I'm more OK with the result of the demo than I thought I would be.  It exposed all kinds of new (old) windows to the street.  The surroundings of the new gap are cool architecturally, and previously invisible.  It looks like it's wide enough for significant action besides the ramp.  The positioning along Euclid is terrible, but if they do it right we could end up with a nice little space there.  Filling in the parking lot next door would do more to improve the street wall effect than Dollar Bank ever could, it has twice the frontage.  And that Dollar Bank building never did fit there style-wise.   

^ I agree, though I still feel that particular demolition was unneccessary as there was plenty of parking for this project, and other ways to access that lower level.

 

Regarding K&D, I am interested to see how these units turn out.  I give them a pass on Reserve Square.  That place was a mess, and the units absolutely awful when they took it over, they've done a lot of work on that building and a pretty nice job renovating that place into somewhere people might actually want to live.  Previously it reminded me of some drab communist block type property.  I think anyone who has been in the old units can attest to that.  And I'm sure the bed bug problem existed long before they came on board, and once they are there it can be a real b*tch to irradicate.  They have caught a lot of flack for use of cheap building materials and insullation at stonebridge.  Being called out publicly is never fun.  So like I said it will be interesting to see how these units turn out.

looks like sheetrock and framing are going up on the inside.  Hopefully when it gets warm they can start working on the exterior, right now its not so pretty.

 

Also, the parking ramp spot may be wide enough for some real green space.  Provided they don't slap the ramp right down the middle.

Quick little update... when the apartments come on line late this summer, they plan on renting the prospect side places first.  When they are finished with that half they will be moving to the Euclid side.  Also I heard they plan on putting a replication of the 1920's facade of the prospect side (which I haven't seen), but basically it will be a historical recreation of what was there.

McCleveland (or anyone else), do you have a more definitive date on when the first units will be ready for move-in? Will be moving back to the Cleve in June and might be interested if it's July or August but probably not if it ends up being September or October. Thanks!

Well, the parade of drywall continues. They keep hauling it in by the ton-load every night around 5pm.

I believe they are targeting august.  I hear they are moving full steam ahead on the prospect half.  I saw them placing stone window sills on all the windows on the east side of the building yesterday.  I also noticed yesterday that they are in the process of fully removing the storefronts on the ground floor of the prospect side. I think we're going to see a lot of progress once the weather breaks.

Thanks! Tried to find it elsewhere in the thread and on K&D's site, but alas, nothing. Have they set up a leasing office yet?

I don't think so yet, but you can contact the K&D group, I'm sure they would have more information...  440.946.3600

 

If not, you may want to check out the places above corner alley.  They are just coming online and have lots of one bedrooms.

Thanks again!

I've got the "K & D" website here and don't see the apartments at 668.  Where are they listed?

 

http://www.thekdgroup.com/index.asp?jumpFrame=Home

I don't think they are yet.

It looks like the main interior space for Wyse is out for bid, and the due date for that bid is March 20, 2009.  I don't know when construction would begin or end, but at least something seems to be moving forward!  The description says "Scope of Work: 25,000 sq ft corportate headquarters located on the first floor." 

Hallelujah.  Did a walk past at lunch today.  They have actually begun constructing the new facade on the Prospect side.  white stone.  Simple and elegant.  I can't wait to see this take shape.  I think the next couple months are going to be a lot of fun watching this project.

Hallelujah.  Did a walk past at lunch today.  They have actually begun constructing the new facade on the Prospect side.  white stone.  Simple and elegant.  I can't wait to see this take shape.  I think the next couple months are going to be a lot of fun watching this project.

 

Pictures?

sorry.... one of these days I'll get around to buying the 4pin mini-usb cable for my camera and "unleash the beast"... in the meantime my laziness makes you suffer.

sorry.... one of these days I'll get around to buying the 4pin mini-usb cable for my camera and "unleash the beast"... in the meantime my laziness makes you suffer.

 

I think we need to elect a new UO Mayor! LOL  ;)

There is scafolding going up underneath the awning on the Euclid Side.  Looks like they are either replaceing or doing some rehab work to this finally.  I'm sure there has been a lot of work done on the inside during the cold months but it will be nice for the exteriors to get their much needed face lifts.

^They've been moving material into the building via cranes for 2 or 3 weeks now, so I'm sure there is some significant work being done inside.  They were also pumping concrete into the 7th or 8th floor yesterday.

The first window is installed on the second floor of the Prospect side, as well as more of the new facade... "It's starting to come together pepper... it's starting to come together."

Well it was a nice day so at lunch i took a little stroll and actually had my camera this time.

 

1.  Most of the windows that had been bricked over have been cut back out and stone sills have been added on the east side of the building.

2.  Scaffolding is quickly being erected on the Euclid front.  I have a feeling we are about to see a lot of facade work taking place...

3. You can see the work being done on the rear half of the prospect side of the building over looking the new "pocket park".  Although I have lamented the destruction of the dollar bank building for this under building car access, I am holding out hope against hope for this area.  It is just so large... I mean how much space can the ramp really take up?  This is a HUGE area, I think if done properly (i.e. not a cement plaza) this could still be a good public space.

4.  The first window has been installed on the Prospect Avenue side of the building and we are getting a feel for how the new facade might look. (sorry currently most of what they have done is being obscured by the construction platform so I didn't bother with a larger view.

5.  The new facade being installed.

I have faith in our Mayor once again!

WOW that new facade is going to make a huge difference on that building!  Can't wait to see the finished product.  Thanks Mayor!

Lots to study in those pics. Lookin' good! Thanks McMayor!

Sweet!  Keep the restoration coming!

These units, along with those in the McCrory Building next door (ie, apt. units over Corner Alley), will boost major, high-density housing in Gateway.  The transformation of this area from the bleak BRT construction of just over a year ago is stunning.  I hope 668's success, adding to that of nearby E.4th, can only convince the banks to loosen up credit for more similar housing in the future (ie, the planned tower on top of E. 515's parking structure).

It really is important to rehab the eyesore that was 668.  I have a hard time imagining any bigger developments happening in that stretch of Euclid if that facade was still in sh!t shape.  I just hope these bribery allegations that K&D might have to deal with don't affect this project.

One thing that does concern me though is what in the hell are they going to do with the 15 foot wide 1 story "building" that is attached to the Colonial Arcade.  It really does look horrible and I wonder why it wasn't demolished along with the Dollar Bank Building.

W28th, I completely agree.  I have said before that I think this is actually the single most important project happening downtown.  I mean this hulking structure has been terrorizing not one, not two, but three frontages for almost as long as I can remember.  This building had to be taken care of for the rest of the area to grow.  When Joe Suburbanite passes a surface parking lot, he doesn't have the vision nor the incling to think what should be in it's place, he just thinks it's a place to park.  When Joe Suburbanite passes a decaying vacant structure... he thinks downtown is "unsafe".  Rehabbing these structures helps change perception.  Regarding the "15 foot wide 1 story building"...  Here's what I know.  The colonial arcade is on the national and local register of historic places.  Technically this little offshoot is part of the building.  So any changes that are made to the arcade building including this little buildout (formerly a continental airlines travel center), need to be approved by the landmark commission.  Now when this whole process started landmarks was pretty adamant that they would allow no changes to the arcade. Absolutely none.  I believe (though this is just my own thought) this was done to discourage the demolition of the dollar bank building.  K&D wanted to open the side of the arcade with storefronts onto the plaza... and by telling them this would not be an option it may help dissuade the removal of the building.  Fast forwarding, now that the demolition permit has been issued and the dollar bank building razed, I think it is extremely important that the landmark commission rethink it's stance.  The little hut needs to be removed, and the they absolutely should entertain the idea of opening storefronts on the exterior side of the arcade.  It could really aid in turning this area into a useful pedestrian plaza and not just some concrete patio with a garage ramp.  Not to mention it would offer some of the most prime boutique real estate in the entire city, with store access from both inside the arcade and on the plaza side and a high density of people around it.

Re opening up the arcade, that would make that little area there 10x better.  I hope it happens.  Renovating the arcade along with 668, plus E 4th and May Company, would completely redo Euclid and Prospect, from 9th in, over the last 10 years.  We are making major progress.  There should be more national media looking at us as an example. 

10 years?  This entire section of Euclid looked like a war zone about 4 1/2 years ago.  Tough to get the National Media talking about things like this when the local media is still pretending it isn't happening.  :)

It is frustrating to see the local news media turn its back on what has been a wonderful transition for this portion of Euclid.  It will be nice to see the momentum jump across E. 9th, but that's getting off topic :) 

It is frustrating to see the local news media turn its back on what has been a wonderful transition for this portion of Euclid. It will be nice to see the momentum jump across E. 9th, but that's getting off topic :)

 

There is momentum accross E 9th for sure, dating back further than E 9 in.  Playhouse Sq's continued rebirth, the restoration of the buildings on the north side of Euclid just past 9th that McCleveland has been following.  Plus, there was a lot done with that strip in the early-mid 90's when the Gateway district was built up.

 

Without a doubt, 668 was the biggest eyesore from PS to CSU.  It's completion is going to do wonders for one of the greatest urban avenues in all of the USA.

I see someone here referred to the arcade proposal - for "upscale outlet" shops.  I was totally entranced by the luxury shopping Arcades in London in 2007 - e.g. Burlington and Picadilly.  Our two Colonial Marketplace arcades are in the same vein on a smaller scale, but I could easily picture true luxury shops in this setting.  "Outlet" is not exactly the real thing, but it's closer than what is there now, and as the spaces are so small no one has to necessarily invest all that much.  The food court does okay, though there are vacancies.  What a shame the Taylor Arcade was not retained!

More on target here: does anyone know what the new overhang is supposed to look like?  Wish it is in the spirit of the original Taylor's, as several of the Playhouse Square portes-cocheres are.

Any updates on construction?

 

I contacted K&D about the status/prices 3 weeks ago and they said they would send me info 1 week later. So it is due 2 weeks and there is still nothing.

I go by this everyday and it's coming along pretty well.  On the Prospect side the facade is moving along nicely and you can see that a good number of units have been dry walled and look almost ready to go.  The Euclid side is significantly farther behind, but they just recently put up scaffolding all the way up and have been pouring concrete on a pretty regular basis.  I actually talked to a concrete guy the other day and he said everything was moving along just fine.  They are also hoisting dry wall into the building on a daily basis. 

 

From what I can tell this project is moving along at a good pace.

I actually talked to a concrete guy the other day and he said everything was moving along just fine.

You should never trust a concrete guy :-P Just being kid, thanks for the update.

Some information is up at:

 

http://www.forrent.com/apartment-community-profile/1000057159.php

 

They have floor plans available for viewing as well as community info.  The name is also listed as "The Residences at Six Six Eight".

 

Besides the tiny one bedroom they have listed, the floor plans look fairly generous, so I wonder how much the rent is going to be.  They also have a "two story" fitness center listed as a feature which is a great bonus - hopefully it's a good size.  A lot of the fitness centers in downtown buildings are way too small for the size of the building and don't offer much equipment.

^^ great find!

 

Man I was hoping for some sort of grocery store instead of another restaurant (Was a restaurant already mentioned on here before?).  Two-story fitness center is a huge plus!

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

They'll be finished in August!  Woot!

The mail I received from them with the flyer attached:

 

Hello –

 

As promised attached is the temporary brochure of the new Residence at 668 Euclid Avenue in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. The brochure shows the studio, 1 and 2 bedroom floor plans that will be available in August 2009.

 

Along with prime location, each suite boasts unparalleled amenities; stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, maple finished custom cabinets, tile floors, walk-in closets and an in-suite full capacity washer & dryer.

 

On-site residents will enjoy an upscale restaurant and market, retail stores, a relaxing courtyard, a fitness center, business center, attached covered parking and 24/7 security.

 

In regards to pricing information, the one bedroom’s will lease for approximately $800 to $1000 per month and two bedroom’s for approximately $1200 to $2000 depending on the floor plan, square footage and floor of the apartment. 

 

The building is still very much under construction; however I anticipate the model to be complete and ready for show within the next few weeks. I will contact you when the model is available to tour, so we may set up an appointment.

 

In the meantime, if you have any questions please contact me at the numbers provided below or via email. Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you in regards any questions you may have.

 

Here is the attachment of the flyer: http://bugrahan.net/Documents/668Brochure-ILoveDowntown-4%2009.pdf

Love that their graphic shows a HealthLine vehicle and station in the foreground of the building - it's a nice touch.

I know it's too early to judge aesthetics... but is there any plan for that blank brick wall on the western side of the building?  It looks naked where the Dollar Bank building used to touch... maybe some large mural or screen could be put there.

They'll be adding windows.

Looks like most of the units only have the one (big) window in the living room, otherwise they are mostly windowless.  :-(

Looks like most of the units only have the one (big) window in the living room, otherwise they are mostly windowless. :-(

 

Yeah I don't understand windowless bedrooms - seems depressing.

K&D does that all the time: Look for Stonebridge Waterfront Phase I &II

 

Looks like most of the units only have the one (big) window in the living room, otherwise they are mostly windowless.  :-(

 

Yeah I don't understand windowless bedrooms - seems depressing.

Looks like most of the units only have the one (big) window in the living room, otherwise they are mostly windowless.  :-(

 

Yeah I don't understand windowless bedrooms - seems depressing.

 

its called new fangled adaptive reuse.

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. 

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.

 

Like Quay 55.