that is typical of the places Ive seen in Chicago. A lot of these places have a bedroom wall that does not go all the way to the ceiling, so it lets light in the bedroom.

 

I wouldn't mind it if this were a starter apartment, but I wouldn't want to live in a windowless bedroom for a long period of time. I'd like to be able to open my bedroom window and get some fresh air. On the otherhand, it might be a nice way to shelter your sleep from any outside noise.

that is typical of the places Ive seen in Chicago.  A lot of these places have a bedroom wall that does not go all the way to the ceiling, so it lets light in the bedroom. 

 

I wouldn't mind it if this were a starter apartment, but I wouldn't want to live in a windowless bedroom for a long period of time. I'd like to be able to open my bedroom window and get some fresh air. On the otherhand, it might be a nice way to shelter your sleep from any outside noise.

 

By outside noise do you mean the gunshots that ring out every night on our wartorn downtown streets??  :shoot:  Kidding of course.

 

I think id actually prefer sleeping in a windowless bedroom though, especially mornings when i want to get a good sleep in and wouldnt want the sun coming in and waking me up. There is always the living room windows for fresh air (any idea on if these will open).

By outside noise do you mean the gunshots that ring out every night on our wartorn downtown streets?? :shoot: Kidding of course.

 

I'm more referring to the annoying screaming drunk 22 yr old girls and the annoying ex-frat guys blah blah blah..

 

Well, I'm in my home in bucolic Ohio City for the next few decades, so I'm not the target audience.

 

I'm more referring to the annoying screaming drunk 22 yr old girls and the annoying ex-frat guys blah blah blah..

 

 

I know what you mean by that, but buying an apartment downtown, or anywhere near bars/high traffic areas, you know what your getting yourself into with the noise, especially with proximity to east 4th with 668. You wouldnt move into a home near the airport and then complain about the airplane noise overhead.

I know what you mean by that, but buying an apartment downtown, or anywhere near bars/high traffic areas, you know what your getting yourself into with the noise, especially with proximity to east 4th with 668. You wouldnt move into a home near the airport and then complain about the airplane noise overhead.

 

You shouldn't.  But you also would probably take steps to lessen that noise if you could.

I'm more referring to the annoying screaming drunk 22 yr old girls...

 

hmm...I'll be right over :lol:

 

the flyer is very cool. this is going to look good!

 

q: looks like they are going the traditional apt route here - that is, no live/work allowed? is that right?

 

 

I've lived in an apartment with a windowless bedroom, and let me tell you it does have its pluses and minuses.  You are able to be completely isolated from the outside world, but then again, you are completely isolated from the outside world.  It's hard to understand until you've experienced it, but it is surprisingly disorienting to sleep in a room entirely cut-off from natural light.  As dramatic as it may seem, if I was in the market for an apartment downtown right now, it could be a deal-breaker for me. 

 

But all of the other amenities of 668 are certainly compelling, so I certainly hope (and believe) it will be a huge success.

The floor plans seem like pretty standard apartment floorplans in adapted buildings. Nice and roomy though. Most apartments like that have partial walls or transom windows in the top couple of feet of the bedroom walls. I know that the ones in the Bridgeview building along W 9th have the windows.

 

My wife would love a windowless bedroom, preferably underground, maybe a cave? She strives to block out any incoming light when she is sleeping, infact she'll complain that the screen on my ipod is too bright once the lights are out.

I think all in all, a windowless bedroom would be nice Downtown.  I know we're "all supposed to have known what we were getting into", but even I hadn't realized how many *ssholes would feel the need to show everyone how loud there motorcycle could rev at 3:00 AM or how loud their stereo system would be.  Not to mention the screaming drunk 22 yr olds (though I think middle age people are actually worse).

^the motorcycles are the worst. I can see and hear the shoreway from my bedroom. After the bars let out on the weekends, it can get loud. Those p*ss me off more than anything.

^the motorcycles are the worst. I can see and hear the shoreway from my bedroom. After the bars let out on the weekends, it can get loud. Those p*ss me off more than anything.

I think all in all, a windowless bedroom would be nice Downtown.  I know we're "all supposed to have known what we were getting into", but even I hadn't realized how many *ssholes would feel the need to show everyone how loud there motorcycle could rev at 3:00 AM or how loud their stereo system would be.  Not to mention the screaming drunk 22 yr olds (though I think middle age people are actually worse).

 

Althought that is not as bad as hearing "ding, ding, ding", repeated twice in 3 minute intervals, followed by a "toot, toot, toot" when you want to sleep late.  :whip: :whip: 

A bitch needs his beauty sleep!

 

Note:  from November to March it's even worse, since there are no leaves on trees to filter the sound.

 

 

Well the important part about this is too keep in mind as already mentioned... this is the norm for adaptive reuse projects.  The size of the building dictates this be the layout (the massive amount of interior space that needs to be used).  To include more windows would be to create gargantuan sized apartments that wouldn't hit pricepoints necessary to be competitive in the marketplace.  The exceptions of course will be the corner units... and the units on the second  floor on the easter side which will have the walk out patios.  Most buildings downtown are layed out like this.

 

In other 668 news, I am very disapointed to learn that there will be no way to incorporate the colonial arcade into the "plaza" area.  Directly behind the little "build out" that used to house the continental ticket office, is the service ramp for the colonial arcade (it is open to the sky above).  K&D tried to buy the rights to this area so they could build over it, which would have created the possibility of new storefronts on that side of the arcade... well they couldn't reach a deal.  So that service ramp will remain open and they will simply put a fence up, essentially cutting off the "plaza" from the arcade alltogether.  Perhaps even worse... the "ramp" to the garage is some 20+ feet wide.  And because they need to make sure there is a large enough turning radius to get in and out of the garage, it can't even be close to 668 but it will be located basically in the middle of the "plaza".  I love this project, but this "plaza" is a disaster.  Really all it is, is a private patio for the cafe restaurant that will be housed in the atrium section of the building towards the rear of this space.  They will still call it a public space though, since technically you will be able to cut through the doors here on to prospect.  Such an incredible shame.  No idea what the plans are for what's left of that old continental space sticking out of the arcade.

Ah, the solution is quite simple. Use an air filter or fan on high power to eliminate the noise. I can not sleep without one. When I lived in Lakewood, there was a bus station, a church, and a main school crossing with guard all outside my window and it got loud in the morning. So I got a device that eliminates all noise. I've stayed in the Arcade and my window faced E. 4th St. from about the 4th floor. 3 AM might not be a busy street, but the few who are still out can be very loud and drunk.

Ah, the solution is quite simple. Use an air filter or fan on high power to eliminate the noise.

 

That'll block out most crowd noise alright.  But it would have to be a very powerful fan indeed to block out the idiots who yell, rev their engines, or bump their stereo.  The real best answer would be to install new sound insulated windows, which if they are smart, the ones on 668 will be.  Barring that, a windowless bedroom makes alot of sense.

Does anyone know if part of 668 will open while construction is still progressing? It looks like the Prospect side is further along and the Euclid side looks a long way off.

I have a windowless bedroom.  I am really indifferent towards it, although I do enjoy it being darker in my room at night.  Natural light in your bedroom would be nice....but for for show than practicality.  How often are your blinds drawn in your bedroom?

 

While I have enjoyed sleeping with windows cracked in past bedrooms, I am not sure that would be applicable downtown anyway and you can a fan replicate the cool air circulation.

Does anyone know if part of 668 will open while construction is still progressing? It looks like the Prospect side is further along and the Euclid side looks a long way off.

 

you are correct.  The prospect side is slated to open in august... I believe the Euclid side is scheduled for before the first of the year.  The prospect side units are painted already.

Does anyone know if part of 668 will open while construction is still progressing? It looks like the Prospect side is further along and the Euclid side looks a long way off.

 

you are correct. The prospect side is slated to open in august... I believe the Euclid side is scheduled for before the first of the year. The prospect side units are painted already.

 

Ah.  I thought August was a bit ambitious by the looks of the Euclid side.  I'm assuming they'll at least have the facade on Euclid finished by then (or the windows in place at least)?

well here on the street, where some of us could give a crap about the latest baesless forbes article which has some people in a tizzy... we take a look at one of the many projects going on that is currently helping to transform our city into a better place to be.

 

1.  Facade restoration is very much underway.  You can see where they have been cutting out damaged areas to be replaced with new terra cotta.  I wish they could have replaced entire pieces instead of patching, but I'm guessing that would have blown the budget out of the water... once it's cleaned up I'm guessing only crazy people like me will notice.

 

2.  There is a LOT of work to do on this facade.

 

3.  The prospect avenue facade is moving along at a pretty rapid pace.  2 stories down, 2 to go.

 

4.  Take a look in this window... you'll see blinds and a couch.  Ladies and Gentleman... here is your 668 Euclid Avenue model apartment.  Along those lines, you can see in every window installed on this side of the building that units are already painted, so they are pretty far along.

Thanks Mayor.

 

I love the "beat the Hawks" scrool on the bus!  he he he he

I gotta say I'm stunned at how quickly this is progressing.  Nice shots.  :clap:

I love the "beat the Hawks" scrool on the bus!  he he he he

 

Haha absolutely agree, the best.

WOW, this building is really moving along quickly!  Great shots mayor!

My only complaint is the vertical blinds.  Those things make me gag.  Otherwise, things look great!

My only complaint is the vertical blinds.  Those things make me gag.  Otherwise, things look great!

I was thinking the same thing.  However, since it's the model apartment I will let it slide, but the designer should be called out.

those ARE brutal.

vertical blinds:  I wondered why I keep seeing those in almost all the new cleveland residential projects. They are horrible.

If these places flip to condo, who wants to bet that the first thing every owner does is rip out the vertical blinds.

vertical blinds:  I wondered why I keep seeing those in almost all the new cleveland residential projects. They are horrible.

because they are cheap and some people don't have any style.  Most people see something and just go with.  Example.  Outfits on a mannequin.  You see it all dressed up so 8/10 times, that's what people with no style/taste will buy.

I think many of us here seriously doubt K&D's taste level... but you gotta love that they actually get stuff done.

 

Thanks, McC for the always appreciated photo updates.  I stayed at the HI Express across the street a couple weekends ago and have been meaning to post some photos of this project from above.

I think many of us here seriously doubt K&D's taste level... but you gotta love that they actually get stuff done.

 

Thanks, McC for the always appreciated photo updates.  I stayed at the HI Express across the street a couple weekends ago and have been meaning to post some photos of this project from above.

 

Well git to postin'!

I wonder if the name should be changed to "The Residences at 668"?

 

The website has been updated and the list RTA access!! :clap:

 

www.668euclidave.com

 

They appears there is an ongoing contest, with the grand prize of winning an apartment!

 

Here's hoping someone on UO wins!!

www.cleveland.com/contests/ilovedowntown/

 

Not sure why they didn't just name it Taylor Apartments or something related to its former use.  At least it isn't City Place or whatever Gospel Press is called in Tremont.

I don't understand developer's fascination with finding the most generic name possible for their developments.

I don't understand developer's fascination with finding the most generic name possible for their developments.

 

Could it be the google effect? What will come up more often--tremont lofts or gospel press lofts? I understand their choice, but I hate that we end up with some very generic names.

I don't understand developer's fascination with finding the most generic name possible for their developments.

 

Could it be the google effect? What will come up more often--tremont lofts or gospel press lofts? I understand their choice, but I hate that we end up with some very generic names.

 

I dont find it generic at all. I'm not in real estate, but I suspect "location" and "address" go hand-in-hand when selecting a name.

 

Nor is this something that is Cleveland specific.

yeah, "the residences at..." is pretty bland -- but nice on the website!

 

So what the h is going on with the Euclid Avenue facade???  Scaffolding has encompassed the facade for many months, and drivers have been greatly inconvenienced for months and months with a lane - on this already not-too-wide main commercial street - cut off entirely.  I see absolutely nothing new except for that one "model" window, so is it a matter of workmen gradually removing any broken or chipped terra cotta that is to be replaced, with nothing added yet?  What exactly is the new material to be?  I can hardly believe it is true, authentic terracotta, such as was used ca. 1910.

When is the facade supposed to be basically finished?  I know the Prospect side is charging ahead, but how about the main side - Euclid? :oops:

Well, I guess you can't please everyone

They work on the Euclid Avenue facade everyday.  They have been cutting away and removing damaged pieces.  They appear to be all the way up to the top floor now.  Patience.

Somehow the Prospect side facade made a piece on ESPN a couple weeks ago talking about LeBron James and the cleveland economy. The picture of the facade was shown when the reporter said something along the lines of "Cleveland and its poor economy and crumbling housing market". Granted the side of the building did look like sh*t but had they done any research they would have been aware of the project going on and what it is going to do for that part of the city. 

^That's the same piece in which the reporter (Jeremy Schapp) talked about the "postage stamp size downtown Cleveland" as if it was a nuclear waste land and kept insisting that Lebron James was the only person that could save the city.  Stick to sports ESPN... leave the social commentary to the informed.

 

Back to topic.  I think they're taking their time on the Euclid facade because that is where they hoist material and concrete into the building.  Why finish the facade if you could damage it while bringing material into the building?

Somehow the Prospect side facade made a piece on ESPN a couple weeks ago talking about LeBron James and the cleveland economy. The picture of the facade was shown when the reporter said something along the lines of "Cleveland and its poor economy and crumbling housing market". Granted the side of the building did look like sh*t but had they done any research they would have been aware of the project going on and what it is going to do for that part of the city. 

 

...espn LOVES beating that dead horse. Isn't that why LBJ is leaving in 2010

The 2 story fitness center is probably the Fitworks in the arcade right next door.

 

The 2 story fitness center IS NOT Fitworks.  It will be a 23,000 sq/ft, state of the art facility with plenty of equipment to satisfy all fitness enthusiasts. 

Do we have interior renderings?  Roof top decks? 

Doug Price spoke this evening at the Downtown Cleveland Alliance advisory committee meeting.  He said the Prospect side should be ready August 15 and the Euclid side will be ready on November 1.  Everything will be done March 2010. 

 

The Euclid side was delayed due to government intervention with the terra cotta.  Not sure what that means...  But he said they just got approval on it yesterday.

 

There's 80 people that are on a waiting list to get tours of the units. 

 

There will be a two story, 20,000 square foot fitness center on the Prospect side. (as someone else said, it's not Fitworks)

 

There will be a 4,000 square foot convenience store.

 

The restaurant in the building will be Zig, a high end, French-American restaurant with an outdoor patio and bar.  There will also be indoor seating in the atrium along with indoor entertainment there when the weather is bad. 

 

He said the building will also have cool lighting and that they're working on the design for signage now.

 

Speaking of the indoor atrium...  Does anyone have pictures of what it used to look like in there?  Is that building completely open to the ceiling inside?

 

www.jeremyborger.com

www.twitter.com/jborger

www.examiner.com/x-6824-Downtown-Cleveland-Examiner

Good to hear about the lighting, as well as the outdoor patio and bar (but where exactly will it be?)

The convenience store will be awesome, assuming it's open to at least 9. I'm pleasantly surprised by the restaurant choice, I was expecting another casual sports bar kind of place.

While I don't have photos of the indoor atrium, it did go all the way up to the roof. Each floor had a hallway with one half of it as a balcony overlooking a fairly busy food court on the ground floor. You accessed the elevators at the food court. When I was in there to attend NOACA meetings in the late 1980s, I thought that atrium was a pretty cool space even though it had been modernized.