June 7, 20169 yr He may not be following the redevelopment of this city's most important park space' date=' but he can tell you about the passengers who were taken off Flight 93 at Cleveland on 9/11! ;) It's important to focus on what's really going on...[/quote'] I also heard that some kind of convention is coming to town. Regarding Public Square (and this thread): "and the Public Square, the heart of downtown, was getting a $50 million makeover with new fountains, lush grass and blooming dogwoods.....Jeremy Paris recently moved here from Washington to lead a group charged with beautifying downtown. The executive director of the Group Plan Commission stood at the edge of the soon-to-open six-acre Public Square park that will have an outdoor art exhibit in summer and an ice rink in winter..." https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/comeback-cleveland-readies-for-a-rare-moment-in-the-sun/2016/06/06/aaecee6e-298b-11e6-b989-4e5479715b54_story.html Per usual they bash Cleveland bringing up things that happened in what seems like the stone age...Stay classy D.C. Most of the people that comment aren't from DC. Stories like this get linked to other sites and the trolls come out to play.
June 8, 20169 yr ^Nothing's been made official, as far as I know. The only things we've been told along the way are "June 1" [which didn't happen], "June," and "before the convention." Considering how close this thing is to the finish line, it is really odd how weird the've been with the communication.
June 9, 20169 yr ^Nothing's been made official, as far as I know. The only things we've been told along the way are "June 1" [which didn't happen], "June," and "before the convention." Considering how close this thing is to the finish line, it is really odd how weird the've been with the communication. They have also been very vague on whom the operator of the cafe is and what public art is being applied to the back side of the cafe.
June 9, 20169 yr Can't believe how bad the communication has been about the opening of PS - I was almost glad to see someone else asking the question about the opening - I was afraid I had just missed the announcement...
June 9, 20169 yr If the Cavs do their thing like last night and win this in 6 or 7 games, what's the likelihood we can party in the new Public Square? Seems like the victory parade would end at Public Square and that would be a great way to break in the new "living room" of Cleveland. If they're not thinking of it the city should really be preparing for this possibility. Also gives a chance to see how large crowds will function there prior to the RNC, make adjustments to plans if necessary.
June 10, 20169 yr A video shows staining already appearing on the concrete. I don't think it is rust but not a good up close first impression http://www.newsnet5.com/news/rust-already-in-public-square-renovations-executive-director-responds CLEVELAND - There are questions being raised about the new Public Square project in downtown Cleveland and the quality of work being done. We received an anonymous tip about possible rusting already happening, so we went digging for answers. The director of the project said it's not true but we wanted to show you the video we obtained that outlines the concern. The Public Square renovation is a $50 million project that's been months in the making. Everything is being redone to make it a brand new, inviting area for people to enjoy. The tip said that there's rusting happening around the benches on the east side of the project. The video we obtained shows line after line of stains on the base of the benches. There are so many lines right where the metal portion of the benches attach to the wood. We asked Jeremy Paris, who is the Executive Director of the Group Plan Commission that oversees the renovation, to go on camera and explain what the stains are. He sent us this statement: “As we undertake the final stages in the transformation of Public Square in partnership with the City of Cleveland, the Group Plan Commission is focused on ensuring that the quality of the work and materials on the project are protected not just now, but for years to come. The benches installed on pre-cast concrete in Public Square have been treated with a material to protect and seal the wood. This is an essential part of ensuring its long-term durability. As part of a managed process, after the wood is treated, some of the material will temporarily bleed onto the concrete. The concrete will be cleaned throughout the process. We are completing this procedure as one of the final stages of construction before Public Square opens to Clevelanders.”
June 10, 20169 yr That whole report seems kind of ridiculous to me... Idk. Why don't we wait until the place is actually open! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
June 10, 20169 yr ^ It must be a slow news day in Clev. My sprinkler system releases more rust than one can imagine. This looks like color additive from mulch.
June 10, 20169 yr Forcing the director to go on camera because of what some lame observer saw as rust? That's just the protective treatment in the wood leaching out as it settles; it's not a big deal.
June 10, 20169 yr It's the wood stain for christ's sake. Just put the same stuff on my deck last weekend. People with no education on building materials sure seem to be coming out of the woodwork to find anything they "think" is wrong with the new public square
June 10, 20169 yr I'm happy they know someone from the media will be paying attention to upkeep, even if this report is somewhat off base. I'll remain happy if Metroparks, The Group Plan Commission, The City, and any other entities overseeing Public Square keep in mind that the public cares, and that local media are prepared to scrutinize beyond opening day.
June 10, 20169 yr A video shows staining already appearing on the concrete. I don't think it is rust but not a good up close first impression http://www.newsnet5.com/news/rust-already-in-public-square-renovations-executive-director-responds CLEVELAND - There are questions being raised about the new Public Square project in downtown Cleveland and the quality of work being done. We received an anonymous tip about possible rusting already happening, so we went digging for answers. The director of the project said it's not true but we wanted to show you the video we obtained that outlines the concern. The Public Square renovation is a $50 million project that's been months in the making. Everything is being redone to make it a brand new, inviting area for people to enjoy. The tip said that there's rusting happening around the benches on the east side of the project. The video we obtained shows line after line of stains on the base of the benches. There are so many lines right where the metal portion of the benches attach to the wood. We asked Jeremy Paris, who is the Executive Director of the Group Plan Commission that oversees the renovation, to go on camera and explain what the stains are. He sent us this statement: “As we undertake the final stages in the transformation of Public Square in partnership with the City of Cleveland, the Group Plan Commission is focused on ensuring that the quality of the work and materials on the project are protected not just now, but for years to come. The benches installed on pre-cast concrete in Public Square have been treated with a material to protect and seal the wood. This is an essential part of ensuring its long-term durability. As part of a managed process, after the wood is treated, some of the material will temporarily bleed onto the concrete. The concrete will be cleaned throughout the process. We are completing this procedure as one of the final stages of construction before Public Square opens to Clevelanders.” Thanks for posting that dave68! Keep the negativity and false hysterics coming!
June 10, 20169 yr How is it legitimate? Pointing out things as, "omg rust/staining!" before the project is even done and contacting anyone who actually knows what they are talking about is precisely false hysterics. It's bleeding from the bench finish and will be washed off. Done. Construction sites are messy. Until it's open there's not legitimacy in calling out things that don't look perfect because it's not done yet.
June 10, 20169 yr There's some lack of confidence going around with regard to public projects. Euclid Ave and Celebrezze Building concrete issues come to mind.
June 10, 20169 yr Author And there's some good ones too, ie: the convention hotel. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
June 10, 20169 yr And there's some good ones too, ie: the convention hotel. Funny how the good things never get seem to get the same coverage as the bad.
June 10, 20169 yr Now concrete spalling and cracking is a major issue, too? That concrete is, what, 15 years old? It's not allowed to have deterioration that is caused by excessive salt use and/or improper winter treatment? Why do you think streetscapes are routinely replaced in the snow belt, and why brick pavers, in nearly all instances, are a poor choice for streetscape use? If you want to see brick deterioration, come to Shaker Square and Buckeye Road and check out how long brick pavers last - on both crosswalks and sidewalks. Answer: Not very long. Next up: Why is the concrete spalling on Euclid Avenue (or any other sidewalk or pavement)? Answer: Salt! Next up: Why is the concrete cracking or needing replacement on Euclid Avenue? Answer: Utility work! Next up: Why is there rust near benches or nail points? Answer: Salt! Next up: Why is the paint fading on bridges? Answer: The sun! I can go on, but it's really nitpicking over issues that aren't issues with quality. It's people finding something to complain about because they dislike the project in general. We all know a few posters on here have been vocal against certain elements of the project.
June 11, 20169 yr Pointing out a story posted by local news is not being negative or hysterics. It is a personal observation by someone (no me) with a camera whom noticed something that appeared to be causing a finish problem. That by no means is saying anything as a complaint the project is a failure. People are allowed to make their observations known positive as well as negative. I look forward to see how well Public Square will be maintained. I am excited to see the finished project.
June 11, 20169 yr ^ Classic case of don't shoot the messenger Dave... I'm an infrequent poster to UO these days but I have been a long time contributor. It is easy for people to read quickly and respond. Don't take it personally. :-)
June 11, 20169 yr Pointing out a story posted by local news is not being negative or hysterics. It is a personal observation by someone (no me) with a camera whom noticed something that appeared to be causing a finish problem. That by no means is saying anything as a complaint the project is a failure. People are allowed to make their observations known positive as well as negative. I look forward to see how well Public Square will be maintained. I am excited to see the finished project. I can't speak for all posters, but I think they were talking about the "anonymous source" the article described. I don't think anyone was calling you out. If anyone else had posted it, I'm pretty sure the comments would have been the same. Anywho, I can't wait until Public Square opens up to the public
June 12, 20169 yr Common sense would have the crews apply stains and protectants on the benches BEFORE installing them. Common sense would be to apply the stain to ALL surfaces of the wood and not just half of the surfaces. In this case, the underside was not treated and this is where the water damage will be the most significant as gravity exists and this is where water will come to rest, soaking the wood surface. The wood should be treated uniformly on all surfaces. Here they only treated the exposed surface of the installed benches. Pure stupidity to not stain and seal ALL surfaces BEFORE installing them. The benches should be uninstalled and the underside of the wood surface should be stained and sealed properly - otherwise the useful life of these will be cut in half and obviously there is no precedent for preventive maintenance in Cleveland. The width of the Bus Lane carving through the square was so much wider than I expected - it looks as wide as a four lane highway - rather wide for one lane of buses but may be nice for Farmer's Markets and Art Fairs. I also noticed yesterday, that the beautiful white picket fence in the Huntington Bank plaza that faces public square was being fixed - they were reattaching loose aluminum pickets. I asked the crews when and if this was going to be replaced, as it looks ridiculous and they flatly said "No!" Though who knows how informed they are.
June 13, 20169 yr I hate to inform you, but the stain was applied before the benches were installed. The planks were stained from the manufacturer. When exposed to the elements, the stain will bleed out - it's a pretty common event to happen. I've assembled plenty of these benches and can attest to this somehow new phenomenon to you.
June 13, 20169 yr We are going to stay on top of this so that if you see staining like this when you come for a visit, you can let us know if it's similar to what you've seen in our report. Very proud of you WEWS. Better call Carl Monday over from Ch. 19 to help staff your CSI staff. https://www.instagram.com/cle_and_beyond/https://www.instagram.com/jbkaufer/
June 14, 20169 yr There were trucks out yesterday evening grounding out the old pavement striping for the roads immediately approaching the square traffic circle
June 14, 20169 yr Repaving or grinding the markers? The roadway west to the Detroit-Superior Bridge is in awful condition. It could also use some gateway enhancements, like median plantings.
June 14, 20169 yr I noticed this a few weeks ago, but haven't seen it here yet, apparently there is a logo, Twitter, and Facebook account for Public Square. At first I didn't think it was official, but it appears that it is. Kind of odd that it just kind of appeared without any sort of announcement from the Group Plan Commission https://twitter.com/CLEPublicSquare https://www.facebook.com/clepublicsquare/
June 15, 20168 yr Sorry, no news of an opening date yet, but here's a story from Freshwater: New Public Square recalls Cleveland’s historic vision with fresh modern feel KARIN CONNELLY RICE | WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016 As the refurbished statues of Moses Cleaveland and 1901 mayor Tom Johnson overlook Public Square, one would think that the pair would be impressed with the modern transformation of the plaza that originally served as a common pasture for livestock and later a grid for moving from point A to point B within downtown’s epicenter. Almost complete, the fences that have been hiding Public Square since renovations began in March 2015 will soon come down and a new six-acre green space will be unveiled before the Republican National Convention begins July 18. http://www.freshwatercleveland.com/devnews/PublicSquare061516.aspx
June 15, 20168 yr Sherman Cahal Premium Member "I hate to inform you, but the stain was applied before the benches were installed. The planks were stained from the manufacturer. When exposed to the elements, the stain will bleed out - it's a pretty common event to happen. I've assembled plenty of these benches and can attest to this somehow new phenomenon to you." hahaha! Sherman, respectfully, you are 100% wrong. Sorry. I hate to inform you (to use your words). If properly done, this should not happen. If they were stained off site, the common practice is to let the stain dry and "cure." The next step is to either apply a sealant which prevents bleeding of the stain or to spray the benches to wash out all bleeding PRIOR to installing them so that the benches do not stain and damage the concrete. Neither of these two crucial post-staining procedures were done and this then results in damage to the new concrete and more billable hours to fix the mistake. Settling for mediocrity due to ignorance is laughable. Read more: http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,6560.2450.html#ixzz4Bgj5ibxm
June 16, 20168 yr A little more progress every day: The traffic signals at the Tower City crosswalk are now activated And they were putting up the signage for the cafe tonight. We still haven't heard about who the operator is right?? Does this give any clues? I couldn't find anything
June 16, 20168 yr ^Someone mentioned a few pages upthread that a Facebook page for Rebol went live, but then was quickly shut down. Apparently run by the Town Hall people.
June 16, 20168 yr ^Someone mentioned a few pages upthread that a Facebook page for Rebol went live, but then was quickly shut down. Apparently run by the Town Hall people. Ahh right. Forgot about that. Thanks.
June 20, 20168 yr With the Cavs victorious and the parade scheduled for Wednesday it sure would be nice if TPTB decided that day would be the opening of Public Square for the celebration.
June 20, 20168 yr Not sure how much should be read into this, but I got this response a few days ago from the Public Square Twitter account after saying I wish the square could have opened by Sunday @CLEPublicSquare @TomHorsman well a parade would happen later in the week right? #InTheSquare
June 21, 20168 yr Looks like the picnic tables out front the cafe have been arranged and the construction barrels in the busway have been pushed together for pick-up. Probably down to the random punch list of fixes and last details in the cafe now. There's a "behind the fence" preview for invitees scheduled for Thursday. I'm guessing this thing opens on Friday.
June 21, 20168 yr Not sure how much should be read into this, but I got this response a few days ago from the Public Square Twitter account after saying I wish the square could have opened by Sunday @CLEPublicSquare @TomHorsman well a parade would happen later in the week right? #InTheSquare Welp, guess it's not happening. The parade is ending at Mall B
June 21, 20168 yr Looks like the picnic tables out front the cafe have been arranged and the construction barrels in the busway have been pushed together for pick-up. Probably down to the random punch list of fixes and last details in the cafe now. There's a "behind the fence" preview for invitees scheduled for Thursday. I'm guessing this thing opens on Friday. Why not just open it and allow everyone to discover it. This isn't a casino or a wine bar, it's a public space.
June 21, 20168 yr ^Totally agree. Unfortunately, due to the private funding that paid for most of it, I'm guessing the GPC and city think they need to fete the grandees a little bit. Would be cool, though, if one morning the construction fence were just gone and RTA tweeted that its buses were now serving the busway.
June 21, 20168 yr The Terminal Tower's twitter account tweeted this photo earlier today of what appears to be an invitational banner to be hung in place of the art installation on Public Square. https://twitter.com/TowerLightsCLE/status/745314778130825216?lang=en edit: it's already up there
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