Thanks.  Well at least Cedarlands is [presumably] a healthy alternative to the other junk.  I hope there's plenty of room for this type of stuff [the off-site stuff], with street presence, as the Clinic evolves- the guesthouse is slated to come down someday, no?

Hopefully the planning commission does and puts a stop to this BS.

 

City Planning approved it "with commendations."

 

This week's University Circle Design Review District agenda has been posted: http://www.universitycircle.org/content/design_review_district.asp

On this week's agenda:

UCDD 08-002 – Cleveland Clinic Foundation – Demolition of the Carnegie Medical Building (former Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine)

10501-10523 Carnegie Avenue

Demolition of the 1930 eight-story stone & steel building that was occupied by the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine until 2007. The now vacant site will be converted to surface parking.

Brian Smith – Cleveland Clinic Foundation

David Krymowski – Cleveland Clinic Foundation

Carmine Russo – Cawrse & Associates, Inc.

I'm not liking this....

Oengus please stop making excuses for poor work. Functionality / Design / Good Urban Planning and connectivity do not have to be mutually exclusive.

 

^ the thought of another building coming down for a parking lot makes me throw up in my mouth a bit. Sometimes I wonder if these hospitals will ever "get it".

"UCDD 08-002 – Cleveland Clinic Foundation – Demolition of the Carnegie Medical Building (former Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine)

10501-10523 Carnegie Avenue

 

Demolition of the 1930 eight-story stone & steel building that was occupied by the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine until 2007. The now vacant site will be converted to surface parking.

Brian Smith – Cleveland Clinic Foundation

David Krymowski – Cleveland Clinic Foundation

Carmine Russo – Cawrse & Associates, Inc."

 

Three idiots in a row - here's what they want to demo, folks - for surface parking:

 

And to the right of that vantage point:

 

And to the right of that:

 

Toby can take his supposed interest in Greater Cleveland's aesthetics and cram them up his aorta for all I care.

[glow=red,2,300]

[size=20pt]HOW MUCH PARKING DOES THE CLINIC NEED?[/size]

[/glow]

Oh dear god, this is seriously bad.  Why don't they just park people on that enormous POS front lawn surrounding Cole?

I think someone needs to be shot for even thinking of tearing this building down. Let's see if the city has the balls to stand up to the Cleveland Clinic.

 

Hopefully the planning commission does and puts a stop to this BS.

 

City Planning approved it "with commendations."

 

Then what's the point of having a planning commission?

The Cleveland Clinic never ceases to amaze me.  They can't take one step forward without taking two steps back. 

OKAY THIS IS GETTING RIDICULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OKAY THIS IS GETTING RIDICULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Getting?  humph!

I added a few photos of the area in general - just to give it perspective. I have to agree - if the Planning Commission approves suburbanized setbacked garbage like the UH heart center AND the demo of this building, they're even more worthless than I thought and waste of my tax dollars.

I added a few photos of the area in general - just to give it perspective. I have to agree - if the Planning Commission approves suburbanized setbacked garbage like the UH heart center AND the demo of this building, they're even more worthless than I thought and waste of my tax dollars.

 

Thanks MayDay.  thats why i asked, how much parking do they "really" need especially when they are building a massive garage. 

 

His aorta isn't where I'd like to cram this idea!

That really is terrible. I can't believe they'd want to demolish that building .. it's such a gem. I'm really hoping, along with everyone else here, that this building is saved.

 

On another note, I happen to really like the UH design. I do agree that the whole setback thing is terrible, but I really love the building design itself.

I'm sure that building is standing in the way of some massive building the clinic wants to put up in 5-10-20 years.  They're just getting all their parking lots stacked up in a row.  I hope to God they don't demo that building though.

Is there a list of people we need to contact to stop this?  And is there are reason the Clinic wants to raise the building?

That building is gorgeous.....I have almost gotten in several accidents at Cedar/Carnegie and MLK while staring at it.  It better not come down.

Maybe it should BK .. for your own personal safety? :)

Contact:

 

CLEVELAND CITY PLANNING COMMISSION

Robert N. Brown, Director

601 Lakeside Ave.

City Hall Room 501

Cleveland, Ohio 44114

 

And....

 

Cleveland City Council's Planning Committee

 

Chair:

Joe Cimperman

Vice Chair:

Jay Westbrook

 

Members: Kevin Conwell

Martin J. Keane

Fannie M. Lewis

Zachary Reed

Matthew Zone

 

Contact the individual council members via phone, regular mail or e-mail listed at:

http://www.clevelandcitycouncil.org/Home/CouncilMembers/tabid/59/Default.aspx

Please note that council members receive a significant volume of e-mail and may easily miss your message. It's best to call their aide at their City Hall office AND e-mail them. Please leave a short message. Ask them:

 

"Please oppose the Cleveland Clinic's proposed demolition of the historic and beautiful Carnegie Medical Building (former Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine) at East 105th Street and Carnegie Avenue (10515 Carnegie Ave.). The fact that this historic building would be demolished for a parking lot is (pick your word, but no swearing please!). I'm also asking that this building be placed on the National Register of Historic Places so that it is protected from demolition in the future."

 

 

For additional information (and photos/architectural details) see:

http://www.ocpm.edu/newsletters/summer2005.pdf

 

While some would look at the 75-year-old Carnegie Medical Building as a deteriorating eyesore, there are those who think the eight-story structure at the corner of E. 105th and Carnegie Avenue is a true architectural treasure. Evelyn Theiss is one of those individuals.

 

Home to OCPM since 1976, the building and its aesthetic exterior features were recently chronicled by Theiss in Cleveland’s Plain Dealer as one of the city’s “Deco Dozen.” According to the writer’s research and observances, “Originally the Carnegie Medical Building, this building is covered in sandstone with metal trim at the windows; convex fluting is a Deco feature, as are the sun-ray motifs found on the trim and the original light fixtures.”

 

“While Cleveland doesn’t have a building as spectacular as New York’s Chrysler Building,” Theiss, a former fashion editor-turned general assignment reporter, wrote in her article appearing in the newspaper’s Arts & Life section on July 28, “Many people know that “Deco” is exemplified in such places as the sculptural pylons on the Lorain-Carnegie (Hope Memorial) Bridge and the interior of Severance Hall.”

 

“But those avid about the genre also speak of Cleveland’s hidden Art Deco architectural treasures – from an old telephone exchange building on East 55th Street to a union building on Payne Avenue to a former Catholic Slovak organization headquarters near Broadway.”

 

And, of course, the Carnegie Medical Building, designed and built in 1930 by the Austin Company, which, founded in Cleveland in 1878, has grown to become one of the leading firms in the building industry with offices in major cities throughout the United States and in London.

 

According to Theiss, “the style we now call Art Deco was variously referred to as Modernistic, Moderne, American Perpendicular and Skyscraper Gothic.”

 

“Interestingly,” she wrote, “the term was not really used until the 1960s when newspapers including the Times of London described it as the style of architecture and design that came out of the 1920s, particularly the Paris Exhibition of 1925. It was the L’Exposition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs et Industriels Modernes that brought the new style to the world’s attention.”

 

In a telephone interview with Theiss conducted by Ashley Crim, contributing editor and secretary, Continuing Speaking specifically about the Carnegie Medical Building, Theiss said she studied the outside of the building and “found it was still true to its beginning,” meaning that its exterior had remained virtually unchanged through the years. Theiss said she was impressed by the “detail” of the building; “liked the metal work on the trim, the symbols, the recessed windows and the vertical lines.”

That building is gorgeous.....I have almost gotten in several accidents at Cedar/Carnegie and MLK while staring at it.  It better not come down.

 

I think you're thinking of the building at Stokes/Carnegie.  This one is another block west and on the opposite side of Carnegie.  (Or at least I think you are thinking of the wrong building based on your description of where you almost get into an accident.)  I only know this because the building at Stokes and Carnegie catches my eye every time I drive by there.  It really is a gem.

 

This building is nice, too, but I'm pretty sure you're talking about the other.

I guess when you're effectively the economic engine of the city you can do whatever the hell you want, and the cleveland planing comission will look the other way.

Well I just left a message at all offices of all of the councilpeople listed...I hope they won't mind hearing the opinions of a former suburbanite currently residing in Washington D.C.! 

 

I've often driven by this building and been struck by its design; it truly is a wonderful piece of Deco design and, as it's looked a little forlorn lately, I've hoped that reuse would come to it soon, especially adding some street-level presence.

Thanks for links (and script) KJP.  I've contacted all listed.

The Cleveland Clinic is an urban cancer.  That's all there is to it.  When they want to build new buildings they inexplicably create a one block moat of surface parking in either direction.  So much for integrating yourself with the adjacent neighborhood Toby.

Yeah. It's so unfortunate, though, because they are such a key element to Cleveland's economy right now. I hope the city steps up its efforts to keep the Clinic in check with this type of stuff.

I received this prompt response from Bob Brown:

 

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.  I will share them with the City Planning Commission at its meeting at 9 a.m. this Friday (Room 514 City Hall).  If you are able to come to the meeting, you are welcome to do so.  The City Planning Commission has disapproved the demolition of many buildings in Cleveland in the interest of preservation of our architectural heritage and our urban fabric.  The Commission treats each such proposal on a case-by-case basis, considering the significance of the building, its condition, its re-use potential, and the significance of any proposed replacement use.  The Cleveland Clinic has prepared a presentation that addresses these issues.  It will be the responsibility of the Planning Commission to judge the merits and weigh the pro’s and the con’s of the issue.

 

If you do attend the meeting, please let me know that you are in the room, so I can be sure that you have a chance to speak.  Thanks again.  We truly appreciate hearing from people who care about the cases that come before the City Planning Commission.

 

 

Robert N. Brown, Director

Cleveland City Planning Commission

[email protected]

Tel: 216-664-3467  Fax: 216-664-3281

Web Site:  http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us

The Commission treats each such proposal on a case-by-case basis, considering the significance of the building, its condition, its re-use potential, and the significance of any proposed replacement use.

 

Should be an easy victory for UO then! :)

Awesome .. you going, Frqnt?

I'm a little confused- is this demo coming before the Planning Commission this week?  It's not on the "draft" agenda (http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/designreview/drcagenda/2008/011808.html).  The agenda referred to upthread was for UC design review.  Don't get me wrong, I think everyone should be calling everyone, but I want to make sure we're covering all the bases.

 

Neither the UCI Website nor the City Planning Commission website was very helpful on this count: anyone know who is on the UC design review committee?  Map Boy?

Wow, sweet irony: quote from Toby Cosgrove in today's PD:

 

"Any time you build a facility, you're saying something about who you are, and that needs to be a very thoughtful message..." 

 

(see http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,13715.msg251953.html#new for whole story)

Here's an argument that hasn't been raised. I hope some of you can raise it (I cannot, given my employment).....

 

_______________________

 

Cleveland is striving to be a sustainable city, in which there are clear economic and quality of life benefits to be gained by reducing the ecological footprints of each of Cleveland's residents.

 

The city's major employers have a major role to play by setting examples for the rest of us to follow. Cleveland Clinic did that recently by announcing that it would not hire anyone who is a tobacco user and smoker -- a very laudable initiative to encourage healthier practices by citizens and cleaner air.

 

Yet the region's largest employer should extend such leadership to transportation and land use issues. Both have a major impact on the region's ecological and economic well-being. The Cleveland Clinic's message can start by withdrawing its request to demolish the Carnegie Medical Building, 10515 Carnegie Ave., for a surface parking lot.

 

When the Cleveland Clinic announced it wouldn't hire smokers, it should have complemented that by urging less air pollution by cars. That can be accomplished by encouraging development of more housing options near the Cleveland Clinic, and in settings that promote healthy transportation options including walking, biking and transit.

 

This will also reduce the region's air quality problems -- the EPA has declared Cuyahoga County in noncompliance with its clean air standards. Two-thirds of all ozone precursors are produced by vehicles, and nearly 60 percent of those polluters are private automobiles. Not only are vehicular emissions blamed for global warming, they are a known cause of respiratory problems including asthma and even lung cancer.

 

The eight-story Carnegie Medical Building would make a terrific adaptive reuse as housing for Cleveland Clinic, much like the Art Deco Fenn Tower did for Cleveland State University. Such mixed-use projects, in close proximity to the region's employers, retailers, entertainment and services, can reduce the need for driving and parking. Fewer parking areas create energetic, walkable areas that are attractive to young professionals who have been leaving Northeast Ohio for cities on the East Coast, Chicago and West Coast which offer such dynamic, diverse, intimate and ecologically friendly neighborhoods.

 

Demolishing an Art Deco masterpiece for a parking lot is not consistent with meeting the challenges of the region, nor with the health-oriented mission of the Cleveland Clinic. In fact, there is every reason for the Cleveland Clinic to seek historic preservation status of the 77-year-old Carnegie Medical Building. It was designed and built by the Austin Company, which was founded in Cleveland in 1878. The Austin Company grew to become one of the leading firms in the building industry with offices in major cities throughout the United States and in London.

 

It is extremely important to protect a remarkable architectural example of the prestigious Austin Company's work, especially in the firm's hometown. Indeed, that is often a prerequisite for adding such a building to the National Historic Register. The Cleveland Planning Commission should do so at its earliest convenience.

 

However, the first order of business for the commission is to save the Carnegie Medical Building by rejecting the Cleveland Clinic's petition for demolition. There are options to enabling this architectural casualty, ones that offer more healthy lifestyles for the region, the city, the Cleveland Clinic, its neighbors and its employees. There's no better time to send that healthy message than right now and with this petition.

^yeah, and aren't the laws in favor of non-profits directly funding residential development?

"Neither the UCI Website nor the City Planning Commission website was very helpful on this count: anyone know who is on the UC design review committee?  Map Boy?"

 

It does indeed show it on the UCDD site for Thursday.  I didnt initally think that U.Circle had jurisdiction over this part of the Clinic but the line goes to 105th.  UCDD would be the first layer, they would still have to go through the City of Cleveland Design Review.

 

"UCDD must review, offer feedback and sign off on the proposal before it can advance through city's design review process and receive any building permits it needs".

 

I couldnt find the names of who is on the UCDD but I do know someone pretty well that is on it.  I just left them a voicemail, although Im afraid to say on here (an ex of mine) and simply a homeowner that is involved with things, I will try to get a list of who else is on the Committee.  I know for sure that he would not allow this to happen, and always puts in a good fight.  I just dont see them allowing this to happen, especially for another f%cking parking lot.     

 

I couldnt find the names of who is on the UCDD ...

 

Sorry, I wasn't clear- that's what I was complaining about not being on the UCI or City website.  It probably should be.

 

I've since figured out who some of the folks are too so I can lobby a little.

I wouldn't call the Clinic an "urban cancer".  Despite some of their decisions to set back buildings and create lawns along Euclid and Carnegie, they remained in the heart of the city and have spurred much development and will probably continue to spur even more development for years to come.  Let's not forget their attempt to spread the CC brand throughout out the world. 

 

We have to hope and push for the subsequent developments to help negate some of the Clinics urban planning moves.

I thought maybe that after I posted.  Yeah its kinda weird that they wouldnt have the names anywhere, but they do have the time and location listed though...  Im not really clear, but does that mean they are open to the public...  I dont really recall this being the case though.. 

Ill continue to try to find stuff out.

^I believe they are open to the public, but I too remember there being some controversy in the past about transparency and access.  Not sure if the process has changed, or is the past issues were regarding the Architectural Review Board (as opposed to Design Review) which I understand to have a more specific and less public role.

When I say urban cancer, I mean in the way they are designing and planning their campuses.  The new jobs are obviously extremely important to the city, but why not also become a good neighbor at the same time?

^I'd say cancer is kind of apt in an architectural sense- it keeps growing and destroying everything in its path.

They are open to the public - I have attended a few of them, and they haven't kicked me out, yet!

I'm not crazy about the UH design; similar to my reaction to CC's "campus", but lets be real: they're hospitals.  Not the kind of touch-feely institutions that people casually (or want to) interact with.  I know Thomas Jefferson, right in the heart of Center City Philly is similar, although it is set close to the curb -- it's tight, Colonial Philly, after all.  But even then, Jeff was kind an island unto itself even though Jeff is both a free-standing medical school as well as a hospital.

 

The constant challenge University Circle is how much of the prime residential/commercial land will UH gobble up.  It's already gobbled up a lot, with some classic houses and apt complexes that have been torn down in the wake of UH research centers and -- ugh -- UH parking garages.  CC has vast areas of waste land to grow on but UH's tight confinement is going to create tension with preservationists and those of us who crave a harmonizing walkable nabe. 

 

The constant challenge University Circle is how much of the prime residential/commercial land will UH gobble up.  It's already gobbled up a lot, with some classic houses and apt complexes that have been torn down in the wake of UH research centers and -- ugh -- UH parking garages.  CC has vast areas of waste land to grow on but UH's tight confinement is going to create tension with preservationists and those of us who crave a harmonizing walkable nabe. 

 

 

I'm sure the residents of Fairfax beg to differ.

He may have been referring to their surface lots.

 

I'm sure the residents of Fairfax beg to differ.

 

I guess you can consider that area Fairfax although I've tended to think of Fairfax as the intact residential area south of Cedar.  But whatever.  Fact is, though, much of the area where CC est'd its footprint was abandonned commercial buildings and apts, many of which CC steadily purchased over time.  Let's just say, then, CC's area was not the tightly-configured, higher population area like where UH is -- surrounded by Case, Little Italy and the smaller but stable UC res area to the east to Mayfield Rd.

They are open to the public - I have attended a few of them, and they haven't kicked me out, yet!

 

JeffreyT is correct.  They are open to the public.

 

In regard to the role of the UCDD, it is a local design review committee that supplants the Citywide Design Review, which is also held on Thursdays.  Several neighborhoods have local review and their meeting times are listed here: http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/designreview/brd.html.  These committees do not replace the City Planning Commision's review, however.  And they are only advisory to the CPC.  So, theoretically, the UCDD could vote to disapprove the demolition and the CPC could still approve it.

 

Strap, the CPC agenda you linked to was from the last session (Jan. 17/18).  The new agenda does not appear to be up yet.

 

Is anybody able to go to this meeting?

 

Even though the decision could possibly be overridden by the city, it would send the right message. 

^^Ahh thanks- didn't notice the date on top of the agenda page (duh).  Reminds me that I need to ask how things went for the Dollar Bank demo.  Not sure when the city will decide it's ready to post the agenda for this week's DR and CPC meetings.

 

I think we're all set on the role of the UCDD, just griping that UCI doesn't include on its website the committee roster.  But all figured out now and lobbying underway...

^they usually post the agendas on the Wednesday before the meeting. This week's agenda has been posted and its pretty short.

^Wow, it's like magic- I just refreshed the CPC agenda page and it appeared. 

 

Is anybody able to go to this meeting?

 

Even though the decision could possibly be overridden by the city, it would send the right message. 

 

So the next meeting of the University Circle Design District won't be until 8 a.m. Feb. 7? Is that the one held at Church of the Covenant, 11205 Euclid Ave.?