Yes this is great news if it comes together this way, great job KJP. That whole intersection will look so much different in 3 years. The Breuer is next, somethings gotta happen with that. If it was up to me I would fine the slum landlords (aka the County) everyday that building and the rotunda remain in that condition. If they can't sell it at least maintain the exterior and clean it up.

Great news, I'm happy for the Huntington building. It's awesome. I'm still hoping there can be a residential component to it when all is said and done.

 

The clock is now ticking on the County building on Lakeside.

 

That premier location is too way good for that bland structure.

I don't care much for the idea of a building being mixed use between County operations and residential.  I have always advocated for the County to use this building, I just hope they find good other uses if the County is not going to take over the entire building (which would be preferred IMO).

Moving to the Huntington Building would actually help the county sell the ex-Ameritrust Center!

In order to recoup as much of their failed investment as possible, they need to wait for the immediate visinity to rebound, huntingdon, schofield, John hartness brown, etc

In order to recoup as much of their failed investment as possible, they need to wait for the immediate visinity to rebound, huntingdon, schofield, John hartness brown, etc

 

They won't have to wait long. The county wants to move within two years and the other projects are about to get underway.

 

Consider also that 1,000 people will be working for AmTrust Financial across East 9th and just up the street. Across the street from AmTrust, 1717 East 9th may become residential. It could be a very different area in a few years. Real estate investors are aware of all this, so they know the Breuer may end up being the biggest unsettled piece in this puzzle.

Were there ever any lawsuits (crimimal? civil? administrative) over the whole Bruer tower fiasco? Towards the consultants? The commissioners? The county itself? The previous owner(s)? Anything at all like that (my gut says no)

 

 

Grab it!  Great location.  Magnificent structure.

I don't care much for the idea of a building being mixed use between County operations and residential.  I have always advocated for the County to use this building, I just hope they find good other uses if the County is not going to take over the entire building (which would be preferred IMO).

 

Maybe I'm mistaken, I didn't realize the County could fill the entire building.

 

I'm just concerned that without mixing things up a bit, the place will be a dead zone on nights and weekends. The way the Huntington building is set up is really cool. I don't think the environment there could reach its potential being just 9-5 office workers.

Note that Crain's had an article about this today, but since it's a subscription-only article, few people can read it.

^Most times if you cut & paste the articles URL in GOOGLE, you can do an end run about Crain's subscription requirement.  (I just did so viz the Ohio City Ambassador's article).

Thanks. I see that I scooped Crain's with my blog posting! They did note the market potential for the county's property sales, and the county received five bids -- Allegro Realty Advisors, CB Richard Ellis, DLZ Ohio, McKelvey Partners and Vocon Inc. -- by closing March 1 for a consultant they hope to pick by the end of April to manage a consolidation of the county's properties. But the article also focuses on that the Huntington Building (and May Co. and Eaton) are the county's few remaining options for relocating and consolidating 300,000 square feet of offices. The article even featured a picture of the Huntington Building. :)

 

County in the market to buy and sell real estate

Cuyahoga's search for new headquarters, plan to shed other properties will influence Cleveland's office market going forward

By STAN BULLARD AND JAY MILLER

4:30 am, March 5, 2012

 

The 800-pound gorilla in Cuyahoga County's real estate market over the next few years is likely to be Cuyahoga County's government.

 

The county stands to impact the market both as a tenant and as a seller of space. In the case of the former, it still is looking to house many of its offices in a headquarters of as much as 300,000 square feet. As the latter, it plans to sell various buildings it now occupies as it proceeds with a consolidation of its space needs.

 

The county will put up for sale as many as a dozen buildings in what still is a soft market for office space in Cleveland. Prime among them are the county administration building at Lakeside Avenue and Ontario Street, the old Juvenile Court complex on East 22nd Street, the controversial Ameritrust Building at East Ninth Street and Euclid Avenue, and Courthouse Square at West Third Street and Lakeside, which it bought in 2004.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20120305/SUB1/303059975

Okay, I understand that the County would only need half of the Huntington (300k required/600k available). The lobby of this place is far too nice; it's an incredible draw. It could be quite an attraction for residential or hotel component. Again, this place will continue to be lifeless much of the time if it's only office space.

 

I don't care much for the idea of a building being mixed use between County operations and residential.  I have always advocated for the County to use this building, I just hope they find good other uses if the County is not going to take over the entire building (which would be preferred IMO).

 

Maybe I'm mistaken, I didn't realize the County could fill the entire building.

 

I'm just concerned that without mixing things up a bit, the place will be a dead zone on nights and weekends. The way the Huntington building is set up is really cool. I don't think the environment there could reach its potential being just 9-5 office workers.

The selfish part of me wants a new tower to be built for all county needs, but commen sense would be a much vacant building i.e Hunington for the greater good of Downtown. I would rather have it residental since the building and lobby are beautiful, plus giving the high demand downtown atm but that's unlikely. Hopefully the county takes atleast half of the space and it doesn't become a deadzone most of the day, wisful thinking. Hopefully the county will do what's best for the county in general, if that means new construction or moving into a half vacant building then so be it.

Okay, I understand that the County would only need half of the Huntington (300k required/600k available). The lobby of this place is far too nice; it's an incredible draw. It could be quite an attraction for residential or hotel component. Again, this place will continue to be lifeless much of the time if it's only office space.

 

I don't care much for the idea of a building being mixed use between County operations and residential.  I have always advocated for the County to use this building, I just hope they find good other uses if the County is not going to take over the entire building (which would be preferred IMO).

 

Maybe I'm mistaken, I didn't realize the County could fill the entire building.

 

I'm just concerned that without mixing things up a bit, the place will be a dead zone on nights and weekends. The way the Huntington building is set up is really cool. I don't think the environment there could reach its potential being just 9-5 office workers.

 

I just have trouble seeing a residential or hotel component mixed in this building with the County.  How would security work?  You have to go through a metal detector to get into the current county building.  Would you want to live on the 15th floor of the Justice Center?  Only way I could see it happening is if the building was somehow split, which would bastardize the wonderful lobby.  It just doesn't seem feasible.  If the County goes here and takes up half the building, I wouldn't hold out hope for anything other than office use in the rest.  JMO.  I am not against the County making some good use out of the Huntington Bldg, but I would prefer it occupy a building in which it would use the entire structure.

 

Which brings me to the idea that sparked after reading Michelle's article.  Why not use 300,000 of the May Co Bldg (fronting on Euclid of course) and re-purpose the rest of that building for parking as other posters have proposed in the past?  Seems like a win win for the county and the building's owners.  They get a stable tenant and also get to capitalize on the parking demand they envision.

Okay, I understand that the County would only need half of the Huntington (300k required/600k available). The lobby of this place is far too nice; it's an incredible draw. It could be quite an attraction for residential or hotel component. Again, this place will continue to be lifeless much of the time if it's only office space.

 

I don't care much for the idea of a building being mixed use between County operations and residential.  I have always advocated for the County to use this building, I just hope they find good other uses if the County is not going to take over the entire building (which would be preferred IMO).

 

Maybe I'm mistaken, I didn't realize the County could fill the entire building.

 

I'm just concerned that without mixing things up a bit, the place will be a dead zone on nights and weekends. The way the Huntington building is set up is really cool. I don't think the environment there could reach its potential being just 9-5 office workers.

 

I just have trouble seeing a residential or hotel component mixed in this building with the County.  How would security work?  You have to go through a metal detector to get into the current county building.  Would you want to live on the 15th floor of the Justice Center?  Only way I could see it happening is if the building was somehow split, which would bastardize the wonderful lobby.  It just doesn't seem feasible.  If the County goes here and takes up half the building, I wouldn't hold out hope for anything other than office use in the rest.  JMO.  I am not against the County making some good use out of the Huntington Bldg, but I would prefer it occupy a building in which it would use the entire structure.

 

Which brings me to the idea that sparked after reading Michelle's article.  Why not use 300,000 of the May Co Bldg (fronting on Euclid of course) and re-purpose the rest of that building for parking as other posters have proposed in the past?  Seems like a win win for the county and the building's owners.  They get a stable tenant and also get to capitalize on the parking demand they envision.

 

Couldn't the county just occupy the top half of the building? I have no idea how security would work logistically in any case. I don't think they would be hauling criminals in and out of the building...it's all County offices, right?

 

Anyhow, I like your May Co. idea better. Cutting off public access to the Huntington lobby is a wasted opportunity.

Okay, I understand that the County would only need half of the Huntington (300k required/600k available). The lobby of this place is far too nice; it's an incredible draw. It could be quite an attraction for residential or hotel component. Again, this place will continue to be lifeless much of the time if it's only office space.

 

I don't understand this logic.  I think the lobby would see more traffic if a public, government entity owns it - the seat of county government and the region that could have a lot of visitors - than if it's a private residence.  More people would be in the building if it were offices/government than if it were residential.

 

I can walk into the old courthouse to check out that beautiful lobby with its awesome columns.  I can't do that at Bridgeview unless I'm going there to visit someone.

Okay, I understand that the County would only need half of the Huntington (300k required/600k available). The lobby of this place is far too nice; it's an incredible draw. It could be quite an attraction for residential or hotel component. Again, this place will continue to be lifeless much of the time if it's only office space.

 

I don't understand this logic.  I think the lobby would see more traffic if a public, government entity owns it - the seat of county government and the region that could have a lot of visitors - than if it's a private residence.  More people would be in the building if it were offices/government than if it were residential.

 

I can walk into the old courthouse to check out that beautiful lobby with its awesome columns.  I can't do that at Bridgeview unless I'm going there to visit someone.

 

Here's the logic: people aren't going to the County headquarters for the ambiance. They are there because they have to be.

 

On the other hand, a hotel or residence can sell that beautiful lobby to attract residents/customers.  You wouldn't have to restrict the public in either case. 

 

The lobby can become one of the great public spaces in this city; and it could functionally tie into the existing retail within the building. If the use of the building goes beyond 9-5 M-F, obviously there is much more upside for public access, the retailers and the street presence on E. 9th.

On the other hand, a hotel or residence can sell that beautiful lobby to attract residents/customers.  You wouldn't have to restrict the public in either case. 

 

If you are a residential developer, you are going to look at that kind of lobby/common space as costly to maintain and not leasable (meaning you are not generating revenue off of it). It would not make since to most developers, unless the price points were extremely high.

 

Perhaps a hotel could use it, but again, they would have to weigh the size/maintenance costs against what checks out in a performa.

On the other hand, a hotel or residence can sell that beautiful lobby to attract residents/customers.  You wouldn't have to restrict the public in either case. 

 

If you are a residential developer, you are going to look at that kind of lobby/common space as costly to maintain and not leasable (meaning you are not generating revenue off of it). It would not make since to most developers, unless the price points were extremely high.

 

Perhaps a hotel could use it, but again, they would have to weigh the size/maintenance costs against what checks out in a performa.

 

Wait, why wouldn't it be leasable? There's a ton of room there that could be leased out to kiosk-type retail or even a restaurant. Look at what Crop Bistro did with their space.

 

You have good points about the cost of maintaining the room. But places that are special and unorthodox often demand outside the box thinking in order to survive.

 

Here's the logic: people aren't going to the County headquarters for the ambiance. They are there because they have to be.

 

 

They would if it had a lobby/atrium like the Huntington Building's. The building will remain in private hands (Optima's) so they will determine how the lobby is to be used. With a steady stream of public and employee traffic coming through the lobby, it would improve the chances of Optima bringing in more publicly usable tenants for that lobby such as cafes, vendor carts/kiosks (think Tower City) and other "winter garden"-type tenants. And then there is the retail arcade in the lowest level.

 

Perhaps there are some concerns about what clientele might be drawn to the county headquarters given the types of services the county offers. But that need not be the case. If you ever go to Cleveland City Hall, it is a very attractive setting. And again, unlike City Hall, the county headquarters will be owned, maintained and managed privately.

^ I'm in no way against the County moving into the Huntington. I just threw the idea out there that the rest of the building space could be used for hotel or residential, providing more of a 24/7 dynamic. I have no idea if this is feasible, but cannot see why it wouldn't be.

 

Glad to hear your take that Optima would retain usage. That would be awesome.

 

On the other hand, Hts121 brought up that the County would have stringent security measures, making public usage of the lobby/building difficult. I believe that issue can be addressed.

 

Ink called the lobby space "unleasable" for residential developers, which I just flat out disagree with.

 

I am not anti-County, just simply against the County monopolizing the lobby area.

 

p.s. KJP I worked at the Huntington and the lobby got little visitation/attention even when it was publicly accessible as a bank.

On the other hand, a hotel or residence can sell that beautiful lobby to attract residents/customers.  You wouldn't have to restrict the public in either case. 

 

If you are a residential developer, you are going to look at that kind of lobby/common space as costly to maintain and not leasable (meaning you are not generating revenue off of it). It would not make since to most developers, unless the price points were extremely high.

 

Perhaps a hotel could use it, but again, they would have to weigh the size/maintenance costs against what checks out in a performa.

 

Wait, why wouldn't it be leasable? There's a ton of room there that could be leased out to kiosk-type retail or even a restaurant. Look at what Crop Bistro did with their space.

 

You have good points about the cost of maintaining the room. But places that are special and unorthodox often demand outside the box thinking in order to survive.

 

I mean it could be leased, but if you used it for a residential building's lobby, that would not be considered leasable space. I could certainly see restaurants or a bookstore use the space, assuming the economics are there to support either.

 

The grand bank lobby seems most appropriate as a public lobby for the county, with counters for county services and space just for space's sake--as in most county courthouses, muncipal buildings, etc. I think of the lobby in the Pittsburgh-Alleghany County Building.

 

I mean it could be leased, but if you used it for a residential building's lobby, that would not be considered leasable space. I could certainly see restaurants or a bookstore use the space, assuming the economics are there to support either.

 

The grand bank lobby seems most appropriate as a public lobby for the county, with counters for county services and space just for space's sake--as in most county courthouses, muncipal buildings, etc. I think of the lobby in the Pittsburgh-Alleghany County Building.

 

I won't disagree that the County could utilize the lobby; of course they could.

 

My point is that as far as the lobby goes, the County needs a Ford, and we're putting them into a Rolls Royce.

 

 

I mean it could be leased, but if you used it for a residential building's lobby, that would not be considered leasable space. I could certainly see restaurants or a bookstore use the space, assuming the economics are there to support either.

 

The grand bank lobby seems most appropriate as a public lobby for the county, with counters for county services and space just for space's sake--as in most county courthouses, muncipal buildings, etc. I think of the lobby in the Pittsburgh-Alleghany County Building.

 

I won't disagree that the County could utilize the lobby; of course they could.

 

My point is that as far as the lobby goes, the County needs a Ford, and we're putting them into a Rolls Royce.

 

I completely disagree. Just because its a county building doesn't mean it should be second rate or look like a dump. This isn't just some building for some county department. This is the headquarters for the Cuyahoga County Government the (currently) largest county in the state. Why shouldn't it look like this? Fitzgerald refers to the city of Cleveland as "the capital of Cuyahoga County" so that would make their location the equivalent of the US Capitol or the state house or something like that. They could be creative with the building, like making a Cuyahoga County museum or something in there that could entice people who aren't there for county business, but the idea that the headquarters of County Government shouldn't be in a building like this is absurd.

^ come on, where the heck did I say the County should be in a second rate building or a dump?

 

This is an ongoing conversation where I (had hoped) I was pretty clear.

 

 

p.s. KJP I worked at the Huntington and the lobby got little visitation/attention even when it was publicly accessible as a bank.

 

Not surprising at all. I'm not a Huntington customer, but I have visited county offices before (mostly the planning commission and the county administration building). The only time I have visited the Huntington Building was to show out-of-town visitors the amazing atrium/lobby. I would think that many more people flow through the county's offices (or at least the ones slated to move) each day than go into Huntington Bank's regional headquarters (including to their bank teller counters). They number of people who pour through tiny the county administration building each day is pretty remarkable. Its relocation to the Huntington Building will dramatically increase the foot traffic through it.

p.s. KJP I worked at the Huntington and the lobby got little visitation/attention even when it was publicly accessible as a bank.

 

Not surprising at all. I'm not a Huntington customer, but I have visited county offices before (mostly the planning commission and the county administration building). The only time I have visited the Huntington Building was to show out-of-town visitors the amazing atrium/lobby. I would think that many more people flow through the county's offices (or at least the ones slated to move) each day than go into Huntington Bank's regional headquarters (including to their bank teller counters). They number of people who pour through tiny the county administration building each day is pretty remarkable. Its relocation to the Huntington Building will dramatically increase the foot traffic through it.

 

Ha, I would show in-town residents the lobby. It's overwhelming, in a good way.

 

I'm willing to concede that under County use, that more people will see the lobby. But again, those are people who were going to that locale anyway. It's great people get to experience the surroundings. But there is a zero net gain to downtown.

 

On the other hand, if the lobby could be marketed in tangent with some new kind of attraction, then just like customers going to Penzy's and Crop in Ohio City, that is a net gain where the distinguished surroundings help serve as a destination.

Ah, but here's where the difference comes in..... With the county there and more people passing through the lobby, that increases the likelihood of general tenants (cafes, newsstands, coffee shops, etc) locating in there which are things that anyone, even if they have no business to do with the county, would visit. The county creates an anchor or "foundation" of regular foot traffic on which tenants catering to the general public can build upon.

 

It's like the difference between Tower City Center and the Galleria. The reason why Tower City has few vacancies is because it has an anchor and its not a department store (even when Higbee's was there). Instead, it's the RTA. There's a foundation of regular daily foot traffic coming through there from the Rapid station and the parking areas. The Galleria doesn't have that, although that can start to change with the YMCA relocating there. The YMCA becomes the anchor.

 

The county can be the anchor and a foundation of foot traffic for the Huntington in a much more beneficial way than Huntington Bank or Ernst & Young ever could.

It'd be interesting to know how the building is laid out internally.  Maybe it would be possible to turn the lobby into an arcade-esque space accessible before going through security and have security for the County be located at some intermediate step before one gets at the elevators up to the offices.

Ah, but here's where the difference comes in..... With the county there and more people passing through the lobby, that increases the likelihood of general tenants (cafes, newsstands, coffee shops, etc) locating in there which are things that anyone, even if they have no business to do with the county, would visit. The county creates an anchor or "foundation" of regular foot traffic on which tenants catering to the general public can build upon.

 

It's like the difference between Tower City Center and the Galleria. The reason why Tower City has few vacancies is because it has an anchor and its not a department store (even when Higbee's was there). Instead, it's the RTA. There's a foundation of regular daily foot traffic coming through there from the Rapid station and the parking areas. The Galleria doesn't have that, although that can start to change with the YMCA relocating there. The YMCA becomes the anchor.

 

The county can be the anchor and a foundation of foot traffic for the Huntington in a much more beneficial way than Huntington Bank or Ernst & Young ever could.

 

BINGO. Exactly

I'll bet I'm in the minority here, but I have no interest in the County getting anything less but the bare minimum. For years,  decades even, they've corrupted and abused us to no end in a culture of selfishness and criminal activity. A few token arrests and prosecutions, however high profile they may be, does nothing to ingratiate me from their collective guilt.

 

Had Fitz cleaned house completly and make everyone reapply, that would be one thing. It would have lent some credibility to the workers, or at least the effort would win some brownie points. But he didn't and many of the

same players, those who contributed or accepted this culture, are still there at the tax payers expense,  minus a few fat boys on top.

 

The Huntington is a reward they have not earned, as would be a new building.  Let them stay in their current $hithole until a new generation of workers come in. Then we'll talk.

 

I don't for a second believe that there's and alternate universe where Fitz cleaned house and you're not here arguing that the county employees don't deserve it.  In those scenarios there is ultimately a high percentage of rehires ("Who is more qualified than the person that had the job") and whatever that percentage might be wouldn't be enough for someone of the belief that there is so much complacent corruption.  Saying that, I sympathize with your argument in spirit, despite thinking it's a good use of the Huntington and desiring the destruction of the existing administration building.

 

:-D

 

^^Talk about cutting off your nose to spite your face.  Even if it ends up at the Huntington Bldg, the county is going to get a stellar lease.

More like having a dual masectomy because you had lumps in one breast and have a family history.

Ah, but here's where the difference comes in..... With the county there and more people passing through the lobby, that increases the likelihood of general tenants (cafes, newsstands, coffee shops, etc) locating in there which are things that anyone, even if they have no business to do with the county, would visit. The county creates an anchor or "foundation" of regular foot traffic on which tenants catering to the general public can build upon.

 

It's like the difference between Tower City Center and the Galleria. The reason why Tower City has few vacancies is because it has an anchor and its not a department store (even when Higbee's was there). Instead, it's the RTA. There's a foundation of regular daily foot traffic coming through there from the Rapid station and the parking areas. The Galleria doesn't have that, although that can start to change with the YMCA relocating there. The YMCA becomes the anchor.

 

The county can be the anchor and a foundation of foot traffic for the Huntington in a much more beneficial way than Huntington Bank or Ernst & Young ever could.

 

BINGO. Exactly

 

Okay so I see we've come full circle. I am certain people aren't reading upthread.

 

IF there can be public access to the lobby that is great.

 

IF they could somehow add a hotel or residential component it may be able to save the complex from remaining a

huge DEAD ZONE on evenings and weekends.

 

Like I said, I'm only hoping that the building achieve its greatest potential.

 

Ah, but here's where the difference comes in..... With the county there and more people passing through the lobby, that increases the likelihood of general tenants (cafes, newsstands, coffee shops, etc) locating in there which are things that anyone, even if they have no business to do with the county, would visit. The county creates an anchor or "foundation" of regular foot traffic on which tenants catering to the general public can build upon.

 

It's like the difference between Tower City Center and the Galleria. The reason why Tower City has few vacancies is because it has an anchor and its not a department store (even when Higbee's was there). Instead, it's the RTA. There's a foundation of regular daily foot traffic coming through there from the Rapid station and the parking areas. The Galleria doesn't have that, although that can start to change with the YMCA relocating there. The YMCA becomes the anchor.

 

The county can be the anchor and a foundation of foot traffic for the Huntington in a much more beneficial way than Huntington Bank or Ernst & Young ever could.

 

BINGO. Exactly

 

Okay so I see we've come full circle. I am certain people aren't reading upthread.

 

IF there can be public access to the lobby that is great.

 

IF they could somehow add a hotel or residential component it may be able to save the complex from remaining a

huge DEAD ZONE on evenings and weekends.

 

Like I said, I'm only hoping that the building achieve its greatest potential.

 

I think the statement "the County needs a Ford, and we're putting them into a Rolls Royce" is quite clear. Using your same analogy, a Ford IS second rate compare to a Rolls Royce. That was my entire gripe with what you said. Contrary to what you may think, I CAN read and I did read upthread. And I took issue with that statement, the idea that the county should be in some second rate building simply because its the county, as if that building got any more exposure with its previous tenants.

^ If it helps clarify, I like Ford. And I do not consider it a "second rate" product.

 

So if you read upthread, you saw that I was happy the County is considering Huntington.

 

Again, my concern is that the potential of the LOBBY area- which is a considerable resource-  that it should be utilized to the fullest extent.

 

 

 

 

 

Ah, but here's where the difference comes in..... With the county there and more people passing through the lobby, that increases the likelihood of general tenants (cafes, newsstands, coffee shops, etc) locating in there which are things that anyone, even if they have no business to do with the county, would visit. The county creates an anchor or "foundation" of regular foot traffic on which tenants catering to the general public can build upon.

 

It's like the difference between Tower City Center and the Galleria. The reason why Tower City has few vacancies is because it has an anchor and its not a department store (even when Higbee's was there). Instead, it's the RTA. There's a foundation of regular daily foot traffic coming through there from the Rapid station and the parking areas. The Galleria doesn't have that, although that can start to change with the YMCA relocating there. The YMCA becomes the anchor.

 

The county can be the anchor and a foundation of foot traffic for the Huntington in a much more beneficial way than Huntington Bank or Ernst & Young ever could.

 

Thank you!  AMEN  Preach on!

It'd be interesting to know how the building is laid out internally.  Maybe it would be possible to turn the lobby into an arcade-esque space accessible before going through security and have security for the County be located at some intermediate step before one gets at the elevators up to the offices.

 

I worked in that building many years ago. The grand atrium part of the lobby can be easily cut off from the corridor that leads to the elevators. On Euclid Ave, the revolving doors on the west lead into the bank lobby. The set of doors farthest east lead into the corridor that goes to the elevators, then to a set of escalators that lead down to a shopping arcade (a Burroughs store, the Guvenors Pub, a barber shop and a coffee shop) below street level. This is where the tunnel connects under Chester Ave to the Ohio Savings Building and garage.

 

IIRC, after banking hours (and at this time it was the Union Commerce Bank) the bank lobby was closed off from the rest of the lobby.

The Huntington is a reward they have not earned, as would be a new building. 

 

The County is Us. 

 

WE deserve to do our business in a place we can be proud of. 

^Beat me to it.

I'll bet I'm in the minority here, but I have no interest in the County getting anything less but the bare minimum. For years,  decades even, they've corrupted and abused us to no end in a culture of selfishness and criminal activity. A few token arrests and prosecutions, however high profile they may be, does nothing to ingratiate me from their collective guilt.

 

Had Fitz cleaned house completly and make everyone reapply, that would be one thing. It would have lent some credibility to the workers, or at least the effort would win some brownie points. But he didn't and many of the

same players, those who contributed or accepted this culture, are still there at the tax payers expense,  minus a few fat boys on top.

 

The Huntington is a reward they have not earned, as would be a new building.  Let them stay in their current $hithole until a new generation of workers come in. Then we'll talk.

 

 

He hasn't made everyone reapply, but my understanding is that they've been going department by department and getting rid of people who were hired without the proper qualifications.  That seems more fair to me than punishing the people who are there doing their jobs properly because someone else got a patronage job.

Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald considers suing over purchase of Ameritrust complex

 

http://www.cleveland.com/cuyahoga-county/index.ssf/2012/03/cuyahoga_county_executive_ed_fitzgerald_considers_suing_over_purchase_of_ameritrust_complex.html

^Yeah, good luck with that one.

I think the last half-dozen paragraphs are the most relevant parts of that article. They indicate why an investigation and possible lawsuit is forthcoming.

Can they do anything with Staubach since it was bought by Jones Lang LaSalle?  Would they hold JLL responsible or the previous partners of Staubach?  I don't know anything about the legal system and have no idea how that would work..

Cuyahoga County plans to sell off buildings, consolidate offices

Published: Saturday, April 21, 2012, 9:00 PM    Updated: Saturday, April 21, 2012, 10:22 PM

By Laura Johnston, The Plain Dealer The Plain Dealer

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cuyahoga County chose a real estate firm on Friday to sell unneeded county buildings -- including the downtown Ameritrust complex -- and consolidate government offices.

CBRE Group Inc. will be paid $267,750, plus sales commission, to market as many as 22 buildings, evaluate possible new offices and negotiate sales or leases. Work could start next month, Public Works Director Bonnie Teeuwen said.

 

County Executive Ed FitzGerald has said he hopes to move out of the 57-year-old administration building and consolidate offices within two years.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/cuyahoga-county/index.ssf/2012/04/cuyahoga_county_plans_to_sell_off_buildings_consolidate_offices.html

This encompasses multiple threads so

I'll post it here. I hope that this all works out and soon!!

 

http://www.cleveland.com/cuyahoga-county/index.ssf/2012/04/cuyahoga_county_plans_to_sell_off_buildings_consolidate_offices.html

 

Could this be moved to the Cleveland: Cuyahoga County Headquarters Relocation thread?

 

 

I honestly think the County will end up on Public Square. 

 

I honestly think the County will end up on Public Square. 

 

Where on Public Square? They're not going to build new, and they need space with a public interface (lobbies, public service windows/counters, waiting areas etc). Are you thinking your old haunts at 200 Public Square? It's a got the atrium for what the county might need, but I read that 1.2-million-square-foot building is nearly 90 percent leased. That leaves only about 120,000 square feet for the county. Not enough.

 

Maybe the old Society for Savings building might work? I don't know how much space it has (total vs available), but it sure does have a great public interface area!