^Per yesterday's PD's Restaurant Row bit, the gastropub chef/owner still hasn't fixed on a site.  I'm hoping its DS though.  Sounds like a nice place (some trends are A-OK with me) but the name "Gastropub" is pretty podunk IMHO.  Sort of beats you over the head with the fact that this old trend still hasn't really arrived yet in Cleveland.

Is there any way us Detroit Shoreway residents could campaign or send an email somebodys way to say, "hey we would love if you located in our neighborhood".  It would seem to me if people that live in the neighborhood say that it would mean more than the neighborhood development corp. saying it.

Need some help folks.  I am in serious need of a local Detroit-Shoreway lawn care person to do some immediate grass cutting and weed-eating on 69th st.  Preferably late today, tonight, or tomorrow.  If you know of anyone please give me their phone number.  Not a big job, at most 2 hours.

 

Thanks

I just read this article in the Free Times: http://www.freetimes.com/stories/15/10/pedal-pushers

 

*EDIT* Looks like you'll have to call the writer (Mike Gill) at 216/479-2033 to get their contact info.  :|

Is this new construction next to Kings Terrace?  North of those buildings?

 

Also, I guess it would be for this thread, but are there any updates on what is the Pat Catan's warehouse building on W 76?  I think it is to be developed into condos called Stone Water?  Any word?  Thanks!

The above map is where W.54th dead-ends into the Shoreway. The last that I had heard about Stonewater was that it was awaiting the Council decision on tax abatement. Considering that Council pretty much voted to continue the abatement, I'm assuming that Stonewater is moving forward.

I heard another interesting tidbit regarding the neighborhood while jogging through Battery Park last week.  Some Detroit-Shoreway CDO staffers stopped me and told me about an upcoming community meeting that will be led by the Urban Design Collaborative on the intersection of Detroit & Lake.  I'm not sure who's done what at this intersection to date, but this is a great conversation to have and an important intersection for this community that needs some work!  I'll post more when I can find it.

Also, they've been circulating this map a lot lately:

 

http://dscdo.org/podmap.html

Anyone else having a hard time keeping up on everything that's going on??

Thanks for posting that link MapBoy. One thing of interest I noted:

-Battery Park is shown as spilling over to the east of w. 73rd now.  I think someone had reported earlier that Marous had options on that land, but it's good to see that the plans may have become more formalized since then.

 

Also, I was biking through the area last week and spoke to some of the workers at ReddStone Bar & Grille.  They said that they'd be open "in a month".  They also told me that there was a website, but I can't remember it and I can't find it through Google.

 

RE: tonight's Detroit & Lake meeting:

 

The community meeting is tonight, from 7:00-8:30 at the American Greetings Building (1300 W. 78th Street - the former 1300 gallery).  A rep from the UDC will speak about banner designs, the owner of ReddStone will be there, and  landscaping plans for the Detroit/Lake intersection will be presented.

on our evening walk, my wife and I strolled through battery park.  they had century cycles bring in a bunch of bikes for a tour of the area.  it appeared well attended despite the rain.  we then cut up to detroit, and on the way home I noticed new retail.  a few doors down from zone hq, a cute little place called kitch city has opened up.  a jewelry store appears to be going in across from gypsy bean, though I have seen no activity yet.  there is a small sign.  finally, at the corner of 54th and detroit, across from snickers and kitty corner from happy dog, a new restaurant is going in.  the sign in the window says, lattitude 41.  and of course, the leather shops are still there, don't worry. 

Okay, sorry, but can't get the link to work.  Suggestions?

Okay, sorry, but can't get the link to work.  Suggestions?

 

ahh...which link?  there are quite a few in this thread

a few posts back from Map Boy a link for the Detroit Shoreway Development Corporation.

 

 

^jmjr, I can't access the map right now either.  The whole site Http://www.dscdo.org seems to be down.

it should be back up now... i was on this morning.

 

last night's events were not a total wash.  the bike tour of battery park and gordon square were mostly rained out.  I did, however, duck into the Capitol Theater for a little private tour.  There's a long way to go!

 

The neighborhood meeting on the Lake/Detroit intersection went well.  They're currently working on getting in touch with the owners of the gas station and burger king at the intersection to see if they'll cooperated with the community on new streetscape/landscape plans.  The idea is that W. 76th is an access point to the "Edgewater Hill" neighborhood and to the beach beyond, but you'd never know it.  (see map below) New landscaping and pocket parks would create a gateway here and a new banner program will highlight neighborhood assets and character.  I really liked the proposed banners and they will be posted soon on the UDC website.

 

Reddstone's owner was in attendance and described a neighborhood joint with great pub grub and a little rock n' roll (he's owned Peabody's)... not of the live variety, though.  He's targeting a mid-August "soft" opening and a formal opening in September.  Sounds good!  When asked if the prices would be conducive to the surrounding residents, he said yes...highlighting food specials on particular nights that would draw people in.  When asked if it would be a good place to bring a family, he said no, that it would be more of a bring your friends or spouse or a date spot.  40 seats indoors, 60 outdoors.  Can't wait!

 

One final note... Councilman Zone addressed questions about the W. 76th Street tunnel, which everyone knows is in horrible condition.  He said that its renovation would be part of the Lakefront Plan, so we'll just have to hold on, but that it's definitely on the agenda.

 

Okay everyone, I need some advice.  In keeping with the improvements in the neighborhood, I want to make some improvements to the Barone Building on 69th St.  We are still working to get the funds together to completely renovate the building, both interior and exterior, but we just want to begin with the exterior to improve the street presentation.  As far as the interior, we can't decide on simply redoing each of the 4 apartments as they are, changing to 2 townhome units, up and down; or 2-single floor units.  The interior pictures indicate the relative size of each apartment; 4 rooms of ~ equal size plus 1 small bathroom.  What do you think?  Use this opportunity to put your design skills to the test!

 

As far as the exterior goes, we obviously need new doors!  As for the door which fronts the street, we were thinking about replacing it with a similar glass door with transom.  The building was built between 1912-1915 and we would like to make it as original was we can.  It does not appear to ever have had an awning over this front door,so I'm not sure what is appropriate there.  I don't think the pipe railing was the look at the time!  We were thinking about wrought iron?

 

As for the door on the side, we are open to any and all suggestions.  Right now it has 4 panes of frosted glass on the top half.  These panes match the frosted windows on the stairway above.  We would like to replace the metal awning with something which matches the period which it was built.

 

Please let me know what you think!

 

Thanks,

 

Dan

 

floor plans please!!!

for some reason I couldn't get the photos to load.  The front door leads to the 2 front apartments.  The interior photos show the front door opening to the stairway leading upstairs.  The upstairs apartment opens up into the 2nd room.  My thoughts if we made it into 2 townhouses, would be to turn the staircase, remove the interior door and allow the door from the outside to open into the living room. 

 

The center staircase opens to all 4 apartments.  The back apartments have exterior doors and separate staircases.

The photos wouldn't load here?

 

Its hard to help without seeing floor plans, with accompanying photos

If the tunnel on W 76 is part of the Lake Front Plan, what does that mean in terms of a projected date for renovation?  BP will be starting construction of our new house there soon.  The tunnel is undergoing something, just not sure what.  Cement barricades, removal of the fence, etc.  I think I may need to start a list of who I need to plea with to get moving forward.  

I'm pretty sure we're looking at something like 2011, sadly.  I think (but don't quote me) that Matt Zone (the Councilman) indicated 2010 or 2011 for the start of the shoreway project.  So, realistically, 2011.  If they're doing something now, it's likely just some basic maintenance, but good for them!  As far as he knows, it's the City's responsibility, not the state or the railroad...

 

DanB, are you having trouble renting the units?  Or do you just want to sell?  As for restoration work, have you contacted the Cleveland Restoration Society, Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization, or the City of Cleveland's Community Development or Economic Development departments?  Each of these has access to funds and advisors for restoration work and I'm quite positive that your building would qualify.  Glad to hear you're working on it!

Map Boy,

 

Thank you!  I just need to start getting my bitch list together of names, phone numbers, e-mails, etc. to contact, cajole, and generally nag if the mess that is there now isn't at least cleaned up.  As my partner would say, I like "instant coffee" resolutions -- not much in the patience department here!

Jmjr, Start with your councilman, then the Detroit-Shoreway Community Development Organization, then Marous/Vintage. I would consider forming a Battery Park Block Club to increase the lobbying powers of you and your neighbors and to carry out neighborhood watches.

 

As for the Barone building, I'm not much on decorating. I do believe in simplicity and low-maintenance when it comes to enhancements.

Dan, I sent you a PM with details, but just a few suggestions and three minutes in Photoshop:

 

1. A cleaning - not a sandblasting, but a good powerwash should bring a little more of that brick color out.

2. Replace the pipe railing with wrought iron, and add a flowerbox at the landing.

3. Add a fabric awning with light fixture to that same landing, and add shrubs to the front of the steps.

4. Remove the side awning entirely and replace it with an appropriate light fixture (brighten up a foreboding entryway).

5. A big project, but if you can relocate the unsightly utility gauges, that would add to the curb appeal.

 

If moving the utility gauges isn't practical, you could see if they would allow you to enclose them with a box of some sort.

Great job Mayday!  You're hired!  All good suggestions.  We've looked into all the various rehab plans, and yes we do qualify for the restoration loans.  Problem is we extended ourselves so much to buy the building, can't afford to get more loans.  Can't get it completely rented until we redo the other apartments, and on and on and on!  We could make them livable, but then we have 4 small apartments not really suited for todays lifestyle.  That's why we are interested in turning it into townhouse size apartments.  As the neighborhood improves with Battery Park and Gordon Square, it will become a perfect place for young professionals.  We've even talked about building a roof patio, as there would be a clear view of the lake.  Hard to imagine that when my grandfather built it, a family of 5 lived in one unit! 

 

You're right about the cleaning.  After almost 100 years of soot dirt etc it does need to be cleaned.  Note the stone along the roof line (sandstone?).  It is black where it should be light grey in color.  A previous owner had painted all the stone on the front (including the name) red!!  The last owner at least painted it beige.  I've been investigating chemical paint removers to get it back to its original look.  Obviously, I don't want to damage the stone, especially the name! 

Okay, here's my best shot at a floor plan.  Basically, the rooms range from 12x12 to ~ 11x10.  This is a drawing of the 1st floor.  The 2nd floor entrys are at the top of the front and back stairs along with the main entrance on the side.  Bathrooms are very small.  Tub lengthwise, with barely room to walk leading to toilet back by the windows.

 

The question remains:  4 small individual units; 2 up/down townhouses; or 2 single floor plan units.

 

The townhouse option could lead to rooftop decks for both units, but limits deck area in the back to the back unit only.  The main entrance on the side could still lead to access to both townhouses, I would think we could eliminate the 2nd level of the stairs and just make the units larger.  A small 1/2 bath on the 1st floor with full bath on 2nd.  The photo shows the stairs leading up to the 2nd floor back apartment.  I thought we could open the wall and turn the front stairs with a landing into the downstairs living room, and that would be the access to the 2nd floor.  Similar stairs would need to be constructed for the back unit.

 

Single floor plan gives backyard deck options to both units, but limits rooftop to 2nd floor only.  Not sure of the best access through the main center doors.

 

 

 

As a non-architect, I would say go with the 2 townhome option (side-by-side). A double is much more appealing when one tenant doesn't have to worry about the neighbor upstairs (creaking floors, etc.). Plus, given the location and view - it would be a shame to limit the rooftop deck to just one unit. Those are truly a sought-after amenity and I doubt too many buildings would be able to offer that, and actually have a view worth mentioning.

 

One question - if you go that route, could you conceivably convert the West 69th entrance (stairs) into a small "deck" of sorts? In other words, remove the steps and extend the landing (and awning and railing)? That way the front unit would have a deck as well:

Thanks Mayday, that's the kind of opinions I'm looking for.  I've also contacted the cleaning company you've recommended.  Now all I need is a good architect willing to take on a small project like this.

If moving the utility gauges isn't practical, you could see if they would allow you to enclose them with a box of some sort.

 

Yes, those meters really need to go and moving them will be quite costly. Maybe a thin hedge of somesort, high enough to hide them can be put in font? Possibly a door can be put on the right hand side for access? 

 

I'm not sure how wide the space is between the sidewalk and the building though.

Interestingly, the previous owner redid the ultilities and had new gas meters installed, and the gas company insisted they had to go in the front!  At least that is what he said, maybe it would have been more expensive to put them elsewhere and he wasn't interested.

Not that I'm a global moderator or anything, but when did this thread turn into an episode of Flip That House?  :wink:

Yeah, we wouldn't want to help to improve things in the neighborhood, its much easier to complain that things never get accomplished!  :wink2:

Well, it *does* involve a project/construction in the heart of Detroit-Shoreway, but it's a little small to have its own thread...

let me bring this back on topic by quoting myself from the previous page, it got kind of lost in the pictures etc...

on the way home I noticed new retail.  a few doors down from zone hq, a cute little place called kitch city has opened up.  a jewelry store appears to be going in across from gypsy bean, though I have seen no activity yet.  there is a small sign.  finally, at the corner of 54th and detroit, across from snickers and kitty corner from happy dog, a new restaurant is going in.  the sign in the window says, lattitude 41.  and of course, the leather shops are still there, don't worry.

Kitch City is very cool.  We stopped in on Sunday and the owner is very nice.  He is very excited for the neighborhood.  The shop has cards and other "kitch" (you should have seen that one coming).  It will be great to support a local business for that sort of stuff.  New restaurants are abounding and many of the spaces along the street are close to being rented. 

 

I like the idea of the Battery Park neighborhood commitee to try to push to get things like the tunnel done.  I also think that with a bunch of people sinking a bunch of $$$$ into that area the city will need to listen.  One of BP's most expensive phases -- the townhomes are along the tunnel and I'm hoping Stone Water gets moving soon.  That should help.  If all else fails I will get out my paint brush and paint the tunnell myself.  I see a rainbow motiff.  :wink:

part of the problem with that tunnel is that it is a tunnel.  and thus, you can sweep it out one day, and it is covered in broken glass and junk a day later.  especially if that day is after a weekend.  we'll call that day monday.  if that monday is after the 4th of july, well, then it's a hundred times worse. 

 

I liked how they handled the tunnel at 65th.  they added a snaking bike trail to it, with murals and repeated applications of paint to discourage vandals.  there is also the matter of drainage in the bp tunnel.  there are often puddles of standing water.  and of course, the massive ugly pipe that runs along the ceiling of the wall there.  needless to say, I will be fascinated to see how they handle all the issue related to cleaning this tunnel up.   

on the subject of block clubs, there are several active block clubs in the vicinity of Battery Park, but there will certainly be room for another once things get built up over there.  In the meantime, I think it's in the best interest of all involved for the new residents to join up with existing clubs, to get to know their neighbors and the issues that the community is addressing.

 

That said, the more voices, the better in regard to the tunnel.  And with more voices, more feet and eyes.  For every additional user of the tunnel, there will be less time for vandals to mess things up.  And when the time does come for some serious rehab work, there will be engineering and excavation and what not that will attempt to reduce/eliminate leaks, standing water, etc.  I believe that the new W. 65th Street tunnel utilized materials that were spray paint repellant, for example.  I also hear that when they rebuild the Shoreway, that they will be digging down to the roof of the W. 76th Street tunnel and replacing everything above its roof, thereby eliminating several of the causes of the leakage. 

 

All in due time, as they say!

Kitsch City now has a website up: http://www.kitschcity.com/.

From the DSCDO Summer 07 newsletter

 

Beginning this fall, a major transformation will begin to take place on Detroit Avenue from W. 58th to W. 73rd Streets, following several years of planning, community input, design review meetings, and collaboration with Detroit Avenue Merchants and other neighborhood community groups. City Architecture, along with Michael Benza & Assoc. Engineers and artist Suzie Frazier Mueller have created a ground-breaking design for the Gordon Square Arts District ...

 

... More at http://www.thedetroitstudio.com/detroit_shoreway_newsletter_summer07.pdf (page 5; includes a rendering and an overhead map of the improvement area):

new cafe opening at NE corner of W. 58 and Detroit (across from Snickers / diagonal from Happy Dog)

 

Sign in the window says "Opening Soon Latitudes 41˚ North: where to watch the world go by. "

 

As I understand it will be a breakfast and lunch spot

Awesome!  This neighborhood is going to be really hot.

Great news for the neighborhood

 

The $3.2 million dollar streetscape project represents an unprecedented partnership between many organizations and City departments, and is the first time a neighborhood streetscape has been able to bury the utilities.

 

In regards to the utilities news.  Welcome to the year 1989.

and is the first time a neighborhood streetscape has been able to bury the utilities.

 

What about West 25th? Those ones are also buried.

Awesome!  This neighborhood is going to be really hot.

 

Especially after everyone helps me renovate my building!!!!  Keep those ideas flowing! 

The $3.2 million dollar streetscape project represents an unprecedented partnership between many organizations and City departments, and is the first time a neighborhood streetscape has been able to bury the utilities.

 

Not true. The Kamm's Corners streetscape, already underway, is burying utility lines along Lorain Avenue from Fairview Hospital to West 150th Street. The project includes installing a high-powered electric cable from a substation at West 150th to the hospital - so all utility lines will be put into the same tunnel.

Vandals?  There are vandals?  That was NOT in my brochure!  :-o

 

But, where would I find information on the existing Block Clubs?

If there is an existing block club for that neighborhood, you may be able to find out by contacting the Detroit-Shoreway Community Development Organization, 6516 Detroit Ave., 216-961-4242. If there isn't a block club, consider organizing one for Battery Park.