December 10, 200618 yr I realize Mr. Howells is a quiet, unassuming man, but I hope he gives this project more promotional buzz than he has. He's a local guy, so he ought to understand how huge it would be to offer housing on Public Square. By the way, I came across a couple of interesting pages about the Park Building and the Southworth Building in Clay Herrick Jr.'s 1986 book "Cleveland Landmarks." Too much was written to retype it here, but I'll see if I can do an OCR text capture. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
December 10, 200618 yr I'd say the big banner and the lights are a good sign for his promotional side! Now, if he wrapped the whole building and put a big bow on it, that would be a little bit more exciting...
December 11, 200618 yr I went to a christmas party thrown by Mr. Howells and other investors last night in the Park Building and the model suite is completed. Not necessarily what I prefer design-wise, but it means they are full go on this project. Any pictures?
December 18, 200618 yr PURE has one of the units listed now. Couldn't figure out how to link it though. If you're interested in looking, it's listed in the high $200s on their website -- http://www.progressiveurban.com The project itself is not called out on the homepage just yet.
December 18, 200618 yr Here's a link to the listing: http://www.progressiveurban.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi?view_details.x=1&mls=2340311¤t_page=5&OfficeName=Progressive+Urban+Real+Estate&searchtype=Search_PURE_Listings&listcount=&sort=&resolution= clevelandskyscrapers.com Cleveland Skyscrapers on Instagram
December 18, 200618 yr If I was to move to downtown CLE, this would be the place I would be most interested in. God, you can't beat that view of Public Square. So, if somebody could put the down payment for me I would appreciate it.
December 18, 200618 yr Please tell me the listed taxes for a half year is a typo. If not, I don't have too much faith in this project.
December 18, 200618 yr ^ Thats got to be a typo. If you look at the maintenance fee it says the same amount. I doubt there are many houses in Cleveland that pay $9999 a half for property taxes.
December 18, 200618 yr Its not a typo. Its a systems error that PURE should really work on. If taxes are less than a certain amount (not sure if its $1k or $500), then the figure defaults to 9999.
December 18, 200618 yr They typically just use "filler" for the taxes and maintenance fee fields before they market a property. clevelandskyscrapers.com Cleveland Skyscrapers on Instagram
December 19, 200618 yr We'll I guess there won't a Hough Bakery coming back to this building anytime soon! :cry: 290K for 1280 Sq Ft.? Humm. :| No powder room? That corner unit better be spectacular and Public Square better be upgraded if a person has to look at it!
December 19, 200618 yr I like the 12 year tax abatement! as more and more peeps buy in the city, I hope this goes away!
January 6, 200718 yr Progressive Urban Real Estate & Howells and Howells, LLC request your presence at the unveiling of a model condominium suite in one of Cleveland's most historic buildings THE PARK BUILDING 140 Public Square at the intersection of Euclid and Ontario Public Reception from 5:00-8:00pm Wine and refreshments will be provided. For questions or to RSVP, please call 216.619.9696 x 47 or email: [email protected] PARKING SUGGESTIONS: *Ontario and Prospect *The BP Building *Tower City Center Enjoy a sophisticated, urban lifestyle in the center of Downtown Cleveland in the newly-renovated historic Park Building. One-, two- and three- bedroom plans available, including four luxury penthouse units overlooking Public Square. One- and two-bedroom units starting in the $100's. Three-bedroom units starting in the $300's
January 7, 200718 yr I got the notice at the office as well. I will be there with camera in hand. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
January 7, 200718 yr Nice and they look very affordable. I not a fan of the cabinets or granite, but the views MUST be killer! They folks look serious about getting this done. They are moving quickly! GO GO GO!!
January 7, 200718 yr That's where I heard about the tour/opening. It was in PURE's January newsletter, as was an article about the building. EDIT: Found the article -- actually a rewrite of this press release.... FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Lee Chilcote, Project Manager, 216/619-9696 x 15 Genna Petrolla, Marketing Director, 216/619-9696 x 47 The Park Building located on Cleveland’s Public Square Is Going Condo: The Park Building Converted to For-Sale Housing Cleveland, OH – December 29, 2006 – The Park Building, one of Cleveland’s most elegant buildings in downtown, is underway with a non-conventional historical conversion. With construction of a model suite complete, the unique building will see a transformation from a current office structure into twenty-seven exclusive condominiums that offer sweeping views of Public Square and Cleveland’s North Coast. The Park Building is located on the southeast quadrant of Public Square, at the corner of Ontario and Euclid Avenues. The “Grand Opening” event is this January, 2007. The Park Building, which is being developed by owner Matt Howells of HOWELLS & HOWELLS ENTERPRISES and marketed by Progressive Urban Real Estate (PURE), will offer an extremely rare opportunity to own property on Cleveland’s Public Square, with a front yard like no other. In the offering are One, Two and Three Bedroom homes with limited pre construction pricing. There will also be four stunning top floor town homes with large “window walls”, balconies and glass rails commanding breathtaking panoramic views of Public Square, Lake Erie, and The Rock& Roll Hall of Fame to mention a few. The Swetland family, who commissioned and built the building, owned and meticulously cared for it throughout the twentieth century. Located on Cleveland’s “most valuable acre” when built in 1904, the nine story Park Building represented a new era in “skyscraper building” design and construction at that time. F.S. Barnum and Company Architects designed the structure, Barnum was influenced by the new “Chicago School” of urban design which was created from the experience of the great Chicago fire. The Park Building utilizes innovative building techniques such as Roebling Steel Cable for concrete floor reinforcement (hint: The Brooklyn Bridge), was erected by Columbia Bridge & Iron Works and is an environmentally sound Concrete Encased Steel Fireproof structure. This type of construction would not even be considered today due to extensive cost restraints. The Park Building also features elegant exterior architecture, bronze and granite cladding, large bay windows on second and third floors, oak trim throughout, tall ceilings, and large windows which illuminate the building and offer a connection to the outdoors. The building’s conversion to residential use is exceptional because every unit offers a view of Public Square. The interiors are especially bright due to the number of (operational) windows. Built in an era of tremendous growth in Cleveland (1900-1910), the Park Building is today one of the oldest and best maintained commercial structures on Public Square. Mr. Howells is only the second owner of this historic building. Unit features include: Property tax abatement, Secured attached parking in the adjacent Southworth Building with direct access to your new home without leaving the building. Hardwood floors, oak trim, large Pella windows, granite kitchen countertops and outdoor porches/decks on some units. The location on Public Square is within walking distance (approx 6 minutes) to all major downtown venues. including. Tower City, Hotels & Fine Dining), the Warehouse District, The Q Arena (The Cavs), Jacobs Field (The Indians) and the excitement of the ever expanding “East Fourth Street Experience” featuring The House of Blues, PicWic & Frolic, the newly opened Corner Alley Bowling and Martini Bar and the top shelf “Lola” Restaurant. ### "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
January 8, 200718 yr Great release! I got to tour the building and the model unit today. There were quite a few people, young and old, checking the place out. I was very impressed with the model unit, which was upgraded to the nines. At 1,279 sq ft, the price for this second floor corner unit would've been well over $300k. As they're currently listed, there's only one under $200k and that's a 556 sq ft one bedroom on the third floor. The bay windows are amazing and the sound of the street is effectively blocked out. On the upper floors, which are still cut up into offices with gross carpet and paneled walls, you can still hear the street below. Some of the glass office doors on the upper floors were still intact. AIA and the Audubon Society were amongst the past tenants whose names were visible. Swetland Investments still looks to have an office on the 9th floor...curious. The potential for this building is amazing and I have no doubt that it will sell quite quickly. The views and location are clearly its best assets. I'm still a little confused about the garage space in the Southworth Building. From the floor plans, it looks like parking will be on one subterranean level and one above ground level. The main vehicular entry will be from 1st street, just east of the building, but there appears to be a garage entry on Ontario as well, while storefronts are still marked out in the plans. I'm not sure if these will just be facades or if the actual retail spaces will be retained. I would think that getting a curb cut on this part of Ontario would be a difficult proposition. The realtor in the model unit didn't know. Anyone else figure this one out? Congrats to Howells! She's a beauty!
January 8, 200718 yr They'll likely have at least double that in a week after their open house and reception have done their magic!
January 8, 200718 yr Thanks for the report, MGD. Man, this project is so cool. Such a perfect use. I assume the units were a little more classic apartment and less loft? Any reason they wouldn't put retail on the first floor (other than the anemic downtown retail market...) Wim, could you buy a couple units at the old East Ohio Gas Bldg on E6th Street to kick that project back into gear?
January 8, 200718 yr Wim, could you buy a couple units at the old East Ohio Gas Bldg on E6th Street to kick that project back into gear? EOG is on East 9. Are you thinking of the old WKYC building on E. 6th? I thought that might be a good place for residential, even thought its not a skyscrapper. I think the project would have been better if they added a tower so you can see over the board of Ed. building and have an amazing view of downtown.
January 8, 200718 yr ^Yeah, I was referring to the "WKYC building" but I believe it was built by EOG way back when (hence "old" EOG building). To me, the East 9th st bldg is the new EOG building. But that might only to to me...which doesn't make it so useful to say.
January 11, 200718 yr I had forgotten this was tonight... -- ---------------------------- Progressive Urban Real Estate & Howells and Howells, LLC request your presence at the unveiling of a model condominium suite in one of Cleveland's most historic buildings THE PARK BUILDING 140 Public Square at the intersection of Euclid and Ontario Thursday, January 11th, 2007 Preview Party and Dedication at 4:00pm Public Reception to follow from 5:00-8:00pm Wine and refreshments will be provided. REGISTER TO WIN A $50 GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR THE CORNER ALLEY!
January 11, 200718 yr Thanks for reminding me. I'd forgotten about it too! "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
January 11, 200718 yr I'll be there (with camera, obviously). clevelandskyscrapers.com Cleveland Skyscrapers on Instagram
January 11, 200718 yr I'll be there (with camera, obviously). Yeah!!!! :clap: MGD & Blinky (if you plan on attending) I hope you guys take pics as well its great to see variety
January 11, 200718 yr Well the model was terrific and the views were great - from the 2nd floor. However, one of the owner's sons invited me to check out the 9th floor - so I'll be posting some nifty shots this evening :-D clevelandskyscrapers.com Cleveland Skyscrapers on Instagram
January 12, 200718 yr That's cool. The owner gave me tour of the building. :wave: These are the times when I enjoy being a reporter. It's amazing what introducing yourself as a reporter does to some people. Sometimes it gets you a tour of a building. Other times it gets you thrown out of one. While I didn't bring a camera, I did bring a notepad and learned some neat stuff about the building and the owner. Some personal observations: That place is built like a bunker! As soon I walked in, you could see how solid a building it is. Here's a quote from owner Matt Howells: "You couldn't implode this building. You'd have to cut it up." Because of its solid construction, the noise from the street was negligible. Looking out the windows at Public Square during rush hour at twilight with all the pedestrians, the city lights and traffic was like watching a high-definition promotional video of Cleveland with the mute button on. I hate to put it in these terms, but I felt as if I was in another city (I felt the same way when I went to Jacobs Field right after it opened in 1994, after enduring decades of old Municipal Stadium). As for prices, the only unit selling for less than $200,000 is a 560 sq ft unit lacking a Public Square view. It is selling for $169,000. The non-penthouse units are selling for $300,000 and up. Prices for the four penthouses are not listed. It's like seeing lobster listed on the menu at a fancy restaurant -- "Market Price." The penthouses will be two levels, with bedrooms on the ninth floor (which has the lowest ceilings in the building because it was formerly an attic and the kitchen for the restaurant that was in the basement). The penthouses' living quarters will be on a tenth floor that doesn't yet exist. Each penthouse will have its own in-suite stairway. It was so wonderful to see so many people of so many ages and types show up for the open house. It was difficult to move around in the place at times because of the number of people there. When I left and walked out on to the street, I felt energized (though I wish the storefronts in the building would have stayed open -- why do they close before rush hour is over??). But the early nighttime streets remained busy with lots of people, cars, buses and energy which kept my spirits high. Anyone who loves cities couldn't help but get bolstered by the setting. Like Councilman Cimperman said in my first article about the Park Building, "You can't get more downtown than housing on Public Square." I guess others feel the same, because seven of the 27 units have already sold. A terrific building and event! "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
January 12, 200718 yr Well, I felt the photos deserved their own thread - check 'em out :-) http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=11660.new#new clevelandskyscrapers.com Cleveland Skyscrapers on Instagram
January 12, 200718 yr ~ 25 % of the building is sold! Fabulous Great story KJP, I felt like I was there.
January 12, 200718 yr I guess others feel the same, because seven of the 27 units have already sold. Well, they must be moving really fast, because I went right around 8, and was told that 9 are sold!
January 12, 200718 yr ^Good lord, we need some accurate data. Are people putting down $1,000 reservations on units or are we just getting some trumped up numbers? The PD said that were 5 presales as of last week. If 9 is true, that would be incredible.
January 12, 200718 yr When I was interviewing Howells, a polished-looking businessman his 50s approached him and asked "who do we talk to about putting down a deposit?" Howells excused himself for a moment and introduced the man to a PURE sales rep. Maybe he was one of them. Actually, isn't this what an open house is designed to do? Get pre-sales?? Howells said he was very pleased with the pre-sales considering he's done very little marketing. Is that a commentary on downtown's for-sale market or the building's location and design? (yeah yeah yeah -- I know it's probably both, but I'd love to hear which way UrbanOhioans are weighing it). "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
January 12, 200718 yr no condo agreements or reduced financing mechanism is in place. so, the reserved units are likely only refundable deposits. either way, this building is TOP and will sell out quickly. other downtown developers please take note of price points AND amenities.
January 12, 200718 yr I think that the building is and will be unique within the market. There are a fair number of "loft-esque" buildings in downtown and there are a great number of upcoming modern units, but this building has a different feel than either- more classic than trendy. Also, the Public Square location is as prime as it gets.
January 12, 200718 yr To add to this conversation, I spoke to one of the gentlemen at Susy's Soup (a great soup place, by the way!) a couple of weeks ago, and he mentioned that the temporary breakthrough they did to join together with Susy's II was just a holdover to accommodate their growing business until a complete renovation could be done this spring...
January 12, 200718 yr I bicycled over to the Park open house last night and ended up talking with the lead PURE agent, Dave Sharkey of PURE, and the developer's son. My recommendation to each of them was the same. Offer an RTA pass as part of the assessment fee (ala Avalon Lofts) and offer lighted, secure bike parking somewhere in the building. To my surprise, both ideas were welcomed by all three people. I would presume most of the folks on this board would have offered the same suggestions. As for the model unit; it's THE only place in Cleveland with 24/7 people watching, which made me feel that the flat screen over the fireplace was completely unnecessary. A glorious view to say the least. As for the design of the units, it is evident that the architect worked with the interior designer in the layout and choice of finishes. Easily some of the best looking and functioning units I've yet seen downtown. BTW, the two sided fireplace was elegantly used to divide a room into two separate seating areas.
January 12, 200718 yr Also, I heard last night that the old May Co. Building has a new owner. Anyone else heard this? We were thinking that it would seem to make perfect sense to put condos on the Prospect and Euclid sides of may co. and keep the Telecom Hotel in the middle. Any thoughts on this idea?
January 12, 200718 yr That's a unique idea! I wonder if the interior layout of the building allows it? Surely something of that nature is needed to cut up those huge spaces.
January 12, 200718 yr Also, I heard last night that the old May Co. Building has a new owner. Anyone else heard this? We were thinking that it would seem to make perfect sense to put condos on the Prospect and Euclid sides of may co. and keep the Telecom Hotel in the middle. Any thoughts on this idea? I've been thinking the same thing for a while. Would there be any zoning issues with that? Once the Park Building sells out, it seems that there would be some nice momentum to continue on down the road.
January 12, 200718 yr i think the biggest problem is the size of the floor plates. unless you cut an atrium in the middle (ala bridgeview, or some of other other downtown warehouse rehabs), it would be extrememly dark in the middle. i guess if you can somehow devote the center of the structure to other uses (telecom, mechanical, parking?, etc.), then it might work.
January 12, 200718 yr Also, I heard last night that the old May Co. Building has a new owner. Anyone else heard this? The Auditors site show no sale. PARCEL ID 101-26-028 OWNERS NAME MAY DEPT STORE CO ADDRESS 158-218 EUCLID AVE CITY CLEVELAND ZIP 44114
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