I just ate at Cooperstown on Fri at about 9 pm. It was dead inside, so I had some time to talk to the waitress and she told me that yes it is changing to a different restaurant. Cooperstown is dropping out because they are not getting enough business. She said we were the only customers she had since 3:00! I was told that someone bought the place and will be changing it. What’s new another good place closing in Cleveland!

Cooperstown was competing with the Winking Lizard, Paninis, and a few other sports-bar-esque spots within a few blocks. The problem is they're a bit of a schlep from the main employment centers (Public Square, East 9th north of Euclid), and I recall they got some less-than-favorable reviews. If they had been located in the Waterhouse/Phil the Fire/Diamondback spot, that would have been a better fit, imho.

I just ate at Cooperstown on Fri at about 9 pm. It was dead inside, so I had some time to talk to the waitress and she told me that yes it is changing to a different restaurant. Cooperstown is dropping out because they are not getting enough business. She said we were the only customers she had since 3:00! I was told that someone bought the place and will be changing it. What?s new another good place closing in Cleveland!

 

Cooperstown was such a generic place. I 'd love to see something unique go in that space. Realistically, its pretty isolated and needs to be surrounded by some density before it could turn into something.  I wonder if it would do better if the Tribe won more games.

When the Cuyahoga County admin HQ is at 9th and Euclid, that spot would be a little more viable.

^That is exactly what I was thinking.

I liked going there. It wasn't original, but it was consistent and my kids liked the food - which is always a crap shoot when your taking kids out to eat somewhere besides all of the McFridays

 

**************************************

 

I remember hearing the dirty book store on East 9th was closing (maybe it was somewhere here).

Didn't know it was just changing owners.

This is up for approval at tomorrow's Landmark Commission meeting.

I have been hearing a lot of advertisement by them on the radio lately. Are they taking over all of the adult bookstores?

 

 

 

 

***********************************

 

BTW, what's up with the full photo folder (that was hard to think, let alone say)?

Maybe if you'd started posting your images on a hosting site a year ago this never would've happened...

 

BTW, I thought that adult mart was supposed to be the designer denim experience extraordinaire place...what gives?

oh, wait...maybe that's next door...

You mean on West 9th

Maybe if you'd started posting your images on a hosting site a year ago this never would've happened...

 

 

I usually do, unless I am just posting something real quick where I do not want to bother uploading, blah, blah

 

You mean on West 9th

 

Opps

TY

 

 

Another ring of scaffolding has come off the Terminal Tower:

 

And when I zoomed in a little closer, I saw one of the workers in action (and some funky lights coming off the cupola):

 

^ Mayday, do you have any closeup pics of what this looked like prior to the restoration?

Rockwell site one contender for slice of state grants

 

By JAY MILLER

 

 

 

6:00 am, July 31, 2006

 

 

 

 

The Long Island-based developer who earlier this year purchased the hulking tech center on Rockwell Avenue in downtown Cleveland for $12.5 million is hoping the project lands a state economic development grant to help build a $29 million tech center and garage on part of the site...

 

Northeast Ohio contenders for Job Ready Sites grants

 

Project Grant requested

Total project cost

Cuyahoga County   

1021 Euclid $5,000,000 $25,500,000

1425 Rockwell Ave. $5,000,000 $29,389,000

Chippewa Creek Business Park $5,000,000 $10,879,000

East Ohio Gas Building $5,000,000 $23,000,000

Olmsted Business Park $3,736,649 $9,263,544

Rockside Terrace $5,000,000 $7,247,310

Strongsville Technology Park $2,941,491 $3,921,990

Lake County   

Ravenwood $962,000 $2,000,000

Shamrock Business Center $134,460 $179,000

Lorain County   

Colorado Commerce Park $4,462,257 $6,093,054

Innovation Corridor Phase II $4,890,485 $9,791,744

Summit County   

Akron Biomedical Corridor $5,000,000 $107,000,000

CAK International Business Park Phase III $4,987,123 $6,649,497

Lakeside Industrial Site $5,000,000 $8,556,070

Stonegate Corporate Park $5,000,000 $45,766,300

White Pond Office Park $5,000,000 $69,285,000

Wheatley Tech Park $5,000,000 $46,958,950

 

Looks as if Taft is going to play Santa before he leaves. Next will be the Capital Budget Bill

From the PD:

 

 

Cleveland, Akron projects win millions in state money

 

4:58 p.m.

 

A technology center proposed for downtown Cleveland and an office park planned for Akron are among 18 projects that Gov. Bob Taft has recommended to split more than $50 million in site-improvement grants...

 

And from the state:

 

 

Matrix Centennial, LLC (Matrix), located in Cleveland (Cuyahoga County), has been awarded $2.5

million under the Technical Center/Research Laboratories category for costs associated with the creation

of a job-ready site. The project, known as 1425 Rockwell Avenue, is located on 2.97 acres in downtown

Cleveland. The project is expected to assist the City with its economic development plans to revitalize the

downtown and bring high technology, high paying jobs to an economically disadvantaged area. Work to

be completed includes demolition of an outdated 125,000 square-foot facility and a small annex building;

re-grading of the property; construction of a new 90,000 square-foot multi-story masonry building for

technology center use; and re-facing and upgrading the exterior façade of the existing 150,000 square-

foot, five-story building. The eligible project costs at the site are estimated to be $29.3 million and the

JRS Program assistance represents approximately 8.5 percent of the total improvement costs at the project

site.

 

I did not realize this was going to be right across the street from the Avenue District. Cool.

 

 

 

^Good news.  Hopefully, $2.5 mil from the state is enough to make this project go through, even though the developer asked for $5mil. 

 

I did not realize this was going to be right across the street from the Avenue District. Cool.

 

To that point, I especially liked this part of the story from the last article:

and re-facing and upgrading the exterior façade of the existing 150,000 square-foot, five-story building.

 

This would hopefully make the building blend in more to that area of downtown, including the new townhouses of the Avenue District.

Oh yeah, and this story has also been discussed here in the past.

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=10547.0

I didn't realize this project involved so much demolition...

 

The biggest factor here is new jobs and construction, but I'm excited about the exterior improvements as well!

Another ring of scaffolding has come off the Terminal Tower:

 

And when I zoomed in a little closer, I saw one of the workers in action (and some funky lights coming off the cupola):

 

 

Ever consider doing a thread that only contains the Terminal's slow removal of scaffolding? It would be cool to see the slow evolution of the building.

Ever consider doing a thread that only contains the Terminal's slow removal of scaffolding? It would be cool to see the slow evolution of the building.

 

You said it before I could post it. A time lapse thread would be cool. This is unless MayDay has other plans for his works of art.

I noticed on my way to happy hour at House of Cues last night, that they were testing out the lighting at the very top of the tower.  They were turning it on and off every 30 seconds.  I couldn't snap a pic, but it really does look incredible.

^I saw that as well - it looked like only the cupola was lit but yeah, it was really really bright.

Cleveland Foundation announces $17.9 million in grants

Arts, education, economic development among areas to benefit from awards

 

CLEVELAND, December 18, 2006 – The board of directors of The Cleveland Foundation today authorized $17.9 million in grants at its quarterly meeting, addressing some of Greater Cleveland's most pressing needs.  Programs and initiatives receiving funding this quarter included:

 

Arts and Culture

The board authorized a $2 million grant to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum to support the building of a permanent library and archive. As part of its educational mission, the museum aims to become the premier international source for research on the discipline of rock and roll music. The Foundation believes that a library and archive are essential for the Rock Hall to achieve that goal.

 

Economic Development

The board authorized a grant of $1 million toward construction of a new building to house the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Cleveland. The new structure would serve as the signature building for the proposed University Arts and Retail District at the intersection of Euclid Avenue and Mayfield Road, which the Foundation has supported as part of its Greater University Circle Initiative. The district will include retail stores, condominiums and apartments, and is expected to stimulate investment and development in surrounding areas, while also serving students, faculty and staff of nearby Case Western Reserve University.

 

The Presidents' Council Foundation was also a recipient of a Cleveland Foundation grant in the amount of $82,500. The grant continues Foundation support of the Emerging Entrepreneurs program for African-American entrepreneurs in Greater Cleveland. The program offers monthly educational programs in such areas as leadership, marketing, finance and organization, as well as business networking events and in-depth discussions with local CEOs.

 

Education

The Literacy Cooperative of Greater Cleveland received $250,000 for ongoing operating support. The Cooperative is working to develop a literacy outreach system for Greater Cleveland, coordinating the region's many disparate literacy services and training providers.

 

The board voted to continue its support of the First Ring Leadership Academy with a $150,000 grant. The program provides leadership development training to teachers, supervisors, principals and assistant principals from 13 inner-ring suburban school districts around Cleveland.

 

The Foundation's support for education also extended to the Institute for Student Achievement (ISA), which received a grant of $113,256. The ISA, in collaboration with Columbia University's National Center for Restructuring Education, Schools and Teaching, is charged with identifying Cleveland schools that are enjoying measurable success in educating students at risk for academic failure. The project will pinpoint, describe and share best practices from these schools, which might include public, private, charter or parochial institutions.

 

Neighborhoods

The board supported the ShoreBank Enterprise Group (SEC) Cleveland with a $525,000 grant for the group's "Investing in Cleveland's East Side Neighborhoods" initiative. SEC helps Cleveland neighborhoods thrive through an investment fund, and a business incubator based in Glenville. In addition, an employee recruitment and support services program links neighborhood residents with new job opportunities generated by ShoreBank-supported businesses.

 

Early Childhood and Youth Development

The Child Care Resource Center of Cuyahoga County (also known as "Starting Point") has developed a reputation as one of Ohio's most effective child resource and referral agencies, prompting the board to award a $216,333 grant to fund its core services. The center links families to programs and services that meet their early childcare and educational needs while strengthening the community's ability to respond to them.

 

Nonprofit Community

Having recognized the need for greater business acumen and leadership training among faith-based and community organizations (FBCOs), The Cleveland Foundation earlier this year launched Project Access. The program is designed to bolster FBCOs in Cleveland and East Cleveland in management, advocacy and organizational effectiveness. Project Access, which recently "graduated" its first class of 45 organizations, received a grant of $545,000 to support its second year of operations. A portion of those funds will be directed to participating organizations for the purchase of equipment or services that expand their business and leadership capacity.

 

The board also authorized a $200,000 grant to the Cleveland Foundation Summer Internship Program, which gives college students and recent college graduates the opportunity to work in Cleveland-area nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies for an 11-week period. Interns learn about local nonprofits and public agencies and the important roles they play within the community.

"All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up."

http://wm.wkyc.gannett.edgestreams.net/news/20061220_terminaltowerlights_wkyc.wmv

"All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up."

http://wm.wkyc.gannett.edgestreams.net/news/20061220_terminaltowerlights_wkyc.wmv

 

Whoa....I got a lil "motion sickness" watching that!  Dramamine anyone?

Dramamine, nothin'!!! That was AWESOME!!!!!!  :banger: :banger: :banger:

Wow, those were some awesome shots!  I noticed that the lights were on up on the very top on my way home from work tonight. 

Very cool.

Was it just me, or was everyone else expecting the dude on the right to drop his phone.

 

I saw the lights tonight as well. I tried to get a few pictures, but then they kept changing colors.

If they turn I out Ok, I will post.

VERY VERY COOL. Too bad I couldn't save it on my computer for posterity!

Very cool.

Was it just me, or was everyone else expecting the dude on the right to drop his phone.

 

I saw the lights tonight as well. I tried to get a few pictures, but then they kept changing colors.

If they turn I out Ok, I will post.

 

Only one picture turned out (my camera is about one step above a cell phone camera)

 

Woohoo!!! Love it! :clap:

yea it looks pretty amazing with even just that little bit all lit up.  i saw it last night as well

Hey, longtime listener first-time caller. I just stumbled across this site a few days ago and I felt like Xmas came early. I'm a union carpenter who follows the cleve/downtown development scene very closely. It's nice to be among like-minded pro-cleveland and urban enthusiasts.

I didn't see a Rockport Square thread; I live right up the street from it and was curious if anyone had any info regarding it's future phases/timeline. I think it's great for the neighborhood.

Welcome aboard. Check out the thread at:

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=3281.msg31832#msg31832

 

Lots of Lakewood development projects in there, including Rockport Square.

Anyone know what the build-out on the south side of lower Euclid, next to Jimmy John's Subs, is for? I saw metal studs being put in place today, and there are indications that some work has already taken place inside, but no real hint of what the future of the property is.

 

Having this developed into something useful would be a nice addition for that block, just in time for the EC construction to finish up and springtime crowds to come back.

I think that pizza place (Teresa's?) is supposed to go there.

I think that pizza place (Teresa's?) is supposed to go there.

 

grazie :-) it'll be nice to have other lunch alternatives downtown, speaking of which, the newly-reopened West 6th Pizzeria is a welcome addition -- great food, slightly high-priced, but typical for the district...

City may limit new-home tax breaks

Council considers scaled-back policy

 

Sunday, December 31, 2006

Susan Vinella

Plain Dealer Reporter

 

Starting next summer, buyers of new homes and condominiums in Cleveland could see the end of a popular city incentive: A 15-year, 100 percent property tax break.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/cuyahoga/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1167557737243720.xml&coll=2

 

 

Great to see District Park still has a pulse, but shouldn't this article be posted at:  http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=7731.msg79455#msg79455  ??

^ Probably...

 

Does anyone have any info on the Riverside Condo project mentioned in the article?

Yes, from two other threads that ought to be combined as well...

__________________

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=4043.30

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=6414.0

Thanks, I didn't know that the Scranton Peninsula project = Riverside Landing.

I'm glad their thinking of reducing the abatement.  When I bought my apartment, I was able to manage my home without it, so I feel as though future new home buyers can/should be able to do it as well.  In the next few years buying a home in Cleveland (especially the area withing 30 blocks of downtown and University Circle) will become much more competitive.

 

Edited as per my next post.

MyTwoSense -- please don't assume everyone is as wealthy as you. I can't afford to buy a home worth more than my existing condo ($60K). Come to think of it, I can't even afford this place! I've had to depend on credit cards to make ends meet and am sinking under $17,000 in credit card debt (plus the card with the larger balance just jacked up the interest rate to 19 percent!). I've sent out lots of resumes for jobs and even got a few interviews.

 

Until I can get a better job, I'm stuck -- least of all not being able to buy new housing in Cleveland. And I know others in the same situation as me. We need the tax abatement if we're even going to be able to consider buying new housing in Cleveland.

 

Singed,

 

The Working Poor

Steven Litt, you're a downer, not Cleveland.  He prefaces every article he writes with the doom and gloom synonomous with most suburbanites that are totally out of touch with what is going on in the city.  If he would actually get involved with the local scenes in Cleveland's neighborhoods, he may have a different view.  Or maybe, just take a look at what we talk about here on UO every damn day.  Open your eyes little Steven (he's like 5'-0") and notice that there is an up swing happening right under your nose.

Man that creature with the wand is going to come out and get us but I need to respond...

 

I am neither working poor nor wealthy but the tax abatement is a HUGE incentive. I have a good job and life here in Florida that would be hard to walk away from.

 

My goal is to buy a second home in Cleveland. Without the tax abatement this is much less attractive. I have a second condo on Miami Beach up for sale and when that sells I will invest and will be looking at a second home in Cleveland.

 

Without the tax break, I will leave my money invested and look for that second home later in life.

My TwoSense -- please don't assume everyone is as wealthy as you. I can't afford to buy a home worth more than my existing condo ($60K). Come to think of it, I can't even afford this place! I've had to depend on credit cards to make ends meet and am sinking under $17,000 in credit card debt (plus the card with the larger balance just jacked up the interest rate to 19 percent!). I've sent out lots of resumes for jobs and even got a few interviews.

 

Until I can get a better job, I'm stuck -- least of all not being able to buy new housing in Cleveland. And I know others in the same situation as me. We need the tax abatement if we're even going to be able to consider buying new housing in Cleveland.

 

Singed,

 

The Working Poor

 

I am not wealthy.  I was talking about when I initially purchased my apartment (and I will edit my first post to reflect that).

 

I had to purchase my home with no abatement and it did not deter me.  However, my apartment was not a new build home.  At that time in my life I was making about $60/65k.  I am not going to lie, its hard!  Thats why I dumpster dived, trolled lawns, picked up stuff on the side of the road/highway, worked antique and second hand stores, etc. for furniture and refinished it, because I couldn't afford to buy new furniture - and to this date, I still do all that!!

 

I've purchased showroom model appliances, cause I couldn't buy new appliances.  I cut corners left, right and center!   I made it without abatement on a single income.  If I could do it without abatement in the late 80s, why can't people do it now, when there is a better inventory of homes available?

 

I just feel ike it should be reduced until eliminated.

Steven Litt, you're a downer, not Cleveland.  He prefaces every article he writes with the doom and gloom synonomous with most suburbanites that are totally out of touch with what is going on in the city.

 

I am not familiar with the writer but I thought the same thing. Not to mention, his positives are way off base. Yes, it great that the arts are expanding in Cleveland. Will this make people relocate to the city? Try this will make people DRIVE to the city from the suburbs.

 

He does touch on all though briefly, the REAL positives such as planning and development. No mention of the "Great Wall of Cleveland" that will be dismantled and will introduce the city to its lakefront.

 

I'm glad I have UO to let me know what is really going on up there.

Well, the tax abatements were put in place after it was voted on by the citizens of Cleveland in the early 90's.  They have worked.

 

I'm thinking that it can be scaled back now, but eliminating it would be stupid.  Maybe 10 years for new, and 4 for rehabbed.....

Well, the tax abatements were put in place after it was voted on by the citizens of Cleveland in the early 90's.  They have worked.

 

I'm thinking that it can be scaled back now, but eliminating it would be stupid.  Maybe 10 years for new, and 4 for rehabbed.....

 

i would flip that. While arguably the existing housing stock of cleveland isn't great, building more housing in a city that's losing population will only cause a further cannibalization of the market.

"If he would actually get involved with the local scenes in Cleveland's neighborhoods, he may have a different view.  Or maybe, just take a look at what we talk about here on UO every damn day."

 

I have to agree - a few years ago, I sent Litt a lengthy email introducing myself and my site. It was cordial, civil, and obviously given the subject - something right up his alley so I asked for advice, suggestions, etc.

 

Did I receive a reply? Nope. Nada. Zilch. When another forumer (Paul_In_Cleveland) started his "Downtown Cleveland Building Projects" site, he sent Litt a similar email. Instead of a "hey, that's a great resource, etc." - Litt said little, other than to chastize Paul and ask if he had permission to post architect's renderings from the PD. I understand why Litt would ask that, but there's a constructive way to go about things. He also isn't the most supportive of local architecture firms - more than once I've read one of his articles that infers that local firms aren't cutting-edge enough to win commissions for say, the MOCA project.

 

When it comes to his column, Litt is more than happy to complain that people don't care and aren't interested. A prime example is the Cleveland Trust Tower proposal. The CSU forum was good, but even then - Litt basically said it was "too little, too late" and that the community suffers from apathy. UrbanOhio.com's forum has proven otherwise and that begs the question - why, as the "voice of architecture and urban planning" in Cleveland's leading print publication - why isn't Litt here, on this forum, participating and actively working against the apathy he's so quick to accuse us of? 

Maybe he is... who would know for sure.

I'm an Admin - I know who is on here :-) And when I say participate, I mean actively.