Who is the designer of the pedestrian bridge in north coast harbor?  He is a bit of an out of the box thinker, and I'm sure there is a way to do climate "resistant" walkway without being a gerbil tube.

 

Maybe double deck?  Maybe wind tunnel designed cursing walls that protect against rain and snow?

 

What is in the PD is analogous to a massing of a building before the architect gets his or her hands on it

Rosales + Partners has designed The North Coast Harbor Bridge.  I wish/hope they would be the number one choice for the connector bridge.  With some slight modifications I would take their CWRU planned design and fast track it.  Iconic and functional. Heck maybe CWRU could sponsor the bridge.

 

http://rgabridges.com/project.php?proj=pedestrian/cwru

 

^that's the first time I've seen or heard about the Case bridge. Its pretty, but why is it necessary? Just to cross MLK?

Its to connect case to the west campus.

So how do you otherwise do an inside/outside walkway?

 

EDIT: and within budget?

 

Two levels, enclosed on bottom and open on top could incorporate both components while being less gerbil tube-esque. I don't think there are any easy answers to making this look good and it is a design challenge. But sometimes good design rises to a challenge, let's hope that's the case here.

 

I like it. Clever yet basic thinking. Sometimes little additives can make a bland design interesting.

Success for Cleveland's new lakefront pedestrian bridge requires high speed design excellence

By  Steven Litt, The Plain Dealer 

 

It was big news for city planning and urban design in Cleveland last week that Cuyahoga County launched the search for a team to design the long-desired pedestrian bridge that would link the downtown Mall to North Coast Harbor.

 

Coupled with plans to revamp Public Square by 2016, the pedestrian bridge has the potential to project a global image of Cleveland as a can-do city that has the capacity to carry out ambitious public works at lightning speed.

 

But the county's deadline of finishing the bridge in time for the Republican National Convention here in 2016 should come with a significant caveat.

 

With speed comes risk. The danger is that without a spectacular performance by all concerned during the critically important early design phase, the city could settle for a project that might fail to make the most of an extraordinary opportunity.

 

more at: http://www.cleveland.com/architecture/index.ssf/2014/07/success_in_designing_cleveland.html#incart_river

Good article.

 

Among a whole host of topics, Litt addresses the "speed" issue and how the "normal" city (and other government entity) approval process will have to be ramped up to get the project done timely (he gives the Harbor bridge as an example of how long things take...I would imagine this example includes delays due to federal regulations...EPA...FAA).  My question is will the fact that they are going over railroad tracks result in the process being delayed.  Is there an air rights issue that has to be dealt with and could that potentially take forever?

My question is will the fact that they are going over railroad tracks result in the process being delayed.  Is there an air rights issue that has to be dealt with and could that potentially take forever?

 

Absolutely. Because the railroads, unlike any other mode of transportation, own their rights of way, they tend to live in their own insular world. They operate on their own time frame and with their own priorities. Just because a community needs a bridge or a crossing addressed by a certain time doesn't mean that the railroad shares that timetable. There are likely dozens if not hundreds of external requests from local, state or federal governments as well by private entities (ie: utilities) to cross their rights of way for various projects and they are often addressed in the order in which they are received. So if there is a two-year backlog of external requests for crossing or otherwise accessing Norfolk Southern Corp. and CSX Transportation Inc. rights of way anywhere in their 20,000+ route-mile systems, the chances of this walkway seeing construction before mid-2016 is nil.

 

Oh, and the fact there are two large railroad companies involved means coordinating both. Sounds like fun. Having a Congressperson or a Senator at the ready to reach to the highest levels of each railroad executive offices might be a good idea.

Success for Cleveland's new lakefront pedestrian bridge requires high speed design excellence

By  Steven Litt, The Plain Dealer 

 

It was big news for city planning and urban design in Cleveland last week that Cuyahoga County launched the search for a team to design the long-desired pedestrian bridge that would link the downtown Mall to North Coast Harbor.

 

Coupled with plans to revamp Public Square by 2016, the pedestrian bridge has the potential to project a global image of Cleveland as a can-do city that has the capacity to carry out ambitious public works at lightning speed.

 

But the county's deadline of finishing the bridge in time for the Republican National Convention here in 2016 should come with a significant caveat.

 

With speed comes risk. The danger is that without a spectacular performance by all concerned during the critically important early design phase, the city could settle for a project that might fail to make the most of an extraordinary opportunity.

 

more at: http://www.cleveland.com/architecture/index.ssf/2014/07/success_in_designing_cleveland.html#incart_river

 

History shows that the entire North Coast Harbor area has grown through accretion in a series of ad hoc decisions.

 

The result being little to no connection between the Rock Hall, Science Center and Stadium. Problems to be addressed in the future, where good planning would've saved time and money. Given this narrow window I'm thinking money would've been better spent improving E 9th. For the North Coast Harbor/Mall connector there just doesn't seem to be enough time to have something that's both iconic AND well thought out.

Good Lord.

 

Steven Litt, The Plain Dealer 1 hour ago

@ciceropolo Thanks for your comment. As the article points out, there is no larger, master plan vision for this part of the lakefront. I would agree one is needed.

My question is will the fact that they are going over railroad tracks result in the process being delayed.  Is there an air rights issue that has to be dealt with and could that potentially take forever?

 

Absolutely. Because the railroads, unlike any other mode of transportation, own their rights of way, they tend to live in their own insular world. They operate on their own time frame and with their own priorities. Just because a community needs a bridge or a crossing addressed by a certain time doesn't mean that the railroad shares that timetable. There are likely dozens if not hundreds of external requests from local, state or federal governments as well by private entities (ie: utilities) to cross their rights of way for various projects and they are often addressed in the order in which they are received. So if there is a two-year backlog of external requests for crossing or otherwise accessing Norfolk Southern Corp. and CSX Transportation Inc. rights of way anywhere in their 20,000+ route-mile systems, the chances of this walkway seeing construction before mid-2016 is nil.

 

Oh, and the fact there are two large railroad companies involved means coordinating both. Sounds like fun. Having a Congressperson or a Senator at the ready to reach to the highest levels of each railroad executive offices might be a good idea.

 

I'm sure there is still a lot to work out--especially for construction staging-- but based on a 1987 conveyance, I believe the City of Cleveland already owns the air rights higher than 23 feet above the freight tracks.

I'm sure there is still a lot to work out--especially for construction staging-- but based on a 1987 conveyance, I believe the City of Cleveland already owns the air rights higher than 23 feet above the freight tracks.

 

You're right about the 1987 conveyance from Conrail to the city. The question is, when Conrail assets were split among CSX and NS in 1999, did the conveyance go to both? Probably, but that's worth verifying. Does the city have an air rights conveyance with GCRTA since the Waterfront Line was built nine years after the railroad conveyance was reached? BTW the property GCRTA acquired was not former railroad property.

 

The construction scheduling is key, because CSX, NS and GCRTA all need to assign their own flaggers to stand trackside with two-way radios for their respective transportation company frequencies and coordination with dispatchers at their traffic control centers. For GCRTA, it's in downtown Cleveland. For NS, it's in Dearborn, Michigan. For CSX, it's in Jacksonville, Florida. And there are only so many flaggers to go around. Construction schedules for each are set many months in advance.

Team of Miguel Rosales and Parsons Brinckerhoff ranked top choice to design lakefront pedestrian bridge

 

A rendering of the proposed Whiskey Island pedestrian bridge designed by Miguel Rosales.

 

Boston architect Miguel Rosales is virtually certain to design a second high-profile lakefront pedestrian bridge for Cleveland.

 

A selection committee of city, county and nonprofit officials has recommended a team including Rosales and the engineering firm of Parsons Brinckerhoff as the top choice among six contenders to design a new, $25 million lakefront pedestrian bridge that will span railroad lines and the Shoreway to connect the downtown Mall to North Coast Harbor.

 

The recommendation makes it all but certain that Rosales, a respected designer whose credits include the Leonard Zakim Bunker Hill Bridge in Boston, will shape the quarter-mile-long bike and pedestrian walkway that will link the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum to the city's new convention center and convention hotel.

 

The bridge is considered a critically important way to address a longstanding liability in Cleveland -- the city's poor connectivity to the Lake Erie waterfront.

 

"We are confident we have a team that can give us what we want: an iconic structure" on the Cleveland lakefront, said Ann Zoller, executive director of LAND Studio, the nonprofit spearheading a makeover of major downtown spaces for the city's Group Plan Commission.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/architecture/index.ssf/2014/08/miguel_rosales_and_parsons_bri.html#incart_m-rpt-1

^ Cautiously optimistic!!!

^ Cautiously optimistic!!!

Agreed...just hoping they plan for the entire NC Transportation Center........just in case funding happens down the line :)

^ Cautiously optimistic!!!

Agreed...just hoping they plan for the entire NC Transportation Center........just in case funding happens down the line :)

 

I do not think it is a coincidence that PB also did the preliminary engineering on the North Coast Transportation Center a decade ago.

^ Cautiously optimistic!!!

Agreed...just hoping they plan for the entire NC Transportation Center........just in case funding happens down the line :)

 

I do not think it is a coincidence that PB also did the preliminary engineering on the North Coast Transportation Center a decade ago.

 

So they obviously know about it....that's a good start. I hope you're right; that it's more than  coincidence. Let's do this thing right the first time.

 

***Also, in a recent Cleveland.com article it was mentioned that the Rock Hall and Science Center were going to finally improve their connectivity issues.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/mycleveland/index.ssf/2014/08/kirsten_ellenbogen_thinks_our.html

 

We have a lot of exciting ideas about lakefront development. There'll be connectors so you can walk between the institutions. The plan is terrific. City Hall is remarkably transparent about the process, and very inclusive. I am on the lakefront advisory committee and the group plan design committee.

NorthCoast bridge operator's building.

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/designreview/drcagenda/2014/09052014/index.php

Legislation Expected to Move Forward Today in Downtown Pedestrian Bridge Design

http://t.co/NwBCMRqn8t

Over Labor Day we went to NC Harbor after watching the Navy Blue Angels amazing air acrobatics for the Air Show ... Hadn't been there in a while.  I must say the place is considerably more people-friendly than before.  The new Marina, the jet ski (what a hoot in downtown Cleveland!) and paddle boat rentals seem quite popular. 

 

 

 

Over Labor Day we went to NC Harbor after watching the Navy Blue Angels amazing air acrobatics for the Air Show ... Hadn't been there in a while.  I must say the place is considerably more people-friendly than before.  The new Marina, the jet ski (what a hoot in downtown Cleveland!) and paddle boat rentals seem quite popular. 

 

 

Absolutely!  Reasonably priced family entertainment was something that the city was lacking.  This was a great addition!

^ It makes me wonder how Mayor White's vision of a Navy Pier-like carnival on the Lakefront would be perceived now? it got shot down hard back in 2000:

 

http://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/lakefront-carnival/Content?oid=1475018

 

THese pictures are from the late morning, we were down in the Sci Ctr and outside around the harbor later.

In the first pic, that area would be beyond-packed 3 to 4 hrs later. Not to mention all the way out to Burke

 

 

 

THese pictures are from the late morning, we were down in the Sci Ctr and outside around the harbor later.

In the first pic, that area would be beyond-packed 3 to 4 hrs later. Not to mention all the way out to Burke

 

 

 

Those pictures are fantastic! Nice to see the activity. And the pictures were taken on a Tuesday? Wow.

^ It makes me wonder how Mayor White's vision of a Navy Pier-like carnival on the Lakefront would be perceived now? it got shot down hard back in 2000:

 

http://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/lakefront-carnival/Content?oid=1475018

I was always envious of the Pier on Chicago's North Side, and would love to see one here but not the full 85 acres though.

I'd be happy with at least a carousel and a concession-lined promenade.

 

A few years back when they were planning to demolish the I-X Center, I thought the Ferris wheel should be preserved and moved to the North Coast Harbor. I don't know how well that would have actually worked out since it's an indoor wheel, that and the fact the FAA wouldn't allow such a structure so close to Burke's flight path. Still, it would have been a nice complement to the Rock Hall and Science Center.

 

EDIT: Oops, getting off topic here.  :oops:

 

THese pictures are from the late morning, we were down in the Sci Ctr and outside around the harbor later.

In the first pic, that area would be beyond-packed 3 to 4 hrs later. Not to mention all the way out to Burke

 

 

 

At first glance I was wondering what was connecting the science center to the Rock Hall then realized it was the crane to the new Hilton. 

 

I really like the new marina.  Was down around that area during the one Brown's game and the activity was amazing.  The Goodtime had several cruises going on, the park was packed, and people were watching the game on their boats docked right within the harbor.  Not a bad way to tailgate.

Architect chosen to design pedestrian walkway to lakeshore

Council unanimously voted to pay Parsons Brinckerhoff, a Detroit-based engineering firm, $2.8 million to design the bridge, which will span the Cleveland Memorial Shoreway and railroad tracks and connect to the Rock Hall Hall of Fame and Museum and other attractions.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/cuyahoga-county/index.ssf/2014/09/architect_for_pedestrian_walkway_to_lakeshore_chosen_3_things_you_need_to_know_about_tuesdays_cuyaho.html#incart_m-rpt-1

 

Is Rosales still partnered with PB on this? Because it doesn't mention them.

I feel that the new pedestrian bridge should tie in closer to the Browns stadium versus the RRHOF.  The location of cumberlands proposed mixed use development.

 

THese pictures are from the late morning, we were down in the Sci Ctr and outside around the harbor later.

In the first pic, that area would be beyond-packed 3 to 4 hrs later. Not to mention all the way out to Burke

 

 

 

At first glance I was wondering what was connecting the science center to the Rock Hall then realized it was the crane to the new Hilton. 

 

I really like the new marina.  Was down around that area during the one Brown's game and the activity was amazing.  The Goodtime had several cruises going on, the park was packed, and people were watching the game on their boats docked right within the harbor.  Not a bad way to tailgate.

 

That marina is d@mn expensive though.  $2/ft for overnight dockage and $2.50/ft on holiday/event (browns home games) weekends.  It isn't that big of a marina and they are really the only option downtown so they will get their customer's, but that is a steep price to pay.  FYI, the docks at PIB are $1.65/ft. 

 

I do wonder if their overnight price for a non-holiday/event will come down some.  Even $0.10/ft could make a difference.

 

I was also down there after the air show talking to the dockhands, and they indicated that currently the gangway has a actual security guard overnight but that by next season they will be moving to keycards.  Also, that they are taking reservations for Labor Day 2015 already.

^ I'm still anticipating the houseboat community that was planned in one of the nineteen different plans for NCH.

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson invites public to tour site of future lakefront development

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The city of Cleveland's plan for a transformed waterfront might still be in conceptual stages. But Mayor Frank Jackson is inviting the public to join him aboard the Goodtime III to tour the future site of the long-anticipated development.

 

Jackson, Chief of Regional Development Edward Rybka and Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman will host the event Wednesday, from 6 to 8 p.m. The cruise, entitled "Back to the Future: Cleveland The Waterfront Tour Part II," is open to the public, and tickets cost $10 per person.

 

More at:

 

http://www.cleveland.com/cityhall/index.ssf/2014/09/cleveland_mayor_frank_jackson_36.html#incart_m-rpt-1

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson invites public to tour site of future lakefront development

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The city of Cleveland's plan for a transformed waterfront might still be in conceptual stages. But Mayor Frank Jackson is inviting the public to join him aboard the Goodtime III to tour the future site of the long-anticipated development.

 

Jackson, Chief of Regional Development Edward Rybka and Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman will host the event Wednesday, from 6 to 8 p.m. The cruise, entitled "Back to the Future: Cleveland The Waterfront Tour Part II," is open to the public, and tickets cost $10 per person.

 

More at:

 

http://www.cleveland.com/cityhall/index.ssf/2014/09/cleveland_mayor_frank_jackson_36.html#incart_m-rpt-1

 

I bought a ticket a few days ago. Anyone else here going to this?

 

 

Those pictures are fantastic! Nice to see the activity. And the pictures were taken on a Tuesday? Wow.

 

Thanks

No sorry, i meant to convey that they were taken over the Labor Day weekend (i think these are from that Monday). And it certainly got extrememly packed as the afternoon went on

 

Are we getting one or two bridges:  1)  from the mall across the tracks to the science center

and 2) from the port to voinovich park.

 

Are we budgeted for bridge 2.

 

^These are two separate projects.  The Voinovich Park Bridge has been in the works for years and I believe funding is finally in place. 

^Actually, 3. The third is on Whisky Island to go over the RR tracks. Also designed by Rosales. The existing lift bridge will be modified for a bike/pedestrian lane and a path will then connect it to the new bridge over the tracks. Unlike the other two, it is being done by Metroparks--a different funding source--so should move forward independently of the other two.

@fredgeis: @DowntownCLE @joecimperman new e9th pier is doing great. Go browns http://t.co/yhvdRkJdSA

Per my note a few messages above, here are the drawings for the 3rd pedestrian bridge at the lakefront--on Whisky Island.

 

 

^KJP--is the bridge high enough for a double stacker train? Does NS run such trains on this line? I realize the image may just be a concept rendering....

^KJP--is the bridge high enough for a double stacker train? Does NS run such trains on this line? I realize the image may just be a concept rendering....

 

I don't know the dimensions for the bridge, but NS runs many double-stack trains on this line. No one would design a bridge over a railroad without coordinating with the company which owns the railroad right of way. And that takes a lot of coordination, including scheduling and paying for a railroad flagperson who is in constant phone contact with railroad dispatchers and radio contact with nearby trains.

 

Quick Rant: Coordination with a railroad is a requirement for any construction project that crosses over its right of way. I think that many people forget, or don't know, that railroads are not public rights of way. While most rail rights of way are privately owned, operated and maintained, all are closed access (including those few which are publicly owned). That means, except at marked crossings, no one can impinge on it from any side without permission from the property-owning railroad or they face criminal prosecution for trespassing.

Lakefront developers add a hotel to plans for phase one projects at North Coast Harbor

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Add a hotel to the list of potential projects being plotted for downtown Cleveland's lakefront, where developers are studying prospects for new construction.

 

Dick Pace of Cumberland Development said this week that he and the Trammell Crow Co. are "very serious about a hotel." That's a new wrinkle for the joint-venture team, which won a shot this year at remaking city-owned land near Lake Erie with a plan that proffered more than 1,000 apartments, plus offices, waterfront recreation, restaurants and a downtown school.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2014/09/lakefront_developers_add_a_hot.html#incart_river

Lakefront developers add a hotel to plans for phase one projects at North Coast Harbor

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Add a hotel to the list of potential projects being plotted for downtown Cleveland's lakefront, where developers are studying prospects for new construction.

 

Dick Pace of Cumberland Development said this week that he and the Trammell Crow Co. are "very serious about a hotel." That's a new wrinkle for the joint-venture team, which won a shot this year at remaking city-owned land near Lake Erie with a plan that proffered more than 1,000 apartments, plus offices, waterfront recreation, restaurants and a downtown school.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2014/09/lakefront_developers_add_a_hot.html#incart_river

Taking a 2 story retail building to multiple stories sounds good to me :D

 

Edit:I'm also guessing the Geis Lakefront plan has expired. I tried searching for any updates and didn't really run across any.

Lakefront developers add a hotel to plans for phase one projects at North Coast Harbor

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Add a hotel to the list of potential projects being plotted for downtown Cleveland's lakefront, where developers are studying prospects for new construction.

 

Dick Pace of Cumberland Development said this week that he and the Trammell Crow Co. are "very serious about a hotel." That's a new wrinkle for the joint-venture team, which won a shot this year at remaking city-owned land near Lake Erie with a plan that proffered more than 1,000 apartments, plus offices, waterfront recreation, restaurants and a downtown school.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2014/09/lakefront_developers_add_a_hot.html#incart_river

 

I'm definitely picturing a boutique-style hotel here.  An aquatic/great lakes/nautical theme would work great here -- essentially using the disconnected-ness from the rest of Downtown as an advantage.  Make it feel like a getaway. 

I would like a HardRock Hotel there, to tie in with the Rock Hall. I enjoyed my stay at the one in Chicago a few years ago.

On the mayor's cruise tonight Leila Atassi from NEOMG tweets:

 

Leila Atassi @LeilaAtassi

$6 million north coast harbor ped bridge construction set to begin "soon" #lakefrontcle

 

Not sure what 'soon' means as I thought completion was set for 2017, but maybe she heard different from the mayor. idk..

I would like a HardRock Hotel there, to tie in with the Rock Hall. I enjoyed my stay at the one in Chicago a few years ago.

 

I was thinking this as well.  If it can be built between the Rock Hall and the Science Center it can be connected to the Rock Hall and allow for additional exhibit space.  The additional memorabilia from the Hard Rock would create an even bigger music mecca.  I also could see the Hard Rock Cafe moving from Tower City to the hotel and offering another food option down there to the other outlets planned. 

Lakefront developers add a hotel to plans for phase one projects at North Coast Harbor

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Add a hotel to the list of potential projects being plotted for downtown Cleveland's lakefront, where developers are studying prospects for new construction.

 

Dick Pace of Cumberland Development said this week that he and the Trammell Crow Co. are "very serious about a hotel." That's a new wrinkle for the joint-venture team, which won a shot this year at remaking city-owned land near Lake Erie with a plan that proffered more than 1,000 apartments, plus offices, waterfront recreation, restaurants and a downtown school.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2014/09/lakefront_developers_add_a_hot.html#incart_river

 

I'm definitely picturing a boutique-style hotel here.  An aquatic/great lakes/nautical theme would work great here -- essentially using the disconnected-ness from the rest of Downtown as an advantage.  Make it feel like a getaway. 

 

^ Love that idea. There is a lot of blank space to fill between the large, existing major attractions.

 

Next up we should be thinking how new hotels, retail, residential and highway infrastructure can be planned out to help bridge that gap. I don't think the pedestrian bridge alone is enough.

^"highway infrastructure?"

^"highway infrastructure?"

 

Improving the Shoreway has been discussed forever, particularly regarding the E 9th on/off ramps. Right now the walk down E 9th is much too pedestrian unfriendly.