^ Oh wow! Those awnings NEED to return!

 

I suspect they were removed for the exterior cleaning. Now that the cleaning is long since completed, I agree that they need to be brought back.

 

They are still doing some restorative work on the outside of the building, especially the PS side.  I think until that is completed they wont be back.  Not sure if the Superior side is finished or not, but I don't think so.

^^^ For the most part, Crowne Plaza is a brand where once higher-end hotels go to die. They have a serious problem with substandard hotels and lack of consistency across the brand since most of these properties were conversions from Sheraton, Marriott, etc. This was not unique to the Cleveland market.

 

I wouldn't say that was true.  Brand flag changes and keeping properties to current standards is hard.  Many times its not the marketing brand (ie. hilton, marriott, Starwood, Inter-Continteal, etc.) but the owner of the property itself.

 

Prime example.  The St. Regis Ft. Lauderdale, now the Ritz-Carlton.

MTS, we may have to agree to disagree on this. Even IHG is well aware the CP brand is suffering and is trying to take steps to correct that. You can read about it in this article from last year here: http://www.hotelnewsnow.com/Articles.aspx/6329/IHG-to-Crowne-Plaza-owners-Move-up-or-move-out

 

But from someone who travels alot and keeps tabs on hotel product developments across the industry, CP simply does not have the consistency or cache of the brands they seek to compete with: Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, Sheraton. In fact, the majority of CP properties I have ever stayed in were once a part of said brands, but switched flags.

 

In any case, glad to see Westin enter Cleveland finally. This is a big win for the city and business travellers who love Starwood.

 

So now we just need a f/s Hilton downtown to have presence from all the big players.  :-)

MTS, we may have to agree to disagree on this. Even IHG is well aware the CP brand is suffering and is trying to take steps to correct that. You can read about it in this article from last year here: http://www.hotelnewsnow.com/Articles.aspx/6329/IHG-to-Crowne-Plaza-owners-Move-up-or-move-out

 

But from someone who travels alot and keeps tabs on hotel product developments across the industry, CP simply does not have the consistency or cache of the brands they seek to compete with: Marriott, Hyatt, Hilton, Sheraton. In fact, the majority of CP properties I have ever stayed in were once a part of said brands, but switched flags.

 

In any case, glad to see Westin enter Cleveland finally. This is a big win for the city and business travellers who love Starwood.

 

So now we just need a f/s Hilton downtown to have presence from all the big players.  :-)

As someone who travels quite a bit, i'll disagree.  That CP blurb isn't any different than Starwood, issuing a brand standard in 2009 &  2010 for Westin and Sheraton brands. Or Doubletree rebranding this year.  They Hyatt rebranded on 2008. Everyone wants to one up their competition, CP just happens to be the last "brand" standing.

 

I will agree that it's nice to have a Starwood brand back in downtown Cleveland as the Westin will be the first since the Sheraton changed to the Renaissance Brand.  Now if only we could get a W and St. Regis!

I'd missed this announcement of Aloft at Chagrin Highlands... Will fit in nicely..

 

Aloft Hotel has finally gotten the green light for their plans to build in Beachwood.  The Beachwood Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously approved preliminary site plans for a new 70,000-square-foot four-story hotel in the Chagrin Highlands

 

http://beachwood.patch.com/articles/aloft-hotel-gets-green-light

 

Yeah, they had been trying to build an Aloft for a while in Beechwood but couldnt get approval on the previous site which abutted residential streets (Signature Square).   

Yep - I remember the outcry on the residentail street - just glad to see a bit of trendiness come to Chagrin Highlands... a better location. (Now, where's the once-rumored IKEA?)

Dwirthwein, I know you support suburban things more than many of us here, which is fine, but even given that, why do you think Chagrin Highlands is a good location for much of anything?  The times I am in that area, that is probably one of my least favorite places to be because of the awful landscape, wide roads, impossible to enter big box strip plazas, etc.  It actually makes Beachwood and Woodmere feel urban after being there.

jam40jeff...  Though I love what's going on in many urban areas in this town, I do support suburban things more than many on this board - not ashamed to say it... Ultimately, I think I just like seeing the investment, the growth, the activity... It may not be everyone's favorite kind of growth - but the majority of NEOers are still suburbanites...  And having a newer Marriott, shopping, restaurants, an Aloft, a $200MM hospital, a well-attended health club... the palace that will be Eaton (even though they should have stayed downtown...)..., have at least made that area vacant for years have a bit of a pulse... and what's next on those many vacant acres?

 

It's not like areas with thriving urban cores - Chicago, Seattle, DC, SFO, etc...  don't have thriving suburbs, too... Drive the Tri-State Tollway or I-405 or the Beltway of the 101 - and you'll see Chagrin Highlands many times over... co-existing with downtowns...

jam40jeff...  Though I love what's going on in many urban areas in this town, I do support suburban things more than many on this board - not ashamed to say it... Ultimately, I think I just like seeing the investment, the growth, the activity... It may not be everyone's favorite kind of growth - but the majority of NEOers are still suburbanites...  And having a newer Marriott, shopping, restaurants, an Aloft, a $200MM hospital, a well-attended health club... the palace that will be Eaton (even though they should have stayed downtown...)..., have at least made that area vacant for years have a bit of a pulse... and what's next on those many vacant acres?

 

It's not like areas with thriving urban cores - Chicago, Seattle, DC, SFO, etc...  don't have thriving suburbs, too... Drive the Tri-State Tollway or I-405 or the Beltway of the 101 - and you'll see Chagrin Highlands many times over... co-existing with downtowns...

 

It's fine, I wasn't berating you for supporting suburban things, but just setting up my comment to be within the context that I understand that you do.  But even for suburban development, I don't like Chagrin Highlands.  It reminds me of the super bland "super suburban" development that I believe will date itself very quickly.  Roads with 500 foot easements, retention basins everywhere, a lack of trees...it may as well be a suburb on the north side of Dallas.  Not all cities' suburbs look like this and they don't all have to.  We have had suburban development for years that hasn't looked this awful.  If the Aloft was going in at Eton Collection or near Chagrin Falls or even somewhere like Willoughby, Solon, or Mentor, I would say that's not a bad suburban development.  But something about Chagrin Highlands feels overexaggerated, cheap, and tacky, just like the Lifetime Fitness.  Globo Development or something, I can't put my finger on it, but it's bad even for suburban development.

^I will say I do like the design of the Ahuja Medical Center, but of course not its huge set back. I get what you're saying though, you'd like to see more of a street connection, or neighborhood feel even if the development is in the suburbs,

To the Goldberg's credit, I don't think the Chagrin Highlands was their first choice. I looked at the deal when they were proposing putting it on the corner of Richmond & Chagrin, but, as willyboy mentioned, they ran against some zoning issues. Like it or not, that area is a very popular hotel destination for business travellers, and the Aloft will be a nice complement to what's already offered. I agree the specific location is pretty bland (the Marriott there feels just creepy...I put my folks there once when they visited and they never wanted to go back), but the general region is a good spot for Aloft.

 

Concrete barriers are now around the former Crown Plaza

 

 

:clap: :clap: :clap:

 

This needs to start NOW.  That building is hideous

^ Oh wow! Those awnings NEED to return!

 

I suspect they were removed for the exterior cleaning. Now that the cleaning is long since completed, I agree that they need to be brought back.

 

They are still doing some restorative work on the outside of the building, especially the PS side.  I think until that is completed they wont be back.  Not sure if the Superior side is finished or not, but I don't think so.

 

Seeing this from the PS side this weekend as a casino visitor really made me wish that they had some kind of banners on the Renaissance explaining that restoration work was in process. We pretty much all know that but, of course, someone form out-of-town, or a local unfamiliar with downtown, might look at it and interpret the situation wrongly. It really is in a "shambles" state right now (including the Superior side to some extent). It doesnt bother me because I love the fact that it is getting restored.

The cornices were replaced a couple years ago, as was some lower window ornamentation. Now, they have everything in between.

The 100th anniversary is in 2018 (i believe). It should be well done before that.

 

Does that mean that they're finally going to remove that tacky blue awning?!?!  :clap:

 

I hear ya but no.

They did update the awning but it is still blue.

 

^hmmm.... Not sure how I feel about that answer.... I guess we'll see tonight when I head to the Leader Building

The Holiday Inn Express awning is still blue, but they have added planters around the entrance so the awning is no longer the most notable feature.  That is at least a small win.

 

They also replaced the old sign that was on the East side of the building.  But while the sign is vertical, the lettering is does not read top to bottom.  Instead it is as if the sign should have been placed horizontally.  Not bad, but after looking at he old style out of my office window every day this is going to take some getting used to.

 

FYI, on thie website for the hotel

 

Announcements

 

Completely renovated hotel featuring a new contemporary design. The Holiday Inn Express & Suites Cleveland Downtown is now accepting reservations for arrivals after June 21, 2012.

 

 

 

They also replaced the old sign that was on the East side of the building.  But while the sign is vertical, the lettering is does not read top to bottom.  Instead it is as if the sign should have been placed horizontally.  Not bad, but after looking at he old style out of my office window every day this is going to take some getting used to.

 

 

That sign's gonna have to come down. Evidently it says "Hoilday Inn Express". Yes, "Hoil"

 

 

Sign's fixed.

They also put a bench on the sidewalk next to the main entrance of Euclid.  Not a major thing, but people sitting there on their lunch break gives more life to the street.

Scaffolding starting to go up on the soon to be Westin!

anyone know whats up with the hotel conversion of the cac (cle athletic club)?

 

The Courtyard by Marriott marches on!

 

EDIT: taptalk's photo sharing skills have let me down.

 

Thanks, I took some pictures of this too, at the end of last week.

A small portion is indicative of some part of the facade...

 

 

 

 

Wow awesome. Thanks!

My office window directly faces this project, so I'm watching it very closely...  there was a flurry of activity in early June, when the sidewalk barricades and some scaffolding went up.  A few dumpsters of garbage were hauled away. Several trees along the frontage were removed.  However, about two weeks ago, ALL activity at the site ceased - I've not seen a single person/vehicle at the work site.  After seeing similar projects stalled for years and years, this makes me a bit paranoid.  Perhaps this is just a normal work delay...

 

^The Westin, correct?

Clueless,Ohio - Correct, I am referring to the Westin Project on the NE corner of East 6th/St. Clair...

 

Thankyou

Hopefully they're back soon.

Hate to be the bearer of bad news. Financing fell through on Westin.

 

However, I understand that Marous has invested so much on this project, that there is no way they're going to just let it go.

 

 

My office window directly faces this project, so I'm watching it very closely...  there was a flurry of activity in early June, when the sidewalk barricades and some scaffolding went up.  A few dumpsters of garbage were hauled away. Several trees along the frontage were removed.  However, about two weeks ago, ALL activity at the site ceased - I've not seen a single person/vehicle at the work site.  After seeing similar projects stalled for years and years, this makes me a bit paranoid.  Perhaps this is just a normal work delay...

Hate to be the bearer of bad news. Financing fell through on Westin.

 

However, I understand that Marous has invested so much on this project, that there is no way they're going to just let it go.

 

 

My office window directly faces this project, so I'm watching it very closely...  there was a flurry of activity in early June, when the sidewalk barricades and some scaffolding went up.  A few dumpsters of garbage were hauled away. Several trees along the frontage were removed.  However, about two weeks ago, ALL activity at the site ceased - I've not seen a single person/vehicle at the work site.  After seeing similar projects stalled for years and years, this makes me a bit paranoid.  Perhaps this is just a normal work delay...

 

WTF!  :x

Oh boy... Anyone have more detail??? Between this and Schofield we are having a lot of hotel financing issues...

And unfortunately, what we really need is one large one.

hotels are really hard to finance right now.  Unlike office which tenants are on long-term leases and apartments which are annual leases - Hotels are completely reliant on business travel and leisure - both which are heavily affected by the economy.  Bank's now want upwards of 50% equity into the deal - and appraisers are very conservative in their valuation.  You end up with market values less then costs - and hard to find 50% equity for a hotel. 

Can we get confirmation? Why would renovations start without financing in place?

Surf - are you sure you are not mixing up the financing issues with the Schoefield project?  Has anything been made public about the financing falling through?..... or are you just relying on your sources for that info?

Surf - are you sure you are not mixing up the financing issues with the Schoefield project?  Has anything been made public about the financing falling through?..... or are you just relying on your sources for that info?

 

Nothing public. The guy I talked to is extremely confident that the builder, Marous, will complete this project.

I'm pretty certain the developer closed on the Westin financing, at least that's what the papers had reported.  In any event, Westin's website lists the Cleveland property as opening July 1, 2013.  Also, I could be wrong, but I don't think Marous is the developer; it's an investor group comprised of Sage Hospitality and Optima Ventures, who hired Marous as their general contractor.  So when you say Marous has invested so much in the project they aren't going to let it go, I'm not sure what you mean. 

Hi everyone. First I'd like to briefly introduce myself - I've been reading this site for three years now and finally decided to get an account. I'm an urban junkie and will admit I'm completely obsessed with Cleveland. I also work for a large CM firm in town and am active in the construction industry here in CLE.

 

As far as the Westin goes, I know someone heavily involved in this project and he stated that Optima (the developer) stopped the project because they were not comfortable using money from the Cleveland International Fund. I asked him if he thought the project would go under and he said no. Optima has apparently told the banks that they will guarantee the loan, and as stated above, there are other parties who have too much into the project to pull out

Klingaling87, thanks for breaking radio silence! And welcome to the forum in your new, interactive role! As a recovering journalist, I personally appreciate someone in-the-know who is willing to speak up to keep a rumor from taking on a life of its own.

Klingaling87, thanks for breaking radio silence! And welcome to the forum in your new, interactive role! As a recovering journalist, I personally appreciate someone in-the-know who is willing to speak up to keep a rumor from taking on a life of its own.

 

Thanks KJP! I look forward to any insight I can (hopefully) provide, and knowledge I can gain from everyone here.  :-D

Klingaline....I echo KJP comments and again thanks for the inside information.  The primary reason I visit the board (and REAL news has been far and few lately).

 

Now that leaves a very important open question.  Why were the owners uncomfortable with the Cleveland International Fund?  Is it due to their past issue or is it something new?

Klingaline....I echo KJP comments and again thanks for the inside information.  The primary reason I visit the board (and REAL news has been far and few lately).

 

Now that leaves a very important open question.  Why were the owners uncomfortable with the Cleveland International Fund?  Is it due to their past issue or is it something new?

 

Thanks Htsguy. It was my understanding that a lot of it had to do with the indictment of the former head of the Cleveland International Fund.  I wish I was involved in this project and knew more, but this is all I got from the person I spoke with.

hotels are really hard to finance right now.  Unlike office which tenants are on long-term leases and apartments which are annual leases - Hotels are completely reliant on business travel and leisure - both which are heavily affected by the economy.  Bank's now want upwards of 50% equity into the deal - and appraisers are very conservative in their valuation.  You end up with market values less then costs - and hard to find 50% equity for a hotel. 

 

seems like mixed use is the way out of that for the developers, no??

ie., offices/apts/hotel mix?

 

 

 

hotels are really hard to finance right now.  Unlike office which tenants are on long-term leases and apartments which are annual leases - Hotels are completely reliant on business travel and leisure - both which are heavily affected by the economy.  Bank's now want upwards of 50% equity into the deal - and appraisers are very conservative in their valuation.  You end up with market values less then costs - and hard to find 50% equity for a hotel. 

 

I believe business travel is what drives the bottom lines of most hotels, esp in downtown areas.  Cleveland has been devastated by the loss of corporate jobs over the last 30 years due to mergers (Standard Oil, OfficeMax) and outright closures (TRW), among others.  This has negatively impacted Cleveland Hopkins airport as a travel hub which, in turn, has negatively impacted Cleveland as a convention destination which, in turn, of course, has impacted our abilities to both build new, substantial hotels or reduce the vacancies of existing ones... It's a vicious cycle.  Add to that our perceived negative image as a dull, dirty rust belt town that's financially stressed with nothing fun to do (obviously, being knowledgeable about this place, I seriously take issue with that mindset, but I know it's pervasive, unfortunately) -- and the fact that our (almost) home-grown superstar Cav, decides to up and leave in the prime of his career, really had a negative ripple effect on people's perception of the City as either a place to visit (travel & leisure) or a place to live (business relocation, new start-up capital funding, of course, ultimately leading back to business travel/hotel rentals).

 

But the good news is, it appears the image issue is changing.  Our game-changing developments, like the casino (something fun to do, and drawing lots of people to the downtown core) and the medical Mart Convention center (lots of start-up and/or consortium business opportunity related to our leading industry these days: health care), holds the potential to reverse the negative down-cycle.  When NBC's Meet The Press host, David Gregory, states on air that Cleveland, entertainment-wise, is not the city people perceive and is, in fact, experiencing a "renaissance" (Gregory's word), it can have a positive snowball effect. 

 

The end result, of course, is that a positive environment to make the case for new hotel rooms downtown can emerge.  We can only keep our fingers crossed at the very least.

 

Well spoken clvlndr!

Knew the Clarion at 271/Chagrin was being remodeled - but had not realized it is staying one part Clarion and becoming (the first in the area) a Hotel Indigo in the other wing... Interesting split personality hotel...

 

http://beachwood.patch.com/articles/beachwood-hotel-to-revamp-wing-as-business-hotel

 

Strange! And that article also said aloft at the Highlands was approved.

Cleveland International Fund gets nod from regulator; USCIS approves ownership changes

Published: Monday, July 16, 2012, 1:00 PM    Updated: Monday, July 16, 2012, 1:19 PM

 

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland International Fund can resume raising money and funding real estate projects, now that a federal regulator has signed off on changes to the company's ownership and management structure.

 

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which oversees a federal immigrant investor program, has approved a recent restructuring at the fund. The ruling was the final hurdle in a months-long process, initiated after the company's founder was indicted on charges related to the collapse of a federal credit union in Eastlake.

 

 

 

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2012/07/cleveland_international_fund_g.html