I'll take a brand-new, 34-story residential tower anywhere in Cleveland city limits, obviously, but the fact that this building will be in the middle of our theater district is outstanding, imho.  Playhouse Square is the country's largest theater district outside NYC and was always a neat corner of the city.  You had the theaters themselves and some interesting business, like WVIZ/WCLV.  In terms of a full-fledged neighborhood, residential was the only missing piece.  Now, the neighborhood will have that in spades.

 

It's a lot like University Circle five years ago, with big employers like UH and the Clinic plus world-class cultural amenities.  The only thing missing was residential space.  Uptown was a game changer for that part of the city, and 1UC and (hopefully) UC3 are on the way helping to confirm that shift.

Again... I LOVE this proposal... but I'm going to keep asking...

 

If the rental market goes on a downturn, is Playhouse Square's financial viability implicated in that?

^ The short answer is yes.  however, it would affect only their real estate arm.  They operate as a separate legal entity from the theater operations. 

I wonder if using the 1% number for CBD living if we really should only look at the MSA rather than CSA.  Only because Akron has its own CBD which I assume would count toward the 1% of CBD residents.

^ The short answer is yes.  however, it would affect only their real estate arm.  They operate as a separate legal entity from the theater operations.

 

Okay, awesome! Thank you

I'm still unclear about ground floor retail. Going by the rendering, it doesn't look like there is any retail which would be a huge mistake. It also looks like there is garage access from Euclid which I also think is a mistake. I think all garage access should be limited to E. 17th St. and Brownell Ct. I don't want any unnecessary curb cuts on Euclid Avenue, which should be a place that is focused on pedestrians and transit.

^^^Urban options aren't too plentiful in Akron. Until there are more options, Cleveland is the only real urban liveable location in Northeast Ohio.

^^^Urban options aren't too plentiful in Akron. Until there are more options, Cleveland is the only real urban liveable location in Northeast Ohio.

 

Which is a short answer to how I addressed it at:

 

https://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,24830.msg858439.html#msg858439

 

Since we're getting into more general downtown housing market-type discussions, I thought I should  put my answer in that thread.

I am so happy this project has been announced. Because Playhouse square being the owner this project

could see construction sooner than Nucleus & Weston which have been announce a couple of years ago.

wouldn't mind seeing a few different views of our skyline with this and Beacon.  Can anyone do that in quick time?  We can take Nucleus back off the renderings for now :/.

In case anyone is interested channel 5 story. http://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/cleveland-metro/clevelands-playhouse-square-district-to-get-new-upscale-apartment-building

^it'd also be nice if they included the new student housing at e.18th in the Euclid ave rendering.

I am so happy this project has been announced. Because Playhouse square being the owner this project

could see construction sooner than Nucleus & Weston which have been announce a couple of years ago.

 

I like how Playhouse Square got their financing, etc in order BEFORE making the announcement lol

I am so happy this project has been announced. Because Playhouse square being the owner this project

could see construction sooner than Nucleus & Weston which have been announce a couple of years ago.

 

Unless Weston grabs one of the new headquarters for Medical Mutual or Sherwin Williams, or possibly an East Coast company relocating their back-office operations in a lower-cost market like Cleveland.

Wow, this is a very exciting announcement for downtown Cleveland! I wish the base of the tower was a little more defined, though. Ground floor retail would help to articulate the base a bit, and would also help with street level activity. But those are relatively minor gripes about an otherwise very exciting project. The impact on the skyline should be pretty significant at 34 stories, too.

If the plan is to use the parking garage facade as a place to advertise upcoming shows, that will be awfully overwhelming. I found the Wicked banners to be very distracting. That facade will be a huge detail to address going forward.

I don't think we should downplay the significance this project could have on the rest of Euclid Ave as well. Right now, there are two thriving sections of Euclid downtown with an, let's face it, awful dead space in the middle. I think two thriving districts with two new towers could really be the catalyst to bridging that gap

The article makes no mention of ground floor retail. Can anyone confirm whether or not that is planned for this?

 

I worry about this as well.

 

I don't know about you guys, but it looks like there is some ground floor retail in the garage portion of the building, at least it appears that way in the North to South view.. If so, that'd be excellent for the district to add in some boutique shops/restaurants for the theater goers to spend their fortunes at.

Also, don't overlook the importance of the parking garage. Yes, this is transit guy saying that. The reason a 550-space garage is being built for a 319-unit residential building is to address the shortcomings of the Chester garage. That garage keeps people off Euclid Avenue as theatergoers arriving by car come in to their shows from behind and never set foot on Euclid Avenue -- and more importantly, never set foot in Euclid Avenue shops and restaurants. If each housing unit is guaranteed one parking space, that's 231 spaces for the public. Or 91 more than is in the existing Euclid Avenue lot that this tower will replace. Another option Playhouse Square could offer is discounted monthly parking permits for residents of the building and make the whole garage open to the public.

 

With this project, now that opens up parking spaces in the Chester garage to support development of the properties on the south side of Chester that Playhouse Square recently bought. This tower has strategic value to Playhouse Square in more ways than just the tower.

I am cool with parking garages being built into new projects or even replacing surface lots as long as there is ground floor retail.

^it'd also be nice if they included the new student housing at e.18th in the Euclid ave rendering.

 

It's as if the only Edge that's there is the edge of the world! :)

I would be shocked that a tall new building in a high profile theater district doesn't have store fronts on the first floor.  They know the point is to keep it lively especially when they said they want more people walking along Euclid is kind of the purpose of the building.

The article makes no mention of ground floor retail. Can anyone confirm whether or not that is planned for this?

 

I worry about this as well.

 

I don't know about you guys, but it looks like there is some ground floor retail in the garage portion of the building, at least it appears that way in the North to South view.. If so, that'd be excellent for the district to add in some boutique shops/restaurants for the theater goers to spend their fortunes at.

 

I agree. Other than the interior stairway on the western edge of the garage and the bay to its immediate east, the majority of the first floor appears to have some sort of use in it.

^^^Urban options aren't too plentiful in Akron. Until there are more options, Cleveland is the only real urban liveable location in Northeast Ohio.

 

Well there would have been if they didn't tear down most of O'Neals and BF Goodrich!

 

Sorry, I'm still pissed off about my time in Akron...

 

Back on topic: This is such great news! I've often thought how much I'd like to live in PS amidst all of those bright lights.

 

I was concerned at first because the building contrasts so much with the surroundings. But then I realized that you see that contrast in all "big" cities. I too hope that garage access is moved to a side street, and that retail is a part of the mix. The rendering looks promising that they will be embracing the sidewalk in some way.

I was concerned at first because the building contrasts so much with the surroundings. But then I realized that you see that contrast in all "big" cities. I too hope that garage access is moved to a side street, and that retail is a part of the mix. The rendering looks promising that they will be embracing the sidewalk in some way.

 

Well, there is a 22-story building across the street, a 16-story building next door and a new 11-story residential building a block away. But this will definitely fill out the skyline more....

 

2013:

cleveland from lake erie-large by Ken Prendergast, on Flickr

 

2023?

cleveland from lake erie 2-labeled by Ken Prendergast, on Flickr

Yahoo! Great news! The tower looks beautiful - love the blue contemporary look and

Of course, the location is fantastic - should make PS even more dynamic.  I agree this balances/extends the skyline nicely. Congrats to Cleveland!

gonna be way cool to see at least two tall cranes don't own  over the next couple years with The Beacon going up down the street...hopefully it will be 3 at once with Nucleus - sorry, getting greedy!!

doesn't look like retail on ground floor. 

I was concerned at first because the building contrasts so much with the surroundings. But then I realized that you see that contrast in all "big" cities. I too hope that garage access is moved to a side street, and that retail is a part of the mix. The rendering looks promising that they will be embracing the sidewalk in some way.

 

Well, there is a 22-story building across the street, a 16-story building next door and a new 11-story residential building a block away. But this will definitely fill out the skyline more....

 

Sorry I meant in relation to the shiny glass, not to the height.

Is there a basis for that Hippodrome Tower in the rendering or just a guess? Nice rendering, nonetheless!!

Awesome news. Slowly but surely we are chipping away at the great parking lot plague and adding to the resident count. This tower, with the Keith Building across the street and the Playhouse Square arch between the two will make for an awesome entrance into downtown from the CSU lawns.

 

Bonus: Looks like this will include some world-class signage over the garage facade!

Is there a basis for that Hippodrome Tower in the rendering or just a guess? Nice rendering, nonetheless!!

 

Just a guess by w28th[/member] and myself. It's presumed to be the Medical Mutual HQ, but if they split their new facilities between the suburbs and downtown, then their downtown presence won't be anywhere near as large.

 

And depending on what MM and Sherwin-Williams have in mind, there could be four or five cranes over Cleveland in a year or two. Then there's the county's Justice Center...

BTW, here's Crain's take on the news of the day.....

 

Playhouse Square Foundation sets next act for Theater District

June 09, 2017 UPDATED 7 HOURS AGO

By STAN BULLARD   

 

Playhouse Square Foundation is casting itself in its biggest role yet as a downtown Cleveland real estate owner and operator: developer of a 34-story, $135 million apartment tower.

 

...In its news release on the project, James Ratner, chairman of the Playhouse Square Board of Trustees, said, "I'm sure people will wonder why a not-for-profit performing arts organization is building a high-rise apartment building, but this makes perfect sense when you consider that key components of our mission are to create an exciting district and drive economic vitality in the region. This investment is an example of our long-term real estate strategy, which is to build a working endowment to help secure the future of our historic theaters, and the entertainment and educational programs people enjoy in them."

 

Ratner is executive chairman of Forest City Realty Trust Inc. and a veteran of many multimillion-dollar realty projects around the nation. Ironically, Forest City's focus is now exclusively outside its hometown, because it hunts larger returns for shareholders than the region provides.

 

MORE:

http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20170609/NEWS/170609801/playhouse-square-foundation-sets-next-act-for-theater-district

A little more info in this presser from Playhouse Square.

 

Playhouse Square Plans 34-Story Apartment Tower

Jun 9, 2017

Destined to become an icon of the Cleveland skyline, an upscale apartment building will add to the distinct identity of the Playhouse Square District in early 2020. Situated on a one-acre site at the corner of Euclid Avenue and East 17th Street - replacing the parking lot across from the Connor Palace - the 34-story tower will host 319 apartments, 550 parking spaces and 22,000 square feet for resident amenities. Construction on the project will begin by late fall 2017.

“We have always taken a lead role in making sure our neighborhood is a vibrant destination in the heart of the city,” explained Playhouse Square President and CEO Art J. Falco. “Early on, we created a list of things we wanted to accomplish – become a premier touring destination for Broadway, welcome residents, develop an iconic identity for the neighborhood – and with each success building on the one before, we have achieved those goals. A high-rise development project is the next one of our long-held visions becoming a reality, and with the great demand for residential living downtown, the timing could not be better.”

Playhouse Square has partnered with Hines and Solomon Cordwell Buenz (SCB) to develop this project with the goal of amplifying the 24/7 live-work-play atmosphere of the Playhouse Square District. Playhouse Square will retain ownership of the property and engage the services of a management company yet to be determined.

“Hines is pleased to serve as development manager in bringing this state-of-the art apartment tower to one of the most vibrant communities in the Cleveland area,” said Hines Managing Director Brad Soderwall. “With our breadth of experience in upscale multifamily projects, this project will honor the quality and history for which the Playhouse Square District is known.”

Conceived by architecture, interior design and planning firm SCB, the design – will which go through the customary City of Cleveland design review process – includes several elements that refer to the surrounding theaters: on the tower, overlapping planes form a symbolic marquee and the graceful undulations in the garage façade recall a stage curtain. One of the tallest buildings in the area, the tower is largely composed of floor-to-ceiling glass, painted aluminum panels and exposed cast-in-place concrete, making a dynamic addition to the Cleveland skyline.

SCB Design Principal Devon Patterson explained, “We used glass to differentiate the tower from the historic buildings along Euclid Avenue and make the building into a beacon for the entertainment corridor, visible from downtown Cleveland. To mark the integration of this new residential community into the exuberant energy of the Playhouse Square District, we divided the form of the tower into three tiers that rotate out from the city grid at different levels that respond to the heights of the surrounding buildings. The northern edge of the building creates a signature profile, and the building is shifted over Euclid Avenue to provide residents with spectacular views.”

Residents will enjoy commanding views and resort-quality amenities including courtyard terrace with grill area and fireside lounge; electric car charging and car wash stations; pet spa; bike storage and repair station; concierge services; business and fitness centers; heated lap pool and more. Special care has been taken to create a complete separation of public and private traffic within the garage to ensure residents, theater guests and other visitors have an optimal experience.

Vocon, a leader of providing architecture and interior design services in Northeast Ohio, introduced this development site to SCB in 2015 and and will be responsible for coordination approvals and compliance with codes.  They will have a project architect embedded in the SCB Chicago office and an active local role in contract administration.

“I’m sure people will wonder why a not-for-profit performing arts organization is building a high-rise apartment building,” said Jim Ratner, Chairman of the Playhouse Square Board of Trustees, “but this makes perfect sense when you consider that key components of our mission are to create an exciting district and drive economic vitality in the region. This investment is an example of our long-term real estate strategy, which is to build a working endowment to help secure the future of our historic theaters, and the entertainment and educational programs people enjoy in them.”

This tower reminds me of the Legacy at Millennium Park tower in Chicago.  And with good reason.  The same architect firm of Solomon, Cordwell, Buenz designed both buildings. 

 

I really like the glassy design.  The Beacon should have been a glassy tower too especially with the existing garage as the base.

 

 

Urban options aren't too plentiful in Akron. Until there are more options' date=' Cleveland is the only real urban liveable location in Northeast Ohio. [/quote']

 

More accurately, Cleveland is the only real urban livable location in Northeast Ohio.

^No. It's not. Let's not turn this into some stupid city vs city trolling.

 

I feel like since the last time I went home to Cleveland so many great projects have been announced or started construction. Can't wait to see this one rise and get to check out more of what I've missed next time I'm around.

Very nice tower Congrats Cleveland.

Video at the link below.......

 

34-story upscale apartment tower coming to Playhouse Square District

POSTED 9:19 AM, JUNE 9, 2017, BY DARCIE LORENO AND MATT WRIGHT, UPDATED AT 09:23AM, JUNE 9, 2017

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- An upscale, 34-story apartment tower will soon be a fixture in Playhouse Square.

 

...The project comes amid a flurry of downtown development. The Downtown Cleveland Alliance said 1,000 new apartments will be added this year, with occupancy rates remaining high.

 

DCA President and CEO Joseph Marinucci said the growth is sustainable. While other similar cities have 2 percent of their regional populations living downtown, that figure is only .5 percent in Cleveland.

 

“The reality is that although we've made great progress, when you compare us to other comparable mid-sized cities with downtowns like ours, we're really at the front end of that demand cycle,” Marinucci.

 

MORE:

http://fox8.com/2017/06/09/34-story-upscale-apartment-tower-coming-to-playhouse-square-district/

In todays PD....Litt 's article said no ground floor retail, but can be added later "if there is demand"  Ugh

I honestly think that's a fair compromise. If they didn't include retail there's a reason for it. I'm not saying it's great for street life to not have an activated ground floor, but at the same time the proportion of "people above" to "necessary retail space on the ground" in Cleveland is low. It may become obvious quickly after completion that they have demand for retail space or it may take a handful of years before continued development pushes for retail space demand at this edge of Downtown. I'm okay as long as it truly is possible that some space is able to be converted in some manner in the future.

It literally is across the street from one of the largest Theater districts in a America.....It has to have space for Restaurants and shops.  I'm hopeful the city forces it up front.....

But to be fair that crowd that frequents the theaters is typically the "get in your car and go home" crowd so it isn't yet seen if a ground level space directly in this spot really works.

I understand that....But I'm part of the "please put in more restaurants" crowd who wants more options.  This will be my future home...And by putting the garage there, Playhouse is wanting to direct more people to the Euclid side.  Just put the space in now, Don't worry about correcting it later.....This spot demands it. 

Here's the Litt piece....

 

Playhouse Square apartment tower design is underwhelming: Steven Litt (photos)

http://www.cleveland.com/architecture/index.ssf/2017/06/early_designs_show_playhouse_s.html#incart_river_mobileshort_home

From that Litt piece, to answer a question posed upthread:

 

At ground level on the Euclid side, the garage will initially have two-foot-deep display windows that Patterson said would be programmed by Playhouse Square.

 

In the future, as demand for retail rises in the neighborhood, Playhouse Square could sacrifice a row of parking at ground level and insert 5,000 square feet of retail in the garage.

^that is a bit of a peculiar strategy, no?

There are very few storefront vacancies nearby.  Not only is this across from the theaters, it's right next to an increasingly residential university.  I wonder what they're using for a demand metric.  This is one of those situations where the city might offer assistance in doing the right thing.  Litt compares the current proposal to Superior between 9th and 12th, a perfect example of what not to do.

I just so wish the top 5-6 floors were offered as condos.

Yeah it's a terribly stupid strategy to not initially include retail. This is in the heart of Playhouse Square, and there are no significant nearby vacancies. I hope someone puts some pressure on them to add retail right away (as well as diverting the garage entrances to E 17th). Is there going to be a public meeting about this?