Umm, yes, there is parking-esque stuff back there, but there are also supposed to be mid-rise lofts and live-work townhomes (according to the original plans - no idea if those have changed).

 

http://theavenuedistrict.com/images/blogs/Image/Hamilton_800.jpg

 

or you can see all 4 sides here:  http://theavenuedistrict.com/newlayout/development/exterior-renderings.asp

Yeah, I think that is still the plan.  I don't know if they are building the mid-rises at this time however.  That has kind of been my confusion throughout this project.  Because, if the are not, there is a wall exposed with no windows on it. 

No, they're only building the first high-rise building in phase 1, so yes, there will be exposed "ugly" walls at this stage.

"but there are also supposed to be mid-rise lofts and live-work townhomes "

 

I thought they were cutting back the project a bit? 

"but there are also supposed to be mid-rise lofts and live-work townhomes "

 

I thought they were cutting back the project a bit?

 

I think they are kind of "going with the flow" with respect to the exact type of units that will be sold in later phases, but the overall architecture (at that site specifically since it is all connected) cannot have changed much.

"but there are also supposed to be mid-rise lofts and live-work townhomes "

 

I thought they were cutting back the project a bit? 

 

Where did you hear that?  I though they added more town homes as that part of the project had lots of interest.  I can imagine after the first set of owners moves in that the next phase will be that more exciting.

"but there are also supposed to be mid-rise lofts and live-work townhomes "

 

I thought they were cutting back the project a bit? 

 

I think they are kind of "going with the flow" with respect to the exact type of units that will be sold in later phases, but the overall architecture (at that site specifically since it is all connected) cannot have changed much.

 

Exactly.  They aren't really scaling anything back.  They just can't release presales for future phases until they hit a certain number of sales in the first building... and then they have to hit so many presales in phase 2 before they can build... and then that has to be at a certain level of occupancy before they can start presales for phase 3... etc.  Nothing out of the ordinary really.

Press release sent to me by the lovely Christina Capadona (don't know if she's still using Schmidt in her last name though?!?!)......

 

For Immediate Release

Contacts:

Christina Capadona

216-333-1245

[email protected]

 

Mandy Barney

216-274-0049

[email protected]

 

The Avenue District Townhome Construction Update

 

New building adds 10 living units to $300 million development

 

CLEVELAND - June 30, 2008 - Interior build-out is well underway at The Avenue District's second 10-unit townhome building on the eastern edge of Zaremba Inc.'s $300 million walkable neighborhood in downtown Cleveland.  Exterior finishing and full landscaping is scheduled to be complete by mid-July.

 

Two second building units are in the finishing interior stages, with owner orientation and occupancy set for these units starting in mid-July.

 

"We are excited to soon be welcoming the newest residents to the neighborhood," said Nathan Zaremba, president of Zaremba, Inc. "With rising gas costs and environmental concerns, residents from empty nesters to young professionals are embracing the urban, walkable lifestyle, and realizing the benefits of making their move downtown."

 

Cleveland-based developer Zaremba, Inc. broke ground on The Avenue District in September 2006, and the first phase, which is scheduled for completion in spring 2009, includes the construction of 54 lofts, eight penthouses and up to 7,000 square feet of retail space at the corner of East 12th Street and St. Clair Avenue, in addition to the 20 townhome units at East 15th Street and Rockwell Avenue.

 

Townhomes in The Avenue District range in price from approximately $246,000 (1,200 sq. ft.) to $370,000 (2,100 sq. ft.).

 

About The Avenue District

 

The Avenue District, a $300 million mixed-use neighborhood, will provide upscale living options within walking distance to dining, shopping, arts, entertainment and recreation in downtown Cleveland. The first phase, which is scheduled for completion in spring 2009, includes the construction of 54 lofts, eight penthouses and up to 7,000 square feet of retail space at the corner of East 12th Street and St. Clair Avenue, as well as 20 townhomes at East 15th Street and Rockwell Avenue.

 

Homes in The Avenue District range in price from approximately $246,000 (1,200 sq. ft.) to $370,000 (2,100 sq. ft.) for townhomes; approximately $240,000 (900 sq. ft.) to $690,000 (2,500 sq. ft.) for lofts; and approximately $835,000 (1,800 sq. ft.) to more than $1,200,000 (2,700 sq. ft.) for penthouses. Building One at 1211 St. Clair Ave. will feature up to 7,000 square feet of retail space.  For further information, visit www.TheAvenueDistrict.com.

 

The Avenue District Links

·    Main Website: www.TheAvenueDistrict.com

·    Live Webcam: www.TheAvenueDistrict.com/newlayout/webcam.asp

·    Blog: www.AvenueDistrict.Blogspot.com 

Two second building units are in the finishing interior stages, with owner orientation and occupancy set for these units starting in mid-July.

 

That's me! :-D  I'd really like to know (as do others around here) some details about the retail establishments (besides that they're looking for locally owned businesses)..... but they won't tell us yet.  Grr.

As a resident there, Doc, and a future patron of those retail spots, do you think you would have any sway in, I don't know, convincing them to woo Chipotle? :)  The manager at the Mentor store told me Chipotle wasn't even considering downtown.  That needs to change.

Nada.  They're not lookin' for big chains.

^ Well then, maybe Q'doba.

Hm.  Looks like we have no choice but to open a Chipotle-esque establishment.  Who's with me?  What's Zaremba's number?

 

;)

Hm.  Looks like we have no choice but to open a Chipotle-esque establishment.  Who's with me?  What's Zaremba's number?

 

;)

 

777 9311

Hm.  Looks like we have no choice but to open a Chipotle-esque establishment.  Who's with me?  What's Zaremba's number?

 

;)

 

I'm am with you Jerry McGuire.  Full benifits of coarse, right? 

 

In all seriousness, I could see some "faster" food options in this area.  I don't really eat the stuff, except when travelling with the family, but is there any McDonalds street level downtown.  Or Wendys or Burger King.  That may do well in the AD.

There's a MickeyD's at E. 20th-ish and Carnegie....  You may be right about the faster food options, though, also considering all the renters that already live along E. 12th.

Something tells me that McDonalds doesn't scream "upscale living" in a way that will help Zaremba market it as such. 

Hm. Looks like we have no choice but to open a Chipotle-esque establishment. Who's with me? What's Zaremba's number?

 

;)

 

I think this is the wrong fit for the AD... it needs to be in the CBD.  And why one hasn't opened in the ground floor of the hugely vacant east ohio gas building at 9th and superior is beyond me... but we better get back on topic before some lays us a beat down.

Something tells me that McDonalds doesn't scream "upscale living" in a way that will help Zaremba market it as such. 

 

They have premium salads.  How is that not upscale?

 

:-D

^It isn't so much upscale living, but rather, living with all the amenities that homeowners want.  I am sure people in Moreland Hills eat Big Macs.  Honestly, with the options of restaurants that are downtown presently (pretty good if you ask me), I would welcome some more everyday style chains.  It just sreams, more livable...if that's a word. 

Something tells me that McDonalds doesn't scream "upscale living" in a way that will help Zaremba market it as such. 

 

spot on!  I see everyday needs that fit the buyers in the bulding and the neighborhood.

^It isn't so much upscale living, but rather, living with all the amenities that homeowners want.  I am sure people in Moreland Hills eat Big Macs.  Honestly, with the options of restaurants that are downtown presently (pretty good if you ask me), I would welcome some more everyday style chains.  It just sreams, more livable...if that's a word. 

 

But the community is an "upscale" community.

Something tells me that McDonalds doesn't scream "upscale living" in a way that will help Zaremba market it as such.

 

spot on! I see everyday needs that fit the buyers in the bulding and the neighborhood.

 

So you want more everyday stuff is what you are saying MTS?  Correct?

Hm. Looks like we have no choice but to open a Chipotle-esque establishment. Who's with me? What's Zaremba's number?

 

;)

 

I think this is the wrong fit for the AD... it needs to be in the CBD. And why one hasn't opened in the ground floor of the hugely vacant east ohio gas building at 9th and superior is beyond me... but we better get back on topic before some lays us a beat down.

 

I think this counts as on-topic.  Or at least, I was trying to phrase it, originally, in such a way.  I'm curious as to what's going in for retail and food at AD, also.

 

The feel of that place has struck me similar to that of Crocker or Legacy, and both sport Chipotles, so I think it would work.  What would everyone else like to see in there?

^It isn't so much upscale living, but rather, living with all the amenities that homeowners want.  I am sure people in Moreland Hills eat Big Macs.  Honestly, with the options of restaurants that are downtown presently (pretty good if you ask me), I would welcome some more everyday style chains.  It just sreams, more livable...if that's a word. 

 

But the community is an "upscale" community.

 

Well lets ask DocBroc.  DocBroc, do you consider yourself upscale?  After just purchasing a nice condo downtown, would you be saddened to see a Wendy's or McDonalds open up on the ground floor of the tower?

I think it would be cool to see a fast food chain and a movie store open in the building.  As crazy as that sounds, I think everyone would really cater to them. 

Personally, I don't necessarily care if it's a chain or a mom-and-pop place, but I can't afford to eat fancy all the time.  Some faster and less expensive options that are open beyond lunch and on the weekends downtown would be nice - after all, I'm close to house-poor.  And again - I restate that there are A LOT of renters in the Avenue District boundaries, so I wouldn't be opposed to some type of development like that.

Personally, I don't necessarily care if it's a chain or a mom-and-pop place, but I can't afford to eat fancy all the time. Some faster and less expensive options that are open beyond lunch and on the weekends downtown would be nice - after all, I'm close to house-poor. And again - I restate that there are A LOT of renters in the Avenue District boundaries, so I wouldn't be opposed to some type of development like that.

 

Thanks DocBroc.  And you hit my point exactly.  Something that is open at 1PM on a Sunday afternoon and food can be picked up in 10 minutes.  When your downtown, you should be able to say, I can have filet mignon, or a quarter pounder with cheese.  And I don't even have to get in my car and get it.  It is all part of the fun of living downtown. 

So you want more everyday stuff is what you are saying MTS?  Correct?

 

Everyday needs of the people who purchased homes there.  Isn't that what the marketing has suggested all along?  Not everyone who purchases in the development will identify with the words "upscale" but the place is going for a 'niche" market.

 

I wouldn't want a fast food joint downstairs from my Condo.  It wouldn't make logical sense.

 

Hm.  Looks like we have no choice but to open a Chipotle-esque establishment.  Who's with me?  What's Zaremba's number?

 

;)

 

I think this is the wrong fit for the AD... it needs to be in the CBD.  And why one hasn't opened in the ground floor of the hugely vacant east ohio gas building at 9th and superior is beyond me... but we better get back on topic before some lays us a beat down.

 

I think this counts as on-topic.  Or at least, I was trying to phrase it, originally, in such a way.  I'm curious as to what's going in for retail and food at AD, also.

 

The feel of that place has struck me similar to that of Crocker or Legacy, and both sport Chipotles, so I think it would work.   What would everyone else like to see in there?

No way does this smell of a lifestyle center.

I think it would be cool to see a fast food chain and a movie store open in the building.  As crazy as that sounds, I think everyone would really cater to them. 

With all due respect, no theatre is going to open in the AD as there isn't space, so let not even go there. 

 

an upscale bakery, florist, cosmetic company or a beauty salon/spa are examples of the types of retailers I would envision in a development like this.

 

To me fast food can go to another building downtown or in the other buildings in close proximity. 

an upscale bakery, florist, cosmetic company or a beauty salon/spa are examples of the types of retailers I would envision in a development like this.

 

To me fast food can go to another building downtown or in the other buildings in close proximity.

 

my thoughts as well.

My point was not that people living in the AD would not appreciate a fast food restaurant nor that it would not work.  I just don't think from everything Zaremba has said that he will be courting any such chain for this development. 

^ I was talking about close proximity for a fast(er) food joint or two, not in the 1211 building.  Just something in the neighborhood to serve all the homeowners and renters. 

Now that I would agree with. 

MTS, the upscale stuff could not be supported by AD residents as we are not buliding a 100 story building with millionaires packed in it.  Obviously, it is no different than building an upscale restauranty in Little Italy as they would be depending on sububan people to cater to it also to keep it in business. This is an opportunity to put everyday retail needs in a residential area that began developing in the early 70's to meet their needs.  And I wasn't talking about a theatre,  I was talking about a movie rental store or something along those lines. 

Now that I would agree with. 

1. East 12th streetscape project well underway.

2. Requisite rear AD shot.

3. Rebuilding the area... One townhome at a time.

4. I wonder what looks better in the background... The new 1211 St. Clair building or a parking lot? Hmmm...

 

Ooo ooo ooo!  They put up our Hardie Plank!  :clap:  (Sorry, couldn't help it). 

You do have the fast fooditorium across 12th at the Galleria, at least during its business hours.  There were other fast fooderies downtown on Euclid, when I worked down there, but strangely, they are gone, along with most of the old retail.  How fascinating was that square burger at the first Cleveland Wendy's across from the old Woolworth's.  But I digress.  For The Avenue District, my money is on a deli, with mediocre pizza but good pierogies.  One thing that would be cool would be a watering hole, "where everybody knows your name"  where the Avenue-ites could gather and swap their prices per square foot.  Also the "Central Perk" concept from the Friends TV show would provide another venue for the new neighborhood to congregate and make friends.  eek

I'm selfishly hoping for more development over between E. 13th and E. 17th.  I know there are a few random things, but there's a lot of unused space there.

Nah, that's not selfish.  I think all of us Downtowners would benefit from seeing some of those parking lots converted into places we could use.

Is there still a bowling alley on Superior between 13th and 17th?  What about the Ambassador Inn?  Then there is the Crazy Horse catty corner from the block 1 site (yeowza).  There is also whatever there is in Reserve Square and the Galleria.  You are correct: slim pickins in the area.  Maybe it just needs the proverbial "critical mass" of pioneers to initiate retail growth.  The area also needs some neighborhood gathering spots where the neighbors can just drop in and get to know one another

Badge, next time just say something like the below and we can all get on with our lives in peace.

 

"I've noticed that in other cities (like Chicago) fast food places do in fact open up in the ground floor retails spaces of new luxury towers- likely with price points way higher than Avenue District.  But I recognize that Zaremba has said multiple times that he's recruiting local businesses, so I agree we're unlikely to see them here."

Badge, next time just say something like the below and we can all get on with our lives in peace.

 

"I've noticed that in other cities (like Chicago) fast food places do in fact open up in the ground floor retails spaces of new luxury towers- likely with price points way higher than Avenue District. But I recognize that Zaremba has said multiple times that he's recruiting local businesses, so I agree we're unlikely to see them here."

 

Wow, very well said Strap! 

Looks like they're getting ready to finish the facade on the rounded part of the building - they're putting up some kind of white backing over the yellow stuff that was there :-D

 

EDIT:  They're putting up Tyvek (now that I can see it more closely in the posted pictures)

a few more from today.

 

 

 

This building, along with Doc Broc's honeymoon pad, is really starting to grow on me. 

I'm diggin it as well!!

I'm lovin' it too!  The building.. not McDonalds.  Plus I can't wait until the other phases begin so this first building won't be so lonely anymore.

This building, along with Doc Broc's honeymoon pad, is really starting to grow on me.

 

My honeymoon pad, hehehe.  And they need to sell more of the phase 1 units before they can start on phase 2.....  So go talk some people into buying a unit!  Or buy one yourselves :)