trying to remember -- what is the new name of Oui Oui Cafe (probably misspelled -- the crepe restaurant in OC)?

^It is Triangle something.  Just ate there for the first time on Wednesday.  It was fine but surprised by the "crowd".  A total of 6 customers (including us) between the hours of 8 and 10. 

Confirmation of rumors in today's Crains:

 

 

MRN targeting West 25th site

Owners of landmark United Office Building in talks with brains behind East Fourth Street

By STAN BULLARD

 

4:30 am, August 13, 2007

 

 

 

MRN Inc., the developer of downtown Cleveland’s East Fourth Street Neighborhood, is targeting the prominent United Office Building near the West Side Market for a potential $15 million project.

 

Daryl Ross, a vice president at United Properties of Cleveland, said he and his father, Melvin Ross, are talking with the Maron family-operated MRN about renovating the building. They have not yet settled on terms of the transaction or the project.

 

However, Daryl Ross said MRN “obviously had a lot of input” into an application for a State Historic Preservation Tax Credit that MSR Holdings LLC, the company that holds the nine-story building, filed July 2 with the state of Ohio.

 

The application for the state historic tax credit says the developers want approval for tax credits associated with a $15 million renovation of the building, according to a summary of applications provided by the Ohio Department of Development, which jointly administers the program with the State Historic Preservation Office. The state is considering the eligibility of applications it has received. If the project is approved, it can be eligible for a state income tax credit worth 20% of the money spent renovating the property.

 

Daryl Ross and his father transferred their ownership of the building to MSR Holdings LLC on June 28, according to Cuyahoga County land records. State incorporation records do not show MRN or the Maron family as a member of MSR Holdings. However, Daryl Ross said MRN is the managing member of the newly formed limited liability corporation. No funds have changed hands so far, Daryl Ross said.

 

Mr. Ross declined to discuss the proposed renovation of the building in detail, deferring to MRN. For its part, MRN spokeswoman Christy Harst said the company “had no comment at this time.”

 

 

Hop to it

 

However, MRN clearly has a lot of historic resources and empty space to work with in the registered Cleveland landmark with eye-catching, classical-style columns gracing its entrances.

 

When Cuyahoga County’s Employment and Family Services satellite office moved from 40,000 square feet in the building last year, the 112,500-square-foot structure lost its largest tenant. After that, Daryl Ross said he and his father began searching for a partner with experience in major renovation projects and came up with MRN.

 

Although the renovation plan is in flux, Daryl Ross said that the devel-oper and building owner hope to retain as many existing tenants as possible, perhaps moving them to other floors, in order to make available space for new office or residential uses. The building’s tenants are lawyers, physicians, optometrists and charitable organizations that have catered to the Near West Side’s professional and social needs for decades.

 

The much-vaunted Cleveland-based Walker & Weeks architecture firm designed the landmark limestone-clad United Office Building, which dates from 1926. The structure towers over its Ohio City neighborhood.

 

Keith Brown, president of the Progressive Urban Real Estate brokerage, said he is not qualified to calculate the highest and best use of the property, but he believes it would be boffo as a residential property.

 

“It’s a great spot for condos,” Mr. Brown said. “The upper floors have views of downtown and Lake Erie. I’ve often fantasized about what could be done with that building.” He said a residential component in the building could work because there is housing demand in Ohio City, West 25th has proven itself as an upscale residential location and people want to live near the West Side Market.

 

Councilman Joseph Santiago, whose Ward 15 includes the building, said he’s discussed the possibilities for the buildings with the Maron family and believes they are being quiet because they still are working out plans.

 

For his part, Mr. Santiago said he is open to several options if the new uses serve the community.

 

“I want to see that building hopping again, like when I was a kid,” Mr. Santiago said. With the exception of a single building, the MSR controls the entire block surrounding the United building from Lorain to Chatham Avenue and West 26th Street. That means the developer has additional property to provide parking for the building makeover.

 

 

Down the line

 

Abe Bruckman, director of real estate development for the nonprofit stakeholder group the Ohio City Near West Development Corp., said the United Office Building is a monu-mental structure, originally a bank that has never been devoted to a single use in the past so it is ideally suited to multiple uses in the future.

 

“It’s a significant and natural opportunity for new transit-oriented development,” Mr. Bruckman said. The building’s scale is such it can set the table for efforts to extend the redevelopment momentum of the Market Square area farther south on West 25th and west onto Lorain Avenue.

 

For MRN, the project is another reflection it is putting the final additions on the East Fourth Street Neighborhood because it is now putting tenants into its last storefronts and adding lofts at its last downtown building.

 

When MRN earlier this year acquired the Tudor Arms Hotel at University Circle, Ari Maron, an MRN partner, said the company was following the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s Silver Line east of downtown to University Circle to find projects.

 

Now it looks like MRN also may be following the transit system west to West 25th

About time Crain's caught up to Sun on this story!

When MRN earlier this year acquired the Tudor Arms Hotel at University Circle, Ari Maron, an MRN partner, said the company was following the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s Silver Line east of downtown to University Circle to find projects.

 

Now it looks like MRN also may be following the transit system west to West 25th

 

 

Hmmm, let the speculation begin.

I wonder if anyone is ever planning on building up the area right near the Detroit-Superior Bridge? I'm surprised at how unimpressive this area is, considering its proximity to downtown.

Do a search for "Hope VI" in this forum and you'll understand why that area looks unimpressive.

Hmm. Gotcha.

Although there has been a good deal of discussion about the area immediately adjacent to the bridge ... capitalizing on existing loft conversions (e.g. Federal Knitting Mills), there have been a number of proposed improvements in the blocks immediately following W. 25th along Detroit Ave.

I was even thinking something like a nice supermarket would be great right around there, considering the lack of a good one in downtown and the new developments going up on the West Bank (the new buildings look great, by the way.)

Errr... there's Dave's less than a half mile from that intersection at West 28th and Bridge. It would probably be an option once the proposals along Detroit are completed, but right now the population density doesn't justify that kind of redundancy. I know, I'm just being my usual "can't do" self.

^Dave's at 28th and Bridge does a good job of covering the market.

Errr... there's Dave's less than a half mile from that intersection at West 28th and Bridge. It would probably be an option once the proposals along Detroit are completed, but right now the population density doesn't justify that kind of redundancy. I know, I'm just being my usual "can't do" self.

 

It was just a thought. :)

MayDay.  Stop!  You're a realist and I know you're trying to make a point.  However, you of all people, shouldn't let someones narrow and inaccurate point of view stop you from doing all the positive work you do - on and off of Urbanohio - go to waste.

 

As my Mom says...You take out the trash, you don't play with it! 

 

Now...don't drop down to you-know-who's level (God that was so Harry Potter) keep it moving and return to the positive, progressive, Happy-go-lucky, $4.98 bargain pants finding MayDay I've grown to love!

 

or else .....

 

jpop, my "can't do" comment (nor MyTwoSense's) was not directed at you.

 

Sorry, MTS - when some twit accuses me, ME of being "part of the problem", even an uninformed kid - after all the things I've done and accomplished, I tend to get a little irked.

 

Anyhoo :-)

I didn't think so, but thanks for clarifying. :) Okay. NOW back on topic.

(I've been dying to use this one)

 

I no longer see the project at 28th and Detroit listed on the PURE website. I sure hope that it has not been cancelled.

^It is Triangle something.  Just ate there for the first time on Wednesday.  It was fine but surprised by the "crowd".  A total of 6 customers (including us) between the hours of 8 and 10. 

 

<a href="http://www.freetimes.com/stories/15/13/good-things-from-petite-packages">Le Petit Triangle</a>: it's run and owned by the same folks who ran "Take a Bite" by Lincoln Park (which is now occupied by "Dish", which is much like the old TaB).  That space is relatively under the radar, and might need some better signage since its Bridge Avenue presence is damn-near non-existent.  Is Kimo's still open next door?

Kimo's is still there.

bar CENTO ....  an Enoteca (wine bar) featuring "cento vini" (hundred wines)  will specialize in brick-oven traditional and modern style pizzas, Italian cuisine, and a Belgian pub menu to complement the Bier Markt beer portfolio.

 

Chef Jonathan Sawyer, formerly head chef of Michael Symon's Lolita in Tremont, and most recently head chef at Symon's Parea in Manhattan, will be bringing his talents to bar CENTO and the Bier Markt.

 

Look for an official announcement in the press soon........

 

Is Cento going into that space with the Bier Markt?

Yep.

Excellent!

 

The pub menu at Bier Markt will be nice - although I did always love ordering from their take out menus behind the bar and getting food delivered there :)

This new place sounds FANTASTIC!

bar CENTO ....  an Enoteca (wine bar) featuring "cento vini" (hundred wines)  will specialize in brick-oven traditional and modern style pizzas, Italian cuisine, and a Belgian pub menu to complement the Bier Markt beer portfolio.

 

Chef Jonathan Sawyer, formerly head chef of Michael Symon's Lolita in Tremont, and most recently head chef at Symon's Parea in Manhattan, will be bringing his talents to bar CENTO and the Bier Markt.

 

Look for an official announcement in the press soon........

 

 

Dropped by Bier Markt over Labor Day and workers were steadily working hard on Cento.  This will be a nice compliment as Cento really is sharing the same space, as noted.  And what a space.  The architectural detail of what, apparently, was the old Fries & Schuele dept store lobby is exquisite and well complimented with the old wooden booths...

 

On a more somber note, a few doors down funky OC fixture CITY  BUDDHA is closing its doors, consolidating with its Coventry location.  Too bad, I really liked this store and it added an offbeat touch to downtown Ohio City.  Hopefully some other retail (other than yet another restaurant) can move into this prime space on W. 25 at the crown of Bridge Street.

 

On another somber note, looks like Jay Lofts is still stalled.  Nothing appears to have been done since the last time I was over there in late Spring.  Is it simply slow presales or something else stalling this project?

 

 

 

I think they need to "reposition" the prices on Jay Lofts...if I recall they were priced awefully high for the area...maybe 300,000 ish range are for a 2 bedroom. I wonder how the Franklin Lofts (a similar product) are selling? I hate to sound suburban, but I really think people are looking for some kind of secure covered parking (ie garage). Lets face ,the auto break ins/thefts are a real issue

Very dissapointed with City Buddha closing!  I do have to say though, lately the stuff they have seems, to me, less unique and more pricey.  We purchased some earlier pieces from them a few years ago when they were located across the street from where they are now -- large masks, statues, etc. and have recently noticed that there is a lack of similar items.

re: jay lofts, i wonder if heartland is stretching themselves a bit thin?  as it seems that their avalon lofts TOD in shaker is not exactly selling quickly......  the high taxes in shaker may be partially to blame.  not sure though..

^ I think a lot of developers have done same. the shaker ones may have partial abatement, not sure though. Nationally new construction starts are down, and Cleveland is no exception. I would hate people to think things are going bad just for Cleve if things slow down for a while, which I believe they have.

saw this on another board: Fries & Schuele Condo's - 36 units - just released - from $120k. (smythe Cramer is realtor)

saw this on another board: Fries & Schuele Condo's - 36 units - just released - from $120k. (smythe Cramer is realtor)

 

i'm assuming it reached its 5yrs of "as rentals" historic credit dealie?

Pope, are you any closer to finding an apartment? Which neighborhood won the exclusive rights to proudly call the Pope a resident?

did somebody mention crumbling hills and riverbanks badly in need of bulkheads?! 

 

http://www.cleveland.com/news/wide/index.ssf?riverbed.html

 

what we all knew, via the canceled hope project, confirmed and explained.  that the hill is sliding into the river. 

Pope, are you any closer to finding an apartment? Which neighborhood won the exclusive rights to proudly call the Pope a resident?

 

I'm going to fully embrace the search oct 1st.

did somebody mention crumbling hills and riverbanks badly in need of bulkheads?! 

 

http://www.cleveland.com/news/wide/index.ssf?riverbed.html

 

what we all knew, via the canceled hope project, confirmed and explained.  that the hill is sliding into the river. 

 

Was this in the PD recently?  The link doesn't have a date.  And was there a more detailed article that came with it?

Here's the article the accompanied the graphic...

 

Collapsing Riverbed Street threatens sewer line; repair to be costly

Preventing catastrophe will cost $20 million to $70 million

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Michael Scott

Plain Dealer Reporter

Riverbed Street looks as if it had been split by an earthquake.

 

The disintegrating road, which shadows the Cuyahoga River from Columbus Road to the Detroit-Superior (Veterans Memorial) Bridge on the west bank of the Flats, has been closed since November 2005, when city workers noticed pavement cracks.

 

But in recent months, the lower hillside in an area that was once a teeming immigrant shantytown is falling fast. The lane closest to the river has dropped more than four feet and is in danger of collapsing completely -- driven into the water by the sliding slope above it.

 

"This is a very heavy hillside that wants very badly to do what nature does -- find balance," said Craig Hebebrand, a planner for the Ohio Department of Transportation. "Balance means collapse."

 

 

more at: http://www.cleveland.com

 

 

crap :|

 

well maybe this "negative" can be turned into a "positive"?  The slope is corrected, stabilized and reinforced, bulkheads installed and some development built or a natural (eco friendly) attraction, park or green space accessible to the residents of OC and visually pleasing to those living/working in downtown.

crap :|

 

you better believe it. This could ruin the plan X and I came up  with to have house boat community on the river.

well maybe this "negative" can be turned into a "positive"?  The slope is corrected, stabilized and reinforced, bulkheads installed and some development built or a natural (eco friendly) attraction, park or green space accessible to the residents of OC and visually pleasing to those living/working in downtown.

 

This was the problem that was researched for the Cleveland Competition, maybe ODOT and the city should review what was come up with during the investigations.

What happened to the concepts created for that competition?  Is there anywhere that those projects are accessible to the public, online or physically?

 

Peabody, our houseboat community should be ok as long as we stay on Scranton Peninsula. :wink:

I'm a pre-sell, guys.

What happened to the concepts created for that competition?  Is there anywhere that those projects are accessible to the public, online or physically?

 

 

http://www.clevelandcompetition.com/gallery.html

 

On a related note- is there an exhibit inside of the CPA storefront right now?

Thank you!

I'm a pre-sell, guys.

too bad in unless one of you kids are trust fund babies we are all too poor to be developers.still....how hard is it to float a trailer on the water?

still....how hard is it to float a trailer on the water?

 

The key word is float.  I'm pretty sure I could get a trailer in the water.

I'm a pre-sell, guys.

too bad in unless one of you kids are trust fund babies we are all too poor to be developers.still....how hard is it to float a trailer on the water?

 

eh, if your idea is good one you can do it. You just have to convince the person (or persons) who has the money.

And maybe the Army Corps of Engineers and possibly the Coast Guard. It's a federal waterway and if they don't want you there, you won't be.