Cleveland: Midtown: Development and News

[zaceman 1]

As it stands now, this is midtown cleveland, yes it even looks bad from outerspace.

 

And from the streets, the area is so decayed that most of it already has reverted back to nature.

 

A future plan calls for several biotechnology buildings and to revitalize brown spaces into parks.  Theres also a growing trend of mixed income housing in the area. (any locals ever pass by those mansions on chester avenue?  heh). 

 

This is a concept for designing the Euclid Corridor transit stations.

 

Also concepts for retail and cafe "zones" designated for the Euclid Corridor.

 

http://www.hotelbruce.com/01_01/featurewell_hotel_bruce.php

[the pope 3]

thanks for the renderings, they're new to me

[napier1 0]

Sounds Nice

[FerrariEnzo 0]

What is "BLAX-Ploitation" about?

[JohnOSU99 1]

Looks pretty damn cool to me! It's amazing what a well planned, aesthetically pleasing bus/train station can do for a neighborhood.

[FerrariEnzo 0]

Thats for sure.^

[oallostavros 0]

Anybody know what's going on at E 55th and chester by the railway bridge? 

 

Haven't been by the site in a while but last I checked they were still clearing up land - a process that has taken years.

[zaceman 1]

yea as of today they were still cleaning the site there

[KJP 14,138]

FerrariEnzo,

 

Blaxploitation is common in movies of the 1970s, which seemed to "celebrate" inner-city blacks in highly criminal, over-sexed roles, plots, scenarios, etc. Perhaps the most famous Blaxploitation movie is Shaft (great tune!).

 

FYI:  I had to copy and past the URLs for those pics into my Web browser to view the images.

 

Lastly, when I interviewed Jim Haviland for my TOD story in Sun last winter, he said the masterplan will include a "transit-supportive" zoning classification, to be added to the city's cobwebbed zoning code. Euclid Avenue is proposed to be rezoned once the classification is adopted with few revisions (hopefully!). It would be good to get a copy of the TOD zoning classification, post it here, and make it available to your municipalities around Ohio.

 

KJP

[X 1,419]

The Midtown Master plan is supposedly finished and adopted.  It isn't posted on their website yet, however.  I'm real curious to see it.

[bizbiz 0]

I wanted to start a thread for discussion about construction projects in Midtown (between Cleveland Clinic and downtown). I drive thu Midtown occasionally and have noticed at least 5-6 construction projects that are all in the works, mostly just fenced off areas where the land was cleared out. I noticed that a lot of 3-4 floor industrial buildings/offices have popped up VERY quickly.. the Sewer Department around E. 40th/Euclid came from nowhere. Same with the building nearby it which houses a new Subway. I saw a small building being torn down on Carnegie yesterday with guys cleaning up an old building on the other side of the street (around E. 84th). Then, there is a huge lot cleared out just west of Cleveland Clinic on Euclid. The area is fenced off and the lot has been cleared out, either something was torn down or they are making way for housing/building. Then, the Giant Eagle at about E. 80th and Euclid is closed and fenced off. It is full of grafitti, but looks like it will be torn down soon (GOOD!) since this lot has much potential (considering that new housing project is across the street from it). Next, on Euclid at E. 55th, there has been talk of a warehouse being cleaned up and right across the street on the north side of Euclid at E. 55th, there is a sign that shows a very long industrial building (4 floors or so) saying space is available. Then, at E. 50th next to the Agora, a building recently burned down, leaving a gigantic hole and fenced off area along Euclid --- now forcing the owner to sell or re-build. Finally, where I am seeing the most progress is along Chester between CSU and E. 55th. There is at least 2, if not 3 lots that have been cleared out and fenced off. What the hell is going on? A lot of stuff is dissapearing and leaving empty lots or bringing new low-rise office buildings. In my opinion, if this keeps up, we may get a midtown full of bustling industrial businesses and far fewer abandoned, decaying warehouses. This is all happening before Euclid is even re-built by RTA - imagine what it will be like AFTER Euclid is re-built! I think the midtown planners are moving in the right direction - a trip down Euclid presents a picture: CSU pushing to its boundaries on the west end. Cleveland Clinic and The Playhouse on your east end. Then, between the two, which in essence, is the missing link between the two, we have a new bus line/tree-lined road being built with new industrial businesses popping up every 10 or so blocks. Progress? Hell yes, but, I don't see high rises in that specific area anytime soon.

 

One last thing worth noting is the potential that Prospect has at around E. 46th. Right near the spot on Prospect where it branches off in 2 directions near Carnegie/E. 40th at a "broadway" angle, you will notice so many mid-rise apartment buildings lined along Prospect between E. 40th and E. 30th, which right now is a pretty rough area, especially to live in. However, I see this becoming a hugely restored "ritzy" area one day - it might not be for 30 years, or even 50, but it won't always remain a hodgepodge - it has that chic look that led to success in Tribeca (NYC) and Tremont (CLE).. I drove down there this week and felt like this part of Prospect is so freaking awesome!

 

Well, if anyone wants to add to this thread, go right ahead. I might take pictures of midtown Cleveland next week.. there is just so much in that area to be discussed.. I even think that if midtown gets a major boost of support in the next years, there is potential for a fairly big park in the middle of everything - land is cheap and there is lots of it available. Right now, a park would not work, but one day it could in that area, especially near Euclid/E. 65th. And one other idea that may be in the some developers heads is to try and build casino's in that area - as we all know, a casino calls for lots of land. Where else can ya find it cheaper than in midtown???

 

Most of the ideas I threw out are my own personal ideas.. I have not researched Midtown nearly enough to know what is really going on. But I do believe this area will prevail (again)!!!

 

Well, here's to a new thread on MIDTOWN CLEVELAND!!!

 

-John

[bizbiz 0]

Anyone ever imagine what midtown would look like if it was as successful as Lakewood and downtown were with housing in the 60's? Think of what that area would look like if Willson Tower (E. 55th/Chester) wasn't the only high-rise in midtown! I hate seeing that tall building with shitty, ugly, falling apart buildings on all sides of it. Maybe in 200 years when our midtown is nothing but skyscrapers, people will look at that historic registry at Wilson Tower and say, "The guys who developed this building had a vision for midtown, but unfortunately no one else saw it their way for a 100 years!"

 

Really though..

:-D

 

Why is Wilson Tower where it is? When the building was built, that area was no better than it is today.. what caused that to be built right there? I don't like the area especially, and I do think it is quite a rough area, but I would just love to have a top floor room in that place, with views of Cleveland in all directions, I'd love it 24/7!!!!!! Out of curiosity, anyone know anything about the building such as reason for building it right there? If CMHA owns it, wouldn't they opt to build low-rise housing vs. the more expensive high-rise?

 

Built 1971 ... 21 stories ... owned by CMHA.

[smackem81 0]

I honestly dont see midtown truely booming untill the area on St. Clair around the PD and  when CSU really starts to build a critical mass around it. Im talking when CSU gets most/all of its master plan in place, with all the student housing. Eventualy the students will move off campus and still be going to school, logicaly Midtown is the next best place to be. Dumping all the new residential and all the various shops they would need, would be the cheapest there and still close to campus.

[3231 36]

If Zaremba breaks ground on its 400 units this year in the Erieview urban renewal area, this would be a nice kickstart to creating an attractive area northwest of CSU. If CSU builds housing or gets a developer to do so, the area around the PD will be a pretty interest place---CSU and student residences to the immediate south, market rate ritzy stuff to the west, and art lofts across the street.  We shall see.

[bizbiz 0]

Yep, that area has so much in store for it, with the new Zaremba project and the restoration of CSU and PD's new building will all help bring things together.

 

In regards to Midtown - that district/area does not begin until roughly E. 30th. I don't know it's diameter, but it is bordered by Chinatown on the north, CSU on the west, Prospect Historic District/heavy public housing on the south, and Cleveland Clinic/Fairfax on the east. CSU, PD, and Zaremba's project all fall within the Civic Center/CSU area which most likely will become fully re-developed simultaneously with Midtown.

[3231 36]

Midtown is such a large area.  It will take many many years for the entire area to come back.  I hope that focus is placed on Euclid avenue properties.  With the BRT project, hopefully developement will start on Euclid are spread radially.

[zaceman 1]

you can really tell whats "lively" and what isnt when driving along euclid at night.  at about E79th to E55th is pretty much the dead zone.  the clinic and the new housing keep that area lively and after that train bridge you have the agora and further stuff related to downtown that keep that zone going.  but the spot in the middle is REAL dead.  like only things lit up are the street lights.  im sure when the EC is finished theres also going to be some new stuff.  If only that E55th block of buildings could be redeveloped as a "midway" point on the route to give a destination between downtown and university circle. 

[blinker12 19]

Good... Let's hope the new owners don't continue letting the buildings rot much longer...

[KJP 14,138]

Here's a new project. Anyone know what this is?

 

From the 2/16 Design Review agenda....

 

MIDTOWN BRD DESIGN REVIEW

 

2007-004 (Ward 7) 4600 Euclid Avenue (Exterior/Interior Alteration of Existing Building with New Fifth-Floor Addition) Related to previous case # M 2006-001.

[Map Boy 4]

Is that Gordon Priemer's new building (it's an empty pit right now, just west of the Agora), with an added floor?

[FrqntFlyr 4]

^I think you're right.  I seem to remember 4600 being the address of that building.  But that sounds like it might be the existing building next to the pit that they were going to renovate.

[FrqntFlyr 4]

Here we go:  there's actually a thread for this development.

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=7901.0

[MuRrAy HiLL 581]

Yep, from google maps, it appears to be right next door to the Agora.

[KJP 14,138]

Cool. Thanks!

[gotribe 0]

Isn't this a heartland developers project.

[blinker12 19]

IT firm Calyx set to move

 

By CHUCK SODER

 

2:14 pm, February 22, 2007

 

Calyx LLC, a provider of information technology services, plans to move its office from Lakewood to a larger space in Cleveland’s Midtown neighborhood this weekend.

 

Calyx’s new office in the Mid-City Building, 3635 Perkins Ave., measures 4,000 square feet. The firm’s old location on Cliffdale Avenue in Lakewood was only about 1,000 square feet, said managing partner Jason Fordu.

 

The three-person company needed space for computer equipment and new hires. Calyx plans to hire about five people in 2007, Mr. Fordu said. The group also wanted the office to be in the city.

 

Calyx is leasing space at the building, which is owned by Rose Management Co.

 

Mr. Fordu declined to release revenues of the 2-year-old company, but said Calyx already in 2007 has generated about half of last year’s revenue figure.

 

“We see that trend continuing,” Mr. Fordu said.

[Mov2Ohio 370]

Yay!!! and the parade of companies into the core continues.

[theguv 9]

a bike park in midtown?  at E. 55th and Euclid?  anyone have any details on this?

 

http://www.brewedfreshdaily.com/2007/03/06/mtb-breaks-this-story/

[theguv 9]

audio (mp3) interview with jim haviland, executive director of midtown cleveland.

 

http://www.meetthebloggers.net/

[w28th 287]

With the Cleveland Public Art competition that they had two years ago for the bridge at E55th and surrounding area, did they ever announce a winner for it?  What's the deal?

[math 84]

as a fixie rider, I wish it was a velodrome, but as there is already an indoor mtn bike park in that area, I certainly won't complain.  perhaps I will get one of those bikes with the knobby tires and tool around e 55.

[X 1,419]

Umm, yeah, a bike park right on our main street.  Sounds wonderful.

[theguv 9]

Umm, yeah, a bike park right on our main street.  Sounds wonderful.

 

is this sarcasm?  if so, why?

[X 1,419]

Sarcasm, yes.  This seems like a real low intensity use for a major intersection on the main street of our city.  Basically, how will it be different from a vacant lot with a few paths, hills and dips cut into it?  I am still hoping for more- dense urban housing, the Midtown Tech Center to get going, maybe some neighborhood retail.  Maybe this is ok for a little while if it doesn't get in the way of future redevelopment of the site.

[math 84]

I'll take a stab at it.  it is good because that area of cleveland needs amenities.  and there's certainly not a dearth of brownfields and empty lots that need redevelopment.  so why not?  think of it as a park, for young people on bikes.  and it is not without precendent.  as I mentioned, there is an indoor mtn bike park, which is pretty fancy.  as is my nature, I totally spaced the location.  but it is still something, first of its kind in the world, and quite popular in the winter months.

 

http://www.raysmtb.com/index.html

 

how I thought this was in midtown I have no idea. 

[theguv 9]

more info on midtown mtn bike park:

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/business/2007/03/midtown_ramps_up_plans_for_bik.html#comments

 

MidTown ramps up plans for bike park

Posted by Henry J. Gomez March 12, 2007 11:34AM

Categories: Breaking News, Economic development

 

 

 

 

 

Also, if you listen to the last segment of the Meet the Bloggers conversation with Jim Haviland, you will hear more details about the proposed mtn. bike park.

 

 

[theguv 9]

I'm with Math on this one.  Great neighborhoods need amenities.  I agree that this site is prominent, but if done right, I think this could be a bike park/ sculpture park that could be enjoyed by both cyclists and non-cyclists alike.

 

While I agree that housing and retail are important, I believe neighborhood parks are just as critical.

[w28th 287]

Aggghh.  Why tear down the buildings at E57th and Euclid?  What, do they need 2'-0" to get a functional bike park?  THERE ARE ACRES UPON ACRES OF FREAKING EMPTY LOTS TO BUILD A BIKE PARK ON!

I'm so sick of this type of thinking in this damn city.

[Htsguy 987]

Please...this is absolutely ridiculous.  This is a major intersection in the City of Cleveland close to highway transportation, right on a new major bus line that is costing millions and half way between Cleveland's two large employment centers (downtown and UC).  Why in the world is Midtown focusing on this rather than attracting developers to build something (anything) which will create hundreds of jobs.  I mean what is Midtown's mission? They seem lost on this one.  This may be a worthwhile project (and I have nothing against green space in the area) but there are scores of locations where it would be more appropriate.  It seems to me they are just tire of all those empty lots they can't seem to market.

[gavster 0]

this bike park is a complete joke and waste of nearly 1+ million...they cant be serious

[3231 36]

I don't see this as that ridiculous. I'll qualify this first by saying that I don't know the entire footprint. Cleveland has a lot of open and derelict spaces in all the wrong places. Yes, I'd love to see an office complex here that employees thousands, but how likely is that? I trust that MidTown has tried and tried to make that happen, and that in their ever-wise judgment feel that its just not going to happen. Why not take this space and infuse a bunch of young adventurous people into the area. Make this a unique experience. Add a skatepark to the mix. Then watch as bike store opens across the street. Then a skateboard shop. Then some cool alternative concert club shows up. Then a cafe or two or three. etc etc.

 

I'm all for innovative ideas that add life to our city. I'm very curious about this project. My first thought was negative, but I'd like to find out more about their plans.

[gavster 0]

Midtown Cleveland Submerging :x

[mtnbiker 0]

As a mountain biker and road cyclist, I can attest that these type of amenities are important to a demographic that Cleveland claims to want to attract and keep here. That said, I can also understand why a bike park may not immediately appear to be a high value/return for land use when compared with retail, housing or office use. However, there are spin-off benefits of amenities such as a bike park that may be overlooked unless they are seen as part of the big picture in Cleveland.  Take Ray’s Indoor Mountain Bike Park that was mentioned in an earlier post: 

 

http://www.raysmtb.com

 

Ray’s is in the Walford Industrial Park in the West Boulevard area. Not only does the park have a solid local following and a supportive community of riders, but also since Ray’s opened in 2004, busloads of Canadians and other out-of-towners have been making their way to Cleveland specifically to spend their winter weekends riding at Ray’s.  In fact, last year over half the riders that came to Ray’s on the weekends were from outside the region. See some of their comments

http://www.thebikinghub.com/mtb/rays-indoor-mtb-park-feature/

 

I am not suggesting that a bike park in Midtown will result in the same number of out-of-town visits that Ray’s draws. But amenities such as Ray’s and bike trails in our parks are important enough to Clevelanders that they have donated thousands hours to advocate for, to design, to build, and to maintain these facilities.  Not only have they donated their professional expertise and time to Ray’s Indoor Mountain Bike Park, but also to the Cleveland Metroparks, where volunteers from the Cleveland Area Mountain Bike Association (CAMBA) http://www.camba.us  are working in partnership with Cleveland Metroparks at the Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation to construct Cuyahoga County’s first multi-use trail designed for mountain biking.  In addition, events such as Walk and Roll Cleveland that highlight Rockefeller Park and the Cultural Gardens, the cycling-related activities planned for the Ingenuity Festival this summer, and the efforts of ClevelandBikes to develop a bike station downtown all contribute to making Cleveland a more attractive place to live and work.  And with increasing concerns over sedentary lifestyles and the lack of outdoor activities readily available to young people, a bike park in Midtown could prove to be not just a short-term option for an empty lot, but also a long- term asset for the community.  Is the proposed location the best one for the park?  Are there currently other viable options for that land?  I don’t know that answer.

 

And for the fixie rider wishing for a Velodrome - there is talk of getting that going here in Cleveland.  See the blog http://velodrome4c.blogspot.com/.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[3231 36]

mtnbiker,

 

welcome to the forum and thanks for the very informative post!

[MayDay 1,419]

Welcome to the forum, and although I'm not a cyclist, I agree with your perspective.

[the pope 3]

if London, Ontario can have a velodrome, why not Cleveland?

[jamiec 1]

Good post. I think it'd help to see some sort of concept of what people are talking about. A destination facility is probably different than the dirt pit with bumps that some may be envisioning.

[musky 269]

 

Thanks for the info mtnbiker and welcome to the forum. I live a couple of blocks from Rays and although I'm not the mountain biker type, I have turn on a few of my friends to the place.

 

I had to lookup Velodrome.

Now that I know what were talking about, I'm all in.

 

I will count this as another step toward my secret goal of getting the summer Olympics to Cleveland in time for the 100th anniversary of the 1936 Great Lakes Exposition.

 

Crap, no longer a secret.

 

[smackem81 0]

If it gets done (the bike park), it needs to be done in such a manner that its not actually built up onto euclid and is using mostly useless land near the tracks. For instance the southeast corner where all the police cars would work or the northwest corner tucked up near the tracks. Prime frontage land shouldnt be grenspace. Midtown has a master plan stick with it, not this dump the land manuver just because somebody will do something with it.

[KJP 14,138]

Ray's looks awesome! I've never heard of it, and would have loved a place like that when I was a teenager and into BMX.

 

Ray's is real close to an area I cover for Sun. Since the reporter for the area Ray's is in is leaving Sun at the end of the month, I will see about doing an article about the place. We're trying to attract young readers to Sun, anyway!