Amazing what happens when the city doesn't vacate alleys.

^Thankfully, as one of Cleveland's oldest neighborhoods, Ohio City developed before the advent of the automobile and, so, it's one of the few areas where there are lots of alleys/rear home access (we tend to call them "Courts" in Cleveland) and fewer traditional driveways... In this sense, these new homes should fit right in.

I'd prefer to see some (more) variation in the design of the three homes.

^Thankfully, as one of Cleveland's oldest neighborhoods, Ohio City developed before the advent of the automobile and, so, it's one of the few areas where there are lots of alleys/rear home access (we tend to call them "Courts" in Cleveland) and fewer traditional driveways... In this sense, these new homes should fit right in.

 

That's how 65th was laid out up by Francis when my grandma lived there as well.

This beauty at w.45th & Lorain will soon undergo a complete renovation. Not sure what will go in on the first floor, but the new owner will live on the second floor.

 

This beauty at w.45th & Lorain will soon undergo a complete renovation. Not sure what will go in on the first floor, but the new owner will live on the second floor.

 

 

Looks like it used to be a bar.

That's great to see. The built environment on Lorain is remarkably intact in the West 40s. Adding a cycle track to that area will pump new blood into that area.

This is the first I've seen about a whole Lorain Avenue streetscape plan.  When is construction supposed to start?  What is the length it is to cover (between what streets)?  Are there images of the plans on the web?  Anything really different, like new street lights, planters?

 

This is the first I've seen about a whole Lorain Avenue streetscape plan.  When is construction supposed to start?  What is the length it is to cover (between what streets)?  Are there images of the plans on the web?  Anything really different, like new street lights, planters?

 

 

Go to pages 2 and 3.  The plans and renderings will answer most of your questions.

 

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/designreview/drcagenda/2015/10162015/index.php

Here is an infill house in Ohio City. This picture was from a couple weeks ago.

Wow!

I really love the design........ but why did they use siding on that one section of the second floor?

I really love the design........ but why did they use siding on that one section of the second floor?

Yea, that's one of my pet peeves...doing brick and not wanting to pay the money for full brick. Do we know the address of that one? I remember the render quite some time ago. Curious what that sold for. Super excited about 45th/Lorain though.

The corner cupola design is way out of scale. The siding adds some nice character and it's not vinyl so it wasn't like it was a cheap option to take up some facade space.

The biggest surprise of the design is the outdoor patio space above the garage in the rear. You can see a trellis from the street.

Tough crowd here!

That's great to see. The built environment on Lorain is remarkably intact in the West 40s. Adding a cycle track to that area will pump new blood into that area.

 

But then,  a block later you have this: https://www.google.com/maps/@41.4784394,-81.7187352,3a,75y,15.99h,85.1t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sy_jYDemJ3ZLxcROjfYK6Pw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

 

... and this: https://www.google.com/maps/@41.4785987,-81.718292,3a,75y,0.05h,85.91t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s3yK6qwVIyw_TZWM3WFKCBg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Here is an infill house in Ohio City. This picture was from a couple weeks ago.

 

Nice.  I like brick. ... address?

The new house is on the corner of Jay and west 30th.  The lot had been empty for twenty plus years.  The family building it moved here in part because their kids go to St. ignatius which is a block away.

The new house is on the corner of Jay and west 30th.  The lot had been empty for twenty plus years.  The family building it moved here in part because their kids go to St. ignatius which is a block away.

 

Pretty much the living version of a hypothetical that appeared in one of our debates.  Technically a family moving into the city, soon to be empty nesters in reality.  Good target demographic.

Tough crowd here!

 

Yes, there are actually people who understand and can appreciate good design or bad for that matter.

The corner cupola mimics the house across the street, even in the use of mixed siding. The design is a little busy to me, but it has great presence from the street. BTW, here is the original discussion when the plans went to Landmark. Dumbledore also posted a few pictures of the houses next door for comparison.

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,2492.msg730936.html#msg730936

 

 

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/landmark/agenda/2014/10232014/image/Jay_Ave_01.jpg

 

http://i942.photobucket.com/albums/ad261/pwmcleveland/baa/photo329_zps20fbfe85.jpg

CleFan 98: "Go to pages 2 and 3.  The plans and renderings will answer most of your questions."

 

??? I've looked on pp. 2 and 3 in this forum and don't see anything about Lorain Avenue per se.  Much about West 25 and possible new housing, however.

 

CleFan 98: I've looked through pp. 2 and 3 and don't see anything about Lorain Avenue plans per se.  Much about West 25th plans, with new housing concepts, etc.

Anyway, such plans would be at least ten years old, and since when do ten-year-old plans materialize as they were first conceived?

I think he's referring to the cycle track.

lafont, check out pages 2 and 3 of the design review photo array Clefan98 linked to.

 

 

Go to pages 2 and 3.  The plans and renderings will answer most of your questions.

 

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/designreview/drcagenda/2015/10162015/index.php

Lots of progress being made at the loft project at the corner of W25th and Church (what is the name for it again? I always forget...). In addition to the faux building front on 25th that was demolished earlier, all the windows and fill in bricks and glass blocks have been removed from the 25th st side. Didn't get a chance to see down the side streets unfortunately, but I'm sure there's more demo done down there.

Lorain Avenue Bikeway concept gets a big boost from Cleveland planning commission (photos)

http://www.cleveland.com/architecture/index.ssf/2015/10/lorain_avenue_bikeway_proposal.html

 

a small sample of some recent rehabs, and new construction in Ohio city.

pics are a couple weeks old(except those of Plum Kitchen, this weekend) so stuff like new construction is certainly farther alng than shown here. new construction is more prevalent than ive seen at anytime in the past, but my observatoin might be wrong.

Plum should open sometime near future

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, I consider this kind of a bummer.  Although the bathhouse has been torn down, the site has been graded flat with no signs of construction equipment on site.  It's always good to see work on the foundation to start immediately after demo but that is apparently not the case here.  Maybe the construction will start soon - hope so.

 

Construction has definitely begun.  It looked like they were getting ready to pour the foundation this morning. 

^ Thanks, I forgot to write an update.  I drove by a few times and saw legit foundation work.  All very good.

I also forgot to report that construction had started. Immediately thought of you and your concerns when I saw it. :)

Developers transforming historic buildings in CLE

Tiffany Tarpley, WKYC 11:27 a.m. EST November 6, 2015

New life is coming to a series of historic buildings in the form of high end living and retail space.

 

CLEVELAND—New life is coming to a series of historic buildings in the form of high-end living and retail space.

 

Construction is happening now to create West 25th Street lofts near Church Avenue. The location is in walking distance to the West Side Market, Ohio City's bars and restaurants as well as shops in the Hingetown neighborhood, which connects Ohio City to Gordon Square.

 

"There's so much happening around here, it's so exciting," says Development co-owner, Rick Foran. "It's going to create an anchor, a gateway to the neighborhood."

 

MORE:

http://www.wkyc.com/story/news/local/cleveland/2015/11/06/developers-transforming-historic-buildings-in-cle/75284132/

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/landmark/agenda/2015/11122015/index.php

 

Cleveland Landmarks Commission

Nov. 12, 2015

 

CONCEPT PLANS

1. Ohio City Historic District: Case 15-074

1535 Vine Court

New construction of townhouses

 

 

 

2. Ohio City Historic District: Case 15-075

4011-19 Bridge Avenue 4200 Fulton Court

Demolition and new construction of townhouses

 

 

 

If you ever want to see the greatest impediment to Cleveland's redevelopment, attend a Landmarks Commission meeting.  I understand the need for historic preservation in some circumstances.  And I'm even willing to go far enough to say that quality architecture is something akin to a public good although I'd rather see the preservation done by voluntary easements purchased by a non-profit.

 

But the Landmarks Commission all but nixed Knez's townhouse construction project because of a decrepit 1,300 sqft home that has been on the market for 10 years with no buyer.  Throughout the meeting, the Commission offered the most arbitrary criticism I could imagine to developers and people who have invested their time, money, and livelihood to building quality housing in Cleveland.  It was stunning.  At one point, a Commission member's criticism of the Kline project was that the fourth floor "kinda made him uncomfortable."  What's most disconcerting is the criticism and basis for approving or denying these projects is not based on any real observable standard.  Another member praised Ohio City's diversity of buildings while in the next sentence attacking the Knez project because it was different from the surrounding buildings!!!  The irony was too much.  Governmental tyranny run amok.

It looks like Knez was anticipating pushback from the Landmark Commission. Their presentation had 7 (!) different site plans covering everything from 2 story detached homes to a couple 8 unit apartment buildings.

 

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/landmark/agenda/2015/11122015/image/Bridge_&_Fulton_Court_42.jpg

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/landmark/agenda/2015/11122015/image/Bridge_&_Fulton_Court_50.jpg

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/landmark/agenda/2015/11122015/image/Bridge_&_Fulton_Court_51.jpg

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/landmark/agenda/2015/11122015/image/Bridge_&_Fulton_Court_52.jpg

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/landmark/agenda/2015/11122015/image/Bridge_&_Fulton_Court_53.jpg

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/landmark/agenda/2015/11122015/image/Bridge_&_Fulton_Court_54.jpg

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/landmark/agenda/2015/11122015/image/Bridge_&_Fulton_Court_55.jpg

^Several of which include saving the historic house.  I don't see why this can't end up as a win/win, then.

It looks like Knez was anticipating pushback from the Landmark Commission. Their presentation had 7 (!) different site plans covering everything from 2 story detached homes to a couple 8 unit apartment buildings.

 

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/landmark/agenda/2015/11122015/image/Bridge_&_Fulton_Court_42.jpg

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/landmark/agenda/2015/11122015/image/Bridge_&_Fulton_Court_50.jpg

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/landmark/agenda/2015/11122015/image/Bridge_&_Fulton_Court_51.jpg

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/landmark/agenda/2015/11122015/image/Bridge_&_Fulton_Court_52.jpg

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/landmark/agenda/2015/11122015/image/Bridge_&_Fulton_Court_53.jpg

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/landmark/agenda/2015/11122015/image/Bridge_&_Fulton_Court_54.jpg

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/landmark/agenda/2015/11122015/image/Bridge_&_Fulton_Court_55.jpg

 

They stuck to the first plan for the presentation as it was the one the City Planning staff and the architects decided on (a lot of help that was!).  The others were just showing the different options that were talked about at one point.

 

The criticism and basis for criticism and rejection were completely arbitrary and nonsensical.  Cleveland is playing a very dangerous game here.

The only thing I truly didn't like was the Vine Court Lofts. It seems like a cheaper knock off of the worst Battery Park units.

I applaud the pushback to demolishing the 1830s Greek Revival house. It is one of the oldest remaining homes in the city and there are very few homes of that style remaining in Cleveland. It is located in a historic district (local and national) and epitomizes the type of home that should be protected by this status. Furthermore, its location makes it economically feasible to save and renovate. This house has never been on the market but rather the entire lot of several parcels (3 homes, a garage/warehouse and several empty lots) had to be purchased together. That would only appeal to a large developer who would build several homes and not a person/developer looking to renovate a single house. There are many homes in worse condition than this home that have been beautifully renovated in Ohio City and do quite well on the market.

 

If you ever want to see the greatest impediment to Cleveland's redevelopment, attend a Landmarks Commission meeting.  I understand the need for historic preservation in some circumstances.  And I'm even willing to go far enough to say that quality architecture is something akin to a public good although I'd rather see the preservation done by voluntary easements purchased by a non-profit.

 

But the Landmarks Commission all but nixed Knez's townhouse construction project because of a decrepit 1,300 sqft home that has been on the market for 10 years with no buyer.  Throughout the meeting, the Commission offered the most arbitrary criticism I could imagine to developers and people who have invested their time, money, and livelihood to building quality housing in Cleveland.  It was stunning.  At one point, a Commission member's criticism of the Kline project was that the fourth floor "kinda made him uncomfortable."  What's most disconcerting is the criticism and basis for approving or denying these projects is not based on any real observable standard.  Another member praised Ohio City's diversity of buildings while in the next sentence attacking the Knez project because it was different from the surrounding buildings!!!  The irony was too much.  Governmental tyranny run amok.

I applaud the pushback to demolishing the 1830s Greek Revival house. It is one of the oldest remaining homes in the city and there are very few homes of that style remaining in Cleveland. It is located in a historic district (local and national) and epitomizes the type of home that should be protected by this status. Furthermore, its location makes it economically feasible to save and renovate. This house has never been on the market but rather the entire lot of several parcels (3 homes, a garage/warehouse and several empty lots) had to be purchased together. That would only appeal to a large developer who would build several homes and not a person/developer looking to renovate a single house. There are many homes in worse condition than this home that have been beautifully renovated in Ohio City and do quite well on the market.

 

Good luck!

^^ Greek Revival? Which house are you referring to?

^^ Greek Revival? Which house are you referring to?

 

It's this little shack: https://www.google.com/maps/@41.4816024,-81.7142362,3a,25.8y,115.68h,91.44t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1svSCni1ISIBOxGDoIUctQ4w!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1

 

Take a good look because the Landmarks Commission thinks it's something worth unilaterally sinking a new townhome development for.  Thank god for them!

 

Seriously though.  If that house is renovated and occupied in 10 years I will get on UO and say "I agree with everything 327[/member] says."  :evil:

 

In reality the developer will probably walk away and the house will fall in on itself in a couple years because it's a dumpy little shack in horrible shape and no one is going to pump $120k+ to gut rehab a 1,300 square foot house that has been neglected for 30 years.  But hey the bureaucrats at the City have got it all under control!

It is the house on the SE corner of Bridge and Randall. There are hundreds of homes similar in size that have already been renovated on the near west side. I believe the historic homes that make OC unique should be preserved over more bland townhomes that are being built everywhere.

 

^^ Greek Revival? Which house are you referring to?

^^I tend to agree with much your criticism of land use controls in Cleveland, but I think you're being a bit hyperbolic in this case. This development site changed hands (presumably to the developer) for only $27K a couple months ago. The headache of dealing with the landmarks issues is almost surely priced in. I doubt very much this kind of demand is a surprise or makes the whole project infeasible.  Whether or not it's good policy for the city to demand things as a condition to building is a bigger issue, and I tend to be a bit more forgiving with regards to things like demolition in historic districts, given the reciprocal advantage all the properties enjoy.  The micromanagement of the townhouse design is a different story...

Honestly, it's pretty obvious that the developer has other options.  So unless they want to throw a prima donna, "I'm talking my ball and going home" fit then it seems like there should be some way to both develop the site with some new housing and save the 1830's greek revival house.  My guess is we'll see them back with a revised plan soon enough.

but I think you're being a bit hyperbolic in this case.

 

Me?  Hyperbolic?  Never!

Also, I highly doubt this house is from the 1830s. I thought it was acknowledged that the Dunham Tavern is the oldest building in Cleveland, which is from the 1840s.

Also, I highly doubt this house is from the 1830s. I thought it was acknowledged that the Dunham Tavern is the oldest building in Cleveland, which is from the 1840s.

 

You're right, it's not from the 1830s.  The presentation said it was build around the 1860s/1870s or something like that.

Don't know if this was ever posted but here is some more detailed info on the financing structure for the W. 25th Street lofts for those that are interested.

 

Love Funding closes $15.3 million loan to rejuvenate entire city block in downtown Cleveland http://www.rejournals.com/2015/08/19/love-funding-closes-15-3-million-loan-to-rejuvenate-entire-city-block-in-downtown-cleveland/#sthash.FhEfXOiv.dpuf

^ Whoever wrote that article is definitely not a Clevelander, calling Ohio City "downtown".