It isn't new units, but given the shape of this building, I am glad to hear that someone is investing in it.  Like Carter Manor, it is a beautiful old building but has been allowed to deteriorate since becoming subsidized housing.

 

From this weeks Crain's Cleveland:

 

New owners prep Parkview Apartments for $16M facelift

 

By JAY MILLER

 

6:00 am, May 8, 2006

 

 

 

The Parkview Apartments in downtown Cleveland are in for a planned $16 million makeover by new owners.

 

When it is renovated, that could be a very nice building.

 

Is this development because of the Avenue, Carter Manor & Reserve Square?  Well, I guess I answered my question

 

 

I don't remember the top of the building looking like that! When was that picture taken? The SUV in the background looks new.

^its looked that way for a while now.  I saw that article and was heartened by the news. It will cheer up the area.

I guess I just never really looked at it that closely. I'm usually walking fast or on a bus in that area. I will look at it the next time I'm over there. It's a very pretty crown!

It used to be a hotel. Ganked off emporis. Allerton was a popular hotel chain from the 1920s designed with amenities specifically for convention goers. One of the most well known hotels of the chain was located on Chicago's Magnificent Mile.

 

I remember like a year or 2 there was a domestic dispute that ended in a murder in that building. Its one of what I personaly think is among the mostly neglected neat looking buildings in cleveland.

Parkview has been on HUD's infamous "troubled property list" for a while now, along with a few other buildings in Cleveland.  Management changed hands a couple months ago after several poor reviews from HUD's Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC).  The nearby Neal Terrace recently received its second consecutive poor review, which means it's hurting in a bad way.  NT has more than 15% vacancy, which is a bad sign in a subsidized building.

 

I'm glad to see that Parkview will be undergoing major renovations, though.  Much like Carter Manor, it is a beautiful building and should complement, not represent a blight on our Downtown's housing stock.  I'm also glad to see a commitment to affordable housing Downtown in these desirable locations.

It especially stands out because it's surrounded on nearly all sides by windswept surface parking lots. This is good news!

This is really good news.

Its already been said, but that building has always been one of my favorites, too. (Right next to the Ameritrust Tower. :-D)

It makes me think of something one might see on the edge of Central Park for some reason - don't know why.

 

When I used to drive the cab, I would occasionally get a ride asking where they could get "hooked-up." I always took them here, dropped them off and then left.

 

I'm glad there will be none of that anymore. Next up - the parking lot across the street.

It makes me think of something one might see on the edge of Central Park for some reason - don't know why.

 

Me too! I thought of the apartment building from Ghostbusters where Dana (Sigourney Weaver) becomes Zhoul, the Gatekeeper, and awaits her Keymaster....

oh, this building is definitely the one from Ghostbusters...good call KJP!

All the ghostbusters ones were in new york. I remember seeing an actual tv special (or maybe it was forgotten NY) that showed the all the ghost busters buildings.

I'm pretty sure MGD was just joking. It looks like the same style of building was all I was saying. Probably built during the same time period.

Wow, that is a fantastic looking building, I hope it gets the new life it deserves.

Do you think this is going to be upscale condos or apartments?  The Avenue District is truly starting to shape up as a true Downtown district.

The article doesn't really say, but I would assume that it will continue to service the same population.

yeah, joking.

 

and yes, almost 100% sure that it will be maintained as a HUD property...ie: subsidized affordable rental housing.

I know no one has posted in here in a while but it looks like work is getting going on this project. Scaffolding was up around the first floor and a really big DAS construction banner is hanging on the building. Work may have been going on for a while but I just noticed this morning on my bus ride past.

 

And a quick google turned up http://www.dasconstruction.com/projectsunder/pva.htm

One of the most well known hotels of the chain was located on Chicago's Magnificent Mile.

All the Allertons had a family resemblance. Especially the one in Chicago.

^It's still there - as the Allerton Crowne Plaza (aka the building with Tip Top Tap on it).

that's where i stayed when i visited Chicago a couple months back...very elegant inside

and Steven W. Pumper, president of DAS Construction Co. They are assuming ownership from Carnegie Cos. of Solon, according to a city of Cleveland summary of the project.

 

Uh-oh. It's the same contractor being investigated by the FBI in the public corruption case.

^ I noticed that too, but I'm hoping it won't have much effect on this project.

Also known as the Manger Hotel apparently.  Lots of pics on Cleveland Memory of both "Manger" and "Allerton."

There's definitely some facade cleaning going on.

I did not find a thread on this, so if there is, my sincerest apologies.

 

I saw a sign today for Allerton Apartments, which are in a building currently being renovated at Chester and E.13.  Anyways, the sign said Section 8 tenants only, not even mixed income. 

 

Horrible move on the city's part, imo.  While I am not a believer in it, I thought "mixed-income" was the way of the future (see Tremont Pointe).  It is indisputable that allowing only S8 will create increased crime and, obviously, poverty (see overwhelming data on the correlation bw crime and poverty). 

 

From what I gathered after the PP shootings, many seemed to indicate that area was already not the safest.  Unfortunately, even with a remodeled park, I believe things will only get worse. 

^That isn't a city issue.  That is determined by the owner.  I believe the plan for that building has always been section 8.  Just senior housing.  Which can work just fine provided the owner and CMHA screen properly, which of course seems to be an enormous enormous problem in this town.

^^This makes me angry, having lived in that area for a year.  That truly is a gem of a building, and a prime location for the future.  This really does damper the future exapansion of the area both residentally and commerically.  With CSU, Avenue District, and Theater district slowly closing in the area over the next few years, this really seems to becoming a drain on the area, and for no good reason other than to make a quick buck I assume. I already had a few run ins just outside the building late at night when I lived on E.12.  This is only going to make it worse..or keep it the same.

 

Why not turn it into student housing discounts instead???

I'm a little uncertain if people know this or not, given the wording of what they're saying.  This building is already sec. 8 and occupied.  All they are doing is renovating the building.  This won't change the problem for better or worse, necessarily, unless as some people say they change their screening process.

As X pointed out.  I hope everyone knows this place is currently as has been for some time... Section 8.  Senior housing is section 8.  I know it is tabbed as "senior housing".  I do not know if it is senior only... I'm sure checking with CMHA someone could find out.  As for why they don't just make it student or artist housing, etc...  I'm not sure how many people know how section 8 works.  A section 8 renter typically pays a percentage of their income towards rent.  Say for example $75 a month.  The rest of whatever the market rate value is for that unit... the government cuts a check to the owner.  Simply put, these places are huge cash cows and that is why you almost never see something turn back from section 8 (exception to the rule is park lane villa, that fell in to such disrepair no one would live in it so the owner sold).

 

I could not be possibly more against section 8 towers in the middle of downtown.  Concentrating that much density of poverty and unleashing it on the streets around there is nothing but trouble waiting to happen.  Of course a lot of that could be averted if CMHA wasn't such a joke.  My wife went to school at college of charleston.  They had section 8 properties right next to the student housing.  These were of course the "prime" properties that all the poor section 8 people wanted to live in, and apparently pretty frigging nice (much like a winton manor or allerton apartments).  But their housing authority wouldn't let people so much sniff being tennants in there if they had so much as a blemish on their criminal record.  Here it seems like people are much more concerned with cashing their check then seeing who it is they are allowing into their buildings.

 

And if I had Bill Gates checkbook, I would buy both of the two aformentioned properties and they would no longer be section 8.  These places have made it significantly more difficult for development to occur around them.

Each one of you off-topic people owes me a god d@mn six-pack of Burning River.

 

No big suprise here.  There was nothing off topic.  Thanks for deleting our relavent postings. 

No ciccolmt.  It's extremely off topic.  This is a project and construction thread.  Not a discourse on whether or not section 8 works, where it's appropriate, etc. 

Every time I think Cleveland (where I grew up) and Chicago (where I live now) are somewhat similar...something like this sadly brings me back to reality. 

 

While the Allerton Hotel Chicago is a now a very nice hotel on Michigan Avenue and a vibrant component of that great street, the Allerton Hotel Cleveland (Parkview) is lucky to serve as an urban trailer park. 

 

This building deserves so much more.

 

 

 

 

Every time I think Cleveland (where I grew up) and Chicago (where I live now) are somewhat similar...something like this sadly brings me back to reality. 

 

While the Allerton Hotel Chicago is a now a very nice hotel on Michigan Avenue and a vibrant component of that great street, the Allerton Hotel Cleveland (Parkview) is lucky to serve as an urban trailer park. 

This building deserves so much more.

 

 

Can anyone tell me why were so quick to "profile" the residents of the Parkview???  Do you personally know any?  Do you know their current or past financial status?  Why are these senior being profiles as bad. 

 

They might be on fixed incomes now, but that doesn't speak about their previous life.  These people could have been productive members of society.  I think those profiling need to take a step back.  Does putting all the residents down make you better? 

 

Now, if there are those in the building who are letting others (friends, relatives, etc.)  not approved to live there in and causing a problem, then discuss them and call out CMHA.

 

Nothing against the folks that live there...I drove by the building last summer.  All I know is that it is not what it could be...a building that could spark a renaissance in a potentially dynamic neighborhood. 

 

It looks shoddy.  The rehab (not restoration) looks half-assed.  Its curb-level appeal is next to nothing. 

 

It is a great building with a great history that should house some upscale condos or apartments, or god forbid, a hotel.  There are plenty of other quality places to put Section 8 housing in NE Ohio.

 

 

 

 

Nothing against the folks that live there...I drove by the building last summer.  All I know is that it is not what it could be...a building that could spark a renaissance in a potentially dynamic neighborhood. 

 

It looks shoddy.  The rehab (not restoration) looks half-assed.  Its curb-level appeal is next to nothing. 

 

It is a great building with a great history that should house some upscale condos or apartments, or god forbid, a hotel.  There are plenty of other quality places to put Section 8 housing in NE Ohio.

 

 

 

 

 

Thats better talk about the building, not all of the people who live there.  You have nothing against them?  Then why call them "urban trailer"?  Which is it?!

 

I say let them stay the key to any neighborhood is mixed incomes and mixed people.  Again, CMHA should be called out not all the residents.

this is very much a restoration.  And they had barely started last summer.

 

1.  This building has been public housing for DECADES.

2.  While this may not be the use many of us would like for a building of this caliber... I don't know what to tell people except... I guess bring an incredibly large checkbook and buy it.  Simply from a $ standpoint, this has to be one of the most valuable buildings in the city.  Cash cow.  I don't see it changing... ever.

 

So... since I don't think there's any chance of it ever being market rate, I'm glad they are moving forward with the restoration and the conversion to senior section 8 housing.  I'm not joking, if you put a sign on the front door of this place previous to the restoration which read, "welcome to hell", you wouldn't be far off.  This was one of the most dangerous places in all of downtown, and I've heard that it was down right frightening on the inside.  Both in terms of crime and the fact that people were living in squallor.  So I'm glad that the place is getting fixed up inside and out giving people a decent place to live.  And I really hope they are stringent with their tennant requirements.

this is very much a restoration.  And they had barely started last summer.

 

1.  This building has been public housing for DECADES.

2.  While this may not be the use many of us would like for a building of this caliber... I don't know what to tell people except... I guess bring an incredibly large checkbook and buy it.  Simply from a $ standpoint, this has to be one of the most valuable buildings in the city.  Cash cow.  I don't see it changing... ever.

 

So... since I don't think there's any chance of it ever being market rate, I'm glad they are moving forward with the restoration and the conversion to senior section 8 housing.  I'm not joking if you put a sign on the front door of this place previous to this which read "welcome to hell", you wouldn't be far off.  This was one of the most dangerous places in all of downtown, and I've heard that it was down right frightening on the inside.  Both in terms of crime and the fact that people were living in squallor.  So I'm glad that the place is getting fixed up inside and out giving people a decent place to live.  And I really hope they are stringent with their tennant requirements.

 

Mayor, as a downtown resident and a person who is "in the know" thank you for saying that.

2.  While this may not be the use many of us would like for a building of this caliber... I don't know what to tell people except... I guess bring an incredibly large checkbook and buy it.  Simply from a $ standpoint, this has to be one of the most valuable buildings in the city.  Cash cow.  I don't see it changing... ever.

 

So... since I don't think there's any chance of it ever being market rate

 

 

 

Summed up quite well...anyone on this board with an incredibly large checkbook?  :-)

ChiCleve,

 

I agree with your assessment.  I do not know a single person moving into the Allerton, but I would bet my bottom dollar that by making it Section 8, it will bring absolutely nothing to the neighborhood.

 

Also, don't back down from your statements.  The politically correct movement does nothing but hurt those it is supposed to help.  According to his explanation, he denies any relationships between crime and poverty.  Ok, so if you deny that, what is the cause? 

 

Do you know their current or past financial status?  Why are these senior being profiles as bad. 

 

Ummm they are living in Section 8, which is determined by your financial situation.  So no, I do not know if they made $20k or $5k last year, but I know they are below the poverty line.

 

If you want to stick your head in the sand about such obvious observations, so be it. 

 

 

**I am already putting in my apology.  But I cannot stand to let such ignorance go without being confronted.  I respectfully put in my 2 day banishment.

ChiCleve,

 

I agree with your assessment.  I do not know a single person moving into the Allerton, but I would bet my bottom dollar that by making it Section 8, it will bring absolutely nothing to the neighborhood.

 

Also, don't back down from your statements.  The politically correct movement does nothing but hurt those it is supposed to help.  According to his explanation, he denies any relationships between crime and poverty.  Ok, so if you deny that, what is the cause? 

 

Do you know their current or past financial status?  Why are these senior being profiles as bad. 

 

Ummm they are living in Section 8, which is determined by your financial situation.  So no, I do not know if they made $20k or $5k last year, but I know they are below the poverty line.

 

If you want to stick your head in the sand about such obvious observations, so be it. 

 

 

**I am already putting in my apology.  But I cannot stand to let such ignorance go without being confronted.  I respectfully put in my 2 day banishment.

 

Theses are seniors correct?

 

ChiCleve,

 

I agree with your assessment.  I do not know a single person moving into the Allerton, but I would bet my bottom dollar that by making it Section 8, it will bring absolutely nothing to the neighborhood.

 

 

This is driving me insane.  They aren't MAKING IT SECTION 8.  It's BEEN section 8 for over TWENTY YEARS.  I guess I don't see why all of the sudden NOW there's outrage.  I mean I'd love to see a better use of the building. But someone is spending 16 million dollars to fix this place up, AND convert it to senior housing... This may not be our dream world solution... But it IS in fact about to get a lot better than it's been in a long time.

I feel your annoyance, mayor :).  While I wish it weren't Section 8, I definitely think turning this building into senior housing is a step in the right direction.  I talk to some of the seniors who live in the Bohn building and the St. Clair Place at the bus stop, and they're incredibly nice and respectful people.  It's just some of their younger relatives I take issue with (and a couple of CMHA policies)....  People at Zaremba have told me on multiple occasions that the seniors ask how the Ave Dist development is going quite often - the seniors are invested in their neighborhood whether people realize it or not.  Hopefully some day there will be demand for these buildings to be market rate - but that's a WISH, and isn't realistic right now, as much as we'd like it to be.

I feel your annoyance, mayor :) .  While I wish it weren't Section 8, I definitely think turning this building into senior housing is a step in the right direction.  I talk to some of the seniors who live in the Bohn building and the St. Clair Place at the bus stop, and they're incredibly nice and respectful people.  It's just some of their younger relatives I take issue with (and a couple of CMHA policies)....  People at Zaremba have told me on multiple occasions that the seniors ask how the Ave Dist development is going quite often - the seniors are invested in their neighborhood whether people realize it or not.  Hopefully some day there will be demand for these buildings to be market rate - but that's a WISH, and isn't realistic right now, as much as we'd like it to be.

 

this is exactly why I find it hard to profile seniors.  We don't know what they did prior, or what their financial status was in the past.  Many of those people could have been middle class stable and contributing members of society.

 

Example, what if my/your parents lived there.  You would profile them as "trash" or not worthy of living downtown because now they are on fixed incomes without taking into consideration their past contributions.

I don't see demand for those buildings at market rate developing until AFTER they are no longer Section 8.  The long-standing Section 8-ness of them becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy after a while.  Their status is also a government decision which can be changed through government.  That may or may not require someone to fork over a giant check... but it shouldn't. 

Problems seem to arise any time an entire building/neighborhood is mostly Section 8 housing.  Maybe every multi-tenant building ought to include one Section 8 or equivalent unit.  Spread the wealth a bit.  If we care.

I don't see demand for those buildings at market rate developing until AFTER they are no longer Section 8. The long-standing Section 8-ness of them becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy after a while. Their status is also a government decision which can be changed through government. That may or may not require someone to fork over a giant check... but it shouldn't.

 

it doesn't exactly work like that.

I don't see demand for those buildings at market rate developing until AFTER they are no longer Section 8. The long-standing Section 8-ness of them becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy after a while. Their status is also a government decision which can be changed through government. That may or may not require someone to fork over a giant check... but it shouldn't.

 

it doesn't exactly work like that.

 

Which part doesn't work like what?  Can you elaborate?