Does anyone know if there are ways to seal bricks now that can prevent this sort of dirt/pollution buildup?

 

Set up a cleaning schedule and don't let it bathe in filth for forty years.

 

Not sure if there is a seal, but one may slightly alter the appearance of the bricks and disqualify the building for Historic tax credits, which could put the entire project in jeopardy.

Oh, wow. Nice job.

We don't see the same levels of pollution as we used to so I think it should be fine.

Good pics! Good cleaning!!

 

Those bricks could not be cleaned for 40-50 years as they were covered by the metal sheathing. And I doubt they were cleaned before the building was modernized. So that dirt probably settled on the building during WWII and the decade or so thereafter. That's a lot of soot from coal which, of course we don't use very much anymore. I suspect this cleaning will last a bit longer.

That looks amazing!

Is it definitely cleaning and not paint?

It definitely was cleaning. When on my way home last night, there were workers power washing.

^Thanks for the confirmation.  And upon closer inspection of the photos, I'm embarrassed I even asked.  In that first one, though, it's tough to make out the grout lines, so at first it looked to me like the brick-colored paint jobs we see on a lot of older buildings (though an orangier shade).

 

Thanks for the progress pics, Clueless (and the Root McBride photo, which was pretty convincing evidence). Sadly I will have to cover my own dinner costs :(

Wow, it's amazing how much a simple power-washing can improve the facade of a building. I am so stoked for this project to be finished.

 

^^The scrubbed vs. unscrubbed areas are such a contrast, the  possibility of it being paint is not such a stretch. Especially at quick glance.

 

 

 

Looks like the building is all set for the Browns opener.

 

LOL

From Michelle's twitter  https://mobile.twitter.com/mjarboe

I've seen that plastic up there for so long, I cant wait to start seeing windows going in!!!

I've seen that plastic up there for so long, I cant wait to start seeing windows going in!!!

 

I was thinking that exact thing today, as I was starring at the building, while waiting for the light!  The outside is looking great and hopefully they won't hit any snags.  What is the best guess for a completion date?

I remember reading upthread something about a late December 2014 completion.

http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20130627/FREE/130629810

 

Brian Intihar, Schofield project manager, said the investor group has retained Mentor-based Cleveland Construction Corp. to complete the project by the end of 2014.

 

 

From the photo above from Michelle's tweet, the building looks great!  One question, does the wayfinding sign in the right lower corner identify the area as "civic center"?  I've never noticed that designation before, and don't see how it fits that particular area quite honestly...if that's what it says. :wtf:  Civic Center to me implies public use...like the Burnham mall area.  I thought E 9th was the Financial District.

They are finally removing the last bit of the aluminum facade on the narrow strip on the west side next to the City Club building.

From the photo above from Michelle's tweet, the building looks great!  One question, does the wayfinding sign in the right lower corner identify the area as "civic center"?  I've never noticed that designation before, and don't see how it fits that particular area quite honestly...if that's what it says. :wtf:  Civic Center to me implies public use...like the Burnham mall area.  I thought E 9th was the Financial District.

I wouldn't even consider it the financial district anymore honestly half of the banks moved to Public Square and the 5/3rd building if I remember correctly is closer to Public Square than 9th.

^ I don't believe so.  The Fifth Third building is on the southeast corner of Superior/E6th.  It is one building away from E9th

From the photo above from Michelle's tweet, the building looks great!  One question, does the wayfinding sign in the right lower corner identify the area as "civic center"?  I've never noticed that designation before, and don't see how it fits that particular area quite honestly...if that's what it says. :wtf:  Civic Center to me implies public use...like the Burnham mall area.  I thought E 9th was the Financial District.

I wouldn't even consider it the financial district anymore honestly half of the banks moved to Public Square and the 5/3rd building if I remember correctly is closer to Public Square than 9th.

 

That's true, Huntington & Key are both at the Square -- and we sadly know the bank that used to be Ameritrust was slated as a skyscraper for, what has been for 23 years, the dreaded empty lot (hole) on the NW quadrant of Public Sq.  But there are still a few banks in the 9th St. area.  PNC is still at the corner of 9th & Euclid.  And, IIRC, another bank (AmTrust?) has moved into the 22-story modern-ish brick building at 9th & Superior where Key was.  And 5/3 is at 600 Superior which arguably a tad closer to 9th than PS... Of course we're not talking about a Manhattan-sized downtown here.

^^ After checking, AmTrust is an investment house.  IMG (Tiger Woods' rep) is still at the corner of 9th and St. Clair... So, even with the big banking departures and Ernst & Young (happily) anchoring FEB, I'd still consider 9th Street the Financial District of Cleveland.

^There's also Ohio Savings Tower at 9th and Chester.

 

The 60s skin is essentially all off now.

So its been 40 to 50 years that the views of the orange bricked Schofield can be seen travelling on Euclid,

(approaching the Schofield coming down Euclid from PHS is just absolutely stunning even in the current state of disrepair)

 

Words can't even begin to describe my excitement for this project.

 

The 60s skin is essentially all off now.

So its been 40 to 50 years that the views of the orange bricked Schofield can be seen travelling on Euclid,

(approaching the Schofield coming down Euclid from PHS is just absolutely stunning even in the current state of disrepair)

 

 

The view out of my City Club office window looks directly at the Schofield's narrow, two-window-wide facade that faces west. I am only about 30 feet away from it.

^Off subject but speaking of the CityClub building, can it ever be this again? Any rumors about this property?

^Off subject but speaking of the CityClub building, can it ever be this again? Any rumors about this property?

 

I seriously doubt that would ever happen.  That's not just some cheap old cladding, that's a complete addition.  Not only would they lose square footage, they would probably have to do some pretty extensive rebuilding.  While I prefer the original, I don't think the current state is the worst thing in the world.

 

Now if they could just rebuild that old building to the right, that would be super.

Cleveland Schofield Building renovations as seen from the City Club Building.......

 

 

 

Nice, can anyone tell what stage they are on in the construction process?  Besides the facade removal, I haven't noticed any exterior alterations.  The lights are on on most floors at night but I can't see proof of any interior work being done yet either.

 

KJP - maybe you have a better view?

It looks like the foundation for the old clock tower is still in place.  I noticed in google maps.

Does anyone know if the capitals on top of the pilasters are going to be completely replaced?  (And the cornice and other 3D elements).  It looks like they were shaved off to create a flat surface for the skin that covered the building.  Are new versions being carved out of stone?  Does the new capital just get cemented to the existing brick?

Nice, can anyone tell what stage they are on in the construction process?  Besides the facade removal, I haven't noticed any exterior alterations.  The lights are on on most floors at night but I can't see proof of any interior work being done yet either.

 

KJP - maybe you have a better view?

 

My understanding is that they are only doing exterior cleaning and repairs right now. I don't remember if they're restoring windows before winter or not.

 

Ironically, the windows at the back of the building are all "relatively new" -- they look like 1980s-era windows. None of that metal facade was put on the back of the building. So all of the old brick is still intact back there. It's all visible from the elevator lobbies in the City Club Building.

^Off subject but speaking of the CityClub building, can it ever be this again? Any rumors about this property?

 

That is such a cool picture.... but I agree, its not so bad the way it is.  Could use a cleaning though.  More importantly... how about re-building the building on the right instead of the lovely surface lot we have now!!!

From today.....

^Off subject but speaking of the CityClub building, can it ever be this again? Any rumors about this property?

 

That is such a cool picture.... but I agree, its not so bad the way it is.  Could use a cleaning though.  More importantly... how about re-building the building on the right instead of the lovely surface lot we have now!!!

 

Now why would you want that?  I mean it has only been a surface lot (in the heart of downtown) for just 25 years.

 

That is why I have to roll my eyes when certain posters suggest that they have no problems when buildings are torn down and turned into surface lots because they are sure it is only going to be "temporary" because who would not want to develop a parcel in such a prime area.

From today.....

I had to do a double take with the healthline I though I saw a streetcar!

The Healthline buses look pretty cool from above!

 

When I drove by earlier today, I saw a couple of windows that appeared to have some new wood framing in place.  I'm wondering if they are going to be using it to test some new windows for placement/fitting.

 

Looking good already

 

That's a damn sexy picture. Look, there's curtains in the windows already!  :-P

Why did the city Club get constructed so close to the Schofield building? That was always weird to me.

What, seriously? That's how every building from that era was built. This your first time in Cleveland? You should walk around. There are about a hundred buildings around the area with adjoining walls.

What, seriously? That's how every building from that era was built. This your first time in Cleveland? You should walk around. There are about a hundred buildings around the area with adjoining walls.

Nope born and raised here

 

Looking good already

 

 

There's something so regal about that color.

 

Nice break in the dreaded tan/beige/gray that's so prevalent here.

Without reading 20 pages, what possessed someone/anyone to think that the color of dried dog dropping was more attractive than that deep maroon?  They absolutely should replace that clock tower....

Without reading 20 pages, what possessed someone/anyone to think that the color of dried dog dropping was more attractive than that deep maroon?  They absolutely should replace that clock tower....

 

 

This "deep maroon" was the original color, the previous darker color was from the building being dirty.

I actually liked the old color too, and over time, I'm guessing it will drift back that way, despite our cleaner air these days.  I like the cleaned up color too, though.

 

Why did the city Club get constructed so close to the Schofield building? That was always weird to me.

 

I definitely know what you mean.  Given the slight setback of the City Club Building's main volume and its cornice line, and those west facing windows on the Schofield Building, those two buildings come together in a really awkward way.  Does anyone know which building was built first?  I know the original portico of the City Club Building went up to the property line, but I don't know if that's why the office portion was set back or if the portico was merely a way to bridge the gap and the setback was required for a different reason (e.g., an easement).

Without reading 20 pages, what possessed someone/anyone to think that the color of dried dog dropping was more attractive than that deep maroon?  They absolutely should replace that clock tower....

 

 

This "deep maroon" was the original color, the previous darker color was from the building being dirty.

 

Ooops, my understanding was it had been covered over with a tan facade.

^You're correct (though the tacked on facade was dark gray and tan).  I think dar124 was pointing out that the current color (which ain't a deep a maroon) was what the architect originally intended. I'm just happy the brick isn't painted.  I think it's going to look great as it gradually darkens and shows a little character.

I actually liked the old color too, and over time, I'm guessing it will drift back that way, despite our cleaner air these days.  I like the cleaned up color too, though.

 

Why did the city Club get constructed so close to the Schofield building? That was always weird to me.

 

I definitely know what you mean.  Given the slight setback of the City Club Building's main volume and its cornice line, and those west facing windows on the Schofield Building, those two buildings come together in a really awkward way.  Does anyone know which building was built first?  I know the original portico of the City Club Building went up to the property line, but I don't know if that's why the office portion was set back or if the portico was merely a way to bridge the gap and the setback was required for a different reason (e.g., an easement).

 

Schofield constructed in 1902

City Club constructed in 1903

 

I suppose the way the property lines were laid out left the awkward skinny parcel at the corner.

I have a question for those forumers who have knowledge in Federal & State Historic Tax credits. The Schofield Building has a lot of  exterior brick damage. Are the developers able to repair any damaged brick work? I am assuming that they probably are limited in their repair work to restore it to it's original status.

They can replace damages facades to match.  Basically the same situation as 668.  Hopefully this time the new material infill is not painted to match the existing.  That turns out less than great in my opinion, not to mention the ridiculous exposed side cornice detail.