ArtMasterCLE

Great photo and massing illustration, Pleco! This photo would be great to use as a basis to add all of the new buildings that are either under construction or planned, as it would be interesting to see what the enhanced skyline will look like from this eastern vantage point.

Interestingly, I did it almost the opposite of you. I grew up in Florida, also mid 50's- mid 70's, and came to CLE to go to art school. I agree the two great cities you mentioned can boast many iconic architectural marvels. The Beacon, I have to conclude, was intended to be a fill-in structure with personality. Robert Stark's iconic architectural offering was to be the original design for nuCLEus. I'm guessing the long-rumored Sherwin-Williams corporate headquarters, and a few others on the drawing board may present us with something that's a lot more architecturally imaginative. In my opinion, even fill-in architecture has an opportunity to make a visual statement, which Beacon attempts to do with its graduated panels. I'm guessing budget, dictated by a need to meet certain price restrictions for the apartments, limited what the architects could do aesthetically.

I love this building! I really appreciate the contemporary design, and how it pays homage to its context by reflecting the beauty of its neighbors. I would expect nothing less Fromm the Playhouse Square Foundation. This building will fill up so fast that I would be surprised if The Foundation has not already begun planning for the next phase. KJP, thank you so much for your awesome photographic contributions!

I have to agree with you there. The design could have been more imaginative by breaking up the rectangular shape to give it a more sculptural skyline presence, like the Hilton. Such an approach could have given greater meaning to the name, "Beacon". Too bad the designers didn't consult us, right?

I acknowledge your opinion that the matte panels look cheap, Frmr CLEdr. However, I completely disagree. In my opinion, the matte panels allow the color and value variations to present themselves clearly without the visual distortions that would occur if the panels were more reflective. I can assure you the architects conducted numerous curtain wall appearance tests before deciding on this panel.

I agree with jmicha, although I'm not at all disappointed by the color. I really love the "pop of modernity" as he observed. It has such a unique presence on the skyline that, despite its modest height it adds a lot of interest and an uplifting spirit. The view heading east on the inter belt bridge is really impressive.

The undulating skin, when complete, will create a sense of upward motion as it gets lighter on the upper floors. Ultimately, the undulating motion and graduation from dark at the street level to lighter as the building meets the sky will make the building appear taller than it actually is. This building will really make its presence know in the skyline.

I love the color graduation! Right now we are only seeing three stories of the darkest umber color. As it moves higher, the lighter color and the zig-zag movement will lift your eyes skyward creating a truly dramatic effect. I can't wait to see it three months from now!

Thanks for the photos, KJP! I think this tower will kick-start additional development on the eastern end of downtown and act as a beacon that identifies the location of Playhouse Square on the downtown skyline. I can't wait to see it completed.

Thanks for the updates, KJP. Looks like there is some movement on nuCLEus. And like you've said many time before, "pulling together financing for a project of this scale can be a complex, time-consuming process". I very much hope nuCLEus gets done as I think it is the kind of comple project that can prove to other developers that you can build projects of this scale in Cleveland if you just use a little determination and creativity.

Thank you, MayDay. I do remember that now. Any idea when the application process is scheduled to start?

Excellent question on both accounts, CleveFan! I've been wondering the same thing. When they start to apply the metal panels the real transformation will start.

I totally agree with CleveFan an YAB0713's observation of The Beacon's contextual impact on the skyline. What excites me is the awesome effect the undulating graduation of the metal cladding will have on the completed building. What NADAAA Architects has done is to take a basic rectangular structure and, through innovative use of colored metal panels and textural variation, created a truly iconic building that sets a tone of design excellence and holds its own against much taller neighboring buildings. Kudos to Bob Stark for refusing to accept mediocrity.

The night illumination and the dark-to-light graduation of the facade will grab the eye of pedestrians on the ground and pull them skyward, giving the illusion of a taller structure. From a distant skyline vantage point the draduated cladding should appear to shimmer, acting as a visual "Beacon" on the skyline. This is just excellent architecture!

I'm anxious to see how they will apply the final metal cladding. I think the color and tonal graduation, moving from darker on the lower levels to lighter at the top will create a sense of vertical movement and make the building look taller.