April 26, 20187 yr Congrats YABO! My fiancé live downtown and have been looking it that area, but inventory is low...All the more reason for developments like this! And before anyone throws out the argument of "these are rentals", think that even if a few of the current older residents in the neighborhood retire and decide to downsize to a newer rental with no maintenance, that opens up homes to be purchased and lovingly cared for by new owners. And there's no parking argument here either because it appears to include ample on site parking.
April 26, 20187 yr Similar to what happened to everyone’s precious Millionaires Row, developers will buy up the old homes level them and put up apartments-because that’s where the money is. No, they won't. There wasn't a Cleveland Landmarks Commission (created in 1971) in place when the Euclid Avenue Millionaires Row succumbed to commercial development after a streetcar line was rerouted directly down Euclid in 1915 (it had detoured via Prospect for 50 years previously). No similar dynamic is in the cards to threaten the beauty of this wonderful street. Developers don't want the headache or the expense of trying to win approvals from the Landmarks Commission to demolish these lovely homes. Because Franklin Boulevard is a protected historic district, anything that's going to get built on Franklin will occur from this point eastward and it will occur only on these unsightly, windswept, trash-strewn parking lots that restrain an urban neighborhood's vitality and property values. Any other assumptions are mere fear-mongering. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
April 26, 20187 yr In response to the Franklin Circle development the reason for the conflict is simple. For over 25 years there has been an extremely dedicated group of residents who through their own blood, sweat and tears have tried to preserve Franklin Blvd as a street of beautiful Victorian homes. These are the people that brought the street back from crime, drugs and decay. Most believe and I agree that once this large apartment complex is built their vision of the street is doomed. Similar to what happened to everyone’s precious Millionaires Row, developers will buy up the old homes level them and put up apartments-because that’s where the money is. You may say big deal it’s progress but to those who have invested themselves in making Ohio City a livable neighborhood it’s the end of the world. We just closed on a house on Clinton and I couldn’t have a stronger opinion in the alternative. No viable inner-city neighborhood exists as merely one architectural style anymore. Additionally, what Victorians have been leveled to create these complexes? Edge 32, Mariners Wharf, Vine Ct., Clinton West, Church and State, and now Dexter. None of them describe the tactics you are referencing. The closest would likely be Clinton West, and even then no historical homes were destroyed. A mixed neighborhood draws an eclectic mix of people that make Ohio City so attractive. Congrats, man - that's awesome!
April 26, 20187 yr Similar to what happened to everyone’s precious Millionaires Row, developers will buy up the old homes level them and put up apartments-because that’s where the money is. No, they won't. There wasn't a Cleveland Landmarks Commission (created in 1971) in place when the Euclid Avenue Millionaires Row succumbed to commercial development after a streetcar line was rerouted directly down Euclid in 1915 (it had detoured via Prospect for 50 years previously). No similar dynamic is in the cards to threaten the beauty of this wonderful street. Developers don't want the headache or the expense of trying to win approvals from the Landmarks Commission to demolish these lovely homes. Because Franklin Boulevard is a protected historic district, anything that's going to get built on Franklin will occur from this point eastward and it will occur only on these unsightly, windswept, trash-strewn parking lots that restrain an urban neighborhood's vitality and property values. Any other assumptions are mere fear-mongering. Don't let facts get in the way of a neighborhood argument KJP. All these block clubs are the same; Duck Island, Franklin/Clinton, they want control of everything that goes on in their neighborhood and when something isn't EXACTLY what they want they become obstructionists and lean on the zoning code for support. Ironically the zoning code has a lot to do with why many neighborhoods or portions of neighborhoods are in terrible condition.
April 26, 20187 yr So this parcel being mostly zoned for retail...What does that mean for this development? Is it going to face a greater uphill battle, or does the zoning sway in it's favor currently?
April 26, 20187 yr This whole thing blows my mind. While I love Victorian homes, I wouldn't have moved to Ohio City if that were the only option. The Georgian/Colonial and/or Italianate styles mixed with up-to-date development is what drew us in. There's NOTHING to support the claims being made by opposition groups. I could see if they wanted to build a 20 story brutalist-style complex... but nah
April 26, 20187 yr So this parcel being mostly zoned for retail...What does that mean for this development? Is it going to face a greater uphill battle, or does the zoning sway in it's favor currently? The coloring in the zoning map is a little confusing. The zoning listed for both parcels the apartment building would sit on is actually 2 family. The developers best bet would be to push the city to rezone the entire landlocked area to local retail to match the surrounding parcels. Multifamily is an allowed use in a local retail district.
April 26, 20187 yr Similar to what happened to everyone’s precious Millionaires Row, developers will buy up the old homes level them and put up apartments-because that’s where the money is. No, they won't. There wasn't a Cleveland Landmarks Commission (created in 1971) in place when the Euclid Avenue Millionaires Row succumbed to commercial development after a streetcar line was rerouted directly down Euclid in 1915 (it had detoured via Prospect for 50 years previously). No similar dynamic is in the cards to threaten the beauty of this wonderful street. Developers don't want the headache or the expense of trying to win approvals from the Landmarks Commission to demolish these lovely homes. Because Franklin Boulevard is a protected historic district, anything that's going to get built on Franklin will occur from this point eastward and it will occur only on these unsightly, windswept, trash-strewn parking lots that restrain an urban neighborhood's vitality and property values. Any other assumptions are mere fear-mongering. Also, many of the Millionaire's houses were torn down by the decree of the Millionaires themselves as specified in their wills.
April 26, 20187 yr Also, many of the Millionaire's houses were torn down by the decree of the Millionaires themselves as specified in their wills. YES. I totally forgot about that. Those that weren't razed were donated to social service organizations after the income tax was instituted in 1913. Many of the millionaires couldn't afford to keep their homes anymore or they wanted to be farther away from the smoky industries in the Cuyahoga Valley, only a mile or two away. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
April 27, 20187 yr Had the opportunity this week to check out a new coworking space in Ohio City off Jay St. called LimeLight Work. Here are a few pics of the space. I think it will do really well. I've been waiting for a space to open up like this is the area. I posted more pics on my site: http://www.andrewsmithblog.com/blog-1/2018/4/26/limelight-work-cleveland-coworking-space
April 27, 20187 yr Anyone go to the block club meeting last night? "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
April 27, 20187 yr Anyone go to the block club meeting last night? Neighbor of mine did. I didn't get to talk to him about it this morning but he sent me a text during it saying "Idk what these people are talking about but they're mad."
April 27, 20187 yr Looks like we are going to have to rally the troops on Urban Ohio to send off letters of support again ::) These people are nuts. This isn't a cul de sac in Solon. It's in the middle of a vibrant urban neighborhood that would become even more vibrant with the addition of this development.
April 27, 20187 yr I feel as though residents here have to much sway and it ruins so much potential in this city. If you didn't want to see urban progress in a CITY you could've stayed in Strongsville.
April 27, 20187 yr Looks like we are going to have to rally the troops on Urban Ohio to send off letters of support again ::) These people are nuts. This isn't a cul de sac in Solon. It's in the middle of a vibrant urban neighborhood that would become even more vibrant with the addition of this development. Count me in for the YIMBY group. "You should have stayed in Strongsville" is a great snarky line and I love it.
April 27, 20187 yr Some of these people have over 15 cases against the BZA.... wtf. Wow. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 2, 20187 yr Casto proposes 119-unit apartment building in Cleveland's Ohio City, on Franklin Circle http://realestate.cleveland.com/realestate-news/2018/05/casto_proposes_119-unit_apartm.html "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 2, 20187 yr Casto proposes 119-unit apartment building in Cleveland's Ohio City, on Franklin Circle http://realestate.cleveland.com/realestate-news/2018/05/casto_proposes_119-unit_apartm.html I seem to be in the minority here but I think that design looks terrible. It's early in the design so one could always hope but the designers and developers of these big projects in Ohio City don't have a track record of good design to support that hope.
May 2, 20187 yr I love this design. If Ohio City doesn't want it then I'll gladly take it over on the parking lot at the West Blvd/Cudell red line station. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I would agree with the wish to have some percentage of affordable units, though. Also, "And a few nearby homeowners were outright opposed, describing the proposal - based on its size, closeness to the street and partial siting on land currently zoned for two-family homes - as an "abomination" that "would destroy the soul of this neighborhood." Anyone who is advocating for setbacks loses my sympathy. Size-wise, this building's massing is right in line with the hospital and the existing building at W29/Franklin.
May 2, 20187 yr Yeah I actually think the design looks fantastic and will complement the brick apartment buildings immediately adjacent on 29th as well as the brick-industrial structures nearby
May 2, 20187 yr I love this design. If Ohio City doesn't want it then I'll gladly take it over on the parking lot at the West Blvd/Cudell red line station. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I would agree with the wish to have some percentage of affordable units, though. Also, "And a few nearby homeowners were outright opposed, describing the proposal - based on its size, closeness to the street and partial siting on land currently zoned for two-family homes - as an "abomination" that "would destroy the soul of this neighborhood." Anyone who is advocating for setbacks loses my sympathy. Size-wise, this building's massing is right in line with the hospital and the existing building at W29/Franklin. I don't necessarily mind the massing or siting (though it could be better and lose that dogleg on the back) but, in my opinion, the design is boring and uninspired. I'm sure it'll have all of the finest detailing possible from a Kawneer storefront system.
May 2, 20187 yr I don't necessarily mind the massing or siting (though it could be better and lose that dogleg on the back) but, in my opinion, the design is boring and uninspired. I'm sure it'll have all of the finest detailing possible from a Kawneer storefront system. Fair. If it loses the black, all-brick facade it would be be taken down a few notches and I doubt it would be that great. But overall, I don't hate the basic design, either. It has balanced windows and proportions and I think it relates to the existing vernacular. What's an example of a design you think is better suited for this parcel?
May 2, 20187 yr Casto proposes 119-unit apartment building in Cleveland's Ohio City, on Franklin Circle http://realestate.cleveland.com/realestate-news/2018/05/casto_proposes_119-unit_apartm.html Ten comments. All critical of the NIMBY's.
May 2, 20187 yr I like the design and hope it gets built as shown. It's clearly a take on large warehouse-turned-residential buildings throughout the city. I'd take that over the multi-facade modernism that seemingly every apartment building looks like. (random photo from internet)
May 3, 20187 yr I like the design and hope it gets built as shown. It's clearly a take on large warehouse-turned-residential buildings throughout the city. I'd take that over the multi-facade modernism that seemingly every apartment building looks like. (random photo from internet) Exactly! The proposal actually pays homage to Cleveland's industrial buildings and isn't just "fast casual" architecture that you can find anywhere else.
May 8, 20187 yr I am bad at images on here, but the Landmarks agenda is out for this week. Knez is proposing to build a pretty cool (and dense!) little development on the small lot at 4241 Lorain. This is the type of stuff that has me hopeful for the numerous missing teeth along Lorain and other commercial corridors
May 8, 20187 yr I am bad at images on here, but the Landmarks agenda is out for this week. Knez is proposing to build a pretty cool (and dense!) little development on the small lot at 4241 Lorain. This is the type of stuff that has me hopeful for the numerous missing teeth along Lorain and other commercial corridors Cool! Here it is..... http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/landmark/agenda/2018/05102018/index.php Case 18-031 Lorain Avenue Historic District 4247 Lorain Avenue New Commercial-Residential Building Ward 3 McCormack Hannah Cohan Plessner B. R. Knez Construction "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 8, 20187 yr Oh i love this type of infill. i spent 5 years in detroit shoreway looking at slim lots and envisioning homes like this in them.
May 9, 20187 yr Why do people hate on Knez? They are also doing some pretty cool infill projects Lakewood on vacant SF lots.
May 9, 20187 yr Why do people hate on Knez? They are also doing some pretty cool infill projects Lakewood on vacant SF lots. For me, in terms of aesthetics, when they're good they're solid, but when they're off it looks very, very bad. The Westlake Ave infill in Lakewood is Good Knez. IMO they pump out some really tragic looking townhouses.
May 9, 20187 yr Why do people hate on Knez? They are also doing some pretty cool infill projects Lakewood on vacant SF lots. Some of their infill is pretty bad aesthetically and functionally, IMO. Their brand new stuff looks like home plan models. Which I think is fine, just not my style. https://www.knez.net/neighborhoods/
May 9, 20187 yr Their "Revella" project on Franklin at West 52nd is exceptionally ugly, I think: https://www.knez.net/neighborhoods/ravella-7163 It's great that a traditionally suburban developer has invested so much in infill housing, but I wish they had like a hip new daughter in law or something to veto Frankenstein dollhouse schlock like this. [typo fixed]
May 9, 20187 yr The real problem is that he has inhouse designers that are used to doing suburban projects, and now they're doing urban infill.
May 9, 20187 yr West Nineteen townhomes look amazing though. What are single family homes in the city supposed to look like exactly in 2018? The days of the grand, ornate homes and homes built closely together are behind us.
May 9, 20187 yr Why do people hate on Knez? They are also doing some pretty cool infill projects Lakewood on vacant SF lots. Some of their infill is pretty bad aesthetically and functionally, IMO. Their brand new stuff looks like home plan models. Which I think is fine, just not my style. https://www.knez.net/neighborhoods/ The quality of their construction is pretty bad too.
May 9, 20187 yr West Nineteen townhomes look amazing though. What are single family homes in the city supposed to look like exactly in 2018? The days of the grand, ornate homes and homes built closely together are behind us. I think their single family homes in Lakewood look great. They are building traditional looking homes with front porches, modern interiors and attached garages on the rear of the house.
May 9, 20187 yr West Nineteen townhomes look amazing though. What are single family homes in the city supposed to look like exactly in 2018? The days of the grand, ornate homes and homes built closely together are behind us. I think their single family homes in Lakewood look great. They are building traditional looking homes with front porches, modern interiors and attached garages on the rear of the house. That's the type of housing that is prevalent throughout the East side of Cleveland, minus the garages of course, which is why I'm confused at the disdain. Single family housing isn't going to look as dense and "urban" as in the past. In referencing a Cleveland.com article speaking on the future of Cleveland, we no longer need to build with for a city of a million, we need to build for 500,000 which is what we are seeing imo.
May 9, 20187 yr Expansion of the Urban Community School at West 47th and Lorain "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 15, 20187 yr For anyone interested, Snavely is speaking about The Quarter at a ULI event in a few weeks and there will be a tour of Bop Stop. Date: May 30, 2018 Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Venue: West 25th Street & Detroit Road The Quarter: W25D Mixed Use Development Pete Snavely, Jr., Vice President of Development for Snavely Group will discuss the inspiration and challenges of redesigning nearly three square city blocks at one of Cleveland’s most significant intersections. The innovative mixed use development includes the Quarter, a 194 unit, tax credit/market rate apartment building, a shared workplace (Beauty Shoppe), retail (The Grocery and Ohio City Galley, dry cleaner and furniture store), expanded green space, and of course, The Music Settlement. Geri Presti, President and CEO of Music Settlement will be on hand to guide the school’s tour and discuss the non-profit’s impact on the development of this new neighborhood at the juncture of Ohio City and downtown Cleveland. Schedule 4:00pm – Registration 7:00pm – Conclusion https://cleveland.uli.org/event/west-25th-street-project/
May 16, 20187 yr Cuyahoga County Council approves land lease for proposed Irishtown Bend park https://articles.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2018/05/cuyahoga_county_council_approv.amp?__twitter_impression=true "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 16, 20187 yr http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/bza/agenda/2018/crr05-29-2018.pdf May 29, 2018 9:30 Calendar No. 18-104: 3100 Chatham Ave. Ward 3 Kerry McCormack 45 Notices St. Ignatius High School, owner, proposes to construct a new 2 story, 22,237 square foot athletic training facility in a B1 Two-Family Residential District. The owner appeals for relief from the strict application of the following sections of the Cleveland Codified Ordinances: 1. Section 337.02(f)(3)(B) In a two family district an athletic training facility are permitted if approved by the Board of Zoning Appeals after public notice and public hearing, and if adequate yard spaces and other safeguards to preserve the character of the neighborhood are provided, and if in the judgment of the Board such building and uses are appropriately located and designed and will meet a community need without adversely affecting the neighborhood: recreation buildings, parish houses and grounds for games and sports if located not less than thirty feet from any adjoining premises in a Residence District. 2. Section 357.06(a)which states that a 30 foot front yard setback is required and approximately 2 to 3 feet are provided. 3. Section 357.05(a) which states that a 5 foot side street yard is required and approximately 1 to 2 feet are provided. 4. Section 341.02© which states that approval of City planning Commission is required. (Filed April 27, 2018) "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 17, 20187 yr This will help clear the way for the Irishtown Bend Park! Six Cleveland projects win federal tax credits for affordable housing http://realestate.cleveland.com/realestate-news/2018/05/six_cleveland_projects_win_fed.html# "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
May 22, 20187 yr http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/landmark/agenda/2018/05242018/index.php CONCEPT PLAN 1.Case 18-037 Ohio City Historic District Dexter Place Apartments 1544 West 29th Street New Construction of Apartments Ward 3 McCormack Kolby Turnock Casto Development Gary Ogrocki Dimit Architects "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
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