I would imagine that what ever Maron has planned is way in the future.  He tends to move cautiously and has a lot on his plate (East 4th is still not a wrap, he is partnering on the Case Triangle project which could be huge (especially for a relatively small developer) and he will probably want to get started on those building he owns on Euclid near the Huntington Building one Euclid Corridor Construction ends.

^a different developer owns the buildings on Euclid next to the Huntington.

^Case is moving rather slowly.

 

anyone else have a warm tingly feeling inside?  All this activity festering under Cleveland's surface...I can't wait until it ruptures and cranes are scattered all over the place!!!

If I stay in Cleveland, I'm thinking I'd like to move to OC when my lease is up in the GC (Gold Coast).

 

Yikes, jamiec on the move out of town?

anyone else have a warm tingly feeling inside?  All this activity festering under Cleveland's surface...I can't wait until it ruptures and cranes are scattered all over the place!!!

 

Not yet. Give me cranes in the sky (not the fowl variety) and then I'll get all warm and tingly. Seen too many plans come and go with no cranes.

If I stay in Cleveland, I'm thinking I'd like to move to OC when my lease is up in the GC (Gold Coast).

 

If you move away from Cleveland, we will kill you.

This is interesting! Can anyone show me physically what we're talking about (I'm horrible at matching words to pictures for some reason). This could be awesome!!! If I stay in Cleveland, I'm thinking I'd like to move to OC when my lease is up in the GC (Gold Coast).

 

Move east young man!  :wink:

^Hey, I heard CA was looking for young architects seeking career growth in a dynamic and ever changing field.  Sounds right up your alley.

 

I've got a pretty good situation where I'm at right now.

Below is the kind of story I wish the PD would write more often.  It was  buried in the paper on the lower left corner of the front page of the InsideOUT section.  I wonder if it would have been better suited to the Metro Page?  Speaking of Metro, have you noticed how there are now adverts in this section??

 

http://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer/stories/index.ssf?/base/living-0/1185352288235720.xml&coll=2

^Great find, Guv. I am in complete agreement; it would be great to see more stories of this nature that get to some of the grassroots efforts that are making this a far better city that but are often under the radar. If I knew that there would be this kind of story featured prominently in the PD on a regular basis, I'd even get a subscription ... and I never thought I'd say THAT!

Speaking of Metro, have you noticed how there are now adverts in this section??

 

Not if you use Firefox with the Ad Block Plus extension.

^ I'm actually referring to the paper-based Metro Section.  For a very very long time, it contained no adverts. However, that has recently changed.

^ I believe someone wrote a plugin for Firefox to take care of those ads as well.

I do believe that article needs to be posted in full here on UO. Cleveland.com doesn't keep articles on its site forever. I think it's a keeper!

______________

 

http://www.cleveland.com/plaindealer/stories/index.ssf?/base/living-0/1185352288235720.xml&coll=2&thispage=3

 

West 47th Street Block Club makes sure every resident has working porch light

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Janet Fillmore

Assistant Homes Editor

 

West 47th Street is like any gritty city street.

 

Until darkness falls.

 

Then the porch lights and yard lamps between Bridge Avenue and Franklin Boulevard snap on, one at a time, like exploding kernels of popcorn. They bathe the Ohio City street in a golden glow and create an environment that residents say is much safer than in the past.

 

All because a group of Cleveland neighbors cared about one another and wanted to make sure every house had a working light.

 

Mae Cramer stands outside her apartment in a gray double halfway down the block, chatting with Marcia Brentson, who owns two homes on the street. Shadows cloak the corners and crevices on this late spring night.

 

And all on one page, now I will read it, thanks KJP.

OK, here's the properties in which MRN Ltd. has acquired a controlling interest. Note how scattered they are...

 

From Google:

 

This is great, I always thought that area of Ohio City was worth doing something more with.

Wow, MRN is really making a large investment in Ohio City.

 

On a smaller scale, a developer has bought the vacant duplex on Franklin that is adjacent to the old YMCA parking lot. He is proposing a three story condo building with a unit on each floor. The developer would live in the top unit and he's got two likely buyers for the other two. The neighbors in the Franklin-Clinton block club are putting the screws to the guy because he wants to knock down an existing (ugly, non-descript and greatly deteriorated) building. 

I hope MRN buys that metal flag topped strip center across for the market.  I'll be the first to swing a sledge at that embarrassment.

Does anyone have a photo of the building that was on that site previously?  I remember seeing that there was a building almost as tall as the bank at the sw corner Lorain/w25th.

I'm still confused ... KJP, in the article, you corrected by saying that MRN had aacquired controling interests in more than 20 properties. I can't figure out how that map shows 20 parcels ... am I looking at it wrong?

 

Regardless, exciting news, but it does look like he has some more property to acquire ... I hope he'll be taking Market Plaza as well, as that's a pretty ugly gateway into the neighborhood, which is a shame given that it's sandwiched between the RTA station and WSM.

 

Can someone remind me of the status of HOPE VI? Did HUD ever approve the plans? And wasn't the plan scattered site housing throughout the lower part of the neighborhood, with some in proximity to the RTA station? Out of curiosity, how close would the HOPE VI project be to the parcels that MRN picked up?

I think this fits here -- I noticed that the For Sale sign was taken down from the Oblock building on West 29th Street.  It is the building that was being used as a metal foundry/artist studio.  It is south of Detroit.  Anyone know who purchased it or if it is going be turned into condos or a restaurant?  We were looking to purchase and renovate to a house before we chose Battery Park but it was just too double "E" -- Expensive and Extensive. 

I hope MRN buys that metal flag topped strip center across for the market.  I'll be the first to swing a sledge at that embarrassment.

Does anyone have a photo of the building that was on that site previously?  I remember seeing that there was a building almost as tall as the bank at the sw corner Lorain/w25th.

 

He probably won't be able to acquire that cheaply: I believe that it is without vacancies, and the retail mix has remained relatively stable.

 

As for pictures, Cleveland Memory Project has a few shots, though none directly pointed at the site.  I uploaded a few to the gallery, pending approval, but until then, you can find them <a href="http://images.ulib.csuohio.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/cca&CISOPTR=1001&REC=14">here</a>, <a href="http://images.ulib.csuohio.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=%2Fpress&CISOPTR=844&DMSCALE=100&DMWIDTH=600&DMHEIGHT=600&DMMODE=viewer&DMFULL=1&DMX=0&DMY=0&DMTEXT=ohio%2520city%2520lorain&DMTHUMB=1&REC=2&DMROTATE=0&x=286&y=42">here</a> and <a href="http://images.ulib.csuohio.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/cca&CISOPTR=754&REC=1">here</a>

 

From about 1940 to 1979, there was no building taller than 3 stories on the corner, and each of those structures appear to be early 20th century vintage.

 

He probably won't be able to acquire that cheaply: I believe that it is without vacancies, and the retail mix has remained relatively stable.

 

I was thinking the same thing. That place has been very steady ever since it was built around 1990. Everyone hates it, but it would probably be a bad business decision to buy it, tear it down and build something nice.

I'm still confused ... KJP, in the article, you corrected by saying that MRN had aacquired controling interests in more than 20 properties. I can't figure out how that map shows 20 parcels ... am I looking at it wrong?

 

Out of curiosity, how close would the HOPE VI project be to the parcels that MRN picked up?

 

The grey blocks in the map contain multiple parcels.  For example, the "F" shaped block alone has about 8 parcels.  I think the map includes everything.

 

The HOPE VI project would be two blocks to the east, near or on the corner of Columbus and Abbey.  I think, though, that the project has been on hold since Summer '06.

"Everyone hates it, but it would probably be a bad business decision to buy it, tear it down and build something nice."

 

Bah, you Steelyard-shopping suburbanite! Who cares about whether something is good for business?!? This is Cleveland! ;-)

 

Do you think that he'll buy St. Ignatius? ;)  That main building would make some incredible condos. (just kidding, such talk is sacrilege for an alum like myself)

I'm still confused ... KJP, in the article, you corrected by saying that MRN had aacquired controling interests in more than 20 properties. I can't figure out how that map shows 20 parcels ... am I looking at it wrong?

 

Consider that those three gray boxes west of West 26th contain a total of six parcels, the two boxes south of Chatham contain three parcels, the F-shaped area probably has 8 parcels (going from memory here) and the second-largest area has about five. One of the parcels MRN bought  is off an alley between West 25th and 26th streets.

 

Regardless, exciting news, but it does look like he has some more property to acquire ... I hope he'll be taking Market Plaza as well, as that's a pretty ugly gateway into the neighborhood, which is a shame given that it's sandwiched between the RTA station and WSM.

 

One thing Abe Bruckman was telling me is that the city's Connections 2020 plan has targeted that area as ripe for a significant transit-oriented development. No wonder. I alluded to the reason in my article -- 10 million transit riders a year (or one-sixth of all RTA riders) travel through that area. Of that, 5 million go through there on buses at Lorain-West 25th; 5 million go through there on the Red Line. To me, the natural reaction is to link them up such as with a building that has a shopping promenade down the middle of it. I think that would be a really cool space.

 

As for pictures, Cleveland Memory Project has a few shots, though none directly pointed at the site.  I uploaded a few to the gallery, pending approval, but until then, you can find them <a href="http://images.ulib.csuohio.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/cca&CISOPTR=1001&REC=14">here</a>, <a href="http://images.ulib.csuohio.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=%2Fpress&CISOPTR=844&DMSCALE=100&DMWIDTH=600&DMHEIGHT=600&DMMODE=viewer&DMFULL=1&DMX=0&DMY=0&DMTEXT=ohio%2520city%2520lorain&DMTHUMB=1&REC=2&DMROTATE=0&x=286&y=42">here</a> and <a href="http://images.ulib.csuohio.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/cca&CISOPTR=754&REC=1">here</a>

 

thanks for the pictures.  I love the massive signage on top of the bank building.  Bring it back!

Wow 10 million is a impressive number in itself.  Just curious, what would those numbers have been about 40 +/- years ago? 

 

Also KJP, I was wondering if you knew the max. capacity that Tower City could accomodate if the Rapid/commuter rail expanded?  Is the station capable of a 300-400% increase in service?

Yeah, those huge signs are badass.  Same can be said for the ones formerly on top of the B.F. Keith Building.

Wow 10 million is a impressive number in itself.  Just curious, what would those numbers have been about 40 +/- years ago? 

 

Not sure about 40 years ago, but in 1920, the streetcar ridership through the intersection was 54.6 million. It was probably higher in 1946 when Cleveland transit riding hit its peak (see:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=6369.msg63500#msg63500). In other words, as many people rode streetcars through that one intersection 60 years ago as travel on all RTA routes today.

 

Also KJP, I was wondering if you knew the max. capacity that Tower City could accomodate if the Rapid/commuter rail expanded?  Is the station capable of a 300-400% increase in service?

 

Good question. The short answer is that RTA can expand the capacity of the station by adding more cars to trains, rather than adding tracks/platforms. But I've seen the station experience train-handling capacity issues during major events (ie: 1996 bicentennial) or when two big events coincide (Browns/Indians games, Indians game/Air Show, etc.

I'm still confused ... KJP, in the article, you corrected by saying that MRN had aacquired controling interests in more than 20 properties. I can't figure out how that map shows 20 parcels ... am I looking at it wrong?

 

 

Here's a parcel map:

Checked out the Import Haus this afternoon.  The place is great.  German beer and wine selection is extensive (although make sure you buy alcohic beer as opposed to the non-alcohoic sixer if you're looking for the buzz).  Here's some purchases.

lol we were there today too stocking up on beer. I asked if they ever concidered staying open late given the earlier conversation. they said they become dead after 5pm, most of the customers are old (my visits there confirm this). anyway I also  noted dijon mustard among the dozen or so types (who was looking for that?)

I'm still confused ... KJP, in the article, you corrected by saying that MRN had aacquired controling interests in more than 20 properties. I can't figure out how that map shows 20 parcels ... am I looking at it wrong?

 

 

Here's a parcel map:

First the hustler in the home nabe, and now my office is becoming a condo. I am SOL  lately.

Don't tell anyone where your family lives or where you go to church, or grocery shop, or... wait, you should be telling everyone you live in Parma, Lindale, or something like that.

Don't tell anyone where your family lives or where you go to church, or grocery shop, or... wait, you should be telling everyone you live in Parma, Lindale, or something like that.

jeez am in danger or something?  ah yes. I actually live in north royalton or west ridgville or something like that.

lol we were there today too stocking up on beer. I asked if they ever concidered staying open late given the earlier conversation. they said they become dead after 5pm, most of the customers are old (my visits there confirm this). anyway I also  noted dijon mustard among the dozen or so types (who was looking for that?)

 

Only old people go because only retired folks are available during the day to go there. Many Ohio City residents like me think that the place has long since been shuttered.

^ well I hope I planted the seed today by mentioning people that don't work in the neighborhood can't make it during the week.  It is sort of a specialty store though, so it is not as if most people could commit to going much, unlike a more generic market. It is quite a treat you should go!

First the hustler in the home nabe, and now my office is becoming a condo. I am SOL  lately.

 

I thought you worked in the building with Massimo de Milano on the ground floor?

^well Musky wisely says I should not pinpoint my location. But no I work in another OC building. However, the M de M building is looking good should I need a new office

This sounds promising.  MRN's short track record on E. 4th shows they possess a short learning curve for successful adaptive reuse projects -- I would never have predicted the resounding success E. 4th has achieved so far, and it isn't even finished (and is still hampered by the ECP mess on Euclid -- and yet, people are finding ways to get there to be a part of the excitement).  As for MRN being too stretched (are they still teaming with Zaremba at U.Circle?), I wouldn't worry about that.  After all, it's the banks that believe in them or they wouldn't be doing what they're doing and, I'm sure, the return on their investment plus equity built up on E. 4th has more than positioned them for this O.City investment.   I just think we're a bit too used to Cleveland investors being conservative and too reticent to move without some kind of governmental hedge or incentive.  A smaller guy like MRN with the means and aggressiveness kind of breaks our own limited paradigm...

MRN thinks big and that's why I'm pretty excited about this. You don't buy that much land in one area and not possess a good plan for it all. I've already heard that they are talking with other institutions in the area to collaborate and help take the area up a notch in regards to its regional pull.

great, when can i move in?

Not long after Madame LaRue is kept at bay from messing it up.

not to stray away from this OC thread but I have one more question for KJP...

 

When I asked about the potential for increased traffic at Tower City station, I really meant could the station handle a few more lines  (I should have been clearer).  Could an orange, purple, and yellow line-or w/e color our hearts desire-operate in addition to the current lines with similar frequencies (or better yet, better frequencies if ridership warranted it?)  Just wondering...

I think they could have problems adding additional trains on the existing tracks to and through Tower City. There is some unused space at track level, where the former Shaker Rapid station tracks and platforms were located (and still are, but have sat unused since the early 1990s except for when Trolleyville needed temporary storage of their collection). That space is between the current RTA rail station and Public Square, so it shouldn't be affected by the addition of a convention center or support facilities.

I think they could have problems adding additional trains on the existing tracks to and through Tower City.

 

Really?  TC to points east I can understand.  I would think RTA could run more trains (and more cars on trains - four cars, per train is the max to fit in each heavy rail station, correct?) TC <-> Airport. 

But your question specified whether Tower City had the capacity. Thus, since you believe (as I do) that if the rapid lines to the east of Tower City have capacity constraints, then Tower City has a capacity constraint. If you wish to discuss this further, let's do it at:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=4504.0

 

Back to Ohio City...