March 1, 201213 yr Hey everyone, I could really use all opinions and help here-- Currently, I live downtown with a roommate and I love it down here and it's perfect, but we're adding a roommate and we are eying the CIRCLE EAST TOWNHOMES just near University Circle... we love the layouts, style, townhome living, personal parking garage... perfect. (Side note- our other leading candidate is The Osborne Downtown) What I'm asking about is the area surrounding the townhomes, what do you think of it?? -Will additional projects begin to take place around them? Main question*** -What is under construction right next door to the townhomes at Lakeside Rd and Euclid? -Do you think walking between here and University Circle is realistic and safe? One roommate is a girl, who we are obviously concerned for safety, so any comments and opinions help! Thanks a lot!!
March 1, 201213 yr Main question*** -What is under construction right next door to the townhomes at Lakeside Rd and Euclid? I believe you're talking about this project.... http://www.thefinchgroup.com/wwwtemp/CircleEast/home.html -Do you think walking between here and University Circle is realistic and safe? One roommate is a girl, who we are obviously concerned for safety, so any comments and opinions help! Thanks a lot!! No, that's East Cleveland. Although, after the Forest Hills area, it's probably the most safe area of East Cleveland and I suspect it will get safer as UC housing spreads into it. But not yet. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
March 1, 201213 yr I work right on the stretch of Euclid you'd be traveling between. You'd have no concerns during the day. In the evening I would describe it as generally safe. Things certainly do happen. I would suggest that using a bike to commute (even just the couple blocks from UC to where those apartments are) would be much safer then walking in the evening. I'm intrigued to see what happens with the Circle East apartments. It is possible they could reduce crime and help make the western edge of East Cleveland much safer. Its also possible they could attract crime, because they would be a bit of a target.
March 1, 201213 yr Main question*** -What is under construction right next door to the townhomes at Lakeside Rd and Euclid? I believe you're talking about this project.... http://www.thefinchgroup.com/wwwtemp/CircleEast/home.html -Do you think walking between here and University Circle is realistic and safe? One roommate is a girl, who we are obviously concerned for safety, so any comments and opinions help! Thanks a lot!! No, that's East Cleveland. Although, after the Forest Hills area, it's probably the most safe area of East Cleveland and I suspect it will get safer as UC housing spreads into it. But not yet. Hi thanks for responding! That is the project that I am talking about moving into-- though across the street (same side of euclid, just across lakeside rd) neighboring the townhome development is a big fenced off lot that has construction workers working on something that looks entirely different. I'm just wondering if anyone knows what this project is, it'd be great to have something commercial or residential next door going up. Thanks again!
March 1, 201213 yr Welcome CLE618! I'm not positive, but tht other project near CircleEast may be the new UniversityCircle power plant: http://development.cuyahogacounty.us/pdf_development/en-US/CuyahogaCountyCORFNotice_1.pdf I have high hopes for that stretch of Euclid long term, but personally, I wouldn't be too keen on after-dark walks between Circle East and the main part of University Circle in the near term. Pretty darn desolate still, with a creepy rail underpass to boot.
March 1, 201213 yr I'm very hopeful of the East Cleveland-UCI partnership which has spawned the Euclid/Lakeside (Circle East) townhouses. As we've seen, with the Circle 118 and Coltman 27 townhomes, developers were daring enough to invest in high-end residential properties right at E. Cleve's doorstep. And it's paying off. The neighboring Uptown development needs some kind of cushion for growth and furhter development, not the 'scary' reputation E. Cleve has just east of the elevated Rapid tracks... But the leadership of Chris Ronayne (UCI) and Gary Norton (E. Cleve mayor) is key to getting in-fil between CircleEast and Uptown ... that is, so long as the idiot culture in E. Cleve's city council doesn't run a (finally) good man like Norton out of City Hall, like they tried to when they stupidly cut his salary to around $37K out of pure jealousy and spite... but I digress.
March 11, 201213 yr Update from Hazel Dr today: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jjames0408/6821556544/# Two stories out of the ground for Hazel 8....lookin good!
March 11, 201213 yr Two stories out of the ground for Hazel 8....lookin good! How in the hell is that growing so fast? Oh wait, I know.... "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
March 11, 201213 yr I'm very hopeful of the East Cleveland-UCI partnership which has spawned the Euclid/Lakeside (Circle East) townhouses. As we've seen, with the Circle 118 and Coltman 27 townhomes, developers were daring enough to invest in high-end residential properties right at E. Cleve's doorstep. And it's paying off. The neighboring Uptown development needs some kind of cushion for growth and furhter development, not the 'scary' reputation E. Cleve has just east of the elevated Rapid tracks... But the leadership of Chris Ronayne (UCI) and Gary Norton (E. Cleve mayor) is key to getting in-fil between CircleEast and Uptown ... that is, so long as the idiot culture in E. Cleve's city council doesn't run a (finally) good man like Norton out of City Hall, like they tried to when they stupidly cut his salary to around $37K out of pure jealousy and spite... but I digress. Are they letting UCPD patrol it? I'm not sure Norton has the power to expand the police force enough, said council is way too solicitous of the portion of the EC electorate that sees the police as an occupying force.
March 12, 201213 yr ^Not sure about that. IIRC though, council stripped Norton's power as police commissioner which left him a paltry salary of around $37K, which is absurd. Just goes to show you that, although Norton shows promise (finally) for progressive change in moribund EC, there are a lot of dinosaurs still in charge there... I'm not sure how, if, this issue was resolved. Neverthelss, the UCI/EC partnership that led to Circle East is most promising as well as the prospects for other EC projects in the Euclid corridor.
March 12, 201213 yr High rental prices at Uptown apartments in University Circle may test the market (slideshow) CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The apartments at Uptown in University Circle represent a different style of renting in Cleveland: Wide, curving hallways with a cool color palette, leading to modern, white living spaces. At $1,325 to $2,260 per month, those apartments also represent a stretch toward higher prices, in a city that's just starting to see modest rent growth spurred by strong demand. Local apartment occupancy is at its highest level in more than a decade, and developers are scouring downtown Cleveland and University Circle for new rental opportunities. http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2012/03/high_rental_prices_at_uptown_apartments_in_university_circle_may_test_rates_at_other_buildings_slideshow.html
March 12, 201213 yr Answers my previous question: "The rents at Uptown break down to $1.64 to $2.05 per square foot" Currently, "University Circle sees average rents of $1.16 to $1.72 per square foot"
March 12, 201213 yr The photos accompanying that story give a sense how unique these units are going to be, even aside from their location. There are also so few of them, that it still seems like it should be a cinch to get them leased up. Interesting to see that WXZ is going after a similar (though slightly lower price point). I have no idea how much they had to pay for that land, but their construction/sf must be a lot lower than Uptown's given their townhouse format, no? Though other than the standard tax abatement, I don't think they received any other subsidies. Hopefully we'll see some more creative site-making in the heart of the circle and see some more densification, even without the big glitzy projects like Intessa.
March 12, 201213 yr We're probably mixing up the threads again since Uptown has its own. The units are pretty much what I would expect with the modern layout and finishes. I just couldn't deal with the fogged glass on the bathrooms..... maybe if it wasn't so transparent, but the lack of privacy (especially right next to the kitchen) is tacky IMO. What happens when you have a party and someone needs to take a deuce?
March 12, 201213 yr We're probably mixing up the threads again since Uptown has its own. The units are pretty much what I would expect with the modern layout and finishes. I just couldn't deal with the fogged glass on the bathrooms..... maybe if it wasn't so transparent, but the lack of privacy (especially right next to the kitchen) is tacky IMO. What happens when you have a party and someone needs to take a deuce? you deserve to be ridiculed for taking a deuce at someones party.
March 12, 201213 yr This way you can check in on the girl throwing up all night without actually having to deal with that barf basket first hand.
March 12, 201213 yr You guys just don't understand the cutting edge of architecture. Don't you know that when you live in a piece of art made by a super starchitect, they decide how you should live, and you're supposed to adjust?
March 16, 201213 yr WXZ Development plans 30 apartments in two University Circle projects on East 118th Street http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2012/03/wxz_development_plans_30_apart.html Interesting... At Circle 118, WXZ has sold nine of 12 homes and has a purchase contract for a tenth. The developer recently redesigned the northeast corner of the property, once slated for five townhouses, for [10] apartments. The building could open in October. Not sure how the Circle 118 buyers feel about this, but good news for the rest of us. Plus they want to build 30 20 [oops] apartments on the old RTA bus loop on that block. The designs are all pretty meh, based on the renderings, but you have to love the inflow of units!
March 17, 201213 yr Plus they want to build 30 apartments on the old RTA bus loop on that block. The designs are all pretty meh, based on the renderings, but you have to love the inflow of units! It would just be 20 apartments on the bus loop to be clear (30 is the total number for both developments), but yeah, great news.
March 19, 201213 yr The Western Reserve Historical Society renovations seem to be underway...not sure if it was mentioned before.
March 20, 201213 yr Didn't know they started to tear down the old Cleveland School of the Arts to build up the new one it's really about time they have been discussing this for years and that building has been closed since my 11th grade year which was 2 years ago but progress is progress...
March 20, 201213 yr ^ Sad to see it go. http://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2012/03/13/cleveland-school-of-the-arts-demolition-begins Reminder to what is taking its place: http://www.clevelandrestoration.org/assets/pdf_files/news/CSA%20moody%20nolan.pdf
March 20, 201213 yr ^ Sad to see it go. http://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2012/03/13/cleveland-school-of-the-arts-demolition-begins Reminder to what is taking its place: http://www.clevelandrestoration.org/assets/pdf_files/news/CSA%20moody%20nolan.pdf Jaw Dropping an amazing Architectural Piece to add to U.C wish my old school (John Hay) looked like that :cry: :laugh:
March 20, 201213 yr I am usually for new construction and somewhat indifferent when it comes to the majority of the demolition that takes place, unless it is a significant historical structure. But damn that is a good looking building, it looks like their just building it. I would have questioned that one.
March 20, 201213 yr ^ I was only in the building once, but last year the interior wasn't so good looking. It also did not fit the "arts" campus very well. I do agree that from the exterior it's one of the most beautiful education structures I can think of.
March 20, 201213 yr I am usually for new construction and somewhat indifferent when it comes to the majority of the demolition that takes place, unless it is a significant historical structure. But damn that is a good looking building, it looks like their just building it. I would have questioned that one. I attended this school and the school lacked an auditorium, was outdated, dark, the cafeteria/gym was unbelievably old and small, the bathrooms were disgusting and the walls were peeling it was time to build a new structure
March 27, 201213 yr UPDATE of the new Circle Vistas, which will free up the adjacent land for a later phase of Uptown -- Construction crews were moving some dirt today:
March 27, 201213 yr Yay for density! "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
March 27, 201213 yr Nice! Per the Circle Vistas web site, the ceremonial groundbreaking was on March 21, and construction is indeed underway! http://login.npwebsiteservices.com/mil/NewCircle.asp
March 28, 201213 yr Finally. I knew they had the funds dedicated to doing this this year, but I havent heard anything lately. I really think they should be upgrading the lighting as in decorative posts and buried powerlines for this stretch whcih I guess is just wishful thinking as well as I think a missed opportunity. Bumpy-but-vital route on Cleveland's East side to be repaved Published: Tuesday, March 27, 2012, 10:25 PM Updated: Wednesday, March 28, 2012, 8:02 AM CLEVELAND, Ohio — One of Cleveland's most beautiful drives is about to get a lot smoother. Crews are ready to start a curb-to-curb repaving of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, from Chester Avenue to Interstate 90. The 2.6-mile drive bisects Rockefeller Park and the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, an eye-catching swath of green that features sculptures, statues, stone bridges and a winding creek. http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2012/03/bumpy-but-vital_route_on_cleve.html
March 28, 201213 yr I think some people will be rediscovering East 105th Street and Glenville. Others will take different routes, such as Chester to I-90, probably out of fear/reputation. I hope they do take East 105th. I think they will be pleasantly surprised from St. Clair northward. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
March 28, 201213 yr West-siders can just take 490-55th-Carnegie/Chester. Or is it mostly commuters from the NE burbs that take MLK?
March 28, 201213 yr Or is it mostly commuters from the NE burbs that take MLK? That's my take. And I've used that routing which is pretty quick but not very scenic. And it's probably not a very comfortable route for women commuters driving alone. Not many areas of the city have seen the amount of abandonment that's occurred there. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
March 28, 201213 yr ^Yeah, definitely not scenic. Not so awesome at night either. Also in that same article, two other bits of good news: The project features 135 spaces for parallel parking along both sides of the road, so that drivers can visit several dozen cultural gardens that mark the city's diverse ethnic heritage. ... The project will dovetail with a Cuyahoga County-led plan to remake the confounding traffic circle at MLK, East 105th Street and East Boulevard. ... The Cleveland Foundation paid for the design, Teeuwen said. The year-long project, scheduled to start this fall, will eliminate the circle.
March 28, 201213 yr Finally. I knew they had the funds dedicated to doing this this year, but I havent heard anything lately. I really think they should be upgrading the lighting as in decorative posts and buried powerlines for this stretch whcih I guess is just wishful thinking as well as I think a missed opportunity. Bumpy-but-vital route on Cleveland's East side to be repaved Published: Tuesday, March 27, 2012, 10:25 PM Updated: Wednesday, March 28, 2012, 8:02 AM CLEVELAND, Ohio — One of Cleveland's most beautiful drives is about to get a lot smoother. Crews are ready to start a curb-to-curb repaving of Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, from Chester Avenue to Interstate 90. The 2.6-mile drive bisects Rockefeller Park and the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, an eye-catching swath of green that features sculptures, statues, stone bridges and a winding creek. http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2012/03/bumpy-but-vital_route_on_cleve.html Not wishful thinking at all - I totally agree this stretch deserves some special attention, given the exposure it gets. Visitors to Cleveland frequently see MLK on their way to UC, and god knows many of us see it on a daily basis. I guess I'm taking Chester while this is being done. Also, am I the only one who never had a problem with the traffic circle at UC? I guess they're getting rid of it because people don't know how to drive. Oh well.
March 28, 201213 yr I think lighting and buried utilities would be outside of the curb-to-curb reconstruction, so no reason that couldn't happen later (as a separate project). Sure would be awesome though. This is definitely a signature gateway. I've never had a problem personally, but that traffic circle is pure evil for violating all the rules of traffic circles. It's like turning a traffic light upside down. Red would still be red, but it would just invite trouble.
March 28, 201213 yr I actually like that circle now and think it adds to the character of the area (even though it may not be a typical traffic circle). Sure when I lived there I may have thought it was scary, but after living in DC, where the streets and circles can be so much more dangerous because it seems every driver is an A$$%&#, it makes that one seem much more tame to me.
March 28, 201213 yr By the way, in case anyone want to refresh, here are the plans for the traffic circle removal: http://publicworks.cuyahogacounty.us/pdf_publicworks/en-US/MLK-105ProjectNewLtr-072211.pdf [Option D]
March 28, 201213 yr By the way, in case anyone want to refresh, here are the plans for the traffic circle removal: http://publicworks.cuyahogacounty.us/pdf_publicworks/en-US/MLK-105ProjectNewLtr-072211.pdf [Option D] Thank you
March 28, 201213 yr PRAISE GOD :) I was so excited when I saw this in the paper this morning! I feel like I have to get my car aligned every time I drive MLK. Long overdue, but so glad this is happening!
March 29, 201213 yr Looks like demolition of the old Cleveland School for the Arts is coming along nicely.
March 30, 201213 yr Looks like demolition of the old Cleveland School for the Arts is coming along nicely. demolition of old cleveland school of the arts makes way for new, state-of-the-art campus THURSDAY, MARCH 29, 2012 Many teachers and graduates of Cleveland School of the Arts, the acclaimed, arts-focused school that sits at the edge of University Circle, have been patiently waiting for more than 30 years for a new school. "We've had a makeshift arts school for 30 years," says Christine Bluso, Executive Director of Friends of Cleveland School of the Arts. The historic school building was built atop the culverted Doan Brook and does not have a cafeteria or facilities suitable to teaching the arts. "Now they're building us a real arts school. This is part of a premier arts specialty system that's being put into place in the district, and our goal is to write the curriculum to create a conservatory-level 9th-12th grade school." The demolition of the former Cleveland School of the Arts began earlier this month. Current CSA students are housed at another district school until the new campus is ready. Bluso says that the district plans to break ground on the new, state-of-the-art school in June and open it to students in August 2014. The green-built facility will feature an outdoor plaza and new interior spaces such as art galleries and music rooms that are specially built for arts classes. http://www.freshwatercleveland.com/devnews/clevelandschoolofthearts032912.aspx
March 30, 201213 yr IMO E 105th is 100 times worse than MLK and should be repaved first. And I still think they should've just moved the traffic circle 50 feet to the west and put it on E105th so they could eliminate the traffic lights. Traffic circles aren't that confusing and they have a lot of benefits.
March 30, 201213 yr This article is way to positive in my opinion. Cleveland is losing one of its most beautiful schools in this demolition. Cleveland has lost so much of its historic school architecture recently. I wish they could have renovated the building or built an addition instead of demolition.
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