I suppose it's true that a remodeled home is not a good parallel for new-built apartments, but I'm still not convinced that the neighborhood could support the rents necessary for new construction apartments when existing properties have a high rate of vacancy and homes can be had so cheaply.

which existing property offering quality finishes & modern layout has vacancy?  Something along the lines of this in Ohio City: http://www.friesschuele.com/  That is a condo building but many of the units are rented and it's a good example of modern finishes & layouts.

 

The cost of new construction would certainly be a hurdle to overcome and some type of subsidy would be necessary, like a 10 yr tax abatement or low interest partial loan, but it's not far off

We're getting way off into "what if" land here, guys.  Can we get back to actual development news?

Awesome freaking news!  Our neighborhood just keeps getting better and better.....

 

Detroit Avenue in Cleveland will soon cater to those on 2 wheels

Published: Wednesday, August 29, 2012, 6:00 AM    Updated: Wednesday, August 29, 2012, 6:22 AM

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Detroit Avenue, a major traffic artery on the city's West side, will soon make room for those driving on two wheels.

 

The city unveiled a plan Tuesday night to stripe 5-foot-wide bike lanes on Detroit from about West 25th Street to Lake Avenue.

 

The 1.7-mile stretch will narrow to one lane in each direction for cars. Parking along the curb will remain.

 

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2012/08/detroit_avenue_in_cleveland_wi.html

^ That's great progress. Hopefully this momentum can continue further west on Detroit asap.

 

Point of contention:

Several cyclists asked about the dicey drive over the Detroit-Superior bridge for east-bound cyclists who don't want to swing over to the path. Neither a striped shoulder nor a raised sidewalk on the bridge's south side afford a comfortable route for cyclists, who have to deal with traffic in a hurry to get downtown.

 

Cross said the city is considering a bike lane and sharrows on the bridge's south side.

 

I'm afraid these sharrows will give cyclists a false sense of security. You are risking your life on the south side of the bridge, and imho a painted bicycle logo isn't anything nearly enough to guarantee safety. I implore anyone who considers taking the bridge to use the north side raised sidewalk.

There is also a plan emerging for the developing of the bridge's subway deck.....

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,27815.0.html

^ That's great progress. Hopefully this momentum can continue further west on Detroit asap.

 

Point of contention:

Several cyclists asked about the dicey drive over the Detroit-Superior bridge for east-bound cyclists who don't want to swing over to the path. Neither a striped shoulder nor a raised sidewalk on the bridge's south side afford a comfortable route for cyclists, who have to deal with traffic in a hurry to get downtown.

 

Cross said the city is considering a bike lane and sharrows on the bridge's south side.

 

I'm afraid these sharrows will give cyclists a false sense of security. You are risking your life on the south side of the bridge, and imho a painted bicycle logo isn't anything nearly enough to guarantee safety. I implore anyone who considers taking the bridge to use the north side raised sidewalk.

 

Case and point.

 

http://www.theatlanticcities.com/commute/2012/08/case-separated-bike-lanes/3015/

 

The other day, Doug Gordon decided to try a little bike lane experiment. Gordon, author of the Brooklyn Spoke blog, placed red plastic Solo cups (yes, the ones you use when drinking from a keg) along the edge of a painted bike lane that is often blocked by parked livery cars and other drivers.

 

The conditions were hardly scientific, but these small plastic delineators, stuck to the roadway with duct tape, seemed to be pretty effective in preventing vehicles from entering the bike lane.

We also have a thread on Cleveland biking developments.....

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,27815.0.html

Here's some good news on Waverly Station:

 

Waverly station will contain 22 eco-friendly homes, all of them three stories, with rooftop decks and lake views. Only six so far went up for sale. Three are already sold.

 

"When we complete this site, we'll be moving on something else to build right in this neighborhood."

 

http://www.wkyc.com/rss/article/257333/23/New-homes-built-in-Detroit-Shoreway-neighborhood-already-sold

 

"When we complete this site, we'll be moving on something else to build right in this neighborhood."

 

 

I love a good mystery....

Hey everybody! I'm a once-in-a-blue-moon poster, you could say, but something exciting is afoot in Gordon Square that I'm very happy to share... Downtown Cleveland Alliance Safety Ambassadors and Cleaning Crews will now be a permanent fixture in GS. I've already observed them power-washing the decorative pavers at 65th and Detroit, sprucing up the planted areas along the sidewalks, emptying trash cans, sweeping sidewalks, connecting with neighborhood residents and visitors and smiling while doing it all:) I've been living in GS for about 2.5 years and very recently have noticed maintanence of the streetscape becoming an issue so the DCA's arrival couldn't be more timely! I called Matt Zone's office for details and was told DCA has partnered or contracted with the neighborhood's CDC. I also introduced myself to an ambassador named Juanita and she told me (paraphrasing) after their initial 'shock-and-awe' campaign, they'll staff the neighborhood with 3 permanent ambassadors. Another important milestone in the continued restoration of the neighborhood and it makes me even more proud of my little corner of the city!

Amazing! It is exciting to see this great program moving to other neighborhoods.

Thats fantastic news. 

 

I frequent DS living around the corner in Edgewater and I really want this area to succeed.

 

 

I think it's amazing, too. And I applaud the demonstration of cooperation and shared-services between the non-profits to provide Detroit Shoreway with access to equipment and man-power that the neighborhood wouldn't be able to afford on its own. It's a 'win' for everybody and a small-scale demonstration of regionalism that others should take note of. I'm very interested to learn the details of their agreement.

Hey everybody! I'm a once-in-a-blue-moon poster, you could say, but something exciting is afoot in Gordon Square that I'm very happy to share... Downtown Cleveland Alliance Safety Ambassadors and Cleaning Crews will now be a permanent fixture in GS. I've already observed them power-washing the decorative pavers at 65th and Detroit, sprucing up the planted areas along the sidewalks, emptying trash cans, sweeping sidewalks, connecting with neighborhood residents and visitors and smiling while doing it all:) I've been living in GS for about 2.5 years and very recently have noticed maintanence of the streetscape becoming an issue so the DCA's arrival couldn't be more timely! I called Matt Zone's office for details and was told DCA has partnered or contracted with the neighborhood's CDC. I also introduced myself to an ambassador named Juanita and she told me (paraphrasing) after their initial 'shock-and-awe' campaign, they'll staff the neighborhood with 3 permanent ambassadors. Another important milestone in the continued restoration of the neighborhood and it makes me even more proud of my little corner of the city!

 

Was gonna say, I biked through this am and was glad to see them!

I think it's amazing, too. And I applaud the demonstration of cooperation and shared-services between the non-profits to provide Detroit Shoreway with access to equipment and man-power that the neighborhood wouldn't be able to afford on its own. It's a 'win' for everybody and a small-scale demonstration of regionalism that others should take note of. I'm very interested to learn the details of their agreement.

 

its funded by an assessment on the businesses along Detroit.  You can see it on the tax records what the annual amount is

I think it's amazing, too. And I applaud the demonstration of cooperation and shared-services between the non-profits to provide Detroit Shoreway with access to equipment and man-power that the neighborhood wouldn't be able to afford on its own. It's a 'win' for everybody and a small-scale demonstration of regionalism that others should take note of. I'm very interested to learn the details of their agreement.

 

its funded by an assessment on the businesses along Detroit.  You can see it on the tax records what the annual amount is

 

I was going to say it had to be.  BID districts are pretty specific in how they can operate, and figured that there must be one operational along Detroit as well now.

Thanks, gottaplan! I'll take a look! It's also worth noting that The Coral Company took over management and leasing operations of all DSCDO's residential and commercial properties a few months back.

developer breaks ground on 'only new, for-sale housing development in city'

Thursday, September 13, 2012

 

Experienced Cleveland developer Mike DeCesare recently started construction on the Waverly Station Townhomes in Detroit Shoreway -- a 22-unit project that is the only new, for-sale housing development to break ground in the City of Cleveland this year.

 

"Getting the project up and running was no small task, as it proved to be impossible to find conventional bank financing for the project," he says. "We ended up doing private financing. We had investors willing to put money into it."

 

The project is located on a one-block stretch of land along Bridge Avenue between West 57th and 58th streets. DeCesare acquired a parcel of vacant land from Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization and purchased several distressed multifamily properties that he tore down. These additional parcels expanded the project and will add to the sense of community, he says.

 

http://www.freshwatercleveland.com/devnews/waverlytownhomes091312.aspx

 

Waverly Station pics from several days ago, so it's probably noticeably further along than pictured

 

 

Nice - thanks for the update!

From today:

IMG_2831 by jjames0408, on Flickr

 

Phase one (six units) has sold out already and phase two is being sold now.

Phase one (six units) has sold out already and phase two is being sold now.

 

That surprises me. There are six unsold units in my 36-unit building here in Lakewood. I got the impression the market was still stuck.

^Completely different product, tax abatements, etc.

that green sheathing is called Zip System, much better than standard plywood & Tyvek.  Very nice upgrade for improved R-Value

that green sheathing is called Zip System, much better than standard plywood & Tyvek.  Very nice upgrade for improved R-Value

 

Interesting.  I noted this kind of green sheathing for a student apartment building going up for Temple University near the regional rail tracks in Philly...

 

... regarding Waverly Square, a couple months ago while driving down Bridge Ave, I was  shocked and quite pleased to actually see buildings rising from the ground, since that tract has, for about a decade, been sitting idle after the first housing project for the tract couldn't get financing; it sat a while longer, with a couple mounds of dirt, well after the Waverly Sq. announcment.  Any word on any presales in Phase II?

I've seen that one has sold so far, but haven't looked since that last update.

The official groundbreaking for Near West Theatre's new home at w.67th and Detroit Ave. is set for November 27th, 2012 at 4pm. It's a $6.82million dollar project designed by Richard Fleischman Architects. The building will be on w67th setback from Detroit Ave behind the Near West Lofts building with a small plaza connecting the theatre to the main road. The last rendering I saw wasn't anything too spectacular, but the project has since been upgraded to achieve a "passivhaus" design, using similar principles of the PNC Smarthome's ultra-energy efficient construction. So, more good news for this amazing little 'hood. 

Wow, I thought that project was dead!

The official groundbreaking for Near West Theatre's new home at w.67th and Detroit Ave. is set for November 27th, 2012 at 4pm.

 

Great news!

 

The last rendering I saw wasn't anything too spectacular, but the project has since been upgraded to achieve a "passivhaus" design, using similar principles of the PNC Smarthome's ultra-energy efficient construction.

 

This is the last rendering I saw, which I used for a Sun News article about five years ago....

 

 

this hood is hot ight now. very excited for this project.  we just need more businesses.  with BP growing and developments like waverly station, im hopeful  for more essential businesses in neighborhood

What residential streets have seen the most renovations? What streets are popular over there?

 

Well, gotta love West Clinton! :)  Just a great, friendly residential street, mostly with houses from the 1940s, some of which have had various levels of rehab. Plus a currently vacant apartment complex that Cleveland Bricks owns and hopes to renovate into market rate units. And an active block club!

What residential streets have seen the most renovations? What streets are popular over there?

. 76th north of Detroit has had probably ten homes gutted and renovated in the last five years

 

Well, gotta love West Clinton! :)  Just a great, friendly residential street, mostly with houses from the 1940s, some of which have had various levels of rehab. Plus a currently vacant apartment complex that Cleveland Bricks owns and hopes to renovate into market rate units. And an active block club!

Most of the homes are Victorians from the 1890s-1900s.

Regarding the near west theater, this link takes you to the renderings from the architect.  Same as KJPs, but a few more.

http://www.studiorfa.com/civic/nearwest/index.htm

 

I think the streetscaping elements like the bus stops will become a more cohesive idea once this is built.

Its another great development for Detroit-Shoreway!

They had some nice renderings earlier this morning when I read it on my phone.  Not so much now, but still great to read!

 

http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2012/11/near_west_theatre_will_break_g.html

I really hope that the look of the plaza as well as the public art pieces will not look like what the images suggest. The piece in the PD had these torch-like entrance pieces with flames at the top. The RF site has some different, yet just as tacky, public art. I've never liked his work--to put it mildly. Still, this is a good project for the district. I sure hope that they're also raising money for an endowment to make sure they can afford general maintenance and utilities. I assume they would as that's pretty common practice now and Roller and CPT are pretty smart in how they go about doing things.

 

I wonder how much use this building will get. Do they put on plays year-round?

Noticed a couple things while shopping at the very neat Foundry pop up shop by Capitol Theater...there is a salon going into one of the spaces between Chase and Yellowcake. Spoke with Valerie and she is expanding the shop into the old Poultry place next door in January and it will possibly be housing a men's collection!

speaking of Yellowcake:

 

yellowcake inks deal to open brick-and-mortar store in gordon square

Thursday, December 13, 2012

 

Valerie Mayen is both nervous and excited as she talks about taking Yellowcake, the independent clothing company she built from the ground up, from pop-up to permanent. In March, the 31-year-old Texas native, who came to Cleveland to study at the Cleveland Institute of Art and appeared on Season 8 of "Project Runway," will double her current retail space at W. 65th Street and Detroit Avenue in the Gordon Square Arts District.

 

http://www.freshwatercleveland.com/devnews/yellowcake121312.aspx

Some good news for DS in the just-announced historic tax credit winners:

 

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2012/12/east_ohio_building_in_clevelan_1.html#incart_river_default

 

The troubled Painters Lofts condominium project at 8205 Franklin Blvd. in Ohio City. The condominium association received a $100,000 tax credit toward its $500,000 planned investment to make the building water-tight so the last eight units can be sold, state officials said.

 

and

 

The Templin-Bradley Building at 5700 Detroit Ave. in Cleveland. The Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization, a nonprofit group, envisions 30 market-rate and affordable apartments in the old industrial building. The $7.7 million project received a $1.8 million tax-credit award.

This 76th project is huge.  It will sit right atop the brand newly renovated 76th street tunnel with a stunning public art component.  THe renderings for these apartments are breathtaking and there is rooftop greenspace as part of the plans.  It will better connect a neighborhood with the Lake and also with the artist colony of 78th street studios.  THere will also be ground retail space at the top of tunnel.

Are there new renderings, or are they from the last go around, with the townhouses on top?

the building developers presented to our neighborhood about 6 months ago....i didnt see any townhomes on the top.  Of course, i have not seen the previous plans...

My understanding there  will be NO townhomes on top because of historical issues.  Rooftop deck and greenery are planned.

Ahh, OK.  Can't wait to see the new renderings!

There is also going to be a Dimit-designed townhouse project on the vacant land in front of the W.65th rapid station at W.61st and Lorain. Smells like TOD spirit.

"The Templin-Bradley Building at 5700 Detroit Ave. in Cleveland"

 

Is this the on behind Latitude?  I thought it was going to be some sort of subsidized Artists live/work apartments?

 

 

 

^it's beside it, on Detroit.  Not sure if it's going to be subsidized or what, but yes the goal is live/work type lofts.  While I'm excited to see these projects moving forward, some of them, like this one at 5700 Detroit, are a real stretch of the intent of the historic tax credit.

"The Templin-Bradley Building at 5700 Detroit Ave. in Cleveland"

 

Is this the on behind Latitude?  I thought it was going to be some sort of subsidized Artists live/work apartments?

 

No Templin place is different; it's visible right along the shoreway, just west of Battery park.