The old Randall Mall site?  Maybe it would help that decrepit area as opposed to bulldozing more green space. 

The old Bridgeview Crossing site off of Transportation Blvd, north of I-480?  The retail site crashed during the recession but right off highway and visible.  Not sure who controls that site.

Hasn't IKEA been looking for 20 years now in greater Cleveland? There's so much vacant space in the area. Had they truly wanted to been in Cleveland they would have made something work by now.

 

With cbus opening in 2017 I'd wager than the odds of Cleveland getting an IKEA is low sadly.

 

 

Euclid Square Mall (Church Square Mall now).  close to I-271, 90, and Route 2.  Two freeway exits (E. 260th and Babbit Rd).  A little over a mile from the lake.  Very visible from the freeway heading both east and west.

Hasn't IKEA been looking for 20 years now in greater Cleveland? There's so much vacant space in the area. Had they truly wanted to been in Cleveland they would have made something work by now.

 

With cbus opening in 2017 I'd wager than the odds of Cleveland getting an IKEA is low sadly.

 

 

 

But few are large, clean-n-green sites within sight from interstate highways, next to highway interchanges.

Hasn't IKEA been looking for 20 years now in greater Cleveland? There's so much vacant space in the area. Had they truly wanted to been in Cleveland they would have made something work by now.

 

With cbus opening in 2017 I'd wager than the odds of Cleveland getting an IKEA is low sadly.

 

 

 

But few are large, clean-n-green sites within sight from interstate highways, next to highway interchanges.

 

I certainly feel we will get an IKEA... 2x the size of markets like Columbus and Indy amd SLC and Jacksonville etc which are getting them stores or have them. Stores 2-3 hrs away are not competition.

 

And when I think of relatively central to CLE/Akron/Canton (and/or other major retail) green tracts of land, SE corner of Chagrin/Harvard (size restrictions for retailers aside) is tops,  Rt 8/I80 by new Arhaus and Seasons Road exit on route 8 in Hudson area (previously rumored for IKEA).

 

I also agree NW corner of 480/Transportation would have crazy visibility on that hill... but that could be some problem land.

 

Sure, Avon or Medina might have room, but further from the masses.

The old Bridgeview Crossing site off of Transportation Blvd, north of I-480?  The retail site crashed during the recession but right off highway and visible.  Not sure who controls that site.

 

I've mentioned this site several times now. I think would be perfect.

I would love to see that site off of Transportation redeveloped for it. Or the Outlet mall that was proposed a couple years ago. It has everything going for it, and would be a great boost for Garfield Hts, which could surely use a nice shot in the arm. Does anyone know just how big it is though? Is it big enough for Ikea's needs?

I thought that development at Cityview was stopped by the EPA because of methane from the landfill underneath?

I thought that development at Cityview was stopped by the EPA because of methane from the landfill underneath?

 

Bridgeview is on the north side of 480, Cityview is south.

A map of the site, my recollection is that the acreage is enough for Ikea:

 

http://www.garfieldhts.org/userfiles/file/economicdevelopment/OutletsOfCleveland.pdf

 

I have no idea what's going on with the Outlet Malls. Probably never going to happen, but whoever owns it should do something to ensure that this prime piece of realty can be developed. And the extension of Transportation Boulevard to Rockside Road would need to be part of the plan.

It's 90 acres and still listed by the developer as an active project.

http://www.craigrealtygroup.com/outlet-center/cleveland-1021

 

Also from Crains 5/14

http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20140511/SUB1/305119981/outlet-mall-inches-forward

Just throw in Ikea as an anchor and a couple parking garages and we'll be looking pretty good!

Quick question - what happened to all the box anchors on the other side of the interstate? That whole center is dead, but it looks relatively new. Where did they all go?

 

I was curious and looked up the site (btw, looks like a good one for Ikea). I'm hoping they do it, but IMO just from the map the Randall Park site makes more sense

IF they could get zoning and land to put a big IKEA sign at the intersection of 480 and 271.

 

Interstate access would be good, and they would be within spitting distance of Pinecrest and all the higher end stuff in Gates Mills/Beechwood/etc.

Also would have a lot of Solon within the 5-10 mile radius, which should drive up the median incomes in the area.

 

Or they could buy out the self storage facility and low-rent apartment complex at the SW corner of the 480/271 interchange and build there.

IMO if they want visibility this seems like an easy way to get it.

Quick question - what happened to all the box anchors on the other side of the interstate? That whole center is dead, but it looks relatively new. Where did they all go?

 

 

Go over there, light a match and you'll get your answer.

 

(FYI I mentioned the reason why above)

Ah. I see. Methane. Why hasnt the center been imploded yet?

Ah. I see. Methane. Why hasnt the center been imploded yet?

 

It's probably pretty hard to book a wrecking ball these days.  :roll:

Quick question - what happened to all the box anchors on the other side of the interstate? That whole center is dead, but it looks relatively new. Where did they all go?

 

 

Go over there, light a match and you'll get your answer.

 

(FYI I mentioned the reason why above)

 

Looks dead unless you pull in.  Giant Eagle is still open as are a few others, IIRC.

 

You want "dead", go to Rockside and Northfield.  Ironically, the latter location's Walmart replaced Cityview's.

Quick question - what happened to all the box anchors on the other side of the interstate? That whole center is dead, but it looks relatively new. Where did they all go?

 

 

Go over there, light a match and you'll get your answer.

 

(FYI I mentioned the reason why above)

 

Looks dead unless you pull in.  Giant Eagle is still open as are a few others, IIRC.

 

You want "dead", go to Rockside and Northfield.  Ironically, the latter location's Walmart replaced Cityview's.

 

The strip next to the freeway with Chipotle and Starbucks is full other than what use to be a Chili's (I think). Other than that Giant Eagle and First Merit Bank are the only things open in the actual City View Center. Who knows how long first Merit will be open there too with the merger with Huntington since there is a current Huntington branch in Giant Eagle.

 

Meadowbrook at Rockside and Northfield has got to be the saddest shopping center in Cleveland. If it wasn't so far from the highway for Ikea's need for visibility, I'd say it would be a good site. Otherwise that whole (huge!) area needs bulldozed. Would probably be much better off redeveloped as housing.

A stray comment about IKEA on CLE.com caught my attention. A poster said IKEA was looking at an empty piece of land just east of Lowe's in Bedford Heights (technically, I believe) - which is just east of 271 on Miles Road and immediately South of 422 (where continues East from 480). This is essentially on the SE side of the larger interchange where Randall Park is on the NW side.

 

I took note because this is not a spot an average Joe would just pick out of the blue - the person would almost have to know something - and yet it is maybe 1/4 mile off highway, quite visible from the road (especially 271, which is almost on top of the aforementioned Lowe's) - and central to an interchange that brings traffic from 4 directions. Pretty much exactly what IKEA is looking for, save for an open field somewhere. Interesting.

 

CarMax and Tim Lally Chevrolet recently built large complexes just across the street.. so the area is getting noticed. Sure, it's likely just a runor, but it makes sense - and if Bedford could score this, well.....

That is such a weird spot to get to amongst that jumble of highway ramps etc. 

 

I go to that Lowe's quit a bit and even though there is good highway visibility, wondered when they decided to build CarMax about the weird access issues and figured likely only the locals would know how to get to these places easily. 

A stray comment about IKEA on CLE.com caught my attention. A poster said IKEA was looking at an empty piece of land just east of Lowe's in Bedford Heights (technically, I believe) - which is just east of 271 on Miles Road and immediately South of 422 (where continues East from 480). This is essentially on the SE side of the larger interchange where Randall Park is on the NW side.

 

I took note because this is not a spot an average Joe would just pick out of the blue - the person would almost have to know something - and yet it is maybe 1/4 mile off highway, quite visible from the road (especially 271, which is almost on top of the aforementioned Lowe's) - and central to an interchange that brings traffic from 4 directions. Pretty much exactly what IKEA is looking for, save for an open field somewhere. Interesting.

 

CarMax and Tim Lally Chevrolet recently built large complexes just across the street.. so the area is getting noticed. Sure, it's likely just a runor, but it makes sense - and if Bedford could score this, well.....

 

That's Bedford Heights, and north of Miles is Warrensville Heights.

A stray comment about IKEA on CLE.com caught my attention. A poster said IKEA was looking at an empty piece of land just east of Lowe's in Bedford Heights (technically, I believe) - which is just east of 271 on Miles Road and immediately South of 422 (where continues East from 480). This is essentially on the SE side of the larger interchange where Randall Park is on the NW side.

 

I took note because this is not a spot an average Joe would just pick out of the blue - the person would almost have to know something - and yet it is maybe 1/4 mile off highway, quite visible from the road (especially 271, which is almost on top of the aforementioned Lowe's) - and central to an interchange that brings traffic from 4 directions. Pretty much exactly what IKEA is looking for, save for an open field somewhere. Interesting.

 

CarMax and Tim Lally Chevrolet recently built large complexes just across the street.. so the area is getting noticed. Sure, it's likely just a runor, but it makes sense - and if Bedford could score this, well.....

 

A very good location. I see the spot the poster is referring to. The site is twice the size of the neighboring Lowe's. It's just opposite of the end of the ramp from 271 NB. The access road into an IKEA could be the south road of a four-way intersection with east-west Miles Road, and the I-271 ramp being the road coming in from the north.

 

In this era of GPS navigation, finding an IKEA located here shouldn't be a problem for those unfamiliar with the area.

A stray comment about IKEA on CLE.com caught my attention. A poster said IKEA was looking at an empty piece of land just east of Lowe's in Bedford Heights (technically, I believe) - which is just east of 271 on Miles Road and immediately South of 422 (where continues East from 480). This is essentially on the SE side of the larger interchange where Randall Park is on the NW side.

 

I took note because this is not a spot an average Joe would just pick out of the blue - the person would almost have to know something - and yet it is maybe 1/4 mile off highway, quite visible from the road (especially 271, which is almost on top of the aforementioned Lowe's) - and central to an interchange that brings traffic from 4 directions. Pretty much exactly what IKEA is looking for, save for an open field somewhere. Interesting.

 

CarMax and Tim Lally Chevrolet recently built large complexes just across the street.. so the area is getting noticed. Sure, it's likely just a runor, but it makes sense - and if Bedford could score this, well.....

 

A very good location. I see the spot the poster is referring to. The site is twice the size of the neighboring Lowe's. It's just opposite of the end of the ramp from 271 NB. The access road into an IKEA could be the south road of a four-way intersection with east-west Miles Road, and the I-271 ramp being the road coming in from the north.

 

In this era of GPS navigation, finding an IKEA located here shouldn't be a problem for those unfamiliar with the area.

 

For what it's worth that is the old Mr. Coffee plant location.

For what it's worth that is the old Mr. Coffee plant location.

 

Mobsters!! ;)

For what it's worth that is the old Mr. Coffee plant location.

 

Mobsters!! ;)

 

Are you saying CERCLA isn't the main reason they shouldn't dig there?  :)

I'll take the 5th. Mr. Coffee had some interesting characters "working" there.

Crains morning update has article link that notes IKEA has been contacted by numerous CLE-area cities in wake of the no-go Brooklyn news:

 

http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/2016/02/23/ikea-rep-county-a-bit-too-far-west-for-ne-ohio-store/

^good to see that IKEA wants to be central and not pushing sprawl.

 

There's a big piece of land north of steelyard, great visibility from I-71. See SW corner of Steelyard and Quigley. That's a great spot. maybe relocate the stand-alone bldgs for Key Bank and Steak-n-Shake if need be.

I'll take the 5th. Mr. Coffee had some interesting characters "working" there.

Keep in mind DiMaggio was their spokesman.

I did some rough measuring. The Steelyard site is the same size as the Brooklyn site--so it would fit. Plus highway access AND highway exposure.  :yap:

^good to see that IKEA wants to be central and not pushing sprawl.

 

There's a big piece of land north of steelyard, great visibility from I-71. See SW corner of Steelyard and Quigley. That's a great spot. maybe relocate the stand-alone bldgs for Key Bank and Steak-n-Shake if need be.

 

That's not "central" either, in the metropolitan area.  Especially if Akron-Canton is factored in.

 

Bridgeview and the old Mr. Coffee site are moreso.

I wouldnt say it's that visible from the highways either, especially when compared to Bridgeview. The shopping center level is quite a bit lower than the freeway levels.

It's quite central when you consider transportation routes. It's right off 71/176 and within a mile or two of 90/490, 77, and 480.

It's quite central when you consider transportation routes. It's right off 71/176 and within a mile or two of 90/490, 77, and 480.

 

But not physically central, which is what they mean.  Especially when they factor in the Akron MSA.

Quick question - what happened to all the box anchors on the other side of the interstate? That whole center is dead, but it looks relatively new. Where did they all go?

 

 

Go over there, light a match and you'll get your answer.

 

(FYI I mentioned the reason why above)

 

Looks dead unless you pull in.  Giant Eagle is still open as are a few others, IIRC.

 

You want "dead", go to Rockside and Northfield.  Ironically, the latter location's Walmart replaced Cityview's.

 

The strip next to the freeway with Chipotle and Starbucks is full other than what use to be a Chili's (I think). Other than that Giant Eagle and First Merit Bank are the only things open in the actual City View Center. Who knows how long first Merit will be open there too with the merger with Huntington since there is a current Huntington branch in Giant Eagle.

 

Meadowbrook at Rockside and Northfield has got to be the saddest shopping center in Cleveland. If it wasn't so far from the highway for Ikea's need for visibility, I'd say it would be a good site. Otherwise that whole (huge!) area needs bulldozed. Would probably be much better off redeveloped as housing.

That's the last thing the city of Bedford wants to see there. 

IKEA Cleveland rumors have gone pretty silent...  A good sign?

 

Meanwhile, both Milwaukee and Norfolk have had new stores announced in recent months. Of the top 35 metros, only CLE, San Antonio and Nashville (can't find right spot in this boomtown they say) don't have stores now.

 

'bout time...

Well it looks like the outlet mall plan at Bridgeview Crossing in Garfield Heights fell through. I still think that should be IKEA's spot!

I thought it was being built in Columbus...and plans for Cleveland were no longer a consideration?

 

Columbus is getting one, too - but they just had a good spot pop up first. IKEA has been looking in CLE some 15 years The IKEA requirement is 2MM people within 60 miles... which is just about what Columbus has. CLE store will have 3.5MM in same distance, so we will get one, but location yet to be finalized, as last one killed by the EPA due to "wetlands."

Columbus just recently hit 2 million and is one of the fastest growing metros in the northern US, not surprising that they jumped on it.

 

I think the Cleveland location should go on the Opportunity Corridor and that the city should find a way to procure some empowerment/enterprise zone monies, New Markets Tax Credits, income and corporate tax rebates, and any other applicable incentives. Then the city should find a way to connect such a site, perhaps using some of the aforementioned funding sources, to the RTA rail lines that parallel the Opportunity Corridor.

 

I don't think IKEA typically works with such complicated financing, BUT they'd get a lot of credit for joining the rust belt revival story of Cleveland, and that kind of financing would be needed to shield themselves from some of the financial risk they might initially fear.

^interesting. But IKEA likes visibility and access from the interstate system.

So there is no project anymore correct? or are they still scouting sites?

as far as I know, still scouting.

http://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2016/03/10/new-outlet-mall-planned-for-garfield-heights

 

"I've signed a confidentiality agreement, but the outlet mall is not coming here. [Craig Realty Group] is pursuing a different venture," Collova told Cleveland 19. "If this new direction comes to fruition, I'm certain there won't be any disappointed people in Garfield. They'll be very happy.

 

Hmm.... Maybe?

 

IKEA would seem to be at the top of the list based on those clues...  I'm more curious what prompted the story on Channel 19...? A tipto station caused call to mayor? This was a minor outlet mall plan... not one that people would care is or isn't happening enough to keep tabs on it. That could be the sign of something breaking soon.... (Michelle?)

 

BTW, was just at the Detroit IKEA this weekend and surprised to find it is about a 1/4 mile off interstate - unlike others I have been to - with NO visibility of building from the road other than a very large sign placed away from the building by the road... (Visibility from road has been a stated requirement of new/recent stores). For those who know the Berea exit off I71, it was NW of an intersection full of mature businesses, in a spot similar to where the Kmart is - though lots of trees blocked view from surface stree, too... A top of hill/Transportation Blvd spot would be much more high profile.

 

.

That location is still my top choice for Ikea. I really don't see any negatives for it, other than it was mentioned before about being tied up in litigation from the previous development. Hopefully that's all cleared up by now. I'd normally be bummed out over the outlets falling through, but clearly there's still interest in developing some more in the city.

^ totally agree. meanwhile, i saw a photo in the cols dispatch this week that showed the blue is starting to show on their ikea store construction. i hope that opening doesn't stall ikea's thoughts about a cle area store as the pittsburgh ikea has seemed to for so many years now.

Reading an early May 2016 story about the recently announced Milwaukee IKEA - and Cleveland came up from the IKEA spokesman, Joe Roth:

 

"That exit off 94 and Drexel Avenue did not exist up until three or four years ago," Roth said. "And in some of the older, more established metropolitan areas it's just difficult to find 25 to 35 acres of land. We had the same challenge in St. Louis that took us 10 years. We've been looking in Cleveland and we still haven't found the site there. When you're going to put one store in the major metropolitan area, you just need to get it right the first time and it was worth the wait for us."

 

http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/news/2016/05/05/why-ikea-chose-to-open-its-first-wisconsin.html

 

And another CLE IKEA Joe Roth mention in a March 2016 story on a potential Norfolk store - finally announced in June:

 

"In the meantime, Hampton Roads shouldn’t feel too left out. There are only 41 Ikeas nationwide, with the 42nd opening in Las Vegas in May. Roth said it took 10 years before the company recently found a site in St. Louis, and it’s still looking for a spot in Cleveland. Stores for Memphis; Indianapolis; Columbus, Ohio; and Jacksonville, Fla., are opening within the next two years."

 

http://pilotonline.com/business/biz-buzz/so-when-will-ikea-come-to-hampton-roads-rabid-fans/article_951380a7-91c8-5da6-94dc-9a0652928942.html

 

 

 

 

Rumored to be looking at the defunct Bridgeview site at 480 and Transportation