Nice work, smith!

Nice work, smith!

 

Ha, thanks!  I'm trying.  Still a long way to go, so if anyone wants to make a tax deductible donation.........

Cedar-Lee district to get multi-million-dollar facelift

http://www.cleveland.com/cleveland-heights/index.ssf/2014/12/cedar-lee_district_to_get_mult.html#incart_river

Alcazar owner unveils renovation plans for historic Cleveland Heights hotel (photo gallery) http://www.cleveland.com/cleveland-heights/index.ssf/2015/01/alcazar_owner_wants_to_turn_hi.html#incart_river?hootPostID=68e5af7fc557b6429907bc7eb275fba7

Regal Severance Cinema will be closing soon, according to the internet rumor mill

Hmm. So its looking like half that complex may be vacant soon.

Thing is I think you could rezone to residential and redevelop at least part of the center into residential if no higher use is found. Probably can keep the grocery and hardware stores.

Whoa

 

Regal Cinemas at Severance Town Center in Cleveland Heights will close permanently tonight

 

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Regal Severance Town Center Stadium 14 -- the movie theater at Severance Town Center -- will close permanently after the last show tonight, three theater workers confirmed earlier Thursday evening.

 

No signs inside or outside the theater indicated the closing. However, workers said they would post signs announcing the theater closing at about 10:45 p.m.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/cleveland-heights/index.ssf/2015/03/regal_cinemas_in_cleveland_hei.html#incart_river

Damn

 

Lemon Grass Thai Cuisine, once a Cleveland Heights dining landmark, closes

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Lemon Grass Thai Cuisine, once a landmark in Cleveland Heights, has served its last pad thai.

 

"Lemon Grass is officially closed," reads a notice, posted Wednesday, on the restaurant's website. "Thank you for supports (sic) from customers who have been served for 8 years."

 

For much of its nearly 20 year run, Lemon Grass stood as a reliable destination for Thai cuisine. The restaurant opened in 1996 under the guidance of Hiroshi Tsuji, owner of Shuhei Japanese Cuisine and Sushi Bar in Beachwood, teamed with chef Paul Wongntamdee.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/dining/index.ssf/2015/03/lemon_grass_thai_cuisine_close.html#incart_river

Sheesh..... I feel old if a restaurant that is considered a 'landmark' was a McDonald's when I started high school.

 

I was never a big fan of Lemon Grass, but many in my family were and it was a nice component of the Cedar-Lee district.  It seemed to have a decent crowd each time I went.

Sheesh..... I feel old if a restaurant that is considered a 'landmark' was a McDonald's when I started high school.

 

I was never a big fan of Lemon Grass, but many in my family were and it was a nice component of the Cedar-Lee district.  It seemed to have a decent crowd each time I went.

 

I wasn't a fan either and I didn't think that many people went there.  Good news on the Anatolia owner buying it.  He has clearly shown he is willing to invest in the neighborhood. 

 

As to the movie theater closing.  I haven't actually been there in maybe a couple years as I prefer Shaker Square and Cedar Lee, but man, that does suck.  With the exception of Home Depot, I could care less about every other tenant at Severance.  There's no easy answer here, but it's time for a repurpose of this site.  They are going through foreclosure or receivership or something. My fear is that some real estate investor buys it on the cheap with no intention of redeveloping, but just renting out the spaces to crappy tenants that will pay less rent but since the investor got it for cheap, they can do that and still make money with no care for how it effects the community.

Rumor has it that Cleveland Cinemas might take over operations.

 

Frankly, Severance needs to be redeveloped as a neighborhood.  Mixed-use buildings lining the ring road businesses at street level and residential above.  Coventry, Cedar-Lee, E4th -- these are great PLACES.  Severance is not a place anyone looks forward to spending time in.

^ Couldn't have said it better. Severance is such a huge waste of space. Just look at it on a map. There could be a full urban neighborhood there instead of a sea of under-utilized parking lots. It would do wonders for place-making and neighborhood connectivity in Cleveland Heights.

^ Couldn't have said it better. Severance is such a huge waste of space. Just look at it on a map. There could be a full urban neighborhood there instead of a sea of under-utilized parking lots. It would do wonders for place-making and neighborhood connectivity in Cleveland Heights.

 

Love the idea, the problem is no one is going to actually DO it.  Like I mentioned before, some investor is going to buy it and just keep the status quo but charge cheaper rent for crappier tenants.

 

As a community, we should create a 501©(3) organization and crowd fund the cost of the property and redevelop it ourselves!  Of course we'd need tens of millions of dollars unfortunately!

For some better news for Severance, Villa and CitiTrends have opened in the section with Daves

I say get a megadeveloper in there along with a TIF, and use the revenues from the TIF to finance a modern streetcar from University Circle to Severance Center via Cedar, Euclid Heights, Coventry and Mayfield. Let the developer contract out the streetcar's operator.

Boston-Based Investor Buys 50-Unit Apartment Complex in Cleveland Heights http://t.co/4PQg1BYIWN

IHOP at Severance is closing. >yawn<

Pekar Park!!

 

http://www.cleveland.com/cleveland-heights/index.ssf/2015/06/cleveland_heights_may_rename_c.html#incart_river

The Cedar Taylor Development Association (of which I am a founder) has been sprucing up the neighborhood.  We had banner signs and planters installed earlier this summer.  This morning we installed some really cool bike racks and planters made by Rust Belt Welding (they are local and have done lots of cool bike racks around town).  Check out these pics from our Facebook page:

I didn't know they were demolishing the East and West gyms at Heights High as part of the renovation. When was the last time any maintenance was done to the clock tower?

I didn't know they were demolishing the East and West gyms at Heights High as part of the renovation. When was the last time any maintenance was done to the clock tower?

 

Cedar Lee streetscape reconstruction is now proposed to start in January or February:

 

http://www.cleveland.com/cleveland-heights/index.ssf/2015/09/cleveland_heights_hopes_to_reb.html#incart_river

Cleveland Heights Master Plan has an online survey up that follows the first public meeting:

www.tinyurl.com/ClevelandHeightsPM1Survey

Something I'm working on.  Please share with anyone you know who might be interested.

 

Notice to Artists – Request for Proposal

 

The Cedar Taylor Development Association, with the generous support of FutureHeights, would like to commission a permanent art installation for the Cedar Taylor Business District.  Our budget is $3,000.00.

 

What type of art installation are we seeking?

You tell us. Do you want to paint a mural on the side of a building?  Paint an abstract piece somewhere in the business district?  Install a sculpture? We are reaching out to the artist community for proposals on what you would like to install given our budget. It is up to you to determine what you can do with $3,000.  We have no preferred medium, so be as creative as you want.  We just ask that it be a permanent installation.

 

Where do we want it installed?

It must be installed in the Cleveland Heights portion of the Cedar Taylor Business District. While we absolutely love and support the University Heights portion of our business district, a portion of these funds were sourced from the City of Cleveland Heights, as such, the money must stay in the City.

 

Selection Criteria

The Cedar Taylor Development Association Board of Directors will vote on the entries to determine three finalists.  The three finalists will be voted on by a public vote via our FaceBook page (facebook.com/CedarTaylorDevelopmentAssociation) over a period of one week.  The finalists will be posted separately and the one with the highest number of “likes” after one week will be determined the winner. 

 

Proposal Due Date

Proposals should be submitted via email to Kevin Smith, President of the Cedar Taylor Development Association Board of Directors at [email protected].  The proposals are due by April 30, 2016. 

 

Other Information

Your proposed piece will either involve private property or public space.  We will approach the property owner(s) and/or municipality on your behalf to secure permission to install your proposed piece.  We will only present finalists for a public vote that have been approved by the property owner(s) and/or local municipality.

Cleveland Heights considers major development project

 

"The eastern suburb has released what’s called a request for qualifications and preliminary development proposals for the “Top of the Hill,” a four-acre site at the top of Cedar Hill at the corner of Cedar Road and Euclid Heights Boulevard, one-and-a-half miles from University Circle. It is at the west end of the Cedar-Fairmount retail district, which includes a Dave’s Supermarket, Nighttown restaurant and Zoss the Swiss Baker."

 

http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20160425/NEWS/160429869/cleveland-heights-considers-major-development-project#utm_medium=email&utm_source=ccl-morningroundup&utm_campaign=ccl-morningroundup-20160426

I have to wonder if this is in response to a developer's inquiry or if the city is floating this without knowledge of whether it would succeed in winning interest or fail and make the city look bad.

 

And yes, I worded that way because I think it's the former. City officials usually aren't brave and don't have free time on their hands to undertake visionary efforts like this. And... Why now? This site has been sitting vacant for 50 years.

I have to wonder if this is in response to a developer's inquiry or if the city is floating this without knowledge of whether it would succeed in winning interest or fail and make the city look bad.

 

And yes, I worded that way because I think it's the former. City officials usually aren't brave and don't have free time on their hands to undertake visionary efforts like this. And... Why now? This site has been sitting vacant for 50 years.

 

Can't say definitively, but if I was guessing, I'd guess the later.  While the site has sat vacant for 50 years, they've probably looked at development in one shape or form 4 or 5 times.  I was involved in a 2007 study of the site for the City where mixed use was recommended.  Of course we know what happened after 2007.  There were similar studies done in the 80s and 90s (I think).  Those previous efforts were met with push back from local residents, which hopefully will not occur this time.

Good on Cleveland Heights.  Hopefully part of a trend, as this is what local governments need to be doing.

Good on Cleveland Heights.  Hopefully part of a trend, as this is what local governments need to be doing.

 

Yes.  And Cleveland Heights need to do a great deal more of it. 

Good. Hope something comes up from it. That site always bothers me so much coming up the hill and seeing it empty. They do seem to be planning for a quick turnaround time, so I'm hoping they already have someone with a plan.

The deadline for proposals is Monday, May 23. Briley said the city expects to bring a partner to city council by the end of July, after public hearings.

 

Although this all reminds me right away about what happened to that very prominent site on in the Cedar-Lee district. That was sure a disappointment.

Good. Hope something comes up from it. That site always bothers me so much coming up the hill and seeing it empty. They do seem to be planning for a quick turnaround time, so I'm hoping they already have someone with a plan.

The deadline for proposals is Monday, May 23. Briley said the city expects to bring a partner to city council by the end of July, after public hearings.

 

Although this all reminds me right away about what happened to that very prominent site on in the Cedar-Lee district. That was sure a disappointment.

 

Yes it does.  They really need do whatever it takes to get that back on track. 

Although this all reminds me right away about what happened to that very prominent site on in the Cedar-Lee district. That was sure a disappointment.

Yes it does.  They really need do whatever it takes to get that back on track. 

 

My understanding is that AT&T has an easement and a fiber line that runs diagonally across the property.  The easement apparently gives them the power to prohibit any construction above.  And they wanted $100k to move the line so it followed the street.  That extra expense killed the project. 

 

If anyone knows a way around that problem, I'm sure the city would be all ears.

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2016/06/cleveland_heights_land_attract.html

 

Looks like the city and developers (all five of them competing for one spot) are getting serious.  The good news is that this appears to be a very urban project planned for an inner ring suburb.  Sure, there's a parking garage but it will be replacing a surface lot.

 

Overall, some of the best news out of Cleveland Hts. in some time.  The only possible downside is that this steals traffic away from a struggling Coventry district.  Even if that happens, though, it strengthens Cedar Fairmount.  Best of all, it appears to be a product of spillover from a crowded University Circle.  If residents start buying and/or leasing these new units in droves, we could see developers start to consider the western edge of Cleveland Hts. and even East Cleveland for new projects.

^Not a whole lot of room for development in the western parts of CH.

Love this site/project!

Love this site/project!

So KJP, which proposal/development team do you favor?

So KJP, which proposal/development team do you favor?

 

The team that wins the job.

Fairmount Properties emerges as likely developer for Top of the Hill in Cleveland Heights

 

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, Ohio – A local real estate developer has been tapped to build on a prominent hilltop at the western gateway to Cleveland Heights.

 

Fairmount Properties of Cleveland emerged Monday as the company chosen to take on Top of the Hill, a roughly 4-acre site that various developers have coveted for decades. Flanked by Euclid Heights Boulevard and Cedar Road, the publicly owned land could be the site of a $75 million project that would add 300-plus residences, offices, retail, structured parking and a hotel to the Cedar Fairmount business district.

 

 

http://realestate.cleveland.com/realestate-news/2016/10/fairmount_properties_tapped_as.html

http://www.heightsobserver.org/read/2017/01/10/center-mayfield-demolition-is-imminent

 

This was the most recent article I could find re: demolition of the old Center Mayfield theater at the NW corner of Mayfield and Noble Roads.  SPOILER alert: it was demolished about three weeks ago.  Site cleanup is well advanced, as most debris is gone and a few old basements on the east side of the property remain to be filled in.

 

As best I know, the owners are going to leave the now vacant parcel on the market.  It's zoned for retail.  In 2016, the city rejected a proposed Circle K gas station (which I believe was discussed upthread).  Unlike the nearby Severance Town Center, it has great street frontage on Mayfield Road.

^I posted that news in the demolition thread as it was happening.  Sad to lose that block and great structure, but it had been struggling for some time now.  Repurposing that space did not fail for lack of effort.  It was doomed as soon as 20 screen theatres came around and wiped all of these two or three screen joints out.  I am actually hoping the City or some other group buys the lot and expands the greenspace already created at the old Medic site.

There are so many recent apartment houses and townhouse groupings being built in the city of Cleveland alone - why on earth can't there be one successful development for the Lee-Silsby-Meadowbrook triangle???  Ohio City, which is soon to have at least six new large apartment houses - in some cases with commercial and even offices - in its Hingetown district; it's very "hot" now, but isn't Cedar Lee, with all its trendy restaurants and theaters - also "hot?"  We were so close with several projects in the oast ten years; does anyone know of any recent proposals that have any validity?

There are so many recent apartment houses and townhouse groupings being built in the city of Cleveland alone - why on earth can't there be one successful development for the Lee-Silsby-Meadowbrook triangle???  Ohio City, which is soon to have at least six new large apartment houses - in some cases with commercial and even offices - in its Hingetown district; it's very "hot" now, but isn't Cedar Lee, with all its trendy restaurants and theaters - also "hot?"  We were so close with several projects in the oast ten years; does anyone know of any recent proposals that have any validity?

 

I don't know of anything recent.  That said, as much as I love CH and love some of the places on Lee Road, in particular the movie theater, The Wine Spot, Anatolia, and Tavco, I wouldn't describe Lee Road as hot compared to Ohio City.  I would love to see that block developed, but clearly we've yet to find a developer who can get the numbers to work. 

Might still be some stigmas from Coventry Street Fair riots, Brennan's murder, unbelievable taxes, and cops focusing on ticketing rather than providing security. A lack of lake and freeway access probably don't help either. Probably some ironic perception problems with crime and legitimate concerns with schools too.

 

Developers only have so much money to risk. I'm sure the Severance failure is well remembered.

There are so many recent apartment houses and townhouse groupings being built in the city of Cleveland alone - why on earth can't there be one successful development for the Lee-Silsby-Meadowbrook triangle???  Ohio City, which is soon to have at least six new large apartment houses - in some cases with commercial and even offices - in its Hingetown district; it's very "hot" now, but isn't Cedar Lee, with all its trendy restaurants and theaters - also "hot?"  We were so close with several projects in the oast ten years; does anyone know of any recent proposals that have any validity?

 

I don't know of anything recent.  That said, as much as I love CH and love some of the places on Lee Road, in particular the movie theater, The Wine Spot, Anatolia, and Tavco, I wouldn't describe Lee Road as hot compared to Ohio City.  I would love to see that block developed, but clearly we've yet to find a developer who can get the numbers to work. 

 

I agree that it is pivotal to get that lot developed as this area should be competing with the other popular urban areas to bring in more young people and to stave off the impression of decline etc.

 

They are at least on a role with new places opening and a rather ugly new streetscape, but there is a gaping hole/ that should be fueling a resurgence here.   

 

 

 

 

Barrio opens today! 

Might still be some stigmas from Coventry Street Fair riots, Brennan's murder, unbelievable taxes, and cops focusing on ticketing rather than providing security. A lack of lake and freeway access probably don't help either. Probably some ironic perception problems with crime and legitimate concerns with schools too.

 

Developers only have so much money to risk. I'm sure the Severance failure is well remembered.

 

CH does not seem to realize how much it's hurting itself with those traffic and parking policies.  We all know about the tickets but the needless parking problems are rarely discussed.  People don't carry around change like they used to.  Parking meters in Cleveland take coins other than quarters and there are very few meters in Ohio City at all.  And "no overnight parking" policies belong in places like North Royalton, if they belong anywhere.  If you're staying with a friend in CH you actually have to call the police and beg them not to tow you.  Can't complain about lack of visitors when you're hostile toward them.

Might still be some stigmas from Coventry Street Fair riots, Brennan's murder, unbelievable taxes, and cops focusing on ticketing rather than providing security. A lack of lake and freeway access probably don't help either. Probably some ironic perception problems with crime and legitimate concerns with schools too.

 

Developers only have so much money to risk. I'm sure the Severance failure is well remembered.

 

CH does not seem to realize how much it's hurting itself with those traffic and parking policies.  We all know about the tickets but the needless parking problems are rarely discussed.  People don't carry around change like they used to.  Parking meters in Cleveland take coins other than quarters and there are very few meters in Ohio City at all.  And "no overnight parking" policies belong in places like North Royalton, if they belong anywhere.  If you're staying with a friend in CH you actually have to call the police and beg them not to tow you.  Can't complain about lack of visitors when you're hostile toward them.

 

How often / when was the last time you visited CH?  Not asking to troll, simply want to know because sometimes I think the parking and police complaints people have are overblown and not as bad as they used to be.  I agree that they need to move to more modern meters, which I heard they are in some areas.  I heard the issue with that is the infrastructure required to get power to the meters.  Also, they city does have free parking weekends.  This may be rolling the dice, but I frequently will run in somewhere without feeding the meter and I haven't gotten a ticket in a while.

When I lived on Stillman five years ago, it was pretty apparent that cops were focusing on ticketing to achieve their monthly quotas. As for now, I go several times every few months and pay the meter to be safe.

There are so many recent apartment houses and townhouse groupings being built in the city of Cleveland alone - why on earth can't there be one successful development for the Lee-Silsby-Meadowbrook triangle???  Ohio City, which is soon to have at least six new large apartment houses - in some cases with commercial and even offices - in its Hingetown district; it's very "hot" now, but isn't Cedar Lee, with all its trendy restaurants and theaters - also "hot?"  We were so close with several projects in the oast ten years; does anyone know of any recent proposals that have any validity?

 

I don't know of anything recent.  That said, as much as I love CH and love some of the places on Lee Road, in particular the movie theater, The Wine Spot, Anatolia, and Tavco, I wouldn't describe Lee Road as hot compared to Ohio City.  I would love to see that block developed, but clearly we've yet to find a developer who can get the numbers to work. 

 

They would probably see it develop a lot quicker if they broke it up into 5 or 6 smaller lots and got smaller developers to bite it off piece by piece.  Require first floor commercial with commercial residential above, two story minimum.  It would probably almost definitely be more in keeping with the character of the street as well. 

I would absolutely love if that were true, but the reality is that banks aren't making loans to small, mixed-use developers of new construction almost anywhere. They do not like the risk. And you need a pretty substantial development at that site to make it work.