The Slate (Sun. 3-7-21)

 

 

Building Renovation at Herman and West 58th Street

 

Renovation at 1278 W 58th Street

 

Battery Park Blvd extension

Oko Residential Townhomes get nod from Cleveland Planning Commission

 

The townhomes to be built between W. 57th and W. 58th streets south of Side Avenue are part of EcoVillage.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/cleveland/news/2021/03/19/oko-townhomes-get-cleveland-planning-nod.html

 

This double wide Marous construction trailer showed up on 73rd today. They don’t bring these out for small projects. Also, some heavy site machinery showed up. Would this be for that proposed complex north of the new Battery Park Blvd extension? @KJPYou hear anything?

That would be my guess. 

13 hours ago, KJP said:

That would be my guess. 

So that would be this? That pool will be a great hang. First reported by NeoTrans ;)

 

https://neo-trans.blogspot.com/2020/01/two-more-apartment-buildings-coming-to.html?m=1

Edited March 24, 20214 yr by marty15

Well this is exciting now! Construction fencing up this morning. 

Yep, that's it.

Capitol Theatre is getting a fundraising campaign for its centennial — and the opportunity to host a movie in July

Scott Suttell - Crain's Cleveland Business - Mar. 29, 2021

 

 

"A campaign launching next month to support the Capitol Theatre on Cleveland's West Side will include a bonus this summer — this historic theater's first movie screening in more than a year. Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization (DSCDO), which owns the Cleveland Cinemas-operated movie theater at 1390 West 65th St. in the Gordon Square Arcade, said in a news release that it will kick off the Centennial Campaign on Thursday, April 8, which is the 100th birthday of the Capitol. ... While the theater has been closed, DSCDO has installed 34 new, large reclining seats in each of the two upstairs theaters of the Capitol. ... The first floor's main auditorium retains its 420 regular seats for larger screenings."

On 2/24/2021 at 11:03 AM, YABO713 said:

My wife sends...

 

NIMBYs protesting outside of the illustrious, historical, vibrant, pedestrian-welcoming, and very much still in use Club Azteca to stop it from being torn down and replaced by v lame, ugly, cheap development.

 

i hope you all can sense my sarcasm because I’m laying it on pretty thick

 

Any updates on this?

3 hours ago, MyPhoneDead said:

Any updates on this?

 

Currently stalled due to the "hIsToRiCaL sIgNiFiCaNcE" of the location, which somehow sat untouched, uncared for, and unpaid for for most of this millenium...

 

From my understanding, the developers want to build there still, just not sure if the juice is worth the squeeze if they're asked to downsize the project

Just seen on the Cleveland subreddit that Min Ahn is closing up shop for what they claim to be a temporary time. I'm curious to see how certain this project still is

2 hours ago, FutureboyWonder said:

Just seen on the Cleveland subreddit that Min Ahn is closing up shop for what they claim to be a temporary time. I'm curious to see how certain this project still is

The post on reddit mentioned closing for a few years. Sounds like enough time to build a new building and move into it 🤔

 

Maybe they're expanding the project to include that parcel as well. Or maybe they're just gonna shift the project slightly to the east and tear down Minh Anh rather than Club Azteca.

 

3 minutes ago, tykaps said:

maybe they're just gonna shift the project slightly to the east and tear down Minh Anh rather than Club Azteca

 

I hope that's not the case!

8 minutes ago, viscomi said:

 

 

I hope that's not the case!

why not?  Weren't they eventually going into the new building?

^ Were they? My concern would not be where Minh Anh lands but rather the thought of now losing Both 5506 and 5428 Detroit to save the Azteca building. 

Better to save the well maintained building that's contributing to the urban environment rather than the vacant and windowless Club Azteca.

 

But this is all speculation right now. Just have to wait for the next update on Waverly and Oak.

1 minute ago, tykaps said:

Better to save the well maintained building that's contributing to the urban environment rather than the vacant and windowless Club Azteca.

 

But this is all speculation right now. Just have to wait for the next update on Waverly and Oak.

 

FWIW (and this is just a rumor I heard) - the closing isn't indicative (yet) of a long term plan to close. Their market is actually quite lucrative and sits to the west of the restaurant - so logically, I'd assume they'd need to get paidddddddd to close up shop entirely, and that would require additional capital that I don't see the developers voluntarily paying in lieu of fighting off some protestors

7 minutes ago, tykaps said:

Better to save the well maintained building that's contributing to the urban environment rather than the vacant and windowless Club Azteca.

 

But this is all speculation right now. Just have to wait for the next update on Waverly and Oak.

Can't wait to find out what is happening behind the scene but don't worry.  If that gorgeous club building is saved you know that all the concerned citizens protesting it's demolition will now empty their pocketbooks to correct the tens of thousands of dollars in code violations and structural deficiencies that have existed all these many years

Edited April 1, 20214 yr by Htsguy

6 minutes ago, tykaps said:

But this is all speculation right now.

 

Right. The theory does kind of sound plausible though. We'll just have to wait and see.

18 hours ago, Htsguy said:

Can't wait to find out what is happening behind the scene but don't worry.  If that gorgeous club building is saved you know that all the concerned citizens protesting it's demolition will now empty their pocketbooks to correct the tens of thousands of dollars in code violations and structural deficiencies that have existed all these many years

Happy April Fools Day!

On 3/30/2021 at 7:13 AM, YABO713 said:

 

Currently stalled due to the "hIsToRiCaL sIgNiFiCaNcE" of the location, which somehow sat untouched, uncared for, and unpaid for for most of this millenium...

 

From my understanding, the developers want to build there still, just not sure if the juice is worth the squeeze if they're asked to downsize the project

I kid you not... I just walked past Club Azteca with my dog and watched a skunk climb out of its vent... and proceed to charge at my dog and I.

 

we escaped the spray lol

12 hours ago, YABO713 said:

I kid you not... I just walked past Club Azteca with my dog and watched a skunk climb out of its vent... and proceed to charge at my dog and I.

 

we escaped the spray lol

 

Edited April 4, 20214 yr by marty15

3 hours ago, YABO713 said:

I kid you not... I just walked past Club Azteca with my dog and watched a skunk climb out of its vent... and proceed to charge at my dog and I.

 

we escaped the spray lol

 

File a complaint with the city for pest infiltration. The more complaints, the greater the legal basis for condemnation. 

9 hours ago, KJP said:

 

File a complaint with the city for pest infiltration. The more complaints, the greater the legal basis for condemnation. 

 

Edited April 4, 20214 yr by marty15

7 hours ago, marty15 said:

We have a system that is so regressive and dysfunctional, that this needs to happen. I’m so fed up with how backwards this city is. We’re catering to the sector of society that want the status quo. This is f*cking ridiculous.

 

Politics invariably favors the status quo which has the most power and influence.

Looks like sanity may be prevailing around the Waverly&Oak / Azteca discussion... 

 

https://courbanize.com/projects/wandoak-/updates/28467?utm_campaign=update&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid

Yes, thankfully.  And a request from the developers that supporters of the project send comments to city planning and landmarks:  

 

https://courbanize.com/projects/wandoak-/updates

 

UPDATE #5

Show Your Support - Help Make Waverly & Oak a Reality!

Thanks for all the participation and input on shaping the plans for Waverly & Oak. We’d like to ask for your support to encourage the Cleveland Landmarks Commission to give final approval to the Project.

The most impactful thing you can do to make Waverly & Oak a reality is to share your support directly with the Landmarks Commission, via the contacts below:

Donald Petit, Secretary of the Landmarks Commission: [email protected]

Karl Brunjes, Senior Assistant City Planner: [email protected]

If you’re available to attend, the Landmarks Commission meeting is Thursday, April 8th, beginning at 9:00AM. The meeting will be live streamed on YouTube at this link.

Thanks again for your participation!

Posted on Apr 6, 2021

To my inbox this morning ...

20 minutes ago, ML11 said:

Looks like sanity may be prevailing around the Waverly&Oak / Azteca discussion... 

 

https://courbanize.com/projects/wandoak-/updates/28467?utm_campaign=update&utm_medium=email&utm_source=sendgrid

Outstanding!!! We’re finally seeing development with enough inertia to break through these walls

Michelle tweeted it too

So did I 

 

It has been a while but if I recall Landmark was also very negative regarding the height (in fact I think it was one of the last comments from the chairwomen before moving on),  Is that still going to be an issue or was height just Landmark throwing the kitchen sink at the project due to the "protesters" for whom the chairwomen said upfront she had much sympathy.  

 

Also, if I recall correctly the club principals were always anxious to work with the developers and said so much at the meeting.  They seem to be the ones who were most realistic about the club, its history and the vast amounts of money it would take to fix up this very unremarkable building.  It was expressed that they certainly did not have the funds to do so.

14 minutes ago, Htsguy said:

It has been a while but if I recall Landmark was also very negative regarding the height (in fact I think it was one of the last comments from the chairwomen before moving on),  Is that still going to be an issue or was height just Landmark throwing the kitchen sink at the project due to the "protesters" for whom the chairwomen said upfront she had much sympathy.  

 

Also, if I recall correctly the club principals were always anxious to work with the developers and said so much at the meeting.  They seem to be the ones who were most realistic about the club, its history and the vast amounts of money it would take to fix up this very unremarkable building.  It was expressed that they certainly did not have the funds to do so.

 

You are correct in that recollection, but I'm also not sure if they were just piling on or if the height is an actual concern. If a taller building is not appropriate at that location -- on the biggest non-highway roadway in the neighborhood -- then they are essentially saying no larger buildings are allowed in the area.

50 minutes ago, gg707 said:

 

You are correct in that recollection, but I'm also not sure if they were just piling on or if the height is an actual concern. If a taller building is not appropriate at that location -- on the biggest non-highway roadway in the neighborhood -- then they are essentially saying no larger buildings are allowed in the area.

 

Going to be difficult to make that argument when Church and State is literally visible from street level

Yay! This is an awesome result.  The community stood up and got something valuable for their effort and attention. Now a better more community responsive result for all. 

Don't be too quick to discount the voice of neighborhood folk. This is how getting the best for your community works.

Edited April 6, 20214 yr by ExPatClevGuy

24 minutes ago, ExPatClevGuy said:

Yay! This is an awesome result.  The community stood up and got something valuable for their effort and attention. Now a better more community responsive result for all. 

Don't be too quick to discount the voice of neighborhood folk. This is how getting the best for your community works.

 

It might not be better for all, so let's see what compromises were made before jumping to conclusions.

 

The far majority of the community supported the original plans, the loud minority did not.

"Loud" Community voices 1  |  Silent "majority" 0

One of these two groups above may wish to fix the broken volume control of their communication methods.

 

I'm no fan of the Club Azteca building because it appears by all accounts to have become AN ACTUAL BLIGHT.

Still, those people rallied and got a preferred outcome for themselves.  - There are lessons for outsiders to learn about the effectiveness of neighborhood voices in local communities.
 

 

Edited April 6, 20214 yr by ExPatClevGuy

Watching the Landmarks Commission Meeting now and they're still complaining about the height and also the color of the bricks(?!)

Waverly & Oak was presented at today's Apr. 8, 2021 Landmarks Commission Meeting for Final Approval.

 

 - Most of the changes to the design since there last presentation were to address concerns of the developments scale and height. The ceiling heights have been lowered on a few floors. It tops out at 87 feet, within the maximum height of 90 feet. The 7th floor penthouse was stepped back. 

 - Local design review voted unanimously to recommend approval as presented. They believe the structures height is contextual and appropriate for the neighborhood. 

 - Former councilmember Matt Zone spoke about his past relationship with Club Azteca and his support for the project, commending its thoughtful design. New Ward 15 councilmember Jenny Spencer also spoke in favor of the development. 

 - The city planning department notes that this development fits within the current zoning while aligning with the current planning efforts/vision for the area. They see the development as setting the standard for new development in Gordon Square. It was also mentioned that they were surprised by the amount of emails supporting the project. 

 - Jessica Trivisonno from the Detroit Shoreway CDO said that the lack of opposition to the development was notable.

 - The 10 emails the Landmarks Commission received were all in support of the development. 

 - Multiple stakeholders also mentioned the support from the Azteca Club coalition for the agreement with Bond Street. 

 

 - Two commission members had concerns over the buildings height. Michele Anderson was concerned about the scale of the development in the historic district. Julie Trott was ok with the density but not necessarily the height. Despite these concerns, they both voted in favor of the development.

 

Demolition of the Existing Structures - Passed Unanimously

Waverly & Oak Development - Passed Unanimously - Contingent on the future presentation of landscaping, lighting, signage and the plaza design.

 

 

Design and demo passed.  "Julie Trott" voted yes "reluctantly".  She had no choice since there was overwhelming support at all levels.  Present and former councilpersons, local design review and landmark, the club, the planning commission staff and even social media.  She was faced with all this support and seemed to have a sour look on her face the entire meeting.

For people who want to watch it!

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ki-q7r7Dn0

15 minutes ago, NorthShore647 said:

Waverly & Oak was presented at today's Apr. 8, 2021 Landmarks Commission Meeting for Final Approval.

 

 - Most of the changes to the design since there last presentation were to address concerns of the developments scale and height. The ceiling heights have been lowered on a few floors. It tops out at 87 feet, within the maximum height of 90 feet. The 7th floor penthouse was stepped back. 

 - Local design review voted unanimously to recommend approval as presented. They believe the structures height is contextual and appropriate for the neighborhood. 

 - Former councilmember Matt Zone spoke about his past relationship with Club Azteca and his support for the project, commending its thoughtful design. New Ward 15 councilmember Jenny Spencer also spoke in favor of the development. 

 - The city planning department notes that this development fits within the current zoning while aligning with the current planning efforts/vision for the area. They see the development as setting the standard for new development in Gordon Square. It was also mentioned that they were surprised by the amount of emails supporting the project. 

 - Jessica Trivisonno from the Detroit Shoreway CDO said that the lack of opposition to the development was notable.

 - The 10 emails the Landmarks Commission received were all in support of the development. 

 - Multiple stakeholders also mentioned the support from the Azteca Club coalition for the agreement with Bond Street. 

 

 - Two commission members had concerns over the buildings height. Michele Anderson was concerned about the scale of the development in the historic district. Julie Trott was ok with the density but not necessarily the height. Despite these concerns, they both voted in favor of the development.

 

Demolition of the Existing Structures - Passed Unanimously

Waverly & Oak Development - Passed Unanimously - Contingent on the future presentation of landscaping, lighting, signage and the plaza design.

YESSSSS!!!

17 minutes ago, Htsguy said:

Design and demo passed.  "Julie Trott" voted yes "reluctantly".  She had no choice since there was overwhelming support at all levels.  Present and former councilpersons, local design review and landmark, the club, the planning commission staff and even social media.  She was faced with all this support and seemed to have a sour look on her face the entire meeting.

Note: Michele Anderson also voted "yes, reluctantly" with a sour look on her face during the vote for the demolition of the Club Azteca and Vietnam Market buildings.

Edited April 8, 20214 yr by downtownjoe

2 minutes ago, downtownjoe said:

Note: Michele Anderson also voted "yes, reluctantly" with a sour look on her face during the vote for the demolition of the Club Azteca and Vietnam Market buildings.

Watching these Landmark meeting on-line the pass few months it seems as though the only thing Ms Anderson likes is ginger bread cottages.  And that appears to be her expertise.

 

Fantastic news!!!!

 

This just goes to show how important it is for the people supporting development to make their voice heard. We need to drown out the vocal minority who seem to always get projects shut down. I emailed the landmark commission ahead of time, I plan to do so for future projects, and I suggest as many people here as possible to do the same.

 

 

Was anything mentioned about Minh Anh during the meetings? I've continued to read rumors that they will be shutting down but all the promotional materials for this development clearly show the Minh Anh building remaining.

 

FWIW, I think I may have found the source of the rumors... I ate at Minh Anh yesterday evening and one of the waitresses volunteered (without me asking, she practically blurted it out as we sat down) that the restaurant was going to close in May. She was pretty vocal that she was miffed that she had to find out from a representative of the neighborhood and not from the owner themselves. The server also claims that when she asks the owner they act like they don't know what she's talking about. I'm wondering if all the rumors are coming from this one waitress who got some bad information...

On 2/4/2021 at 12:13 AM, KJP said:

BOOM!

 

 

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2021

Mid-rise apartment complex planned for Gordon Square

 

A proposed major mixed-use development in the Gordon Square area is due to go before City Planning Commission as early as this month. The development, called Waverly & Oak, at 5506 Detroit Ave., is the first major new-construction effort by Cleveland-based Bond Street Group.

 

https://neo-trans.blogspot.com/2021/02/mid-rise-apartment-complex-planned-for.html

 

58 minutes ago, NorthShore647 said:

 

 

 

For comparison, I grabbed the original proposal. I like the original better, but the approved revised version is still good. That new second floor on the right hand building looks odd. 

6 minutes ago, Boomerang_Brian said:

 

 

For comparison, I grabbed the original proposal. I like the original better, but the approved revised version is still good. That new second floor on the right hand building looks odd. 

They have to come back for revisions with that second floor per Landmarks so it'll likely change.

24 minutes ago, Boomerang_Brian said:

 

 

For comparison, I grabbed the original proposal. I like the original better, but the approved revised version is still good. That new second floor on the right hand building looks odd. 

 

That staircase pictured on the left in the original was awesome. You're right the original is just better, far more welcoming. 

@dastler All voices needed to build a community.   - ALL!

More opinions typically = a worse final product.  

 

Development moves fast in totalitarian Russia and China, so there is that.
Jail for those who disagree with the plan. | | |😢| | |

Edited April 8, 20214 yr by ExPatClevGuy

Fair point ExPatClevGuy and I'm all for community involvement.  My comment is specific to anything creative or design - oriented.