From just looking at the picture and knowing that this was hearing and speech center I could make out the sound waves. And I never remember reading anyhting about that beofre so I don't think there would need to be a detailed description

 

Similarly, the Peter B. Lewis building conveys how American business has undergone a total meltdown... get it?  The building looks melty, and it houses the business college?  Ha ha!  And Severance Hall should look like a giant trumpet.

 

Just kidding around.  As noted, my opinion is just an opinion.

In my opinion, the building is well sited (unfortunately, putting a building up to the street is considered unnatural for some ridiculous reason), but does in fact appear poorly detailed at certain material connections on the facade.

The facade panels are designed to emulate a sound wave. Thus are different sizes and protrude from the building at different levels. It's the way it's supposed to look. That doesn't make it "cheap". Everyone has different opinion on aesthetics. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion on the way something looks, that's what makes us individuals. But just because someone personally doesn't like the appearance of something doesn't make it "cheaply constructed".

 

I am well aware of what the building is meant to convey.  I never mentioned the different sizes and protrusions.  That was your own reading into my statement.  I also never said that I thought it was cheaply constructed just because I didn't like the appearance of something.  Please actually read what I wrote.  The building is cheaply constructed in my opinion because I talked to some of the workers who were there and I asked about some of the details I noticed.  Chipping, discoloration, the general look of the materials.  Even one of the workers told me they had to cut some corners.

I posed an honest question to you... someone else answered it, which led to the remainder of the discussion.

There is actually a lot to like about this building.  It has a great interaction with Euclid.  The Parking is in the rear.  The glass lower floors allow for fantastic street level activization.  Excellent and vibrant signage.  At night I love the illumination from the glass stairwells.  Like I said, just because something isn't necessarily your "taste" doesn't mean it's bad or "cheap"... it's just not a style some people may like... And that's OK. Like I said, everyone has different tastes.  We can't confuse our personal aesthetic opinions as some sort of "fact".

 

No more calls....we have a winner!

 

 

 

 

There is no winner or loser.  This has nothing to do with taste, although I really don't care for the building.  What bothers me most is that it is cheaply constructed. Fact.  As I mentioned above, I was personally given this info by someone who was working at the site.  That's like saying I can't say someone looks cheap based on the way they are dressed.  If you're wearing polyester bellbottoms and a rayon puffy shirt, yes, you look cheap.  :-)  That said I would like to see it at night.  Perhaps it would be more appealing to me.

There is no winner or loser.  This has nothing to do with taste, although I really don't care for the building.  What bothers me most is that it is cheaply constructed. Fact.  As I mentioned above, I was personally given this info by someone who was working at the site.  That's like saying I can't say someone looks cheap based on the way they are dressed.  If you're wearing polyester bellbottoms and a rayon puffy shirt, yes, you look cheap.  :)  That said I would like to see it at night.  Perhaps it would be more appealing to me.

 

Then cite your source and comparable pricing.  We have architects, engineers and designers here.  To say it's "cheap" without providing us with any information is second hand gossip.

 

As I say to any member of my staff when they come in my office without facts and backup.  BULLsh!t!

^  yeah, because I went out and priced everything for myself when I was visiting on vacation in July and I really remember the guys name who told me that.  :roll:  I was merely pointing out what I saw and what I was told.  That's what people do here on this board. I know all about the architects, designers and engineers here and one of them (W 28th) expressed a similar opinion upthread. There really is no reason for the hostility.

Click on the "tour our new building" link at the CHS website, they've got a pretty good night photo.

 

http://www.chsc.org/ME2/Default.asp

 

And I'll say this regarding "cheap" construction.  I think most things built these days is value engineered and as cheaply constructed as legally allowable.  I've been on a lot of job sites.  I've seen a lot of "corners cut", and I've met a LOT of construction workers that talk smack about it (why that is, I will never ever know). 

^ Thanks for the link.  It does look better at night.  I love the signage.  Especially the main rounded sign with the (edit) blue dots and green waves

^  yeah, because I went out and priced everything for myself when I was visiting on vacation in July and I really remember the guys name who told me that.  ::)  I was merely pointing out what I saw and what I was told.  That's what people do here on this board. I know all about the architects, designers and engineers here and one of them (W 28th) expressed a similar opinion upthread. There really is no reason for the hostility.

 

Hostility?  Sweet Pea, I'm far from hostile.  However, I can be straight up to the point.  You made several statements, with no source.  How do you knwo that guy was not disgruntle or just being a prick?

 

Sorry but how do you translate this:

In my opinion, the building is well sited (unfortunately, putting a building up to the street is considered unnatural for some ridiculous reason), but does in fact appear poorly detailed at certain material connections on the facade.

 

.....into "cheap"?

Click on the "tour our new building" link at the CHS website, they've got a pretty good night photo.

 

http://www.chsc.org/ME2/Default.asp

 

And I'll say this regarding "cheap" construction. I think most things built these days is value engineered and as cheaply constructed as legally allowable. I've been on a lot of job sites. I've seen a lot of "corners cut", and I've met a LOT of construction workers that talk smack about it (why that is, I will never ever know).

 

I've noticed the exact same thing.  I think the workers talk smack about it because most people genuinely want to produce quality things, but modern economics never seem to allow for it- that creates some serious frustration among the workers.  But at the end of the day, everybody wants lower $/sq ft, and that means poor quality materials, put together too quickly.

^  yeah, because I went out and priced everything for myself when I was visiting on vacation in July and I really remember the guys name who told me that.  ::)  I was merely pointing out what I saw and what I was told.  That's what people do here on this board. I know all about the architects, designers and engineers here and one of them (W 28th) expressed a similar opinion upthread. There really is no reason for the hostility.

 

Hostility?  Sweet Pea, I'm far from hostile.  However, I can be straight up to the point.  You made several statements, with no source.  How do you knwo that guy was not disgruntle or just being a prick?

 

Sorry but how do you translate this:

In my opinion, the building is well sited (unfortunately, putting a building up to the street is considered unnatural for some ridiculous reason), but does in fact appear poorly detailed at certain material connections on the facade.

 

.....into "cheap"?

 

 

Goodness gracious.  This sweet pea only made two statements, not several:  cheaply made (which seems to be the sticking point) and poorly constructed.  I did not use W 28th comment to support my idea of cheap, however, his comment does seem to agree with my idea of "poorly constructed."  I'm just not happy with the quality of design (totally subjective, of course), but more importantly, I'm not happy with the quality of materials used or the way the materials come together.  That's it.  Nothing more.  I didn't mean to set off a semantics debate about the use of cheap.  I'm sure the building won't fall down, I just would have liked more attention to detail.  In the end, I'm very happy for what will be happening INSIDE the building. :wink:

Circle 118 townhomes:

Thank you Mayday!

 

I think that the colors turned out much better than how they looked in the renderings.

Those look great!  Looks like you got around recently!

Thank you Mayday!

 

I think that the colors turned out much better than how they looked in the renderings.

 

I totally agree.  A bit of a relief, in fact.  I think I really like the red, especially this time of year when so many days are completely devoid of color.

The red is what throws me off.  Just not my taste I guess. 

I don't think I'd want to live in them, but there's something about them I like. It also would be nice to have all those large windows.

Okay, pure speculation on my part - the red section lines up at about the same height as the Red Line bridge in the background. Coincidence?

Not a coincidence at all.

Is the blue Hardie Panel?

I like how they look. 

 

I like this too.  The bright color highlights look good in winter sunshine.  We will see about this summer with hazy skies. 

These look awesome and something completely different, perfect for UC and what is going on in that neighborhood. I bet the views are incredible.

The blue is a rain screen system called Abet Laminati.  It's a composite board that lets the water run behind it.  much more durable and a better finish than Hardie Panel.

Interesting.  Thanks for the info.  It looks good.  I almost like it as much as prodema. 

The blue is a rain screen system called Abet Laminati. It's a composite board that lets the water run behind it. much more durable and a better finish than Hardie Panel.

 

I went down to check out all the development in UC, and must say I was really disappointed by that material in person.  It looks like someone spray painted masonite boards, then put them up with exposed allen bolts, not even bothering to fit them evenly- the gaps between boards seemed to range from an eighth to a quarter inch.  I'm sure some people will like it for the novelty, but I think it looks like crap.  It's a shame, because otherwise I like the design of these townhouses.

I noticed the foundations were in place for the next set of the Circle 118 townhomes (on the 118th st side).  I know the developer once mentioned that they would only build future sets as needed / demand arose.  I wonder if they've already sold some of these...

I noticed the foundations were in place for the next set of the Circle 118 townhomes (on the 118th st side). I know the developer once mentioned that they would only build future sets as needed / demand arose. I wonder if they've already sold some of these...

 

If you look at their website, there's a hold on one of them.....

I glanced at their website last week and I thought I noticed that one of the finished units on Euclid was sold and I believe one on 118th still not built was "reserved" (what ever that means...can they still back out of the contract).  They don't seem to be selling like hot cakes.

 

I know this is problematic for a builder, but I think many people are reluctant to buy (say in a phase I) unless they know for sure that the whole development is going to be built.  Of course a builder is reluctant to start the remaining phases until the first units are under contract. 

The blue is a rain screen system called Abet Laminati. It's a composite board that lets the water run behind it.  much more durable and a better finish than Hardie Panel.

 

Interesting.  Thanks for the info.  It looks good.  I almost like it as much as prodema.

 

I.M.O. those are the two best products for that look, unless you go to a concrete fiber board.

 

 

I know this is problematic for a builder, but I think many people are reluctant to buy (say in a phase I) unless they know for sure that the whole development is going to be built.  Of course a builder is reluctant to start the remaining phases until the first units are under contract. 

 

Sometimes a developer will "reserve" one for themselves.  Makes it look like one has been sold so the ice is broken for others.  I'm not saying that's what has happened here though.

Circle 118 townhouses by WXZ Development add life to University Circle in Cleveland

 

You have to admire a developer willing, if not eager, to build attractive new urban housing on a difficult site next to a major railroad overpass in Cleveland.

 

James Wymer, president of WXZ Development Inc. in Fairview Park, recently added significant value to University Circle with the first six townhouse units in his $8 million Circle 118 project at East 118th Street and Euclid Avenue.

 

The development has brightened a once dreary corner of district and created a strong sense of entry west of the elevated rail lines that mark the psychological eastern edge of the neighborhood.

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/architecture/2010/03/circle_118_townhouses_by_wxz_d.html

Sounds like only 2 units have sold so far...let's hope that pace picks up so they can move on to the future phases soon.  Yeah, yeah, I know these are tough times.

^I don't think that's bad. The first units were only recently completed and were just entering into the main real estate season. Given the success of the Coltman 27 project, I'm sure that demand will increase once it sells out. Coltman has something like 24 units already sold/reserved.

^Yeah, you're right.  I think I've let Coltman create some unrealistic expectations! 

 

What's really interesting is that both the Circle 118 and Coltman sites are dogs in the scheme of thins: facing railroad tracks, on the edges of neighborhoods.  If we ever see residential development in the prime parts of University Circle, I like to think it would sell very easily.

What I like about Circle 118 is that it will make the next developments easier to sell. It establishes a beachhead on the eastern end of Euclid. It will make is much easier to develop the area between UARD and 118.

Watch for an announcement from Case today regarding their West Campus

Very exciting!!

Watch for an announcement from Case today regarding their West Campus

 

West Quad?

Wasn't it supposed to be Forest City who would develop West Quad? 

 

Great news if the announcement is regarding West Quad!!

not quite West Quad but right next to it so maybe this will get the ball rolling on that.

The Maltz Family Foundation donates $12 million to Case Western Reserve University to turn Temple Tifereth Israel into a performing arts center

By Steven Litt, The Plain Dealer

March 19, 2010, 12:59PM

Marvin Fong, The Plain Dealer

Interior view of Temple Tifereth Israel, located in the University Circle neighborhood of Cleveland.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Temple Tifereth Israel in Cleveland, a beloved but aging and underused icon, faced an uncertain future ever since its congregation built a new campus in suburban Beachwood in 1971.

 

The uncertainty just ended.

The Maltz Family Foundation announced today will donate $12 million to Case Western Reserve University to enable it to use the Temple's building for 99 years as a performing arts center.

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/architecture/2010/03/the_maltz_family_foundation_do.html

 

^What??

 

This is the first I've heard of this, and that's my Temple. While it's not used on a day to day basis, it's still fairly regularly used for high holidays and other events (bar/bat mitzvahs, weddings, etc....I was married there for one thing). I'll be interested to see how they use the space for a performing / arts center while still maintaining the sanctuary (which takes up most of the interior space) for religious purposes. I have to think that any use of the sanctuary space that causes it to be significantly modified is going to be met with some resisitance from the congregants.

 

 

Edit:

 

Just spoke to someone with more insight into the deal. I guess they're not touching the sanctuary, but rather working with Case to do a lot of reconstruction, including connecting the Temple / Art Museum / Severance with walks / bridges, so that it's connected to CWRU's campus.

Went to a fair mount or bar and bat mitzvahs at that temple... mighty nice!

not quite West Quad but right next to it so maybe this will get the ball rolling on that.

The Maltz Family Foundation donates $12 million to Case Western Reserve University to turn Temple Tifereth Israel into a performing arts center

By Steven Litt, The Plain Dealer

March 19, 2010, 12:59PM

Marvin Fong, The Plain Dealer

Interior view of Temple Tifereth Israel, located in the University Circle neighborhood of Cleveland.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Temple Tifereth Israel in Cleveland, a beloved but aging and underused icon, faced an uncertain future ever since its congregation built a new campus in suburban Beachwood in 1971.

 

The uncertainty just ended.

The Maltz Family Foundation announced today will donate $12 million to Case Western Reserve University to enable it to use the Temple's building for 99 years as a performing arts center.

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/architecture/2010/03/the_maltz_family_foundation_do.html

 

 

Here's a video and story from Case on the Temple gift including numerous interior shots:

http://www.case.edu/announcement/

 

Just a random note... I subscribe to the Progressive Urban Real Estate ENews update.  Well each week they have this little section called "we sold it" where they highlight a handful of the properties they've sold in the last week... well in each of the last 2 weeks a unit from the Circle 118 townhomes has been on the list.  Good News.

This is good to hear.  I don't believe urban projects are this developers usual gig and I was kinda worried that poor sales (given the economy) might discourage future projects from him (or even the completion of Phase II).  Hopefully this will have him seeking out other ventures in the city.

Location of the new $50 million CWRU Tinkham Veale Student Center.

 

http://www.case.edu/universitycenter/images/universitycentermap.pdf

 

 

Story from the CWRU page: http://www.case.edu/universitycenter/

Besides the new Student Center, a new Athletic Field House will be built.

 

Case Western Reserve University Receives $4 Million Commitment to Name Planned New Multi-Functional Field House

 

Trustee James C. Wyant, as former student athlete, fulfills wish to give back to campus that gave him lasting lessons

 

Optical science pioneer and Case Western Reserve University Trustee James C. Wyant, PhD, has made a $4 million commitment to name a new field house on campus. The “Wyant Field House” will be a new addition to the North Campus Residential Village.

 

The Wyant Field House will be approximately 24,000 square feet and will serve as a facility for varsity athletes and the 2,500 students who reside at the Village. The facility will include weight training and cardiovascular areas, a Varsity Club lounge, and multipurpose space. Also included in this gift is the “Coach Bill Sudeck Track,” named in memory of the university's legendary coach, who was Wyant’s mentor.

 

“We are enormously grateful to Jim Wyant for this gift and the way it pays tribute to the role that athletics can play in the development of young people,” President Barbara R. Snyder said. “This project will enhance the experience of legions of students who seek to improve their physical fitness and their athletic performance.”

 

 

http://blog.case.edu/case-news/2010/06/07/wyantfieldhouse

I'm surprised there is no response to the University Circle/CWRU constuction.  I know these will be mostly student only facilities...but this is at least $55 million worth of construction has been announced in University circle in just a one month span.

 

$50 million for the new Student Center

$5+ million for the new Field House (my bad estimate)....plus it "completes" the original Village renderings.

 

The Field House guess is tough since the $4 million is only the naming rights...maybe it'll cost $5-$10 mil more??  No figure has been given, but I do remember it being guesses as less than $10 mil a few years ago.

 

Either way, this is even more construction announced an an already booming University Circle.

It is great to see CWRU investing in it's campus again.  It had been at a standstill.  I guess the finances have been turned around?

It is great to see CWRU investing in it's campus again. It had been at a standstill. I guess the finances have been turned around?

 

Yes.  They are in the black again.