MTS, you are way off on this.  That thing does, and WILL continue suck for the foreseeable future.  There is no question about it.

 

I have a creative eye and I think people are jumping the gun.  I'm not an architect, but, I think we should reserve judgement until the final installation.

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but "kitchy junk" is supposed to be the "design aesthetic" behind CR's visuals??

 

Based on what I see, they are right on target.

I think the overhang is just dark and visually heavy in such close proximity to that car - Maybe some lighting would help, but I think re-doing the overhang to let some natural light through would be an improvement too.

wishful thinking: maybe someone can steal it

Correct me if I'm wrong, but "kitchy junk" is supposed to be the "design aesthetic" behind CR's visuals??

 

Based on what I see, they are right on target.

 

I guess I sort of agree... they aspired to put up some tacky crap and man did they nail it.  But that doesn't change the fact that it's hideous tacky crap.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but "kitchy junk" is supposed to be the "design aesthetic" behind CR's visuals??

 

Based on what I see, they are right on target.

 

I guess I sort of agree... they aspired to put up some tacky crap and man did they nail it.  But that doesn't change the fact that it's hideous tacky crap.

 

We [glow=red,2,300]KNEW IN ADVANCE[/glow] the awning would be tacky, based on the exterior designs of the other locations, so I don't understand what the bru-ha-ha is all about.  :?

 

Lets face it, this is CR's branding.  It is what it is, whether we like it or not.  Lets move on.

 

Lets see how they do the interior design; marketing of the location; hiring practices; hours of operation and how well they work with other businesses to improve the overall value and appeal of the neighborhood.

I agree, its hard to knock something that is trying to revitalize the former center of town.  The place could lively up public square a bit.  If it looks bad, who cares....dont judge a book by its cover.  Are those condos in the park building complete? (off topic sorry but just answer the question)

I agree, its hard to knock something that is trying to revitalize the former center of town.  The place could lively up public square a bit.  If it looks bad, who cares....dont judge a book by its cover.  Are those condos in the park building complete? (off topic sorry but just answer the question)

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,10517.0.html

Correct me if I'm wrong, but "kitchy junk" is supposed to be the "design aesthetic" behind CR's visuals??

 

Based on what I see, they are right on target.

 

I guess I sort of agree... they aspired to put up some tacky crap and man did they nail it.  But that doesn't change the fact that it's hideous tacky crap.

 

We [glow=red,2,300]KNEW IN ADVANCE[/glow] the awning would be tacky, based on the exterior designs of the other locations, so I don't understand what the bru-ha-ha is all about.   :?

 

Lets face it, this is CR's branding.  It is what it is, whether we like it or not.  Lets move on.

 

  Exactly.  This is CR.  It has been as may companized as humanly possible.  At this point if it still bothers you that much I suggest buying the May Company building and kicking them out as tennants.  All their locations have a cadillac on top of a pagoda like structure out front.  Normally the exteriors are flagstone and "country" wood, loud colors, sometimes the cadillac is actually "crashing" into the building.  We got them to basically completely restore the May Co. front to it's original condition, and build a structure offset from the building for their cadillac.  They even had to purchase additional brick from the ECP and store them in the posts of the structure so that if CR ever closes they can remove it and the replacement bricks will already be there.  So again, at this point going crazy over this thing is basically you wish CR wasn't a tennant.  I'm not sure there's much anyone can do about that.  I'm just happy the building's storefront exterior is being restored.  This could be WWWWAAAAAYYYYY worse.

I'm not sure if it has been posted yet, but the Grand Opening is:

 

OCT 9 @ 8pm

Break out 'yer cowboy boots and 10 Gallon hats!

I'm just happy the building's storefront exterior is being restored.  This could be WWWWAAAAAYYYYY worse.

I agree that this is better than graffiti and homeless people and could be much worse. If I didn't, I'd consider doing more about it than complaining about how much better it could be on a forum filled with people that mostly agree that it could be better. That being said, it could be a lot better.

So we're suppose to ignore CR's corporate image and branding because we don't like the "look" of that Cadillac/Entry, although it's not complete.

 

Give me a break! :roll:

There is a segment of the population that find Cadillac Ranch type establishments to be "really, really, neat"*. These people are not going to eat at any of the other upscale establishments just around the corner on E 4th.  There are enough people who come into a $250 a night hotel's restaurant (where I work) looking for wine coolers and chicken wings to support ten CaddyRanches.**

 

Furthermore, if it takes THIS for someone from way out in Avon Lake or Mentor to stick around after an Indians, Browns, Monsters or Cavs game, then so be it. Half a step forward is better than no step forward, cliches be dammed!

 

*Actual quote. :)

** We have neither, stop asking.

I want you to visit this website.  look at the type of places these are, see the exterior pictures, and then tell me that it couldn't be way worse.  Honestly.  All they're doing is completely restoring their portion of a historical building to it's original condition.  Then they add their Cadillac on a platform.  Does it look cheesy?  Yes.  Is that CR? Yes.  I want to reemphasize this...  THEY ARE RESTORING THE BUILDING TO IT'S ORIGINAL HISTORICAL CONDITION.  You don't think it could be worse?  Again, check out the pictures here and tell me you don't think it could be worse.

 

http://www.cadillacranchcincinnati.com/

 

This is the best they could have possibly done given the situation.  If you've got a better idea let's hear it.  The only way they could have been less intrusive was simply not being there, and again, unless you want to buy the building and kick them out, it's not really an option.

Why isn't it OK to say:

 

1.  Yes, Cadillac Ranch as an entity is good for downtown.

2.  The Caddy, sitting over some faux arches, underneath a canopy, outside of a historic structure, leaves a lot to be desired.

 

I think we need to stop trying to combine the two discussion points.

There is a segment of the population that find Cadillac Ranch type establishments to be "really, really, neat"*. These people are not going to eat at any of the other upscale establishments just around the corner on E 4th.  There are enough people who come into a $250 a night hotel's restaurant (where I work) looking for wine coolers and chicken wings to support ten CaddyRanches.**

 

Furthermore, if it takes THIS for someone from way out in Avon Lake or Mentor to stick around after an Indians, Browns, Monsters or Cavs game, then so be it. Half a step forward is better than no step forward, cliches be dammed!

 

*Actual quote. :)

** We have neither, stop asking.

 

If those stereotypical CR folks start eating at your restaurant, I wont set foot in there again.    Humph!

Because they always put a caddy on faux arches outside of their locations... sometimes "crashing" into the building.  That is their brand.  Typically it's built out of wood and flagstone.  There is no law that says it's illegal for them to do this.  Hence they were pushed and prodded to "may companyize" as much as possible.  There is no option of not having the caddy.  Again, unless you want to buy the building and terminate their lease...

Why isn't it OK to say:

 

1.  Yes, Cadillac Ranch as an entity is good for downtown.

2.  The Caddy, sitting over some faux arches, underneath a canopy, outside of a historic structure, leaves a lot to be desired.

 

I think we need to stop trying to combine the two discussion points.

 

I agree.

 

Point No. 2.  I think it might have looked better if the caddy was positioned on top of the awning.

Again, unless you want to buy the building and terminate their lease...

 

Good Gads, can't you see the man is practically begging here!

 

Point No. 2.  I think it might have looked better if the caddy was positioned on top of the awning.

 

If it was up to me I would put 5 or 6 caddies on the awning -- and call it caddy gridlock  :-D

 

Point No. 2.  I think it might have looked better if the caddy was positioned on top of the awning.

 

If it was up to me I would put 5 or 6 caddies on the awning -- and call it caddy gridlock  :-D

 

Actually that is an interesting concept.  They could have a classic from every decade plus; a low rider with hydraulics, etc.

For those disgusted with the choice of putting a chain restaurant into a historic cleveland landmark...I think its the right thing.  If you look at the magnificent mile in chicago, they have all sorts of chain restaurants (Fridays, ESPN zone, cheesecake, hersheys etc.) jammed into space, and there are some very historic buildings along the way there.  The key is to attract all sorts of crwods, and this is a good step towards doing that.  They have a giant hersheys sign directly adjacent to the water tower off michigan avenue.  It kind of looks tacky, but it will be OK. 

For those disgusted with the choice of putting a chain restaurant into a historic cleveland landmark...I think its the right thing. If you look at the magnificent mile in chicago, they have all sorts of chain restaurants (Fridays, ESPN zone, cheesecake, hersheys etc.) jammed into space, and there are some very historic buildings along the way there. The key is to attract all sorts of crwods, and this is a good step towards doing that. They have a giant hersheys sign directly adjacent to the water tower off michigan avenue. It kind of looks tacky, but it will be OK.

 

I actually agree BD...the biggest thing is that it continue the momentum for downtown development.  and I always though ESPNZone would have been perfect for the May Company...funny you say that.

 

It definitely adds a slightly different dynamic to Public Square now,which I think is more of a positive.

Plus it is almost always better to reuse then to tear down and build new.

For those disgusted with the choice of putting a chain restaurant into a historic cleveland landmark...I think its the right thing.  If you look at the magnificent mile in chicago, they have all sorts of chain restaurants (Fridays, ESPN zone, cheesecake, hersheys etc.) jammed into space, and there are some very historic buildings along the way there.  The key is to attract all sorts of crwods, and this is a good step towards doing that.  They have a giant hersheys sign directly adjacent to the water tower off michigan avenue.  It kind of looks tacky, but it will be OK. 

I agree.  Yet, lets not use Michigan Avenue or some of what you said above as it's not entirely correct.......but I digress.

sorry you disagree MTS...another example is navy pier, built in 1916 turned into a cluster of malls, restaurants, etc.  There is a McDonalds, a putt-putt and a ferris...sounds tacky...imagine may company being fast food (talk about tacky). May COmpany building i believe erected in 1914 and is being converted into a restaurant that I think could move things in the right direction.

sorry you disagree MTS...another example is navy pier, built in 1916 turned into a cluster of malls, restaurants, etc.  There is a McDonalds, a putt-putt and a ferris...sounds tacky...imagine may company being fast food (talk about tacky). May COmpany building i believe erected in 1914 and is being converted into a restaurant that I think could move things in the right direction.

 

Sugar, I said, "I agree."

The port-a-potty's a nice touch, don't ya think?  ;)

Look at how the Euclid Corridor is causing businesses to close up shop! What a waste of RTA funding! Call for an investigation!  :roll:

The port-a-potty's a nice touch, don't ya think?  ;)

Yeah I hope they keep it! haha

 

I really like the fence design.  It's classical enough in nature to keep/add to the street feel.

Columns look a little cheesy...kind of a gentlemens club type look. 

 

Thanks MayDay.  You got around today!

that is one HUGE outdoor dining area!  what does that add... 200 square feet to their footprint?

The port-a-potty's a nice touch, don't ya think?  ;)

 

Columns look a little cheesy...kind of a gentlemens club type look. 

 

A little cheesy?  I think that 4 of the port-o-potties holding up the Cadillac would look nicer than those columns.

Kinda surprised they gave them that much sidewalk, that stretch sees a decent amount of foot traffic at certain times and it seems like there's only room for two people shoulder to shoulder at the narrowest point.

Columns look a little cheesy...kind of a gentlemens club type look.

 

 

Or like the fake backdrop at a political convention!

Kinda surprised they gave them that much sidewalk, that stretch sees a decent amount of foot traffic at certain times and it seems like there's only room for two people shoulder to shoulder at the narrowest point.

 

I tend to agree.  I live and work in the area, and I'm not particularly thrilled, but we'll see.

that is one HUGE outdoor dining area!  what does that add... 200 square feet to their footprint?

 

yeah i'll say. do they have to rent all that sidewalk space from the city or is it just ok with a permit? hey, just trying to dig up some revenue.  :wink:

 

 

 

that is one HUGE outdoor dining area!  what does that add... 200 square feet to their footprint?

I agree that the sidewalk patios sprouting up all over are growing to immense proportions!  Theresa's Pizza (a few shops away) has a patio that takes about 2/3 of the sidewalk.  Pedestrians are getting the squeeze!  I like patios on the sidewalks but they should be limited to only about 1/3 of the sidewalk's width.

I have yet to see any "pedestrian jams" because of the sidewalk patios.  If and when that happens, then maybe it is appropriate to talk about scaling down the patios.  Otherwise, I much prefer the activity they add to Downtown's street scene.

They couldn't help but start the article with negativity towards the city, could they?  AHH!!  Ok, I'm done.

 

 

Cadillac Ranch bringing a maze of entertainment to burgeoning Euclid Ave.

 

Yes, there is life on Euclid Avenue. Finally. The Euclid Corridor project has turned the heart of the city into a collapsed artery -- lined with empty storefronts, darkened windows and dust, dust, dust. Cadillac Ranch is fixin' to change that.

 

More at http://www.cleveland.com/goingout/index.ssf/2008/09/cadillac_ranch_bringing_a_maze.html

Im starting to think that this cadillac ranch is going to be less tacky and more successful than I originally gave it credit for.  Honestly, they are combining  cheaper dining, with an up scale bar, with a dance floor, with a sports bar (35 plasmas).  This doesnt have a target market, its pretty much everyone.  Sports fans are sports fans...how many people spill out of sporting events happy and liquored up and wants to ride a bull...i would say in this town...plenty.

Im starting to think that this cadillac ranch is going to be less tacky and more successful than I originally gave it credit for.

Personnally I don't think I doubted its success. As far as tackyness, It doesn't seem to be a whole lot better than I imagined. I can live with tacky, but I don't have to like it.

Im starting to think that this cadillac ranch is going to be less tacky and more successful than I originally gave it credit for. Honestly, they are combining cheaper dining, with an up scale bar, with a dance floor, with a sports bar (35 plasmas). This doesnt have a target market, its pretty much everyone. Sports fans are sports fans...how many people spill out of sporting events happy and liquored up and wants to ride a bull...i would say in this town...plenty.

 

It's the winking lizard formula... and I do think there is room for another one.  I'll keep tackiness comments to myself  :)

Congrats on the administratorship, mr mayor!

 

EDIT:  I guess technically it's "moderatorship" before MayDay jumps all over me  :-P

I'm still not sure if this is a blessing or a curse... but thanks.  I just know that I have a LOT more buttons now.  I feel like I've walked behind the curtain in oz.  :lol:

Welcome to the world of having more buttons to play with, McCleveland!

I walked by it the Caddy the other day.  It is not nearly as large or gaudy as I thought it would be.  Sure, I would prefer that it not be right in the heart of public square, but it could have been a hell of a lot worse.

I walked by it the Caddy the other day.  It is not nearly as large or gaudy as I thought it would be.  Sure, I would prefer that it not be right in the heart of public square, but it could have been a hell of a lot worse.

 

Funny, to me the Caddy actually seems dwarfed by its surroundings.  Not that it makes it look less tacky.

 

 

The idea, says Morales, is to strike a middle ground between East Fourth Street and the Gateway District.

 

 

And what would that be? Parma?