^Interesting take on Progressive.  Does Peter Lewis really have that much to do with the day to day running of the company?  He really is getting up there.

 

I know in the past they have explored moving back into Cleveland but always got negative feedback from employees who lived in the far eastern suburbs around the current headquarters.

 

As far as Eaton goes, I think that is a given (recruiting younger employees) but with the job market the way it is, most people will just suck it up.

 

Who I really feel for are the far west side employees (or anywhere on the west side) who now are going to have their commutes double (if not triple given the mess both 480 and 271 can be during rush hour).

^Interesting take on Progressive.  Does Peter Lewis really have that much to do with the day to day running of the company?  He really is getting up there.

 

I know in the past they have explored moving back into Cleveland but always got negative feedback from employees who lived in the far eastern suburbs around the current headquarters.

 

As far as Eaton goes, I think that is a given (recruiting younger employees) but with the job market the way it is, most people will just suck it up.

 

Who I really feel for are the far west side employees (or anywhere on the west side) who now are going to have their commutes double (if not triple given the mess both 480 and 271 can be during rush hour).

 

Yeah, adding them in there isn't going to help it much either. 

 

Progressive is one of the more employee responsive companies out there, and yes, those employees, particularly the ones in influential positions, live close to 271 or 90.  They are also used to plentiful free parking. 

 

You might get some expansion to locate in the city (especially if they feel it will attract new people, or possibly their finance/legal people), but relocation of their existing facilities?  I'm not seeing it.

 

Eaton's building is all lit up inside as I drive to work in the morning.  They have to be getting close to ready.

Just to clarify -- he didn't say Progressive has any plans to move any offices, but that Lewis' anti-Cleveland mood is changing. He was hopeful that could result in Progressive adding offices in Cleveland to compete for jobs among young people.

 

Of course, all of this was intended to be more of a commentary on Eaton's project (the topic of this thread) and if their HQ will be competitive to talented young people seeking quality workplaces.

For what it's worth:

I grudgingly like the way it looks from 271, up on that hill, matched with the new hospital.

Of course, all of this was intended to be more of a commentary on Eaton's project (the topic of this thread) and if their HQ will be competitive to talented young people seeking quality workplaces.

 

Probably.  That area's not like Independence (the other mini-downtown) or even Westlake.  Or for that matter Willoughby/Eastlake, where some of those jobs are coming from.

 

Shaker Square's a shot down Chagrin to Van Aken.  Cleveland Heights is close as well.

 

 

I think it's more of the point that young people are looking for convenience and walkability...not driving every single place they need to go.

I like the wings but the center building isn't doing the place any favors. It kinda looks like a suburban office tower rehab with new additions on either side. I recall liking the building as a rendering better despite it being oh so obvious that it's a toilet bowl.

Okay folks, there's been some productive discussion but we're veering off the original topic. A thread in Ohio Business and Economy section has been created; please continue the 'downtown/suburban HQ discussion' there.

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,28049.0.html

 

Thanks!