January 11, 20223 yr wow yeah that is big news. i always wondered what in the heck else could be done with that big warehouse building. i guess now we will see. i didn't think it would ever happen -- very glad to hear this.
January 11, 20223 yr On 1/4/2022 at 12:39 PM, ML11 said: Is there a project or vision/plan with more potential impact on the city than this? I agree this will be transformative, but it's not the transformation I hope for. Greater Cleveland has a wealth of waterfront recreation and parkland; both on the lake and rivers. What I want more of is density and urbanity on the water. A riverfront boardwalk or promenade fronting on dense development would be awesome- and is something we don't already have; at least not much anyway. My dream would be to have a riverfront that aspires to be more like Chicago's.
January 11, 20223 yr Saw news of a golf simulator bar opening in FEB - which is excellent news as I desperately try to get my handicap below 10 - then I heard it was being opened by Bobby George... Someone please deny this rumor - even if you're lying to me. I just want to golf
January 11, 20223 yr Plain Dealer's take on it (after Ken): Samsel Supply Co. sells warehouse, waterfront buildings on Flats east bank in Cleveland Updated: Jan. 11, 2022, 2:47 p.m. | Published: Jan. 11, 2022, 2:42 p.m. By Eric Heisig, cleveland.com CLEVELAND, Ohio — Companies affiliated with a Cleveland-based developer has bought four buildings on the east bank of The Flats – three of which are on the waterfront of the Cuyahoga River – though the developer is remaining mum on its plans for the space. Samsel Supply Co. which for decades owned a slew of buildings along Old River Road, sold the buildings to companies associated with GBX Group, a developer that specializes in working with historic projects. They include the warehouse at 1285 Old River Road, which has 109,845 square feet, the Upson-Walton Building across the street at 1294-1310 Old River Road and two smaller buildings directly south. https://www.cleveland.com/realestate-news/2022/01/samsel-supply-co-sells-warehouse-waterfront-buildings-in-flats-east-bank-in-cleveland.html Edited January 11, 20223 yr by MuRrAy HiLL
January 12, 20223 yr I'm loving this news. Collision Bend always seemed so lonely over there by itself so it would be great if they could liven up that street with more ground level retail!
February 4, 20223 yr Picture credit is Bob Perkoski on FB.This was 10 years ago.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
February 4, 20223 yr Wow crazy how much it changed in what feels like a short while! I'm really excited for the continued development of the Flats. I think if/once they build out those next phases it would be one of those things that tourists/visitors that come here will tell all their friends about when they go back home. It's a huge draw for young people to just be able to get dropped off and spend a whole night walking to any bar/restaurant/club you want to go to all night hopping around without a worry of driving. And also the atmosphere is great down there on a busy Friday or Saturday night. Adding more apartments/ground floor restaurants/bars will only make it better. Has there been any updates to that next phase? The big building they are suppose to put on that parking lot they have now. I know covid sorta screwed up the timing but do we know if that is still going to happen?
March 30, 20223 yr Jade looks like it should be ready to open any day now!! Looking forward to checking it out. 🍣
April 10, 20223 yr Developer Bobby George has big dreams for Old River Road in the Flats "Developer Bobby George is charting a new course for the Samsel Supply Co. warehouse, a century-old maritime stronghold on the east bank of the Flats. George teamed up late last year with Cleveland-based GBX Group to acquire the brick industrial building and four other historic properties along Old River Road. Now the partners, who started buying up real estate in the Old River Road Historic District almost five years ago, are pursuing state preservation tax credits for their first major project. The five-story Samsel complex is the subject of a $41.7 million plan for what George describes as a “wellness hotel.” In addition to 86 short-term rental apartments, the project could include a Roman-inspired bathhouse, fitness facilities, a rooftop pool and an expanded version of LYV, a wellness business that George opened last year in nearby Ohio City." https://www.crainscleveland.com/real-estate/developer-bobby-george-has-big-dreams-old-river-road-flats
April 10, 20223 yr 11 minutes ago, Luke_S said: Developer Bobby George has big dreams for Old River Road in the Flats "Developer Bobby George is charting a new course for the Samsel Supply Co. warehouse, a century-old maritime stronghold on the east bank of the Flats. George teamed up late last year with Cleveland-based GBX Group to acquire the brick industrial building and four other historic properties along Old River Road. Now the partners, who started buying up real estate in the Old River Road Historic District almost five years ago, are pursuing state preservation tax credits for their first major project. The five-story Samsel complex is the subject of a $41.7 million plan for what George describes as a “wellness hotel.” In addition to 86 short-term rental apartments, the project could include a Roman-inspired bathhouse, fitness facilities, a rooftop pool and an expanded version of LYV, a wellness business that George opened last year in nearby Ohio City." https://www.crainscleveland.com/real-estate/developer-bobby-george-has-big-dreams-old-river-road-flats This should be interesting to watch and discuss the next few years. I guess in the short term monitoring how well they do chasing all the tax credits they maybe/are seeking, seeing how the conceptual vision turns more concrete and of course the fun and games before Landmarks. Hopefully this is a great success and helps trigger Flats East Bank Phase 3B which has been "crickets" for a long time now as well as further development on lots up the hill.
April 11, 20223 yr The bar at the Wellness Hotel will be on the 5th floor, and only accessible by stairs. That way you have to burn some cals before they shove booze down your throat
April 13, 20223 yr On 4/10/2022 at 8:37 PM, YABO713 said: The bar at the Wellness Hotel will be on the 5th floor, and only accessible by stairs. That way you have to burn some cals before they shove booze down your throat A good way to punish anyone with a handicap for not eating better and preventing their ailments.
April 15, 20223 yr I notice the Crain's article mentions George and the development group really wanted the land purchased by the Metroparks on Old River Rd. As I recall, the Metroparks did not have an exact intended use, but their reasoning was simply to ensure public access to the river and noted the broader Vision for the Valley plan. Frankly, it's a location that isn't a great use for park space IMO. This is simply an aspirational idea (and I don't know the legal differences between the City and Metroparks) but a property trade between the City (the Old River Rd site) and George (his West 25th Irishtown Bend Park parcel) could be a better land use for both parcels, and be a beneficial resolution for both parties. I know the $3 million for the Old River Rd site is much more than George bought the West 25th property for, but it might make sense rather than expend thousands in legal fees - and a significant time cost in eminent domain. Plus, the deal could require George to have public access (boardwalk) on the site. Maybe this is just wishful thinking for a creative mediation...
April 15, 20223 yr I'm curious about this wellness center in the Flats. Didn't George use the excuse he wanted to build a wellness center on the plot that he has on W25th in the future Irishtown Bend Park? Does this hint at that he's giving up on that land? Wasn't his one flimsy reason was that he had plans drawn up for a wellness center? That doesn't hold much weight now with this announcement. I would think this would help the city's case for eminent domain. Slightly off topic since I mention W25th but figured this involves both properties now.
April 15, 20223 yr Let's be clear here: nobody likes Bobby George. Nobody. But bashing him over and over again is off topic.
May 1, 20223 yr Does anybody have any idea when Smokey’s will be opening? I thought it was supposed to open a long time ago and it’s already May.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
May 2, 20223 yr From what I've heard: They've failed to pay contractors for completed work, and said contractors have since paused work on the job. Edited May 2, 20223 yr by clandman1123 accuracy of statement
May 15, 20223 yr The first new restaurant in the new phase of the East Bank flats is only offering their roof top to “members”?? [emoji848]When pressed about it not being open to the average customer:“not all rooftops are equal. We have a unique 3 level concept and have the most beautiful views. Our space is limited so we offering this option for people that want to enjoy some exclusivity. Just offering options”
May 15, 20223 yr Give it time. They’ll start opening to the public as their limited supply and space becomes less new and trendy at the Flats East Bank.
May 15, 20223 yr Soho Houses and similar concepts are common throughout the country. It's nice seeing some variety in the Flats such as this. Edited May 15, 20223 yr by TBideon
May 15, 20223 yr 11 minutes ago, TBideon said: Soho Houses and similar concepts are common throughout the country. It's nice seeing some variety in the Flats such as this. But isn't Soho House an all members club? In other words the general public cannot just walk in and use the facilities. Seems strange to differentiate between groups of paying customers. I certainly don't want to be the guy at the entrance telling a hot headed customer (as we know they do exist, more so now than ever) who just spent a few hundred on dinner that he cannot go onto the deck.
May 15, 20223 yr You're right. My point was that it's good to have a variety of establishments, including those that have VIP sections that aren't accessible to the general public.
May 20, 20223 yr goofy as it is, if cle is pulling soho house type moves its a sign the flats are in a good place. there is something for everyone, including snobs. 😂
May 27, 20223 yr Scott Wolstein passes away from cancer. https://fox8.com/news/real-estate-developer-scott-wolstein-dies-at-69/
May 27, 20223 yr Author He had been incapacitated for some time. I asked Akara Partners months ago if his condition would affect Kenect Cleveland and they said no. Incredible that his mother Iris outlived him. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 27, 20223 yr Wow - the fragility of this life. Condolences to Mr. Wolstein’s family and friends. Thank you for his contributions to the Renaissance of Cleveland.
May 27, 20223 yr 30 minutes ago, CleveFan said: Wow - the fragility of this life. Condolences to Mr. Wolstein’s family and friends. Thank you for his contributions to the Renaissance of Cleveland. A Sad day. As most of us on UO know Scott and his Mother Iris took over for his Father's far sighted vision for the Flats East Bank when his Father died. AND unlike some local developers they did NOT give up that vision, that dream, when they came up short by millions of dollars in financing back in 2010. They personally guaranteed some of those loans and also increased their equity in the project to be able to complete the first phase of the project!! And then they was even able to refinance the project a couple years later to boot. We need MORE LEADERS like the Wolstein Family!! GOD BLESS THEM Edited May 27, 20223 yr by Larry1962 Typos
May 28, 20223 yr I'm reminded of all the prominent Clevelanders at Lakeview Cemetery when I think of contemporary names such as Lerner, Lewis, and Wolstein. These were the "captains of industry" of our time and part of a long chain Clevelanders whose legacy will live forever in this town of ours. R.I.P. (I believe Bart rests at the Mayfield Cemetery adjacent to Lakeview if I'm not mistaken. Don't know where Lewis is at. Lerner is at Lakeview.)
June 13, 20223 yr Does anyone know the current status of the next phase of FEB? At one point I believe they were targeting a 2022 Q2 construction start date. That obviously didn't happen, is the project just delayed or is it back to the drawing board with the design?
June 13, 20223 yr Author I've asked their CEO a couple of times for updates. The first time was last November or so when I heard about Scott Wolstein's cancer. He said the project was a go despite Wolstein's situation. In late winter, I asked again for an update and got no response. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
June 13, 20222 yr Scott was the champion for this project. With his passing I'm afraid unless someone else in the company picks up the torch we may be in for a long term delay or even cancellation. The only positive I can see with the transition in leadership is maybe the Kinect plan gets sh*t-canned. The design is completely underwhelming. A different look would be much appreciated, by me at least.
June 13, 20222 yr Author Scott wasn't directly involved in the Kenect Cleveland project. Akara Partners was the lead. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
June 13, 20222 yr ^ Interesting. Whenever I read about the Flats East Bank in the PD it was always attributed to him. Like he wanted to fulfill his father's dream and in spite of a few economic downturns it was his desire that kept it going. If that IS true are you saying that while he kept the project alive he wasn't the decision maker in determining what the design would look like? The Kenect group was chosen by someone else in his company?
June 13, 20222 yr Author Kenect is a brand. Akara Partners is the developer. And Akara bought the land for their development, so they call the shots on who they will hire to deliver it. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
June 13, 20222 yr Thanks Ken. I didn't realize the Wolstein company had sold the land to a developer. There must have been a lag time between reading several stories about Scott driving the East Band development and then selling it. Or maybe it was just poor reporting by the PD. So the CEO you referenced was the Akara CEO then and not the Wolstein company. If that is the case Wolstein dying won't have any impact on the next phase. Any delay must be for economic reasons. Well, with any luck if/when it does start up maybe there will be a different brand. I can only hope as I dislike the Kenect design.
June 13, 20222 yr Author Yes, I was quoting Akara's CEO. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
June 13, 20222 yr that is very sad news. i wonder what will become of the family's east bank flats properties now? surely he made provisions for this? i guess we wait and see.
June 20, 20222 yr I'm not entirley sure if this is east or west bank, but there was a sizeable lawn fire underneath the bridge. (my bad for the size of the video oml, you can double click to fullscreen it instead of watching a blown up version) 258691455_flatsfire.mp4 Edited June 20, 20222 yr by tastybunns
June 20, 20222 yr 20 minutes ago, tastybunns said: I'm not entirley sure if this is east or west bank, but there was a sizeable lawn fire underneath the bridge. (my bad for the size of the video oml, you can double click to fullscreen it instead of watching a blown up version) 258691455_flatsfire.mp4 21.91 MB · 0 downloads It was East Bank right in front of the dog park which is across the street from Beerhead.
June 20, 20222 yr Author The dry mulch caught fire. Someone flicked a cigarette into it. Apparently the mulch got jealous of the 1969 Cuyahoga River. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
July 29, 20222 yr https://www.cleveland.com/business/2022/07/records-reveal-another-long-shot-plan-for-a-cleveland-sportsbook-this-time-at-flats-east-bank.html
July 29, 20222 yr ^ If we're going to have these things anyway I'd prefer they go into a place outside of our sports facilities. Fans inside are already a captive audience but putting them in a downtown bar/restuarant strip would add to the street life.
July 29, 20222 yr 4 hours ago, cadmen said: ^ If we're going to have these things anyway I'd prefer they go into a place outside of our sports facilities. Fans inside are already a captive audience but putting them in a downtown bar/restuarant strip would add to the street life. Great point.
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