^^It would be a theroeticaly prime building to convert had that area town been something, rather than alot of nothing. Just like it took so long for Quay55 to develop into anything

It's an even more obvious one than the Westinghouse building on the Near-West-Side.  Both have height, visibility, proximity to Downtown and parks, and the potential to be unique rehabs.  Westinghouse would be a much more significant conversion, while the HoJo's would presumably be less so.  Although, who knows what kind of condition either one of them is in?

That hotel is one of the last things that I would try to redevelop in Cleveland.  It is too separated from the rest of the city.  It would have no catalytic effect.  Put the youth hostel closer to the action in Cleveland. Put it near one of the rapid routes.  Young out-of-towners will be more likely to take a train to a hostel than a bus to some out of the way hotel that sits next to a highway and far from any significant urban life.  I would love to see a hostel on West 25th, just south of Lorain.  Due to the economics of this use, its difficult to put it on prime real estate. 

The Westinghouse is a no-brainer.  Great views, access to West 65th and Edgewater.  Also, the lakefront blvd will improve the area greatly.

I don't know where the hostel idea came from...I know MrNYC mentioned a hipster hotel for the young crowd, but those are definitely a little different from a youth hostel!  I agree that a hostel in Ohio City could work...maybe in the recently vacated YMCA on Franklin or in the West Side Community Center on Bridge?  Those are likely too large...  However, I think I'd prefer to see it Downtown, close to CSU.  There's an interesting thread on the subject somewhere on here...

 

I could see the hipster hotel working in the old HoJo's...especially if the Waterfront Line is extended eventually and the Lakefront continues to be developed.  It's just south of the Quay 55 redevelopment and the new townhouses that they are planning to build there.  Of course, the connection to the lakefront is still lacking south of the Shoreway, so that's an issue.

 

And yes, Westinghouse is in a much more suitable urban context at present.  It is similarly cut off from the lake by the Shoreway and train tracks, but the connection and the existing neighborhood are much more attainable and amenable. 

 

Is anyone talking about either one of these?  Aside from us, that is...

The Lakefront Boulevard is also proposed to have bus stops along it, and one might possibly be located near the Westinghouse building. I also like the low-level building adjoining the Westinghouse "tower" which, for some reason, reminds me of a mini Station Square-type structure. It could be a terrific retail site, fresh foods market, etc. for the neighborhood or for transit commuters making a stopover to buy ingredients for dinner, before continuing their trips home.

endless possibilities!  don't forget the rail stop right out front once the freight line is converted to passenger rail!

Has anyone heard more about the air quality problems at Quay 55? 

 

There was a report on the news the other night that said another tenant has come down with plerisy (Lebron has the penthouse here now and came down with this as well last month).  He is no longer staying there and the other tenant is moving out. 

 

They showed some environmental reports that claimed mold, water damage and white powder in the ducting.

 

any updates?

 

 

You mean Pleurisy? "An inflammation of the pleura, usually occurring as a complication of a disease such as pneumonia, accompanied by accumulation of fluid in the pleural cavity, chills, fever, and painful breathing and coughing."  I never heard about that!  That would be a big problem if it proves to be an issue throughout the building!

yes, pleurisy.  i spell checked it but when i corrected the spelling, i deleted the u as well.  go figure.

 

Another family comes forward with Quay 55 apartment horror story

 

On the WOIO.com video page if the link doesn't work.  It looks like there are more problems now:

 

http://www.woio.com/global/video/popup/pop_playerLaunch.asp?clipid1=591921&at1=News&vt1=v&h1=Another+family+comes+forward+with+Quay+55+apartment+horror+story&d1=172500&redirUrl=www.woio.com&activePane=info&LaunchPageAdTag=homepage

 

 

   

 

Has Gilbert chosen a site yet for his loan center?  Also, did the KJP mystery developement anouncement ever happen?

 

^Not yet on both.

This doesn't answer your question sooner, but it is an update.

 

From Crain's website:

 

Quicken seeks state aid for office in city

By JAY MILLER

 

6:00 am, December 5, 2005

 

Though it hasn't announced a location yet, Quicken Loans Inc. has begun a process that would bring a loan production office to Cleveland.

Any new information on the Convention Center? 

Just the stuff about the medical merchandise mart that's been posted in another string.

From the Plain Dealer

 

Focusing on Cleveland

Most construction is residential and retail, rather than industrial parks

Sunday, January 08, 2006

Christopher Montgomery

Plain Dealer Reporter

When it comes to real estate development in Northeast Ohio, 2006 is shaping up as the Year of Cleveland. Nearly every major project under way or in the construction pipeline is in the city - a reversal of the mostly suburban-based development of recent years.

The PD also had a couple of sidebar stories....

 

http://www.cleveland.com/economy/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/iseco/1136723432246550.xml&coll=2

 

 

I knew Reserve Square would turn into condos!  With K&D's success I see more of the building going condo, as current rental leases expire.

I am glad that the PD decided to finally give a run-down of all of the projects going on in/around downtown Cleveland. Hopefully these articles will spark positive discussions about the cities future in homes throughout NEO.

This article also underscores the reason why RealtyOne moved from the suburbs to downtown Cleveland. It's where the land is and where the new residential construction will be for years, at least in Cuyahoga County.

and as we all know here, there's a lot that they didn't get to! 

I LOVE JIMMY JOHN'S!  THAT ARTICLE HAS MADE MY DAY!  :-D :-D :-D :-D

 

On a side note - I'm surprised that construction has started already on Steelyard Commons.

 

Also last week when I was downtown I noticed a rehabbed building near CSU and checked out their website http://www.walkerweeks.com/  Has this been mentioned on here before?  It didn't seem like it had anyone living in it, but the website makes it look finished.  Any info?

I LOVE JIMMY JOHN'S!  THAT ARTICLE HAS MADE MY DAY!  :-D :-D :-D :-D

 

On a side note - I'm surprised that construction has started already on Steelyard Commons.

 

Also last week when I was downtown I noticed a rehabbed building near CSU and checked out their website http://www.walkerweeks.com/  Has this been mentioned on here before?  It didn't seem like it had anyone living in it, but the website makes it look finished.  Any info?

 

Yes Its been mentioned before.  The building is very nice and BRIGHT, the prices were a lil high, but you could negotiate down.  I know two people who looked at units and the feedback I got is that the building is VERY nice, with exception to some floor plan "oddities".  For instance,  in a two bedroom the main bathroom isn't located near the second bedroom, but closer to the master bedroom, which has an in-suite bathroom; a unit the bedroom closet being located outsidethe bedroom, or units with massive living areas, and one of the bedrooms is tiny.

 

They also mentioned the buiding is better suited for Condo's than rentals.

Based on their website (http://www.walkerweeks.com/index.html) and one of the "tour of downtown living" threads on this site, I'm assuming this is one of the nicest loft conversions in town, though it is a little pricier.  As their site indicates, though, they are offering substantial promotions (currently, 2 months free rent and parking!), which leads me to believe that leasing isn't as strong as they'd like it to be. 

 

At first glance, it does appear to be a bit isolated, but after moving back to town and spending time on campus at CSU, it's become apparent to me that this site is really very close to campus, and thus, well-connected to Playhouse Square, Gateway and Downtown.  If you think of Prospect as its front door, that helps!  Also, the new CSU construction between Euclid & Prospect across from the Walker & Weeks building will help to create even greater connectivity between the heart of campus and the apartment building. 

 

Prospect Ave appears to me to be the logical choice for a sort of "sleepy" back door residential neighborhood to complement Euclid Avenue's resurging hustle & bustle.

Based on their website (http://www.walkerweeks.com/index.html) and one of the "tour of downtown living" threads on this site, I'm assuming this is one of the nicest loft conversions in town, though it is a little pricier.  As their site indicates, though, they are offering substantial promotions (currently, 2 months free rent and parking!), which leads me to believe that leasing isn't as strong as they'd like it to be. 

 

Free rent and Parking?? Dayum!  Sound like a firesale for such a nice building.  I don't think CSU students can afford it and a lot of prople probably don't know about the building.  Here is the link to the tour MGD mentions in his previous post.  http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=2414.0

Anyone know how well the Montana Townhomes are selling?  This is a small development on the  corner of 36th & Prospect and it's been listed on Progressive Urban for over a year.  They're relatively cheap, starting at $139,000.  I think there needs to be a bit more capacity built up on Prospect before it re-establishes itself as a premier residential location, but I think the potential is definitely there.  There's still a good number of historic structures lining the street and the scale is much better than some of the other, wider avenues Downtown.

Thanks for the link MyTwoS...  I remember that thread but didn't see any pictures of the building, so I wasn't sure if that was it or not.  Looks nice, but going with Mayday's captions, the open layout is kind of awkward.

I LOVE JIMMY JOHN'S!  THAT ARTICLE HAS MADE MY DAY!     

 

I walked around E4, but didn't see any signs of progress on this.  Any information on what storefront and timeline?

is it the thing on euclid thats right past the house of blues?  looks like they took down the boards on that storefront and theres windows and a lot of activity going on inside as far as renovations.

It could be but that space looks too small to hold much of a sandwich shop, unless it is carry out only.  I had assumed it was a new entrance for the apartments above.  What is a Jimmy John's?

^a half-step nicer than Subway

There's one on nearly every corner on U of M's campus in Ann Arbor.  At least 4 within a 10 minute walk or so of each other.  I love it, my wife can't stand it.  I'd definitely place it well above Subway or Quizno's.  These are the kind of establishments we need more of downtown.  Cheap places to get a quick bite to eat.  I'm hoping we get a Potbelly's and a Cosi soon.

I'm hoping we get a Potbelly's and a Cosi soon.

 

i can't believe that these aren't here yet.  both of these would be great additions downtown.  and a baja fresh of course.

Jimmy John' is way above Subway.  Their bread is so yummy.  Plus, the ones on college campuses (I went to Miami) are open until like 3 am.  I wonder if the downtown one will keep latenight hours?

Is there a Chipolte anywhere downtown? They are pretty popular with the kids these days, ya know.

I think a Chipotle would be quite feasible for downtown, but it'd be nice if one was to open that it maintain normal operating hours (until about 9 or 10 nightly).  Downtown Minneapolis has one or two, but they close at 4 on days during the work week, and if I remember correctly they aren't open at all on weekends.  I certainly wouldn't complain if one opened regardless of the hours, but it'd be nice to have the full deal.

change of pace here... anyone know about the demolition of the former St. John's Nursing College building?  I'm not picturing it right now, but I heard at a meeting this morning that this nine-story 40 year old building behind St. John's (E. 9th & Euclid) will be demolished due to outdated heating systems, lack of handicapped access, asbestos, and the fact that the elevators only stop on half-floors, requiring riders to walk up or down a half-flight to get to their floor.  Apparently, Joe Cimperman tried to save it, but it just wasn't feasible...

It could be but that space looks too small to hold much of a sandwich shop, unless it is carry out only.  I had assumed it was a new entrance for the apartments above.  What is a Jimmy John's?

 

There is a sign in the window now confirming the location for Jimmy Johns.  I agree the space seems quite small and the location also seems somewhat interesting.  Most of these seem to be on or near college campuses. This space will probably do a strong lunch crowd, but it's not really close to the warehouse district or theater district residents to drive dinner/late night/weekend traffic.

St. Johns College building at 1100 Rockwell:

 

"it's not really close to the warehouse district"

 

I suppose so, but that's only because of the gap created by the parking lots. It's really easy to cut through Tower City to the Renaissance lobby during inclement weather but most people probably don't think that way.

 

and the fact that the elevators only stop on half-floors, requiring riders to walk up or down a half-flight to get to their floor. 

 

Huh?!  Can anyone think of a good reason for that?

 

Thanks for the photo, MayDay.  It's kind of a funky 50's building, but I suppose I am not too worried about losing it.  I hope they are building something else, however.

I'm pretty sure Cimperman said the only way they could knock it down is if they built more housing there.  Anyone else know?

well, that's the rumor I heard anyways...that Cimperman wanted them to covert the building to housing, but it was just too difficult the way it was built and the condition it's in.  I believe the commitment to rebuild is just a "genteman's" agreement, but again, this is heresay from me to you...

 

thanks for the photo MayDay!

There is a sign in the window now confirming the location for Jimmy Johns.  I agree the space seems quite small and the location also seems somewhat interesting.  Most of these seem to be on or near college campuses. This space will probably do a strong lunch crowd, but it's not really close to the warehouse district or theater district residents to drive dinner/late night/weekend traffic.

I dunno, they might do good business with the younger crowds that come out of HOB after the concerts every night.  That area gets decent foot traffic after games at Jacobs and the Q also.

The Jimmy Johns will be in the W.T. Grant Lofts building on Euclid, west of the House of Blues. It really isn't THAT far of a walk from places like the Warehouse District or the E. 9th/Huron residential cluster:

There is a sign in the window now confirming the location for Jimmy Johns.  I agree the space seems quite small and the location also seems somewhat interesting.  Most of these seem to be on or near college campuses. This space will probably do a strong lunch crowd, but it's not really close to the warehouse district or theater district residents to drive dinner/late night/weekend traffic.

 

Well the one in downtown chicago is on grand (near nordstroms) and almost invisible.  Our euclid avenue location is a much better position.  Maybe JJ is breaking away from the campus mentality and looking for location on/in prime real estate locations.

yep thats the spot, its right near house of blues and definately not too far from the e4th district

The Cleveland Planning Commission approved the demolition of the Saint John’s Dormitory (c.1964) at 1100 Rockwell Avenue on Friday, January 9. There will be a parking lot put in its place. Conceptual design shows an open space that can be used for various programming. Cimperman did indeed testify to exhausting all measures in order to save it. In the end, it was a matter of the high cost bringing it up to modern standards and the fact the it is on a side street that is mainly used for deliveries and cut through traffic.

^ That sucks! I wouldn't mind if something was built to replace it. All we need is another parking lot downtown.

It's amazing that buildings built in our lifetime are already being torn down.  At this pace, Sohio should be torn down in about 15 years which will be replaced with a nice surface lot. 

Not to change the subject, OK maybe I am, but I thought you all woud find this 2005 document of interest...

 

http://www.downtownclevelandpartnership.com/pdf/FactBook.pdf