Took this on Saturday night ... I'm always sort of amused by how imperfect the crosswalks look (they don't look square with each other) from far above.

 

Anyone clever and bored enough to photoshop the new square onto Paul's picture?  :)

Seriously Paul, where the hell are you??

That is an amazing shot Paul!

Seriously Paul, where the hell are you??

 

I was on the second observation level of the Burj Erieview, that new 3800-ft tower over by E 9th St. Haven't you noticed it? ;-)

 

Seriously, I was flying into CLE from Orlando, finishing up a business trip. We had a stunning turn right over downtown and I snapped away on my iPhone. I really need to start bringing my good digital camera on trips, just in case ...

^Well your iPhone took the best camera phone pics I've ever seen!

That photo makes me want to SimCity a sliver of the KeyBank Building off so you have a clear sight line from Terminal Tower to the Malls :)

^Well your iPhone took the best camera phone pics I've ever seen!

 

At 12MP, iPhones are as good as pretty much any digital for medium distance shots with good lighting.

^Well your iPhone took the best camera phone pics I've ever seen!

 

At 12MP, iPhones are as good as pretty much any digital for medium distance shots with good lighting.

The iPhone camera is very nice and megapixels don't tell the whole story, but  all recent iPhone including the 6 and 6 Plus have an 8 megapixel camera.

How much more money is needed to get this party started for the square? I'm anxiously waiting!

 

How much more money is needed to get this party started for the square? I'm anxiously waiting!

 

 

They have enough to start construction once all approvals are cleared. I believe they're only about $2 million from their goal.

Is anyone familiar enough with Key Tower's lobby to see if some sort of grand restaurant could go into the ground floor?

 

Between Public Square and the Mall, it is the perfect location

I suppose there's space for something like that but I don't see that happening.

Was in the Terminal Tower observation deck in the past week and noticed Public Square was littered with orange utility line markings. Also, with the Winterfest being held in Playhouse Square this year, is construction scheduled to commence prior to January 2015?

Is anyone familiar enough with Key Tower's lobby to see if some sort of grand restaurant could go into the ground floor?

 

Between Public Square and the Mall, it is the perfect location

 

Remember the Lockkeepers owners announced a new restaurant at 75 Public Square. So that's right next door.

http://www.cleveland.com/dining/index.ssf/2014/10/lockkeepers_names_public_squar.html

Is anyone familiar enough with Key Tower's lobby to see if some sort of grand restaurant could go into the ground floor?

 

Between Public Square and the Mall, it is the perfect location

 

There are elevator banks in the tower along the side the fronts the mall. I think a (slightly more) possible idea would be a restaurant in the old Society bank building

Is anyone familiar enough with Key Tower's lobby to see if some sort of grand restaurant could go into the ground floor?

 

Between Public Square and the Mall, it is the perfect location

This is gone off topic, right.  ;)

 

There is a restaurant in the Marriott.

Yes, but the Marriott does not face Public Square, like the lobby of Key Tower.

 

I'm not sure if the lobby could be reconfigured for public use.

 

 

Yes, but the Marriott does not face Public Square, like the lobby of Key Tower.

 

I'm not sure if the lobby could be reconfigured for public use.

 

 

I don't feel not having a public square facing retail option for that corner is a big deal.  Not every space needs to be occupied by retail.

Are they putting up the tree for the holidays this year? Might be hard to decorate if they are tearing up the square by then. Same thing for the NYE celebration, if they're doing that again. Playhouse square could be a good alternative.

Winterfest and the Christmas tree will be at Play House Square. I haven't seen any official word yet, but I assume CLE Rocks NYE will also be there

Project update....

 

http://www.cleveland.com/architecture/index.ssf/2014/12/public_square_makeover_and_new.html

Does anyone know if the Redesign project will affect the underground tunnels below Public Square? The article mentions a lot of underground utility relocation will be required.  Has anyone seen these tunnels?  I missed out on the ghost tour that went beneath the soldier and sailors monument.  Seeing this has always been on my todo list and I would hate for these to be sealed off permanently! 

Does anyone know if the Redesign project will affect the underground tunnels below Public Square? The article mentions a lot of underground utility relocation will be required.  Has anyone seen these tunnels?  I missed out on the ghost tour that went beneath the soldier and sailors monument.  Seeing this has always been on my todo list and I would hate for these to be sealed off permanently! 

 

I'd be surprised. But the tunnels are really only under the footprint of the monument, so it's not an extensive system under the square as a whole. I also don't think that any of the major utilities that run under the square come into close proximity of the tunnels.

And welcome, tomdabomb11! You mean there's 10 more of you out there somewhere? :)

Does anyone know if the Redesign project will affect the underground tunnels below Public Square? The article mentions a lot of underground utility relocation will be required.  Has anyone seen these tunnels?  I missed out on the ghost tour that went beneath the soldier and sailors monument.  Seeing this has always been on my todo list and I would hate for these to be sealed off permanently! 

 

I'd be surprised. But the tunnels are really only under the footprint of the monument, so it's not an extensive system under the square as a whole. I also don't think that any of the major utilities that run under the square come into close proximity of the tunnels.

 

I've been down there.  It's really cool and creepy!  I just asked the guy who was working that day if he could show me and he agreed.  I believe his name was Tim.  Very nice guy and he was really into the idea that the place is haunted.

Does anyone know if the Redesign project will affect the underground tunnels below Public Square? The article mentions a lot of underground utility relocation will be required.  Has anyone seen these tunnels?  I missed out on the ghost tour that went beneath the soldier and sailors monument.  Seeing this has always been on my todo list and I would hate for these to be sealed off permanently! 

 

I'd be surprised. But the tunnels are really only under the footprint of the monument, so it's not an extensive system under the square as a whole. I also don't think that any of the major utilities that run under the square come into close proximity of the tunnels.

 

I've been down there.  It's really cool and creepy!  I just asked the guy who was working that day if he could show me and he agreed.  I believe his name was Tim.  Very nice guy and he was really into the idea that the place is haunted.

 

Yeah that's on my list too.  Not as much as the floors about 42 in Terminal Tower are, but it's up there.

 

I've heard rumors that a lot of the really old tunnels under downtown have some connections that weren't documented in the official plans.  Nothing NYC like, but there would be some surprises down there.  I believe I first heard this at Case, and I completely disremember if it was from the engineering or history department.  Presumably they will have some archaeological experts on call once they do any serious digging.

FYI everyone, we did discuss tunnels under Cleveland years ago here...

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,13884.0.html

(though we missed the one between the standard building and the marriott)

 

I'm going to guess there's not too much buried under public square that wouldn't have been dug up at some point. Don't forget that the outside were all dug up when the Healthline went in and the intersection in the middle got washed out in the sinkhole 5 or 6 years ago.

So, hardly any official announcement, but this from RTA's eNews:

 

Early February: Construction work ready to start on Public Square

RTA ready with plan for relocated shelters, new bus stops and new bus routing

 

Work on the new and improved Public Square is on tap to start the first week in February. Superior Avenue and Ontario Street through the Square will be closed, and all traffic -- including RTA buses -- will use the perimeter streets. RTA's plan to relocate shelters and bus stops is intended to make things as easy as possible for transit customers. Customer information sessions will be held before the work begins. The work will affect 33 of RTA's 61 total bus routes.

 

http://www.icontact-archive.com/R9rHabb8A1UMzVDmMG-v3_KcB6lytv3x?w=1

So, hardly any official announcement, but this from RTA's eNews:

 

Early February: Construction work ready to start on Public Square

RTA ready with plan for relocated shelters, new bus stops and new bus routing

 

Work on the new and improved Public Square is on tap to start the first week in February. Superior Avenue and Ontario Street through the Square will be closed, and all traffic -- including RTA buses -- will use the perimeter streets. RTA's plan to relocate shelters and bus stops is intended to make things as easy as possible for transit customers. Customer information sessions will be held before the work begins. The work will affect 33 of RTA's 61 total bus routes.

 

http://www.icontact-archive.com/R9rHabb8A1UMzVDmMG-v3_KcB6lytv3x?w=1

 

 

Sounds good.  Lets get this construction started!!!  :clap:  :clap:  :clap:

A few last-minute pics before the construction gets underway....

 

EDIT: I added another pic

 

 

 

 

This view will soon truly be historic, as the roads will no longer pass through the center of the square, so I left it extra large (click on it to enlarge)....

 

 

 

What is that scaffolding for In front of the Park Building?

There were several work vehicles of some sort (they had the flashing yellow lights on top) parked along the area around Mr. Moses and the fountain last night. It's about that time. :D

 

There were several work vehicles of some sort (they had the flashing yellow lights on top) parked along the area around Mr. Moses and the fountain last night. It's about that time. :D

 

 

Ontario and Superior have been closed off to traffic the last couple nights. Looked like crews were doing some kind of utility work. The traffic lights were also turned off.

Public Square construction begins February 1st, expected to be closed until Spring 2016 via @vincethepolack

http://t.co/eiazGet81X

"...for RNC construction"?!

 

It's getting a tad annoying how people are making it seem that we're doing this just for the Republicans. Councilman Reed said the same thing at the council meeting tonight. This project was already shooting for a 2015/16 completion date long before the RNC decided to come to town.

 

Public Square construction begins February 1st, expected to be closed until Spring 2016 via @vincethepolack

http://t.co/eiazGet81X

 

 

 

 

Greater Cleve RTA @GCRTA  ·  16m 16 minutes ago

@clevoplanner The square is not scheduled to close on 2/1. As soon the date is official, we will post all reroutes on http://bit.ly/189jINd

 

Public Square construction begins February 1st, expected to be closed until Spring 2016 via @vincethepolack

http://t.co/eiazGet81X

 

 

Greater Cleve RTA @GCRTA  ·  16m 16 minutes ago

@clevoplanner The square is not scheduled to close on 2/1. As soon the date is official, we will post all reroutes on http://bit.ly/189jINd

 

 

I suppose that did seem rather odd...that the Square would be closing in five days, yet no announcement from the city and nothing involving RTA.

 

Public Square construction begins February 1st, expected to be closed until Spring 2016 via @vincethepolack

http://t.co/eiazGet81X

 

 

Greater Cleve RTA @GCRTA  ·  16m 16 minutes ago

@clevoplanner The square is not scheduled to close on 2/1. As soon the date is official, we will post all reroutes on http://bit.ly/189jINd

 

 

I suppose that did seem rather odd...that the Square would be closing in five days, yet no announcement from the city and nothing involving RTA.

 

Doesn't "Vince the Polack" have sufficient credibility?  :)

RTA interim bus stop changes during #PublicSquare construction announced next Tuesday: http://t.co/2ySNU8b1gm  #Cleveland

On top of the 32 million dollars to renovate Public Square now it will take an additional 5 million dollars below the surface to update/relocate utilities. 

On top of the 32 million dollars to renovate Public Square now it will take an additional 5 million dollars below the surface to update/relocate utilities. 

 

Source: http://www.cleveland.com/architecture/index.ssf/2015/02/city_to_consider_spending_5_mi.html

On top of the 32 million dollars to renovate Public Square now it will take an additional 5 million dollars below the surface to update/relocate utilities. 

 

Ann Zoller, executive director of LAND Studio, a nonprofit organization leading the management of the Public Square project, said the city's investment in improving underground utilities should not be considered an additional cost of the $32 million project.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/architecture/index.ssf/2015/02/city_to_consider_spending_5_mi.html#incart_m-rpt-1

^I would agree with that comment from LAND. Let's fix it while everything is torn up. Would be much more expensive at a later date. Much like when a lot of the vaults/utility's were replaced during the Euclid Corridor Project. Fix it now or fix it later.

I am confused on how this cost isn't considered part of the redesign budget. Seems odd to hear about a cost of 5 million dollars that nobody seemed to account for prior to the redesign.  The project will cost 37million when said and done wether you separate the costs into two categories or one lump sum. 

I am confused on how this cost isn't considered part of the redesign budget. Seems odd to hear about a cost of 5 million dollars that nobody seemed to account for prior to the redesign.  The project will cost 37million when said and done wether you separate the costs into two categories or one lump sum. 

 

Right, but these are capital costs that the city would have had to spend in the near future anyway, regardless of what we're doing with Public Square.

I am confused on how this cost isn't considered part of the redesign budget. Seems odd to hear about a cost of 5 million dollars that nobody seemed to account for prior to the redesign.  The project will cost 37million when said and done wether you separate the costs into two categories or one lump sum. 

 

Right, but these are capital costs that the city would have had to spend in the near future anyway, regardless of what we're doing with Public Square.

 

In the article it states " Two City Council committees will consider legislation Monday authorizing the city to spend up to $5 million to relocate public utilities under Public Square as part of its upcoming $32 million renovation.The relocation would affect electrical lines owned by Cleveland Public Power, plus water and sewer lines and electrical lines serving traffic signals."

 

Weren't the utilities already upgraded for The Euclid Ave BRT project?  The whole point of this article was about moving utilities to accommodate traffic signals.  That sure seems part of the scope of the work  to upgrade Public Square.   

Here is the map of traffic flow changes that will be in effect during Public Square construction (which "could" begin February 23): http://www.downtowncleveland.com/media/233696/public-square-overall-detour-plan.pdf

 

Edit: And also, Alison Grant's article with a map of temporary bus stop locations: http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2015/02/public_square_revitalization_b.html#incart_m-rpt-1

Here is the map of traffic flow changes that will be in effect during Public Square construction (which "could" begin February 23): http://www.downtowncleveland.com/media/233696/public-square-overall-detour-plan.pdf

 

So I take it construction has been pushed back to the 23rd?  Wasn't there a February 1st start date?  I understand there are obstacles that get in the way, and I completely agree with a poster either in this thread or another that made mention that these projects are starting because of the momentum in the city and not just because of the RNC, but I am beginning to wonder how some of these projects will end up panning out by the time the international spotlight is on the city.

Here is the map of traffic flow changes that will be in effect during Public Square construction (which "could" begin February 23): http://www.downtowncleveland.com/media/233696/public-square-overall-detour-plan.pdf

 

So I take it construction has been pushed back to the 23rd?  Wasn't there a February 1st start date?  I understand there are obstacles that get in the way, and I completely agree with a poster either in this thread or another that made mention that these projects are starting because of the momentum in the city and not just because of the RNC, but I am beginning to wonder how some of these projects will end up panning out by the time the international spotlight is on the city.

 

There never was an official start date, and this is one is quite clearly tentative. The February 1st date came from an incorrect report from Laketran that was reported by Scene.

Here is the map of traffic flow changes that will be in effect during Public Square construction (which "could" begin February 23): http://www.downtowncleveland.com/media/233696/public-square-overall-detour-plan.pdf

 

Edit: And also, Alison Grant's article with a map of temporary bus stop locations: http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2015/02/public_square_revitalization_b.html#incart_m-rpt-1

Not sure why the writer is indicating an 18 month construction timline when every indication is for a June2016 completion..