I apologize for getting the specific retail store wrong.  It may have been Abercrombie or J. Crew or Coach or whatever.  But my point remains the same: people will come downtown for a unique store but as soon as it's available in the suburbs, they'll stop going downtown for it.  People shop near where they live.  More people need to live downtown for Tower City to thrive as a typical mall.

I apologize for getting the specific retail store wrong.  It may have been Abercrombie or J. Crew or Coach or whatever.  But my point remains the same: people will come downtown for a unique store but as soon as it's available in the suburbs, they'll stop going downtown for it.  People shop near where they live.  More people need to live downtown for Tower City to thrive as a typical mall.

 

exactly!!!!

 

Some how they need to figure out how to residential to the Complex.

 

If you remember the convention center proposal forest City floated7-9 years ago, which included the Redevelopment of the Scranton peninsula with a residential neighborhood. and an included pedestrian bridge from Tower city across the River to the Scranton development.

 

the problem with the optimal solution of residential towers on West Huron is there are too many Class B and C office towers left to be converted to residential first, and the market would not support the costs of new construction. 

 

It would take a public private partner ship to to pull it off.

 

imagine this:

 

next to the phase II Casino Forest CIty and the County could collaborate and seek financing to construct a new county administration building, as a part of Tower City phase III.    This could include 6-10 floors of county offices connected to the retail center, with residential towers on top.

 

 

Show me one outlet mall inside the city, excluding LA, Las Vegas, S. Florida and Orlando.

 

The product is not new and rarely in season, most retailers (Ralph Lauren being a huge example) will store good one season before sending them to their outlets.  The price point for the goods, which are generally out off season and irregular cannot make rent at a typical in city/urban mall.

 

 

Again, I'd like some actual proof since I'm pretty sure Tower City's current low-budget lineup is not exactly paying exorbitant amounts of money in rent. I'd say, for example, a Ralph Lauren or Abercrombie outlet would certainly be able to afford rents that the dollar store in Tower City can.

 

A mid/upper-mid end outlet would do extremely well in Tower City IMO.

Unless someone can dig up some actual numbers- typical lease rates, whatever, you guys are just going in circles.

There's a reason that outlets are located in semi-rural areas and that's of course costs.  If I'm not mistaken, retail lease rates are based on a fixed portion plus a percentage of sales generated above a certain threshhold.  This would mean that an off price retailer would have to generate more volume in a high rent tower city than a high price retailer.  Notwithstanding the stores in the present TC, once better stores aquire space in TC, the present collection will not last long as leases will either be bought-out or increased to make way for new retail.  Once lease rates rise, what might seem to be advantageous to an outlet type setting will quicky give way to a more traditional retail environment.  Now, if the casino were built in Brunswick or some other hinterland then outlets would probably work.  Kinda like I-Drive in Orlando

Hopefully someone can post a story soon announcing a couple of top retailers coming to Tower City instead of arguing about rental rates

Hopefully someone can post a story soon announcing a couple of top retailers coming to Tower City instead of arguing about rental rates

 

That would be nice, especially since this is a projects/development thread.

Not that this is a high end retailer but it is a national retailer that no mall in the Cleveland area has..... I was speaking with someone with connections with Foot Locker and he was telling me that the Foot Locker branch store House of Hoops will be opening a store in Tower City the opening day is supposed to be in March along with the casino grand opening but since the garage collapsed they may hold off the opening until the fall. It's not Gucci or Versace but it's a step in the right direction and is a national chain that is unique to this area (Only store in Ohio is in Columbus) Good News In My Opinion  8-)

Interesting!  When I first read that I wasn't too sure... but I looked it up and sounds like something thats definitely in demand.  Just the little info I looked up was full of comments of people asking for a store in their area.  There are very few in the US.  SO this means it would be a draw.  It's not a top designer but it's definitely not low end.  A step in the right direction for sure!

 

And I don't think the garage delay is going to affect the casino.  They're opening regardless. 

Interesting!  When I first read that I wasn't too sure... but I looked it up and sounds like something thats definitely in demand.  Just the little info I looked up was full of comments of people asking for a store in their area.  There are very few in the US.  SO this means it would be a draw.  It's not a top designer but it's definitely not low end.  A step in the right direction for sure!

 

And I don't think the garage delay is going to affect the casino.  They're opening regardless.

 

Yes so this satisfies what people on this forum has been talking about as far as a unique store in this area so maybe Forest City does know what they are doing.....I also believe I know where the store would go....(It's an empty store which I think used to be the WB store and it sits right next to Foot Locker it makes sense since foot locker owns it) also it's a large store one of the largest in the mall (That may be the store one of the posters was talking about when he said a store inquired about Tower City Financial Reports)

^ When you say "WB" are you referring to Walden Books?

 

And JBorger...you're spot on.... people do tend to shop where they live...  pretty simply concept....and when suburbs go out and get the same things downtown gets without enough residency downtown ...then the recipe is that you do not attract the suburban shoppers or volume needed to sustain a store. So, why not focus on creating more downtown residency so that needed businesses/stores will increase. meanwhile, it is important for those in and near downtown to support what is already here... from A to Z.. instead of Home Depot for example..try Sutton's on Prospect...if you are not going to build a whole house, there is no need to go into a 15 acre warehouse  to buy a light bulb! There are many other examples to cite too, but that is the idea. The quality, service, convenience, and knowledge of product is almost always a cut above the box/parking lot scene.

^ Warner brothers store in the basement level. It was in the corner to the left as you came off the down escalators.

^ Ok, so I have not been in T.C for a month...is the book store still there? Al;ways nice to have a book store convenient.

^ Ok, so I have not been in T.C for a month...is the book store still there? Al;ways nice to have a book store convenient.

 

No the Book Store was Borders and since they went out of business the bookstore closed...the closet bookstore is University Bookstore down Euclid by CSU

 

EDIT: For people who aren't really familiar with House of Hoops it's a store that sells things along the lines of things sold at Foot Locker but the shoes they carry are not carried at the Foot Locker Store and Branch stores (Champs,  Footaction, Lady/Kids Footlocker) so they carry more "exclusive" styled shoes and athletic products....Not a high end retailer but not at the bottom either basically would be what Tower City needs because its only Ohio store is in Columbus as mentioned earlier

Eh, the one thing that there is already no shortage of at TC is basketball gear.

Dress shoes too? I like to think that TC will offer more than high tops on steroids. Some of us actually like to wear more than ripped jeans, ball caps and glorified sneakers. It sounds like, from the description, that this is nothing more than a glamorized Footlocker. Just my interpretation though...from reading about it so far.

 

 

 

 

Shop Indie!

Eh, the one thing that there is already no shortage of at TC is basketball gear.

 

I think it is just basketball gear but my point o fbeing ok with this is that a national retailer is interested in coming to Tower City for one which is a step in the right direction.....No one in the Cleveland area has this store which to me seems like Forest City understands this concept of attracting stores of a different name...and finally if this national retailer is coming what makes you think others aren't about to follow suit especially if house of hoops succeeds this is just the beginning of the re-build I can think of off the top of my head 3 large spaces that sit empty which would entice large national retailers to come you have to start small then build your way up sometimes (Mid level retailers to High End) this creates a diverse crowd we just have to look at the Bright Spot in this at least it's not another dollar store or mom and pop store

Nuts, and I was gunning for a checks cashed store.

I would like to think of others following the path....but I am skeptical. I don't think other, non-sports related-high enders will use fancy high tops as a reason to come running. Sorry, don't want to sound like the poo pooer, but IMO, this is another retail disappointment. It is just a fancy decorated Footlocker...  Uh oh... more plastic tip cigar butt litter on its way, as this is a lot of the clientele associated with the fancy sport footwear.  :roll:

Nuts, and I was gunning for a checks cashed store.

 

I'm guessing you don't care for this store either

I've never heard of it actually.

I've never heard of it actually.

Basically a Foot Locker Branch Store that sells Exclusive shoes and athletic items that you won't find in other shoe stores...Not on a Gucci level but its not low end and is a national company (Have to start small and build up you can't just throw Gucci in there and expect people to come there has to be a good mix of national companies from mid to high to have a good variety of people to come in)

I just wrapped up a reading a great book on the history of Terminal Tower:  “Cleveland’s Towering Treasure.”  The book provided a great perspective on the development of Cleveland’s rapid transit system, downtown Cleveland and the unique role that the Terminal Tower and Tower City has in the city of Cleveland.

 

The Van Sweringens effectively pioneered the concept of the “mixed use” and “transit-oriented” development and provided a development framework comparable to the Rockefeller Center in New York.  Cleveland may be the only in North America where (a) the “primary” train station is in the center of its downtown, (b) the station has a direct rail link to the airport, and © the station is connected to office, retail, entertainment, and 2 hotels (and later this Spring, a casino).  In addition, there are a number of development sites that have yet to be developed.  Tower City has enormous potential that has yet to be realized, which is probably the biggest testimony to the vision and foresight of the original plan. 

 

Does anyone have any information on the following? 

 

•  Railroad Track “Right of Way”

 

The entire area fronting the Cuyahoga was filled with tracks for long distance rail connections, regional commuter rail, and local rapid transit.  Most if not all of the tracks bordering the river were removed in the 1980-1990’s.  Various plans have been discussed over the years to rejuvenate rail in Ohio and have been stalled by both political and economic factors.    The most likely plans to eventually succeed relate to the development of a downtown station for the Cuyahoga Scenic Railroad (e.g., at Tower City or the nearby abandoned Baltimore & Ohio Station) and the “West Shore” commuter rail.  Regional rail links to the emerging “Techbelt” (i.e., Cleveland-Youngstown-Pittsburgh, CYP)  and CCC (Cleveland-Columbus-Cincinnati) would also be great, but that is a topic for another post.  Does anyone know if the railroad “right of ways” and/or “easements” remain in place to “restore” track for “transit related" purposes?  Are future development plans (e.g., Phase II of the casino development) required to “maintain” access for these “right of ways/easements” as part of their development plans?   

 

•  Build out of remaining development sites 

 

Two of the most interesting photos in the book related to plans in the 1990’s for an addition to the Renaissance Hotel at the triangular site at the corner of Superior and Huron and another plan for an office building at Huron and Ontario.  Both of these development sites would seem to have significantly more transformational potential than other sites downtown that were developed over the past 30 years.  What are the primary reasons these sites are still undeveloped after all of these years? 

 

•  Future “Transit oriented” potential

 

Cleveland has more potential for “transit-oriented” (TOD) development than any other city in the United States.  Numerous sites could be developed downtown (e.g., Tower City, Settlers Landing, Flats East Bank), on the West Side (e.g., West 25th, West 65th, West Blvd, West 117th, West Park, etc.,), and the East Side (e.g., Shaker Square, Buckeye, Little Italy, etc., ).  A number of these areas have developments currently underway (e.g., West 25th-West Side Market area and Little Italy ) which could be further leveraged to transform entire neighborhoods.  TOD could be one of the few “win-win” opportunities for both downtown and local neighborhoods.  Why hasn’t Cleveland’s business, developers, and political leadership supported more of this type of development?  What types of incentives can be put in place to encourage the private sector to invest in more TOD? 

 

 

 

I just wrapped up a reading a great book on the history of Terminal Tower:  “Cleveland’s Towering Treasure.”  The book provided a great perspective on the development of Cleveland’s rapid transit system, downtown Cleveland and the unique role that the Terminal Tower and Tower City has in the city of Cleveland.

 

I agree. That is a good book. If you like that book, you may LOVE this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Giants-Clevelands-Sweringen-Brothers/dp/0253341639

 

The Van Sweringens effectively pioneered the concept of the “mixed use” and “transit-oriented” development and provided a development framework comparable to the Rockefeller Center in New York. 

 

Well, I would say that that provided a modern version of it in Shaker Square, but nearly all urban developments built between the the era of pedestrian/horse carriage city (up to the 1880s) and after the auto-dominant era (after 1930) was transit oriented development. The reason is that streetcar companies and electric interurbans were part of syndicates that included electric utilities and real estate. Most streetcar lines were built into rural areas as "promotional lines" to make them accessible and promote them as real estate opportunities. THEN the development followed.

 

But what the Vans helped to take to a new level was the concept of "air rights" were they could sell the space above a railroad right of way in an urban setting. The tracks north of Grand Central Terminal in New York followed the air rights concept, but not as part of a structures connected to and promoted by their proximity to a railroad station. In turn, those properties helped to fund the operating costs of the railroad station, which were often loss-leaders. Today that's an intrinsic concept as part of the Tax Credit Financing. But back then it was purely private-sector, and the Vans perfected it.

 

Cleveland may be the only in North America where (a) the “primary” train station is in the center of its downtown, (b) the station has a direct rail link to the airport, and © the station is connected to office, retail, entertainment, and 2 hotels

 

You are correct, and not too many people appreciate that. I think the only city that comes close is Seattle's King Street station which now has a rail link to SEA-TAC Airport. San Francisco will have that soon with TransBay Terminal, which is the largest railroad station facility to be built in North America since the Cleveland Union Terminal complex 82 years ago. That term "largest" is measured by the cost of both facilities. CUT cost $179 million in 1930 ($1.2 billion today) while TransBay Terminal is projected to cost $4.2 billion.

 

 

 

•  Railroad Track “Right of Way”

 

The entire area fronting the Cuyahoga was filled with tracks for long distance rail connections, regional commuter rail, and local rapid transit.  Most if not all of the tracks bordering the river were removed in the 1980-1990’s.  Various plans have been discussed over the years to rejuvenate rail in Ohio and have been stalled by both political and economic factors.    The most likely plans to eventually succeed relate to the development of a downtown station for the Cuyahoga Scenic Railroad (e.g., at Tower City or the nearby abandoned Baltimore & Ohio Station) and the “West Shore” commuter rail.  Regional rail links to the emerging “Techbelt” (i.e., Cleveland-Youngstown-Pittsburgh, CYP)  and CCC (Cleveland-Columbus-Cincinnati) would also be great, but that is a topic for another post.  Does anyone know if the railroad “right of ways” and/or “easements” remain in place to “restore” track for “transit related" purposes?  Are future development plans (e.g., Phase II of the casino development) required to “maintain” access for these “right of ways/easements” as part of their development plans (e.g., Phase II of Casino)?   

 

The former Cleveland Union Terminal Railroad Co. right of way, which was a dedicated, passenger-only private property, ran from Linndale to Collinwood, but long sections of it were next to the main, Class 1 railroads that also ran freight trains. Those railroads later acquired the CUT RR Co. rights of way except for the portion where the only other rail line parallel and adjacent to it was the Rapid transit tracks. In that section, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority owns that right of way, which starts in the vicinity of West 25th and Columbus Road in Ohio City and goes east (by the railroad timetable) through the Terminal Tower complex to just below the bluff where the main post office is today. However, that did not include the old CUT coach yards along and between Huron Road and Canal Road. That was acquired by Forest City Enterprises when they bought the old railroad terminal from CUT RR Co. I don't remember who sold the land for the Stokes federal courthouse tower -- it may have been FCE and not GCRTA. The construction of that tower is a major hindrance to the restoration of railroad passenger service to Cleveland Union Terminal/Tower City, but it's possible if someone is willing to spend the dough (see the Cleveland Union Terminal thread in the transportation/railroad section of this forum, as I think I posted some ideas there). Of course, anything is possible if you have enough money! See:

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,11674.msg532466.html#msg532466

 

As for the casino's phase II property easements/access rights for rail, I've not heard anything. I would be very surprised if they took any future rail into consideration since they have not acknowledged the existing rapid transit access that's already there. Gilbert's development team is mostly suburban shopping mall developers. Parking is all they think about -- for more information, check out the casino thread.

[As for the casino's phase II property easements/access rights for rail, I've not heard anything. I would be very surprised if they took any future rail into consideration since they have not acknowledged the existing rapid transit access that's already there. Gilbert's development team is mostly suburban shopping mall developers. Parking is all they think about -- for more information, check out the casino thread.

 

That's a terrible shame, and ironic.  Gilbert led a group of Detroit businessmen to underwrite a short section of the (now defunct) larger light rail link up Woodward Ave in Motown, and yet thumbs his nose at a more substantial, existing one in Cleveland (including the all-important airport link)... While I greatly admire Gilbert for all the growth he's spurring in downtown Cleveland as well as his strong, positive leadership of the Cavs, he should not have abolute power to destroy the access and passenger rail potential of our former/logical central rail station.  While his leadership/particpation in the Detroit LRT project is admirable, it's obvious Gilbert still has a Detroit mentality when it comes to mass transit.

^What evidence do you have that Gilbert is "thumbing his nose" at the role rail might play in the future. Just because it's not on the front page of the peedee doesn't mean that it is not being discussed. Besides I am just guessing that Gilbert has a lot on his plate right now. I would think that the rail discussion would probably be more a part of Phase II planning, considering it could be included right at ground level of the possible parking deck. I hope that city leaders and especially RTA can be at the forefront of  keeping the discussion about rail alive with the Casino developers.

  Build out of remaining development sites 

 

Two of the most interesting photos in the book related to plans in the 1990s for an addition to the Renaissance Hotel at the triangular site at the corner of Superior and Huron and another plan for an office building at Huron and Ontario.  Both of these development sites would seem to have significantly more transformational potential than other sites downtown that were developed over the past 30 years.  What are the primary reasons these sites are still undeveloped after all of these years? 

 

  Future Transit oriented potential

 

Cleveland has more potential for transit-oriented (TOD) development than any other city in the United States.  Numerous sites could be developed downtown (e.g., Tower City, Settlers Landing, Flats East Bank), on the West Side (e.g., West 25th, West 65th, West Blvd, West 117th, West Park, etc.,), and the East Side (e.g., Shaker Square, Buckeye, Little Italy, etc., ).  A number of these areas have developments currently underway (e.g., West 25th-West Side Market area and Little Italy ) which could be further leveraged to transform entire neighborhoods.  TOD could be one of the few win-win opportunities for both downtown and local neighborhoods.  Why hasnt Clevelands business, developers, and political leadership supported more of this type of development?  What types of incentives can be put in place to encourage the private sector to invest in more TOD? 

 

Success stories.  They can be TOD, or also DOT. 

KJP:  Thanks for your insight and perspective on Tower City and the referral for further information!!!

Very interesting upcoming event:

 

City Centers, Casinos and Retail-A Panel Discussion

 

International Council of Shopping Centers in partnership with Downtown Cleveland Alliance presents the Ohio Alliance program, City Centers, Casinos and Retail, a panel discussion on Thursday, February 16th at 11:30am at Tower City Center.  The new casino developments have been generating lots of interest over the last few months.

 

Join ICSC and Downtown Cleveland Alliance for a panel discussion to discuss the downtown Cleveland casino project and its impact on retail opportunities. The panelist of experts includes: Duane Bishop, Executive Vice President, Forest City Commercial Group; Nathan Forbes, Managing Partner, The Forbes Company; Joseph A. Marinucci, President &CEO, Downtown Cleveland Alliance and Chris Warren, Chief of Regional Development, City of Cleveland.

 

The Alliance program is a special ICSC initiative that provides forums for the public and private sectors to network, share ideas, discuss industry issues and explore retail development opportunities. For more information about this event or to purchase tickets visit www.icsc.org

 

http://downtowncleveland.com/profile/Event/City-Centers-Casinos-and-Retail-A-Panel-Discussion

 

When KJP mentioned "air rights" I immediately thought of this...

 

Nice! But wrong building. That would be the Huntington Building at East 9th and Superior. It was built with an airship station (designed like a train station with the arched roof and all) on the roof. When the building was built, airships were seen as the travel of the future. Go visit Sammy's (located in the airship station) for lunch and you'll see what I mean. Definitely one of the coolest spaces in Cleveland!

 

OK, back to Terminal Tower -- which I'm surprised wasn't designed with provisions to dock airships since the Empire State Building was.

 

 

OK, back to Termina Tower -- which I'm surprised wasn't designed with provisions to dock airships since the Empire State Building was.

 

Or was it, at some point?  There's a lounge area on the 43rd floor, and all the floors between there and the 52nd (a closet sized radio booth, IIRC) are pretty much empty.

 

As for the Huntington Building, is there any other city where one building has a name, and another much larger building has said name prominently featured?

No longer the case here.  They just finished 'unnaming' the old Huntington building.

There have been a lot of rumors posted here about new stores coming, like "House of Hoops", and others had heard that certain stores had expressed interest in coming back to TC.  Also there were plans to remodel the entrance to Tower City posted a while back.  Anyone know any legit information about these stores being announced, or when the remodel will begin?

The sidwalk work should be taking place any time now - spring..

The sidwalk work should be taking place any time now - spring..

 

what will they be doing with the sidewalk?

There have been a lot of rumors posted here about new stores coming, like "House of Hoops", and others had heard that certain stores had expressed interest in coming back to TC.  Also there were plans to remodel the entrance to Tower City posted a while back.  Anyone know any legit information about these stores being announced, or when the remodel will begin?

 

Well the company I work for (Genesco) which owns Lids, Johnson & Murphy, Hatworld, Underground Station, and Journey's sotre will be converting the underground station into a Journey's store, which sells a different type of shoe instead of tennis shoes etc. (It's a start)

I wonder if TCs hours of operation will be affected (extended) with the opening of the casino. At least to the standard 9pm in Ohio.

^I wonder what, if any, impact the current configuration of the casino will have on Tower City cinemas and, more importantly, what the future configuration will. Because, if you are not aware, the Cleveland International Film Festival starts March 22.

 

http://www.clevelandfilm.org/

 

 

I wonder if TCs hours of operation will be affected (extended) with the opening of the casino. At least to the standard 9pm in Ohio.

 

the malls original hours were 10a-9PM mon-sat and 11-6 on sunday.  I'm sure things will change in the future.  Especially during phase 2

Talked to a security guard down at Tower City and she said she was informed along with her colleagues that there will be a Charlotte Rousse coming to downtown in the store next to Champs Sports (you can tell when walking by it that the space is being renovated), and the City Room right by the Next store is being renovated currently, also the large space that the store Manhattan occupies will be gone in place of something else. Even though the latter two spaces weren't revealed as to what will be in them she said management told them that it will be a major retailer in both spaces. Well now So Far them confirmed stores are Journey's, Charlotte Rousse, House of Hoops, and there is a feeling that the company I work for (Lids) will be moving into a storefront instead of a kiosk as well as the T-Mobile across from us. Oh also when I was walking by the Dunkin Donuts there was a sign that shot "Hot Shots Photography Coming Soon" In the space that previously held a photography business. So that's my update, it's not much but it's definitely progress. Side Note: That is a legit source because security is supposed to be informed of changes to the mall ahead of time so they can prepare for it.

Interesting that Charlotte Rousse may be coming back. As recently as 2008 or 2009 they had a store there.

Strange a Charlotte Rousse was one of the last quality womens stores to leave more recently I believe.  It was a nice space on that corner where the hallway goes to MKFerguson etc.   

Currently there is a makeshift clothing store with one of a homemade looking sign.  I was forced to buy a belt there over xmas. 

Strange a Charlotte Rousse was one of the last quality womens stores to leave more recently I believe.  It was a nice space on that corner where the hallway goes to MKFerguson etc.   

Currently there is a makeshift clothing store with one of a homemade looking sign.  I was forced to buy a belt there over xmas.

I believe the store your talking about is the store called manhattan I had to buy a quick shirt from there...they are on the second floor and one of the stores that are slated to leave and Charlotte Rousse may want to come back because they see the momentum building up downtown and want to capitalize on it.

So it sounds like Charlotte Rousse would be taking back there old space then?  That would be nice in creating a positive vibe/feeling of momentum.  I know before they finally closed in that spot, it was as they looked out of place since all the other original stores were gone. 

The PD conducted an interview with the CEO of Forest City David LaRue and discussed the future of Forest City as a company and in the city as well as the future of Tower City Center. If you click the link the scroll down the reporter is replying to a comment and says that national restaurants are interested in Tower City but that Forest City will wait to see how well the casino works out. I also found an interesting comment about selling Tower City to Rock Ohio Caesars saying "If Rock Ohio Caesars comes along and says, This is worth X to me, and it's because I'm going to have a billion dollars of investment, and I want this retail to look different than what your vision is, we could clearly have a discussion about that. I would not tell you that I wouldn't talk to them about their interest. It would be looked at." He also delved into how the second phase would interact and become attached to Tower City and if it will be built by stating "There's going to be a physical entrance at our existing food court, and then probably somewhere else along that Gateway connector. The parking underneath is going to be connected to our parking. The facility is going to be built up to Huron Road, so it's going to create a whole new landscape. Across from the Hard Rock, you're going to now have activity instead of air.

 

I believe what Rock Gaming says, because as you look back at what their principals, mainly Dan Gilbert, have said, since he's made a commitment to Cleveland, he's done what he's said he's going to do. I don't think they came to Cleveland to build a first phase and stop.

I find this to be an interesting article about the future of Tower City Center and the Casino Phase II

 

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2012/03/forest_city_ceo_david_larue_ov.html

Very nice interview. I was very pleased at the frankness of his answers and how it answered every question very directly. Let us pray that Cleveland never loses its hub.

I don't think MTS is going to agree with his take on the early history of Tower City and efforts made by Forest City.

I don't think MTS is going to agree with his take on the early history of Tower City and efforts made by Forest City.

Heck, I don't even agree with their efforts...I believe that if there were really national restaurants interested in coming to Tower City they should have done it by now because that grand opening will be a major draw downtown and they should have as much national and mid to upscale shopping/eateries in place to give the casino goers and even the regular city residents a reason to come down to the Avenue to shop. I always thought that the first impression is the most important thing because that gives people a taste or idea of what they think of you or your place of business etc. and if they want to come back. So Forest City's efforts are really lackluster BUT it was good to read what the plans were for phase II as far as connecting it to Tower City