It would cost a fortune to bury wires on all the streets in the historic district(s) that make Ohio City.  It's been done on a small scale in Greater Cleveland with the older areas but never a whole district. And then all new lights.  A zillion dollars and nobody would find it worth it. In many other cities it was done originally in the neighborhoods.  We have only as far to go, for example, as Akron or Canton, where neighborhoods from the early 1900s and later have attractive, decorative light poles.  Of course, Ohio City would be a district where an older style would be appropriate.  The ultimate historic lighting is Beacon Hill, Boston.

It will probably be done as each street is rehabbed, one section at a time. Yes, this will take decades. But that's a blip in the lifespan of cities.

What about Gordon square?

Yes, but just a few blocks. Generally it's not done when a street ice thats rehabbed. 

Now I'd like to know if any other historic districts are getting new street signs that have the old street names. How was it decided Ohio City (though only certain intersections, so far) would get these and who was it paid? What about Tremont, for example? Is there a plan to do this in all Cleveland Historic Districts?  I notice the signs in the Ohio City/Market Square area just say "Historic District," which makes me wonder if the City will be doing these sings in other neighborhoods?  Does anyone have an idea if that's the plan?

 

I notice that pastry cafe at Lorain and W. 29th closes earlier in the day now.  Doesn't look like a good sign.  And I wonder how many people will pay like $7.50 for a decent cup of frozen yogurt - particularly in the winter....

http://plainpress.wordpress.com/2013/12/10/street-name-signs-designate-ohio-city-historic-district/#comment-464

 

This article from a recent Plain Press answers most of these questions.  However, when the first edition of AIA's Guide to Cleveland Architecture

came out in 1991 there were already three Cleveland Historic Districts in the vicinity: Ohio City, Franklin Circle, and Market Square.

 

I hope the idea spreads to other Historic Districts in Cleveland - particularly where streets date from pre-1907.  I know the Archwood Avenue area has decorations added to some of their signs, as in Little Italy. :clap:

Good to see that shabby cafe building gone. None of the houses and other buildings remaining in the area look too hot. I take it everything seen from Lorain is to go. Does the plan, then, call for the project coming up to Lorain and going way down the slope?  Lots of steps?

What are the plans for the Envy Building site?  Just a parking lot.  I'd like to see the interesting, diverse shopping strip continued further south.

 

Good to see that shabby cafe building gone. None of the houses and other buildings remaining in the area look too hot. I take it everything seen from Lorain is to go. Does the plan, then, call for the project coming up to Lorain and going way down the slope?  Lots of steps?

 

Check out the Duck Island thread and you will find a detailed phased site plan.

Is this thread within this forum or its own? I've seen plans but not information on how the buildings would go up a steep slope. :yap:

Is this thread within this forum or its own? I've seen plans but not information on how the buildings would go up a steep slope. :yap:

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,28822.0.html

does anyone know if the historic rehab buildings in Ohio City are starting construction anytime soon?  I'm specifically wondering about Jay or the W 25th street lofts?  Any info or word on the street would be appreciated

Jay Lofts are under construction now. W 25th, I'm not so sure about

Jay Lofts has been delayed over and over again. Some work is done and then it looks like nothing.  Right now I'd assume something is going on with the first floor facade covered over, but who knows?  Who's behind this project?  What else have they completed?

KJP - Thanks.  It really helps when one shares a link on this very large conglomeration of forums.

Now, are we all in agreement Duck Island is within Tremont? I can't quite see property that goes up to where that Bridgeview Cafe was as being Tremont when it was right down the street from the West Side Market and its parking lot. Where's the border, then?  Where's the Cleveland Planning District border in relation to Duck Island.  What about Columbus Road around the former B&O station, for example?  Seems like that's just "The Flats."

That development has it's own thread.  The whole "is Duck Island Ohio City or Tremont?" discussion is a waste of time.

Now, are we all in agreement Duck Island is within Tremont? I can't quite see property that goes up to where that Bridgeview Cafe was as being Tremont when it was right down the street from the West Side Market and its parking lot. Where's the border, then?  Where's the Cleveland Planning District border in relation to Duck Island.  What about Columbus Road around the former B&O station, for example?  Seems like that's just "The Flats."

 

Columbus is the dividing line between the Ohio City and Tremont planning areas. To see the dividing lines beyond the vicinity of Lorain Ave, go to the Cleveland Planning Commission website and use the GIS interactive mapping tool.

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/

 

EDIT: I moved the Jay Lofts thread back to active projects as work on it has restarted.

People have been working at Jay on a daily basis for several months. No clue on Exhibit Builders.

 

Duck Island north of Lorain/Carnegie is Oci. South of L/C is Tremont.

 

How many times do we have to repeat the discussion of what neighborhood Duck Island is in?  It's been covered several times.  For purposes of development threads it has been given it's own thread, here:

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,28822.0.html

 

Any and all further posts about it will be deleted.

 

Due to the weather, I can not believe they're putting this up today - Looks good though

C'mon, It's ice cream! It's supposed to be cold!! ;)

 

Due to the weather, I can not believe they're putting this up today - Looks good though

 

This is awesome, I'm so excited for this to open soon... Hopefully!

 

Due to the weather, I can not believe they're putting this up today - Looks good though

 

This is awesome, I'm so excited for this to open soon... Hopefully!

 

Finally!!!

The rejected McDonald's is on BZA's agenda for Jan. 21...

 

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/bza/agenda/2014/crr01-21-2014.pdf

What does anyone know about the group that wants to takeover the two County Archives buildings?  The two Victorians have looked bad for a number of years.  If the Archives can't restore historic houses what are the chance of the new entity doing better?  This facility, which has helped so many preservationists and historians over the years, has set a poor example as to how to maintain historic structures.  Even the exteriors - very bad.

 

 

One more..."what ever happened to.." Wasn't one the bed and breakfast's opening up a cafe on Woodbine?

What does anyone know about the group that wants to takeover the two County Archives buildings?  The two Victorians have looked bad for a number of years.  If the Archives can't restore historic houses what are the chance of the new entity doing better?  This facility, which has helped so many preservationists and historians over the years, has set a poor example as to how to maintain historic structures.  Even the exteriors - very bad.

 

The archives are part of the county government, so I don't think it's too surprising restoration of the two houses wasn't a high priority. I don't know much about Welcome House (the non profit buyer) but I believe the county accepted a slightly lower offer from them based in part on their pledge to retain the historic houses. I don't know how extensive the restoration will be, but I expect the project will make the whole complex a lot more attractive.  I believe the other bidder, a for-profit developer, proposed demolishing the houses. Depending on what they would have replaced them with, I might have been OK with that too.

Not I!  Would have been horrible demolishing these two once-fine brick Victorians on the main residential street in Ohio City. Of course it looks bad around them, too, but at least they are a duo which should set a positive tone for what the neighborhood is about as an historic residential enclave, with Franklin the most prestigious street....

 

The Music Settlement to settle into Bop Stop building on Cleveland's West Side

By SCOTT SUTTELL

3:06 pm, January 7, 2014

 

The Bop Stop jazz club on Detroit Avenue near downtown Cleveland will get a new hop in its step as it becomes part of The Music Settlement, a University Circle institution that offers music therapy, early childhood education and music instruction.

 

Music Settlement officials announced they have accepted a donation of the 4,100-square-foot Bop Stop building, 2920 Detroit Ave., and everything in it, including sound and lighting equipment, and tables and chairs. The donors are Ron Busch and Anita Nonneman, who built the Bop Stop at the Detroit Avenue location about 10 years ago. (They had closed Bop Stop's West Sixth Street location in October 2000 prior to the move to Detroit Avenue.)

 

Charlie Lawrence, president and CEO of The Music Settlement, said in a phone interview that the donation offer “came somewhat out of the blue” when a lawyer for the Bop Stop's owners sent a letter about five weeks ago outlining their intentions. Ms. Nonneman has been active with The Music Settlement, he said, and wanted the building — which at one point had been for sale — to continue to have a music-related use.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20140107/FREE/140109833

Great news.  I'd love to have the option of classes on the West Side.

Annnnd, Freshwater Cleveland's take!

 

Music settlement will open campus in former Bop Stop jazz club in Ohio City

TUESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2014

 

Yet another University Circle institution is opening in Ohio City in an effort to grab new audiences, bolster programming and join this revitalized neighborhood. This time it's the Music Settlement, a 101-year-old organization that bills itself as "the most beautiful place to learn music in Cleveland" and whose facility includes a historic 1910 mansion. TMS is opening a second campus in the former Bop Stop in Ohio City.

 

Last month, Music Settlement President Charlie Lawrence received a letter from Anita Donneman and Ron Busch, the owners of the state-of-the-art, custom-built Bop Stop jazz club, which closed a few years ago. They offered to donate the property to TMS. Lawrence says he was "stunned" by the heartfelt offer to donate the property, and after touring the facility, immediately agreed it was a fit.

 

"It's once in an organization's lifetime that you get a facility donated, and it's in pristine shape," says Lawrence. "We are a regional arts organization, and we're excited to have a footprint on the west side. This neighborhood embraces the arts and sees the arts as a way to move the community forward."

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.freshwatercleveland.com/devnews/musicsettlementbopstop010714.aspx

The Welcome Houses I see on Google Images show buildings that look in good repair and mostly fairly new.  I don't expect any restoration of these two Victorians but repair/renovation to the institution's needs.  Certainly glad the buildings are to be retained, anyway.

Sounds like an interesting business. Anyone know what it is/will be called?

 

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/bza/agenda/2014/crr02-10-2014.pdf

 

Board of Zoning Appeals

February 10, 2014

9:30

 

Calendar No. 14-002: 3821 Lorain Avenue Ward 15

Matt Zone

18 Notices

 

Ellen Mueller, owner, appeals to establish use as space for manufacturing, teaching, and

retail sales of glass items on an irregular shaped parcel in a C3 Local Retail Business

District; subject to the provisions in Section 343.01 (a) (b) the proposed use as manufac-

turing, teaching and sales is not permitted in Local Retail and pursuant to Section

343.11 (b)(2)(N) is first permitted in General Retail Business if not more than twenty

five percent of the floor area of the building is used for making , assembling or finishing

the products or merchandise; and pursuant to Section 352.08 a 10 foot wide transition

strip providing at least 75% year round opacity is required where the lot abuts the resi-

dential district to the rear and none is provided and under the provisions in Section 349

(f) (g) 8 accessory park off-street parking spaces are required and 4 are provided (Filed 1

-8-14).

 

EDIT: this is on BZA for the following week.....

 

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/bza/agenda/2014/crr02-18-2014.pdf

 

Board of Zoning Appeals

February 18, 2014

9:30

 

Calendar No. 14-007: 2525 Jay Street Ward 3

Joe Cimperman

17 Notices

2515 Company, LLC, owner, appeals to construct a new parking lot in a Local Retail

Business District and subject to the limitations in Section 343.18 (a) only one driveway

shall be permitted on a frontage of 100 feet or less or two driveways are permitted on a

frontage of 150 feet and the appellant is proposing three driveways equaling 61 feet

along 116 feet of frontage and contrary to Sections 353.10, a 6 foot wide landscaped

frontage strip is required where parking abuts the street and none is shown (Filed 1-16

2014)

 

This sounds/looks like the glass blowing place behind nano brew by the market

^Art Bowls or Smoke Bowls?

 

You mean the Glass Bubble Project? Yeah, it sounds like that sort of business. I just wondered if any knew the name of the business.

 

Also the parking lot on Jay looks intriguing.

This place didn't take long to fill

 

Popular Mason's Creamery Inks Deal for Ohio City Retail/Production Space

 

It's been a mere nine months since Jesse Mason and Helen Qin officially sold the very first scoop of Mason's Creamery ice cream. But by early spring, the endearing couple will open their own production and retail space, in the former home of Ohio City Ice Cream and, before that, Dari Delite (4401 Bridge Ave.).

 

For the past 60 years, the ice cream shop operated as a seasonal attraction, with customers purchasing their chilly treats from a pair of walk-up windows. When Mason's Creamery opens in April, it will be as a year-round operation.

 

http://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2014/02/06/popular-masons-creamery-inks-deal-for-ohio-city-retailproduction-space

Sounds great!  Not only the ice cream, but their improvement ideas.  From that Scene piece:

 

A new shell and sign will go a long way to sprucing up the joint, but even better is the large green space that will be replacing yards and yards of unsightly blacktop. "We envision the space as a nice community gathering area — maybe with Friday night movies for the kids, picnic tables, and an herb garden for our products."

 

 

Ohio City is going from 0 ice cream shops to 3 in less than a year (Mitchell's, Mason's, Picadilly).  Granted they are all very different concepts but I hope they are all able to pull in customers.  I really like the idea of various types of programming throughout the year at Mason's.  Also I would expect the growth into the heart of Ohio City (not necessarily just on Lorain) to increase now that West 25th is nearly full and I'm sure the prices are rising to be in the prime location.

Ohio City is going from 0 ice cream shops to 3 in less than a year (Mitchell's, Mason's, Picadilly).  Granted they are all very different concepts but I hope they are all able to pull in customers.  I really like the idea of various types of programming throughout the year at Mason's.  Also I would expect the growth into the heart of Ohio City (not necessarily just on Lorain) to increase now that West 25th is nearly full and I'm sure the prices are rising to be in the prime location.

 

True but Mitchell's and Mason's will also use their locations for wholesale production, making them less reliant on walk up retail.

Keep an eye on this site...... I was researching parcels in hot areas of Ohio City and discovered the modern building at 3219 Detroit Avenue sold less than a month ago for $275,000 to a paper company listing only to a Mayfield Heights attorney (Robert A. Ranallo) whose clients are in the real estate development and construction business. This building is very close to the Mariner's Watch apartments now under construction.

 

I have heard rumors someone wants to tear down the old Club Cleveland building and make townhouses.

 

Well given what KJP reports concerning the recent sale this might be an accurate rumor.

 

FYI. I've been doing more research on the incorporator of 3219 Detroit LLC (see company info above, and which last year bought Club Cleveland at that same address). Turns out of all the various real estate companies he incorporated, many are paper companies  for or otherwise associated with the Marous Brothers (http://www.bizapedia.com/people/ROBERT-RANALLO-p-3-78643424.html). Robert A. Ranallo (or Rar Statutory Service Corp) also has directly represented Marous Brothers, including for its nearby Battery Park development (http://www.bizapedia.com/oh/BATTERY-PARK-NCCDC-LP.html and http://www.bizapedia.com/oh/BATTERY-PARK-MASTER-ASSOCIATION-INC.html).

 

Interestingly, after plotting polygrams for this property and the Mariner's Watch apartments across West 32nd, the "Cleveland Club" property (including its large parking lot behind) is almost as large as the Mariner's Watch property. However, nothing has been announced for this site yet and I cannot find other information about it.

Cool

 

Former brewery in Ohio City moves step closer to makeover as apartments

 

Redevelopment action is about to take another step beyond the shadow of the West Side Market with West 25th Street Lofts, a $20 million apartment conversion of a one-time brewery in Ohio City.

 

That is the case because the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development notified the developers on Friday, Feb. 7, that it had approved a $14 million loan for the project at 1526 West 25th St.

 

Smythe said he and partner Rick Foran expect to close financing for the project and to begin construction in April.

 

The sole missing piece of the financing package is the sale of historic tax credits for the redevelopment project, which involves a building that dates from the 1870s. Smythe said the duo has letters of intent from two prospective buyers of the credits. He declined to identify them.

 

The Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) bonds that will fund the project were priced last week at a 4.15% interest rate and a 40-year lifetime, numbers that would warm the heart of any real estate developer. GNMA is an agency of HUD.

 

http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20140210/FREE/140219979

So Low Income then?

 

Mehh.  Hopefully it's some market rate else it's just keeping the North section of 25th low rent.

 

 

^?

I assume DS saw the mention of a HUD loan and simply assumed that the building would be low-rent.  However, if I understand correctly, HUD loans simply require that a certain (usually very small) percentage of units be provided to low-income families.  I know of one building in Cleveland Heights that was only required to have one unit as such.

HUD loans are sometimes used to subsidize the financing of projects in Cleveland. Why? Because market-rate rents typically aren't high enough to retire market-rate financing. It doesn't mean the tenants will be low-income compared to other Cleveland rental occupants.

There are several distinct HUD multifamily loan programs, but assuming this is a normal 221(d)(4) loan insurance deal, there are no required income restrictions on tenants. 

FYI. I've been doing more research on the incorporator of 3219 Detroit LLC (see company info above, and which last year bought Club Cleveland at that same address). Turns out of all the various real estate companies he incorporated, many are paper companies  for or otherwise associated with the Marous Brothers (http://www.bizapedia.com/people/ROBERT-RANALLO-p-3-78643424.html). Robert A. Ranallo (or Rar Statutory Service Corp) also has directly represented Marous Brothers, including for its nearby Battery Park development (http://www.bizapedia.com/oh/BATTERY-PARK-NCCDC-LP.html and http://www.bizapedia.com/oh/BATTERY-PARK-MASTER-ASSOCIATION-INC.html).

 

Interestingly, after plotting polygrams for this property and the Mariner's Watch apartments across West 32nd, the "Cleveland Club" property (including its large parking lot behind) is almost as large as the Mariner's Watch property. However, nothing has been announced for this site yet and I cannot find other information about it.

 

Good sleuthing. I've heard rumblings that a mid-size market rate apartment project is on the radar for this site.

"The Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) bonds that will fund the project were priced last week at a 4.15% interest rate and a 40-year lifetime, numbers that would warm the heart of any real estate developer. GNMA is an agency of HUD." 

 

Is this really a 40 year loan?

FYI. I've been doing more research on the incorporator of 3219 Detroit LLC (see company info above, and which last year bought Club Cleveland at that same address). Turns out of all the various real estate companies he incorporated, many are paper companies  for or otherwise associated with the Marous Brothers (http://www.bizapedia.com/people/ROBERT-RANALLO-p-3-78643424.html). Robert A. Ranallo (or Rar Statutory Service Corp) also has directly represented Marous Brothers, including for its nearby Battery Park development (http://www.bizapedia.com/oh/BATTERY-PARK-NCCDC-LP.html and http://www.bizapedia.com/oh/BATTERY-PARK-MASTER-ASSOCIATION-INC.html).

 

 

LOL.  Bobby Ranallo has been the corporate counsel for Marous Bros for years.  His father Tony Ranallo was their mentor as they came up in the business.