sited off the sidewalk). But GFS seems to treat their workers better than many other chain retailers, which is what I would expect from a non-publicly traded company that isn't subjected to the extremist pressures of Wall Street.

From the Cudell Improvement Co. newsletter....

 

Earth Bistro Now Open at 11122 Clifton Blvd.

 

Looking for a tasty alternative to fast food.  Vegan?  Not a problem.  Visit Earth Bistro to find healthy, tasty foods that fit your palate and food choices.  Earth Bistro joins Asian Grille, Constantino's Market and Liquid Planet in the 'tasty' block at West 110th and Clifton Blvd.

 

I keep meaning to post that renovations appear to be underway to convert the former Vedda Printing at Detroit and Hird (11730 Detroit) into apartments. There is a debris chute into a large trash bin set on Hird with work continuing.

 

http://lakewood-oh.patch.com/groups/real-estate/p/vedda-building-changing-hands

 

Here's the listing for this property.....

 

http://www.trulia.com/property/1076768095-11730-Detroit-Ave-Lakewood-OH-44107

Good news that they are proceeding with that rehab. 

 

I keep meaning to drive down that section in the day and see how the old Maria's renovation is coming along.  Any observations on that project?

FIFTH CHURCH SIGHTINGS!

 

In the past few weeks, there have been multiple sightings of groups of people at Fifth Church. The first was a group surveying the dome and cleaning off debris and trees (Yes, you read that right, TREES!) from the roof. Days later, this same group was seen entering the interior of the historic landmark.

 

The city confirmed this, but also stated that the roof clean up was not city led (no big surprise there) and would not elaborate on the person(s) interested.

 

Who are these heroes stepping up at the last minute to try and rescue, and explore the possibility of repurposing the magnificent 1926 domed sandstone structure?

 

If you are the potential hero leading the efforts or know the person(s) involved in the group, please email us at

[email protected]

 

We'd like to meet with the primary visionary and/or entire group and offer financial support (from our own pocket books), volunteer hours, historical info, documents, drawings and photographs of Fifth Church, and other resources as well as assistance with applying for federal & state tax credits and discussing what other public and private incentives might be available.

 

I keep meaning to drive down that section in the day and see how the old Maria's renovation is coming along.  Any observations on that project?

 

There's been no visible signs of progress there, unfortunately.

TO THE PERSON(S) WHO HAS RECENTLY EXPRESSED INTEREST in exploring the possibility of repurposing historic landmark Fifth Church, Neighbors in Action WANT TO HELP.

 

This includes financial support, volunteer hours, historical info, documents, original drawings and photographs, and other resources as well as assistance with applying for federal and state tax credits and discussing what other private and public incentives have been made available to other successful completed projects throughout Cleveland.

 

Choose Edgewater and Fifth Church! Our neighborhood is one of the best, and long troubled Fifth Church has been holding on to be repurposed into the center jewel of our neighborhood's crown!

 

We believe in you and what can be.

 

Make the decision to believe in us and what will be.

 

Please contact us at [email protected]

 

Statement from Neighbors in Action - CLEVELAND RESTORATION SOCIETY NEEDS TO GROW A BACKBONE!

 

(December 17, 2013) The subject line of the latest Cleveland Restoration Society (CRS) e-newsletter blast read “Jewish Community Federation Building Threatened.”

 

The newsflash should have read “Fifth Church of Christ Scientist Threatened by Demolition by Neglect.”

 

READ MORE, http://www.neighborsinaction.info/nia121713statement.htm

I don't think it's a question of backbone but of misplaced priorities. I question the Cleveland Restoration Society's choices and judgment. Why bother fighting for the Jewish Community Federation building? What landmark status does it possess? How feasible is its re-use?

 

By comparison, many of us will miss the Fifth Church of Christ Scientist and wish that action be taken by CRS to save this structure which is more historic and a designated landmark. If it's a question of where CRS can devote its limited resources, OK I get that. But there are so many other threatened, landmarked buildings in Cleveland that deserve attention. Why the Jewish Community Federation building? One's opinion that it's butt ugly doesn't matter (an opinion I share, BTW!). More importantly, it's an obsolete office building that doesn't convert well to housing or other uses. Save your limited resources for worthy causes like Fifth Church.

Not sure where else to put this general news about Clifton.

 

The old hat shop next to the Clifton Martini and Wine bar is turning into a 'cash for gold' place. 

 

They were doing some exploratory digging on the double lot on the SW corner of Clifton and West Blvd.  Apparently they are planning on putting 3 units on the double lot via. a variance.

Not sure where else to put this general news about Clifton.

 

The old hat shop next to the Clifton Martini and Wine bar is turning into a 'cash for gold' place. 

 

They were doing some exploratory digging on the double lot on the SW corner of Clifton and West Blvd.  Apparently they are planning on putting 3 units on the double lot via. a variance.

 

With all of the empty lots in Tremont, Ohio City, and D/S over the past decade that have had new builds and town homes built, I've been puzzled why this West Blvd parcel has remained vacant for so long. It will be nice to see something new here. There have been permanent for sale signs on this parcel for years, about 2 years ago, they added the "tax abatement" notice along with the for sale signs.

 

As for the Cash for Gold place ... ouch. That retail strip is great with the coffee shop, martini/wine bar, and salon, it's really odd that an establishment like that would even choose that spot. It doesn't fit in at all.

RE Parcel:  They just wanted way too much money for that lot.  I'm sure that's the primary reason it's sat so long.

 

RE Gold Place: Apparently the lease is signed and only thing I can figure why they are locating there is that the landlord probably wants a ton for that space and this outfit is willing to pay it.  It almost feels like an invitation to all the thieves to come by the neighborhood steal and sell all in one convenient location!  I guess there are some locals looking to fight the signage for that place as it's supposedly going to be really gaudy.

 

 

 

 

Cash for Gold? But gold prices are way down. Lame idea, puzzling placement. Frankly, they probably won't do very well there.

 

Also, where do I check out the proposed signage?

That's my uncles building and I can almost guarantee that he would not allow a cash for gold place there.  I mean he has very high standards!  I'm checking on this hopefully inaccurate rumor, and will keep you posted.     

^ You will now be held responsible!

 

^ You will now be held responsible!

 

I was thinking that after I posted.......  Okay, they just told me its an antique coin shop, being opened by a very reputable businessman from Waite Hill.  They are working on appropriate signage for the shop through Cudell and the city of Cleveland program that is also responsible for the appropriate storefronts that this building enjoys.  I wouldn't worry about terrible signage here, its just not something my uncle would allow. 

 

In other news, Twist, one of the last businesses in the strip on the southeast corner of Clifton and 117th will likely be closing very soon, as the owner is now in Hospice.

Well that's quite the difference from a cash-for-gold operation!

 

I wouldn't complain for a reputable business--but would love to see something more neighborhood-service oriented. 

Renamed this thread as many of the developments discussed aren't on West 117th although they are relatively near.

^ You will now be held responsible!

 

I was thinking that after I posted.......  Okay, they just told me its an antique coin shop, being opened by a very reputable businessman from Waite Hill.  They are working on appropriate signage for the shop through Cudell and the city of Cleveland program that is also responsible for the appropriate storefronts that this building enjoys.  I wouldn't worry about terrible signage here, its just not something my uncle would allow. 

 

In other news, Twist, one of the last businesses in the strip on the southeast corner of Clifton and 117th will likely be closing very soon, as the owner is now in Hospice.

 

That went from worrisome to very interesting - a family member of mine has a pretty considerable coin collection. Thanks for the update, and kudos to your Uncle for being a good landlord. :)

In other news, Twist, one of the last businesses in the strip on the southeast corner of Clifton and 117th will likely be closing very soon, as the owner is now in Hospice.

 

Sorry to hear about the owner!  I hope it gets bought by someone else or somehow remains open... it seems a number of gay bars have closed over the last year or two, and with the Gay Games coming up, it would be nice to have at least a few gay bars remaining!

^Yeah, what's up with the lack of gay bars in Cleveland?  When I was in college, there were plenty.

I think it's honestly part of a pretty national trend of gay bars closing because they aren't as necessary as they once were. The gay population is able to comfortably go out to other places now and therefore the gay bars aren't as popular. Cincinnati really only has a few left and frankly they're awful. It seems to be happening in a lot of places.

 

 

They always seem busy--I wonder why he didn't sell the business to keep it going?

^^^&^^

I think those are points worth discussing, but I replied in the Gay Games thread to keep this one on topic (and because that's where I was going with my comment in the first place)

In other news, Twist, one of the last businesses in the strip on the southeast corner of Clifton and 117th will likely be closing very soon, as the owner is now in Hospice.

 

Sorry to hear about the owner!  I hope it gets bought by someone else or somehow remains open... it seems a number of gay bars have closed over the last year or two, and with the Gay Games coming up, it would be nice to have at least a few gay bars remaining!

 

This is a lesson in not believing everything you read on the Internet.  The owner is NOT in hospice and there are NO plans to close the bar.  Not sure where this original poster got his/her information but it is completely inaccurate. 

^ You will now be held responsible!

 

I was thinking that after I posted.......  Okay, they just told me its an antique coin shop, being opened by a very reputable businessman from Waite Hill.  They are working on appropriate signage for the shop through Cudell and the city of Cleveland program that is also responsible for the appropriate storefronts that this building enjoys.  I wouldn't worry about terrible signage here, its just not something my uncle would allow. 

 

In other news, Twist, one of the last businesses in the strip on the southeast corner of Clifton and 117th will likely be closing very soon, as the owner is now in Hospice.

 

That went from worrisome to very interesting - a family member of mine has a pretty considerable coin collection. Thanks for the update, and kudos to your Uncle for being a good landlord. :)

 

Below is the information that I have been given.  We shall see.

 

"The name of the business is CLASSIC GOLD & COIN.  The window signage that has been rejected says, “We buy/sell gold, silver, coins, diamonds, watches, antiques” and “WE PAY CASH”  216.961 GOLD."

 

They are also listed, using that address on Clifton, on various cheesy website about get rich quick with cash-for-gold.  So if they are serious about numismatics, it must not be paying the bills. 

 

If a business like this is moving into that classic space, I worry even more about the tenants in the new strip malls at 117th.

"I worry even more about the tenants in the new strip malls at 117th."

 

As it sits right now this is what you are looking at on W117

 

1 building SE corner - Grocery Store (Hopefully the Giant Eagle concept).

 

1 Building on SW corner - (4 or 5 tenants)

 

Yogurt Place - next to grocery store

Dollar Bank - with drive through.

 

The other spots are still in play but they will NOT be Dollar Stores or anything of this variety.  The city and residents have made that clear and assurances have been given.  (I'll eat my hat...... ~DS)

 

Would you want to buy a 300k plus condo  on Lake with bad retail in your back yard?  Or maybe more precisely, would you want to build a 300K plus condo on Lake with bad retail in your back yard?

 

 

 

Thanks Dean--completely agree and hope you're right about the city standing its ground.

 

Now at W 104th, would you want to operate an upscale martini bar/restaurant or coffee shop next to a gold store that certainly deals in some quantity of stolen merchandise?

^ I just don't like the idea of a gold place period but the tenant is signed and it's all over but the signage and the crying. 

 

This is the kind of business I expected to see in the old Truffles building.  It's sad really.  The word is getting out and I'm sure once it goes in people will be even more pissed. 

 

As I said the sign may as well say  "come to Edgewater, steal in the neighborhood and sell in the neighborhood".  I'm pretty livid myself.

 

 

This info about the gold buyer on Clifton has gotten to the local facebook groups for neighborhoods in that area and many people, including Matt Zone, are not pleased. I'll see if I can attend the meeting next Monday (Zone will apparently be there) and get some clarity.

Neighbors, the meeting to discuss signage for Classic Coin & Gold is Monday, January 13th at noon at 9821 Lorain Avenue. I have information that the building owner has been made aware of the local opposition and has indicated he might be at the meeting. Matt Zone will definitely be there to voice strong opposition to any signage.

 

If you are available to appear, and believe our neighborhood would be better served by a different type of business, please come and be heard. We may yet have a chance to demand better. Like if you'll be there! And thank you in advance

Neighbors, the meeting to discuss signage for Classic Coin & Gold is Monday, January 13th at noon at 9821 Lorain Avenue. I have information that the building owner has been made aware of the local opposition and has indicated he might be at the meeting. Matt Zone will definitely be there to voice strong opposition to any signage.

 

If you are available to appear, and believe our neighborhood would be better served by a different type of business, please come and be heard. We may yet have a chance to demand better. Like if you'll be there! And thank you in advance

 

Gee I wonder how he was made aware..?

 

He should indeed be there.  .

What would be the grounds/standing to challenge the business taking the space?  Does it require a variance?

I don't think there are any legal issues at play here, it's just about the citizens of the neighborhood  making their views know.

 

 

Then wouldn't you want the owner present at the meeting?

I'm not following.  How would you compel the owner to attend? 

 

The owner of the building or the business?