I get it, but my problem is with "fixing" this block, which is one of the most charming in the city, by cutting down 40 year-old trees and replacing them with saplings.  Maybe in 20 years this place will look the way it should, but in the meantime, we're trading some hella good streetscape for a few freakin parking spaces.  By the way, the sidewalk on this block is already super wide and has two rows of trees itself, what will become of this?

 

Oh, and by the way, we're paying for this!

 

My beef is the parking itself.  make the sidewalks larger for PEOPLE AND RESTAURANTS.

I think digging up trees in any urban setting is silly... But you have to accept the good with the bad and the fact there's movement (as in actual development progress) is a very big plus... dirt piles, backhoes, new sewer pipes waiting to laid -- now that's what I'm talkin' about!

Wouldn't everyone be better served if this money was spent on the redevelopment of Perk Park?  Just a thought...

Wouldn't everyone be better served if this money was spent on the redevelopment of Perk Park?  Just a thought...

 

In an ideal world yes...but that's a whole different project.

Maybe technically, but the potential sources of funding and the stakeholders are the same.

Perk ain't dead. Now that the elections are over, there might be some movement regarding Perk's funding.

Maybe technically, but the potential sources of funding and the stakeholders are the same.

 

100% agree!  but as you know, what we think is right and makes common sense, and what actually happens are two different things.

 

Perk ain't dead. Now that the elections are over, there might be some movement regarding Perk's funding.

 

Lets hope!  That park is such a gem!

i had heard rumblings that perk park will start to get a makeover in phases since overall fund raising has been slow.

 

apparently phase 1 would cut down the diseased trees and any trees below the sidewalk level and fill in the site to make it all level.

 

later phases would then add more walking paths, new landscaping, etc. 

 

if all went well, it could start at the same time the median work begins in the spring.

FYI, I drove in today instead of taking the bus, and parked in the city lot by E 13th & Superior. I noticed that they've now taken even more of the parking away from the western part of that lot, as the construction tears up more concrete.

 

I asked the parking attendant when they are going to close the entire lot, and she replied without hesitation, "Spring 2007."

 

 

Well I know not everyone will be happy to see this but here is a pic of East 12th, showing the median sans trees:

 

Wow, that looks bad. I agree that the concrete is a significant barrier, but the trees did so much for the street.

Hates it.

I'm not a fan, but I'm reserving judgement to see the final product. I would have preferred to keep the trees but to add a sidewalk around the median. That way, people could actually use it to walk on.

now thats a view we haven't seen before.  In a year it will be dramatically different! 

 

Wait until we have some build up and a different season.

 

I think it will look much better, as MayDay states, lets reserve judgement.

 

....thats all

Will they be removing the concrete also or just the trees?

They will be removing the concrete as well.

 

The paint job on Reserve looks good.

I say:

* rip out the median

* make the sidewalks wider

That's the plan!

 

 

I know I'm in the minority here, but I think it opens up the street, and allows for connectivity for both sides of the street.  Widen the sidewalks, and the dynamic changes that much more. 

seriously, do you know how wide those sidewalks already are???  If the ultimate objective is to widen the sidewalks, then this is a huge waste of money (and trees...)

 

There won't be more people on the sidewalks or shopping in Reserve Square until there's more activity on the street, which will be created by adding more tenants (in offices and in the new residential buildings) and more reason to come to the neighborhood.  Taking trees down for a better view of a run down park and a bland building with bland sidewalk retail tenants isn't going to change that! 

 

Again, I will say that this money would've been much better spent on Perk Park.

It's not the sidewalks that already exist, it's the fact that the medians are much like the Detroit-Superior Bridge pedestrian strips pre-Promenade. Can you imagine such a median on Euclid? Euclid is about the same width across as East 12th - imagine how much of a pain in the arse it would be if you had to walk from East 12th down to East 9th just to cross the street? When I went over that way today, it pissed me off that short of hopping up on the medians, I had no choice but to stay on the western sidewalk. I loved the shade given by the trees, but those god-awful medians were as un-pedestrian friendly as it gets. If there is/was a way to have the older trees with a pedestrian friendly paving down the center, I'd be all for it.

 

I don't disagree that money might have been better spent on Perk Park, but it's another case of the money being earmarked. A developer can't take money allocated for street improvements and spend it on greenspace improvements - I'm not saying that's how things SHOULD be, but that's how they are.  :|

You think they're trying to promote people crossing mid-block?  I doubt it. 

 

I can see these "improvements" making a difference further north, but this block is short as it is.  And was the money specifically earmarked for this or could it have been allocated on other public projects?  That was my understanding.  I can't say for sure, though.

^that's what makes no sense.  there is already a crossing at chester, walnut and superior.  it would have made more sense to put some chess tables, regular tables, and expand the sidewalk on either side of the median.  they are using the trees as a scapegoat here for the true problem of drug activity and pan handling and lack of people in general that scares off people and retail in this area. 

 

in any major city, you can only expect to cross at intersections.  it isn't as if the blocks in cleveland are so large that this is a true pain. 

From their newsletter:

 

The Avenue District Construction Update

 

Dear Friends,

 

I wanted to share with you recent construction updates.  On the first condo building at The Avenue District, located at 1211 St. Clair Avenue, we have begun relocating an underground electrical utility line that passes through the middle of our site.  This is first major step in the construction of the foundation system for 1211 St. Clair Avenue, where we are now three weeks into the process.  For now, all construction will occur at night.  Nighttime construction is necessary in order to keep St. Clair Avenue open during the day.

 

You may also be aware that the construction fence at 1211 St. Clair Avenue has been installed.  We will soon be placing first-class signage around the fencing.  Within four to five weeks, it will be hung and the site will begin to exude the personality of the new neighborhood.

 

Meanwhile, the construction for the Townhomes at The Avenue District is moving along quite rapidly.  Yesterday, we secured a building permit for the first townhome building at The Avenue District.  Fabrizi Trucking and Paving Company, who has been working on the underground public improvements for Site 3, are far enough along in their work for us to begin site preparation.  Within the next several days, you will be able to see dirt moving as excavation work begins.

 

Finally, for both 1211 St. Clair Avenue and the Townhomes at The Avenue District, we are busy getting our design center up-to-date with samples of our included and custom interior finishes.

 

If you’ve been thinking about living downtown, The Avenue District is the place to be and now is the time to secure your loft or townhome.  For more information or to set up an appointment with Frank Lalli, Sales Manager, please call 216.589.8524, or e-mail him at [email protected].  Have a great day and stay warm!

 

Sincerely,

Don Picciano, Jr.

Director of Sales and Marketing

"First Class Signage"?

I take that to mean that the fences will be wrapped in project renderings...rather than just some translucent tarp like at Battery Park.

I'm picturing a wall of billboards like that seen in the movie Brazil.

The part where they are in the truck riding on the freeway.

 

It's about flights of fantasy. And the nightmare of reality. Terrorist bombings. And late night shopping. True Love. And creative plumbing.

 

 

deep, musky... real deep

Can't argue with one of the greatest movies ever made.

From their newsletter:

 

The Avenue District Construction Update

 

Meanwhile, the construction for the Townhomes at The Avenue District is moving along quite rapidly.  Yesterday, we secured a building permit for the first townhome building at The Avenue District.  Fabrizi Trucking and Paving Company, who has been working on the underground public improvements for Site 3, are far enough along in their work for us to begin site preparation.  Within the next several days, you will be able to see dirt moving as excavation work begins.

 

Where are the "Townhomes at the Avenue District" supposed to be?  Are they still part of Site 1 or are they over at Site 3 as the quote suggests?

 

my oh my... they're at Site 3, on Superior Avenue, across from Ambassador Lanes.

One reason I asked is b/c I thought they had only committed to breaking ground on Site 1.  This is great news if they're already going to break ground on Site 3.

They're breaking ground on both sites. Site 3 is actually farther along than Site 1 at this point.

A pic of Site 3, from the Crowne Plaza hotel:

 

^ Nice picture Mayday!

Photo of Site one (northeast corner of East 12th and St. Clair) - so far, just the streetscaping is underway:

 

where's that high end signage?

Yesterday, I noticed a lot of work being done on the Superior site !!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

ZAREMBA SECURES AVENUE DISTRICT FOUNDATION PERMIT; UPDATES CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE FOR 1211 ST. CLAIR AVE.

 

CLEVELAND Dec. 21, 2006 Zaremba, Inc., developer of The Avenue District, a $250 million residential development in downtown Cleveland, has secured the Foundation Permit to allow underground construction to begin at Site 1, 1211 St. Clair Ave., on the northeast corner of East 12th Street and St. Clair Avenue.

 

Construction fencing for Site 1 has been up since early December, with the majority of work scheduled for evening hours to avoid disturbing traffic flow during the day. Future Site 1 milestones include excavation of the foundation beginning in February 2007, superstructure and core construction starting in May 2007, and completion of phase one, including 50 lofts and eight penthouses, in August 2008.

 

Construction is underway for Site 3, located at East 15th Street and the newly created Lindazzo Avenue. Site 3 will be home to 30 townhomes, with the first 15 set for completion in August 2007.

 

Zaremba also plans to install a live, 24-hour webcam to broadcast construction of Site 1 on The Avenue District Web site, www.TheAvenueDistrict.com. The webcam is tentatively scheduled to start broadcasting in February 2007.

 

Updated Site 1 Construction Timeline

Utility Relocation (Present - Feb. 15, 2007)

Closing of St. Clair and East 12th Roads, and closing of parking as needed

Installation of construction fence

Excavation and relocation of utilities

 

Foundation (Feb. 16 - May 2007)

Closing of parking lots

Onsite presence of trailers and construction vehicles

Excavation of foundation work

Foundation and framing for both the parking garage and 1211 St. Clair Ave.

 

Superstructure and Core (May - November 2007)

First visible signs of out-of-ground structure

Framing and pouring (in floor sequence) of columns and floors

Installation of the building core (elevator, stair and mechanical shafts)

 

Building Shell (October 2007 - July 2008)

Installation of metal stud framing and substrate along the entire exterior perimeter

Installation of all building skin materials: brick, stone, metal panels and windows

 

Interior Buildout (December 2007 - August 2008)

Metal stud framing to begin concurrently with the construction of building shell

Installation of metal stud framing, drywall, and interior finishes, and mechanical, electrical and plumbing equipment and risers

Units completion and occupancy

 

Updated Site 3 (Townhomes) Construction Timeline

Site clearing and demolition (Present)

Excavation and foundations (Present - March 2007)

Wood framing and roofing (March - May 2007)

Interior buildout (May - August 2007)

Occupancy to begin (August 2007)

 

The Avenue District will provide residents with upscale living options within walking distance to dining, shopping, arts, entertainment and recreation. The first phase includes the construction of 50 elegant lofts, eight penthouses, and 15 townhomes, with master plans calling for 426 upscale housing units in a wide range of size and price options. For further information, visit www.TheAvenueDistrict.com.

 

Since 1920, Zaremba has been a trusted name in home construction. Zaremba, Inc. has partnered with the City of Cleveland to create several award-winning housing developments, including The MillCreek community, Beacon Place at Church Square and WoodHaven. Zarembas most ambitious project to date, The Avenue District, is a $250 million residential development in downtown Cleveland. With principles deeply rooted in product quality, customer service and architectural integrity, Zaremba continues its commitment to building neighborhoods that enhance communities and enrich the lives of its residents. To learn more, visit www.ZarembaHomes.com.

 

# # #

wow, nice to see such a detailed timeline!  It'll be exciting to see the structure get started on 12th & St. Clair, but we're still a year-and-a-half from completion of phase 1!  I'd hope that with all this increased activity that pre-sales get crackin and they can start the next phases before the first one is complete...

"Superstructure and Core (May - November 2007) • First visible signs of out-of-ground structure"

 

Hmm, just in time for my birthday! :clap: Almost as good as the Arcade reopening on my birthday a few years back.

I'd hope that with all this increased activity that pre-sales get crackin and they can start the next phases before the first one is complete...

 

My thoughts exactly.

Just an interesting footnote to all this; I spoke to my cousin at Xmas and he mentioned that the project he's working on right now (he's a carpenter too) at 480 and Clague is Zaremba's new hq. I love what Zaremba is doing downtown and all over the city, so.....why would he build his hq in another non-descript, cookie-cutter office bldg off the freeway in sprawlsville when he could be downtown? Why wouldn't he incorporate it into his project or nearby? Wouldn't that generate more buzz for his project and downtown in general?

          I'd throw that out to the other big shot local developers as well. Wolstein, Stark, etc. Are they going to move their hq's downtown (into their own projects)? Has this been brought up? I love the projects these guys have on the drawing board; how about putting "your money where your mouth is"? How can we expect companies/employers to relocate downtown when our own won't? Hello, McFly?! Am I the only one seeing the irony here?

      That being said, I hope all of these projects go forward and are tremendously successful.

That's only one of many Zaremba companies. Zaremba Inc. builds commercial projects. Zaremba Homes Inc., which is developing the Avenue District, builds housing and now mixed-use stuff. Their headquarters will remain downtown.

Thanks for clarifying that, KJP. But still, why not move everything downtown? And what about Stark and DDR? Methinks them moving downtown would only generate more buzz about their projects and the downtown office market as a whole. They want people to spend top dollar to live down there and rent office space in these new projects downtown, but they're gonna stay in the suburbs? Scott Wolstein is on record as saying that most of the top young talent that DDR hires chooses to live downtown, so why not relocate his company there?  Bob Stark's passion/vision for downtown is well documented; so is Stark Enterprises coming downtown or staying in Woodmere?

        I love the potential that downtown holds as a live/work place. It is really only scratching the surface right now. However, if we can't get our own local employers to relocate downtown or in the city of Cleveland, how are we supposed to attract out-of-town firms? I just can't help but scratch my head when these guys want us to "Believe in Cleveland" and support these projects when they're sitting in some corporate office park out in the suburbs. Lead the the way, fellas!

Good story, KJP. I don't think I had caught the "artists' angle" of Zaremba's plans previously. I'm currently working with a group that's exploring opportunities to give artists access to home and business space ownership opportunities in Cleveland, as a way to preserve their presence in neighborhoods and to make them direct stakeholders in the city's outcomes. I wonder if there are opportunities in The Avenue District. Hmmmm.

Thanks. I would give the folks at Zaremba a call. And I would like to give you a call about a possible article on your group's efforts.

Interesting article KJP.  I hope that they can get some retail there.  I think that The Avenue District gave itself an boast by beating Wolstein and Stark out of the ground.  The Avenue will really cater to people that don't want the hustle and bustle of the Warehouse District / Flats. 

 

8shadesofgray, check out Tyler Village for the artists:  http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=4058.0

To talk to a rep about the project, call 216-241-0304 and ask for Ken Flemming.

Thanks, sky. I love Tyler Village ... they're actually more or less my next door neighbor! A person in our office has been pretty engaged in their initial planning efforts. Our project is on a broader scale ... looking at increasing ownership opportunities citywide. I'll likely start a separate thread about the project in about a month, after we've gathered some more data and solidified the project a little more. Thanks again.

It's weird to me that Zaremba's talking about an artists' colony on E. 12th Street. All along, this development has been marketed as a "quiet residential neighborhood" for empty nesters and professionals. And though the prices are hardly exorbitant, I don't see them being affordable for most artists.