The deurbanization process in Painesville is now a success! 😂

 

not be outdone by the big city (you know, like Mentor), Fairport Harbor is hosting its own little music series again this summer starting in about, well, 15 minutes, with a mini-reggae fest, if anyone is so inclined. The weather looks to be ideal (I'm relying on weather.com). 

 

https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2021/06/fairport-harbor-free-music-series-is-set.html

 

 

Cleveland's Rascal House to open in Mentor--

 

On July 28 the American Planning Association (Cleveland section, Ohio chapter), as part of a summer series of walks in NEO, will tour Painesville. I couldn't determine from its website whether you have to be a member to participate, or if the event is open to the general public. My advice: just show up!  What's the worse that can happen?🤔--

 

City of Painesville | Historic Downtown

Date: July 28 at 11:00 AM
Meet-up Location: Chase Bank Building, 30 South Park Place

 

The City of Painesville has over $60 Million in investment occurring in the downtown.  This walk will feature the newly constructed Lake County Administration Building, the new Painesville Medical FQHCC Center currently under construction, a planned student housing project in 65,000 sq. ft. a former bank, and a planned mixed-use development in a 190,000 sq. ft. building known as Victoria Place, a former urban renewal project.  

 

https://twitter.com/APA_CLE/status/1413474454840086541/photo/1

 

 

 

Maybe they need an extension cord.  Do they sell the batteries at Best Buy?

 

 

wait, this is Ohio's first electric bus?? who knew Laketran was so advanced? I still remember the rickety 1940's buses (okay, they may have been from the early 50's) that passed for public transit in Painesville in the 60's (in addition to small minivans that packed passengers like sardines and required chiropractic adjustment after one ride. Frankly, they must have been illegal). 

 

Edited July 24, 20213 yr by eastvillagedon

Nope. Buckeye Country doesn't get out much. Greater Dayton RTA operates a network of electric buses. And many Ohio cities had electric buses decades ago.

 

^but those are electric buses operated by overhead wires (or whatever the technical term is), like trolleys, right? Not the modern day battery-run buses. 

Just now, eastvillagedon said:

^but those are electric buses operated by overhead wires (or whatever the technical term is), like trolleys, right? Not the modern day battery-run buses. 

Yes, they are electric buses that run on catenary wires (aka trolley-buses), which is the way most electric buses should run. Catenary is superior technology because you don’t have to haul big batteries around. It is much more efficient and eliminates the need to mine for the heavy metals used in battery production. Many of the transit agencies that have introduced battery powered buses are struggling with range issues. 
 

(Considering current circumstances, I do support LakeTran using battery buses - still beats natural gas or diesel. Catenary trolley-buses would be good for in city frequent routes, such as RTA’s HealthLine.)

Modernity itself is not a determinant of good/bad. 

10 minutes ago, Boomerang_Brian said:

Yes, they are electric buses that run on catenary wires (aka trolley-buses), which is the way most electric buses should run. Catenary is superior technology because you don’t have to haul big batteries around. It is much more efficient and eliminates the need to mine for the heavy metals used in battery production. Many of the transit agencies that have introduced battery powered buses are struggling with range issues. 
 

(Considering current circumstances, I do support LakeTran using battery buses - still beats natural gas or diesel. Catenary trolley-buses would be good for in city frequent routes, such as RTA’s HealthLine.)

But are any places still installing trolley systems these days? I know Toronto still has both extensive bus and streetcar routes that are electrically operated. You see wires criss-crossing the streets all over the city. Cleveland at one time (before my time) had that too. I guess this type of system would be practical in a densely populated place, but wouldn't the aesthetics of having so many wires be considered unsightly today? So it seems like battery-run buses are the wave of the future. At least there's a lot of hype about them now. I believe I saw that Columbus is going to run them soon. Don't know about Cleveland. 

They're certainly less costly to implement and probably less costly to maintain. But while wire-based systems can have their electricity produced by renewable sources, battery electrodes like lithium and various metals are not renewable although they can be recharged by sustainable means. Unfortunately, lithium-based batteries last only about three years. An electric trolley bus and its overhead wires can last one to two decades.

There are examples of catenary systems that blend well into the built environment. For truly historic districts where there might be valid aesthetic concerns and where passengers may interact with track level, and therefore traditional third-rail is not a safe option, there are protected/covered third rail options to deliver electricity. (They are both covered and also only electrified when interacting with a special mechanism on the train.) This protected version is more expensive than catenary. 
 

But anyway, lithium mines and battery plants are both hellscapes, so trolley wires are very much worth it by comparison. I’m convinced the only reason people don’t like trolley wires is because they aren’t used to them. 

the name of this event, it's irony, right? 🤔 😅

 

 

the electric bus is off and running  🚌

 

 

A Willoughby development---

 

On 5/12/2021 at 3:50 PM, eastvillagedon said:

 

Chardon-based Renew Partners, a development and historic preservation firm (isn't that a contradiction in terms?) has been awarded a National Park Service grant for work on the exterior of this building. There are two sections, the original, shorter one built in 1957, and the slightly taller one from 1965. Since baby boomers like me are so old now and were born in this period, I guess I never thought of mid-century architecture as particularly historic 

 

https://www.facebook.com/downtownpainesville/posts/5229541617087330

 

they're so good at these "kick-off" events. Hopefully work on this project will start soon. And I forgive Lake County Commissioner John Plecnik (a Cleveland-Marshall law professor with stellar educational credentials) for omitting the first "e" in Painesville🙄

 

On 11/16/2019 at 10:42 AM, eastvillagedon said:

Redevelopment of Victoria Place (aka that failed attempt at urban renewal from forty years ago known as the New Market Mall) is planned. I would be happy for just a change in the dated facade. Expansive windows on the corner facing the park would look nice?

 

 

some progress here! apparently one of the new tenants in this project will be the Painesville office of architectural firm Burgess & Niple, relocating from a few blocks away

 

 

 

A proposed development to transform an old Willoughby high school into apartments. At least it's not facing demolition. 

 

Liberty Development proposes a rehab of the 1915 Willoughby Union High building, additional development

 

 

https://www.news-herald.com/2021/08/21/liberty-development-company-plans-to-give-willoughby-union-high-building-its-next-life/

 

 

 

 

Tax increment financing districts approved in Painesville. Not sure exactly how this works, but it's a good thing, right? 🤔 (the only thread on urbanohio on this topic was in Cincinnati last updated in 2019)

 

https://www.facebook.com/cityofpainesville/posts/6603952546285173?__tn__=-R

 

"TIFs are an economic development tool that allow developers and local governments to collaborate in the redevelopment of underutilized or outdated properties into renewed, revitalized spaces. TIF districts allow taxes associated with any increased value in property to be used for public improvements like new roads and infrastructure upgrades.

 

The three new districts approved include the Downtown District (extending from Liberty Street to State Street and up to East Prospect Street and Jackson Street), the Richmond District (extending from Painesville Square up to State Route 2 on Richmond Street), and the Chester Street District (centering around Avery Dennison’s campus at 250 Chester Street)."

 

A Lake Erie theater professor, Jerry C. Jaffe, has announced a run for Painesville City Council. The part he left out from his campaign website is that he's a stand-up comedian, and teaches comedy at the college (which offers this as a minor, no less!). Of course, never having seen him perform, I can't vouch for the quality of his humor, but I would think this credential alone is enough to get him elected, since just his presence would add levity to the typically dour and soporific proceedings of a city council meeting; although I do think his mission statement paints an unnecessarily gloomy portrait of Painesville.😧 No one claimed it was nirvana-- lol

 

 

Edited September 7, 20213 yr by eastvillagedon

 

streetscaping coming to Fairport Harbor

 

On 10/22/2020 at 3:06 PM, eastvillagedon said:

HOLA (Hispanic Organization of Lake and Ashtabula) is in the process of developing a community center in Painesville. I grew up about a mile from this location and probably passed this building a million times on my little jaunts through town, but couldn't for the life of me remember what was in this spot, until Veronica Dahlberg, the director of HOLA mentioned that it had been a Studebaker dealership. I think they stopped making those in 1967!  This area used to be very Italian and I remember when Terriaco's bakery (now called T & T) opened nearby. They're still in business. Stop by if you're driving through!

 

https://www.facebook.com/Fox8NewsCleveland/videos/1061726467619497/

 

after a year this project is finally getting under way. Things move slowly in Painesville 🥴 

 

It seems the world-renowned Cleveland Orchestra will now have competition. Okay, before the jokes start, the founder and executive director of this "start-up" has the last name of Hillis. Decades ago, I remember there was a famous choral (and orchestral) director by the name of Margaret Hillis, who worked with many of America's greatest orchestras, including Cleveland. That said, I have no idea if this man is related. Furthermore, no mention of where they will perform. Maybe rent out Severance Hall on off-nights and pretend they're Cleveland's JV team? Or has that already been claimed by the Solon Symphony? 🎵

 

 

 

The Spot on Lakeshore, a new place--sort of "hip-casual" based on the description--from Zack Bond, formerly of Cleveland's Table 45 and L'Albatros among others, opens in Mentor

 

https://www.news-herald.com/2021/11/10/mentor-eatery-the-spot-on-lakeshore-carving-its-niche-with-both-gourmet-and-blue-collar-fare/

 

 

 

 

 

 

On 9/24/2021 at 2:25 PM, eastvillagedon said:

streetscaping coming to Fairport Harbor

 

 

here's an example of new sidewalk improvements as the renaissance of Fairport Harbor continues (but we'll still have the "Old Fairport"--the Hungarian Culture Club remains🇭🇺)--

I didn't know "legislation" was needed to turn an old bank into college dorms. Oh well, why not? If it makes the city council feel important lol

 

What the article say about why legislation was needed? Did involve a chain-of-title for a TIF? Tax abatement? Unfortunately the article is behind a pay-wall, but I figured you were a subscriber considering your strong interest in Lake County.

^I was just being facetious about needing legislation. Obviously there must have been a legal reason, but the article doesn't address that. And no, I'm not a News Herald subscriber, so usually I can't see full articles, but I was able to do so in this case (although I discovered if this happens, if you very quickly download print preview, the article will appear and you can read it). Also, I found it interesting that this project is being developed by Renew Partners LLC (who also, I think, own this building), the same firm restoring 55 Public Square (at least the exterior, if I'm correct), both mid-century buildings built in the late 1950's (to be accurate, the shorter 3-story section is from 1957, the 5-story half was added in the late 60's). 

Edited December 8, 20213 yr by eastvillagedon

Proposal for a 1400 home development in Painesville Township--

 

1,400??

^that's a very large chunk of land, located directly east of downtown Painesville across the Grand River. It was the site of Casement Airport, which was owned by R.W. Sidley, the namesake of the family referenced in the article. Every so often I remember they used to have "penny-a-pound" day in which you could take a brief flight for that price, probably in some rickety crop duster. I never did it. Too scared. 

Edited December 13, 20213 yr by eastvillagedon

On 11/30/2021 at 2:50 PM, eastvillagedon said:

 

here's an example of new sidewalk improvements as the renaissance of Fairport Harbor continues (but we'll still have the "Old Fairport"--the Hungarian Culture Club remains🇭🇺)--

No one thought to add a single tree. Sad. 

^come to think of it that is odd.

 

Culver's is coming to Eastlake. Just a few in Ohio so far as I checked, I know nothing about this Wisconsin-based chain. Apparently cheese curds are a specialty🥴

 

13 minutes ago, eastvillagedon said:

^come to think of it that is odd.

 

Culver's is coming to Eastlake. Just a few in Ohio so far as I checked, I know nothing about this Wisconsin-based chain. Apparently cheese curds are a specialty🥴

 

There’s a Culver’s in Macedonia by Lowes and Target. The custard is very good. (Not surprisingly, WI is well known for frozen custard.) They brag about their burgers, but I’d call them pretty standard fast food. Also nice to have a place to get cheese curds. 

I guess not everyone is happy that the "Cleveland" location of the Sistine Chapel Exhibit will be at the Great Lakes Mall. I don't know, will they use the abandoned Macy's? 🤷‍♂️

 

http://secretcleveland.co/michelangelo-sistine-chapel-cleveland-on-sale/

 

 

On 8/21/2021 at 3:03 PM, eastvillagedon said:

A proposed development to transform an old Willoughby high school into apartments. At least it's not facing demolition. 

Liberty Development proposes a rehab of the 1915 Willoughby Union High building, additional development

https://www.news-herald.com/2021/08/21/liberty-development-company-plans-to-give-willoughby-union-high-building-its-next-life/

 

 

And here is it's neighbor school receiving it's next life:

Memorial Junior High School - An Adaptive Reuse Project

 

This article is from 2/21 and it has a lot more pictures

On 12/21/2021 at 3:47 PM, eastvillagedon said:

I guess not everyone is happy that the "Cleveland" location of the Sistine Chapel Exhibit will be at the Great Lakes Mall. I don't know, will they use the abandoned Macy's? 🤷‍♂️

 

http://secretcleveland.co/michelangelo-sistine-chapel-cleveland-on-sale/

 

 

 

I can't decide whether the Sistine Chapel show is more or less cheesy than the various "immersive" Van Gogh exhibits that have been making the rounds, but it's kind of sad to see this one has been relegated to what was once an "auto garage," as the the reporter describes it. With two abandoned anchor stores at the Great Lakes Mall I don't know why this happened. The San Francisco version of this show is in the city's Catholic cathedral, which sounds a little more classy and appropriate; although NYC's was in an old warehouse building in Soho, almost in Tribeca. 

 

 

Brave Wilderness visits the...Holden Arboretum? Apparently the host grew up in NE Ohio. 

 

Trader Joe's in Mentor to open next week. That was fast 🤯 

 

On 1/27/2022 at 1:40 PM, eastvillagedon said:

Trader Joe's in Mentor to open next week. That was fast 🤯 

 

 

Oh no! Is the weather going to be that bad? This must be punishment for demolishing a historic building. Mandarin Orange Chicken and "Trader Giotto's" Marinara sauce will have to wait😟

 

 

Fairport Harbor's day of reggae is back this year July 9th, but I couldn't help but notice that the ever-popular Carlos Jones (the Bob Marley of Cleveland) looks like he's being edged over to the side a little by an L.A. group with a big following. Isn't that just how cutthroat showbiz is?

 

 

On 12/8/2021 at 2:17 PM, eastvillagedon said:

I didn't know "legislation" was needed to turn an old bank into college dorms. Oh well, why not? If it makes the city council feel important lol

 

 

an update on the transformation of the old-bank-into-college-dorm project. Hard to tell from the illustrations how aesthetically successfully this will be 🤔. I guess the point is to faithfully restore as much of the mid-century look as possible. I especially like the idea of the restaurant open to the public. Hopefully this will all work out--

 

 

An amphitheater and  an entertainment district? this is going to be the Hollywood Bowl and the Vegas Strip combined 🤩

 

Coming to downtown Willoughby--

 

On 2/23/2022 at 2:28 PM, eastvillagedon said:

 

an update on the transformation of the old-bank-into-college-dorm project. Hard to tell from the illustrations how aesthetically successfully this will be 🤔. I guess the point is to faithfully restore as much of the mid-century look as possible. I especially like the idea of the restaurant open to the public. Hopefully this will all work out--

 

 

This will do wonders to add some life to the square. Hopefully we see more student housing around that area.

^There's been talk for years about building some housing downtown, not just for students, but generally. 

 

who knows, maybe Painesville can become a destination for Ukrainian refugees. This is such a great story, though not yet fully resolved. Hoping it ends well--

 

 

Great story. Unfortunately not a development story.