Looks like Piñatas is going to get knocked to the ground (see what I did there?) and replaced with some....

 

.....candy?  :evil:

This is the first I've heard of this

 

 

CLE Clothing Co. to Launch Uptown Location on Saturday

 

We Clevelanders are known for wearing our pride on our sleeves, and we mean that literally. Now, east siders won't have quite so far to travel to get their local apparel fix.

 

CLE Clothing Co. announced today on several social media outlets that a brand new uptown location is set to open on Saturday at 11435 Euclid Avenue, just down the street from MOCA:

 

http://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2015/12/02/cle-clothing-co-to-launch-uptown-location-on-saturday

More images at this link:

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/designreview/drcagenda/2015/12182015/index.php

 

City Planning Commission

Agenda for December 18, 2015

 

EUCLID CORRIDOR DESIGN REVIEW

EC2015-046 – Apartments at East 116th Street: Seeking Final Approval 

Project Address: 11611 Euclid Avenue 

Project Representative: Russell Berusch, Berusch Development Partners, LLC

Alexis Boothe, Berusch Development Partners, LLC

Bill Feinberg, Feinberg & Associates

 

 

 

 

Uninspired. That's all.

Man, the first renderings I saw for this project a while back were a lot funkier.  I'll take it over whats there currently in a heartbeat though.

Uninspired. That's all.

 

Not sure why they hired a firm from New Jersey for the design when a couple of Cleveland firms come to mind that could have churned out the same drivel.

 

From the Architecture firms website:

Student Housing: Inspired design for living / learning communities.

Multi-Family Housing: Dynamic solutions to meet market needs.

 

The PR company they hired must not have looked at their portfolio.

 

 

Man, the first renderings I saw for this project a while back were a lot funkier.  I'll take it over whats there currently in a heartbeat though.

 

Were those posted somewhere or did you see them in person?

 

 

Uninspired. That's all.

 

Not sure why they hired a firm from New Jersey for the design when a couple of Cleveland firms come to mind that could have churned out the same drivel.

 

 

 

I'm always baffled by that. If you're hiring a well known or established architect in order to give you a product that matches a much higher level of design you want for your site, then sure, hire outside the region if you so choose (not that there aren't plenty of talented firms in Cleveland, but I digress). But if you're just going to build something incredibly generic and lacking any sort of creativity, why not just go to the cheapest local firm? You'll get the same type of product for less money. Such a confusing practice but it's incredibly common.

Expect this "outsourcing" of architectural services with more out of state development interests focusing in on Cleveland.  They have their team in place and probably use this same firm all over the country.  Cleveland firms do a lot of out of region work so don't feel so bad for them.  Though this could have been a great project in the hands of the right architects...

Dimit does a fantastic job. I wish they would get more projects this scale around town because the ones they've done turned out great. They understand modern Cleveland in a way most don't.

Expect this "outsourcing" of architectural services with more out of state development interests focusing in on Cleveland.  They have their team in place and probably use this same firm all over the country.  Cleveland firms do a lot of out of region work so don't feel so bad for them.  Though this could have been a great project in the hands of the right architects...

 

I was thinking the same thing.

I just looked at the developers site and they are Cleveland based. The main photo on their site is Cleveland MOCA.

Things don't add up.

Even the placeholder retail concept in that rendering is lame.  But more units in the corridor will be awesome.

Even the placeholder retail concept in that rendering is lame.  But more units in the corridor will be awesome.

Yes, more units and a building up to the sidewalk / corridor line.

Who cares about the design?  It isn't offensive and it doesn't need to be unique given it's small footprint.  And it's a perfect size/style for Euclid.  Euclid should be lined with buildings like this from CSU to UC. 

 

This building will just blend into it's surroundings which is perfectly fine by me.  Not every building needs to be unique. 

Why do people always do the "why does every building need to be unique" thing as if we're asking for this crazy example of the most current, trendy architecture that hasn't been seen before? We're just asking for better design.

 

This building is poorly scaled, the massing is awkward, it's about as bland as physically possible. There is nearly infinite room for improvement here.

 

This stretch of Euclid has great examples of different styles and eras of architecture. This building should reflect that. But a developer swoops in and presents this thing and we're supposed to be happy that it will just "blend into the background" as if that's something to strive for?

Who cares about the design?  It isn't offensive and it doesn't need to be unique given it's small footprint.  And it's a perfect size/style for Euclid.  Euclid should be lined with buildings like this from CSU to UC. 

 

This building will just blend into it's surroundings which is perfectly fine by me.  Not every building needs to be unique. 

 

Completely agree.  Things that are "unique" or "funky" may not hold up over time.  I can appreciate a more "traditional" look. 

In what way is this "traditional looking" though? It lacks any of the detailing necessary to actually appear traditional and will almost certainly be built with incredibly cheap materials. That massing is not traditional and is without precedent and makes very little sense. They've tried to break up the monotony of the facade by creating the look of multiple buildings but failed to do so in a way that's even remotely convincing and makes you question whether or not the building is supposed to look like 1, 2, or 3 separate buildings. The ground floor has two distinct masses but the upper floors have 2 or 3 depending on how you look at it. No cohesion. The scale of these various aspects is awkward and doesn't relate to anything in the area. This scale of building already exists and doesn't need to be broken down into smaller segments. The only reason they did was because the building lacks any details whatsoever, modern, traditional, or otherwise. This is a cheap, nothing box. It's not traditional, it's nothing.

 

Unless we truly believe we should stop innovating and only ever emulate (quite poorly) buildings of a different era from here forth, buildings like this being presented should always be met with harsh criticism.

I'm no architect and can't speak to specific definitions of styles, so maybe using the term traditional isn't right, but what I meant is that a (partial) brick building that blends in with surrounding buildings to me is "traditional".

I don't think it'll blend though. The incredible cheapness of the design is going to stand out in contrast to the other buildings around it because this stretch has great examples of both traditional and modern styles.

 

Yes, it does have brick but the way it's used isn't in conjunction with its historic neighbors. It's more or less like when you see a mcmansion that has brick on parts of its front facade and that's it. Yes, it has the materiality of traditional architecture, but when you look at it you just know it's not old and that it was done cheaply.

 

Affordable construction is definitely a difficult segment of the architectural world, but it exists and can be done in a really tasteful way. This building has a very questionable taste level and is the type of building we'll wish hadn't been built in 20 years when it ages and deteriorates since it is so cheap looking. Which maybe that's good because it will give us an opportunity to replace it so soon...but that's another topic for another thread.

I'm not thrilled with the wood siding, which looks like flooring material, but other than that I don't think this is too bad.  It hits most of the notes I want it to hit.  The exterior doesn't appear to be stapled on, and overall, it doesn't look like an equipment shed.  Maybe I'm damning it with faint praise.  Either way, I too would be happy with a few dozen of these in a line from Case to CSU.

I tend to agree on the sub-par design contrasting poorly with the more interesting CIA building across the street and MOCA, but I think there's a more important issue at stake here. Are they really going to name the ground floor place Coffee Talk? Is a reference to a 1991 SNL skit the best you can do for a coffee shop name? I don't know what to say, I'm verklempt.

I tend to agree on the sub-par design contrasting poorly with the more interesting CIA building across the street and MOCA, but I think there's a more important issue at stake here. Are they really going to name the ground floor place Coffee Talk? Is a reference to a 1991 SNL skit the best you can do for a coffee shop name? I don't know what to say, I'm verklempt.

 

I'm pretty sure it's just a placeholder name to show to the Planning Commission it's a ground-floor, leasable commercial space. Pretty common practice in renderings submitted to planning commissions when leasable space doesn't have a signed tenant.

Crop has closed.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2016/07/crop_kitchen_in_uptown_has_clo.html

It's in a high traffic area something else will replace it soon

It seems as if the sit down restaurants don't thrive in this development. Seems more suitable for the grab and go crowd. Especially due to the college crowd.

 

Sent from my SM-N920T using Tapatalk

 

 

Sadly, all of the new trees that were planted along the sidewalk in Uptown a few years ago were chopped down last week. These were rather large trees for being relatively new and already provided decent canopy coverage. The stumps were removed and the areas where the trees were planted are already paved over to match the existing sidewalk, so it doesn't look like any more trees will be going in. Quite sad.

Sadly, all of the new trees that were planted along the sidewalk in Uptown a few years ago were chopped down last week. These were rather large trees for being relatively new and already provided decent canopy coverage. The stumps were removed and the areas where the trees were planted are already paved over to match the existing sidewalk, so it doesn't look like any more trees will be going in. Quite sad.

 

WTF?? Can someone provide some before-and-after photos?

This City is such a joke in terms of tree maintenance.

This City is such a joke in terms of tree maintenance.

 

Do you remember the "Cityside Gardens" around exit ramps back in the 90's? Usually a triangle pattern of dead saplings surrounded by tall weeds...and of the course the enormous sign saying that it was a garden.

 

While they won't win any Arbor Day Foundation awards they are at least making modest strides.

Silver lining: that sidewalk was horribly designed, with the tree wells funneling the sidewalk into something far too narrow for a commercial strip. Also, on the south side of Euclid at least, the growing environment seemed especially harsh and several of the trees had already died. Not sure if it's the lack of afternoon sun (southern exposure is blocked by the buildings), soil conditions/lack of root space, or poor maintenance.

 

WestBLVD[/member], were the trees removed from both sides of Euclid?

Extremely disappointing, especially given our "Forest City" moniker. I know it's from deep in the past and resources are limited but it would be really neat if we could find ways to re-embrace that identity. 

 

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

 

 

Silver lining: that sidewalk was horribly designed, with the tree wells funneling the sidewalk into something far too narrow for a commercial strip. Also, on the south side of Euclid at least, the growing environment seemed especially harsh and several of the trees had already died. Not sure if it's the lack of afternoon sun (southern exposure is blocked by the buildings), soil conditions/lack of root space, or poor maintenance.

 

WestBLVD[/member], were the trees removed from both sides of Euclid?

 

All trees on Euclid from where Chapati is to Dynomite Burger were cut down. On the other side of the street all trees from Corner Alley to just before Dunkin Donuts were cut down.

 

That sidewalk design was poorly laid out, the water would drain away from the tree planters and pool on the sidewalks and in front of the buildings. I'm sure they could have fixed this without removing the trees, but it was probably easier to just pave everything over.

My one complaint with Uptown from the start was that the sidewalks on Euclid were too narrow.  While I am sure there were other factors going into the decision to pave over as suggested above I imagine that was one of them and will help a little with pedestrian flow

^I'm sorry the trees are gone; I can only imagine how bare the street looks without them.  But I don't have a problem with the narrow sidewalks on Euclid.  It was only a tiny hassle walking around them and over their planter grates, esp when parking on the street.  MRN obviously made a determination that Uptown's buildings would crowd the street to give more of a kinetic feeling of excitement while, for the east pavilion, putting the outdoor dining along the courtyard between Uptown's buildings and the Triangle apts.  I think, for the most part, this approach has been successful.  I'm more than pleased with everything they've done.

Here are some pictures from about 11am this morning

 

 

 

 

^Nice job TPH2.

 

I said tree planter grates when, obviously, there weren't grates just the trees and grass/soil.  Looking at it now with your photos, it makes sense to ditch them and go with the planters.  The extra sidewalk room is a plus, while there are still trees and green space in the median(s) plus the planter flowers against the wall.  Works for me.

Great, another sun-bleached Euclid Avenue facade.

More images at this link:

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/designreview/drcagenda/2015/12182015/index.php

 

City Planning Commission

Agenda for December 18, 2015

 

EUCLID CORRIDOR DESIGN REVIEW

EC2015-046 – Apartments at East 116th Street: Seeking Final Approval 

Project Address: 11611 Euclid Avenue 

Project Representative: Russell Berusch, Berusch Development Partners, LLC

Alexis Boothe, Berusch Development Partners, LLC

Bill Feinberg, Feinberg & Associates

 

 

 

 

 

Who says development can't happen quickly in Cleveland? It does when it's in a growing location (of which there are few, unfortunately).....

 

Euclid 116 will have grand opening of the model suite taking place Nov. 14-19

http://www.euclid116.com/

Is this off site or in another building?  I drove by yesterday and they did not even have the foundation in yet.

Has to be off-site since the website says the building won't open until "late summer 2017." But I'm glad to see them be aggressive in their leasing less than one year after going through the approvals process. What new downtown building projects have model apartment units available for touring? Or for that matter Centric (formerly Intesa).

^Don't get me started about Centric.  It went from a development I was thrilled to see to one I could care less about.  And of course more than 5 years since the RFP Lot 45 was packed with cars yesterday, so I am sure no movement anytime soon.  This on a no brainer of a development parcel.

Something I was very happy to see was the crane for One University as you drive west on Euclid from Uptown.  It is clear from the crane that 1UC is going to have a real presence as you drive down Euclid from the east, even from a distance. 

 

On the other hand very disappointed with the siting of the new Clinic Cancer Center.  While I like the design of the building the set back just kills me.  It really ruins the intersection of Carnegie and E105th.

^  I wonder if the cancer center setback is an example of what the setback will be all the way down to E 89 once older clinic buildings are replaced per master plan.

Don't they build those set backs for pick-up and drop-off lanes for patients so vehicles aren't blocking the street?

Euclid 116 apartments to cater to University Circle students

KARIN CONNELLY RICE | TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2016

 

http://www.freshwatercleveland.com/devnews/Euclid116111516.aspx

Euclid 116 apartments to cater to University Circle students

KARIN CONNELLY RICE | TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2016

 

http://www.freshwatercleveland.com/devnews/Euclid116111516.aspx

 

Wow, stainless steel kitchens with granite counter tops!?  These kids'll be Living the Life.

Weakest designed project in the City of late.

^have to agree.  Also, remembering my college days, that room rental idea is asking for more problems than they can anticipate.  As a private landlord do you really want to put yourself in a position where you might have to be a conflict resolution counselor?

 

That's essentially the business model one of my clients uses for their shared housing business. Basically they don't play RA. If you have a problem you work it out or you choose to leave.

 

Apparently there are very few conflicts for my client since the roommate matching is pretty intelligently done and results in people who are most compatible living together.

 

It also helps though that my client provides all basic necessities to each unit (TP, paper towels, cooking supplies, etc.), covers heat, water, electricity, etc. all in rent, has a cleaning person come weekly to clean bathrooms and the kichen and all other common areas, and provides the ability to switch rooms if a problem does arise that can't be worked out by the tenants.

 

Most roommate conflicts come from one of these areas so it works out. Granted it also means rent is outrageously high, even for NYC standards ($2,500 100 sf bedrooms anyone?) but there is a client base out there that loves it.

^have to agree.  Also, remembering my college days, that room rental idea is asking for more problems than they can anticipate.  As a private landlord do you really want to put yourself in a position where you might have to be a conflict resolution counselor?

 

It's becoming a common business model around college campuses.

 

http://www.theprovincekent.com/

 

^have to agree.  Also, remembering my college days, that room rental idea is asking for more problems than they can anticipate.  As a private landlord do you really want to put yourself in a position where you might have to be a conflict resolution counselor?

 

It's becoming a common business model around college campuses.

 

http://www.theprovincekent.com/

 

 

Being that you have some insight into this type housing, do you think it's a good investment? Increases the up-front costs and makes it harder for first timers I would assume.