Does anyone know what's going on with Cudell CDC?  I just saw a sign on the building at 117th and Detroit that says it is for lease.  Are they moving?

Or maybe they went under. CDCs don't have guaranteed funding sources.

^^By the way, that place looked like a very depressing place to work.

I got the quick impression when I passed by there the other day that they were moving and just trying to lease out the building -- could be totally wrong.

 

Certainly would be nice to see a higher and better use on that corner. Maybe with the reinvestment occurring on surrounding blocks they see an opportunity to lease out that building to bring in some dough.

I'd like to see that ugly-ass building torn down (along with the Pizza Hut, Arby's and the Payless Shoes -- all the stuff built there in the 1970s after the Grenada Theater and the caddy-corner apartment building were torn down). I'd love to see those replaced with something more appropriate -- stuff built of brick or masonry, sited "on the sidewalk."

I highly doubt that they went under.  Cudell is a very solid organization and has been for the last 30+ years. 

 

They're probably just moving.  It looks like they were leasing the building.  That building has a lot of issues, including a recurring leaking roof, and it was much, much too large for the seven or so staff members that work there.

I've always found it ironic that a community development organization hijacked a building in such a prominent location essentially keeping it from any potential redevelopment.

It could be a blessing seeing what else has popped up in the vicinity (KJP's afformentioned crap).

I've always found it ironic that a community development organization hijacked a building in such a prominent location essentially keeping it from any potential redevelopment.

 

Yet they also kept a visible building occupied, lighted and active.

^No doubt, good point.=... but when i used to live in that 'hood I always wished they could have found someone to do something... such a great location.

I spoke with the ED last week, and she confirmed that the organization is moving to the Lorain Station Historic District.  Cudell's lease is expiring, but they put a lot of money into the rehab of their new offices. 

 

She didn't give me any indication as to what's happening at W 117th & Detroit.

Thanks for reminding me. I spoke to Jay Westbrook the other day who said the CDC is moving to the Southwest Savings building, which the CDC owns. It's located at 9813 Lorain Ave. Their old building was sold and available for lease (we knew that part). I may do an article on this to get more info.