Also, there is a building pictured on the poster for this year's recipients called the Federal Reserve Building...and underneath it says "Cincinnati (Franklin County)". Hmmmmm. If any of this has been discussed, sorry, it's early Sunday morning and I'm too lazy to read through all the pages I've missed on this.

 

This is in Cincinnati, I didnt even notice the "Franklin County"..... apparently neither did other people.  Add to that (the further confusion), it was "The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland"!

 

^The Federal Reserve in Cincinnati is a *branch* of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. :-)

 

^The Federal Reserve in Cincinnati is a *branch* of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. :-)

 

 

But indeed not in Franklin County!

Those are some amazing pictures McCleveland! Thanks for sharing :)

Thanks for the pics. Mr. Mayor, I do believe you captured oldmanladyluck in that second shot (based on his description from the previous page) :)

 

HA! That was me!!

Yeah, and my back is in there too. (Damn, I didn't know the bald spot was that shiny.)

I was the big dork walking around in the yellow shirt with the backpack and camera wearing sunglasses. :)

 

Also, The county, I can not believe is in play at the Breuer Tower any more.  They don't have the $$$ to develop it, now that the medical mart is taking place.  K&D is testing those waters, and I've heard some other developers have as well... though I am not sure how serious that is at the moment.  The total price tag of developing that project will be a deterent for the time being (let's not forget the K&D project was a $200+m development.  Financing for projects like that isn't exactly readily available right now).  Also of note because there is so much going on around this intersection.... We've heard about a lot of hotel projects, and there are more out there then are public knowledge.  Some of these are going to get built.  Personally I think it's almost a race to see who can get the hotel deals completed and under construction first, because I don't think there is any way all of them will happen.

 

That being said I know someone earlier was wondering if developers knew something we didn't with all the hotel proposals.  I'd say they know the same things we do if you take the time to pull it together.  Currently gateway alone (progressive and q) bring in nearly 4m visitors a year (and that is with a lousy baseball team with lousy attendance). Playhouse Square brings in roughly 1m visitors a year.  This is basically with zero convention business since we have had a non competitive convention center for decades.  I don't know their projected numbers, but even if it severely underperforms it will be substantially more than nothing.  The Casino estimates 8m visitors annually.  And there are a lot of people that are convinced that district of design will become a reality.  Again, even if all of these underperform expectations, there are going to be significantly more visitors in the city then there are currently.

 

 

Thanks for the "Why all the hotels" list. When you take a step back to take stock of all that's going on, the list is pretty long and impressive. I hope the PD does an article about this. The average Clevelander (and PD writer) probably has no idea about the scope and scale of all the projects going on. And even if they do, I'll bet that many folks believe these projects will be boondoggles.

 

It must be a very sad, lonely and uninformed existence to live outside of UrbanOhio. :)

^Thanks for that info.  An additional 8 mil visitors a year would put Cleveland above 20 mil residents annually.  Along with the new convention center... there will definitely be a market for new hotels (which is GREAT... we've discussed the need for more hotel space downtown).

 

I can't wait to see how this building turns out!

I would bank more on the new convention business than the numbers given for the casino.

 

Pittsburghs is performing more than 40% below expectations, and that includes the Ohions going over to gamble (In factt it likely wont be able to make its debt payments). 

When ours open.... well casinos will really be everywhere so not sure how many hotel visitors there will be because of them. 

 

New convention business in the city should certainly be reason for the increase in need for rooms.  The casino will serve as a piece....

Again though... even if it severely underperforms... it's projected at 8m visitors... let's say it does TERRIBLE and brings in 2m visitors a year.  That is nearly HALF the ammount of visitors the gateway sports complexes bring in annually.  That is a LOT of people.

But I would imagine mostly locals and some convention goers though.  If the locals are going to take hotels rooms downtown cool... 

So that means either a Hotel Palomar or Hotel Monaco (or one of a few other small brands they have)

I dont believe there is anything Kimpton currently in the state or region.

 

MTS should be happy with this!

 

Yes MTS love Hotel Palomar!

It is pretty amazing that Euclid has made this much progress this quickly.

 

Especially in this economy.

 

I would have to believe this will be a Hotel Monaco.  Hotel Palomar is much more modern, whereas Hotel Monacos look classically inspired.  I don't know what the inside of this building looks like, but I can't see them doing a historical restoration with historical tax credits just to build a modern hotel.

 

And no, there are currently no Kimpton Hotels between Chicago and Philadelphia north of Atlanta.

 

There are several in DC.

and the now for the views.  Full service building and floor to ceiling windows that look out at this?!? Good enough for you MTS?  :)

 

ehh.  Nice but I need unobstructed views.

It is pretty amazing that Euclid has made this much progress this quickly.

 

Especially in this economy.

 

I would have to believe this will be a Hotel Monaco.  Hotel Palomar is much more modern, whereas Hotel Monacos look classically inspired.  I don't know what the inside of this building looks like, but I can't see them doing a historical restoration with historical tax credits just to build a modern hotel.

 

And no, there are currently no Kimpton Hotels between Chicago and Philadelphia north of Atlanta.

 

There are several in DC.

 

OK, well between DC and Chicago then (I guess I was forgetting that DC is a little west of Philly).

There seems to be, from looking from street level, a very quiet time in this project. Haven't noticed any activity at all lately. Any new updates?

I hear the developer still does not have all the financing.  And they are also working on first developing the Calfee project on East 6th.  I would much prefer to see this one happen first as it is currently a high profile eyesore on the corner or main and main. 

 

^ Exactly why I was concerned when they peeled off all that skin, for concern we have another 668, which was "supposed" to not be the case. It is an eyesore. The siding wasn't much better but at least it looked finished.

well at least its obvious to an outsider that it is construction and not some shitty old run down building

^True, it does exude construction and does not look as bad as what 668 did, but it would be nice to see some activity lately.

well at least its obvious to an outsider that it is construction and not some sh!tty old run down building

 

I would argue this building never fit your description.  Out dated - yes.  Shitty old run down - no.  Remember...this building had tenants in it.  They were all removed to get this building in the condition it is in now. 

well at least its obvious to an outsider that it is construction and not some sh!tty old run down building

 

I would argue this building never fit your description. Out dated - yes. sh!tty old run down - no. Remember...this building had tenants in it. They were all removed to get this building in the condition it is in now.

 

I meant if it looked like it did now but with out any of the construction stuff still up

^He does have a point.

 

Not saying that no work being done is ever a good thing, but it least it's not how 668 Euclid looked while it was stuck in its silent phase.

 

There is scaffoling, some basic construction signage, and people seem to actually know about this project.  The state the building is looks like it's being renovated to the nearest passer-by, which already hurdles the one big obstacle--importance of perception.

 

Side not: I can remember telling people a couple years ago about 668 Euclid, and they were either shocked by the news, believe me, or "it'll never happen."

 

This project is going to happen--and as a small blessing--has the visible perception that it IS happening.

I hear the developer still does not have all the financing. And they are also working on first developing the Calfee project on East 6th. I would much prefer to see this one happen first as it is currently a high profile eyesore on the corner or main and main.

 

 

Sky, how big of a pause are we talking?  a few months?  next spring?

Looking at the situation from the developers' standpoint, wouldn't it make sense to try and line up the competion date of this project with that of the CC/MM and/or the Casino?

 

I disagree with the notion that the structure is an eyesore (scaffolding or not).... but maybe that is just the UO in me.

this would have been the perfect, most visible spot for them to put a photo of what the rennovation will look like on the outside of the scaffolding. they do it in europe all the time mostly. i know it has its downsides, but maybe that would be some other type of grant available only for keeping things pretty during construction. that intersection being what it is, i think people would be pretty moved by such a statement.

I agree that a nice sign with a rendering would really help.

 

Sadly, I have not heard anything to indicate they will re-start work this year.  I really hope it happens sooner rather than later as this corner is one of the most visible intersections in our entire Downtown. 

 

I think Cleveland & Cuyahoga county should start considering a different strategy with all of their projects.  Rather than start 10 projects at once, then have them stall and drag along for years, how about starting 1 or 2, fund it to completion, then start another 1-2?  FEB, the aquarium (or is it aquarium's), MM/CC, Schoefield...

I think Cleveland & Cuyahoga county should start considering a different strategy with all of their projects. Rather than start 10 projects at once, then have them stall and drag along for years, how about starting 1 or 2, fund it to completion, then start another 1-2? FEB, the aquarium (or is it aquarium's), MM/CC, Schoefield...

 

All these projects are being advanced by different public and private entities.

I think Cleveland & Cuyahoga county should start considering a different strategy with all of their projects. Rather than start 10 projects at once, then have them stall and drag along for years, how about starting 1 or 2, fund it to completion, then start another 1-2? FEB, the aquarium (or is it aquarium's), MM/CC, Schoefield...

 

All these projects are being advanced by different public and private entities.

I know, but it doesn't change the fact that too many things are either not being started or are dragging along at a snail's pace.

The construction of the convention center and the casino is creating an environment where lenders are more willing to provide loans for hotels (schofield, FEB). The aquarium is a completely different animal in that it is being led by a small group of people with no financial legitimacy.

I think Cleveland & Cuyahoga county should start considering a different strategy with all of their projects. Rather than start 10 projects at once, then have them stall and drag along for years, how about starting 1 or 2, fund it to completion, then start another 1-2? FEB, the aquarium (or is it aquarium's), MM/CC, Schoefield...

 

They're dragging at a snail's pace because most of the projects are driven by historical restoration grants, county and state loans, and other incentives. Getting the paperwork done for these loans takes YEARS. If you want anyone to blame, look no further than government bureaucracy. The 668 Euclid people actually had to BRIBE the building inspector to move the project forward.

I think Cleveland & Cuyahoga county should start considering a different strategy with all of their projects. Rather than start 10 projects at once, then have them stall and drag along for years, how about starting 1 or 2, fund it to completion, then start another 1-2? FEB, the aquarium (or is it aquarium's), MM/CC, Schoefield...

 

They're dragging at a snail's pace because most of the projects are driven by historical restoration grants, county and state loans, and other incentives. Getting the paperwork done for these loans takes YEARS. If you want anyone to blame, look no further than government bureaucracy. The 668 Euclid people actually had to BRIBE the building inspector to move the project forward.

Okay, so I guess I'm blaming government bureaucracy.  Way too much talking and not enough doing.

I agree that a nice sign with a rendering would really help.

Sadly, I have not heard anything to indicate they will re-start work this year.  I really hope it happens sooner rather than later as this corner is one of the most visible intersections in our entire Downtown.  

 

Yes, I agree..and it has historically been on of the busiest with pedestrian and vehicle traffic.... in its current state, however, it is now one of the deadest... And yet it is such a big one. In the meanwhile, why not keep up very basic curb appeal...a sign would exude intent....no sign leaves people open to form an opinion that may be otherwise negative.

my goodness people.  I think this thread needs a time out.

And just a reminder, this is a private development, so the county really does not dictate when projects can start.  They have gotten tax breaks, but it is still a private developer.

I know this project is still at the moment, but will leaving nothing in all the windows just invite unnecessary damage in the meanwhile? It looks as though this will be a while and all the elements can simply fly right in. Any comments about this project lately? (S.field Bldg.)

^ It looks as if they're staring to cover up the windows today.

Good. Hopefully that means they'll be working indoors throughout the winter and we'll have a nice coming-out surprise come spring.

I lied.....after looking back at my pictures of the building from a month ago nothing has changed, the plastic on some of the windows has been there

I thought this project was pretty much a done deal.  But the PD's story today on the John Hartness Brown building seems to cast some doubt:  "A Kimpton Hotel could occupy part of the former Schofield Building, at East Ninth Street and Euclid."  (Emphasis added.) 

 

As I recall, Governor Strickland came to town last summer to make a big announcement that Schofield was awarded tax credits, and that this project was in essence going to happen.  Does anyone know whether the developers were able to tie up all the loose ends on financing? 

 

 

its going to happen.  i mean, you never say never these days until the doors open, and thus I guess anything is possible... but its going to happen.

Hi heightsfan -

 

I'm the reporter who wrote that story on the John Hartness Brown Building, and I've written the PD's stories about Schofield. I'm not trying to cast doubt on the project -- it's just that nothing's finished until it's finished. A lot of the folks I'm talking to think Schofield is the most likely to happen out of all of the Euclid Avenue-area hotel plans.

 

Michelle Jarboe

Oh nooo... Is the Schofield project dead?

Lawd.

No, the Schofield project is very much alive.

 

Michelle Jarboe

Thanks for your post Michelle.  Good to hear.

WELCOME MICHELLE!!!

 

Thanks for joining us

Michelle has posted here before.

Well, I stand corrected.

 

Welcome back, Michelle.