April 17, 20241 yr Cleveland State eyes major overhaul of iconic Rhodes Tower by Amy Morona April 17, 2024 Quote Cleveland State’s 21-story Rhodes Tower, which opened in 1971, has been underutilized for years because it has unaddressed maintenance problems and it contains asbestos-laden building materials. But university officials are trying again to give the tower new life. Renderings of Cleveland State’s latest plans reviewed by Signal Cleveland show a two-story glass entrance off Chester Avenue with a “monumental open stairwell.” The plans also show new dorms with up to 500 beds. A typical floor would have 15 single rooms, nearly a dozen double rooms, and two rooms for resident assistants. There would be shared amenity spaces and work areas designated for collaboration. https://signalcleveland.org/cleveland-state-eyes-major-overhaul-of-iconic-rhodes-tower/
April 17, 20241 yr Zzzz. Looks like a watered down version of what was teased a couple years ago. I was looking forward to that jenga style facade, but I guess the value engineering must’ve won the day.
April 17, 20241 yr I read that article as "we finally have money to take out the asbestos, which is necessary so we can decide what to do. We have no money to do anything further." And then "oh, hey, let me float this dorm idea and see what kind of reaction we get." The problem is that the journalists seem to have made this last part the headline to grab eyeballs.
April 17, 20241 yr Brutalism doesn't get much respect in here but I think it's great as is. It's a unique piece of the skyline and a great example in its current form. Downside of brutalism is the cost of upkeep; I know the building has a ton of issues as is (in addition to the asbestos).
April 18, 20241 yr I do hope this is just a conceptual drawing, although it's pretty weak even as a concept. Meh! The provided illustration of a proposed new entryway on Chester doesn't need to match the building perfectly, but it should at least be suitably harmonious and not appear tacked on as an afterthought. A more studied contemporary dialog with the massive concrete structure above will really help it out The dignity of Rhodes tower (such that it is) is rudely diminished by this look. And, for those who already don't care for this period style, the attachment of a glass-puff tumbleweed at the new entrance hardly gives an auspicious welcome. It fails to deliver the kid of prominence and appeal that befits our major public university. Edited April 18, 20241 yr by ExPatClevGuy
April 19, 20241 yr That proposed entrance is truly unacceptable as a design choice. There is no relationship to the original tower and I don't see how the reporter describes it as a sleek addition. The biggest takeaway from the article is that the university continues to shrink in enrollment and may not even need more on campus housing. They are waiting on an Ernst and Young Study to see if this is the best use for Rhodes. Edited April 19, 20241 yr by dave2017
April 20, 20241 yr If the rendering of the new entrance qualifies as "sleek", I have to wonder if the architecture/design team gets out much. Still, I'll always have a soft spot for the old Brutalist beast - and the views from the building are indeed stunning. It's also where I snapped a certain photo on a lunch break back in the day (see my avatar 🙂) clevelandskyscrapers.com Cleveland Skyscrapers on Instagram
April 22, 20241 yr On 4/18/2024 at 10:46 AM, ExPatClevGuy said: I do hope this is just a conceptual drawing, although it's pretty weak even as a concept. Meh! The provided illustration of a proposed new entryway on Chester doesn't need to match the building perfectly, but it should at least be suitably harmonious and not appear tacked on as an afterthought. A more studied contemporary dialog with the massive concrete structure above will really help it out The dignity of Rhodes tower (such that it is) is rudely diminished by this look. And, for those who already don't care for this period style, the attachment of a glass-puff tumbleweed at the new entrance hardly gives an auspicious welcome. It fails to deliver the kid of prominence and appeal that befits our major public university. It definitely needs some upgrades, but not this. A bit of a tangent, but as an alum, it always bugs me that Cleveland State doesn't act like a big city school or promote the fact that it is. Call yourself "one of America's tallest universities" or something like that. - Fenn College/Fenn Tower was the 3rd skyscraper on a college campus. Still the 14th tallest in North America. - Rhodes was the 5th tallest academic building in the world when completed. Still the 4th tallest in North America. - So you have 2 of the top 47 tallest educational buildings in the world, and 2 of the top 14 in North America. AT THE VERY LEAST put this in your marketing somewhere. - 1 of only 2 schools in the world with 2 educational buildings over 260 ft. The other is Kogakuin University in Toyko. Maybe they finally lean into it, and try to form some sort of partnership and student exchange program with Kogakuin as the 2 "tallest" universities? Kogakuin is also an engineering focused school, with some specialties in mining, metallurgy, electrical, and chemical engineering which would fit in perfectly with many of the largest employers in our area. Get bigger co-op/internship programs with local companies here and in Japan. Get Cliffs, Steris, Cleveland Clinic, Lubrizol, Lincoln, Eaton, Sherwin, First Energy, etc. NEO/Columbus and Japan already have a good connection with rubber and car manufacturing. Then you have AEP, Marathon, Owen's Corning, and others in Ohio that could add on as well. It would be a huge boost for students at both universities, providing great job and academic connections to both. Edited April 22, 20241 yr by PlanCleveland Added detail
April 22, 20241 yr 15 minutes ago, PlanCleveland said: It definitely needs some upgrades, but not this. A bit of a tangent, but as an alum, it always bugs me that Cleveland State doesn't act like a big city school or promote the fact that it is. Call yourself "one of America's tallest universities" or something like that. - Fenn College/Fenn Tower was the 3rd skyscraper on a college campus. Still the 14th tallest in North America. - Rhodes was the 5th tallest academic building in the world when completed. Still the 4th tallest in North America. - So you have 2 of the top 47 tallest educational buildings in the world, and 2 of the top 14 in North America. AT THE VERY LEAST put this in your marketing somewhere. - 1 of only 2 schools in the world with 2 educational buildings over 260 ft. The other is Kogakuin University in Toyko. Maybe they finally lean into it, and try to form some sort of partnership and student exchange program with Kogakuin as the 2 "tallest" universities? Kogakuin is also an engineering focused school, with some specialties in mining, metallurgy, electrical, and chemical engineering which would fit in perfectly with many of the largest employers in our area. Get bigger co-op/internship programs with local companies here and in Japan. Get Cliffs, Steris, Cleveland Clinic, Lubrizol, Lincoln, Eaton, Sherwin, First Energy, etc. NEO/Columbus and Japan already have a good connection with rubber and car manufacturing. Then you have AEP, Marathon, Owen's Corning, and others in Ohio that could add on as well. It would be a huge boost for students at both universities, providing great job and academic connections to both. Sounds like a great reason to put up a couple more 30 story dorm towers on campus!
April 22, 20241 yr 5 minutes ago, Cleburger said: Sounds like a great reason to put up a couple more 30 story dorm towers on campus! Haha I was thinking the same, but didn't want to push the idea too far in the first post about it. If we just build an exact copy of the Sherwin building filled with housing, labs, classrooms, etc. it'd be the tallest in North America(current is 535 at Pitt), and 3rd tallest in the world. Not sure this is the market to build a 600+ ft tower as a college though :(
April 22, 20241 yr CSU's campus currently gives the impression of a sharp line at E17th. Downtown ends and CSU begins. I'm not sure if that's a good or bad thing, but it does create confusion on how to market it. I think CSU would benefit a lot if downtown North and South of it felt as healthy as Downtown west of it feels. That way it would feel like a campus within downtown instead of a campus on the edge of downtown. That's a bit outside their control, but they could opt to build with more urban form particularly on the edges of their campus to encourage mutually beneficial development. They could also involve themselves more directly in supporting nearby neighborhoods such as the Superior Arts District. Few would benefit more from its success than CSU. Perhaps they're already doing that, I'm not sure. Looking at the proposed Master Plan, I'm not sure if they're really following that idea, but they are locating a lot of new housing on the north of the campus. Perhaps that will spur some development along Payne/Superior. Not sure, but the more CSU can surround itself with healthy urban space the better off it will be.
April 22, 20241 yr The wording in this article (particularly the section "CSU 2.0 to fade away") makes it seem like the master plan might not be coming to fruition? I'm not sure whether it's distinct from the "CSU 2.0" concept. Either way the stuff the president is saying does not make me hopeful. Definitely gives me vibes like the city's previous "managed decline" mindset that it feels like we're only just recently escaping. https://signalcleveland.org/we-are-at-a-point-of-reckoning-inside-cleveland-state-latest-meeting-about-its-financial-future/ Edit: Maybe someone else more informed on the situation can provide reason for optimism?
April 22, 20241 yr 1 hour ago, gpodawund said: The wording in this article (particularly the section "CSU 2.0 to fade away") makes it seem like the master plan might not be coming to fruition? I'm not sure whether it's distinct from the "CSU 2.0" concept. After reading the article. it doesn't sound like the two are related. But if CSU is having financial issues, that likely does not bode well for the master plan.
April 22, 20241 yr I have a hard time complaining that they aren't thinking big enough while they're dealing with this budget gap
April 23, 20241 yr 15 hours ago, Whipjacka said: I have a hard time complaining that they aren't thinking big enough while they're dealing with this budget gap Ya my bad. My comment was more of an off topic complaint about the school's marketing, not a discussion of developments.
June 4, 20241 yr wolstein center scheduled to be demolished... AI report.. "As of June 3, 2024, the Cleveland Charge, the G-League affiliate of the Cleveland Cavaliers, are scheduled to move from the Wolstein Center for Public Auditorium to Public Auditorium, about 1.3 miles away. The move is due to the Wolstein Center's scheduled demolition, and will be the third time in four years that the team has changed its home venue. The Charge previously played in Canton from 2011–2020, and in Orlando, Florida for the 2020–2021 season before moving to Cleveland in 2021. "
June 4, 20241 yr 9 minutes ago, lockdog said: wolstein center scheduled to be demolished... AI report.. "As of June 3, 2024, the Cleveland Charge, the G-League affiliate of the Cleveland Cavaliers, are scheduled to move from the Wolstein Center for Public Auditorium to Public Auditorium, about 1.3 miles away. The move is due to the Wolstein Center's scheduled demolition, and will be the third time in four years that the team has changed its home venue. The Charge previously played in Canton from 2011–2020, and in Orlando, Florida for the 2020–2021 season before moving to Cleveland in 2021. " Very sad. Moving from a perfectly good arena that is well maintained by CSU, to an amazing historic venue that is just barely maintained by the City of Cleveland.
June 4, 20241 yr 8 hours ago, Jenny said: Is something getting built in it's place? That's a large void to fill. I understand the teams move but this is the first I have heard that there are plans to demo Wolstein in the "near future". I understand this is the eventual plan but I cannot see it happening anytime soon as they are not even close to completing a replacement facility. I known an RFP was issued a while ago in connection with building a new arena on Payne, as part of a possible mixed use development, but that proposal has been crickets for a long time now. The odds of such a development happening are probably even more suspect now given the schools current financial situation. I guess the basketball team could go back to playing in Woodling Gym or even Rocket Field House but....I really highly doubt Wolstein is slated for demo any time soon.
June 4, 20241 yr Public Hall will be an awesome venue for a G-League team. I’ve never considered going to watch them at the Convo, but I def will at PH. And maybe Gilbert will chip in a few dollars for some upgrades.
June 4, 20241 yr 7 minutes ago, marty15 said: And maybe Gilbert will chip in a few dollars for some upgrades. $3M of upgrades coming to Public Hall according to the Crain's writeup: Quote The six-year agreement, which begins with the 2024-25 season, requires the Charge to make $3 million in improvements to the facility and also pay for labor during each game. The work includes architectural and design improvements to existing locker rooms, plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems. Those renovations will begin this summer. In exchange for those improvements, the city will credit rent and labor costs up to $1 million over the term of the agreement. Crain's also suggest that the move is due to scheduling, not because of imminent demolition of the Wolstein Center. Quote Although the Charge praised CSU for being flexible — they even played some doubleheaders with the CSU men’s and women’s basketball team — they preferred a venue with more available dates. https://www.crainscleveland.com/sports-recreation/cleveland-charge-leaving-wolstein-center-public-auditorium
June 4, 20241 yr I’m pretty excited actually, I’ll actually go now for at least their season opener and maybe give away nights. This venue is awesome also glad the public auditorium will have a consistent use the place is cool it deserves some regular programming
June 4, 20241 yr 1 hour ago, Luke_S said: $3M of upgrades coming to Public Hall according to the Crain's writeup: I thought some significant upgrades were done at Public Hall not too long ago.
June 4, 20241 yr 35 minutes ago, LibertyBlvd said: I thought some significant upgrades were done at Public Hall not too long ago. I believe the bulk of that was roof repairs
June 4, 20241 yr 15 hours ago, Cleburger said: Very sad. Moving from a perfectly good arena that is well maintained by CSU, to an amazing historic venue that is just barely maintained by the City of Cleveland. This is the crowd on opening night this year, I think Wolstein was the wrong venue.
June 4, 20241 yr My sense is this is a really goo thing for the Charge and will bring a few more people to the core of the city (the Wolstein Center is off the beaten path). The questions that I have is where will the CSU basketball team play until a new arena is constructed?
June 4, 20241 yr 38 minutes ago, newyorker said: My sense is this is a really goo thing for the Charge and will bring a few more people to the core of the city (the Wolstein Center is off the beaten path). The questions that I have is where will the CSU basketball team play until a new arena is constructed? Look above. They are not tearing down Wolstein Center anytime soon. Certainly not until a new arena is built.
June 5, 20241 yr 5 minutes ago, RMB said: Why wouldn't CSU also play in Public Hall? They used to a long time ago, but why would they if they still have a functioning, Wolstein center, even with all its problems.
June 5, 20241 yr So they could bulldoze it and find a new use instead of paying for more and more upkeep
June 5, 20241 yr 2 hours ago, LibertyBlvd said: Or they could go back to Woodling Gym. Too small. Woodling only holds 3,000 people. The Charge were averaging 3,383 per game last season.
June 5, 20241 yr 30 minutes ago, SgtBarone said: Too small. Woodling only holds 3,000 people. The Charge were averaging 3,383 per game last season. I was referring to CSU Vikings. I think they average < 2,000.
June 5, 20241 yr On 6/3/2024 at 10:55 PM, Jenny said: Is something getting built in it's place? That's a large void to fill. Parking lot. Cleveland's favorite development.
June 6, 20241 yr On 6/3/2024 at 10:55 PM, Jenny said: Is something getting built in it's place? That's a large void to fill. The CSU Master Plan shows the site being redeveloped as a "Partnership District." So I imagine they'll be now marketing the site to various developers. CSU Master Plan
June 6, 20241 yr No Immediate plans for demolition. https://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/basketball-at-public-auditorium-cleveland-charge-plans-move-to-city-owned-landmark
July 30, 2024Jul 30 Oh geez, I remember when there was discussion of demolition before they restored not that long ago. https://www.cleveland.com/education/2024/07/cleveland-state-university-closes-fenn-tower-to-assess-the-buildings-future.html From 2007: clevelandskyscrapers.com Cleveland Skyscrapers on Instagram
July 30, 2024Jul 30 ^Urgh. One of the cities most handsome and storied buildings. Would be a crime to abandon it, or worse. My hovercraft is full of eels
July 30, 2024Jul 30 35 minutes ago, roman totale XVII said: ^Urgh. One of the cities most handsome and storied buildings. Would be a crime to abandon it, or worse. How are the dorms set up? Could this be an easy apartment conversion fir a developer?
July 31, 2024Jul 31 csu troubles — Cleveland State University closes Fenn Tower to assess the building’s future Published: Jul. 30, 2024 By Megan Sims, cleveland.com CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland State University’s Fenn Tower dorm is closed pending assessment. The 22-story dorm, which could usually house over 400 students, is currently being evaluated for needed repairs, the school said Tuesday in a statement to cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer. … Cleveland State University said earlier this summer that it was suspending admissions to 42 programs this fall that officials say weren’t popular among students as it copes with declining enrollment and loss of revenue. And a recent report showed CSU could lose $153 million over the next five years unless it makes changes to how it operates, which includes measures such as reviewing academic programs and eliminating or consolidating some. more: https://www.cleveland.com/education/2024/07/cleveland-state-university-closes-fenn-tower-to-assess-the-buildings-future.html Cleveland State University's Fenn Tower dorm closed for the foreseeable future.
July 31, 2024Jul 31 13 minutes ago, mrnyc said: https://www.cleveland.com/education/2024/07/cleveland-state-university-closes-fenn-tower-to-assess-the-buildings-future.html Cleveland State University's Fenn Tower dorm closed for the foreseeable future. Cleveland.com continues it's pursuit of excellence by publishing a photo of the wrong building....
July 31, 2024Jul 31 1 minute ago, Cleburger said: Cleveland.com continues it's pursuit of excellence by publishing a photo of the wrong building.... haha yeah, i just took that as a generic pic of the college? didn’t they fairly recently rehab fenn into dorms? or was that longer ago than i thought? how could it be so troubled so fast? but the loss of so many classes is really problematic. maybe they aren’t so popular, but it doesnt make csu attractive.
July 31, 2024Jul 31 Signal is much better at this point, here's their article: https://signalcleveland.org/rhodes-tower-to-wolstein-center-an-update-on-cleveland-state-building-projects/
July 31, 2024Jul 31 3 hours ago, mrnyc said: didn’t they fairly recently rehab fenn into dorms? or was that longer ago than i thought? how could it be so troubled so fast? He went on to say that the building is not going to fall down, but students can’t live there. Costs could clock in at a “range of many millions” depending on if the university would want to minimally repair it or do a major overhaul. The university currently owes about $17 million against the property. Edit: Shoot, meant to next this under my signal comment, but this is from the article. Edited July 31, 2024Jul 31 by GISguy
July 31, 2024Jul 31 ^ yeah but how did it get so bad so fast? edit - this is from march — it looks like the initial reno never really truely ended and they found more problems later — https://csu-cauldron.com/2024/03/21/inspections-on-fenn-tower-took-place-over-spring-break/
July 31, 2024Jul 31 3 hours ago, mrnyc said: haha yeah, i just took that as a generic pic of the college? didn’t they fairly recently rehab fenn into dorms? or was that longer ago than i thought? how could it be so troubled so fast? but the loss of so many classes is really problematic. maybe they aren’t so popular, but it doesnt make csu attractive. Fenn has been a dorm for years. At one time I believe it was the only building housing students on campus.
July 31, 2024Jul 31 16 minutes ago, Htsguy said: Fenn has been a dorm for years. At one time I believe it was the only building housing students on campus. i know but wasnt it also closed for a long time? i think the major reno tied to these current issues goes back to 2005 when the pool was taken out? not sure??
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