I think the Board of Education building would make a sweet boutique hotel...Kimpton's second Cleveland property?

I'm sure MayDay or KJP has some old images, but there was a serious proposal back in the '60s or '70s to turn the board of ed building into luxury hotel, but the board wouldn't sell.

I'm sure MayDay or KJP has some old images, but there was a serious proposal back in the '60s or '70s to turn the board of ed building into luxury hotel, but the board wouldn't sell.

 

I don't have anything but there's probably something at clevelandmemory.org

They should move Board of Education and the County to the Ameritrust building.

They should move Board of Education and the County to the Ameritrust building.

 

Nooooo!!!

Argh, I can't find any of the old renderings of the hotel proposal on line.  Not sure where I saw them once upon a time.  The proposal was made by a big local developer (can't remember who) and it called for a new building along West East 6th and a glass-enclosed courtyard tying it to the existing historic building.

 

EDIT: thanks HTS.

^East 6th

They should move Board of Education and the County to the Ameritrust building.

 

Are you kidding?  This is prime for redevelopment (as has been discussed many times) as living space and a hotel.  I recently had some correspondence with K&D, and they still have plans for it.

 

Overall, I'm pleased with the commission's ideas.  I hope the corporate community will step up with some money.  Whether from naming rights or gifts, any money is good.

Not sure if this is the right thread, but there was an article on cleveland.com in which the CMSD is considering selling its downtown HQs as part of an effort to close its budget gap.  Has anyone ever been inside this building?  What adaptive re-uses would suit it well?

^It's been proposed for conversion into a luxury hotel in the past (decades ago).  Might make even more sense now given the new MM/CC, but I have no idea how amenable the floor plan would be to conversion.

^it was also mentioned as a suggestion in the new group plan

Cleveland school officials consider selling historic downtown headquarters

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland schools' downtown headquarters sits on prime real estate, across from where crews are working on the new medical mart and convention center.

 

The property's potential value is not lost on a school system scratching for cash.

 

Officials are seriously considering selling the historic building on East Sixth Street, though they as yet don't know where employees would move. The six-story, 161,672-square-foot structure is laid out inefficiently and requires extensive repairs, interim Chief Executive Officer Peter Raskind said Monday.

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2011/03/cleveland_school_officials_con.html

If somebody is interested in the Board of Education Building for a hotel, the reasons would be twofold....location location location and the historic and attractive nature of the facade.

 

To turn this 1931 building into a hotel is not going to be cheap...in fact, it would probably be cheaper to start from scratch.

 

Initially, the property itself (as indicated in the article) will not be cheap.  Then you will have to do a total gut job, basically just keeping the shell.  The mechanicals are ancient and the floor plates are not set up for hotel use, let alone the hotel common areas and amenities that will have to incorporated.

 

I love the idea...I just hope somebody does not think they are going to do it on the cheap.

 

Finally...I think I do recall Ferchill's proposal way back when.  If I recall correctly he wanted to added some sort of glass tower wing to the front or the mall side of the building.  I have some vague memory of really hating it and thought it would have destroyed the building and the mall. 

Very interesting article.

 

Cleveland school district could save millions by moving out of its old offices, consultants say

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland school district could save $18 million over the next 10 years by moving from its longtime headquarters to rented offices downtown, say consultants hired by the schools.

 

Renting offices would also be cheaper than renovating space in the closed South or East high schools, representatives of Weston Development Co. said.

 

The school board is considering moving out of its East Sixth Street offices, built 85 years ago, and selling to developers. The district has not yet sought offers for its building, but hired Weston, of Richmond Heights, earlier this year to research places it could relocate.

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2011/10/cleveland_school_district_coul.html

I know this has been discussed but I couldn't find it anywhere, thought It could use its own thread.

 

"Cleveland school district revives plans to sell downtown headquarters

 

Published: Tuesday, April 17, 2012, 5:00 AM    Updated: Tuesday, April 17, 2012, 6:20 AM

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Cleveland school district has revived plans to sell its East Sixth Street headquarters and rent space downtown instead, while relocating other offices to the closed East High School.

The plan presented to the school board by Chief Executive Officer Eric Gordon would save the district nearly $5.2 million over five years in operating costs and $13.3 million over 10 years, district consultant Weston Development Co. has estimated."

 

http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2012/04/cleveland_school_district_revi.html

 

Of note: "In seeking an appraisal, the district used Cleveland-based Hotel & Leisure Advisors to estimate the building's value for a hotel developer. The company estimated the property to be worth $8.5 million and said it could be used for a 225-room upscale hotel with a bar, restaurant and pool that would then be worth $35 million to $40 million."

 

This building has for some reason always reminded me of the Fairmont San Francisco... I think it would make a great hotel!

 

 

 

Indeed.  Or even the Hotel Monaco in DC (another Kimpton Brand)

 

^I thought the pic 2 posts up was a rendering someone on here threw together real quick! LOL.

 

Been in this building a few years ago. Definityely needs work, but would work well as a hotel and wouldn't need additional parking since it has its own underground garage. I don't know if the district will get $8 million for it though, given there are office buildings that sold recently for less than that. THis building may be more sought after though.

^I thought the pic 2 posts up was a rendering someone on here threw together real quick! LOL.

 

Been in this building a few years ago. Definityely needs work, but would work well as a hotel and wouldn't need additional parking since it has its own underground garage. I don't know if the district will get $8 million for it though, given there are office buildings that sold recently for less than that. THis building may be more sought after though.

 

Yeah hard to say, but it is a landmark building with wonderful architecture and I would think (hope) the site and setting would be worth something as well.

St. Regis please.

I'm no expert, but I would think this property, while ideally situated, would be very expensive to turn into a hotel.  I would imagine due to the layout it would have to be completely gutted inside (just one item comes to mind of many....thinking of the plumbing you need for a hotel versus a pre war office building).  Once they start digging I bet they will find tons of hidden issues in an old building that, I would venture, has not been very well maintained over the years.  I hope the Board does not think it is going to make a killing on the sale just because of location.

The article said they were looking to sell it for around $2.5MM, and once it was operational as a hotel, it would be worth $8MM. 

So, there is $5MM right there, and then throw in tax incentives.

There is enough money to get it done.

Wow thats nothing....

Wait, I think I was getting my work numbers mixed up with my urban ohio numbers.

 

"In seeking an appraisal, the district used Cleveland-based Hotel & Leisure Advisors to estimate the building's value for a hotel developer. The company estimated the property to be worth $8.5 million and said it could be used for a 225-room upscale hotel with a bar, restaurant and pool that would then be worth $35 million to $40 million."

 

Sorry!

Wait, I think I was getting my work numbers mixed up with my urban ohio numbers.

 

"In seeking an appraisal, the district used Cleveland-based Hotel & Leisure Advisors to estimate the building's value for a hotel developer. The company estimated the property to be worth $8.5 million and said it could be used for a 225-room upscale hotel with a bar, restaurant and pool that would then be worth $35 million to $40 million."

 

Sorry!

 

A pool?  Most upscale, non resort - non Condo, small boutique properties do not have pools.  Where in the world do you build a pool in a property like that??

^I heard in order to get the project done the city is going to allow swimming in the war memorial fountain. :wink:

Looks like a nice enough place to swim

 

[/img]

 

 

 

 

^Hopefully its heated.  :-D

^Hopefully its heated.  ;D

 

You HUSH!

 

 

Looks like a nice enough place to swim

 

 

You mean get a pedicure!

 

OK, so what hotel brand would be a good fit there?

OK, so what hotel brand would be a good fit there?

 

Hypothetically speaking.

 

• St. Regis (Starwood)
  
• Waldorf=Astoria (Hilton)
  
• Luxury Collection (starwood)
  
• Fairmont
  
• Peninsula
  
• Four Season
  
• JW Marriott (Marriott)
  
• Mandarin Oriental
  
• Swissotel
  
• Conrad (Hilton)
  
• Park Hyatt (Hyatt)
  

These are brands that we need for our market and fit a building with that type of foot print.  The Cleveland market as we can support another at 200 room luxury brand in that location.

 

+ La Quinta Inn

+ Motel 6

+ Knights Inn

+ Super 8

+ Rest Inn

+ Days Inn

+ Rodeway Inn

 

OK, I couldn't resist. Back to topic!! ;)

+ La Quinta Inn

+ Motel 6

+ Knights Inn

+ Super 8

+ Rest Inn

+ Days Inn

+ Rodeway Inn

 

OK, I couldn't resist. Back to topic!! ;)

Tonight on the news they discussed that the school district CEO urged school board members to agree to have the board move out of the building.  Apparently, they are getting offers every WEEK from Hotel chains interested in buying the property.  One in particular has looked and decided it could renovate to hold 200 rooms.  These developers of course want to get in and renovate as close to the opening date of the MM/CC as possible. 

This sounds like an awesome idea and a win-win for the district which needs cash and the area that could use another nice hotel in an historic building.  Hopefully they can make this happen!

I hope that is true that an established high-end hotelier wants to renovate this beautiful building. I've been inside a few times and feel that 200 rooms might be a stretch if they plan to retain the historic interior including high ceilings, hallways and transoms.

 

Now all we need to do is convince CMSD to stop demolishing the other beauties they have in their holding (Audubon, John Marshall. etc...)

Cleveland School Board Considers Selling Administrative HQ

Posted on: 10:54 pm, May 8, 2012, by Kevin Freeman

 

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland School Board considered a resolution Tuesday night to put the district’s administrative headquarters up for sale.

 

The idea is part of a plan to consolidate six buildings used for administrative purposes into one building, possibly leasing space in a downtown building.

 

...The building is across from the new medical mart and new convention center. The consultant said the district should consider moving out soon because the district gets requests from hotel chains every week, asking about buying the property.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://fox8.com/2012/05/08/cleveland-school-board-considers-selling-administrative-hq/

Is the market not flush with, or going to be flush with hotels in the near future? Do they suspect that because of the close proximity to the medical mart and convention center that this would not be an issue? Furthermore, has anyone considered residential here (apartments), or does this make no sense?

Is the market not flush with, or going to be flush with hotels in the near future? Do they suspect that because of the close proximity to the medical mart and convention center that this would not be an issue? Furthermore, has anyone considered residential here (apartments), or does this make no sense?

Hotels make more sense for this building given its proximity to the MM/CC. Also increased hotel space can help in Cleveland's case for a new push for the Democratic national convention next time. (Might be a long shot but I believe we came close losing to Charlotte)

Is the market not flush with, or going to be flush with hotels in the near future? Do they suspect that because of the close proximity to the medical mart and convention center that this would not be an issue? Furthermore, has anyone considered residential here (apartments), or does this make no sense?

Hotels make more sense for this building given its proximity to the MM/CC. Also increased hotel space can help in Cleveland's case for a new push for the Democratic national convention next time. (Might be a long shot but I believe we came close losing to Charlotte)

 

This is exactly what I was thinking.  Also can only help us in the future when going after other big events (NCAA Tournament games, etc.).

Is the market not flush with, or going to be flush with hotels in the near future? Do they suspect that because of the close proximity to the medical mart and convention center that this would not be an issue? Furthermore, has anyone considered residential here (apartments), or does this make no sense?

Hotels make more sense for this building given its proximity to the MM/CC. Also increased hotel space can help in Cleveland's case for a new push for the Democratic national convention next time. (Might be a long shot but I believe we came close losing to Charlotte)

 

This is exactly what I was thinking.  Also can only help us in the future when going after other big events (NCAA Tournament games, etc.).

Exactly it only makes sense to have a hotel here we can leave the Residential for the empty office buildings. Also this location is too close to the casino, MM/CC and other attractions to be anything else

 

I guess the 60 day countdown starts today...

 

 

Cleveland school district headquarters for sale to any charter school with $19 million

Published: Wednesday, June 27, 2012, 6:00 PM

By Patrick O'Donnell, The Plain Dealer The Plain Dealer

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio --Any charter school that wants the Cleveland school district's historic headquarters, speak up now.

 

You get first dibs on it for 60 days -- if you have $19 million to spare.

 

Or if you have $8.5 million and want a legal battle.

 

 

http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2012/06/cleveland_school_district_head.html

Nothing against quality charter schools, but the hotel proposal would be a far more suitable use for this property in conjunction with the newly renovated convention center. With the law being structured the way it is, I'd be concerned about some kind of less reputable operation benefitting from this.

This would be a terrible outcome.

I heard the head of the district speak at the city club a few years ago and he didn't seem to like charter schools... 

I agree that This would be better served as a hotel, but how many downtown residents would warrant a downtown school?  I guess most who live downtown now don't have children, but what if that changed at some point.

 

Probably a school around CSU would be best, maybe.

I heard the head of the district speak at the city club a few years ago and he didn't seem to like charter schools... 

I agree that This would be better served as a hotel, but how many downtown residents would warrant a downtown school?  I guess most who live downtown now don't have children, but what if that changed at some point.

 

Probably a school around CSU would be best, maybe.

 

There are already schools near CSU and affiliated with the University.  There is the Campus International School which opened this past Fall and the successful MC2STEM high school will be moving to a location near campus as well with some classes to be held in CSU space.

Come on guys, no charter school could afford the purchase price (either one) let alone the additional millions it would cost to fix the serious problems that building has to have (and configure it into a workable school building as well).  It is a non issue and a silly article.

 

The bigger question is who does the school board think they are going to get to purchase it and turn it into a hotel even given its prime location.  Again, millions and millions to renovate and look at the problems the developer of the Kimpton on East Ninth has been having to get financing (read the thread...financing just fell through and they have been working on it for years).  Is the $$$ even there for such a project? 

Cleveland is a grand city and the headquarters of its school system (however bad they may at the moment) deserve to be in a fine, historic building. That said, I think CMSD should stay put. What follows next, city hall moving into some warehouse on the city's fringes? I've only heard and seen discussions on what should be done with the building and not whether or not CMSD should abandon its great address. Yes, we need more hotel rooms, but the Bd of Ed bldg is not the solution---we need a 1,000 room convention hotel--and a bunch of others. there's PLENTY of space in the downtown core to build something. we don't have to take the school system down (symbolically) further to find space for a hotel or apartments.

 

CMSD says the building is inefficient in terms of heat, A/C.....so it would be for other users as well. As the plan is to fix it up so it is not inefficient, CMSD could just do that and rather than force itself to move.

 

The construction of an elementary school near Public Square (preferably in the Warehouse District) is a great idea. We need some day care centers too. This way, Downtown could be a real neighborhood and people, as they get older (and making more coin) dont' have to pick up and move just because their first kid turned five.

^This has been discussed ad nauseum. CMSD cannot afford to fix the building. It is cheaper for them to move. It makes more sense for them to be in a rented office downtown instead of owning a headquarters. There's no legitimate reason to do so other than nostalgia. This is a no-brainer. This building gets sold to people who can actually afford to fix it and CMSD saves money by renting AND they take up 70,000 sf of a downtown office market that sorely needs it. This shouldn't even be controversial. It's common sense.

^Why couldn't the BoE just vacate part of the building and then relocate or set up one of its own charter school programs inside of the vacant part? I agree that a quality education option downtown might keep more central city residents more or less in place once they have kids.

It is a non issue and a silly article.

 

It got you (and many others) to read it and comment on it, right? :) Mission accomplished.