^ Yes, that is a must for any neighborhood. Be nice if the place would sell nicer foods, local produce as often as possible, freshly baked bread, etc..  Forget the lottery...rot gut booze and Frito Lay products. (Pepsi) Make it unique, not a clone zone.

Looks like another building is getting underway.  I saw the survey stakes placed this week, not a large building, but we'll take all the new neighbors we can get.

where is this in the overall plan?

One of the BP residents can correct me if I'm wrong, but I was at a fundraiser at the capitol for the CIFF on saturday which was followed by a trolley tour of the DS neighborhood guided by Matt Zone, who said they were just getting ready to break ground on the next phase and it would be the strip directly east of where the latest townhomes had been completed.

^ The new building will actually be immediately south of the new "Alley Townhomes" building on Battery Park Blvd.  It will be similiar to the building that is currently sitting by itself on Battery Park Blvd, but some units will have the option for a rooftop deck.  Here is a link to the floor plans...it is referred to as the Avenue Building H3.

 

http://www.batteryparkcleveland.com/index.cfm?action=Occupancy

Just a few quick photos:

 

^Thanks for the photos. :)

Sorry BP residents... but I throw up in my mouth a little bit everytime I see those townhomes.  Granted, I bet they are bee-a-ute-iful on the inside.

Sorry BP residents... but I throw up in my mouth a little bit everytime I see those townhomes.  Granted, I bet they are bee-a-ute-iful on the inside.

 

Thats because you're an eastsider.  I like the punch of color, but not those porches!

I guess it's all a matter of taste. I personally love modern homes, but Battery Park is just a bit too modern for my tastes. I don't think it's ugly though. Just not my style. I'd love to see the inside of one of those townhouses though!

I just think that there is so incredibly little amounts of modern architecture in Cleveland that it always tends to stick out...

I guess it's all a matter of taste. I personally love modern homes, but Battery Park is just a bit too modern for my tastes. I don't think it's ugly though. Just not my style. I'd love to see the inside of one of those townhouses though!

See we're at opposite ends of the spectrum.  I like homes built before 1925-45 and a few mid century mod homes.

 

These "modern" homes, IMHO, seriously lack the interior details you would find in homes in the 20' & 30's.  I like homes with "character".

Good to see the construction on the foundations more homes.

I guess it's all a matter of taste. I personally love modern homes, but Battery Park is just a bit too modern for my tastes. I don't think it's ugly though. Just not my style. I'd love to see the inside of one of those townhouses though!

See we're at opposite ends of the spectrum.   I like homes built before 1925-45 and a few mid century mod homes.

 

These "modern" homes, IMHO, seriously lack the interior details you would find in homes in the 20' & 30's. I like homes with "character".

Oh, don't get me wrong. I LOVE old homes too. In fact, I think i like older homes better than modern homes (theyre more timeless). I guess I just have pretty broad taste in houses. There is certainly such a thing as TOO modern though, and I think Battery Park is starting to push it. In a few years, people may be scratching their heads wondering what we were thinking when we made these houses, but at least this land is being developed into SOMETHING. And maybe we can both agree that these modern homes are better then just about any brutalist building from the 60s and 70s (Justice Center and Cleveland Trust Building... blegh!)

I guess it's all a matter of taste. I personally love modern homes, but Battery Park is just a bit too modern for my tastes. I don't think it's ugly though. Just not my style. I'd love to see the inside of one of those townhouses though!

See we're at opposite ends of the spectrum.  I like homes built before 1925-45 and a few mid century mod homes.

 

These "modern" homes, IMHO, seriously lack the interior details you would find in homes in the 20' & 30's.  I like homes with "character".

Oh, don't get me wrong. I LOVE old homes too. In fact, I think i like older homes better than modern homes (theyre more timeless). I guess I just have pretty broad taste in houses. There is certainly such a thing as TOO modern though, and I think Battery Park is starting to push it. In a few years, people may be scratching their heads wondering what we were thinking when we made these houses, but at least this land is being developed into SOMETHING. And maybe we can both agree that these modern homes are better then just about any brutalist building from the 60s and 70s (Justice Center and Cleveland Trust Building... blegh!)

 

I don't think that will happen.  Since it's an entire planned development going for a certain look.

 

I'm just a historic home kind a boy.

In a few years, people may be scratching their heads wondering what we were thinking when we made these houses

 

That's my concern.  The jagged/boxy townhome look is in style right now... but I don't see it as being timeless like a brownstone or victorian.  That being said, I can understand if it is being done that way for efficiency/green purposes.  And I am not against vibrant colors as I love the "loud" (some even call obnoxious) look in some of the more eclectic neighborhoods in THE Heights.  It is not the colors that throw me off on these homes, it is the architectural design and material being used.

Sorry BP residents... but I throw up in my mouth a little bit everytime I see those townhomes. Granted, I bet they are bee-a-ute-iful on the inside.

 

I dont really think these particular ones are that modern, with the wood siding and "pasted" on wood accents (barrrowed from another style and time), I just think they are not all that interesting.  And some of the others just look "cheap" with the vinyl this and that.  But thats what you get with affordable housing.

 

I actually thought if they were trying to do modern that they cut it way short, and should have much more cutting edge looking (and interesting). 

 

The ones pictured above do actually have some nice spaces (on their website) with the walls of windows etc.

I guess it's all a matter of taste. I personally love modern homes, but Battery Park is just a bit too modern for my tastes. I don't think it's ugly though. Just not my style. I'd love to see the inside of one of those townhouses though!

See we're at opposite ends of the spectrum.  I like homes built before 1925-45 and a few mid century mod homes.

 

These "modern" homes, IMHO, seriously lack the interior details you would find in homes in the 20' & 30's.  I like homes with "character".

 

I agree.  I think some of these modern townhomes are becoming cookie cutter and bland in their own way.  Also, they feel too utilitarian and almost brutalist to me.

 

I actually think the Battery Park townhomes are an improvement on most modern townhomes, but they still have a little of that feel to me.

The only time I feel like my place is cookie cutter is when I walk into one of my neighbors places. ::glances over at gottaplan and jmjr::  It actually is kinda weird to walk into someone elses house and pretty much already know your way around.

 

To be honest, the the building pictured above is my least favorite in the development.  The ones they finished building earlier this year look a lot better than those and I think the new building will take cues from it.

The only time I feel like my place is cookie cutter is when I walk into one of my neighbors places. ::glances over at gottaplan and jmjr::  It actually is kinda weird to walk into someone elses house and pretty much already know your way around.

 

To be honest, the the building pictured above is my least favorite in the development.  The ones they finished building earlier this year look a lot better than those and I think the new building will take cues from it.

 

That is why MTS is a hater of tract homes and planned divisions.  Homes should be like people, gracious and full of character.

 

So MTS would be only half a home?

I've traveled around and found the EXACT same style & color of townhome buildings in Battery Park also located in parts of Chicago, Charlotte, Texas, Florida, and Oregon.  So whether you like it or hate it, I don't think it's all that unique.  Maybe just unique to Cleveland.

 

On another note, I still haven't been able to get any news on a tenant signed to the Powerhouse, but I know they are proceeding with interior buildout...

While these are not my favorite style, I don't think they're horrible. Some nice Sycamore trees, a signature Ohio natural heritage tree, would look nice in this development. It is too bare and bland. More trees pull it all together again and mends the wounds that development inflicts on the land as well as help clean the air.

^ Apparently you never saw what was here before the they started building Battery Park.  I thought there was a picture floating around somewhere in this thread, but I couldn't find it.  It used to be an EverReady Battery plant and they had to do considerable cleanup to the land.  They had to truck in topsoil to cover the entire area. 

^ Well, yes.. I did know what it looked like... and it can even get better with more trees. What a topper for a contrast to what it was.

So MTS would be only half a home?

http://www.entertonement.com/clips/bffdxdslzq--bore-The-Devil-Wears-Prada-Meryl-Streep-Miranda-Priestly

Another 3 or 4 units going up at the south-west corner of 74th and Battery Park. ....plus, there has been some heavy construction outside the powerhouse to the West. Not exactly sure what they're doing though.

^ That is a new townhome building.  Not sure on the exact number of units, but it will probably be more like 7 or 8 units.

Looks like what is west of the powerhouse is just parking lot.

 

 

this shot taken just about 30 min ago looking south from just west of the powerhouse.  They paved it over.

Still no word from Vintage on what's going in the space.  I guess they want to keep it quiet until it's a done deal.

New townhomes are progressing, 2nd floor going up.  Excited to see what the final layout looks like.  Powerhouse seems to have stalled.  A month ago I was hearing about materials being delivered & 2nd floor office space being built out.  Guess not.  Probably no lease yet.

Excited to see what the final layout looks like. Powerhouse seems to have stalled. A month ago I was hearing about materials being delivered & 2nd floor office space being built out. Guess not. Probably no lease yet.

 

Drove by today and there were a bunch of people in suits and business skirts milling about inside. Something going on. :)

Some nice progress to report on recently.  Vintage has been continuing work in the Powerhouse.  Steel was delivered last week and is being erected inside to build out the 2nd floor for future office space. 

 

Also attended a meeting 3 weeks ago held by Matt Zone to update everyone on the status of the 76th street tunnel.  Still alot of work to be done but they had several plans for everyone to review and the ideas for the tunnel looked great.

 

Finally, Vintage got approval from Planning Commision for the next phase of construction:3

 

Scroll about half way down the page: http://clevelandplanner.blogspot.com/

 

NEAR WEST REGION DESIGN REVIEW

 

1. NW 2010-001: Battery Park Skyline Townhomes – New Construction

 

1240-1268 West 73rd Street, also Addresses on Father Frascati Avenue, West 74th Street & Marina Court yet to be Determined

 

Project Representatives – Mike Marous, Vintage Development Group; Mike Caito, City Architecture

 

Description: Construction of twenty-four (24) new Skyline-style residential townhomes as part of Battery Park project’s Phase II component. 

 

This is part of phase 2 of the Battery Park neighborhood plan. The proposed 24 units are approximately 1600 square feet each and are priced between $250k - $300k each. The exterior will be mainly metal, brick and glass - the glass windows will be over sized to take advantage of the views.

 

Other related news - still working with ODOT to hammer out details of the West 73rd curve leading to the West Shoreway. This will likely add more usable space for the neighborhood. Work on the West 76 Street tunnel is set to start this spring. $1 million has already been set aside for these improvements.

 

Comparing some older renderings to the current site plan it looks like they're scaling back on the "lofts" buildings and adding more townhouses.  That's a bit of a bummer for us density geeks, but probably makes sense from a market standpoint.

I

Comparing some older renderings to the current site plan it looks like they're scaling back on the "lofts" buildings and adding more townhouses. That's a bit of a bummer for us density geeks, but probably makes sense from a market standpoint.

I noticed that too.  As long as they keep building, I'm not complaining.  Still a big open lot in the center for a loft building and another on the north side.

 

Hi all,

 

I noticed and survey team at the northend of W 76th st. They were surveying the pedestrian tunnel to Edgewater Park. Hopefully this the start of rehabbing the tunnel. Warm nuzzles and bear hugz.

 

Jim S.

 

FYI-ODOT will review their lakefront connections plan on Feb 23 from 5-7p @ Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School on 1355 West 70th Street

Does anyone know the address of the brick building(s) in the above picture and if they are vacant?

 

I am the owner of a company in Mentor who is considering a move into Cleveland.  I would love to rehab an old brick building with good "bones" in a Cleveland neighborhood that is on the rise.

1200 W. 76th St.  A developer had plans to rebuild it as condos a while back, but I don't know if that's still on.  Cleveland has so many great old warehouses.  You can start a thread in the "Travel and Relocation" section.  I'm sure people on here will have lots and lots of suggestions.

BTW, the condo development was called Stonewater. I think it's now dead in the water. There hasn't been activity on that project since 2007.

FYI-ODOT will review their lakefront connections plan on Feb 23 from 5-7p @ Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School on 1355 West 70th Street

 

That is excellent news.  I went to the meeting last year and it was really informative.  Hoping to see more updated plans.

BTW, the condo development was called Stonewater. I think it's now dead in the water. There hasn't been activity on that project since 2007.

 

The developer of Battery Park has had conversations with the owner of the building.  Whatever is done with that building must be done in conjunction with Battery Park or the two properties will end up as direct competitors. 

 

As Battery Park gets more residents, and the Powerhouse and 76th street tunnel progress, it should really start to open the door for that building to be renovated.  Still need alot more demand of course, but the building has amazing views of downtown and the lake.

 

Here are some architectural renderings done by a firm, Dimit Architects.  Note the city skyline visible through some of the windows in the renderings, very cool.  http://www.dimitarchitects.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=104&Itemid=117

Hmmm... there are a bunch of interesting projects on their website.  I wonder about "student housing" and "mixed use project".

wow the stonewater condo building has awesome interiors. some do indeed have stunning views. love the roof decks too. i hope it can be redeveloped like that at some point.

I'm very curious about the mixed-use project.  I know that the student housing thing is a bit up in the air.

 

 

I really like Dimit's work. I wish they'd snag more of the stuff that CA gets. I'd love to see what Dimit would have done with Battery Park.

Hmmm... there are a bunch of interesting projects on their website. I wonder about "student housing" and "mixed use project".

I'm very curious about the mixed-use project. I know that the student housing thing is a bit up in the air.

 

No one has explicitly said it, so I'm wondering if I'm the only one who saw it.....but if you look at the second picture listed for the mixed use project, it says FLATS over the side entrance to the building.  I guess they created this for some of the residential housing that is now on-hold?

Good eye, FrqntFlyr!

I can't comment on the other projects on the site, but according to my contact (also an architect) who referred me to Dimit's site, the renderings were done pro-bono, basically to show the owner what COULD be done with the building and to promote their firm for future work.  I have no idea how much time or effort was put forth to develop those pictures...

FYI-ODOT will review their lakefront connections plan on Feb 23 from 5-7p @ Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School on 1355 West 70th Street

 

FYI, they were presented at Friday's planning commission meeting and will be presented again February 19 because design review members had recommendations.  I checked the planning commission website, but they weren't up there.

FYI-ODOT will review their lakefront connections plan on Feb 23 from 5-7p @ Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School on 1355 West 70th Street

 

That is excellent news.  I went to the meeting last year and it was really informative.  Hoping to see more updated plans.

 

More news regarding the tunnels:

 

Some of the design elements to be used on the $2.7 - 3 million portion of the Shoreway project include the same lights currently installed on the Detroit Superior  Bridge. There will also be a metal trellis system to allow for vertical growth of ivy type plants near the adjacent to the tunnel entrance. It is hoped this will be made from a high grade stainless instead of aluminum or similar material that might bleed rust on the concrete.

 

Councilman Zone spoke: He mentioned the desire to celebrate the completion of the tunnels this fall with a 100th anniversary party since the opening of the original tunnels. Although delighted with the most recent progress, he shares many of his constituents concerns with the many delays and postponements related to this project. He also agreed with Design Review comments regarding the relocation of the waterline that runs along the ceiling of the tunnel. Finally, he commented on how we should not settle for second best when it comes to materials used for the project and would like ODOT to examine the possibility the white porcelain tiles currently in various states of disrepair throughout the tunnel be restored.

 

Read more:

http://clevelandplanner.blogspot.com/2010/02/cleveland-planning-commission-report.html