1 hour ago, marty15 said:

Don’t let the exterior fool you. One of those is mine. The HOA was dissolved decades ago, and trying to get some of my neighbors to maintain their property is futile.

Wow! Gorgeous. If I can ever talk my wife into moving again, you may get a new neighbor.

 

2 hours ago, Dougal said:

Wow! Gorgeous. If I can ever talk my wife into moving again, you may get a new neighbor.

 

Thank you! I could use a couple new neighbors! One is about to become available, but it’s going to need fully gutted.

14 hours ago, marty15 said:

Thank you! I could use a couple new neighbors! One is about to become available, but it’s going to need fully gutted.

Please message me — would love to know more. My husband and I have started to actively look at places in the area.

22 hours ago, marty15 said:

Don’t let the exterior fool you. One of those is mine. The HOA was dissolved decades ago, and trying to get some of my neighbors to maintain their property is futile.

 

That's beautiful.

 

Breakwater Lofts opens this weekend
By Ken Prendergast / September 14, 2023

 

A decade ago, the opening of the Breakwater Lofts apartment building on a vacant lot at 1270 W. 58th St. in Cleveland’s Gordon Square neighborhood would’ve been a much bigger story. Instead, today, it’s the latest of many new developments in the surrounding area that has more big projects in the works. It’s a sign of stabilization and maturation of the residential market in this near-west side neighborhood, just off the lake, that continues to host traditional Cleveland haunts like the Parkview Nite Club across the street.

 

MORE:

https://neo-trans.blog/2023/09/14/breakwater-lofts-opens-this-weekend/

Two articles from one neighborhood (although at opposite ends) in the same day!

 

 

City picks Watterson-Lake developer
By Ken Prendergast / September 14, 2023

 

Following a request for proposals (RFP) process, the city of Cleveland officials selected Bridging the Gap LLC, a minority business enterprise and real estate developer from Pittsburgh, to redevelop the former Watterson-Lake School site in Cleveland’s Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood. New to the Cleveland market, Bridging the Gap has a portfolio of major renovation and new construction projects, including multi-family housing, mixed use, industrial, retail and office space. But this site is likely to be developed with affordable apartments, probably with a ground-floor retail space based on the site’s zoning.

 

MORE:

https://neo-trans.blog/2023/09/14/city-picks-waterson-lake-developer/

That's good and all compared to an empty lot, but that stretch of Detroit Ave from Lake Ave to West Blvd needs some market rate development. Seems like there's too much of a concentration of subsidized housing through that stretch. Smells a lot like Uptown in Chicago, which was held back for decades relative to surrounding neighborhoods for that reason.   

2 hours ago, Rustbelter said:

That's good and all compared to an empty lot, but that stretch of Detroit Ave from Lake Ave to West Blvd needs some market rate development. Seems like there's too much of a concentration of subsidized housing through that stretch. Smells a lot like Uptown in Chicago, which was held back for decades relative to surrounding neighborhoods for that reason.   

You’re not wrong.

The former Burger King site is likely only suited to a market rate development because of initial costs (land, site prep, etc), and there are a lot of other sites (the car wash, for example) which would require a market rate building to justify acquiring the parcel for a development. I think it makes sense to add affordable units where we can, before the land value becomes even more prohibitive for that type of project.

What is 50% of households with incomes below 60% of the Area Median Gross Income in this census tract? And if I'm not mistaken, the census tract which includes the Burger King site extends all the way up to the lake. It includes some high value housing and, more importantly, high-income residents. That might push up the overall incomes of renters in a LIHTC-funded building here.

3 hours ago, KJP said:

What is 50% of households with incomes below 60% of the Area Median Gross Income in this census tract? And if I'm not mistaken, the census tract which includes the Burger King site extends all the way up to the lake. It includes some high value housing and, more importantly, high-income residents. That might push up the overall incomes of renters in a LIHTC-funded building here.

I could be mistaken but I believe the income limits are set at the metro level 

 

https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il/il2023/2023summary.odn?inputname=METRO17460M17460*Cleveland-Elyria%2C+OH+MSA&wherefrom=%24wherefrom%24&selection_type=hmfa&year=2023

^Yup, that's right. Here are the limits applicable to the LIHTC program: https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il/il2023/2023sum_mtsp.odn?inputname=METRO17460M17460*Cleveland-Elyria%2C+OH+MSA&area_choice=hmfa&year=2023

I’m having trouble accessing the RFP, but I believe that developers were given points for having a specific % of units be affordable housing.

 

Based on that I interpret Ken’s sentence “developed with affordable housing” to mean that affordable units will be included with market rate units as well. 
 

Is that what you’re thinking @KJP? Or does the LIHTC require it to be entirely composed of low income?

 

I think there’s also a mention in the RFP of breaking ground this calendar year, so things could start moving quickly. Unfortunately all the links I had are dead since the city updated its website…

LIHTC can offer affordable units along with market-rate in the same building. The site is big enough it could offer more than one building, although I have no idea if that's what the developer has in mind.

Hopefully it can be a mix, given the size of the site could house multiple housing options. I think market rate townhomes along 74th/75th and a mixed-use building with affordable units fronting Detroit would be a good use of the site.  

The city should use the sale proceeds of this site to purchase the Burger King lot across the street. Then start the RFP process again there. They can then use the Burger King site proceeds to purchase the gas station property so they can realign Lake Avenue. Turning that intersection into more of what Mayfield & Euclid is.

16 minutes ago, marty15 said:

The city should use the sale proceeds of this site to purchase the Burger King lot across the street. Then start the RFP process again there. They can then use the Burger King site proceeds to purchase the gas station property so they can realign Lake Avenue. Turning that intersection into more of what Mayfield & Euclid is.

The proceeds of the Burger King lot would be negative.  

 

Current owner overpaid and most developers are on hold.  Issues are rising rates, tighter lending and the 1-2 punch of new tax abatement and CBA.  

 

1 hour ago, RMB said:

The proceeds of the Burger King lot would be negative.  

 

Current owner overpaid and most developers are on hold.  Issues are rising rates, tighter lending and the 1-2 punch of new tax abatement and CBA.  

 

I wasn’t aware that the BK property ever sold.

1 hour ago, marty15 said:

The city should use the sale proceeds of this site to purchase the Burger King lot across the street. Then start the RFP process again there. They can then use the Burger King site proceeds to purchase the gas station property so they can realign Lake Avenue. Turning that intersection into more of what Mayfield & Euclid is.

 

Why a Mayfield and Euclid? Diagonal intersections are far more interesting than your run of the mill 90-degree angle intersections. We have very few left in the city. Its so sad to see the "dumbing down" of the street system.

7 minutes ago, DinaB said:

 

Why a Mayfield and Euclid? Diagonal intersections are far more interesting than your run of the mill 90-degree angle intersections. We have very few left in the city. Its so sad to see the "dumbing down" of the street system.

They’re a pedestrian nightmare. I also find the patio’s and park like feel of what used to be Mayfield Rd. far more interesting.

El Corazon should liven up Detroit Ave a bit. Being described as a "homespun Van Aken". It's on Landmarks agenda for Thursday.

https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2023/09/yellowcakes-valerie-mayen-ready-to-celebrate-grand-opening-of-a-unique-inclusive-boutique-marketplace-in-gordon-square.html

Stone Mad is up for sale.

https://www.loopnet.com/Listing/6600-Herman-Ave-Cleveland-OH/29677583/

^ That place is phenomenal! If the buyer has any sense they'll continue operating it as a restaurant and more or less exactly as is. 

Wow, no bathroom pics ... they must not be serious about wanting to sell the place! lol

1 minute ago, Ethan said:

^ That place is phenomenal! If the buyer has any sense they'll continue operating it as a restaurant and more or less exactly as is. 

An institution that doesn't get talked about enough. I know the owner(s) and am somewhat surprised to see this. Ownership changed hands during COVID when Pete passed away. I don't think the building will change use, that's for sure. It's a gem with the bathrooms, fireplaces, beautiful bar and booths, wonderful patio. 

I know I've posted angrily about him in the past but hooooo boy... 

 

The guy that owns the used car lot at 49th and Detroit, as well as the Big Egg parcel at 52nd and Detroit and some lots near 50th and Detroit has backed out of a number of sales to developers, each time saying to himself "I could get more" shortly after they come to an agreement. 

 

A friend of mine informs me that his 2 biggest parcels were initially listed for $1 million and $1.2 million, respectively, since 2019. He received offers on both properties back then. He's since raised the price a couple of times and received reasonable offers, backing out for the reasons stated above. 

 

The two parcels are currently listed for $3 million and $3.6 million respectively. How are some people so blissfully unaware that they're their own worst enemy?????

46 minutes ago, YABO713 said:

A friend of mine informs me that his 2 biggest parcels were initially listed for $1 million and $1.2 million, respectively, since 2019. He received offers on both properties back then. He's since raised the price a couple of times and received reasonable offers, backing out for the reasons stated above. 

 

The two parcels are currently listed for $3 million and $3.6 million respectively. How are some people so blissfully unaware that they're their own worst enemy?????

 

The case for a land value tax grows every day...I get it, make as much as you can and create generational wealth but at some point...

Sat on that magnificent patio back in July and got to meet the owner, who said he was the son of the previous owner. He seemed excited about the future and even commented how he wasn't going anywhere. 

2 hours ago, GREGinPARMA said:

Sat on that magnificent patio back in July and got to meet the owner, who said he was the son of the previous owner. He seemed excited about the future and even commented how he wasn't going anywhere. 

There is some infighting… but the business itself isn’t going anywhere from my understanding 

16 hours ago, YABO713 said:

There is some infighting… but the business itself isn’t going anywhere from my understanding 

 

I heard the court mandated a sale as a result of the infighting. In short, the current owner inherited it somewhat unexpectedly, and the individual who believed she'd be controlling owner hasn't had a great relationship with the new owner. 

20 minutes ago, YABO713 said:

 

I heard the court mandated a sale as a result of the infighting. In short, the current owner inherited it somewhat unexpectedly, and the individual who believed she'd be controlling owner hasn't had a great relationship with the new owner. 

The infighting is absolutely true. I know the nephew who inherited part of it is all in so this court ordered stuff makes a lot of sense. 

1 hour ago, YABO713 said:

 

I heard the court mandated a sale as a result of the infighting. In short, the current owner inherited it somewhat unexpectedly, and the individual who believed she'd be controlling owner hasn't had a great relationship with the new owner. 

Are you talking about the lady who was the main manager there since Stone Mad's inception? I forget her name, but I was under the impression (through drunken scuttlebut) that she was in line to take the place over as well.

 

As long as the F'ing Georges don't get it, I think we should be okay...

2 hours ago, Ineffable_Matt said:

Are you talking about the lady who was the main manager there since Stone Mad's inception? I forget her name, but I was under the impression (through drunken scuttlebut) that she was in line to take the place over as well.

 

As long as the F'ing Georges don't get it, I think we should be okay...

... already 3 bids

 

Money for Walz branch/senior housing

 

https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2023/10/senior-housing-old-brooklyn-project-social-service-providers-to-get-slice-of-clevelands-federal-aid.html

On 8/6/2023 at 8:39 AM, CleWestSide said:

New Houses coming to West 65th street and Father Caruso Drive

 

Building permits going through for the first house (the one on the corner). Estimated construction cost is $1.4 million. The way the permit application is written, the dollar amount appears to be only for the corner house! The other three houses will come later.

That will make it the most expensive house in the neighborhood.    I wonder how many SF it is.  

10 hours ago, CleWestSide said:

That will make it the most expensive house in the neighborhood.    I wonder how many SF it is.  

 

3,813 square feet

10 hours ago, CleWestSide said:

That will make it the most expensive house in the neighborhood.    I wonder how many SF it is.  

I think it will be a bit of a tipping point for the near west side. There's loads of homes in the $700k - $950k range, but few that could sell for that price point. I also know some of the other individuals who are buying the adjacent parcels and I expect them to have very expensive homes as well. 

 

2024 might be the time when > $1 million becomes normal in Ohio City and DS. 

44 minutes ago, YABO713 said:

2024 might be the time when > $1 million becomes normal in Ohio City and DS. 

That's all fine, but how much parking comes with a $1 million home?  😜

Are the property taxes still abated there?

8 minutes ago, urb-a-saurus said:

Are the property taxes still abated there?

Taxes are still abated everywhere in the city to at least 85% for new builds, depending on the neighborhood.

Strolling by the old Spice restaurant, noticed construction has begun inside, converting it to Jill Vedaa’s next restaurant, Evelyn.

5 hours ago, marty15 said:

trolling by the old Spice restaurant

I was really confused for a second about why a restaurant dedicated to a deodorant existed 

On 10/22/2023 at 12:37 AM, dwolfi01 said:

I was really confused for a second about why a restaurant dedicated to a deodorant existed 

I'll axe them the next time I'm over that way. 

Welleon finishing up

 

 

And relatedly, building coming down a couple doors down. Not much of a structure but kind of a bummer losing street wall

 

 

And some pretty foliage next door to cheer us back up

 

This is one of my favorite projects.  I know its a no brainer but we need 10 more of these up and down Detroit.

1 minute ago, Htsguy said:

This is one of my favorite projects.  I know its a no brainer but we need 10 more of these up and down Detroit.

 

And then run a streetcar down Detroit.

Heck bring back the circulator busses. Lorain, w25th, Detroit,  and w65th. There's your loop.

Edited October 27, 20231 yr by originaljbw

9 minutes ago, originaljbw said:

Heck bring back the circulator busses. Lorain, w25th, Detroit,  and w65th. There's your loop.

I've been in Ireland all week. Idk why we don't do double decker buses. They would be unique, seem to move and maneuver better than the accordion buses while containing the same amount of room roughly. Is there certain bridges they wouldn't be able to clear? 

19 hours ago, KFM44107 said:

I've been in Ireland all week. Idk why we don't do double decker buses. They would be unique, seem to move and maneuver better than the accordion buses while containing the same amount of room roughly. Is there certain bridges they wouldn't be able to clear? 

London double deckers are 14'4", or higher than the US standard max of 13'6".    With careful route planning certainly this could certainly be dealt with.  

 

There are also other manufacturers who make double deck buses that confirm to USDOT standards.  Van Hool for instance is 13'1"