Cuyahoga County Planning Commission Weblog

Information about some planned demolitions in Greater Cleveland:

• The Parma City School District intends to demolish its former administration building near Ridge Road and Day Drive. It was built in 1921 as an elementary school.
• After a prolonged dispute, developers in Twinsburg obtained permission to raze an 1828 farmhouse and a 1911 barn on the former Corbett Farm property on Darrow Road.
• Cleveland Area History posted a document that describes the significance of the Cleveland Cold Storage Building, one of several historic structures that will be demolished for the new Innerbelt Bridge.
• Cleveland Area History also pointed out three historic Cleveland buildings that have been condemned: the Stanley Block in downtown Cleveland, the Langston Hughes house in Fairfax, and the Frankie Yankovic house in Collinwood.

In a Plain Dealer op-ed, Kevin Cronin describes what bicycle and pedestrian advocates have learned in the debate over plans for the new Innerbelt Bridge in Cleveland. He concludes that "it's not about a bridge, it's about a process, it's about livability and it's about people being counted."

The Cleveland City Planning Commission today approved preliminary plans for the new downtown Cleveland convention center under Malls B and C. Members have not voted on plans for the adjoining Medical Mart.

Forest City Enterprises and Rock Gaming reached agreements regarding sites for the planned downtown Cleveland casino. Rock Gaming will purchase 16 acres and air rights behind Tower City Center, and the two parties agreed to a multiyear lease of space in the Higbee Building. Financial terms were not disclosed.

A Plain Dealer editorial criticizes the quality of the proposed designs for the new Innerbelt Bridge in Cleveland, saying that "all three proposals from prospective design-build teams are in keeping with the department's narrow vision of what can and should be accomplished here." Meanwhile, Mandy Metcalf detailed her concerns about ODOT's plans for the east end of the West Shoreway reconfiguration in Ohio City.

Rock Gaming, LLC and Harrah's Entertainment reached a preliminary agreement on a joint venture to develop and operate downtown casinos in Cleveland and Cincinnati. Las Vegas-based Harrah's would manage the casinos.

The Ohio Department of Transportation revealed renderings of the three proposals for the new Innerbelt Bridge in Cleveland. Each of the designs developed by the competing design-build teams calls for a steel girder bridge supported by concrete piers. ODOT is accepting public comments through August 15. Steven Litt was critical of the designs and the planning process, and said that "ODOT has come up with several profoundly ho-hum options for one of the biggest infrastructure projects in the state's history."

In the latest vision for the new Cleveland convention center, Mall B would become a grassy slope above the convention space. The plans developed by LMN Architects call for a gradual slope, starting at St. Clair Avenue and culminating in a 27-foot-high viewing platform at Lakeside Avenue. Cuyahoga County's Jeff Appelbaum said (PDF) that the project is on schedule and on budget, and Steven Litt said that the concept shows great promise. Cleveland's Design Review Committee approved the designs, but the Cleveland City Planning Commission postponed its scheduled vote.

WKSU looked at the potential of the Cleveland District of Design project.

The planned October groundbreaking for the Medical Mart and convention center in Cleveland may be pushed back to December. Developer MMPI missed two deadlines in June.

Update: a citizens group wants the County Commissioners to postpone the groundbreaking in order to further study the project.

WKSU took a quick look at the connections between the major investments planned for downtown Cleveland. WTAM aired a week-long series that examined five downtown Cleveland developments.

Participants on Monday's Sound of Ideas program discussed Cleveland's new Group Plan Commission and the process for developing a new vision for the Mall.

The first Cleveland Furniture and Millwork Fair, held last week, featured designs from Amish manufacturers, small Cleveland-area designers, and Cleveland Institute of Art students. The two-day event was organized as part of the proposed Cleveland District of Design.

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 City Council last week voted to renew the Downtown Cleveland Special Improvement District for a second five-year period. Assessments from the SID fund the Clean and Safe program, among other initiatives. The SID was established in 2005, and the reauthorization covers 2011 to 2015.

Update: a Plain Dealer editorial applauds the decision.

The Jewish Federation of Cleveland hired Kauser Razvi to develop plans for the proposed Cleveland International Welcome Center in downtown Cleveland.

The historic East Ohio Gas Building on East 6th Street in downtown Cleveland will be renovated as offices for the Calfee, Halter & Griswold law firm. The $30 million project includes the construction of a 190-space parking garage on the surface lot behind the 1916 building. The building was purchased at auction for $1.3 million in 2009. Earlier proposals for the building called for redeveloping it as condominiums or a hotel.

The current issues of the Cleveland Stater includes a series of articles about the evolution of CSU's campus and the surrounding neighborhoods. University President Ronald Berkman also discussed his vision for the campus.

As Cleveland's new Group Plan Commission prepares to meet for the first time, Steven Litt looked at the opportunities and challenges facing the panel.

Update: a Plain Dealer editorial urges commission members to "think big."

The inaugural Cleveland Furniture and Millwork Fair will take place on Wednesday and Thursday at the Halle Building. Organizers hope that it will lead to a permanent presence in the proposed Cleveland District of Design.

In an editorial, the Plain Dealer urges the Ohio Department of Transportation to gather input about the proposed Innerbelt Bridge multipurpose lane from the competing design-build teams instead of outright rejecting the concept.

A real estate broker proposed redeveloping the former Ameritrust complex in downtown Cleveland for use as Cuyahoga County government offices. The County Commissioners said that the idea is impractical and intend to continue with plans to sell the buildings.

Update: a Plain Dealer editorial encourages the commissioners to leave the decision to the new county government that will take office in January.

As anticipated, the Ohio Department of Transportation told Governor Strickland that including a multipurpose lane on the planned new Innerbelt Bridge in Cleveland would not be feasible. The agency instead proposed (PDF) replacing the bicycle lanes and sidewalks on the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge with barrier-separated multipurpose lanes.

Update: Governor Strickland and Jackson agree with ODOT's conclusions, while backers of the multipurpose lane are continuing their advocacy campaign.

On Tuesday, Frank Jackson announced the 15 members of the new Group Plan Commission. They will hold their first public meeting on July 15.

In the fourth round of the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit program, 13 projects were awarded $28.3 million in tax credits. Three Cuyahoga County properties were among the recipients: the Union Building in Cleveland, the former Berea Congregational United Church of Christ, and the Schofield Building in downtown Cleveland. It will be converted to a 140-room boutique hotel and 24 luxury apartments. While the program has been praised, this could be its final round. It's up for renewal, and could end if a new funding source is not identified.

Ohio Department of Transportation officials defended the agency's plans to award up to $1 million in stipends to each of the two teams not selected to build the new Innerbelt Bridge in Cleveland, but did establish new guidelines for distributing the money. A News-Herald editorial questions "whether paying the losing bidders as much as $2 million is the best use of that money."

The City of Cleveland plans to build an intermodal transportation center north of Mall C in downtown Cleveland. The center would serve Amtrak, RTA's Waterfront Line, pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. It could open in five to 10 years.

The board of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority today voted to hire a team of four consultants (PDF) to "review a wide array of pressing issues and questions that will help define the port's future." The board also decided to ask the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to look beyond the proposed East 55th Street site for a new confined disposal facility.

Update: the Plain Dealer has more details.

The Ohio Department of Transportation again rejected a proposal to include a multipurpose lane on the planned new Innerbelt Bridge in Cleveland. Marc Lefkowitz wrote that while the campaign for the lane may not succeed, it has increased local awareness of the complete streets movement.

Update: a Plain Dealer editorial says that ODOT reached the wrong conclusion, and the subject was among those discussed on Friday's Sound of Ideas program.

LMN Architects' latest designs for the Medical Mart in downtown Cleveland call for a glassy four-story building at the corner of St. Clair Avenue and Ontario Street. It will be connected to the planned new L-shaped convention center.

Frank Jackson is forming a new Group Plan Commission that will recommend ways to revitalize the Mall and Public Square greenspaces in downtown Cleveland. It will have 10 to 15 members and will be chaired by City Planning Commission Chairman Anthony Coyne. The panel is expected to deliver its final report by the end of the year. Funding sources for the improvements have yet to be identified.

Update: a Plain Dealer editorial supports the process.

WCPN looked at two creative reuses of underutilized space in Cleveland, Ray's MTB Indoor Park in Midtown and the Gardens Under Glass at the Galleria.

Cleveland City Council is expected to approve the sale of the convention center under Malls B and C to Cuyahoga County for the Medical Mart project.

Update: City Council approved the agreement. The vote was unanimous.

The Plain Dealer's Tony Brown examined the planned renovations and additions to the Allen Theatre at Playhouse Square. The Cleveland Play House and Cleveland State University plan to convert the former movie palace to eight smaller theaters with work beginning in September and finishing in fall 2011.

Update: Tony Brown addressed several concerns about the plans.

Ohio lawmakers approved casino authorization legislation early Friday morning. The bill includes a provision that will permit the Cleveland casino to open in phases and another that grants a property tax exemption to the planned Medical Mart in Cleveland.

Update: Governor Strickland signed the bill.

A reopening ceremony was held on Saturday morning for the Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Public Square, marking the completion of a two-year, $2 million restoration of its interior. The project included re-colorization, restoration of the sculptures and stained glass, new lighting and HVAC systems, and improved handicapped access. The gardens around the monument were also restored. Admission is free, and it is open to the public Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Maltz Family Foundation donated $50,000 to the effort to establish an international welcome center in Cleveland. It's the first foundation support for the initiative.

Update: a Plain Dealer editorial cheered the announcement.

Dan Gilbert would like to build the downtown Cleveland casino in two phases. The first phase, which would open next year, would occupy the first floors of the Higbee Building on Public Square. The second phase would include the construction of a contemporary building along Huron Road near Tower City. It would be finished in mid-2013. The plan to build in phases needs approval from state legislators.

The Ohio House of Representatives passed legislation that includes a permanent 100% property tax abatement for the Medical Mart in downtown Cleveland. The Ohio Senate has not voted on the proposal.

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."

On Friday, the Cleveland City Planning Commission approved the sale of the Cleveland convention center to Cuyahoga County and the conceptual designs for the new convention center. City Council still must vote on the agreement. A Plain Dealer editorial says that "city and county officials need to keep momentum going" on the Medical Mart and other major downtown projects.

Cuyahoga County reached an agreement to purchase the Sportsman restaurant in Cleveland, the last property needed for the Medical Mart and convention center project. The County and MMPI also announced the selection of Turner Construction Co. as construction manager and URS Corp. as the architect of record. Preliminary renderings by LMN Architects show that views of Lake Erie will be preserved. Project Manager Jeff Appelbaum presented a progress update (PDF) to the County Commissioners.

This week is Cleveland Bicycle Week, and a variety of events are being held across Greater Cleveland. The Plain Dealer reported on the City of Cleveland's bicycle parking requirements and the plans for the downtown Cleveland bicycle station.

Northeast Ohio furniture makers will hold the the first Cleveland Furniture and Millwork Fair at the Halle Building in July. It will serve as a test of the Cleveland District of Design concept.

Downtown Cleveland businesses are working together to compost their food waste, and hope to establish a downtown compost pickup route.

Update: a Plain Dealer editorial calls it "a forward-looking initiative Clevelanders can celebrate."

The National Trust for Historic Preservation interviewed architect Paul Westlake about the restoration of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Cleveland.

Update: the National Trust also described the monument and the restoration process.

Rock Ventures is investigating the possibility of using the Higbee Building on Public Square in Cleveland for a "phase one" casino. The space is currently occupied by the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Positively Cleveland, which have started looking for new office space.

Update: the Plain Dealer likes the idea.

The Cuyahoga County Commissioners tentatively approved a purchase agreement for the Cleveland Convention Center. As part of the Medical Mart project, they agreed to pay the City of Cleveland $20 million for the building below Malls B and C and to pay for severing the facility from Public Auditorium. The City will retain ownership of Public Auditorium. Cleveland Magazine's Erick Trickey analyzed the agreement.

On Friday, the Cleveland City Planning Commission approved the Canal Basin District Plan. The plan identifies three trail loops that would connect the planned Canal Basin Park to downtown and other neighborhoods.

At the public forum on the redesign of Malls B and C, architect Mark Reddington of LMN Architects and landscape architect Shannon Nichol of Gustafson Guthrie Nichol shared their research and visions for the Mall. More than 100 people attended the event at the Cleveland Public Library.

Update: Doug Bardwell also summarized the forum.

Cuyahoga County and MMPI hired Seattle landscape architecture firm Gustafson Guthrie Nichol for the Medical Mart project in downtown Cleveland. They also named 10 local companies to the design team, plus Cleveland Public Art and ParkWorks. The firms join LMN Architects, the conceptual architects.

Dan Gilbert's Rock Ventures has pushed back the opening date of the planned Cleveland casino, and now predicts its completion in mid-2013. The company portrayed the land acquisition process as complex, but cordial.

Update: a Plain Dealer editorial said that the delay is understandable, while Dan Gilbert characterized the report as misleading.

The State of Ohio approved $30 million in stimulus bonds for the Medical Mart and convention center project in Cleveland. Cuyahoga County will use the bonds to reduce its borrowing costs by hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Steven Litt believes that the Ohio Department of Transportation's process for designing the new Innerbelt Bridge in Cleveland will likely lead to an uninspired bridge, saying that "the prospects for outstanding design are looking downright slim."

A free public forum on the future of Cleveland's historic Mall will be held on May 6 at the Louis Stokes Wing of the CPL's Main Library.

The Ohio Inspector General's Office has "serious concerns about the payment of the $1 million stipends (PDF) to unsuccessful bidders on the Inner Belt Bridge project," and said that the "stipends would constitute an unjustified expenditure of public funds." Ohio Department of Transportation officials said that the agency will follow the recommendations for future projects.

Update: the Plain Dealer has more details.

In a letter to Governor Strickland, a top administrator with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said that his office will be forced to stop dredging the Port of Cleveland and Cuyahoga River in five years unless a new confined disposal facility is built. Also available is the final report (PDF) from the dredging summit held in February. The Cleveland Dredge Task Force will hold its next meeting on May 5.

Update: Save Our Shore posted a copy of the letter.

On Friday, the Cleveland Coalition will hold the second event in its series on the planned Cleveland casino, a charrette at the Levin College of Urban Affairs.The event is free and open to the public, but participants should register and review an information packet.

At its meeting on Monday, Cleveland City Council approved a resolution urging the Ohio Department of Transportation to include a multipurpose lane on the planned new Innerbelt Bridge. However, that attitude is not shared by all local politicians, as Steven LaTourette ridiculed Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood's recent announcement that we have reached "the end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of non-motorized."

Meanwhile, ODOT announced the finalists to design and build the new bridge. The three competing teams will submit technical and price proposals in August, and ODOT will choose the winner in September. GreenCityBlueLake considered what may come next.

Local birders would like downtown Cleveland property owners to dim their building lights during the spring and fall to reduce collisions with migrating songbirds.

Update: columnist Connie Schultz likes the idea.

Work on the first phase of the Perk Park renovations began last year, and should be completed this fall. The Plain Dealer published details about the redesign and the plans for a second phase.

The Cleveland Coalition posted video of the speakers at the March 5 casino forum at the City Club. The presentations by Len Komoroski, Christopher Diehl, David Schwarz, and Tom Chema are now available.

Governor Strickland told the Ohio Department of Transportation to re-evaluate the feasibility of including a multipurpose lane on the planned new Innerbelt Bridge. A Plain Dealer editorial notes that "for Strickland's call to make a real difference, ODOT planners need to bring open minds to a review they have staunchly resisted."

Now that they have reached purchase agreements for most of the properties for the planned Medical Mart, the Cuyahoga County Commissioners are expected to reject proposals for relocating the county offices. The new county government will decide whether or not to leave the County Administration Building on Lakeside Avenue.

At Friday's public forum on the planned Cleveland casino, panelists discussed the goals of the development and the challenges posed by each of the four potential sites. Rock Ventures still plans to break ground as soon as this fall, but now anticipates opening the casino in early 2013.

Update: Scene's Anastasia Pantsios also attended the event.

Brent Larkin believes that Cleveland needs to close Burke Lakefront Airport and turn it into "a world-class development that could transform downtown." An editorial in the Sun Messenger encourages Cleveland and Cuyahoga County officials to coordinate their positions on the region's airports.

Sherrod Brown urged Governor Strickland to include a multipurpose lane on the planned new Innerbelt Bridge. Dennis Kucinich also continues to campaign for its inclusion.

Four teams of designers and contractors hope to build the new Innerbelt Bridge in Cleveland, and submitted their qualifications to the Ohio Department of Transportation. ODOT will select three of the teams to prepare technical and price proposals and will announce the finalists on March 23. Greenlight Zine highlighted some of GreenCityBlueLake's questions about the project.

The Cleveland Coalition organized a panel discussion about integrating the planned Cleveland casino into the existing urban fabric. It will be held at 5:00 on Friday at the City Club, and the speakers will be David M. Schwarz, Len Komoroski, Tom Chema, and Christopher Diehl. Admission is free, but registration is requested.

While other Great Lakes ports received millions of dollars in federal stimulus grants, the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority did not receive funding. The Port Authority applied for a TIGER grant, but was not one of the selected projects. It was the only application that the Port submitted. The Port Authority also dropped its plans to fill a slip and build a warehouse. Interim President Peter Raskind said, "The bottom line is we do not believe it's a good use of public money."

Vicky Poole and Jack Hamilton have begun operating Gardens Under Glass, a hydroponic garden in the Galleria at Erieview in downtown Cleveland. The project is funded by a $30,000 start-up grant from the Civic Innovation Lab. Meanwhile, panelists on NEOtropolis discussed food policy and access to fresh foods.

Update: Fast Company also reported on the Galleria.

Cuyahoga County and MMPI selected LMN Architects of Seattle to develop conceptual designs for the planned Medical Mart and new convention center in Cleveland. The company will create schematic and design development drawings, but will not be the project's architect of record. LMN will also oversee the construction manager to ensure quality and avoid cost overruns. Concurrently, a citizens group raised questions about the project's financing.

A Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge voided the sheriff's sale of the Cleveland Cold Storage building. The Ohio Department of Transportation still intends to demolish the building to make way for the planned new Innerbelt Bridge, but now may have to pay a higher price in its eminent domain acquisition.

A Public Square redesign proposal from Neil Mohney of Forest City calls for closing the portions of Ontario Street and Superior Avenue in the square. He hopes to expand the dialogue to include ideas beyond the three concepts prepared by Field Operations.

A Plain Dealer editorial urges the Ohio Department of Transportation to consider a multipurpose lane on the planned new Innerbelt Bridge, calling the department's responses "bureaucratic runaround."

Cleveland and Cuyahoga County officials are willing to discuss a possible merger of Burke Lakefront Airport and Cuyahoga County Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration wants both airports to remain open. Meanwhile, County Airport staff is considering alternatives to the airport's master plan.

Update: Cuyahoga County Economic Development Director Paul Oyaski does not support closing Cuyahoga County Airport.

The Ohio Department of Transportation yesterday rejected proposals to include a bicycle and pedestrian path on the planned new Innerbelt Bridge. Cleveland officials continue to advocate for its inclusion.

Update: Dennis Kucinich also continues to back the proposed multipurpose lane.

Downtown Cleveland property owners voted to renew the Downtown Cleveland Special Improvement District for a second five-year period. Cleveland City Council must also pass reauthorization legislation to extend the SID through 2015.

The restoration of Cleveland's Playhouse Square began 40 years ago today when Ray Shepardson first visited the State Theatre.

Contributors to Virgina Tech's Shrinking Cities weblog have been considering potential uses for the lower deck of the Detroit-Superior Bridge. Austin Watkins shared his thoughts last month, and yesterday, Michael Hill added his opinions.

The Cultural Landscape Foundation says that the "thread" concept for Cleveland's Public Square is both picturesque and modern, and that it demonstrates "a shared value design ethic".

(via ClevelandDesignCity)

The Cuyahoga County Commissioners approved a $15.2 million option for the purchase of the 113 St. Clair office building and Justice Center Parking Garage. Negotiations are ongoing for the purchase of the Sportsman deli, which would be the last property acquisition for the planned Medical Mart. The Commissioners also announced that they will use the County's entire $64.1 million Recovery Zone Facility Bond allocation for the project.

Cleveland Director of Port Control Ricky Smith proposed closing Cuyahoga County Airport and consolidating service at Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport. Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones said he'd consider the idea.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers held a two-day Cleveland Harbor dredging summit (PDF) earlier this week.

The Medical Mart and convention center project in Cleveland will include severing Public Auditorium from the complex. The City of Cleveland will invest $5 million in upgrades to Public Auditorium, and Cuyahoga County will demolish a 1964 addition, restore its west face, and remove the ramp on the east side of the Mall. MMPI is still targeting an October groundbreaking.

The winners of the 2009 Cleveland Design Competition were announced on Friday. First prize went to Mario Caceres and Christian Canonico of Montrouge, France; second prize went to Pepijn van Voorst of The Hague; and third prize went to Russell Collin of London.

The discussion on this morning's Sound of Ideas program was about ODOT's plans for the Innerbelt Bridge in Cleveland. The guests were Cleveland City Planning Director Bob Brown, Steven Litt of the Plain Dealer, ODOT District 12 Deputy Director Bonnie Teeuwen, and CPC Director Paul Alsenas.

Last Friday, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge John O'Donnell held a hearing on the Cleveland Cold Storage building ownership dispute. ODOT intends to demolish the building for the new Innerbelt Bridge. Also on Friday, the Cleveland City Planning Commission approved a resolution of support for bicycle and pedestrian access on the new bridge.

Update: on Feagler & Friends, Dan Moulthrop spoke with ODOT District 12 Deputy Director Bonnie Teeuwen about the bridge plans.

Participants in the third annual Cleveland Design Competition devised plans for a multi-modal transportation center for the north end of the Mall in downtown Cleveland. The submissions were recently judged, and the winners will be announced on Friday. Steven Litt provides an advanced look at a couple of the entries.

More than 100 people attended a Levin College Forum on Thursday to learn more about the Public Square redesign concepts. Jeremy Borger summarized the event and shared his thoughts.

The Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland and Cleveland State University continue to pursue plans to create an immigrant welcome center in downtown Cleveland.

On Thursday, Ned Hill of Cleveland State University, Joe Marinucci of the Downtown Cleveland Alliance, and Cleve Ricksecker of Capital Crossroads Columbus discussed the state of downtown Cleveland at the City Club (MP3, 53.1 MB). It was the fourth event in the Downtown Quarterly Series.

Participants on yesterday's Sound of Ideas program discussed investments in public spaces, focusing on the concepts for redesigning Cleveland's Public Square. The page also includes an interview with architect Peter van Dijk about the restoration of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Public Square.

Ohio Department of Transportation officials recently presented (PDF) the scope and criteria for the planned new Innerbelt Bridge to potential contractors, engineers, and designers. The agency is seeking a simple girder or box design, and will select three design-build teams in March. ODOT will provide a $1 million stipend to each of the two non-winning finalists.

At a Levin College Forum on January 21, landscape architect James Corner will present the three conceptual designs for Cleveland's Public Square. Also on the 21st, the City Club will host a panel discussion about the state of downtown Cleveland. On January 29, a Levin College Forum will discuss the 2010 Census.

Last Friday, the Cleveland City Planning Commission approved public art and signage designs for the Bike Rack, the planned bicycle station at the Gateway North parking garage.

Plans for the Medical Mart in Cleveland have shifted back to the original site, away from the proposal to build at Mall C. The latest plans call for building the medical products showcase at the northeast corner of St. Clair Avenue and Ontario Street, on the site of the privately-owned Justice Center Parking Garage, Sportsman deli, and 113 St. Clair office building, as well as the county-owned Chicago Title Building and Administration Building Annex. The County will not purchase Public Auditorium from the City, but a portion of the $20 million from the convention center purchase will be used for upgrades of Public Auditorium. Steven Litt said that the Mall is at risk of becoming an afterthought, and that it should be "rebuilt according to the highest possible standards."

In addition, the County reached a construction administration agreement with developer MMPI. The agreement provides new protections for taxpayers and sets rules for construction contracting. An October groundbreaking is possible. Cleveland Magazine's Erick Trickey summarized the recent events. In New York City, developers of the competing World Product Centre accelerated their timetable by announcing plans to withdraw from a proposed 60-story skyscraper and lease up to 350,000 square feet of existing space.

Update: a Plain Dealer editorial calls it "a good way to start the year."

Mandy Metcalf believes that the best solutions for redesigning Cleveland's Public Square involve the closing of Ontario Street and Superior Avenue in the square.

A largely-South Asian community of international students is emerging around East 12th Street in downtown Cleveland. About 90% of the residents of the Chesterfield apartments are from India.

Cuyahoga County officials reopened talks with the owners of buildings on the west side of Mall B, and may sign an option to purchase the properties. It would allow MMPI to drop its controversial proposal to build the Medical Mart at Mall C.

Last week, a team led by James Corner of Field Operations presented three concepts for a redesign of Cleveland's Public Square to a steering committee from ParkWorks and the Downtown Cleveland Alliance. Each of the scenarios offers a framework for unifying Public Square's four quadrants: one would frame the square with a trellis, a second would forest the square and close Ontario Street, and the third would thread the square with a man-made hill connecting the quadrants. The thread concept has received the most positive responses.

Update: a Plain Dealer editorial enthusiastically supports further pursuit of the ideas.

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."

Commissioner Hagan said that the Medical Mart project is proceeding and that he's confident it will open before competing projects in other cities.

The Ohio Department of Transportation announced that three City of Cleveland staffers will participate in the design-build process for the planned new Innerbelt Bridge.

Update: the Plain Dealer has additional information.

A Plain Dealer editorial said that ODOT's unwillingness to consider bicycle and pedestrian access on the planned new Innerbelt Bridge reflects "an all-too-familiar lack of imagination." NOACA published 40 pages of public comments (PDF) about the proposed bike lanes.

A Plain Dealer editorial says that the planned Medical Mart should proceed, and that "making this work -- in a way that benefits the city, the region and the developer -- needs to be a clear community priority for 2010."

The Ohio Department of Development awarded $23.7 million in Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits to 12 projects across the state. The only recipient in Cuyahoga County was the Cowell & Hubbard Building in downtown Cleveland. The Playhouse Square Foundation purchased the building in 2007.

The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority's real estate and development finance committee approved the port redevelopment plan. The Cleveland City Planning Commission recently approved the same plan, and the full Port Authority board is expected to consider it on Friday.

Update: Virginia Tech's Shrinking Cities weblog says that the market study "reaches many conclusions that the city should be excited to hear."

More than 100 people attended a rally in Tremont on Sunday for bicycle and pedestrian access on the planned new Innerbelt Bridge. They were joined by Dennis Kucinich, who wrote a letter to Governor Strickland in their support. Groups of attendees followed ODOT's proposed alternate routes in an effort to highlight their flaws.

The Plain Dealer looked at four major downtown Cleveland development projects and whether they could serve as catalysts for future residential development.

The renovated portion of the University Lofts development is finished and will soon have residents. The apartment/condominium project on Euclid Avenue near Cleveland State also includes new construction, which should be completed early next year.

By a vote of 5-2, the Cleveland City Planning Commission approved the first two phases of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority's plan for the redevelopment of its current downtown location.

Update: Steven Litt supports the Planning Commission's decision.

Cleveland Councilman Joe Cimperman helped to organize four public meetings about the Medical Mart for early 2010. Roldo Bartimole interpreted them as a political maneuver. Mayor Jackson spoke about the Medical Mart on Channel 3's Between the Lines and defended Public Auditorium on Channel 5. Commissioner Jones thinks that Cleveland should reduce its asking price for the property MMPI desires for its revised Medical Mart plans. The Cleveland chapter of the American Institute of Architects opposes the new plans, and Steven Litt considered the aesthetic costs of building on Mall C.

Meanwhile, the developers of the proposed Nashville Medical Trade Center announced the site for the 2 million-square-foot complex, increasing pressure on MMPI to demonstrate progress in Cleveland. Developers of both projects have stressed the importance of being the first to open.

Among the articles in the new issue of EcoWatch Journal are stories about deconstruction in Tremont, the Lake Erie Allegheny Partnership for Biodiversity (LEAP), and the struggle over bike lanes on the Innerbelt Bridge.

The Ohio Department of Transportation is proceeding with property acquisition for its planned new Innerbelt Bridge, including the purchase of three historic buildings that it intends to demolish. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2011, and will cause traffic disruptions until work in completed in 2017. Local cyclists continue to advocate for the inclusion of a bicycle and pedestrian lane. They will hold a rally in Tremont on Sunday.

Update: Renovating the Rust Belt has more details about the proposal for pedestrian and cyclist access. Steven Litt also described the efforts of bicycle advocates.

The Plain Dealer toured the historic Cleveland Trust rotunda at Euclid Avenue and East 9th Street. Cuyahoga County leaders intend to accept bids for the building and the rest of the Ameritrust complex this winter.

Frank Jackson, displeased with what he views as a lack of communication from MMPI, yesterday sent the company a list of questions (PDF) about the the proposed changes in the design of the Medical Mart. He also said that the City will hire a consultant to independently assess the condition of Public Auditorium. Steven Litt reviewed MMPI's revised plan and is dubious of its merits.

A Plain Dealer editorial urges the Ohio Department of Transportation to incorporate more local input into the design process for the planned new Innerbelt Bridge in Cleveland. It notes ODOT's dismissive attitude, saying that "the agency consistently has treated Cleveland like a stepchild who should be glad she's getting anything for Christmas."

Details about the upheaval at the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority continue to trickle in:

• Christopher Evans of the Plain Dealer described the events leading to Adam Wasserman's departure.
• Port Authority board chairman Steven Williams wrote about the steps the board is "taking to correct its course and execute a long-term vision to help drive the economic revitalization of this region."
• The Plain Dealer opined about the conflict-of-interest allegations against board member John Carney.
• Kevin Niedermier of WKSU spoke with several decision-makers.
• Cleveland Magazine's Erick Trickey summarized the issues facing the Port Authority.
• The Port Authority's transition committee will hold a special meeting on Wednesday (PDF).

On the most recent Feagler & Friends program, architect Peter van Dijk, Levin College Dean Ned Hill, and the Plain Dealer's Steven Litt discussed the changing plans for the Medical Mart in Cleveland. A Plain Dealer editorial said that the project should move forward. The paper also posted MMPI's photographs of Public Auditorium's obsolete utilities.

Update: the Plain Dealer shared more details of MMPI's presentation on the issues with Public Auditorium.

Members of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority board revealed today that they are reconsidering plans to relocate to new facilities north of East 55th Street and efforts to attract container shipping. They also indicated that the Port Authority faces a budget shortfall this year and reflected on recent events. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers told the Port Authority that failure to establish a new confined disposal facility by 2015 could halt dredging of the Cuyahoga River and the Port of Cleveland.

The owners of the Quay 55 apartments asserted that board member John Carney has conflicts of interest and called for his removal. Longtime port staffer Rose Ann DeLeon resigned on Wednesday, becoming the third official to leave in the last six weeks.

Frank Jackson responded to MMPI's assertion that it is infeasible to incorporate Public Auditorium into the planned Medical Mart, and questioned the company's commitment to the project. MMPI officials replied that they remain dedicated to building it, and Tim Hagan reiterated his support for the company. Others have begun complaining about the County's monthly payments to MMPI.

The Plain Dealer and Channel 3 have more details about the dispute between the Ohio Department of Transportation and Fred Finley, owner of the Cleveland Cold Storage building.

Update: a judge returned control of the building to Finley pending a January hearing.

Steven Litt has questions about MMPI's revised concept for the Medical Mart in Cleveland, and participants on yesterday's Sound of Ideas program raised more questions. Cleveland City Council members demanded answers from MMPI representatives at a meeting yesterday. MMPI officials gave their reasons for rejecting Public Auditorium and presented alternate configurations they considered before concluding that Mall C would be the best site. Scene remained unimpressed, as was Roldo Bartimole.

While 20 companies are interested in leasing space at the Medical Mart, none of them have signed agreements. If negotiations bog down, Cuyahoga County leaders could suspend monthly payments to MMPI.

The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority again declined to share the reasons for CEO Adam Wasserman's recent exit, and the Plain Dealer repeated its call for better communication and transparency from the Port Authority. An article in this week's Scene tells the story of Wasserman's two-year tenure.

Meanwhile, the Port Authority board today delayed the port's planned move to a new dike near East 55th Street. The Port Authority also admitted that it cannot meet the deadline to supply the $158 million local match for the construction of the dike.

The owner of the Cleveland Cold Storage building says that he has been treated unfairly by the Ohio Department of Transportation. Also known as the Distribution Terminal Warehouse, it is one of several historic buildings that ODOT intends to demolish for the planned new Innerbelt Bridge.

MMPI's announcement that they now intend to build the Medical Mart at the northern edge of Mall C surprised Cleveland leaders, and they are concerned about the proposed changes. Steven Litt considered the architectural and urban design implications of the new site and how Public Auditorium would fit in. Commissioner Hagan defended MMPI, while Mayor Jackson still wants the company to renovate Public Auditorium.

Update: a Plain Dealer editorial said that the recent events underscore the need for better communication. MedCity News compared the project's timetable with those of competing developments in Nashville and New York City.

Steven Litt suggests that advocates of a bike lane for the new Innerbelt Bridge should hire an independent engineer to draft plans for a bridge that would include the bike lane.

Citing higher than anticipated costs, MMPI dropped its plans to renovate Public Auditorium and to use it and neighboring properties as the site of the planned Medical Mart. MMPI officials say they are considering multiple alternatives, but are focusing on building it on Mall C, also known as Strawbridge Plaza.

Update: the changes could also delay the project.

The Cleveland Downtown/Flats Design Review Committee approved changes to the design of the planned new Innerbelt Bridge on Thursday, and the Cleveland City Planning Commission discussed the plans today. Cyclists are not pleased with ODOT's treatment of bicycle lane issues.

Update: the Planning Commission criticized the plans for the new Innerbelt Bridge, but praised the designs for the pedestrian bridge at North Coast Harbor. GreenCityBlueLake continues to advocate for accommodating bicyclists and pedestrians.

Now that Ohio voters have passed Issue 3, Dan Gilbert says that work on a downtown Cleveland casino could begin in fall 2010 and that it could open in 2012. He shared conceptual renderings of the casino in September. A Plain Dealer editorial makes suggestions for ways it could be leveraged to improve downtown.

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.

A Plain Dealer editorial supports the proposed renewal of the Downtown Cleveland Special Improvement District.

Brent Larkin thinks that the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority needs to provide better leadership and accelerate the timetable of its planned move. Cleveland leaders expressed mixed reactions.

The planned construction of the Medical Mart and new convention center will provide "a once-in-a-generation opportunity to pump new life into the Mall," says Steven Litt of the Plain Dealer. However, he cautions that "the question, as always, is whether the city will rise to the occasion or settle for mediocrity as it often has in the past when it comes to public spaces."

The Great Lakes Science Center will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony this evening to celebrate the completion of the walkway between the Science Center and the Steamship William G. Mather Museum.

Update: WTAM has pictures of the new connector.

Sunday's Plain Dealer included several opinion pieces on the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority's proposed relocation. Former Cleveland Planning Director Hunter Morrison said that the planning efforts "should look beyond the corporate limits of Cleveland and include all of the region's industrial port assets—including the ports of Lorain, Grand River, Ashtabula and Conneaut". Adam Wasserman and Steven Williams of the Port Authority said that the facts support the planned move, and released a draft of the Port's five-year maritime business plan (PDF). Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson and mayoral candidate Bill Patmon also weighed in.

Downtown Cleveland property owners continue to discuss the proposed reauthorization of the Downtown Cleveland Special Improvement District for a second five-year period.

This week's Scene took a skeptical look at the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority's relocation plans.

Consultants for the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority said that the Port Authority could take in $1 billion over 20 years through the planned redevelopment of its current downtown facilities.

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.

The third annual Cleveland Design Competition launched today. This year's competition focuses on the downtown Amtrak station and "challenges entrants to propose designs for a Multi-Modal Transportation Center in Downtown Cleveland at the north end of the historic Mall." The registration deadline is December 1.

Ohio Department of Transportation representatives presented a portion of their plans for the new Innerbelt Bridge to the Cleveland City Planning Commission on Friday. Planning Commission members asked ODOT to consider making changes to the design.

Cleveland City Council approved a $2 million loan to the developers of the proposed aquarium at the Powerhouse in the Flats. Councilman Cummins cast the sole dissenting vote.

Update: a Plain Dealer editorial says that the aquarium plans are interesting.

The board of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority approved modifications of the current downtown port facilities. The $10.3 million project includes filling in a slip, building a warehouse and a road, and purchasing a mobile crane. A Plain Dealer editorial says that Port Authority officials must operate with more transparency.

MMPI is working behind the scenes on the engineering, design, and marketing of the planned Medical Mart in Cleveland. Construction is scheduled to begin late next year.

On Friday, the Federal Highway Administration issued its approval (PDF) of the Ohio Department of Transportation's plans to rebuilt the Innerbelt freeway in Cleveland. ODOT is now free to begin implementing its plans.

A $16 million gift from the Mandel family will fund the move of the Jewish Community Federation from downtown Cleveland to Beachwood.

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".

The City of Cleveland will soon begin the renovation of Perk Plaza at Chester Avenue and East 12th Street in downtown Cleveland.

Work on the renovated plaza at the Anthony J. Celebrezze Federal Building is nearly complete. The $15 million downtown project includes 27,000 new plants and trees and public art by Pae White.

The lower deck of the Detroit-Superior Bridge will host the Bridge Project on September 25 and 26. The Pop-Up City festival will feature several events, including the fifth Cleveland Pecha Kucha Night and a student design charette. Kent State University and Villa Angela-St. Joseph students have prepared concepts for new uses for the bridge's lower level.

Update: Cool Cleveland's Thomas Mulready interviewed Terry Schwartz about the project.

RTA broke ground today for the new Stephanie Tubbs Jones Transit Center in downtown Cleveland. The $6.4 million project is entirely federally funded, and 87% of its construction costs were covered by stimulus dollars.

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

The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority is no longer pursuing a proposed Lake Erie ferry from North Coast Harbor to Port Stanley, Ontario, at least partly due to issues on the Canadian side. However, planning continues for the initiation of ferry service between Lake County and Port Burwell, Ontario. Port Authority officials instead want to proceed with modifications to the Port of Cleveland and the development of cargo container shipping. The Port Authority will apply for federal stimulus funds to establish a containerized shipping line between Cleveland and Montreal.

The Levin College Forum will continue its Building Our Future Beyond Foreclosure series with an event titled "Feeding Cleveland: Creating a Sustainable Local Food System" on September 16. It will feature Penn State professor Clare Hinrich, and registration is free.

Architect Miguel Rosales has developed six concepts for the planned pedestrian bridge at Cleveland's North Coast Harbor. The City plans to select a design this fall, begin design work next year, and start construction in 2012. Steven Litt said that the project could "set a new standard of excellence for public infrastructure in Cleveland, if not the entire state." The City is conducting a poll where people can vote for their favorite design.

A Plain Dealer editorial says that the dormitories under construction at Cleveland State University may enable it to "shed for good its cold commuter-school image and remake itself as an attractive, lively campus."

The Downtown Cleveland Alliance is hosting more public forums today and tomorrow about the potential renewal of the Downtown Cleveland Special Improvement District.

Update: Jeremy Borger shared more details.

Cuyahoga County received six proposals for relocating its offices. The potential move is a fallback plan, in the event that negotiations for the preferred site for the Medical Mart fall through.

Work is scheduled to begin this week on new Cleveland State University dormitories at Euclid Avenue and East 24th Street. The first phase (PDF) consists of three four-story buildings with room for 380 students, plus a 300-space parking garage. They should be completed by fall 2010. The $65 million project will eventually include five residence halls.

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.

The Jewish Community Federation building on Euclid Avenue in downtown Cleveland could house an international welcome center. The Federation is moving its headquarters to Beachwood.

In a strongly-worded editorial, the Plain Dealer accuses the Ohio Department of Transportation of misleading the public about its Innerbelt reconstruction plans and its willingness to retain ramps at Carnegie and Prospect avenues.

The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority will hold a public meeting (PDF) about the plans to redevelop its current facilities on Thursday at St. Ignatius High School. Dru McKeown shared his thoughts on the plans.

The Plain Dealer provided an update on the status of the Medical Mart project.

The retention of the Innerbelt ramp at Carnegie Avenue may be tied to the future of the nearby Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court building, which the County will vacate when its new Juvenile Justice Center in Fairfax is completed. It is not listed in the National Register of Historic Places, but was determined to be eligible for inclusion.

The Cleveland Stater explored the new Student Center under construction at CSU's downtown campus. It's scheduled to open in May 2010.

Cleveland State University is demolishing the landmark Corlett Building on Euclid Avenue. Its site will be used for parking, greenspace, and possibly for a farmers market. An arts center has also been proposed for the site. Urban Ohio has a picture of the demolition.

(via Cleveland Design City)

Plain Dealer theater critic Tony Brown said that the Cleveland Play House's plan to move from Fairfax to Playhouse Square "looks like the best deal under the circumstances."

The first apartments at the Residences at Six Six Eight are scheduled to open on August 15. The redevelopment of the 668 Euclid building in downtown Cleveland may be completed by April.

Cuyahoga County officials say that negotiations for the purchase of the office building at 113 St. Clair have stalled. The County wants the downtown property for the planned Medical Mart. If an agreement isn't reached next month, the County will instead utilize the site of its current administration building at Lakeside Avenue and Ontario Street. The County recently began a formal search for new office space.

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.

The Ohio Department of Transportation now plans to build a new five-lane westbound Innerbelt Bridge that would open September 2013, and in 2015, open a five-lane replacement for the existing Innerbelt Bridge. The agency dropped its plans for a signature bridge and is now considering box and girder bridges and a design-build process. ODOT officials presented their most recent plans at an Aesthetics Subcommittee meeting late last month and at a Cleveland City Planning Commission meeting last week (PDFs).

A streetscape improvement project is underway along one block of West 6th Street in the Warehouse District. Construction began last week and is scheduled to end this week. Officials hope to replicate the work around the neighborhood.

Update: the Downtown Cleveland Alliance has more details.

The multi-year renovation of the Terminal Tower is nearing completion, and the Plain Dealer published a large infographic about the history and restoration of the skyscraper, plus current and historic photographs. The building will turn 80 next year.

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.

Developer Lou Frangos said he can revive the suspended redevelopment of the Ameritrust complex. He owns a stake in a property below a building in the downtown Cleveland complex.

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."

On September 10, RTA will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Transit Center at East 21st Street and Prospect Avenue. The $9.6 million facility near Cleveland State University is scheduled to open in the fall of 2010. It will include public art (PDF) and design elements to honor the late congresswoman.

Toby Cosgrove, Tim Hagan, and Chris Kennedy talked about the Medical Mart at the City Club yesterday. MMPI President Chris Kennedy said that the four- or five-story structure will be built at the northeast corner of Ontario Street and St. Clair Avenue. He also said that the renovation of Public Auditorium will begin late this year and finish next year. Audio of the forum is available (MP3, 50.9 MB) from the City Club.

The Downtown Cleveland Alliance launched the City Bikes program today. The bicycle rental program begins with 17 bicycles and will operate seven days a week. It's based on East 4th Street, but next year could move to the planned bike station at the Gateway North parking garage.

ParkWorks issued an RFQ (PDF) for a "design team to address the scale, accessibility, connectivity and feel of Public Square." It's intended to "translate the ongoing dialogue about opportunities to reconfigure or reprogram Public Square into a schematic design and budget estimate that can transform the Square into a healthy anchor for downtown."

The K&D Group dropped its plans to redevelop the Ameritrust complex, citing issues with prospective tenants. Last fall, Cuyahoga County extended the developer's deadline for completing the purchase, but K&D was unable to make the project work. The County intends to put the buildings at East 9th Street and Euclid Avenue on the market later this year or next year.

The board of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority unanimously voted to issue up to $150 million in bonds to enable the move of Eaton Corp. from downtown Cleveland to Beachwood.

Cleveland State University's Board of Trustees appointed Ned Hill as Dean of the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs today. He has served as Interim Dean of the College since October 2007.

The City Club of Cleveland will host a panel discussion titled "Building Sustainability in our City" on July 16. The event is part of the Downtown Quarterly Series.

GreenCityBlueLake reports that the Downtown Cleveland Alliance plans to launch a bike rental program by the end of this month. The Plain Dealer has more details about the organization's efforts to renew the Downtown Cleveland Special Improvement District for a second five-year term.

Mark Falanga of MMPI said that the company has cleared most of the challenges to building the planned Medical Mart in Cleveland, and that it soon will begin marketing the project to medical suppliers.

Neighborhood Progress, Inc. will hold six public workshops about the Re-Imagining a More Sustainable Cleveland initiative in June and July. The City of Cleveland set aside $500,000 of its Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds for the Re-Imagining Cleveland Grant Program, and applications are due by July 31 (PDF). Meanwhile, the Downtown Cleveland Special Improvement District, established in 2006, is up for renewal next year. The Downtown Cleveland Alliance is holding a series of forums and conducting a survey to gather feedback.

The owners of two office towers on East 9th Street plan to renovate the downtown buildings. The investor group that owns the Schofield Building (also known as the Euclid Ninth Tower) intends to remove the building's 1960s facade and reveal its original face. They hope to obtain historic preservation tax credits and restore it as a boutique hotel and apartments. Meanwhile, Sovereign Partners LLC of New York plans to completely renovate the East Ohio Building at East 9th Street and Superior Avenue. Sovereign purchased the skyscraper in 2006.

Cleveland City Council passed several ordinances prior to adjourning for the summer, including the allocation of $2.5 million from the Cleveland Convention Center sale for additional improvements to downtown's Perk Plaza.

Inside Business explored the potential and reservations surrounding the planned Medical Mart in Cleveland, describing it as "a significant risk on a promising concept."

Ryan Miday of the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office answers questions about the proposed pilot offshore wind farm.

Cuyahoga County officials opened negotiations for the purchase of three buildings that occupy a portion of the site of the planned Medical Mart. The buildings at the northeast corner of St. Clair Avenue and Ontario Street are the Justice Center Parking Garage, the Sportsman deli, and 113 St. Clair, an office building. If they are unable to reach an agreement, the County will vacate its nearby Administration Building for the project.

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.

A proposed 1.5 million-square foot medical trade center in Nashville could provide competition for the planned Medical Mart in Cleveland. Dallas-based Market Center Management Co. has not yet identified a site for the project. Market Center Management and Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. executives both say that opening a facility first is critical. A similar development also has been proposed for New York City.

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."

Sisters of Charity Health System hope to embark on a $75 million upgrade of the St. Vincent Charity Hospital campus in Cleveland. They are also interested in developing a neighborhood plan with Quadrangle neighbors Cleveland State University and Cuyahoga Community College.

The board of the the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority officially notified the Army Corps of Engineers that they are interested in moving to new facilities north of East 55th Street.

The plans to build the Medical Mart along downtown Cleveland's Mall B may include the site currently occupied by the Cuyahoga County Administration Building. If the property is not included in the initial plans, it could be part of a subsequent development. However, County leaders estimate that a decision will not be made until 2012 at the earliest.

On Monday, the Cuyahoga County Commissioners and Mayor Jackson of Cleveland signed a letter of intent for the transfer of Public Auditorium and the existing convention center. The County agreed to purchase the downtown facilities from the City for $20 million, $2.5 million more than the Commissioners offered last week. They suggested that the additional dollars should be used to improve downtown's Perk Park. The agreement must be formally approved by the County Commissioners and Cleveland City Council. WTAM posted audio of the press conference, and Erick Trickey of Cleveland Magazine provided some analysis plus an interview of Commissioner Hagan.

Update: the County Commissioners unanimously approved the agreement.

The Great Lakes Energy Development Task Force released the final Great Lakes Wind Energy Center Feasibility Study (PDF, 14.2 MB) on Friday. The report prepared by juwi GmbH of Germany recommends building three to eight wind turbines in Lake Erie about three miles from shore. The demonstration wind farm would cost between $78 million and $93 million. NewEnergyNews describes the report as "a tour de force of the technical, environmental, regulatory and financial issues pertaining to offshore wind development."

Update: a Plain Dealer editorial says that the "mix of 'green' industrial innovation with a broad public-private research partnership should set Cleveland apart and make the city a go-to destination for wind-energy manufacturers and innovators." Bill Callahan is decidedly less enthusiastic.

On Thursday, a number of waterfront planning experts from around the world participated in two sessions about redesigning the downtown lakefront land currently occupied by the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority. The Port Authority plans to begin relocating to new facilities north of East 55th Street in about 10 years.

Update: GreenCityBlueLake also has a recap of the presentations.

The Cuyahoga County Commissioners issued a Friday deadline for reaching an agreement with the City of Cleveland on the purchase price for the existing convention center, which would be used in the development of the planned Medical Mart. The Commissioners "will consider other sites" if they cannot reach a deal. The City and County are about $7.5 million apart in their offers.

Cleveland City Councilman Joe Cimperman spoke with WTAM's Ted Klopp about the upcoming renovation of Perk Plaza in downtown Cleveland.

This week's episode of Feagler & Friends looked at the debate surrounding the Ohio Department of Transportation's plans to rebuild the Cleveland Innerbelt. The guests were three critics of ODOT's plans and process: Tom Bier of Cleveland State University, James Haviland of Midtown Cleveland Incorporated, and Steven Litt of the Plain Dealer.

The Ohio EPA yesterday announced plans to invest $1.1 billion in federal stimulus funds and low-interest state loans in water and sewer infrastructure projects. Approximately $46 million will go to projects in Northeast Ohio, including $5 million for two NEORSD sewer projects. On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of the Interior unveiled plans for $750 million in stimulus funds, of which the Cuyahoga Valley National Park will receive about $7.8 million. The award will fund five projects in the Park. An Akron Beacon Journal editorial says that the dollars (PDF) will help address the Park's maintenance backlog. Meanwhile, the Ohio Department of Transportation announced that it will reallocate $115 million of the $200 million in stimulus funds it recently assigned to the Innerbelt Bridge project in Cleveland to 52 other projects across the state. ODOT officials say that the funding will be replaced with other state and federal dollars.

About 150 people attended yesterday's public hearing about the Ohio Department of Transportation's plans for rebuilding the Innerbelt. Businesses in Midtown continue to object to the planned closure of exit ramps at Carnegie and Prospect Avenues. WTAM's Ted Klopp spoke with ODOT Project Manager Craig Hebebrand about the plans.

Update: ODOT posted PDFs of a handout and a presentation from the hearing.

Cleveland City Council is preparing to proceed with a scaled-back renovation of downtown's Perk Plaza. Councilman Cimperman said that "the goal is to break ground in May or June or as soon as we can."

Update: City Council's Finance Committee approved the work.

Ohio Department of Transportation officials say that the $465 million planned new westbound Innerbelt Bridge will be a straightforward girder bridge with a signature design. ODOT will accept comments about its Innerbelt plans at a public hearing tomorrow.

Steven Litt spoke with Boston architect Miguel Rosales about the pedestrian bridge he will be designing for North Coast Harbor in Cleveland.

The first residents have moved into condominiums in the Park Building on Public Square, as the residential conversion of the historic building continues.

Zaremba Homes spoke with Paul Volpe of City Architecture about the status of the East 12th Street streetscape project in downtown Cleveland.

The Cuyahoga County Commissioners today unanimously voted to adopt a development agreement with developer Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. for the construction and operation of the planned new convention center and Medical Mart. A series of four additional agreements will eventually replace the development agreement, and could take a year to finalize. The next step will be to decide on a location for the new facilities. The Commissioners posted the final development agreement (PDF), and WTAM has audio from the meeting.

Several aspects of Cuyahoga County's convention center and Medical Mart plans have recently appeared in the news:

• The Plain Dealer further reviewed the draft development agreement between the County and Merchandise Mart Properties Inc., and also answered questions about the agreement. An editorial concluded that the project is worth pursuing.
• Commissioner Jones said that the City of Cleveland's asking price for the current convention center is too high, and noted that the availability of the Cleveland Play House site "creates an opportunity worth exploring."
• Chris Seper of MedCity News interviewed MMPI's Mark Falanga about the project, as did Cleveland Magazine's Erick Trickey.
• Cuyahoga County will seek a property tax exemption for the new facilities.
• Tradeshow Week has a recap of the recent events.

The Cuyahoga County Commissioners yesterday released a draft of the development agreement (PDF) between Cuyahoga County and Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. for the construction and operation of the planned Medical Mart and new convention center. MMPI is expected to sign the agreement shortly, and the Commissioners may approve the document next week. The 62-page document expands upon last year's tentative agreement.

The Commissioners also released detailed construction requirements (PDFs) that were prepared by consultants Conventional Wisdom Corp. In addition, they hired law firm Bricker & Eckler to help negotiate property acquisitions for the new facilities.

The Cleveland Play House has entered into talks to join Cleveland State University's drama program in a move to the Allen Theater (PDF) at Playhouse Square. Reconfiguring and expanding the Allen Theater would cost an estimated $30 million, and the Play House's longtime home in Midtown is for sale. The Cleveland Clinic is believed to be interested in the 12-acre site, which abuts its main campus. Steven Litt notes that the future of the existing Play House complex is now uncertain. The complex includes two historic 1926 theaters and a notable 1983 postmodern addition designed by Philip Johnson, and is not protected by any landmark ordinances.

Update: a Plain Dealer editorial enthusiastically supports the concept.

A Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority committee selected the New York firm of Ehrenkrantz Eckstut & Kuhn Architects to develop a master plan for the redevelopment of the Port's current downtown Cleveland facilities. The firm has worldwide experience in urban waterfront planning, including an award-winning master plan for Battery Park in New York City. PA Consulting Group of London was picked to prepare a market analysis of the site. Port Authority committees also learned that the Port should receive $15 million in stimulus funds, which is less than the $26.5 million it was seeking.

The Cauldron has more information about planned construction across Cleveland State University's campus, including the North Campus Neighborhood Project.

In a Plain Dealer op-ed, Tom Bier alleges that the Ohio Department of Transportation operated with a predetermined conclusion when developing its Innerbelt reconstruction plans, saying that the "public meetings and associated discussions were essentially sham events." He feels that ODOT put traffic engineering ahead of other considerations, calling it "an empire that simply does what it wants to do."

In preparation for the 2010 Census, the U.S. Census Bureau will open its first Cleveland office on Wednesday. The downtown Cleveland field office will be in the US Bank Centre at Playhouse Square.

Update: census takers will face new challenges when they begin work next year.

In an editorial published on Sunday, the Plain Dealer expressed its desire for more information about Cuyahoga County's development agreement with Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. for the planned Medical Mart and convention center. Yesterday, the paper announced that it had reached a deal with the Cuyahoga County Commissioners. The County will release the tentative agreement at least one week prior to finalizing the document.

The Federal Highway Administration approved the draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Ohio Department of Transportation's Innerbelt reconstruction plan. Project Manager Craig Hebebrand said that the study includes no surprises. ODOT will hold a public hearing about the plan on April 21, and will accept public comments (PDF) through May 21.

Construction of several residential developments in Cleveland will soon be underway. Work on the Circle 118 townhouses in University Circle began last week, and a ceremonial groundbreaking for the nearby 27 Coltman condominiums in Little Italy will be held on Friday. Construction of the University Lofts condominiums near Cleveland State has also started.

The retail consultant who last year proposed a retail strategy for Euclid Avenue in downtown Cleveland has refined his suggestion to include a collection of upscale outlet stores. Reactions to the concept have been generally favorable.

The Plain Dealer examined the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority's proposed relocation, asking why the Port wants to move, why the East 55th Street site was selected, why the Port needs a 200 acre facility, and how it would be funded.

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 restoration of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Public Square is continuing. The work is scheduled to be completed this fall.

Ohio House Speaker Armond Budish is urging ODOT to assign $200 million in federal stimulus funds for repairs to the Innerbelt Bridge in Cleveland.

Forest City Enterprises executives advanced a two-pronged strategy for the Medical Mart and convention center, presenting refined plans for a new riverfront facility at Tower City Center, while challenging the suitability of the Mall site. Simultaneously, the Plain Dealer began questioning Merchandise Mart Properties Inc.'s projections for the number of conventions the Medical Mart will attract and its financial benefits to the area. MMPI responded to the newspaper (PDF), Forest City (PDF), and the Cuyahoga County Commissioners (PDF). The company endorsed the Mall site and rejected the Tower City site, saying that a number of concerns made the location a "non-starter". Today, Cuyahoga County and MMPI reached an agreement in principle for the financing of the convention center and Medical Mart. A final site selection is expected in a few weeks.

Update: Forest City is not giving up. The company stated its position in letters to MMPI and the County Commissioners and launched a special website.

Cleveland State University envisions redeveloping about 25 acres at the northern part of its downtown campus. The North Campus Neighborhood Project would add approximately 800 beds, a baseball stadium, parking structures, and a small amount of commercial development. The University issued an RFP (PDF) yesterday.

Backers of the Canal Basin Park District Plan say that the greenspace and trail network would be a transformational green project. The City of Cleveland is seeking federal stimulus funds for its implementation. A complementary proposal, Flats Connections Plan, calls for converting old infrastructure into more trails and greenways in the Flats. GreenCityBlueLake has a virtual tour of the plans.

The designers selected in 2007 have begun working on the planned pedestrian bridge for North Coast Harbor in Cleveland. Their first goal is to create around five conceptual alternatives for review. The project is scheduled to break ground in 2011.

Now that an engineering study has verified that the foundation of the Cleveland Convention Center is strong enough to support the proposed new convention center, Cuyahoga County and the City of Cleveland have begun discussing the purchase of the existing facilities. County leaders want the City to donate the site for the project, but Mayor Jackson feels that the City should be compensated. Officials said that a deal will be reached this month.

Meanwhile, Forest City Enterprises executives were in Chicago yesterday to promote their revised proposal for the Tower City site. Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. representatives were not convinced that Forest City's construction estimates were accurate. Positively Cleveland's Dennis Roche encourages leaders to pick a site and build the Medical Mart.

In a Plain Dealer op-ed, Tom Bier writes that Greater Cleveland suburbanites and Cleveland politicians need to do more to support downtown Cleveland: "Downtown must, absolutely must, become lively and attractive, and all possible resources must be poured into achieving that. "

As predicted, Osborn Engineering today told the Cuyahoga County Commissioners that the foundation of the existing Cleveland Convention Center is sound and that it would be feasible to reuse it for a new facility. The presentation is available online (PPT). On Monday, Cleveland City Council unanimously passed a resolution calling the Mall site the "most advantageous" location for the Medical Mart and new convention center. Meanwhile, Steven Litt examined Forest City Enterprises' revised proposal for a convention center at Tower City, and is concerned that the site may be too small. A Plain Dealer editorial says that the Forest City concept deserves to be considered.

Update: Osborn's Convention Center Foundation System Study (PDF, 13.3 MB) is also available.

The final public meeting about plans for the Canal Basin Park District in Cleveland will be held on March 11. The open house will be held at the Bridgeview Apartments from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Forest City Enterprises yesterday presented simplified plans for building the Medical Mart and convention center at Tower City. Forest City estimates its plans will cost $398 million, $27 million less than than the current estimates for construction at the Mall site. Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. officials said the plans were unworkable, but the two companies will meet on March 10. Steven Litt described the process as "a tug-of-war like the early 20th-century battle over whether to put the city's main train station at the Mall or Tower City."

Beachwood City Council, Eaton Corp., and two school districts agreed to a 30-year tax increment financing package for the company's planned new headquarters in the Chagrin Highlands. The State of Ohio has already committed $71 million in tax breaks and loans to facilitate the company's move from downtown Cleveland.

Update: The Plain Dealer reports that the combined incentives are worth more than $90 million.

The recent shootings at Perk Plaza in downtown Cleveland illustrate how urban design can contribute to the creation of unsafe environments. First proposed in I.M. Pei's 1960 Erieview urban renewal plan, the park was completed in 1972. A 2003 plan for redesigning the plaza was not implemented due to a lack of funding. The City of Cleveland plans to proceed with a more modest renovation this year.

The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority's $26.5 million request for stimulus funds would enable it to convert dock and warehouse facilities for use as a wind turbine manufacturing plant. The Cuyahoga County Commissioners also requested stimulus dollars for the proposed demonstration wind farm in Lake Erie. Meanwhile, the Port Authority anticipates a $661,000 drop in revenue due to cutbacks at ArcelorMittal's Cleveland plant.

Reactions to last week's presentation about plans for the Medical Mart and convention center were varied:

• Robert Darvas, the engineer who suggested reusing the foundation of the existing Cleveland Convention Center below Malls B and C, is convinced that his concept is sound.
• Cleveland City Planning Commission Chairman Anthony Coyne also supports the redevelopment of the Mall site and provides some historical perspective.
• Steven Litt offers an assessment of the public-private partnership and the memorandum of understanding between Cuyahoga County and Merchandise Mart Properties Inc.
• The Plain Dealer was satisfied by MMPI's presentation, but says that the information should have been released sooner.
• Scene is skeptical about the proposal.

Yesterday's Sound of Ideas program on WCPN was devoted to a discussion of the Ohio Department of Transportation's Innerbelt plans. ODOT also posted the presentation that officials made (PDF) to Cleveland City Council last week.

Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. officials yesterday presented their planning studies for the Medical Mart and new convention center, first to Cleveland City Council and later at a public meeting attended by over 300 people. The presentations answered many of Steven Litt's questions about the proposal, but left other questions unanswered. Forest City Enterprises used the public meeting to urge officials to reconsider the eliminated Tower City site. Cleveland Magazine's Erick Trickey liveblogged the proceedings and provided other insights.

The Plain Dealer examined the unusual ownership arrangement described in the memorandum of understanding (PDF) between Cuyahoga County and MMPI, and County Administrator Jim McCafferty differed with the paper's portrayal (PDF) of the agreement.

ODOT District 12 Deputy Director Bonnie Teeuwen updated a Cleveland City Council committee on the status of plans for a new Innerbelt Bridge. The agency had been considering a single-bridge option that would have required closing the bridge, but abandoned the concept after Mayor Jackson objected and a study concluded that other arterial roads would be unable to absorb the traffic. The two-bridge plan is again the preferred design. ODOT is considering whether to repair the existing bridge and then build a second parallel bridge, or whether to build the second bridge and then repair or replace the existing one. The agency also intends to spend $10 million on repairs to the old bridge this year, and says that the closed lanes and entrance ramps will reopen this year.

Update: a Plain Dealer editorial applauds the announcement and ODOT issued a press release about the upcoming repairs.

At the public meeting on Thursday, Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. officials are expected to explain that the Mall site is the only option for the planned Medical Mart and convention center. Cuyahoga County Administrator James McCafferty issued a statement (PDF) saying that the Flats site is not a backup, and the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority issued a statement saying that Port land in the Flats is unavailable for the development.

The Cuyahoga County Commissioners and Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. said that they would consider the Flats east bank site as a fallback if building the planned convention center and Medical Mart at the Mall is impractical. The Plain Dealer answered questions about the project.

Update: WCPN and WKSU offer more information about next week's public hearing.

The Cuyahoga County Commissioners hired Osborn Engineering to analyze whether the Cleveland Convention Center's foundation can be reused. Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. representatives say that they will present their research and proposals on February 12.

In an editorial, the Plain Dealer repeats its appeal for openness in the planning process for the Medical Mart and convention center.

Steven Litt considers the available information about the plans to build the new convention center and Medical Mart at Mall B. He identifies the advantages of the site as well as some concerns about the proposal.

In a Plain Dealer op-ed, Don Iannone says that "Cleveland leaders and citizens cannot afford to lose hope in downtown Cleveland" and urges local leaders to move quickly on the Medical Mart and convention center project.

When the Cuyahoga County Commissioners made the preliminary selection of the Mall site for the planned Medical Mart and new convention center last week, the estimated costs were a major factor. Developer Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. calculated that construction costs at the Mall could be substantially reduced by reusing the foundation of the existing Cleveland Convention Center. Cuyahoga County may hire Osborn Engineering to evaluate the concept.

Reactions to the announcement were varied. Frank Jackson supported the proposal, but took a cautious approach. The Cuyahoga County Mayors and City Managers Association endorsed Mayor Jackson's approach (PDF). On the other hand, Forest City Enterprises and the Greater Cleveland Partnership called for further public review of the decision, and a Plain Dealer editorial asked for increased transparency. Meeting planners simply want a new convention center. Participants in the selection process discussed the issues on WCPN's Sound of Ideas earlier this week.

In a Plain Dealer op-ed, Dominic LoGalbo questions the need for the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority to move to proposed new facilities and the process used to reach the proposal. Meanwhile, a Plain Dealer editorial encourages the Port Authority to be less secretive.

Following hours of private meetings yesterday, the Cuyahoga County Commissioners announced that the new convention center and Medical Mart will be built at the Mall in downtown Cleveland. The facility will be built on the site of the existing convention center and three other buildings, and will incorporate a renovated Public Auditorium into its design. Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. estimated that the project will cost $425 million. Construction could begin by the end of the year.

The Mall location was selected over the Tower City site and a site in the Flats. MMPI estimated that construction behind Tower City would cost an additional $108 million, contradicting an earlier study by the Greater Cleveland Partnership. Developer Scott Wolstein offered a last-minute proposal to build the facility north of a scaled-back version of his stalled Flats east bank project. He continues to advocate for the Flats site.

Meeting planner Bruce Harris told the Plain Dealer that he thinks the Tower City site is the best location for the planned new convention center and Medical Mart. The Plain Dealer also published editorials about the siting decision on Saturday and on Tuesday. Roldo Bartimole objects to the way the newspaper is handling the subject.

The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District may spend an extra $5 million to complete a sewer project in the Flats east bank. The District's board of trustees postponed a decision on the proposal.

Frank Jackson traveled to Chicago on Tuesday for a meeting with Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. officials about plans for the new convention center and Medical Mart. The meeting alleviated the mayor's concerns about the project, and he declared that he was impressed by MMPI's thoroughness. Scene Editor Frank Lewis, on the other hand, remains unimpressed.

MMPI continues to evaluate the Tower City and Mall sites, and company executives are scheduled to share their analysis with Cuyahoga County leaders next week. Commissioner Jones discussed the project's status on Channel 3 yesterday.

The Ohio Department of Transportation is considering a plan to replace the deteriorating Innerbelt Bridge with a basic concrete or steel girder bridge instead of building a planned signature bridge. Construction could begin as early as late 2010. In a Plain Dealer op-ed, Mark Filippell urges ODOT to quickly replace the bridge. Meanwhile, Cleveland firefighters want ODOT to to indicate which zones on the existing bridge are safe for parking emergency vehicles.

Kent State University's Urban Design Collaborative will become the first tenant in the Cleveland District of Design in July when it moves from its current home in the Pointe At Gateway to the Cowell & Hubbard Building at Playhouse Square.

The Flats Connections Plan, a new proposal from ParkWorks, Cleveland Public Art, and Building Cleveland by Design, shows how a greenway could link the Towpath Trail to the west bank of the Flats and Whiskey Island.

The January issue of Urban Land includes a look at redevelopment efforts in warehouse districts across the nation (PDF), including Cleveland's Warehouse District.

(via Downtown Clips)

Mark Falanga of Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. said that the company will not be rushed into a decision on the location of the planned Medical Mart. He added that the company is "getting close" to completing its evaluation. Meanwhile, Vornado Realty Trust, MMPI's parent company, is seeking federal bailout funds.

The Dike 14 Preservation Committee opposes the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority's plans to relocate their facilities to a new site north of East 55th Street. The group says that the move threatens the East 55th Street Marina, Gordon Park, and Dike 14.

The Cuyahoga County Commissioners extended their self-imposed January 15 site selection deadline for the planned Medical Mart and convention center by one month. Mayor Jackson was not pleased about the delay, but still supports the project.

Update: the Plain Dealer examined Frank Jackson's role in the Medical Mart negotiations, and in an editorial, urged the County Commissioners to make a decision.

Forest City executives complain about the lack of communication regarding negotiations for the planned Medical Mart in Cleveland. Cuyahoga County officials still intend to select a site by January 15.

In a Plain Dealer op-ed, outgoing Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority Chairman Michael Wager says that "the relocation of the port and creation of new port land is an opportunity to change not only the size and scope of the port's operations and to create the new trade district, but also an opportunity to remake the city's downtown lakefront and replace its aging infrastructure."

Steven Litt feels that the Innerbelt Bridge and Opportunity Corridor projects should be "viewed as part of a comprehensive system that could boost the city's economy for decades to come." He says that the planning of the two projects has been slowed by mediocre work by ODOT and a lack of advocacy from local leaders. He also encourages ODOT to reconsider the proposed southern alignment for a new Innerbelt Bridge.

Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority staffers are ready to solicit for consultants to develop a plan for redeveloping the current port site. The port's board hopes to select firms by late February and have a completed plan in September 2009.

Editorials in the Plain Dealer express optimism about the movement in the Medical Mart talks and about the continued reinvestment in University Circle. Another editorial follows up on the newspaper's recent feature on Pittsburgh, and says that Cleveland's leaders can learn much from Pittsburgh. However, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review columnist Colin McNickle feels that "the Plain Dealer story might go down in history as the most uninformed look at Pittsburgh ever written."

(via Callahan's Cleveland Diary and Blog 5)

Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority Chairman Michael Wager told a City Club audience yesterday that state and local leaders should support the Port's planned move to new facilities.

Cutbacks by banks and financial firms could increase the vacancy rate for downtown Cleveland offices and eliminate the market for proposed new office towers.

Cuyahoga County hired Conventional Wisdom of Orlando to assist in the design of the convention center portion of the Medical Mart project. The County hopes to name a site for the development by January 15.

Cleveland Councilman Matt Zone proposed renaming the Whiskey Island access road in memory of the late Ed Hauser.

The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission approved $1 million to the Great Lakes Science Center for the walkway that will connect the museum and the Steamship William G. Mather Museum. Construction of the 400-foot walkway will cost an estimated $3.4 million.

Today's Plain Dealer examined the Innerbelt Bridge's weakest beam and the problems it has created. The bridge was also the subject of yesterday's Sound of Ideas program on WCPN, where panelists discussed the future of the span. Starting tomorrow, trucks and buses will be banned from the bridge, and alternate routes are already seeing increased congestion.

The Ohio Department of Transportation may drop its proposed two-bridge plan for carrying I-90 over the Cuyahoga River valley due to the rapid decay of the Innerbelt Bridge. One proposal calls for building a steel girder bridge under the existing truss bridge, which would require closing the bridge for two years. Meanwhile, a group of Tremont residents protested the continued closure of the West 14th Street entrance ramp to the bridge.

Update: a Plain Dealer editorial says that shutting down the bridge "would be disastrous for Cleveland."

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.

The planned Medical Mart in Cleveland faces potential competition from World Product Centre, a proposed $1 billion New York City skyscraper targeted at the healthcare industry. The project was first announced last year, and late last month, developers unveiled designs for a 60-story, 1.5 million square foot tower designed by Kohn Pederson Fox. They hope to open the tower in 2013.

Update: a Plain Dealer editorial says that Cleveland's political and civic leaders must select a site for the Medical Mart.

A Plain Dealer review of ODOT internal e-mails and news releases revealed that the agency had begun to consider lane closures on the Innerbelt Bridge as early as February. ODOT officials are considering reopening a third lane of traffic in each direction and closing the bridge to truck traffic.

Update: starting November 19, ODOT will ban trucks and buses from the bridge and will reopen one lane in each direction.

Coon Restoration & Sealants of Louisville, Ohio is one of the companies involved in the exterior restoration of the Terminal Tower in downtown Cleveland.

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 Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Public Square will be closed for the next eight to nine months while its interior undergoes restoration.

Plain Dealer critics Steven Litt and Tony Brown compared notes about the renovated Hanna Theatre at Playhouse Square in Cleveland.

Jennifer Coleman discussed her CityProwl tours on this week's Smart City Radio program.

While it was still considering a Flats east bank site for its new headquarters, Eaton requested a list of changes to neighboring properties, some of which would have impacted port activities. Crain's Cleveland Business noted that it's unclear whether the requests were make-or-break issues or whether Eaton was simply trying to get as much as possible.

Marc Lefkowitz liveblogged last Friday's Bioneers Conference at CSU's Levin College of Urban Affairs.

Cleveland State University held a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony today for the new Student Center. It is scheduled to be completed in 2010, and is being built on the site of the former University Center. The University has a webcam that shows construction progress.

The nationwide credit crunch has the potential to raise the price of the planned Cleveland Medical Mart and convention center by millions of dollars.

The Ohio Department of Transportation decided that the four outer lanes of the Innerbelt Bridge will remain closed indefinitely. Last week's stress test confirmed that two of the bridge's connectors are severely deteriorated. ODOT has not yet identified a long-term strategy for the bridge.

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.

Next week, the Ohio Department of Transportation will present the results of the Innerbelt Bridge stress test and its plans for the future of the bridge. It is possible that it will be beyond repair.

Attendance was sparse at the fourth public forum about the planned Medical Mart and convention center in Cleveland.

The Innerbelt Bridge in Cleveland continues to deteriorate more quickly than expected, and this week the Ohio Department of Transportation first closed two lanes and later closed four lanes of the eight lane bridge. It will be completely closed for more tests one night next week. ODOT's Innerbelt plans call for rehabilitating the bridge, but the increased corrosion could force a change.

Zaremba, Inc. announced plans to build ten additional townhouses at the southeastern edge of its Avenue District development in downtown Cleveland.

The Great Lakes Science Center broke ground on a connector that will link the museum to the Steamship William G. Mather Museum.

This week's Scene summarizes the most recent events in the convention center saga and questions decisions in the site selection process.

The second Great Lakes Bioneers - Cleveland conference will be held at the CSU Levin College of Urban Affairs on October 17-19. It will be one of 18 locations participating in the Beaming Bioneers program. On October 20-21, Baldwin-Wallace College will host a Sustainability Symposium that will feature Stuart Hart as its keynote speaker.

Eaton is reluctant to move to the Flats because the nine acre site on the east bank is too small for the campus the company intends to build. Mayor Jackson said that the City did all it could to keep the company's headquarters in downtown Cleveland, but a Plain Dealer analysis notes that Jackson's emphasis on regionalism left him with little room to protest a move to Beachwood. The City and Port Authority are looking at other development options for the Waterfront loop property.

In a statement (PDF) released today, Eaton Corp. revealed that a location in the Chagrin Highlands is the leading candidate for the company's new headquarters. A site in the Flats east bank development was previously thought to be the most likely location. Mayor Jackson said that while he is disappointed, he respects the decision.

Update: a Plain Dealer editorial says that Cleveland leaders must attempt to keep the company downtown. WKSU's Kevin Niedermier spoke with Frank Jackson about the news.

Great Lakes Theater Festival's renovation of the Hanna Theatre is finished. Tony Brown of the Plain Dealer is amazed that the company has "managed to accomplish this stunning project in the fairly short span of nine months." A grand reopening gala will be held on September 20.

At the request of Cuyahoga County leaders, Merchandise Mart Properties will lead negotiations on the price of the site for the planned new downtown convention center.

Update: Jay Miller of Crain's Cleveland Business provides some insight into the decision.

Channel 8 compared the current proposal for building a convention center at Tower City Center to Forest City Enterprises' 2003 proposal, which included the redevelopment of Scranton Peninsula.

The Jewish Community Federation's Building Committee will recommend moving the agency's headquarters from downtown Cleveland to Beachwood, while maintaining an undefined presence in downtown Cleveland. A Plain Dealer editorial says the the headquarters should remain downtown. The full board is scheduled to vote on the move this afternoon.

Update: the board of trustees voted to move the offices to Beachwood.

While the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority's relocation plans include moving the East 55th Street Marina, the Dike 14 Nature Preserve Committee is concerned it will lead to a loss of open space at Gordon Park.

On September 25, the Levin College Forum at CSU will host the first event in its Beyond Foreclosure series, a panel discussion titled "Small Scale Strategies that Work". It will "focus on small scale housing strategies and projects that are new, creative, environmentally sustainable and invigorating to the marketplace."

Concerned taxpayers questioned leaders about the Medical Mart and convention center plans at a public forum in Cleveland Heights yesterday. A second forum will be held on Thursday in Middleburg Heights.

Update: Roldo Bartimole was not impressed by the event. Also, the start time of the Thursday forum has been changed to 5:30.

Zaremba Homes has started offering a rent-to-own program intended to make their properties (including the Avenue District in downtown Cleveland) more attractive to buyers.

Leaders of the Jewish Community Federation appear to favor moving its headquarters to Beachwood, despite advocacy for the existing downtown Cleveland location.

Commissioner Jones scheduled two public forums to discuss the Medical Mart and convention center plans. The first will be held on September 2 at the Cleveland Heights Community Center, and the second will be on September 4 at the Middleburg Heights Community Center.

Demolition of the former bank building adjacent to the 668 Euclid building in downtown Cleveland is now underway.

The City of Cleveland closed the Columbus Road Lift Bridge in the Flats for at least two months for repairs. In the long term, rebuilding or replacing the bridge could cost more than $31 million. The Cuyahoga County Engineer's office will hold an open house Wednesday at St. Malachi Church in Cleveland to hear opinions from the public.

Supporters of a downtown headquarters for the Jewish Community Federation proposed an expansion its downtown offices into a campus as an alternative to the proposal to move the headquarters to Beachwood.

RTA's Joe Calabrese will speak at the City Club on August 29 about "the many challenges facing the public transit industry during a climate of increased ridership, both locally and nationally."

Forest City Enterprises executives indicated that they do not intend to drastically drop their $40 million asking price for land at Tower City Center for the planned new convention center. Cuyahoga County leaders deemed the price unacceptable, but hope to reach a compromise.

Cleveland State University broke ground today for its new College of Education and Human Services building on Euclid Avenue. The 97,000 square foot building is scheduled to open in 2010.

Update: WTAM has more details.

A local development group is trying to revive interest in plans for the Courthouse Plaza high-rise in downtown Cleveland. The tower was first proposed in 1999, but there has been little news since backer Larry Dolan pulled out in 2001.

CityProwl has been updated with new audio walking tours of the Warehouse District, downtown Cleveland's bank lobbies, and Public Square.

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

The Plain Dealer breaks down the new projected $536 million price tag for building the Medical Mart and convention center, while Roldo Bartimole says that it will cost closer to $1 billion. A Plain Dealer editorial supports the Greater Cleveland Partnership's selection of the Tower City site, but Steven Litt has several concerns about the plans and process. Meanwhile, Positively Cleveland leaders are unhappy about the proposal to divert the bureau's funding for the construction.

While many are upset over RTA's plans to increase fares and reduce bus service, its plans to cut service hours on the Waterfont Line have generated few complaints. RTA officials will revisit its schedule when parts of the Flats east bank development are finished.

As expected, the Greater Cleveland Partnership's site selection committee yesterday recommended locating the planned new convention center and Medical Mart on a riverfront site at Tower City Center in downtown Cleveland. The committee estimated that construction costs at the Tower City site would be $536 million and that the costs at the Mall site would be $583 million. Because the expense would be in excess of the County's $400 million budget, the committee offered suggestions for covering the funding gap. They predicted that the County's sales tax increase will bring in $90 million more than initially projected, and also suggested raising or redirecting the county bed tax. The Cuyahoga County Commissioners hope to make a decision this fall.

A pair of Downtown Dialogues were held on Wednesday and Thursday evenings about "the future of Jewish life downtown" and the "priorities for reaching that vision." The Jewish Community Federation is contemplating a move from its downtown Cleveland headquarters to Beachwood, an option opposed by an ad hoc group of Jewish citizens. Steven Litt also feels that its headquarters should remain downtown.

Channel 3 and Channel 8 both report that the Greater Cleveland Partnership's site selection committee is expected to recommend that Tower City should be the site of the Medical Mart and new convention center.

Update: the Plain Dealer also reported on the rumors.

Renewable Energy World summarizes wind power initiatives in Greater Cleveland, including the Great Lakes Science Center's wind turbine and the potential for an offshore wind farm.

The Politician: A Toy sculpture at Chester Avenue and East 66th Street in Cleveland will move to a new home at Chester Avenue and East 18th Street on the campus of Cleveland State University. The relocation should be completed by the end October.

A public meeting about the Canal Basin District Plan will be held this evening at KA's design studio on West 9th Street in Cleveland. Planners are looking for ways to connect the Towpath Trail and planned Canal Basin Park to nearby neighborhoods and Lake Erie.

With the expectation that construction costs for the Medical Mart and convention center at either the Mall or Tower City sites will exceed $400 million, two Cuyahoga County Commissioners asserted that the budget must either be supplemented by outside sources or a different site should be selected.

Forest City Enterprises presented a revised proposal for a new convention center at Tower City Center in an effort to reduce construction expenses. Instead of selling the air rights, the company now wants to sell the property to Cuyahoga County while retaining the right to build above about a third of the structure.

Plain Dealer theater critic Tony Brown provides more photographs of the ongoing renovations of the Hanna Theatre at Playhouse Square.

Steven Litt approves of the in-progress renovations (PDF) of the Main Classroom at Cleveland State University, saying that "one the ugliest things in Cleveland is now among the most-improved."

Developer Nathan Zaremba remains upbeat about the prospects of his company's Avenue District condominiums in downtown Cleveland.

Westlake Reed Leskosky unveiled designs for a 13 story office building at the Ameritrust complex in downtown Cleveland. The glassy tower would sit directly south of the Cleveland Trust Tower. The K&D Group is trying to have the Marcel Breuer-designed tower added to the National Register of Historic Places, and is seeking federal and state historic tax credits.

Euclid Avenue reopened to two-way traffic between East 9th Street to East 14th Street today, and the segment between Public Square and East 9th Street will reopen by July 31. At that point, the only remaining Euclid Corridor roadwork will be in the University Circle area.

At a Medical Mart forum on Wednesday, Cuyahoga County and MMPI officials urged patience in the site selection process. They still hope to name a site this month, and may seek outside funding sources if construction costs are too high. A Plain Dealer editorial encourages leaders to "assign the Medical Mart a much higher level of disclosure than the normal development deal."

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 Federal Highway Administration awarded $767,193 to the City of Cleveland for road construction at the Flats east bank development. The funds will be used to relocate Front Street and Old River Road and to build a new street and a trail.

If the Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland moves its headquarters to the suburbs from downtown Cleveland, Cleveland State University has expressed an interest in using the existing building for offices. It was built in 1965 and designed by noted modernist architect Edward Durell Stone.

Steven Litt considers how outgoing CSU President Michael Schwartz has improved the campus through better master planning. He says that Schwartz's retirement announcement provides an opportunity to "reflect on just how much the city owes him, not just for raising academic standards over the past seven years, but for scrapping the university's old plan and coming up with something far better."

The Kresge Foundation awarded a $1 million challenge grant to Great Lakes Theater Festival for the renovations of the Hanna Theatre at Playhouse Square.

The historic May Company building on Public Square in Cleveland will be redeveloped as retail and residential space. The ground floor is slated to house a restaurant and a nightclub, and the upper stories will be renovated as residences and possibly a small hotel. An earlier renovation attempt called for converting it into the Public Square Tech Center.

Cleveland Magazine took a quick look at the redesign of the plaza surrounding the Anthony J. Celebrezze Federal Building at East 9th Street and Lakeside Avenue in downtown Cleveland. It will include a decorative screen by Los Angeles artist Pae White.

The Blade published a series on the downtowns of Ohio's major cities and how they have changed. It included an article about downtown Cleveland.

(via Economic News from Ohio's Regions)

The Greater Cleveland Partnership's site selection committee for the Medical Mart and new convention center again delayed making a recommendation. Chairman Fred Nance said that construction estimates for the Mall and Tower City sites are "are way over budget." The group now intends to make a recommendation to the Cuyahoga County Commissioners by late July.

Steven Litt shares some thoughts about the proposed Public Square tower, the plans for the Ameritrust complex, and the Medical Mart. Roldo Bartimole speculates about the lack of recent Medical Mart news.

Cleveland City Living reports that the conversion of several Euclid Avenue buildings to the University Lofts condominiums will begin next month.

In this week's Free Times, Ted Schwarz writes about living in downtown Cleveland.

A recently-demolished building at the Cleveland Technology Center on Rockwell Avenue will temporarily be replaced by a surface parking lot. Matrix Realty Group plans to build a 180,000 square foot building on the site, and must complete construction by 2009 in order to receive the full amount of a 2006 grant from the Job Ready Sites Program.

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.

The Greater Cleveland Partnership's Medical Mart site selection committee pushed back its plans to make a recommendation by several weeks.

Repairs of corroded steel parts on the Innerbelt Bridge are expected to cost roughly $10 million, not the $4 million anticipated last month. The work is scheduled to start in late July or early August and to end about a year later.

The K&D Group completed its purchase of the 668 Euclid building on Friday. The conversion of the building to about 240 apartments and 65,000 square feet of ground-floor commercial space could be finished by early 2010.

Yesterday's Plain Dealer included a rundown of the downtown Cleveland development projects that have a retail component. The article examined Bob Stark's Warehouse District plans, ideas for the redevelopment of Euclid Avenue, the Avenue District, and the Flats east bank development.

Preliminary testing indicates the presence of some unstable soil at downtown Cleveland's malls, potentially increasing the cost of convention center and Medical Mart construction at the site.

The Jacobs Group and Hines Interests of Houston yesterday announced plans for a 21 story office tower on the parking lot facing the west side of Public Square. Public Square Tower is a $180 million project that would feature 500,000 square feet of office space. Construction could start next year. Improvising Schema is critical of Gensler's design for the tower, calling it "another impersonal glass box".

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.

Plans for a new convention center and Medical Mart at the Tower City and Mall sites were presented at yesterday's Medical Mart Site Selection Forum. About 100 people attended the meeting, and most who spoke favored the Mall site. The Cuyahoga County Commissioners still intend to select a location in July.

Update: Jeremy Borger shared his thoughts about the forum.

The Ohio Department of Transportation has made $2 million in emergency repairs to corroded gusset plates on the Innerbelt Bridge this year, and expects to spend an additional $4 million on repairs this summer.

The June issue of Cleveland Magazine includes an extensive look at the decisions surrounding Cuyahoga County's purchase and eventual sale of the Ameritrust complex in downtown Cleveland.

Citing concerns that construction costs may be too high for the new convention center and Medical Mart at the two leading sites (the Mall and Tower City), Commissioner Hagan asked the Greater Cleveland Partnership's site selection committee to consider a fifth potential location at East 55th Street and Chester Avenue in Midtown.

The City of Cleveland will spend an extra $208,000 to complete its share of Euclid Corridor construction ahead of schedule.

A pair of architecture firms have devised plans that call for putting a new convention center under the Mall and building the Medical Mart on its west side. It would replace two buildings and a parking garage, but the Cuyahoga County Administration Building would be retained. Public Auditorium would be repurposed as a ballroom.

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.

The U.S. General Services Administration posted a video about the history and the award-winning renovation of the Howard M. Metzenbaum U.S. Courthouse on Public Square.

This week's Scene asks questions about the benefits of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority's planned move from downtown to a new site north of East 55th Street.

Channel 3's Tim White interviewed Christopher Kennedy of MMPI about the company's plans for the Medical Mart in Cleveland.

Christopher Leinberger, the featured speaker at today's Historic Downtown Cleveland Luncheon Forum, writes about Cleveland and his recent study of walkable urban areas. He predicts that if Greater Cleveland follows national trends, the region should have "12 to 14 regionally significant walkable urban places over the next 20 years". At the luncheon, he urged local developers to build walkable neighborhoods. Steven Litt feels that downtown Cleveland has great potential, although it currently lacks pedestrian activity.