Fast Track Cycling has announced a real estate purchase option agreement with the city to acquire a nine-acre vacant site formerly occupied by St. Michaels Hospital in Slavic Village.  Fast Track plans to create an indoor recreational facility which will include a velodrome – a custom-built, banked bicycle track!

 

There's 25 velodromes in the US, but this will be only the third one that will be indoors.  It will be a 150,000 square foot dome (air supported, like the Sports Dome in Valley View, I think) and have a 250-meter wood track, 75,000 square feet of turf field and 20,000 square feet of court space.  They'll have cycling (of course), soccer, track and field, football, baseball, volleyball, basketball, running, walking, and more.

 

Estimated costs are $6.5 million..

 

And since everyone loves renderings, you can find some here: http://www.edwardhoward.com/holding/fast-track/

 

And more at the Fast Track website: http://www.fasttrackcycling.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1&Itemid=2

Group moves closer to creating cycling velodrome in Cleveland's Slavic Village

By SCOTT SUTTELL

 

.....Fast Track Cycling Inc. announced that it has entered into a real estate purchase option agreement with the city of Cleveland to acquire a vacant nine-acre site formerly occupied by St. Michael Hospital in Slavic Village.

 

Brett Davis, president of the board of Fast Track Cycling, said the purchase price is $385,000. Fast Track Cycling has a one-year option on the land that could be followed by a one-year extension of that option, Mr. Davis said.

 

Fast Track Cycling plans to develop and operate a $6.5 million indoor recreational facility that would include a velodrome. The nonprofit's mission is to support track cycling and other recreational opportunities, to offer youth programming and to promote health and wellness. Fast Track says there are about 25 velodromes nationwide, but only two others — in California and Colorado — indoors.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20100127/FREE/100129855

 

There is also a rendering of the interior of the proposed velodrome in Slavic Village, at:

http://www.crainscleveland.com/apps/pbcs.dll/misc?url=/misc/photozoom.pbs&Site=CC&Date=20100127&Category=FREE&ArtNo=100129855&Ref=AR&caption=Rendering%20of%20the%20interior%20of%20the%20proposed%20velodrome%20in%20Slavic%20Village.&credit=Fast%20Track%20Cycling%20Inc.

Now this is an interesting idea! I love it!

Oh, that is so fucking sweet. I will so travel to Cleveland lots just for this.

link the velodrome w/ the ray's mtn bike park via the innerbelt bridge!

 

better than cool; track racing is a part of cleveland's heritage

I like the site selection.  There haven't been a lot of answers for this neighborhood, and here we have a nice one.

I just saw this on channel 5 news... I was like foreal? Let me check UrbanOhio... sure enough.

link the velodrome w/ the ray's mtn bike park via the innerbelt bridge!

 

better than cool; track racing is a part of cleveland's heritage

 

Is it really.  I had no idea...

Indoor Sports Complex Planned For Cleveland

 

"We are currently planning a 150,000 square foot air supported dome. Inside that dome we plan to have a 250 meter Velodrome. In addition to the cycling we also have 75,000 feet of turf field," said Davis.

 

He said the mixed use sports complex will also have hard court space for basketball and volleyball. The Fast Track Cycling group said that the combination of sports, under one roof, will make the facility a destination location.

 

There is also a video about the Velodrome if you visit the link.

 

"The Velodrome that we are planning to build, will be built to Olympic specifications," said Davis. "Our longer term plans are to hold regional, national, and then at some point international caliber events."

 

http://www.newsnet5.com/sports/22395409/detail.html#

Looks like this project is still awaiting stimulus funds.  This is the top eastside project (next to Uptown) I hope gets built.  For many benefits for locals, visitors, and tourists...plus for Slavic Village:

 

http://www.clevescene.com/scene-and-heard/archives/2010/04/20/indoor-bike-track-latest-greatest-hope-for-slavic-village

 

 

I like this project because it promotes physical fitness for a change instead of something geared around eating and sitting.... in a time we need it badly.

What type of spin off development can be expected from this type of project?  Any ideas?

What type of spin off development can be expected from this type of project? Any ideas?

I doubt very much considering that when Third Federal built their Hdqt's near Broadway/Aetna/and 71st, not much happened.  You would have thought that should have been a silver bullet for the neighborhood, but 6 or so years later, it became the location for highest forclosure rater per capita in the entire region.  I don't understand that, but it is what it is.

 

In any event, it would be nice to see this get built, but I do not expect much spin off.

What type of spin off development can be expected from this type of project?  Any ideas?

 

Well it is going to bring in who knows how many visitors every month.  Local businesses will most likely see more business.

 

And I'm sure a nearby storefront/building or two will have a business that somehow connects with the Velodrome/Velodrome crowd.

 

Long-term?  who knows.

 

But for the city and region as a whole, this is a great addition of another "destination attaction."

I forget where I heard / read it, but have always subscribed to the theory...

 

"You have to make places somewhere people want to visit, before they will become places people want to live."

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=5163+BROADWAY+CLEVELAND&fb=1&gl=us&hnear=5163+BROADWAY+CLEVELAND&cid=0,0,1309120228521565433&ei=N1zsS53CHIP58Ab0uJDUBA&sa=X&oi=local_result&ct=image&resnum=1&ved=0CBgQnwIwAA

 

This is the location, correct?

I don't believe in the "If you build it, they will come" theory with projects in general, as I usually think that demand has to be there before supply.  This Velodrome is a cool sounding idea, but I'm a little pessimistic here.

No doubt the neighborhood has taken a substantial hit during the past 10 years.  With the addition of the Velodrome, I think some new connections could be made in the neighborhood with its existing assets.  Any idea if the Velodrome will be located close to the Morgana Trail?  Connecting the trail to the Velodrome would be a no-brainer.  If (now a BIG if) the socioeconomics allow for it in the neighborhood, marketing could be done to get some health conscious vendors to the neighborhood.  I'm dreaming, but "The healthiest neighborhood in the Cleveland region" doesn't sound too bad (the PD would have a field day with that when any crime occurs in the neighborhood, however).  Someday, maybe.

 

It would be great to see the Broadway strip redeveloped, but without demand... that will remain a no go.   

^^Agreed.

 

Also, the E.55th-Broadway intersection is the most underrated, underutilized piece of urban fabric in the City of Cleveland. 

 

Someday....

 

Echo, echo, echo

Clean up crime/perception....don't tolerate/allow it to drive good residents/business away, and that means getting involved with community. Should be the opposite....good drives away bad. The act isn't that simple, but the formula really is.

"If you build it they will come" doesn't apply to everything one might build.  Velodrome = good, corporate HQ = not bad but not helpful either.  Unless you work there and have a security pass, you have no reason (or ability) to ever visit a bank HQ, therefore there's no reason to believe much spinoff development would occur nearby.  Anyone who expected spinoff there does not understand what makes people want to visit and walk around and spend money in an area... i.e. what leads to "vibrancy."

 

For the same reason, our plans for Euclid Ave will do nothing to add pedestrian life or spinoff retail.  This velodrome, on the other hand, will draw people who want to spend time there.  A people magnet.  Open to all, it will welcome them in and create positive associations.  That might actually help the area, which I agree is one of the city's most underrated.

To the extent that this type of cycling has a European, especially Eastern European flavor  and/or base (which I think it does), the spin-off benefits for Slavic Village could be very good

"If you build it they will come" doesn't apply to everything one might build. Velodrome = good, corporate HQ = not bad but not helpful either. Unless you work there and have a security pass, you have no reason (or ability) to ever visit a bank HQ, therefore there's no reason to believe much spinoff development would occur nearby. Anyone who expected spinoff there does not understand what makes people want to visit and walk around and spend money in an area... i.e. what leads to "vibrancy."

 

For the same reason, our plans for Euclid Ave will do nothing to add pedestrian life or spinoff retail. This velodrome, on the other hand, will draw people who want to spend time there. A people magnet. Open to all, it will welcome them in and create positive associations. That might actually help the area, which I agree is one of the city's most underrated.

 

I can not agree with this comment completely.  A bank hdqt's is full of people that get an hour long lunch break who can walk to a restaurant, or do light shopping.  It is full of high level executives that entertain clients and vice versa throughout the course of the day.  In addition, it is a center of employment for hundreds of workers that may be willing to relocate closer to where they work within walking distance.  There ae people there around the clock 7 days a week.  In addition, a bank is full of employees that would enjoy Friday happy hours, and possibly come back over the weekend.  A bank hdqt's is not like a hospital where you have Dr's and Nurses basically quarantined inside the building for their entire shift. 

I agree with 327 when he indicates how underrated this part of the city is. In this area, if many people who were like minded in revitalizing the place, like many on the forum for example, banded together..... well...all of you could almost purchase a street of distressed houses...  live in them and establish a pioneering effort of new residents coming in at one time who want to see improvement in the neighborhood. It would help establish more solid presence of such effort in the residential sector. Form a block watch too.

gotribe I respect your view, and you make some good points, but I just don't see that happening.  I'm not sure a bank HQ is all that different from a health care facility in this regard.  I don't think we can say that the majority of the workers at our hospitals are "quanrantined" in any way... certainly not before or after their shift, even if they are "quarantined" for lunch, and I'm not sure that's the case either. 

 

I would note that aside from the Clinic and UH, plenty of other massive east side employment centers (like Nela Park) have failed for decades to produce the effect you're describing.  If we want visitors and pedestrian activity, we need to focus specifically on what interests visitors and pedestrians.  Employment centers aren't it.  Living close to work and eating lunch in nearby restaurants do not appear, on the evidence, to drive sufficient demand for neighborhood growth.

Pretty safe prediction: velodrome, if built, will attract suburban enthusiasts who will drive in with their bike on weekends, park in a secured lot, bike indoors, and then drive home, without otherwise setting foot in the neighborhood.  I will be shocked if anything else happens (pleasantly shocked, to be sure).  If we were looking for spin-off development, we should be locating this near the skate park or other recreation facilities to build some kind of critical mass and visibility, not plopping it down on the edge of a forgotten stretch of down-and-out retail.

Plans for indoor cycling facility in Cleveland are on the right track

 

By Diane DiPiero, Associated Content

 

When it comes to plans for a new indoor cycling facility in Cleveland, no brakes are allowed.

 

Since announcing in January that it had entered a real estate purchase option agreement to build a 150,000-square-foot velodrome in Slavic Village, Fast Track Cycling has moved full speed ahead with acquiring funds for the project. Following an initial grant from the Civic Innovation Lab, Fast Track began a fundraising campaign that so far has brought in about $100,000 toward the $6.5 million that will be needed to build the facility.

 

 

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ac_clevela/ac_clevela_ts2333

Raising $100,000 out of $6.5 million is "on the right track?" Now THAT'S optimism!

Why wouldn't that be considered "on the right track"? Good for them, at least their doing something versus sitting on their rear ends doing nothing for the city.

Raising $100,000 out of $6.5 million is "on the right track?" Now THAT'S optimism!

 

I think that 100K is in relation to their "Founders Club" and they are just now starting the grant writing process.  Which I've heard can be quite a task.  Regardless in the short time that it seems this project has been seeking funding 100 members have contributed $1,000.  Not a small feat I would say, especially in these economic times.

heres a great article on cleveland's cycling history:

 

http://www.fasttrackcycling.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2&Itemid=3

 

  It was the Jazz Age Sport.  After midnight, bands from nearby nightclubs would perform at trackside.  Comics, jugglers, singers and dancers would entertain late night spectators as the riders continued their racing.  Movie stars, politicians, and gangsters mixed with everyday sports fans to create an atmosphere not found in any other sport.  It was not uncommon for the larger arenas to have 17,000 fans in one night and top 70,000 for the week.  Many people are surprised to learn that Cleveland has had dozens of indoor velodromes over the years, built in the Armory or the Auditorium.

 

 

I could be wrong but I seem to remember someone telling me about the size of that track making it a bit dangerous.  I think it was too small or the turns were too sharp.

Yay! Looks like they're moving forward with their phased strategy, with phase 1 involving the acquisition of a portable velodrome track for $350,000. This track would be 166 meters around by 5.5 meters wide. The area needed for this track is approximately 33,000 square feet (i.e. 234 feet by 140 feet) and would be located on NE corner of the smaller St. Michaels parcel (closest to Sokol Center) on a temporary basis.

 

Of course, this requires Fast Track Cycling to gain site control. Well, this is on council's agenda for Monday......

 

Finance Committee

MONDAY, November 28, 2011

2:00 p.m.

MERCEDES COTNER COMMITTEE ROOM

217 CITY HALL

 

Ord. No. 1596-11

By Council Members Cleveland, Brancatelli, and Sweeney (by departmental request)

 

Authorizing the Director of Community Development to lease certain property located at 5163 Broadway Avenue, formerly known as St. Michael’s Hospital, to Fast Track Cycling, Inc. for the purpose of constructing, developing and operating a cycling facility, for a term not to exceed two years; and authorizing the Commissioner of Purchases and Supplies to enter into an Option to Purchase Agreement with Fast Track Cycling, Inc. in connection with the sale of the property.

 

Remarks by Director of Community Development Department:  See Legislation.

PASSAGE RECOMMENDED BY COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

RELIEVED BY COMMITTEE ON CITY PLANNING.

 

 

The above ordinance is for the Velodrome (http://velodrome4c.blogspot.com/) which, according to their Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fast-Track-Cycling/190675793321) is gearing up (OK, bad pun, how about on-track?) for a June 2012 opening:

 

Good for them, that is very exciting.  I don't own a track bike, and I definitely never thought I would live anywhere near a velodrome.  It would be fun to check out the action.  Last year I had a conversation with someone that used to race a tandem on a track, it sounded pretty intense.

 

 

great news -- looks like two tracks???

great news -- looks like two tracks???

 

Eventually. Hopefully.

That IS great news.

:-D

 

Cleveland Velodrome project halfway to goal

By Peter Suciu, from Detroit, MI

 

 

The proposed Cleveland Velodrome project, in Cleavland, OH, is on track to reach the goal for the first phase of a project that will eventually see the completion of a world-class track bike velodrome in the Midwestern city.

 

Fast Track Cycling has reported that the group has raised $160,000, more than half of the initial funding. Now, the non-profit organization now looks to break ground on the bicycling and fitness complex that will be located on the site of the former St. Alexis/St. Michaels Hospital in the Slavic Village neighborhood of Cleveland.

 

http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/cleveland-velodrome-project-halfway-to-goal-32671

Thumbs up!

March 8, 2012

 

http://www.facebook.com/events/260498117360300/

The project apparently has advanced far enough that it's seeking city approvals for construction......

 

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/bza/agenda/2012/crr03-19-2012.pdf

 

March 19 2012

9:30

Ward 5

Calendar No. 12-29

5033 Broadway Avenue

Phyllis Cleveland

38 Notices

 

City of Cleveland Department of Community Development, owner, and Fast Track Cycling, pro-spective tenant, appeal to construct an outdoor velodrome cycling track and use of property for cycling activities, events and competitions on acreage located in B1 and C2 General Retail Busi-ness and P1 Parking districts; and subject to the restrictions under Section 347.12(a)(1), no amusement, sport or recreational use shall be established within 500 feet of a residence district. (Filed 2-23-12)

Very nice.  I'm pulling for this project as well as Slavic Vilage in general.  It has a still-intact business district, many nice homes (esp. on E. 55) and lots of potential.  It also has excellent transit access (hey, bring your bikes on RTA bike racks or on Rapid trains, at the nearby, newly rebuilt E. 55th station).

(.... or on Rapid trains, at the nearby, newly rebuilt E. 55th station).

 

Just remember you're only allowed two bikes per train at any given time (I found that out the hard way last summer taking my family - 5 of us - to the Shaker Square from Kamms) We had to take two different trains.

(.... or on Rapid trains, at the nearby, newly rebuilt E. 55th station).

 

Just remember you're only allowed two bikes per train at any given time (I found that out the hard way last summer taking my family - 5 of us - to the Shaker Square from Kamms) We had to take two different trains.

 

Two bikes per CAR are permitted. Blue/Green line trains are one car. But on a two-car Red Line train, up to four bikes can be handled....

http://www.riderta.com/racknroll/

^ Just saying what happened at the time. Good to know the rule now, but on that day I was very bothered.

 

And It is still a stupid rule.

 

Moving on.

 

This was buried on Cleveland.com tonight. 

Must have taken a back seat to some sort of Browns news...

 

http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/243127/3/Cleveland-Slavic-Village-to-get-velodrome-cycling-track

^Awesome. 

 

Grassroots project comes to fruition. 

That is great news!

Work has started...I didn't even realize it was the spot until I was too far for a good picture but...

IMG_2474 by lilblondiecan2003, on Flickr

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Cleveland velodrome going up

Volunteers assemble the wooden track in Slavic Village

by WKSU's MARK URYCKI

 

http://www.wksu.org/news/story/32044