27 minutes ago, Mendo said:

 

I went to a meeting at Forest City Brewery where reps from the Rotary Club presented their objection to RTA developing the hillside. While I love the idea of the greenway, I had a similar concern in the back of my mind about giving up the ROW for future rail expansion. Once people get used to green space it will be nearly impossible to give it up. Exhibit A is the hillside itself.

 

I am usually pretty strongly opposed to "greenspace for greenspace's sake" for this very reason.  But this has the potential to be part of a larger, comprehensive system of bike trails/linear greenspace/alternative transportation system.  I think that means it warrants a bit more thought than just any old vacant lot that the neighborhood doesn't want developed because they consider it "greenspace".

I think some in the neighborhood are more concerned about the proposed development above the Red Line and Greenway, along Columbus Road.

Some just don't want any development, for sure.

There's a pretty wide gap in the conceptions of "Development".  If it's garages/driveways/chain link fence along the trail as some neighbors seem to think, that has a major negative effect on the trail.  But if it's balconies and greenery or even a dash of retail - perhaps a public stair/elevator up to Columbus Rd... that could actually be a big value-add to the RLGW.

 

There is still a fair amount of greenspace elsewhere along the trail and in it's direct connection to the 17 acres at irishtown bend...

 

If the greenway depends on core urban areas remaining undeveloped forever, it might not be a good fit.

Nice view of the county's engineers property in the foreground, at right.... 

 

 

And, zoom!

 

 

26 minutes ago, KJP said:

Nice view of the county's engineers property in the foreground, at right.... 

 

 

I would assume they could get some good cash for that piece to. Help the taxpayers out a bit.

On 12/12/2018 at 1:05 PM, X said:

 

I am usually pretty strongly opposed to "greenspace for greenspace's sake" for this very reason.  But this has the potential to be part of a larger, comprehensive system of bike trails/linear greenspace/alternative transportation system.  I think that means it warrants a bit more thought than just any old vacant lot that the neighborhood doesn't want developed because they consider it "greenspace".

 

Don't get me wrong, the greenway is a great idea and I want to see it built. As unlikely as it may be, if there is ever a political push for a new rail line into the city and it comes down to this greenway or commuter rail, au revoir greenway. RTA should be careful how it structures a lease or easements for this project to avoid another situation like the Blue Line terminus in Shaker.

 

I thought construction had begun on the boutique hotel on W. 25th, but now all I'm seeing is a small new parking lot in that spot and nothing in the other lot where I thought the hotel might be taking.

 

What happened to the hotel?

Vine Court townhomes and the Clinton West Apartments beyond....

These townhomes are turning out better than expected.  A great type of development for ohio city, adds 9 owners on the equivalent of 1 lot.  This section of the neighborhood will end up with a nice mix of owners who care and density from the apartment buildings.  If the townhouse plans come to fruition for the corner of 32nd and Franklin and 31st and Franklin, we'll be getting close to full land utilization.  

And the Vine Court townhomes are selling for anywhere from $500,000 to $900,000. They replaced an empty lot, not an existing, lower-income residence.

Edited December 19, 20186 yr by KJP

28 minutes ago, RMB said:

If the townhouse plans come to fruition for the corner of 32nd and Franklin and 31st and Franklin, we'll be getting close to full land utilization.  

Maybe I am misreading your comment, but are you implying that something is in the works at this location? I assume you mean the dumpy vacant parking lot on the northeast corner of Franklin and 32nd.

These were planned a while ago, but haven't seen any movement recently:

http://townhomesohiocity.com/index.php

 

Developer is the same one currently building "the exchange" on Clinton near 45th.

^ Expect to hear an announcement for "The Hinge" sometime during Q1 of 2019.

16 hours ago, Clefan98 said:

^ Expect to hear an announcement for "The Hinge" sometime during Q1 of 2019.

 

A similar form of project?  Would think its now feasible to either upgrade the quality of construction/price tag.

On 12/19/2018 at 10:31 AM, KJP said:

Vine Court townhomes and the Clinton West Apartments beyond....

I like it.  Just seems a little odd when the decorative side of a complex faces the alley.

 

Edited January 2, 20196 yr by lafont

The density in these few blocks between Franklin and Clinton is fantastic. 

It's why my wife and I foam at the mouth whenever we see a new listing pop up in the neighborhood. But then we retreat in sadness when we see the price tag.

2 minutes ago, KJP said:

It's why my wife and I foam at the mouth whenever we see a new listing pop up in the neighborhood. But then we retreat in sadness when we see the price tag.

 

We're always looking for new buyers in my neighborhood @KJP .. four active renovations on my block alone, and still affordable ? 

1 hour ago, KJP said:

It's why my wife and I foam at the mouth whenever we see a new listing pop up in the neighborhood. But then we retreat in sadness when we see the price tag.

Some of them are better than you think when you factor in the interest rate, tax abatements and lack of monthly maintenance fees (compared to Gold Coast).  

Don't you and the wife have a little guy?  What's the school plan? 

Interest rates aren't important to me. My condo was paid off years ago. I spend about $800 per month to live in my Lakewood condo, including all taxes, utilities, insurance, fees, etc. There aren't many urban settings with 24-hour stores and restaurants within walking distance, good transit, good schools, good safety/services, etc. that offer this lifestyle for the price I pay. Believe me. I've looked and not just in Greater Cleveland but throughout the Midwest and Northeast. I'm in an amazing situation. I don't have a hot water heater, a basement, a roof, a lawn or a snow-covered driveway to worry about. I haven't cut grass or shoveled snow since I lived in Geauga County more than 25 years ago. As I'm now in my 50s, I have no desire to start that up again. My son isn't old enough yet to start doing yardwork. Probably has another 4-5 years to go and I may have his services, er chores, for only 8-10 years.

 

But those houses in Ohio City....they're gorgeous. My wife and I often swing through Ohio City on our way home, even if Ohio City is out of the way, to check on new properties that have hit the market

On 12/25/2018 at 3:51 PM, lafont said:

I lje it.  Just seems a little odd when the decoratice side of a complex faces the alley.

That's the "front" of the building.

If someone already responded to this inquiry I missed it.  I had thought the boutique hotel construction on W. 25th had begun, but now it looks like it was only for a new parking lot?  Could that be true?  Is the hotel caput?

Wrong parking lot. The hotel is a few to the south. Last I heard the Hotel had contracted out the construction but I don't know the projects current status.

They've broke ground on townhomes about a block or two away from me at 52nd and Franklin... Those this may actually be D-S? 

^ Yeah, technically that is D-S. They broke ground about a month ago. The two townhomes in the back have already been framed and are ready for exterior finishes.

 

MONDAY, JANUARY 7, 2019

County engineer's Ohio City property hits the market

 

It's official. Cuyahoga County has put on the market one of the most attractive properties for redevelopment in years. The former Cuyahoga County Engineer's headquarters at the west end of the Detroit-Superior Veterans Memorial Bridge is expected to fetch the most interest by real estate developers among four parcels in the county's latest disposition of surplus properties.

Last month, I wrote that engineer's office and its 2 acres of land at 2429 Superior Viaduct would soon go on the market. It is one of five major development sites emerging along the West Rim of the Cuyahoga River valley, in Cleveland's Ohio City neighborhood.

 

MORE:

http://neo-trans.blogspot.com/2019/01/county-engineers-ohio-city-property.html

 

Interesting viewpoint although I disagree with him. Greenspace in TOD works when it is accessible and usable for community gatherings, playgrounds, happenstance social interactions, etc. The greenspace he's talking about is unkempt underbrush. It is not useful or attractive nor does it contribute to the neighborhood's quality of life or to the utilization of public transit. I think this is more about sour grapes on the behalf of McNulty. I was hearing rumors last fall that McNulty's Duck Island 7 partner & architect Gary Ogrocki wanted to develop this strip of land perhaps in partnership with others. It is possible that he is opposing the sale because his partner wasn't the developer recommended by RTA?

 

Op-Ed: RTA-Owned Land in Ohio City Near Red Line Shouldn't Be Developed, Should Remain Greenspace

Posted By Sam McNulty on Tue, Jan 8, 2019 at 10:21 am

 

To the RTA Board of Trustees et al: 

The Scottish poet Alexander Smith wisely said, "A man doesn't plant a tree for himself. He plants it for posterity." 

I've visited Ohio City with my parents and six siblings since the 1970s, and in the last 14 years I've lived, worked, and played in this great rebuilding neighborhood. My business partners and I have renovated 140,000 square feet of vacant properties in Ohio City, opened 6 businesses, and have created over 200 well-paying jobs in the neighborhood. We recently built 7 transit-oriented townhomes on a vacant property in the adjacent Duck Island neighborhood. 

 

MORE:

https://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2019/01/08/op-ed-rta-owned-land-in-ohio-city-near-red-line-shouldnt-be-developed-should-remain-greenspace

Edited January 15, 20196 yr by KJP

^But the greenspace is adjacent to the imminent greenway, no? Easy to imagine it becoming somewhat useful.

 

Normally I'd be all about developing this land, and won't object to it so much if it happens, but the most likely type of the development here is a handful of expensive 1800 sf townhouse with two-car garages. Would barely move the needle on neighborhood density and would generate approximately zero daily transit trips. 

The zoning allows greater density than that -- especially with the 30 foot deep "valley" behind the development. The building height limit is based on the street frontage along Columbus Road.

 

Again, I think this is more sour grapes by McNulty. I was told his Duck Island 7 partner & architect Gary Ogrocki wanted to develop here.

Edited January 15, 20196 yr by KJP

^I'd be much more inclined to support development if it were higher density.  I guess I'm skeptical anyone is going to go much higher than townhouses because of the parking demands for market rate housing and the site constraints. But I am open to being surprised!

And it may well be luxury townhouses. If McNulty was the winning bidder, I have no doubt that this is what he would build here.

 

My preference was for a multi-story apartment building topped with retail on the NW side of Abbey and Columbus roads, with a pedestrian breezeway through the building to the RTA station. But this parcel isn't even part of RTA's RFP. Big missed opportunity.

 

EDIT -- interesting to note that RTA responded to a tweet of mine about this RFP. RTA wrote: "Regardless a point of clarification here. The land being discussed is not being sold."

 

 

Edited January 8, 20196 yr by KJP

I wouldn't bet on this site being just townhomes, especially if RTA was serious about wanting TOD around this station. Hopefully we here about a selected development group soon.

How about capping the tracks between the station and 25th, wouldnt that allow more space for construction? Put a new greenway on top directly over the tracks. 

1 hour ago, Mendo said:

I wouldn't bet on this site being just townhomes, especially if RTA was serious about wanting TOD around this station. Hopefully we here about a selected development group soon.

 

RTA's board held an executive session about this RFP this morning. The preferred development plan/developer will likely come out in a committee meeting in two weeks or at the next board meeting in a month.

I was in Ohio City for the first time this past weekend and just loved how urban it felt. Hopefully all of Cleveland will be like this someday as it corrects its "new urbanism" fantasies from the 60s.

"It is possible that he is opposing the sale because he wasn't the developer recommended by RTA?"

 

 Or he wants control over the view from his new place? ?

This "woodland" used to be homes as early as 1881.

 

The trench was dug for the tracks in 1927.

Edited January 11, 20196 yr by mam178

While walking to the beverage store this evening I noticed signs and papers on this building's door indicating it is condemned. You can see in Google street view that the entryway used to be boarded up, so it's not terribly surprising I guess, but I was hoping this cool old building would be rehabbed. Hopefully something similar replaces it.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.4847159,-81.7096935,3a,60y,292.9h,89.16t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s4w-UNaQdBjRCDd0wpvCQWQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

 

Condemned doesn't necessarily mean it will be demolished.  It means that the deficiencies that it was condemned for need to be remedied before it can be occupied legally.

On 1/12/2019 at 9:41 PM, X said:

Condemned doesn't necessarily mean it will be demolished.  It means that the deficiencies that it was condemned for need to be remedied before it can be occupied legally.

Oh, awesome! Thanks for clearing that up for me.

^Yep- whoever the owner is would have to pull all permits required and complete the necessary work cited in the City's Violation Notice to have the condemnation lifted.

 

Edit- Bad news... looks like the City's condemnation notice lists a failing foundation and a leaky roof (two of the most expensive items in any renovation project).  Judging from the notice, the property was scrapped in the past and is right now just a shell.  The owner doesn't have any other titled properties in the County.

Edited January 14, 20196 yr by Oldmanladyluck

^fyi this property is under contract and will be fully renovated. 

On 1/12/2019 at 6:47 PM, gpodawund said:

While walking to the beverage store this evening I noticed signs and papers on this building's door indicating it is condemned. You can see in Google street view that the entryway used to be boarded up, so it's not terribly surprising I guess, but I was hoping this cool old building would be rehabbed. Hopefully something similar replaces it.

https://www.google.com/maps/@41.4847159,-81.7096935,3a,60y,292.9h,89.16t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s4w-UNaQdBjRCDd0wpvCQWQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

 

 

1 minute ago, lafont said:

Somehow I don't think there would be anything too similar coming to replace it....

 

2 minutes ago, lafont said:

 

 

The building will be renovated into a residence

Market Plaza shopping center in Ohio City sells for $5.85 million

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- After years of talks about a potential makeover of the Market Plaza site in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood, the high-profile corner at West 25th Street and Lorain Avenue changed hands this week in a $5.85 million deal.

 

An affiliate of Harbor Bay Real Estate Advisors, a Chicago-area developer, purchased the shopping center on Tuesday, according to public records. The company plans to raze the retail plaza, which sits across from the West Side Market, and to replace it with a pair of much larger buildings. Site plans show offices, apartments, new retail space and garage parking, with nearly an acre of green space facing the market.

 

https://www.cleveland.com/business/2019/01/market-plaza-shopping-center-in-ohio-city-sells-for-585-million.html

Per MJ's article, demolition of the current plaza "could start in late summer or early fall."  Can't wait!  They're talking of a Grand Opening in early 2021--just two years time.

2 minutes ago, Down_with_Ctown said:

Per MJ's article, demolition of the current plaza "could start in late summer or early fall."  Can't wait!  They're talking of a Grand Opening in early 2021--just two years time.

That's developer time though.

Real time = developer time + 2 years.