August 15, 201212 yr The "tub" windows are actually designed so that the beating, direct, mid day sunlight that usually infiltrates offices and can make them uncomfortable, is blocked by the module even though the windows are large. Pretty amazing if you ask me. Energy savings and user comfort levels were deisgned into it. This building was "green" before an entire construction industry was built around it. This is really one of the finest buildings in the city. If it is converted eventually, I hope they can reconstruct the granite and glass facade that was ignorantly demoed for asbestos removal. It was quite a space before that.
August 16, 201212 yr Was the Breuer Tower only half of what was originally planned? I thought there was supposed to be another tower (same style) built such that the total structure would have completely wrapped around the rotunda. It would have replaced 1010 Euclid. I do not know if it would have been the same height. Am I dreaming this?
August 16, 201212 yr Was the Breuer Tower only half of what was originally planned? I thought there was supposed to be another tower (same style) built such that the total structure would have completely wrapped around the rotunda. It would have replaced 1010 Euclid. I do not know if it would have been the same height. Am I dreaming this? You're not, although I thought the mirror tower was to be on the other side of E. 9th
August 16, 201212 yr Was the Breuer Tower only half of what was originally planned? I thought there was supposed to be another tower (same style) built such that the total structure would have completely wrapped around the rotunda. It would have replaced 1010 Euclid. I do not know if it would have been the same height. Am I dreaming this? You're not, although I thought the mirror tower was to be on the other side of E. 9th This might help to show what it would have looked like if the second tower had been built: Thanks clevelandskyscrapers.com :)
August 16, 201212 yr Visit http://www.aaa.si.edu/collections/marcel-breuer-papers-5596/more#section_8_10.3 search the word cleveland and you will find digitized archives
August 16, 201212 yr Was the Breuer Tower only half of what was originally planned? I thought there was supposed to be another tower (same style) built such that the total structure would have completely wrapped around the rotunda. It would have replaced 1010 Euclid. I do not know if it would have been the same height. Am I dreaming this? You're not, although I thought the mirror tower was to be on the other side of E. 9th This might help to show what it would have looked like if the second tower had been built: http://www.clevelandskyscrapers.com/cleveland/clevelandtrustunbuilt.jpg Thanks clevelandskyscrapers.com :) Eh, wow, that was painful to see. Double brutal nightmare.
August 16, 201212 yr ^is it me or does that image make it seem like the towers are saying to the Rotunda - "do you mind if we dance with your date"
August 16, 201212 yr ^is it me or does that image make it seem like the towers are saying to the Rotunda - "do you mind if we dance with your date" When I see the graphics of the Ameritrust Tower, I get a desire to eat waffles..... Mmmm, waffles. :-P "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
August 16, 201212 yr If it is converted eventually, I hope they can reconstruct the granite and glass facade that was ignorantly demoed for asbestos removal. It was quite a space before that. That facade was amazingly awesome. I'll be pissed as hell if it isn't reconstructed.
August 16, 201212 yr If it is converted eventually, I hope they can reconstruct the granite and glass facade that was ignorantly demoed for asbestos removal. It was quite a space before that. That facade was amazingly awesome. I'll be pissed as hell if it isn't reconstructed. What facade are you guys referring to? Pics?
August 16, 201212 yr ^ Breuer Tower already scarred by demolition as Cuyahoga County mulls whether to sell it Published: Tuesday, November 06, 2007, 1:42 PM Updated: Tuesday, November 06, 2007, 3:42 PM http://blog.cleveland.com/architecture/2007/11/_contractors_are_working_at.html
August 16, 201212 yr I have no seriousness behind this comment- nor do I EVER think it would happen.. BUT, everytime I pass the rotunda, it just reminds me of a really cool building that **the cheesecake factory** (bad word) would put itself into. Just like the building they built themselves in the pittsburgh waterfront area. Obviously it would require a lot of work inside and out and the place IS TOO GOOD for TCF, but I always picture it when I see it.. With a tower of apartments ontop, surrounded by nice retail shops between 9&12 on Euclid. ?? better than nothing!! But I really do hope something gets going with this building and intersection in general.
August 17, 201212 yr I always imagined Tiffany & Co. I always have too. We can wish. But the historic connection, with the dome being made by Tiffany, is a unique asset.
August 17, 201212 yr I always wanted an Apple Store in there...I do think the building would lend itself to some awesome retail...if it is the right brand, of course.
August 17, 201212 yr I always wanted to keep its historic charachter and open it up to the public for viewing
August 17, 201212 yr If there were retail inside (thinking kiosk-style) it would allow for liberal public access and generate revenues.
August 17, 201212 yr Could it be configured to have mini displays from each of the UC museums, or all of the cultural institutions and halls of fame of the city and region? With all of the conventioneers and casino tourists, it could be a good inticement for visitors to visit some of the other attactions of the region.
August 17, 201212 yr Could it be configured to have mini displays from each of the UC museums, or all of the cultural institutions and halls of fame of the city and region? With all of the conventioneers and casino tourists, it could be a good inticement for visitors to visit some of the other attactions of the region. Great thinking. Also there's the baseball crowd that currently has little incentive to venture down E. 9th.
August 17, 201212 yr ^ hear, hear - that was a shame, hopefully it can be rectified! I love this picture, posted in the county HQ relocation thread (and is from MayDay's clevelandskyscrapers.com). It really belongs here since the county isn't relocating to the Breuer, but is included in the county's fire sale..... that shot is also on the first page pf the vintage thread. a classic!
August 25, 201212 yr MayDay's photo thread on the Cleveland Trust rotunda and rare views from the Breuer Tower... http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,27803.msg637847.html#msg637847 Who wouldn't want to wake up each morning to views like these: Through windows as big as these? If you're a deep-pocketed developer and you want a kick-ass opportunity to convert a solid office tower into an apartment building (Downtown Cleveland has a 95+% occupancy rate!!), please contact..... http://pmc.pdt.cbre.com/IG/cuyahoga/dispo.html Brochure: http://pmc.pdt.cbre.com/IG/cuyahoga/pdf/bro/Ameritrust.pdf Just doing my civic duty! 8-) "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
October 3, 201212 yr Im sorry, I completely get this project confused with the conversion of the Gas building. Is this project moving forward with conversion to residential? Or just a hotel? The discussion in the East 4th thread about more people living downtown sparked my interest.
October 3, 201212 yr Im sorry, I completely get this project confused with the conversion of the Gas building. Is this project moving forward with conversion to residential? Or just a hotel? The discussion in the East 4th thread about more people living downtown sparked my interest. The county has received numerous bids for its various properties, but the county hasn't yet publicly acknowledged which investors/developers are matched with which properties, let alone what they intend to do with them. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
November 7, 201212 yr Just got email on holiday activities from DCA and thought this was pretty cool as a lot of people like myself haven't had the opportunity to see the rotunda!!! "Starting November 21st, each Wednesday, a different University Circle institution will feature free programming inside of the Cleveland Trust Rotunda as part of "Circle in the City." Institutions include the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Music Settlement, the Cleveland Institute of Music, Cleveland Orchestra, Cleveland Botanical Garden and MOCA Cleveland. Aside from special events and displays, the Cleveland Trust Rotunda has not been used since the late 1980s. This beautiful, historic landmark will be the host venue as visitors have the unique opportunity to learn more about these local institutions during the holidays. For more event information and a detailed schedule, visit universitycircle.org. "
November 7, 201212 yr Just got email on holiday activities from DCA and thought this was pretty cool as a lot of people like myself haven't had the opportunity to see the rotunda!!! "Starting November 21st, each Wednesday, a different University Circle institution will feature free programming inside of the Cleveland Trust Rotunda as part of "Circle in the City." Institutions include the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Music Settlement, the Cleveland Institute of Music, Cleveland Orchestra, Cleveland Botanical Garden and MOCA Cleveland. Aside from special events and displays, the Cleveland Trust Rotunda has not been used since the late 1980s. This beautiful, historic landmark will be the host venue as visitors have the unique opportunity to learn more about these local institutions during the holidays. For more event information and a detailed schedule, visit universitycircle.org. " Great idea. I hope this is the start of something that can be expanded. For example they could lure in so much of the Indians foot traffic by simply opening the doors.
November 8, 201212 yr *cough**cough* Could it be configured to have mini displays from each of the UC museums, or all of the cultural institutions and halls of fame of the city and region? With all of the conventioneers and casino tourists, it could be a good inticement for visitors to visit some of the other attactions of the region. :)
November 8, 201212 yr *cough**cough* Could it be configured to have mini displays from each of the UC museums, or all of the cultural institutions and halls of fame of the city and region? With all of the conventioneers and casino tourists, it could be a good inticement for visitors to visit some of the other attactions of the region. :) BRILLIANT! "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
November 9, 201212 yr Thank you, thank you. I couldn't do [absolutely nothing] without all of you. ;) All kidding aside, I think that is a perfect use for the space
November 21, 201212 yr Getting some use today: Ameritrust rotunda in downtown Cleveland opens today for holiday concerts Published: Wednesday, November 21, 2012, 5:50 AM Updated: Wednesday, November 21, 2012, 6:12 AM By Laura Johnston, The Plain Dealer The Plain Dealer CLEVELAND, Ohio — Cuyahoga County taxpayers have a chance to inspect their $45 million investment in the downtown Ameritrust complex during five free concerts in the former bank's rotunda. The first of the lunch-time concerts, provided by University Circle Inc., is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. today and will feature pianist Robert Cassidy of the Music School Settlement. "It's a great way for Clevelanders to experience Cleveland and all that's great about it," said University Circle President Chris Ronayne. "They don't have to leave Cleveland to have a great holiday." The "Circle in the City" event, which will be replicated with different University Circle performers each week, marks two firsts: the first time University Circle has brought programming downtown and the first time Ameritrust has been open to the public. http://www.cleveland.com/cuyahoga-county/index.ssf/2012/11/ameritrust_rotunda_opens_for_holiday_concerts.html
November 21, 201212 yr Wow, would love to see more of the interiors. From the one photo shown it looks really nice.
November 21, 201212 yr I walked across the street today to get this shot...... EDIT: and these too. Note the relfections from the PNC Tower's windows behind me.... Good crowds out on Euclid on this mild, sunny day.... Having a picnic inside the rotunda.... "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
November 21, 201212 yr Added a few new pics. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
November 21, 201212 yr Wow, would love to see more of the interiors. From the one photo shown it looks really nice. Here you go... http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,27099.0.html http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,27101.0.html https://www.instagram.com/cle_and_beyond/https://www.instagram.com/jbkaufer/
November 21, 201212 yr My pics from this afternoon: Even babies! Having lived here 5 years, Ive followed a lot of the tail end of the Ameritrust debacle and after all of that, it was so exciting to a)finally get to see the inside, and b) see some new life on that intersection, even if only for an hour and a half. Hopefully this is the preview of things to come!
November 22, 201212 yr Funny thing is, I wonder how many people came to hear the music and how many came to see the architecture? :) I've heard the term "star-chitects" but I think the rotunda qualifies as "star-chitecture"! I also wonder what is above those drop ceilings in the floors circling the rotunda atrium? Many times after the drop ceiling is removed, some very exquisite, ornate plaster ceilings are revealed. I would not be surprised if that's the case here, too.... "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
November 22, 201212 yr I was wondering that too. Do any photos exist of the original rotunda per-Breuer tower and office conversion?? Does anyone know what it originally looked like?
November 22, 201212 yr Here you go. From idea to construction to finished in 1971 (OK, half-finished, though the second half of the tower will certainly never be built).... Wood model (doesn't show Union Commerce Building which would have blocked the view of CleTrust).... Elevator core.... Skeleton.... Putting in the windows in 1970.... Giving tours in 1971.... All done! (well half, done!) Oh, and a view from the Cleveland Trust Bank tower in 1972, eight years before much if this view would be blocked by the completed National City Bank tower. The Bond Clothing Store wasn't tall enough to block any views, except from the four-story rotunda! "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
November 22, 201212 yr But let's go farther back in time! Alas I could not find many interior view of the rotunda, but I found these. Early renderings for the proposed rotunda issued just after the turn of the last century.... Back then you needed lots of luck in banking, as this preceded the federal government's creation of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. in the 1930s. Before that, banks tried to give investors' confidence their money was safe by building these immensely grand and ornate palaces of finance. In other words, if we can afford to build such palaces, surely your money is safe in them! Under construction in 1905.... The dawn of a new era in Cleveland finance! Not much else crowded next to it! Funny how these are all the some views but each is slightly different. A horseless carriage missing in one postcard. A person is missing in another. Early photoshop?? :) More street activity as Euclid turns from residential to commercial. Note the low-level shops and townhouses immediate east of the rotunda.... Now it's getting some bigger neighbors in the 1910s.... In the 1920s, Cleveland had its best decade as it peaked as the nation's fifth-largest city, downtown and the neighborhoods were booming, etc. This was portrayed best along Euclid Avenue, which was as bustling as any city street could get.... This was the rotunda in 1964, shortly before the buildings south of it were demolished for the Cleveland Trust tower. But the bank made a commitment to the rotunda too with a nice facade cleaning, and would soon be incorporated into the tower plan that was surely on the architect's drafting tables by now.... OK, I lied. Here's an interview view of the stained-glass ceiling in 1976. But I could find no other views inside.... The rotunda in 1981. This is the first year that those funny reflections from the National City Bank tower across the intersection cast their light on the rotunda..... How do I know about the reflections from the NCB (now PNC) Bank tower? Because I saw them just yesterday! Here's to a lovely lady rotunda, and giving thanks on this thanksgiving that she is still with us after 104 years. May she live for 1,104! "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
November 28, 201212 yr Full "Circle in the City" schedule: http://www.universitycircle.org/events/2012/11/circle-in-the-city
November 28, 201212 yr I can't believe how filthy the building was in that 1964 photo! WOW... the cleaning it will need today is minor compaired to that
November 28, 201212 yr Circle in the City Wednesday, November 28 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Ameritrust Rotunda (corner of East 9th Street & Euclid Avenue) Free University Circle meets Downtown Cleveland at this new lunch time performing art series. Stop by the beautiful Ameritrust Rotunda, grab lunch from Cleveland's delicious food trucks, and enjoy a performance from one of University Circle's world class institutions. This Week's Performance Cleveland Botanical Garden presents Glow Music of the season; The Tony Koussa Holiday Trio Upcoming Performances December 5: Cleveland Institute of Music's Kyōdai Brass Ensemble December 12: Members of The Cleveland Orchestra, the Cleveland Orchestra Chorus, and the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus December 19: The Cleveland Orchestra Chorus followed by the Cleveland Duo and James Umble Circle in the City is presented by University Circle Inc., the Downtown Cleveland Alliance, and Cuyahoga County. Program support for Circle in the City is provided by The Cleveland Foundation, the George Gund Foundation, and the institutions of University Circle.
December 4, 201212 yr Look for an announcment this week sometime as to who won the bid for the Ameritrust complex. The County apparently had several serious proposals for Ameritrust and the County Admin bldg site (all of which would stimulate downtown development). It is expected that the winning bid will have Ameritrust converted to hotel, retail and residential (and please let it be anybody but K&D)
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