Cuyahoga County Planning Commission Weblog

Sustainable Community Associates, developers of the East College Street Project in Oberlin, are preparing to redevelop the former Fairmont Creamery building in Tremont. They plan to convert the mostly-vacant 100,000-square-foot building into apartments, a fitness center, and offices.

Developers of the mixed-use Spillway project in Chagrin Falls hope to begin construction by mid-summer. They expect the construction and renovation work will take about one year.

The Orange Planning Commission is considering a proposal for an 85-acre mixed-use development around the area where Pinecrest Drive and Walnut Hills Avenue meet. A rezoning would be required for the project, which would entail the demolition of about 80 houses.

The City of Shaker Heights and its consultants are continuing to amass funding for the planned mixed-use Van Aken District Transit Oriented Development.

Plans for the second phase of the Uptown development in University Circle call for 43 market-rate apartments and 50 dorm rooms over ground-floor retail.

Broadview Heights City Council is considering an ordinance that would establish a special planning district for the proposed town center at the intersection of Broadview and Royalton roads. The district's zone A is a 100-acre mixed-use area around the intersection, and zone B is a 200-acre office/multi-family area surrounding zone A. City Council also recently approved the purchase of a 1.24-acre site in the special planning district for a planned park. A separate ordinance would create zone C, a corridor that would connect the town center area with the area around the Giant Eagle store.

Cuyahoga County residential development projects in the media:

• Local developers plan to convert a cluster of buildings at West 25th Street and Church Avenue in Ohio City to the West 25th Street Lofts, 70 market-rate apartments. They hope to begin construction in March.
• The mixed-use Intesa project in University Circle could include 80 micro-apartments, small units between 300 and 600 square feet.
• Cleveland Heights City Council unanimously approved a development agreement for a planned $11.4 million mixed-use project on the vacant city-owned property at Lee Road and Meadowbrook Boulevard. The four-story, 17,000-square-foot building will include ground-level retail below 77 apartments. The Cleveland Heights-University Heights School Board approved an 11-year, 80% tax abatement for the development.
• The Cleveland Metroparks commissioners authorized development in a portion of the easement that the park system holds on the Mandley-Vetrovsky Funeral Home property in Fairview Park. The agreement enables Abode Living to proceed with plans for a townhouse project.
• As an alternative to a proposed 11-house subdivision, 12 acres of wetlands along Bishop Road in Highland Heights may be preserved as open space.
• Abode Living is considering plans for a second phase of its Clifton Pointe townhouses in Lakewood.
• The Zaremba Group dropped its plans for an apartment complex on the former Locust Grove golf course site at Cedar and Lander roads in Mayfield Heights.
• A proposed apartment building in Rocky River is attracting interest from seniors.
• A proposed cluster home development would add single-family houses at Center Ridge and Crocker roads in Westlake.

Crain's Cleveland Business published a special section on the transformation of Cleveland's Euclid Avenue. The section includes a set of stories, photos and videos, and an interactive map.

Fresh Water recently asked if Ohio City's West 25th Street will be able to maintain its authenticity, and looked at five important public spaces in Cleveland.

Mayor Jackson of Cleveland proposed selecting a single development team to implement the City's lakefront development plan. He intends to work with a seven-member advisory committee to draft a request for proposals and review the responses. A Plain Dealer editorial said it "could mark a turning point in Cleveland's relationship with its greatest natural treasure, Lake Erie." Meanwhile, Cleveland City Council authorized Geis Companies to begin planning a 20-acre waterfront office park.

Mayor Alai of Broadview Heights said that he is committed to implementing the City's 2010 Town Center Master Plan. The Broadview Heights Planning Commission is studying zoning code changes that would permit mixed-use development.

The former Ivex mill in Chagrin Falls was added to the National Register of Historic Places, listed as the Adams Bag Company Paper Mill and Sack Factory (PDF). It is being redeveloped as the mixed-use Spillway project.

Meanwhile, the Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board recommended four Cuyahoga County sites for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places: the former Richman Bros. factory (PDF) on East 55th Street in Cleveland, the Neal Terrace and Oppmann Terrace (PDFs) apartments, both located on Detroit Avenue in Cleveland, and the Euclid Heights Historic District (PDF) in Cleveland Heights. It would be the City's 11th historic district.

The Ohio Department of Development awarded $35.8 million in Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits to 18 recipients. Two of the projects are in downtown Cleveland: a $1.6 million for a partial residential conversion of Rosetta Center (the former National City building at 629 Euclid Avenue), and $1.8 million for a mixed-use redevelopment of the vacant Truman Building at 1030 Euclid Avenue.

Several local construction projects celebrated milestones:

• Developers broke ground in Lakewood for the 17-unit Clifton Pointe townhouse project. Three Sloane Avenue houses were demolished. The first units are scheduled to be ready next spring.
• The Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland broke ground on a 20,000-square-foot expansion. When completed, it will provide space for an additional 17 families per night.
• The celebration of the West Side Market's centennial began with the opening of the renovated Market Square Park.
• Cleveland's Croatian community dedicated the new Croatian Cultural Garden in Rockefeller Park.
• In South Euclid, developers and officials held a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Oakwood Commons shopping center.
• Solon officials formally broke ground on Solon Village Plaza, the redevelopment of the former Solar Shopping Center.
• A topping off ceremony took place for the 18-story office tower, the main component in the first phase of the Flats East Bank development. It's scheduled to open next year.

The City of Shaker Heights hired Berusch Development Partners of Cleveland Heights to help develop plans for a walkable, mixed-use business district as part of the Warrensville-Van Aken intersection reconfiguration project.

Developers of the Flats East Bank project announced that the project will include five new restaurants, and that its $120 million second phase will feature (PDF) a 140-unit apartment complex. They will seek additional public financing for the development. Its first phase is scheduled to open next spring.

The Plain Dealer's Steven Litt says that the buildings in the first phase of University Circle's Uptown development "are crisp, lean and decidedly contemporary, yet they also contributing powerfully to the larger urban environment" and that the project "is one of the most exciting and sophisticated architectural ensembles in the history of Cleveland."

Crain's Cleveland Business explored the remaking of Ohio City's West 25th Street in a series of articles, interviews, photographs, and maps.

GreenCityBlueLake's Marc Lefkowitz described the City of Shaker Heights' plans to reconfigure the Warrensville-Van Aken intersection and redevelop the area as a mixed-use district. He concluded that it "has incredible potential to set the stage for Northeast Ohio's first significant retrofit from typical suburban shopping center to the walkable town center."

University Circle Incorporated selected the Coral Co. and Panzica Construction as developers for a project on the site of Lot 45. The $100 million mixed-use Intesa project would replace the 2.2-acre parking lot with office, technology, and residential space. The developers have one year to secure tenants and funding for the project at Euclid Avenue and East 117th Street, near RTA's planned rapid transit station.

Update: the Coral Co. posted a video about the development.

Cleveland residents asked questions about the City's new lakefront plans at a public meeting last week. Meanwhile, Lute Harmon of Inside Business advocated for following Chicago's example and reserving the waterfront for public uses.

The concept for Berea's North End calls for revitalizing the area with mixed-use development. Mayor Kleem described it as a "work in progress."

The LoConti family, longtime owners of the Cleveland Agora, recently donated the office and entertainment complex to MidTown Cleveland. MidTown and Hemingway Development plan to redevelop its 54,000-square-foot office portion and restore the Agora Theatre.

The New York Times looked at some of the construction projects underway in University Circle, focusing on the Uptown development, which it said "amounts to a new downtown for the University Circle neighborhood".

JKR Development proposed a mixed-use development concept for a 21-acre site on Engle Road in Middleburg Heights. The property is currently zoned for light industrial development.

Mayor Jackson unveiled his plans for the downtown Cleveland waterfront. Prepared by EE&K Architects of New York and Van Auken Akins Architects of Cleveland, it complements lakefront planning efforts by the Port Authority and Cleveland Browns, and calls for Burke Lakefront Airport and the Port of Cleveland to remain in place. The plan seeks to balance recreation and entertainment with port and airport operations, while strengthening connections to downtown. Steven Litt described the plan as a "collection of the most logical and sensible concepts for the downtown portion of the lakefront that have surfaced in earlier plans." A Plan Dealer editorial supports the concepts.

Update: Scene's Michael Roberts was more skeptical about the ideas.

Cleveland State University held a groundbreaking ceremony for the $50 million mixed-use Campus Village development today. Construction of phase one is scheduled to end in fall 2012 and phase two in fall 2013.

Update: Channel 5 has more information.

Plans for the next phase in the redevelopment of the Tyler Village complex in Cleveland call for a $9 million renovation of a 150,000-square-foot building.

The retail portion in the first phase of the Uptown development is 95% leased. It will include a grocer, a bookstore, and restaurants when construction is completed in the spring. The $44.5 million phase one will add 102 apartments and over 56,000 square feet of retail in University Circle.

The City of Cleveland will vacate portions of several streets for the planned Campus Village project at Cleveland State. Developers hope to break ground in the next few weeks.

The conversation on this morning's Sound of Ideas program was about how local universities are encouraging nearby mixed-use development.

Update: Cleveland Magazine explored the changes to the Cleveland State University campus.

Crain's Cleveland Business looked at how conditions along lower Euclid Avenue in Cleveland have improved since the mid-1990s.

On Tuesday, panelists at the City Club (MP3, 53.1 MB) discussed how the West Site Market is stimulating development in the surrounding Market District in Ohio City, and talked about ways to contend with the pressures brought by its popularity.

Update: WKSU provided more details.

Update 2: the City Club posted video of the discussion.

Stark Enterprises submitted an expansion plan for its mixed-use Crocker Park development. Under the plan, the development would grow to 3 million square feet, more than doubling its size. New construction would add offices for American Greetings, a hotel, retail, entertainment, and parking garages. The City of Westlake plans to add road capacity to serve the anticipated growth in traffic. Neighbors of the development are concerned about the impacts of the plans.

Crocker Park owner Stark Enterprises is in talks to acquire an undeveloped property adjacent to the development. It sits to the south of the planned new American Greetings headquarters site.

Cleveland State University's trustees approved plans for the 6.8-acre Campus Village development along Chester Avenue between East 21st and East 24th streets. The $50 million mixed-use development will include 308 housing units in nine three- and four-story buildings. The university owns the property, and will lease it to developer Polaris Real Estate Equities of Gates Mills for at least 50 years. Construction is scheduled to begin early this summer.

Update: a Plain Dealer editorial supports the decision.

Stark Enterprises has revived plans to build a hotel at Crocker Park in Westlake, and hired a consultant to study the idea. Plans for a hotel at the development were first announced in May 2005.

In this week's issue of Fresh Water, Douglas Trattner describes the transformation of Tyler Village from an industrial facility to a mixed-use complex.

The Cleveland Browns unveiled a redevelopment concept for 20 acres north of Cleveland Browns Stadium in downtown Cleveland. The team intends to act as a catalyst for the mixed-use lakefront development, and its initial vision for what it is calling the Lakefront District includes mixed-use structures, athletic facilities, additional parking, a covered walkway, and possibly a sports medicine center. Steven Litt encouraged the Browns to set high design standards, consultants said that the project could be successful, but Roldo Bartimole described it as a case of corporate welfare. The Browns posted video and a transcript of the Wednesday press conference.

Update: editorials in the Plain Dealer and Morning Journal found the premise enticing. Michael Roberts, on the other hand, called it "curious and alarming news."

More than 350 people attended a Tuesday working meeting to discuss the future of the Flats. They initiated a six-month planning process to devise a vision for the district, which faces the challenge of balancing industrial, recreational, residential land uses.

The Plain Dealer explored the changes coming to the Flats and the more than $2 billion of development planned for the area. Cleveland Councilman Cimperman assembled an advisory group, and they met for the first time today. The groundbreaking ceremony for the aquarium at the Powerhouse will be held on Wednesday. The future of the district may not include the Flats Oxbow Association.

Update: the aquarium groundbreaking was postponed due to weather conditions.

Cleveland's Euclid Corridor Design Review Committee approved conceptual designs for public spaces at the Uptown development in University Circle, including a plaza outside of MOCA's planned building at the corner of Euclid Avenue and Mayfield Road.

The Cuyahoga County Department of Development posted the Randall Park Mall Redevelopment Plan, a document prepared by Larry Finch for the Devland Group.

South African developer Neill Bernstein elaborated on his plans for Devland City, his proposed redevelopment of Randall Park Mall. The closed North Randall shopping mall would become a mixed-use facility for offices, manufacturing, distribution, and events, but not retail. He is scheduled to acquire the mall and two of its anchors in December, and he intends to use it as a model for redeveloping other malls across the country.

A new Warehouse District steering committee and set of working groups are preparing to gather and review ideas for improving the downtown neighborhood.

Update: a Plain Dealer editorial encourages people to submit recommendations or volunteer.

The Plain Dealer looked to Beale Street in Memphis for lessons that could be applied to Cleveland's Warehouse District. On its editorial pages, Jim Peters of the Responsible Hospitality Institute laid out recommendations he made for the area in 2006, and a group of business owners and residents describe the district as a diverse neighborhood that is more than a collection of bars.

Plans for the first phase of the Spillway project in Chagrin Falls have been scaled back. The initial redevelopment of the former Ivex mill is currently slated to include a microbrewery, a restaurant, offices, and some additional retail space.

Sunday's Plain Dealer explored whether Cleveland's Warehouse District is "poised to grow into a national-class entertainment center, one that could anchor Cleveland's casino age, or if it is slouching toward something lesser."

Developer MRN Ltd. has arranged financing for the $44.5 million first phase of the Uptown project in University Circle, and plans to break ground on Monday. Phase one, which includes two buildings with 102 apartments and 56,000 square feet of retail, is scheduled to open in fall 2011.

Maingate Business Development Corporation hopes to develop an east side market at East 55th Street and Woodland Avenue in Cleveland. Maingate Market Place is a $30 million proposal that would include a farmers market, restaurants, retail, offices, and warehouse space. Maingate intends to partner with a private developer on the 10-acre project.

In addition to the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Transit Center under construction near Cleveland State University, RTA would like to build a west side transit center in the Warehouse District. The agency recently issued an RFP for a consultant to prepare a development plan. The project would be part of a transit-oriented development in a portion of the area where developer Bob Stark had earlier proposed to build.

Cleveland State University selected Polaris Real Estate Equities of Cleveland to develop the first phase of its North Campus Neighborhood. The 6.8-acre residential and retail project will include 275 to 300 market-rate apartments along the north side of Chester Avenue, between East 21st and East 24th streets. They may open in summer 2012.

Update: a Plain Dealer editorial said that the announcement is "very good news not only for the school, but for anyone who cares about the future of downtown Cleveland."

Devland Holdings signed a contract to buy Randall Park Mall in North Randall. The company plans to redevelop the mall as a mixed-use project that would include light industry and research and development space.

Developer MRN Ltd. has secured financing for the $44 million first phase of the mixed-use Uptown development in University Circle, and hopes to break ground this summer. Architect Stanley Saitowitz created conceptual designs for apartments over retail along both sides of Euclid Avenue, and presented them to the Euclid Corridor Design Review Committee. The committee unanimously approved the plans, but criticized the presentation for lacking detail.

Update: the Cleveland City Planning Commission also unanimously approved the designs.

Architect and real estate investor Richard Bowen wants to redevelop the former Key Gas Components facility as a $35 million mixed-use project. The development near Chester Avenue and East 66th Street in Cleveland's Midtown neighborhood would include a 70,000-square-foot medical office building, 150 senior housing units, 14,000 square feet of retail space, and two restaurants. The City of Cleveland is applying for a $191,947 Clean Ohio Assistance Fund grant that would help fund a Phase II environmental site assessment (PDF) and an asbestos survey.

The first phase of the Cedar Center redevelopment in South Euclid will include 49 units of senior housing in four stories above one story of retail space.

Parma City Council approved a rezoning that will allow the construction of the planned senior housing development on State Road. It's the first time the City has used its new mixed-use zoning classification.

The latest revisions of the plans for the redevelopment of the South Euclid side of Cedar Center include additional retail space, increased greenspace, and shifting three buildings closer to Cedar Road.

The Cleveland Landmarks Commission today approved designs for the hotel and office tower that is part of the Flats east bank development. Renderings and floor plans are available at the meeting agenda.

A Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority committee recommended approval of $34.8 million in bonds for the Flats east bank project. The full board will consider the matter at its January 20th meeting.

On Monday, Euclid City Council unanimously voted to adopt the Euclid Waterfront Improvements Plan. The City will now seek funding for the $47 million project.

The board of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority officially approved the the master plan for the redevelopment of the current port facilities. The Port Authority posted the presentation (PDF) and agenda (PDF) from the meeting. A Plain Dealer editorial says that the Port Authority needs to keep its options open.

Update: William Yankow of the Cleveland Freight Association says that implementing the plan "will leave us with too few acres to expand for port logistics use."

Leaders in Parma are considering the creation of a mixed-use zoning category. It is one of several recommendations from students in the sustainability program at Baldwin-Wallace College.

On Monday, the City of Cleveland Heights held the third of three public meetings on the Cedar Fairmount Traffic Study. City Architecture will submit its final report and recommendations to City Council next month.

By a vote of 5-2, Mayfield Heights City Council approved the creation a new mixed-use zoning overlay.

The final draft of the Euclid Waterfront Improvements Plan (PDF) is available for public review, and the Euclid Planning and Zoning Commission will hold public hearings about the plan on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.

The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority recently posted two planning documents about the proposed redevelopment of the existing downtown port faculties. The Master Planning & Development for Cleveland's Downtown Lakefront (PDF, 46.6 MB) draft was led by Ehrenkrantz Eckstut & Kuhn Architects, and the Cleveland Waterfront Market Demand and Development Options (PDF, 4.2 MB) report was led by the PA Consulting Group.

Consultants from JJR presented a draft of their waterfront plan (PDF) to Euclid leaders on Wednesday. The City intends to hold three as-yet unscheduled public meetings about the plan.

Update: editors of the News-Herald are "among those eagerly awaiting the final details."

Cleveland City Council approved a financial package for the first phase of the Flats east bank development. The incentives include a $30 million loan, a revised TIF agreement, more bonds, and changes to earlier loan agreements.

Channel 3's Jeff Maynor toured the Tyler Village complex in Cleveland.

State and local governments committed $54 million in new public loans and grants for the stalled Flats east bank project, which may enable developers (PDF) to resume construction of a downsized first phase next spring. Formerly a $500 million project, the $270 million development now includes a 450,000-square-foot office tower, a 150-room hotel, a 3-acre riverfront beach, and 14 acres of greenspace.

Update: two Plain Dealer reporters discussed the announcement, and an editorial said it "seems like a win-win".

Crib Notes has renderings of the scaled-back plans for the first phase of the Flats east bank project.

On Thursday, Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority CEO Adam Wasserman and architect Stanton Eckstut described the downtown Cleveland port redevelopment plan at the City Club (MP3, 55.8 MB). On Friday, they presented the plan to the Cleveland City Planning Commission, where members had many questions about the concept. Adam Wasserman and the Port's Luke Frazier outlined the plan on Channel 3. Also on Friday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gave its tentative approval to the Port's relocation plan, issuing a 241-page draft of its Cleveland Harbor Dredged Material Management Plan & Environmental Impact Statement (PDF, 8.4 MB). A Plain Dealer editorial says that the relocation and redevelopment plans need "a good deal more attention to detail". The Port Authority is preparing My Cleveland Waterfront, a website about the plans.

Update: Port Authority Chairman Steven Williams disputed several items in a Plain Dealer story.

Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority representatives will present their latest port redevelopment plans to the Cleveland City Planning Commission on Friday. The plan (PDF, 1.6 MB) and presentation (PDF, 15.8 MB) are available for review.

At a public meeting yesterday, Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority officials and consultants again presented their preliminary plans for redeveloping their current downtown Cleveland lakefront property. The plans call for a four-phase redevelopment to be carried out over 25 years. The plans will also be the subject of a City Club talk on August 20.

South Euclid City Council unanimously approved a new development agreement for the north side of Cedar Center. In order to obtain financing, the redevelopment project was split into four phases. Phase one construction could begin early next year. Councilwoman Jane Goodman said that it will be "a magnet for new residents looking to be part of a revitalized neighborhood and city, and a reason for longtime residents to stay."

As the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority continues planning for its relocation to a site north of East 55th Street and for the redevelopment of its current downtown facilities, the Plain Dealer's Joe Frolik considered ways to enliven nearby Voinovich Park.

Most retailers at First & Main in Hudson are surviving the recession. The mixed-use development will celebrate its fifth anniversary in October.

Stanton Eckstut of Ehrenkrantz Eckstut & Kuhn Architects recently presented conceptual designs for redeveloping the 100 acres of Cleveland's downtown lakefront currently used by the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority. He envisions a dense, mixed use area with public parks and a lakefront promenade. There would be three overlapping districts: the harbor, the piers, and the park river district. He said that development should begin in three to five years. The presentation is available online (PDF, 14.6 MB). Some of the participants in the planning process discussed the concepts on WCPN's Sound of Ideas.

The City of Mayfield Heights may create a new mixed-use zoning classification. The proposed change was not prompted by a development proposal.

The New York Times visited Cleveland's East 4th Street, and attributed its vitality to "15 years of work by the Maron family to turn a worn thoroughfare and its old buildings into a prime example of 21st-century urban redevelopment in the Midwest."

The redevelopment of the South Euclid side of Cedar Center is happening as fast as it can, said developer Peter Rubin. He expects the project will take about three years to complete.

North Royalton officials attended the recent ICSC conference in Las Vegas and came to the conclusion that the Town Center district must be developed in phases. Community Development Director Thomas Jordan said that "the concept of getting 300 acres under development all at one time and getting a bank to finance the acquisition and construction in one large loan is unrealistic."

The Ohio Department of Development awarded a $3.2 million loan to the City of Cleveland for environmental cleanup and and public improvements at the Flats east bank site. Work on the project could resume later this year.

Update: developer Scott Wolstein hopes to restart construction within 60 days.

The Plain Dealer examined the formula that has made downtown Cleveland's East 4th Street a success, calling it "the jewel of Cleveland's entertainment district, boasting a diverse mix of apartments, restaurants and clubs that star top-shelf performers, chefs and themes."

Independence voters yesterday rejected Issue 5, the proposed zoning overlay for downtown Independence. In Twinsburg, all seven zoning issues passed citywide, but it is too early to tell if they also were approved at the ward level. Cleveland.com has a complete list of the Cuyahoga County election results.

The Sun Courier has additional information about Issue 5, the proposed zoning overlay for 151 acres in downtown Independence. It will appear on the May 5 ballot.

Developers of the Spillway project in Chagrin Falls have nearly completed designing the mixed-use development, and are working to align financing and tenants.

University Circle Incorporated shared a conceptual design for the development of Lot 45, a 200-space parking lot near the Uptown development. Early plans call for building a residence hall for Cleveland Institute of Art students, a 1,000-space parking garage, and 100,000 square feet of office and retail space.

The proposed zoning overlay for downtown Independence will appear on the May ballot as Issue 5. Mayor Kurtz recently spoke about the plans at a meeting of the Independence Homeowners Association.

The Asher family's Weston Inc. will partner with Gilbane Development Co. of Providence to redevelop a one-block area of the Warehouse District. Their plans for the seven-acre site include building 700,000 square feet of office space, 100,000 square feet of retail, 250 condominiums, 150 apartments, a 150-room hotel, and parking garages with 2,400 spaces. The area was previously part of Bob Stark's proposed redevelopment.

The Sun Courier has more details about the proposed downtown zoning overlay district that will appear on the May ballot in Independence.

In a special election yesterday, Chagrin Falls voters approved a rezoning for the former Ivex mill. Developers plan to reuse the structure as a mixed-use facility.

Update: the unofficial final tally was 937-88.

The tight credit market may prolong the mixed-use reconstruction of the north side of Cedar Center in South Euclid. The Coral Company, the project's developer, has modified its plans to include market-rate apartments in place of condominiums.

The City of Cleveland Heights is still looking to redevelop the Top of the Hill site at Cedar Road and Euclid Heights Boulevard, but officials are proceeding cautiously because of the poor economic climate.

Steven Litt likes the plans for redeveloping the Ivex complex in Chagrin Falls. He says that the "project looks like a no-brainer," and concludes that "it could make Chagrin Falls both a better place to visit, and a better place to live."

Neighbors of the former Ivex mill in Chagrin Falls are concerned about the potential impacts of its proposed redevelopment. Residents will vote on a rezoning issue for the project in a special election on February 3.

Independence City Council is considering legislation to put a downtown zoning overlay district on the May ballot. The overlay would permit retail and multi-family development, including senior housing. Multi-family housing is not currently allowed in the City. Last year, the City surveyed Independence seniors about their preferences.

Update: the overlay district will appear on the May ballot.

Planning for a 75-acre lifestyle center in Seven Hills is continuing. Formerly known as Rockside Terrace, the development is now named Sora Hill. Developer Steiner + Associates of Columbus became a partner in the project in 2007, and hopes to finalize the plans once the economy improves.

Demolition of the north side of Cedar Center was scheduled to begin earlier this week.

South Euclid City Council authorized the expenditure of $1.8 million to raze the north side of Cedar Center. Demolition is expected to begin later this month.

Chagrin Falls voters will decide a rezoning issue for a proposed "family friendly" redevelopment of the Ivex mill in a special election on February 3.

Advertising agency Wyse will be the anchor tenant in the K&D Group's redevelopment of the 668 Euclid building in downtown Cleveland. The company signed a 10-year lease for 25,000 square feet on the building's ground floor. The K&D Group is also pursuing nontraditional financing for its planned redevelopment of the nearby Ameritrust complex, including investments from labor union pension funds.

Developer Bob Stark abandoned his plans to redevelop large portions of Cleveland's Warehouse District after the property owners declined to extend his options to buy the properties. The Asher family, owners of much of the land, may attempt to proceed with similar plans through Weston Inc., their commercial real estate company.

WCPN's Eric Wellman spoke with Cleveland Chief of Regional Development Chris Warren about the suspension of work on the Flats east bank project.

Construction of the Flats east bank project was suspended today, because the credit crunch has created difficulties in securing private financing for the mixed-use development. The developers said that "they still intend to move forward with the project" (PDF), but did not identify a timeline for resuming work.

Update: WKSU, WCPN, and WTAM supply more details.

The Chagrin Falls Planning Commission unanimously approved a rezoning for the proposed mixed-use redevelopment of the Ivex mill. Some of its neighbors strongly object to the project, and developers have requested a special election on the rezoning.

While market conditions have forced the cancellation of some proposed retail projects, developers of the upscale Twinsburg Fashion Place in Summit County and the Cedar Center redevelopment in South Euclid are proceeding with their plans.

The Ohio Historic Preservation Office recommended awarding federal tax credits for the planned renovation of the Cleveland Trust Tower in downtown Cleveland. The tax credits could be worth $8-$10 million for the $133 million project.

Peter Rubin of the Coral Co. told Solon residents that he may introduce a replacement for the canceled Central Park development in six months or a year.

On Friday, the Coral Co. dropped its plans for the mixed-use Central Park development in Solon, citing the credit crunch and difficulties in obtaining financing. Solon officials will attempt to remove the rezoning issue for the development from the November ballot.

Update: Solon City Council rescinded the rezoning issue on Monday. It will still appear on the ballot, but votes will not be counted.

A Solon resident is questioning the legality of using tax increment financing for the proposed Central Park development. He believes that the type of TIF proposed can only be used in blighted areas.

Shaker Heights City Council confirmed its support of the redevelopment plan for the Warrensville-Van Aken area. The City will work with the Cuyahoga County Engineer's Office to obtain an ODOT grant for reconfiguring the six-way intersection.

Chagrin Falls leaders say they need more information about the plans for the former Ivex mill before voting on a requested rezoning.

WKSU's NEO Development series continues with a look at the future of mixed-use development in Northeast Ohio and how economic issues are affecting the development landscape.

The City of Solon, the Solon City Schools, and the Coral Co. are negotiating a 30-year TIF agreement for the proposed Central Park development.

Ohio Department of Transportation officials are concerned that the construction timetable for the Central Park development and related infrastructure improvements may be too ambitious. The Coral Co.'s project manager for the mixed-use project in Solon described the schedule as "aggressive but doable."

About 35 Solon residents attended a No Central Park meeting on August 13, which was more than organizers anticipated.

Developers of the Uptown project in University Circle shared information about the planned mixed-use development at a meeting on Tuesday night. They launched a redesigned website today.

Solon City Council unanimously voted to place the proposed Central Park development on the November ballot, combining the mixed-use zoning classification and rezoning proposals into a single issue. At the City Council meeting, about 50% of the residents who spoke favored the project, down from 75% at a meeting earlier this month. Opponents of the project have organized under the name No Central Park. Meanwhile, the Coral Co. offered a revised road improvement plan that includes a new four-lane connector road.

Alcoa completed the sale of the Ivex Paper Mill complex in Chagrin Falls to a group of local developers for $400,000. They plan to renovate as many of its 28 buildings as they can.

Update: the Chagrin Herald Sun supplies more details.

The planned redevelopment of the South Euclid side of Cedar Center will require public investment, thought the precise cost has yet to be established. The Cuyahoga County Department of Development is assisting the City with the environmental cleanup of the property.

On Monday, Solon City Council is expected to place two zoning issues that would permit the construction of Central Park on the November ballot. The first would create a new mixed-use zoning classification (PDF), and the second would place the 90 acre site of the proposed development into the new district. Meanwhile, opponents of the development have begun to organize.

Independence leaders are surveying seniors to learn about their housing needs in order to develop a plan for senior housing in the downtown district.

WKYC describes the early phases of the Flats east bank construction process.

Although earlier plans to rehabilitate the landmark Fifth Church of Christ Scientist on West 117th Street fell through, Cleveland officials now plan to incorporate the building into a mixed-use redevelopment of its entire block.

The majority of the 120 Solon residents in attendance at a public hearing about Central Park supported the proposed mixed-use development. Peter Rubin of the Coral Co. indicated that he's considering alternate configurations for the proposed realignment of the intersection of SOM Center and Bainbridge Roads.

A preliminary feasibility report about the proposed Central Park development in Solon says that the area can support additional office and retail space. The report is not yet available online, but other studies about the proposal are posted on Solon's website.

Update: the market analysis is now online (14.1 MB, PDF).

While the Tyler Village complex in Cleveland's St. Clair-Superior neighborhood has attracted office, retail, and educational tenants, the sluggish residential market has delayed plans to add 300 residential units to the development.

Plans for the redevelopment of downtown Independence may have a senior housing component. City leaders intend to develop a master plan for the area, and may ask voters to approve the senior housing next year.

The Lakewood Planning Commission approved the placement of buildings for phase three of the Rockport Square development. The preliminary plans call for the construction of office space, a parking deck, and a restaurant, but not the condominiums that were previously part of the plans.

Plain Dealer architecture critic Steven Litt finds the renderings of new residential and retail buildings for the Uptown development in University Circle to be "highly encouraging", but cautions that "it's far too soon to declare the project a success."

Update: a Plain Dealer editorial says that the construction "will lead to a well-rounded University Circle".

Developers MRN and Zaremba hope to break ground next spring for the Uptown project, the University Circle arts and retail district. Three residential and retail buildings on Euclid Avenue could be completed as soon as late 2010.

The Solon Herald Sun describes the development agreement for the proposed Central Park project. Solon officials and residents recently discussed the mixed-use development with Coral Co. President Peter Rubin.

The Cleveland Landmarks Commission is scheduled to discuss Stark Enterprises' Warehouse District plans tomorrow, among other topics. Images of the proposed development are available on the Commission's agenda.

(via Urban Ohio)

The City of North Royalton and the Coral Co. decided to terminate a 2005 agreement for the development of the mixed-use Town Center District. In a statement, the City said that it "remains committed to pursuing the Town Center concept." However, it also removed materials relating to the development from its website.

Road improvements will be needed if the proposed Central Park project is approved. Solon City Council is considering two road improvement plans, both of which include a new connector road between Aurora and Solon Roads. Meanwhile, the Coral Co. denied an accusation that it's trying to lure tenants from Solar Shopping Center to Central Park. The City will hold a public hearing about Central Park on August 4.

The Coral Co. decided not to pursue an assisted living component for the mixed-use Central Park project. Meanwhile, the owner of nearby Solar Shopping Center accused the Coral Co. of trying to steal his tenants for the proposed development.

A group of local developers purchased six acres in Midtown for a project that could include retail and offices or homes. The site is across the street from the Dunham Tavern on Euclid.

The Solon Board of Education retained a law firm to represent them in TIF negotiations with the City and the Coral Co. The company is seeking a TIF for 75% of the non-school area in the proposed 90 acre Central Park development.

The final draft of the redevelopment plan for the 60 acre Warrensville-Van Aken commercial district was shown to Shaker Heights City Council this week. Council members were generally positive about the plan, but had questions about finding funds for the $70 million redevelopment and reconfiguration.

South Euclid officials say that demolition of the north side of Cedar Center may begin in August. At Cleveland State, exterior demolition of University Center started this morning.

InterContinental Hotels Group announced plans to open a Hotel Indigo in the Cleveland Trust Tower. The 140 room boutique hotel will occupy the tower's first 12 floors, and is scheduled to open in spring 2010. The K&D Group plans to convert the upper floors into 165 to 180 apartments.

A study funded by the Coral Co. says that the company's proposed Central Park development would generate $65.21 million in tax revenues and fees for the City of Solon over a 20 year period. The company and the City do not agree on how best to share the costs of various studies on the proposed mixed-use development.

Four local developers submitted bids for the purchase of the former Geauga Lake site in Geauga and Portage Counties. The companies are interested in developing the 500 acre property as a mixed-use development.

Developer Bob Stark has refocused his plans for a Warehouse District Development. Instead of building around a large office tower on a single block, the project's first phase will now concentrate on filling gaps in the neighborhood that are currently occupied by surface parking. Phase one includes about 215,000 square feet of retail below roughly 350 residential units and 166,000 square feet of office space. He plans to complete the $400 million phase by 2011.

Brecksville officials are reviewing the recommendations in a report about the proposed development of the Crow property at Miller Road and I-77. Mayor Hruby does not expect a rezoning decision to be made this year.

Developers of the Flats east bank project revealed plans for a $48 million hotel and condominium building. It will include about 50 luxury condominiums and about 150 rooms in a five-star 1 Hotel & Residences hotel. It's scheduled to open in 2011.

Ernst & Young confirmed that it will move to a new office tower in the Flats east bank development. The 21 story building will be known as Ernst & Young Tower. A Plain Dealer editorial says that this "means that the mammoth task of revitalizing the Flats" east bank "is really going to happen." Developers also unveiled new conceptual images of the planned mixed-use project, and announced that they secured $4 million from HUD for an unidentified supermarket in the development. Half of the award is a grant, and the other half is a loan.

Solon officials are continuing their negotiations with developer Coral Co. about the proposed Central Parc development, and recently hired a law firm to assist with the development agreement. The mixed-use project may include assisted-living units and a four to five story hotel. In addition to possibly creating a need for additional safety personnel, the development may require more service workers and equipment.

Accounting firm Ernst & Young plans to move its downtown Cleveland office from the Huntington Building to a new office tower in the Flats east bank development. The company's 1,200 employees could occupy over 150,000 square feet in the planned 20 to 21 story building. In February, law firm Tucker Ellis & West announced plans to move to the same tower.

Meanwhile, the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority's Regional Economic Advancement Committee tabled a decision on altering the project's development agreement so that members would have time to study the requested changes. One of the proposed changes is lowering the prevailing-wage requirements.

Demolition of the remaining structures on the Flats east bank began today.

The City of Solon may hire a market analysis firm to determine if the proposed Central Parc development is likely to succeed.

On Monday, Shaker Heights City Council approved plans to redevelop the Warrensville-Van Aken commercial district and reconfigure its six-way intersection.

Solon's police chief changed his mind about the proposed Central Parc development, and said that it would not create a need for additional police officers. City Council will discuss the mixed-use development at a work session on April 30.

At a work session last week, Shaker Heights City Council discussed the final plans for the redevelopment of the Warrensville-Van Aken commercial district. Council is expected to vote on the plans on April 28.

Update: the Plain Dealer provides additional details.

The Cuyahoga County Commissioners were expected to approve the K&D Group's bid to purchase the Ameritrust complex at their meeting this morning.

Update: the Commissioners accepted the bid.

The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority may have reached an agreement to sell 8.8 acres in the Flats to developer Scott Wolstein for $11.44 million. A spokesperson for Wolstein, however, cautioned that the negotiations remain complicated. Eaton Corporation is interested in developing the site in the planned Flats east bank development for its headquarters.

Update: the Plain Dealer finds the news encouraging.

At a public hearing in Twinsburg Township, some residents expressed their support for the proposed Twinsburg Fashion Place shopping center, but were concerned that the City of Twinsburg might attempt to annex the property. Developer Bahman Guyuron characterized the situation as a race between his project and the proposed mixed-use Central Parc development in Solon.

Central Parc is facing a potential delay due to issues surrounding the planned expansion of a stormwater detention basin near North Huntington Drive. The development could also create increased costs for the City due to the projected need to hire additional safety personnel.

For the second time, the K&D Group was the sole bidder for the Ameritrust complex in downtown Cleveland. The bid was for the $35 million minimum set by Cuyahoga County. The developer's plans are similar to its earlier proposal, with a mix of hotel, residential, and office uses in renovated and new space. The company hired the firm of Westlake Reed Leskosky to design the proposed new office tower at Prospect Avenue and East 9th Street. Channel 3 has images of the proposal.

The Twinsburg Township Zoning Commission is considering a rezoning request by the developer of the proposed 803,731 square foot Twinsburg Fashion Place shopping center. The Zoning Commission is also contemplating the development's traffic implications. Developer Bahman Guyuron wants to begin construction as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Peter Rubin of the Coral Co. says that his proposed Central Parc development in Solon needs to be built first in order to reach its full economic potential.

The Cleveland City Planning Commission viewed revised plans for the enlarged Flats east bank development. Office space in the project has roughly doubled to 975,000 square feet, and the number of residential units has increased from 300 to about 430.

The City of Solon and the Coral Co. are negotiating a development agreement for the proposed Central Parc mixed-use development. Issues include control over tenants, construction of a new road, lower-density buffer areas, greenspace requirements, and control of the property.

The last tenants in the South Euclid side of Cedar Center will leave by the end of May, and demolition might begin in June or July. The shopping center will be replaced with a 240,000 square foot mixed-use district with retail, office, residential, and civic space.

The City of Solon may pay for portions of a proposed new four lane road that would connect the proposed Central Parc development to Route 422. Developer Peter Rubin of the Coral Co. is also scheduled to address the Solon School Board on Monday about tax increment financing for the development. Meanwhile, Solon City Council is examining a proposal to create a low-density multifamily zoning district on the south side of Bainbridge Road.

The City of Cleveland Heights intends to start searching for a developer for the Top of the Hill site within 40 to 60 days. The City's Planning Commission approved development guidelines (PDF) for the area in January.

At the third and final public workshop last month, consultants for Shaker Heights presented a preferred redevelopment alternative for the 60 acre Warrensville-Van Aken commercial district. The plans (PDF) call for turning the six-way intersection into a four-way intersection, rebuilding the area as a mixed-use district, and relocating the intermodal transit center to a site south of Chagrin Boulevard.

The Coral Co.'s plans for the mixed-use Central Parc development in Solon include building a new four-lane public road. The City hired hired Wells + Associates to conduct a comprehensive traffic study. Planning Director Rob Frankland also suggested three options for providing "a smooth land use transition from the commercial-office portions of the proposed Coral project to the existing single-family residential subdivisions".

Today the Cleveland City Planning Commission approved the demolition of the remaining buildings on the site of the planned Flats east bank development, and also approved the relocation of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority to a new site north of East 55th Street. Steven Litt suggests that the Port's move "could create immediate pressure on the city and the port to allow downtown corporations to abandon the business core for sites on the waterfront."

Update: Bradley Fink of the Design Rag has similar concerns.

The Coral Co.'s plans for Central Parc, the proposed 90 acre mixed-use development in Solon call for two upscale departments stores, a 200 room hotel, a medical campus, 140 single-family houses, 215 condominiums, 200 apartments, and 20-25 restaurants.

Law firm Tucker Ellis & West yesterday became the first office tenants to announce a move to the planned Flats east bank development. The firm reached an agreement to lease 100,000 square feet of a 525,000 square foot tower to be built on a parking lot at West 10th Street and Main Avenue.

Attendees at a South Euclid Planning and Zoning Committee meeting suggested that the City consider expanding its plans to create a Mayfield-Green mixed use district in order to create a Crocker Park-like development that would complement Cedar Center. City Council may act on the rezoning proposal at its February 25th meeting.

Yesterday, the Plain Dealer confirmed that Eaton Corporation is interested in building a new corporate campus on 8.5 acres in the Flats along the Waterfront Line loop. The property is owned by the Port Authority, and Scott Wolstein owns an option to purchase the land for his planned Flats east bank development.

Update: a Plain Dealer editorial says that Eaton's move to the Flats would be good for Cleveland.

At a public workshop last month, planners presented four visions for reconfiguring the commercial district and six-way intersection at Warrensville Center Road and Van Aken Boulevard in Shaker Heights. The City and its partners then selected two ideas for further study. In five to ten years, the City hopes to begin transforming the area into a mixed-use TOD destination. Another workshop will be held on February 27.

Under the terms of a preliminary development agreement, the City of Solon would have the right to veto tenants it deems inappropriate for the proposed Central Parc mixed-use development. The agreement also calls for The Coral Co. to design a reconfiguration of the intersection of SOM Center and Bainbridge Roads.

Had Stark Enterprises not withdrawn its proposal for a mixed-use development in Solon, City Council likely would have selected it over the competing proposal from The Coral Co.

This week's Free Times summarizes the history of South Euclid's plans to redevelop the north side of Cedar Center, as well as the adverse repercussions it has had on the shopping center's merchants.

Ernst & Young and Eaton are both thinking about building new offices in Scott Wolstein's Flats east bank development. This angered Bob Stark, who is planning a large Warehouse District development. Stark asserts that a shift of office tenants to the Flats project would damage downtown.

Update: Stark is reassessing his Warehouse District plans.

On this morning's Weekly Business Roundup on WCPN, Scott Roulston talked about the K&D Group's bid to purchase the Ameritrust complex in Cleveland.

Stark Enterprises' decision to drop its proposal for a mixed-use development in Solon does not necessarily mean that the City will approve the competing proposal from The Coral Co. City Council is now expected to slow down the process and take weeks or months before reaching a conclusion. Stark, meanwhile, now envisions redeveloping Solon Shopping Center as a project similar to his Eton shopping center in Woodmere.

Stark Enterprises will drop its plans for a mixed-use development at the intersection of SOM Center and Aurora Roads in Solon. The company was unable to proceed with its plans after Gross Builders withdrew from a development partnership. Gross Builders' reasons for leaving the partnership remain unclear. Stark will now try to build a scaled-back, retail-only development.

Update: Monday's Plain Dealer has more details.

On January 22, Solon City Council will choose between proposals from The Coral Co. (PDF) and Stark Enterprises (PDF) for mixed-use developments. Residents will have the opportunity to vote on a rezoning for the selected development in November.

Gross Builders appears to have separated from a partnership with Stark Enterprises, and intends to return to earlier plans for a senior housing development on 27.2 acres on Aurora Road. The change may force Stark to offer a scaled-back version of its proposed mixed-use Garden District development.

Pre-construction sales of condominiums at The Terraces on Lee Road have not been proceeding as well as anticipated. Builder Al. Neyer, Inc. is considering several options, including scaling back the mixed-use project. Executives with the company will discuss the development with Cleveland Heights officials.

Attorney Pam Hanover, the City of Solon's bond counsel, provided advice to City Council's Finance Committee about preparing for the proposed mixed-use developments and a possible TIF.

Solon City Council did not select one of the two competing mixed-use development proposals, which means a rezoning issue will not appear on the March ballot. Gross Builders reportedly may withdraw from a partnership with Stark Enterprises. However, City Council did approve a rezoning issue for the proposed senior housing development near Hawthorne Valley Country Club.

The City of South Euclid may create a mixed-use district in the Mayfield-Green commercial area. City Council's Planning and Zoning Committee will discuss the proposal at its January 28 meeting.

The redevelopment of downtown Cleveland's East 4th Street was the subject of a talk at the City Club yesterday. The speakers were Deb Janik of the Greater Cleveland Partnership, Mary Lessick of The Corner Alley, and Ari Maron of MRN Ltd.

Update: the discussion is now available as a podcast (MP3, 26.7 MB).

Solon City Council may select one of the two competing proposals for major mixed-use developments on Monday. Residents appear to be split on the proposals. The Coral Co. offered to donate land for enlarging a detention basin near North Huntington Drive if the City selects its proposed Central Parc development. Residents of the Solon Park Apartments who would be displaced by the Stark development continue to try to save their homes.

The Cleveland Heights Planning Commission delayed voting on proposed design guidelines for the planned Top of the Hill mixed-use development because some members want to see more detailed guidelines.

Developer Bob Stark's ambitious plans for a $1.5 billion Warehouse District development will require significant public investment, and he wants to explore non-traditional public financing options. The Plain Dealer's Steven Litt says that Stark's big idea "ought to get a full and fair hearing". Mayor Jackson likes the development proposal, and is keeping an open mind about Stark's financing ideas.

At a public hearing on Monday, Solon residents shared their thoughts about the two proposed mixed-use developments. Developer Bob Stark says that respondents to a phone survey prefer his project. Solon City Council is expected to move their deadline for selecting one of the projects from December to January, which means that a rezoning issue would appear on the November ballot instead of the March ballot.

This month's issue of Inside Business looks at the revival of East 4th Street in downtown Cleveland.

Plans for the development of the 917 acre Cleveland Quarries site in South Amherst will be unveiled on December 18. The plans will focus more heavily on residential development than on commercial development, and are more modest than the dropped proposal from Trans European Securities.

As Solon's December 17 deadline approaches for selecting one of the two competing proposals for mixed-use developments, one council member feels that the process is moving too quickly. A traffic study showed that both plans will require significant road improvements (corrections), including a possible redesign of the Route 422 interchange (though it may not be necessary) and a potential widening of Aurora Road (though City officials say they have no plans to do so). Preliminary results of a stormwater analysis show that either development would require $5 million to $8.5 million in sanitary sewer improvements. Legislation was introduced in City Council to create a mixed-use zoning classification.

Peter Rubin revealed more details about his proposed Central Parc development, which could include a 22.8 acre property on Solon Road currently owned by University Hospitals. He also plans to buy and renovate Solar Shopping Center. Meanwhile, the Solon Board of Education is concerned that a TIF package for either development could harm the district's finances, and the City's finance director said that the income tax projections for both projects are overstated.

The new Cedar-Lee parking garage in Cleveland Heights opened earlier this month. Its construction is in conjunction with the mixed-use The Terraces development.

The Solon planning department is preparing a new mixed-use zoning classification for the mixed-use developments proposed by the Coral Co. and Stark Enterprises. Planning Director Rob Frankland says that a 2008 start date for construction is "ambitious but not impossible."

City Council selected a firm to prepare an analysis of the developments' impacts on the City's sanitary sewers, and traffic engineering consultants reported that the Coral Co. plan will have have fewer traffic impacts than the Stark proposal. City Council and the Planning Commission will discuss the proposals at a November 29 meeting.

The City of Lakewood is planning to make the Detroit Avenue and Bunts Road area an eastern gateway to its central business district. The former Giant Eagle at the intersection's southwest corner will be demolished and replaced by new commercial and residential development, along with a parking deck. Preliminary recommendation in the Detroit Avenue Streetscape Study include making improvements to transit waiting environments.

Solon officials want input from residents on the competing proposals for mixed-use developments, and the Solon Chamber of Commerce formed a task force to review the proposals. Meanwhile, a Solon Park Apartments resident who initially opposed Bob Stark's plan has changed her mind.

(Update: the City is also looking to hire an engineering firm to perform a stormwater analysis, and will soon hold public meetings. Some residents feel that the process is being rushed.)

The Cleveland City Planning Commission approved plans for the University Lofts project, a renovation of 2010 and 2020 Euclid Avenue and a new building at 2030 Euclid Avenue. The construction is part of the collegetown redevelopment.

Both Peter Rubin and Bob Stark are interested in including an arts district in their competing plans for mixed-use developments in Solon.

Plans for the Flats east bank development continue to evolve. Demolition of the area's remaining structures is slated to begin in the winter or spring, and developer Scott Wolstein hopes to see much of the project completed by 2010.

Residents of the Solon Park Apartments have begun circulating petitions in opposition of Bob Stark's plans for a mixed-use development. The plans include tearing down the apartments, but Stark has indicated that he intends to provide affordable housing in his proposed Garden District development.

An agreement with Orion Capital Partners expired this summer, and yesterday, South Euclid City Council approved a development agreement with the Coral Company to redevelop the north side of Cedar Center as a mixed-use project. Demolition of the shopping center is expected to begin in fall 2008.

(Update: this week's Sun Messenger has more information.)

The Solon Herald Sun presents additional details about Stark Enterprises' proposed Garden District development at Aurora and SOM Center Roads in Solon. The plans call for the demolition of the Solon Park Apartments, which does not please its tenants. Bob Stark also confirmed that he is attempting to purchase residential lots on Aurora and Bainbridge Roads.

Developers of the planned Flats east bank development have enlarged the project because of the high level of interest. It's now slated to include 800,000 square feet of offices, 280,000 square feet of retail, between 500 and 600 housing units, a 150 room hotel, a movie theater, a marina, and a park.

Last night, Bob Stark unveiled plans for his proposed mixed-use Garden District at Aurora and SOM Center Roads in Solon. The 75 acre, $750 million development would include offices, retail, housing, an arts center, health facilities, college classrooms, a hotel, and a movie theater.

Sunday's Plain Dealer included a look at the changes in retail at Tower City Center since the mall opened in 1990 and an examination of what the future may hold for the mixed-use downtown landmark.

The federal General Services Administration announced that it was not interested in using a proposed office building in the planned Flats east bank development, saying that it would be cheaper to retrofit the Anthony J. Celebrezze Federal Building on East 9th Street.

In order for a rezoning issue to appear on the March ballot, Solon City Council must make a decision by December 17 about which of the two competing mixed-use development proposals to submit to voters. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Sears indicated that the company has no plans to relocate or close the store to make way for the Coral Co.'s proposed development, and a real estate company appears to be assembling Bainbridge Road residential properties on behalf of Stark Enterprises.

A Plain Dealer editorial says that the proposed collegetown development "would solidify Cleveland State University's neighborhood".

The Solon Herald Sun explored the competing plans for mixed-use developments in Solon. Peter Rubin of the Coral Co. wants to demolish an existing shopping strip and 65 nearby homes, and hopes to get a rezoning issue on the March ballot. He answered questions from residents on Monday. Bob Stark of Stark Enterprises will present his $1 billion proposal to City Council on October 15. Meanwhile, another developer dropped his plans for a mixed-use development in Solon's southeast corner.

Saitowitz Natoma Architects of San Francisco and Office dA of Boston were selected to design multistory apartment and retail buildings for the Arts and Retail District in University Circle.

Developers of the planned North Royalton Town Center are expected to present a development plan to the North Royalton Planning Commission later this month. Plans for big box retail have been scaled back, with the largest store now at 87,000 square feet. The 619,000 square foot mixed-use development will include retail, office, and municipal space.

In addition to the Coral Co.'s plans to build a lifestyle center on SOM Center Road in Solon, Stark Enterprises will soon introduce plans for a competing vision. Robert Stark says he wants to redevelop Solar Center at the southeast corner of SOM Center and Aurora Roads. His plans for the 75 acre site feature retail (including two department stores), a hotel, homes, and office space.

(Update: WKYC's Tom Beres interviewed Bob Stark and Peter Rubin.)

The Coral Co. has obtained over 40 acres of land for Central Parc, its proposed 90 acre lifestyle center in Solon, and hopes that the first stores will open in 2011. A rezoning issue for the site may appear on the March ballot.

The Plain Dealer explored the emerging arts and cultural district along Waterloo Road and its rejuvenating effects on North Collinwood.

Several developers are quietly working to build a "collegetown" on Euclid Avenue across from Cleveland State University. They plan to eventually build 300 housing units and 100,000 square feet of ground-level retail.

The Coral Co. wants to build a mixed-use lifestyle center in Solon on land east of SOM Center Road between Solon and Bainbridge Roads. Residents on Sharondale, West Sharondale, and Jaclyn Drives report that the company wants to buy their houses and raze them to make way for the development.

With the Euclid Corridor project scheduled for completion next year, reinvestment in Euclid Avenue buildings is underway. The Victory Building at East 71st Street will be converted to loft apartments with ground floor retail, and Cuyahoga County provided an $800,000 construction loan for University Lofts, 30 apartments on the upper floors of two buildings at 2010 and 2020 Euclid.

Developers revealed a shortlist of six architecture firms as candidates to design the Arts and Retail District in University Circle. It includes several highly respected national firms, and the developers may select more than one. They expect to make a decision in a week to ten days.

As Hudson's First & Main development celebrates its third anniversary, the Hudson Hub Times looks back at its history. Planning is underway for phase two of Hudson's downtown development vision.

Four new developments in the Greater Cleveland area will become pilot projects for the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED for Neighborhood Development program to build sustainable neighborhoods. These projects are:

• The Flats East Bank Project, which recently received a $1 million brownfield cleanup loan from Cuyahoga County,
• Upper Chester near the Cleveland Clinic,
• Saint Luke's Pointe, and
• The East College Street project in Oberlin.

A new redevelopment plan could come to fruition for South Amherst's Cleveland Quarries site now that the property's owner, American Stone Industries, will be sold to Industrial Realty Group. Plans for a scaled-back mixed use redevelopment of the land are still forthcoming.

University Circle and Little Italy can be transformed by RTA's new E. 120th Street rapid station, according to Steven Litt of the Plain Dealer.

Demolition of the South Euclid side of Cedar Center is expected to begin this winter. The City is attempting to obtain grants for environmental cleanup of the site.

RTA revealed its plans for a new rapid station at East 120th Street in Little Italy. In addition to a new station, the plans prepared by Studio Techne feature transit-oriented development elements including a parking garage, a transit transfer station, retail space, and apartments. The plans also offer a first glimpse of massings for the Arts and Retail District in University Circle, including tentative footprints of new buildings for MOCA and and the Cleveland Institute of Art.

With downtown Cleveland's Class-A office vacancy rate (PDF) down to 11%, at least five large companies may be interested in building new downtown office buildings. One of the developers competing for tenants is Bob Stark, who is expanding the footprint of his planned Warehouse District development and expects to submit a preliminary development plan in the first quarter of 2008. He anticipates it will include 1.2 to 1.5 million square feet of office space, 1 million square feet of retail, 1 million square feet of residential space, and 1 to 2 million square feet in parking structures.

Developer Scott Wolstein agreed to purchase a two acre parking lot on Front Avenue from James Kassouf for $2.9 million. It was the last property Wolstein needed for his Flats east bank development. He hopes to begin demolition and site preparation in the coming months.

Independence officials are continuing to develop a downtown master plan for the City.

This evening, the Orange Planning and Zoning Commission will discuss a mixed-use development proposed for the 85 acre Weintraub property on Harvard Road. The project would include senior housing, continuing care, and public spaces.

The North Royalton City Schools will likely sell a 33 acre property at Abbey and Albion Roads to the City. The site will be used as the new home for radio towers that must be moved for the planned North Royalton Town Center development.

Representatives of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority and property owner James Kassouf have until Wednesday to reach a purchase agreement for a two acre parking lot needed for the planned Flats east bank development. If they are unable to settle on a price, the eminent domain lawsuit may be reopened.

Mayor Luks said that the preliminary site plan prepared by the Coral Company for the mixed-use North Royalton Town Center development "could change dramatically."

The Brooklyn Sun Journal has more information about the entertainment district zoning overlay proposal that was approved by a Cleveland City Council committee. Councilman Cimperman said the first and only place the overlay will be applied is for the planned adult entertainment district on the Columbus Road peninsula in the Flats.

(Update: The Cleveland City Planning Commission approved the Flats adult entertainment district, but reduced the number of permitted clubs from three to two.)

In November, Twinsburg voters will have the opportunity to vote on the creation of a mixed-use zoning classification. Municipal officials hope that it will encourage downtown development.

Mixed-use and residential development is increasing along Chester Avenue near University Circle. In addition to the nearly complete Park Lane Villa restoration and the planned University Circle Arts and Retail District, Vintage Development Group will soon break ground on the 34 unit Chester 82 condominiums on the site of the former Madonna Hall, and the Finch Group is considering plans to build a mixed-use development somewhere between East 89th Street and East 101st Street.

A Cleveland City Council committee approved the plan to create an adult district in the Flats, over the objections of nearby residents. The full Council is expected to approve the enabling legislation.

Developer John Ferchill offered an alternative redevelopment plan for a portion of the Cleveland Trust complex at Euclid Avenue and East 9th Street in downtown Cleveland. He suggested rehabilitating the 1010 Euclid building as condominiums and restoring the rotunda, with 35% of it to be used by Cuyahoga County, and the remainder to be used by county-related businesses.

Stark Enterprises would like to build a hotel at Crocker Park next to the office building currently under construction on a 6.8 acre site at the corner of Crocker and Detroit Roads. The proposal requires a rezoning, which needs approval from the Westlake Planning Commission, City Council, and voters. The rezoning also includes a request to add the The Promenade shopping center to the adjacent Crocker Park PUD.

With four more restaurants scheduled to open this summer, downtown Cleveland's East 4th Street is becoming an "eatertainment district".

Developer Scott Wolstein was able to reach purchase agreements with all but one property owner and end eminent domain proceedings for his Flats east bank development. The settlements call for him to pay $17 million for 11 properties, more than twice the Port Authority's appraised values. Wolstein has been unable to reach an accord with James Kassouf for a parking lot north of Front Street. The Port Authority appraised the site at $640,000, and Kassouf is asking for $3.55 million.

A Plain Dealer editorial says that Mayor Jackson's decision to create a nearby adult entertainment district "signals that Cleveland's mayor can help play the role of deal maker."

As part of the North Royalton Town Center project, the City's downtown radio towers may be relocated to a 38 acre site on Abbey Road. The Coral Company also prepared a preliminary site plan for the development, which calls for 603,000 square feet of retail (including anchor stores of 206,100 and 102,900 square feet) and 197,000 square feet of office space.

Judge Corrigan recessed the Flats east bank eminent domain trial yesterday after hearing testimony that at least one property owner was close to reaching an agreement with the Port Authority. Corrigan told a Port Authority official, "If I were you, I would settle this case just as fast as I can."

Chester residents met last week to discuss a proposal for creating a pedestrian-friendly mixed-use town center.

National City Bank sold its branch near Euclid Avenue and Stokes Boulevard to University Circle Incorporated for $418,000. The bank will build a new branch south of its current location on land it will lease from UCI, which wants to redevelop the site of the existing building as part of a mixed-use multi-story gateway.

On Thursday, appraiser Roger Ritley testified in the Flats east bank eminent domain trial, and on Friday, developer Scott Wolstein testified for 3½ hours.

Yesterday, Port Authority Chairman John Careny testified in the Flats east bank eminent domain trial. Developer Scott Wolstein is scheduled to testify today.

Local developers and municipal officials are among those attending the annual International Council of Shopping Centers convention in Las Vegas. The developers of the proposed projects for the east and west banks of the Flats are jointly marketing their developments at the convention, and Cleveland.com presents their plans as a JPG and as a PDF.

Yesterday, former Cleveland Mayor Jane Campbell testified in the Flats east bank eminent domain trial. She said that she supported eminent domain as a last resort. Developer Scott Wolstein is scheduled to testify later in the trial.

The City of South Euclid selected Orion Capital Partners of Little Rock, Arkansas to redevelop the north side of the Cedar Center shopping strip. The company offered $17 million for the property, and wants to redevelop it as a retail/residential mixed-use project. The company has 45 days to reach a deal with the City, which will require City Council approval.

In the opening arguments of the Flats east bank eminent domain trial yesterday, attorneys for Flats landowners charged that the Port Authority has not negotiated fairly, while Port Authority lawyers argued that the project would provide multiple public benefits.

The Flats east bank eminent domain trial began this morning. It's expected to last at least two weeks. If Judge Corrigan finds that the Port Authority has met the eminent domain standards, the trial will shift to a second phase where a jury will decide on land prices.

Flats east bank developer Scott Wolstein has "a chance for something special", says Plain Dealer architecture critic Steven Litt. Wolstein revealed that he is considering five elite out-of-town architecture firms, as well as two local firms. He also indicated that he wants the development to have a contemporary design, and not a nostalgic style reminiscent of the nearby Warehouse District.

Cuyahoga County Probate Judge John Donnelly ruled against a group of Cedar Center tenants who sought to keep the City of South Euclid from acquiring the northern half of the shopping center. The City will purchase the property for $16.4 million and select one of the four developers interested in redeveloping it as a mixed-use project.

A Plain Dealer editorial says that the newly-designated Cleveland Art Quarter is "a great idea that could have a big economic impact, especially on tourism and redevelopment."

The Village of Chagrin falls has received three proposals for the redevelopment of city-owned land along West Orange Street. Two are resubmissions of previous proposals, and a third calls for the construction of two four-unit townhouses.

An area that covers parts of four neighborhoods on Cleveland's near east side has been named the Cleveland Art Quarter, or The Quarter for short, because the live-work district is home to many artists and their studios.

The Flats east bank eminent domain trial is scheduled to begin on May 7. It's expected to last at least two weeks.

North Royalton leaders are preparing a tax increment financing package that will be used to support the planned Town Center District development. Mayor Luks and other officials will also attend the annual ICSC convention in Las Vegas next month to court prospective retailers.

Scene tells the story of the aborted Cleveland Quarries project in South Amherst.

Attorneys representing the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority and flats landowners debated about eminent domain and the Flats east bank project for five hours in Cuyahoga County Probate Court. At the judge's request, the two sides will attempt to reach a settlement in talks that will begin tomorrow. If they are unable to reach an agreement, Judge Corrigan is expected to make a ruling in the next 10 days.

The Flats east bank eminent domain case will be heard by a Cuyahoga County Probate Court judge this week. Both sides say that the Ohio Supreme Court's Norwood decision supports their position. Flats landowners argue that economic development is the sole reason for the eminent domain action, while the Port Authorty claims that the project will serve the public by creating new public areas and removing blight.

(Update: the weblog Psychobilly Democrat ponders whether the "development proponents exceed the 'solely for economic benefit' limit established in last year's Norwood decision.")

Two tenants in the north side of the Cedar Center shopping center are in court this week, challenging the City of South Euclid's plans for a mixed-use redevelopment of the site. Judge John Donnelly toured the property yesterday.

American Stone said that it has formally terminated an agreement with developer Trans European Securities for the proposed 989 acre Cleveland Quarries mixed-use development and resort in South Amherst. Despite claims that "heavy hitters" were behind the project, Trans European was unable to obtain funding to purchase the property, and the development agreement expired nearly a year ago. Lorain County officials remain optimistic that the site will be developed.

North Royalton Mayor Cathy Luks says that plans for the Town Center District are "very promising". Developer The Coral Company has entered phase two of the project, which includes property acquisition and site planning.

Demolition of buildings in the Flats east bank may begin soon. A Cuyahoga County Common Pleas judge dismissed a taxpayer's lawsuit against the Port Authority, and the City of Cleveland issued demolition permits for eight east bank buildings owned by developer Scott Wolstein.

(Update: workers have begun razing the buildings.)

Developer Bob Stark is interested in redeveloping the blocks east of Jacobs Field between Carnegie and Prospect Avenues, the area around Erie Street Cemetery in downtown Cleveland. He has obtained options to buy six properties from USA Parking Inc. and is seeking a joint developer, but has not revealed his precise plans for the mixed-use development.

The City of Seven Hills, the Parma Board of Education, and developers were able to reach a financing agreement for the proposed Rockside Terrace mixed-use development. The next phase of planning will "determine the location of the roads and the buildings, how open space is utilized and the needed public improvements." Mayor Bentkowski hopes for a fall groundbreaking.

Developers of the Avenue District in downtown Cleveland obtained an option to purchase a vacant 1.4 acre parcel at the southwest corner of St. Clair Avenue and East 12th Street. The prospects for additional condominium development on the site will depend on the sales in earlier phases.

Construction will begin next month for the parking garage portion of The Terraces development on Lee Road in Cleveland Heights. It should be completed this fall. Work on the residential and retail section is scheduled to begin in the fall and for completion in 2009.

Developers of the Terraces at Meadowbrook (the project formerly known as Domain on Lee) will unveil their designs for the mixed-use development on Tuesday evening at Cleveland Heights City Hall. The $25.7 million project in the Cedar-Lee district will include condominiums, retail, and a parking garage.

Developers of the Stonebridge project on the west bank of the Flats say that they would not be interested in building in Cleveland if the City withdrew its residential tax abatement policy. They hope to hope to begin construction of the development's next phase this spring.

The Parma School Board did not vote on a tax increment financing package for the planned Rockside Terrace development, disappointing the project's developers. Seven Hills City Council unanimously approved the agreement at a special meeting on December 31.

Northfield Center Township Trustees unanimously voted to deny a rezoning request for a 51 acre site at Twinsburg Road near State Route 8. Developers want to use the property and an additional 150 acres in Boston Heights for a mixed-use lifestyle center. They may ask Boston Heights to annex the land.

The second article in the Sun News's two-part series on the Avenue District examines how the mixed-use development fits in with and influences other downtown developments.