"Sunny Side Up" has opened in the old Teahouse noodles spot on Murray Hill Rd

 

But do they serve eggs scrambled?

Looks like a new house is going up on fairview. Based on the foundation, looks massive. Can you confirm this Murray Hill?

Looks like a new house is going up on fairview. Based on the foundation, looks massive. Can you confirm this Murray Hill?

 

I can this weekend -- out of town right now. 

 

Also, there seems to be another going up on E.125.  One was demolished recently.

Were is that?

 

 

There is also a house going up on Random across from the abandoned warehouse thing.

I don't know about the other houses, but I know Robert Maschke Architects is designing the house on Random Road. It was on the city design review docket, maybe about six months back.

I know the (really good, IMO) architect, Stephen Bucchieri designed a couple houses on Fairview that recently got built. One of the two, I believe he is living in.

^Are those the front/back combo near Alta House?  I really like those.

 

Given its location and abundance of charm, I wonder if LI will see an increasing number of teardowns to make room for newer, single-family housing.  My impression is that a lot of the housing stock is pretty worn and has been reconfigured for student housing, so maybe not amenable to luxury rehab. Is this right?

I don't know about the other houses, but I know Robert Maschke Architects is designing the house on Random Road. It was on the city design review docket, maybe about six months back.

I know the (really good, IMO) architect, Stephen Bucchieri designed a couple houses on Fairview that recently got built. One of the two, I believe he is living in.

 

The foundation is being built for the house on Random Road. I cant find any renderings though.

 

 

Also is there a plan for 2018 Murray Hill?

^Are those the front/back combo near Alta House?  I really like those.

 

Given its location and abundance of charm, I wonder if LI will see an increasing number of teardowns to make room for newer, single-family housing.  My impression is that a lot of the housing stock is pretty worn and has been reconfigured for student housing, so maybe not amenable to luxury rehab. Is this right?

 

A friend of mine gutted and rehabbed an apartment building there.  It was a dump when he got it.  Anything is possible.  Last I heard he was getting high prices for the units, mostly from students.  But from what I've seen of Little Italy interiors, high-end finishes are rare and everything's pretty beat up.  I wouldn't be surprised if some of the stock gets replaced soon.  Then again, that theater's been sitting empty for how long.

Where's the nearest movie theater to Little Italy? I would think with all the students in the area, that the Mayfield Theater could function well as a second-run movie house.

Where's the nearest movie theater to Little Italy? I would think with all the students in the area, that the Mayfield Theater could function well as a second-run movie house.

In ancient times, when I went to CWRU, the nearest movie theater was the CWRU Film Society. Every Friday and Saturday night. Plus the Heights Art Theater on Coventry was still open.

Where's the nearest movie theater to Little Italy? I would think with all the students in the area, that the Mayfield Theater could function well as a second-run movie house.

 

I'd be more interested in an art cinema house. Something like an Angelika Film Center (the best of which are usually local) that has the renovated sheen, attracts an eclectic mixture of socialites, artists, and students, and shows a mixture of indie and foreign films.

 

With an urban cinema house you're creating a setting where people come together to enjoy a film, and I think that concept is a lot richer with indie and foreign films, rather than dollar shows, and especially not blockbuster crapola. I don't think you have the demographics around Coventry for Shrek 3, 365 days a year, but my understanding is admittedly tentative at best.

Where's the nearest movie theater to Little Italy? I would think with all the students in the area, that the Mayfield Theater could function well as a second-run movie house.

shaker Square, Cedar-Lee or Severance

Methinks the Cinematheque could move from being shoehorned in the basement of a CASE building over a few blocks to a historical theater Little Italy.

Methinks the Cinematheque could move from being shoehorned in the basement of a CASE building over a few blocks to a historical theater Little Italy.

 

That was my thought exactly, especially when someone above mentioned an "art cinema house" (which is what the Cinematheque is.)

I'd be more interested in an art cinema house.

 

You've already got one of the best at Cedar-Lee. So the question is, what entertainment can be offered at the Mayfield Theater. Considering the lack of first-run movie theaters in the city, that was my first thought. But I just don't see the Mayfield Theater being able to offer that, let alone compete with the Shaker Square Cinemas or Tower City. So I was trying to think of something that students could walk to for some fun theater. Back in my day, the Mayfield Theater probably would've been perfect for the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Maybe it still could be, as well as for other classic but cheesy flicks to interact with?

Is there any interior pictures of the theater?

Methinks the Cinematheque could move from being shoehorned in the basement of a CASE building over a few blocks to a historical theater Little Italy.

 

That was my thought exactly, especially when someone above mentioned an "art cinema house" (which is what the Cinematheque is.)

 

I hate to be that guy, but in this case I suspect parking really would be an issue.  Something as esoteric in the Cleveland market as Cinemateque needs to draw from a pretty wide geographic area (i.e., beyond University Circle) to make it work. Also, minor point, but unless things have changed recently, Cinemateque is in a main lecture hall in CIA's Gund Halll, not a basement in a Case bldg... I assume it will be moving into CIA's new facility in Uptown whenever that finally gets off the ground.

 

Whether it's movies, live performance or some kind of mixed programming, it would be pretty awesome to see that theater come back to life.  Just one more reason why need to pack UC with new residential units!

Methinks the Cinematheque could move from being shoehorned in the basement of a CASE building over a few blocks to a historical theater Little Italy.

 

That was my thought exactly, especially when someone above mentioned an "art cinema house" (which is what the Cinematheque is.)

 

Interesting idea. I'm actually surprised nobody has mentioned this before. By the way, you all should be proud to know that the Cinemateque has quite a good reputation nationally. Last year I attended a a film conference at the Brooklyn Academy of Arts (NY) and you should have heard these industry insiders speaking of the venue (and of Cleveland) in reverent tones.

Wow, I know nothing about the Cinemateque! But their existing theater looks pretty big.

 

http://www.cia.edu/cinematheque/

 

Regarding parking, perhaps the solution is to build a parking deck fronted with a store or restaurant on the east side of the theater, including demolishing two houses on Fairview Court (one of which was the home of former mob boss James "Jack White" Licavoli!) and make the vehicular entrance/exit off Fairview Court.

Sadly, at least one recent Little Italy master plan called for demolishing the theater and replacing it with parking (though retaining the marque): http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/cwp/other/Little%20Italy_web.pdf

Sadly, at least one recent Little Italy master plan called for demolishing the theater and replacing it with parking (though retaining the marque): http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/cwp/other/Little%20Italy_web.pdf

 

I wouldn't look into this too much. There is some terrible planning in that thing, and for what was built, Tony Brush Park, does not even follow those plans.

 

Btw, I dont see a parking problem in Little Italy. I always find a great spot when I drive there. Its just a matter of knowing where to look.

^Yeah, sorry, I should have given more context: that particular plan is 7 years old and looks like nothing more than an [unimaginative] brainstorm, so definitely no reason to take anything literally.  But I think the concerns over parking  there are very persistent and widespread, so it wouldn't surprise me if a small deck is built one of these years.  Even though there are gigantic parking garages right down the hill that are mostly empty at dinner time and on weekends. And pay parking right next to the rapid tracks.

I think moving the Cinematheque into the mayfield is a good idea but I question how they could pull it off. It would probably take a fortune to renovate and run it. Their current location has multiple uses, as the auditorium is used for speeches, lectures and presentations during the week and daytime. The Cinematheque isn't a daily operation and I'm not sure there's interest at the CIA to make it one let alone the demand to do it and have it be cost-efficient. I'd rather see it turned into a community theater doing plays and musicals.

 

In the end, I doubt Terry Tarantino (I believe he still owns the place but I could be wrong) would donate the place or give the CIA a good deal out of the goodness of his heart. I know Tarantino had proposed a restaurant in there, that runs classic Italian films and has opera performances while you eat but he's been talking about that for decades. I know someone who was a tenant of his and he feels like Tarantino is all talk especially when it comes to the theater. I think the Mayfield may sit as long as its in his hands, the Corbos or whomever has it these days.

Is the Woodhill Supply site completely vacant? I would love to see that ugly building get demolished and see that site completely redeveloped as residential

Based on the success of Colman27, I'm guessing local developers are circling as we speak...

Based on the success of Colman27, I'm guessing local developers are circling as we speak...

 

Im not saying this area should be developed as townhouses or like coltman27, but I did put this together just for fun to see how many units would fit. Based on this rough "rendering" I guess you could call it lol, I come up with about 54 units the size of coltman27.

 

 

 

Im guessing it could hold about 80 Hazel8 style units.

Based on the success of Colman27, I'm guessing local developers are circling as we speak...

 

Im not saying this area should be developed as townhouses or like coltman27, but I did put this together just for fun to see how many units would fit. Based on this rough "rendering" I guess you could call it lol, I come up with about 54 units the size of coltman27.

 

 

 

Im guessing it could hold about 80 Hazel8 style units.

 

Good news.  The rumor in the neighborhood is the building is officially condemned.  Developers may get to strike at it sooner than we expected.  All my connections on Coltman Rd have said the building "officially condemned."  Not to mention half of the frikin roof is gone...  Anyway to verify this info through the city/county?

 

Speaking of new residential, a few pics from today:

 

1) Random Rd foundations:

 

 

 

2) Fairview Ave

 

Love to see the construction!

I used to dream of constructed a home on Fairview Ave--great views from the upper floors, a wooded hillside in your backyard and a great urban neighborhood.

Brandon Chrostowski of L'Albatros (Culinary Institute grad and Sommelier and Maître Fromager) is opening up "EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute."  The office is listed as 12026 Mayfield Rd, which is the same storefront where 27 Coltman offices were.

 

Here are a few links:

 

Oct. 14 Launch Party: http://clevelandfoodie.com/2012/09/introducing-edwins-a-unique-opportunity-to-give-back.html

 

http://www.edwinsrestaurant.org/index.php

To instill leadership skills in underprivileged and formerly incarcerated men & women, through an education in culinary arts, providing the community with tomorrow's leaders.

 

 

 

 

^some cool classes. unfortunately the website leaves price off the site--a critical piece of information!

^some cool classes. unfortunately the website leaves price off the site--a critical piece of information!

 

The facebook page has some further info from the launch event: https://www.facebook.com/events/408911775838016/

RTA's Little Italy-Mayfield Red Line station project appeared before the Landmarks Commission on Sept. 27. This is covered graphically at:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,6956.msg643119.html#msg643119

 

However, here's one of the graphics from RTA's presentation........

RTA's Little Italy-Mayfield Red Line station project appeared before the Landmarks Commission on Sept. 27. This is covered graphically at:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,6956.msg643119.html#msg643119

 

However, here's one of the graphics from RTA's presentation........

 

nothing wrong with that!!

One of the few (maybe the only once e. 120 th is closed) red line stations with a real "street" presence.

Anyone know anything more on this?

 

 

 

 

Also dont remember seeing these exact images.

 

 

^^ they actually have the construction fences up around the building at mayfield and random rd

^I saw that (the construction fence) last week and wondered what was going on.  Looks from the rendering at least like a quality store front renovation which will be a 100% improvement on a prominent corner in Little Italy.  The current faux brick siding drives me nuts.

^^^ Is that road salt corroding the bridge in that rendering?

^^^ Is that road salt corroding the bridge in that rendering?

 

I think it's graffiti that's been covered up.

Well the fake brick siding has been taken down revealing the original facade.

 

 

 

 

 

Fascinating to see the guts of old buildings. That's the kind of "Bodies" exhibit I would prefer to see. :)

Little Italy is a great area, but so many of the buildings facing that stretch are long overdue for some renovations.  This building in particular has been a big eyesore on a high profile corner.  THe area also is in desperate need of a streetscape project - the amount of poles & overhead wires criscrossing the streets is ridiculous

A few updates from this week:

 

 

 

Is there any worry in the neighborhood that with a highly successful UC area, Little Italy could get overrun?

Is there any worry in the neighborhood that with a highly successful UC area, Little Italy could get overrun?

What makes you ask that?

I would think expansion would move west.

This is just my own personal opinion, but the railroad tracks represent a line of demarcation that the development will not cross. If it does, it will be small infill of vacant lots like the one at the NE corner of Mayfield and the non-street alongside the tracks that goes to the public parking lot and Sidari's Foods. That was the lot where six-story Mayfield Lofts was going to go.......

 

 

Other than that, I don't see where much other development would go. And I don't see demolitions likely.....

Is there any worry in the neighborhood that with a highly successful UC area, Little Italy could get overrun?

 

Depends on what you mean by "overrun."  It seems pretty apparent the population has already turned over substantially over the past 20 years and is far more UC-oriented, and a lot less Italian, than it used to be. But given the relative strength of the rental market, the opportunity costs of demolishing a 100 year old 2-6 unit building are probably too high to put a lot of tear downs in the money.  There have already been some, though, and I'm sure there will be more. 

Sorry I couldn't finish my thought above -- work intrudes on UO sometimes....  UC-oriented development (notably new construction) is moving in every direction from UC except due east. The reasons are the tracks, the "sacred-ness" historic district of Little Italy and the hill going up to the Heights. But development is moving to the northeast along Euclid into East Cleveland, but even that is constrained by the presence of Lakeview Cemetery. There's plenty of room for development to spread. But that doesn't mean that UC-oriented investment is avoiding Little Italy. Quite the contrary. As Strap noted above, Little Italy has become dominated by UC population. The reason is because of what Little Italy already offers -- a wonderfully compact, historic district with a rich history. To destroy that would be to destroy what makes Little Italy so attractive. If anything, the spillover effect of UC would be to renovate and/or reuse existing buildings like the Smith Building, whose photographs appear in this thread.