It will deliver people from the UC institutions in the area near the museum to the west quad and allow them to bypass the zipping of cars on that stretch of MLK.  There's a crosswalk in there somewhere but it's not well-respected since there's no actual cross street, stop sign or signal.  Assuming no shortcuts across the grass, the walk without the bridge is about 1,500 feet, including the MLK crossing.  The bridge appears to span about 1,000 feet which makes it about a 3:45-4 minute walk. 

The bridge is cool looking, but I'd rather have a nice crosswalk with signal and save the millions of dollars.  And if we are going to have a bridge, shouldn't it cross East 105th, too?  The renderings make it look like this one doesn't.  I don't understand the thinking there.

as far as money goes, isn't case paying for it through private donation?

Some of the responses on this site never cease to amaze but I guess will never end. God how could anyone not love these? I think these have the ability to be much more transforming for Cleveland than most other projects and for a lot less money. In fact it would be an outrage if Case didn't go the extra mile and really make their bridge stunning. To me these couldn't be built faster and hopefully people don't try and drag the process out any longer than needed. These types of projects are what bring people into the city by far. Man I hope these happen.

I used to live in that area and if I was a student at case and had to take a class at the new west quad.  I would either take the university bus, or if I wanted to walk that bridge would be very important option for me.

The bridge is cool looking, but I'd rather have a nice crosswalk with signal and save the millions of dollars.  And if we are going to have a bridge, shouldn't it cross East 105th, too?  The renderings make it look like this one doesn't.  I don't understand the thinking there.

 

This thing could be some pretty stellar usable public sculpture, so I'm pretty psyched even if, arguably, it's over-engineering the transportation challenge it addresses.  Re. E105th: part of the thinking must be the topography.  Crossing E105th would require a lot more ramping, while much of the span of the proposed route is a depression below the end points.  A good topo map and clear plan of the route would do wonders for explaining.  I'm just guessing here, but I think there's also a desire to preserve the traffic flow of MLK in particular as the main connector b/w UC and I90.

 

I found this part of the article particularly interesting/unexpected given how the project was described in the past:

 

The bridge would leap over the valley created by Doan Brook and Rockefeller Park, which now divides University Circle from the Hough neighborhood to the west, which is where CWRU plans to build its West Campus on roughly 15 acres of mostly vacant land immediately north of the temple. An additional section could extend back across MLK Jr. Dr. to link the art museum to the Judson Manor apartment tower.

 

So really, it may not even cross MLK and might be more about making the route less of a hike through the woods and creek valley.

I am excited for this bridge.  When I was in San Diego, there is The Harbor Drive pedestrian bridge which is very similar in design. An architecural/engineer beauty.

 

http://www.ccdc.com/projects/major-downtown-projects/projects-landing-page/convention-center/harbor-drive-pedestrian-bridge/overview.html

sfbob, you are so correct; a little form over function is not revolutionary.  A bridge doesn't have to be a straight line between Point "A"  to Point "B"  (In a previous rant of mine here somewhere, a parking garage does have to look like a place where you stack cars.)  I can't believe anyone on this site would be counting steps/seconds as opposed to applauding an attempt to make your trip an adventure.  There are the usual suspects out there like the BP Bridge by Frank Gehry that connects Millennium Park to Grant Park in Chicago.  But, there are others, for example, the Principal (Insurance) Bridge in downtown Des Moines is pretty darn special and, guess what, people walk cross the Des Moines River now just to cross it, to experience it.  Heck, they cross it at night to enjoy walking through the changing lighting.  Get out there people; it's not just about going to class anymore. 

I didn't say anything about the form of the bridge.  I said a bridge is overkill.  And I think a walk through Rockefeller Park qualifies as a nice walk, and could be even nicer if they were willing to invest a little more in making a clear path to the west quad, and tame MLK a little bit.

I think CWRU's interest in making this kind of investment is a strong indication that something big could be within sight with all that land west of E 105.  As does its purchase of the Temple, come to think about it.

I didn't say anything about the form of the bridge.  I said a bridge is overkill.  And I think a walk through Rockefeller Park qualifies as a nice walk, and could be even nicer if they were willing to invest a little more in making a clear path to the west quad, and tame MLK a little bit.

 

My guess is that they'll also enhance the non-bridge route, especially if the bridge doesn't even end up crossing MLK which the article indicates is a possibility.

 

And at least from this rendering, which looks east towards the museum, I think we might all be underestimating the grade change as a key motivation here rather than the busy streets: http://media.cleveland.com/architecture/photo/rp---cwru-04jpg-acac0e47c14c3d43.jpg

The article doesn't imply that the bridge won't cross MLK...

 

The bridge would leap over the valley created by Doan Brook and Rockefeller Park, which now divides University Circle from the Hough neighborhood to the west, which is where CWRU plans to build its West Campus on roughly 15 acres of mostly vacant land immediately north of the temple. An additional section could extend back across MLK Jr. Dr. to link the art museum to the Judson Manor apartment tower.

 

The bridge described and shown definitely crosses it.  The "additional section", and given the shoddy editing it's unclear whether this is Litt just talking about possibilities or something the designer and Case is looking into, would also cross MLK, from the museum to Judson Manor, possibly in a manner shown in the rough drawing below.

 

As an engineering school, Case pursuing such a bridge like this makes a sense in ways beyond it's sheer practicality, which I think is valid anyway (the terrain really isn't that ped-friendly.)  Agree that it would be more so if it could also cross 105th, but I'm going to assume that there are issues with doing that.  If the bridge dumps its users at a new and safe crossing towards the west campus, I think it'll be fine.

Were a couple posts deleted that were prior to sfbob and my rants?  One was from an Case Alumnus who basically thought this was a bridge to nowhere and would take too long get there; why walk 1,500 feet when 1,000 would do it.  The post deletions put our response posts out of context and appear a bit over the top.

Hmmm. I like it. Would be nice if there was more reason to go to West Quad, but I still like it.

The article doesn't imply that the bridge won't cross MLK...

 

Oh man, total reading comprehension FAIL on my part, thanks for clearing that up (and for the great diagram).

I think CWRU's interest in making this kind of investment is a strong indication that something big could be within sight with all that land west of E 105.  As does its purchase of the Temple, come to think about it.

 

Isn't that what StrapHanger was saying in his quote?

 

The bridge would leap over the valley created by Doan Brook and Rockefeller Park, which now divides University Circle from the Hough neighborhood to the west, which is where CWRU plans to build its West Campus on roughly 15 acres of mostly vacant land immediately north of the temple. An additional section could extend back across MLK Jr. Dr. to link the art museum to the Judson Manor apartment tower.

Yeah, but CWRU has been saying they'll do 'something' with West Quad ever since what's-his-face tried and failed to build his biotech boondoggle there (a much larger version of what eventually went there). It would be nice to have some hint of what their plans are, anyone know?

^ I think Case Western is focusing more on building its new student center, athletic field house, and a few other things in the pipeline first...than building a West Quad.

^ I think Case Western is focusing more on building its new student center, athletic field house, and a few other things in the pipeline first...than building a West Quad.

 

I agree.  I may not be the most informed person on Case's campus, but the West Quad isn't even on my radar.

Looks like the work at Tudor Arms is almost complete.

 

The hotel website says, "presently accepting reservations for arrival August 7, 2011 and beyond."

 

http://doubletree1.hilton.com/en_US/dt/hotel/CLEUCDT-DoubleTree-by-Hilton-The-Tudor-Arms-Hotel-Ohio/index.do

 

 

Which reminds me.. about Tudor Arms. The building looks fantastic and I am certainly happy that the project has happened and the building has been saved.. but who in the world decided to put stark white times new roman type for a sign? looks terrible.

Exactly! The sign looks like something quickly photoshopped into the pictures just to show where sign would be in the future.

Which reminds me.. about Tudor Arms. The building looks fantastic and I am certainly happy that the project has happened and the building has been saved.. but who in the world decided to put stark white times new roman type for a sign? looks terrible.

 

At least it's not Helvetica.

I like comic sans....

I like comic sans....

 

*scowl*

How about University Circle adds the "Dan Gilbert School For Children Who Can't Read Good and Want To Learn How To Do Other Stuff Good Too" with a Comic Sans sign?

 

Alright, back on topic. :-)

Anyone have a picture of the sign? I thought the overhang sign above the door looked great. What sign are you talking about?

I like comic sans....

you and dan gilbert

Here is the sign:

Here is the sign:

 

Thanks for the pic!  Website now says reservations available "Aug 27 and Beyond." 

 

Doesn't everyone love that suburban style PNC bank branch built recently in the foreground?  Right in one of Cleveland's urban districts...

at least its built to the street. :|

I was chatting with the developer of the Hazel Drive townhouse apartments today and he offered that they will break ground in early August.  He is very excited about this project and believes they will rent very well.

Great news!  Thanks for the update.  I'm also thinking these apartments will rent well as well.

No news here, but we were at The Fairmount with one of our college friends on Friday, and somehow we ended up on the topic of UC.  Apparently he hadn't been here since finishing college and was talking about the place like it was still borderline ghetto.  I quickly corrected him and listed all of the various developments just on Euclid.....  He was speechless.  And this isn't an anti-urban person here.  I guess things just aren't publicized enough!

 

And as I'm typing this, I'm remembering how we ended up talking about that in the first place.  We were talking about crime and he said that Midtown was ghetto, especially between E. 55th and the Clinic.  Again, no idea about all the building that's going on as of late.

^^ I've had similar experiences with returning Case grad visits.

 

They act like it's the Case of 2004 (which wasn't too bad BTW) and then are completely blown away when they see it for themselves or I update them

 

And UC hasn't even broken ground yet on the Hazel Dr apartments, CWRU Student Center, and CWRU Athletic Field House....let alone the later phases of Uptown II and Lot 45.

 

The area is frikin booming right now...plus UH, Cleveland Clinic, the VA hospital, and CWRU are all expanding in terms of people and new hires.

The area is certainly booming with the nonprofits' expansions and housing developments, but it's really surprising how little retail you hear about in that area. No new bars, no new restaurants or lounges (I can't believe Little Italy serves all those needs, sometimes you just need an inexpensive restaurant within half a mile), no new banks, no basic retailers, no major chains that I can think of, no mom and pop stuff, maybe a Barnes & Noble (fingers crossed on that one).  I'm exaggerating a tad, but you see what I'm getting at.

 

I wonder why you have developers so eager to build in over-saturated retail communities (think Oakwood), yet somewhere like UC is prime for things like a movie theater and basic neighborhood amenities. And I know there are some cool restaurants here and there on Euclid - it just seems there would be some kind of corresponding boom or at least rumors of more eateries/shopping stuff in that area. Do all the doctors just eat at that cafeteria in the Clinic?

Falafel Cafe, Indian Flame, Chopsticks, Qdoba, Starbucks, Rascal House, Mi Pueblo, Euclid Tavern.  That's actually a pretty good variety (covers pretty much all of the bases) of inexpensive food all right around Mayfield and Euclid.

I wonder why you have developers so eager to build in over-saturated retail communities (think Oakwood)

 

Residents and $$ (think Oakwood, Orange, Beachwood, Bentleyville, Gates Mills, Hunting Valley, Pepper Pike and other surrounding, very affluent communities).  Retailers are in the business of turning a profit.  As UC's residential population grows (which it is), its retail options will grow.

Falafel Cafe, Indian Flame, Chopsticks, Qdoba, Starbucks, Rascal House, Mi Pueblo, Euclid Tavern.  That's actually a pretty good variety (covers pretty much all of the bases) of inexpensive food all right around Mayfield and Euclid.

 

And there's supposed to be at least a Panera and a smaller grocer in Uptown, among other things I'm sure.  There's is also supposedly a Tropical Smoothie Cafe going in where Quiznos was (according to signs that have been there for a while).  And Quiznos only closed because the owner was skeezy with his business practice.

 

Also, the Charter One bank that's bundled with Starbucks is only a few years old.

Do all the doctors just eat at that cafeteria in the Clinic?

 

The Clinic is relatively self-contained when it comes to food.  Personally, I usually bring my lunch, but there are 2 Au Bon Pains, 3 cafeterias, Table 45, North Coast Cafe (a pretty good buffet place in the Intercontinental), McDonald's, Subway, a sushi place, and during the summer there's the farmer's market.  Sometimes during the winter I'll go to the Souper Market on Carnegie, but usually when people in my department want food from somewhere else we just order it from Deliver Me Food.  I would like to patronize the places listed above, but I usually just don't have the time to make the trip...

I was working on a job this morning at E152nd and Coit, and I decided to drive down Euclid to see the progress on various projects.  I must say for the firrst time in my life, I was amazed with Cleveland as I approached U Circle from the East on Euclid.  First the townhomes on the left just past the RR bridge, then Coltman, then Uptown, then Moca, then all the new stuff at UH and the Clinic.  Awesome Progress.

 

Also, I noticed big new construction on Wad Park near probably E 89ish (I think Krillis working on it).  What site is that?

Maybe you saw this building?

 

http://net.cmsdnet.net/NewSchools/Schools/Segment2Schools/daniel_morgan.htm

 

The old school, on East 92nd and Wade Park, was demolished. I presume a city park was built in its place considering the new school was built on a city park next to the old school.

 

But none of this is right on Wade Park, so perhaps you saw something else? A do see a derelict 1970s-era housing development on the south side of Wade Park in the 8900 block in Streetview. Is something going in there?

 

Did you mean the new Wade Park VA Hospital? It's a $500 million project, but it's at Wade Park and East 105th, not 89th.

Krill is doing the domiciliary and office building complex for the Stokes VA...

 

http://krill.com/currently-under-construction/

Do all the doctors just eat at that cafeteria in the Clinic?

 

The Clinic is relatively self-contained when it comes to food.  Personally, I usually bring my lunch, but there are 2 Au Bon Pains, 3 cafeterias, Table 45, North Coast Cafe (a pretty good buffet place in the Intercontinental), McDonald's, Subway, a sushi place, and during the summer there's the farmer's market.  Sometimes during the winter I'll go to the Souper Market on Carnegie, but usually when people in my department want food from somewhere else we just order it from Deliver Me Food.  I would like to patronize the places listed above, but I usually just don't have the time to make the trip...

 

Thanks clevdoc for that description; I had always wondered what services were available for that massive headcount.  I know priority 1 is and should be serving all the employees and visitors efficiently, but still does seem a bit of a shame the the Clinic should have so many retail services plus two hotels and still have such a banal street presence.

Western Reserve Historical Society marks turnaround with updates

Published: Monday, August 01, 2011, 11:59 AM    Updated: Monday, August 01, 2011, 3:02 PM

Margaret Bernstein, The Plain Dealer By Margaret Bernstein, The Plain Dealer

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum's cars and planes will vanish next month.

 

But this time, it won't be because of financial woes.

 

In fact, it's just the opposite. The Western Reserve Historical Society, which operates the Crawford museum, will place the vehicles in temporary storage so that it can embark on 10 months of renovations and improvements, financed mainly by a long-delayed $2.8 million grant from the state.

 

Historical society officials this week will announce a sweeping plan to update its University Circle facility and make it handicap accessible. New roofing, ceilings, insulation, electrical and sprinkler systems will be installed in the two lobbies and the Crawford museum, and the gift shop will be expanded. The Crawford museum will undergo a face-lift and two new grand staircases will create a more dramatic introduction to the collections downstairs.

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2011/08/western_reserve_historical_soc_5.html#incart_hbx

I have no idea how this project has flown under our radar.  The property sits on the University Circle/East Cleveland border.  Did anyone else know about this project??  I live within 100 yards of it, and had no idea.  Site prep was originally noted to the Uptown and Demolition thread.

 

Breakdown: Demolition is beginning to make room for a $270 million Advanced Energy Facility.

 

This will be a 5-10 year project, and will be built in two phases:

 

- Phase I includes installation of an electrical substation and a 10,500 ft2, two-story administration/services building that will include offices, conference room and training area. MCCo has committed $17 million-$22 million for Phase I of the AEF. Completion of the Phase I work will result in the retention of 30 jobs. MCCo’s letter of commitment for Phase I activities is included in this CORF application.

 

- Phase II involves designing, permitting and constructing a boiler plant at the new AEF. MCCo will invest approximately $255 million for the Phase II work. The new boiler plant building will have a footprint of approximately 46,000 ft2 with an anticipated height of approximately 150 feet. In addition to the main boiler plant building, the plant will include a turbine building; fuel, ash and lime silos; cooling towers; and air pollution control equipment. MCCo anticipates that completion of the new boiler plant in connection with the Phase II work will result in the creation of 10 to 30 jobs.

 

http://development.cuyahogacounty.us/pdf_development/en-US/CuyahogaCountyCORFNotice_1.pdf

 

Interesting.  MCCo is the non profit power provider for Case and UH and maybe some of the other UC institutions, and they've been catching hell for still burning coal.  I think they promised a new strategic plan at one of their recent permit renewals and maybe this is the outcome of that plan.

I assume this is the lot on the north side of Euclid between the RR tracks and the Free Clinic?

^The site is the big warehouse thing just east of the Free Clinic, between Euclid and the RR Tracks...which is maybe what you meant.