Author Topic: Cleveland: Uptown (UARD) in University Circle (Read 200492 times)

willyboy · « **Reply #1190 on:** June 19, 2012, 04:50:39 AM »

Quote from: Burnham_2011 on June 19, 2012, 04:34:29 AM

Here is a Chipotle in a 3 story building with apartments above (in NY) juxtaposed with the Chipotle at Uptown. Even for a "modern" structure, uptown lacks any design for the windows, exterior surface, edges, etc. and is grey on top of it.

Im not sure what the point is in this comparison. It is the contempory style of the development not because they were cutting corners that "the windows lack trim and detail". You dont have to like it. Im betting you can find other contemporary examples/comparisons in NYC that would also lack such detail, likely even ones with a Chipotle in them!

Burnham_2011 · « **Reply #1191 on:** June 19, 2012, 05:13:21 AM »

Certainly how they look is subject to each person's preference, so I won't propose one look is better than any other. My reference to costs was not based on any internal knowledge of the project, but to rephrase I would prefer the explanation that the design was the result of minimalism in both budget and style and not the vision of the completed project.

Again, that's only my choice, but considering how large the development is and how important the stretch along Euclid is that it takes up I am, personally, disappointed by the modern and simple exterior. The use of more diverse materials (perhaps segmenting the project into separate buildings (just 2 or 3) with varied but similar styles) and the incorporation of more conservative designs would have made this area palatable to a broader audience. This project will pioneer price, design, and location all at once, which is a big step. If the same development costs could have provided more traditional exteriors like the 2-4 story buildings in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Boston etc. (hence my picture) I believe it could appeal to more people.

Just my two cents.

CleveChiNola · « **Reply #1192 on:** June 19, 2012, 05:39:20 AM »

To each their own, but in reference to the two pictures above, doesn't the first one look a lot like Lower Euclid?

Variety, in my opinion, is an asset. Not everyone is going to like uptown's style, but I for one, do.

eurokie · « **Reply #1193 on:** June 19, 2012, 05:59:04 AM »

Is that EIFS?

StrapHanger · « **Reply #1194 on:** June 19, 2012, 09:43:32 AM »

^^No.

Even if not everyone likes the design, can we all agree to nip in the bud the baseless notion that Uptown looks the way it does because of a skimpy construction budget?

eurokie · « **Reply #1195 on:** June 19, 2012, 10:05:41 AM »

I was going to say that it doesn't look like EIFS. I like the project, and I especially love the way it has transformed a space (the bend along Euclid) just by defining it better.

Clueless,Ohio · « **Reply #1196 on:** June 19, 2012, 10:29:51 AM »

I walked down to Constantino's at lunch today. Personally, I like the way this looks and feels. The finished product for this Phase I is when a more comprehensive evaluation can be made (imo) and that won't be until this autumn. I think in the context of a finished MOCA and, eventually, a CIA expansion and nearly-complete "Alley" and Triangle facelift, this will all come together.
My guess is that Phase II and III will be designed to contrast with this. Phase II really needs to kick in rather soon...I dont know if that's the plan but it seems like they're tryiing to synchronize all of this current construction (MOCA, Uptown I, Cotman Vistas (Maximum Accessible Housing), CIA groundbreaking -- fingers crossed) to facilitate the next phases of Uptown. Maybe somebody knows a more exact timeline, if there is one.

As a side note, I had my mother in the car a couple days ago and we drove up E. 118th (from Bellflower) past the long side of Constantino's and reached the traffic light at Euclid Ave. My mother, who is not into contemporary design at all, looked out the window towards UTS and also down Euclid Ave (towards Mayfield) and said: OMG, those are gorgeous!

jeremyck01 · « **Reply #1197 on:** June 19, 2012, 04:29:33 PM »

After much anticipation, I finally got an in-person look at Uptown today. Do this the next time you are there. Go to the corner where the Verizon store is. Look straight up and you will see a gap in the seam between the front wall and the side wall. The first floor is flush, but starting at the second floor, there is a gap that expands to 3 inches by the time it gets to the roof. Anyone see that or have an explanation as to why that is? Also Constantino's was decent. I was very disappointed they didn't have more vegetarian prepared deli or sandwich options, but I'm sure that will improve. Also, outside the entrance to Constantino's there are chunks of what looks like dried concrete on the sidewalk surface (yes, yes, I know the sidewalk is concrete; however it looks like something dripped). I guess I have to wait until the entire project in completed and see how well they clean it up.

rockitect · « **Reply #1198 on:** June 20, 2012, 03:12:40 AM »

Some recent pics of Uptown:

surfohio · « **Reply #1199 on:** June 20, 2012, 03:18:22 AM »

The sight line toward MOCA in that first pic is really sharp. Thanks for posting!!

Scifience · « **Reply #1200 on:** June 20, 2012, 05:22:47 AM »

FYI, Chipotle is now doing staff training. I stopped in a few minutes ago after seeing the lights on while walking past and the manager informed me that they would be opening on June 26!

ClevelandOhio · « **Reply #1201 on:** June 20, 2012, 05:24:29 AM »

Thanks for the pictures. Looking good!

Mov2Ohio · « **Reply #1202 on:** June 20, 2012, 11:17:16 AM »

Thanks for the pics! This development is just like South Campus gateway at OSU. Has an alley between two buildings and residential above retail. Also has a 2 story Barnes and Noble. That development also has a small movie theater. That wouldn't be a bad addition to uptown I don't think.

rockitect · « **Reply #1203 on:** June 21, 2012, 04:17:09 AM »

Thanks. I didn't grab a pic, but they are also cutting a hole that will be open to the public through the existing building on the left side of the alley (in my pic looking towards MOCA) that is on axis with the one portal through Uptown that connects the alley to Euclid. Its a nice little urban design move. I'll try to get a couple pics that show it better, soon.

jeremyck01 · « **Reply #1204 on:** June 21, 2012, 05:04:59 PM »

Quote from: jeremyck01 on June 19, 2012, 04:29:33 PM

After much anticipation, I finally got an in-person look at Uptown today. Do this the next time you are there. Go to the corner where the Verizon store is. Look straight up and you will see a gap in the seam between the front wall and the side wall. The first floor is flush, but starting at the second floor, there is a gap that expands to 3 inches by the time it gets to the roof. Anyone see that or have an explanation as to why that is? Also Constantino's was decent. I was very disappointed they didn't have more vegetarian prepared deli or sandwich options, but I'm sure that will improve. Also, outside the entrance to Constantino's there are chunks of what looks like dried concrete on the sidewalk surface (yes, yes, I know the sidewalk is concrete; however it looks like something dripped). I guess I have to wait until the entire project in completed and see how well they clean it up.
[/quot

It would be nice if someone could answer the question I asked 2 days ago about the uptown construction. I'm just curious if what I saw is a fluke or if anyone else has noticed. I ask questions here because I'm genuinely curious, but it's rare I get an answer and it's getting to be an exercise in futility.

CleveChiNola · « **Reply #1205 on:** June 22, 2012, 12:11:01 AM »

If someone had the answer you were looking for, I sure they would share it.

rockitect · « **Reply #1206 on:** June 22, 2012, 01:59:09 AM »

Quote from: jeremyck01 on June 19, 2012, 04:29:33 PM

After much anticipation, I finally got an in-person look at Uptown today. Do this the next time you are there. Go to the corner where the Verizon store is. Look straight up and you will see a gap in the seam between the front wall and the side wall. The first floor is flush, but starting at the second floor, there is a gap that expands to 3 inches by the time it gets to the roof. Anyone see that or have an explanation as to why that is? Also Constantino's was decent. I was very disappointed they didn't have more vegetarian prepared deli or sandwich options, but I'm sure that will improve. Also, outside the entrance to Constantino's there are chunks of what looks like dried concrete on the sidewalk surface (yes, yes, I know the sidewalk is concrete; however it looks like something dripped). I guess I have to wait until the entire project in completed and see how well they clean it up.

I've always noticed this. Glad someone else has else, too. I should have responded sooner.

It was a construction eff up, obviously. The gap exists because the concrete column leans out slightly (I think its leaning in two directions) as the building goes up. It appears no one knew how to fix the problem, so its just been left. I'd have to imagine its going to get fixed eventually. Knowing how Construction Administration goes on projects, its probably in a battle of what trade is responsible for fixing it or more so, paying for the fix. It shouldn't be an expensive fix (obviously, they can't do anything with the concrete column). When you're building with a concrete frame, this kind of thing will happen. Usually something like this ends up hidden, but on Uptown, with the exposed columns and the way the cladding engages them, any kind of mistake is super obvious.

I wouldn't say this is a horrible, horrible screw up. This kind of thing happens when you are building with concrete. I consider it more of a problem with how the building is detailed, which I've had concerns about.

Very little room was left for any kind of margin of error in the way a lot of tectonics were handled, so when a column is a little out of plumb, it looks like hell and no one knows how to fix it.

My guess with your other concrete comments is that while businesses are moving in, the buildings have not yet been "punch listed", which is when the architect handling construction administration goes through the project, makes note of things like that gap between the siding and column, or the stained concrete and gets the contractor responsible to go fix it before they get final payment. Generally, you wait until the end of the project and get everything all at once, instead of doing it item by item as they come up, particularly on a project this large.

I would guess in July / August you'll start to some of things magically get fixed, before the official unveiling, which I believe is in September.

CleveChiNola · « **Reply #1207 on:** June 22, 2012, 03:35:12 AM »

Is it an expansion joint?

Clueless,Ohio · « **Reply #1208 on:** June 22, 2012, 05:25:55 AM »

Quote from: jeremyck01 on June 19, 2012, 04:29:33 PM

...Go to the corner where the Verizon store is. Look straight up and you will see a gap in the seam between the front wall and the side wall. The first floor is flush, but starting at the second floor, there is a gap that expands to 3 inches by the time it gets to the roof.

[/b]

I meant to respond to this earlier than now. Wednesday afternoon I did check out what you said and you are very right.
I was even looking around for somebody on the site (one that didnt look busy) whom I could show this, but both guys nearby were involved in something else so I didnt bother them.

It looks like something that's gonna need resolved sooner rather than later.

jeremyck01 · « **Reply #1209 on:** June 22, 2012, 09:24:15 AM »

Thank you for responding Rockitect and Clueless. I'm glad to hear that it's not a major problem (even thought it doesn't look good) and that the site will be cleaned up before the official unveiling.

MuRrAy HiLL · « **Reply #1210 on:** July 01, 2012, 12:48:42 PM »

A few new pics from the south side:

1) Chipotle is open

2) A new boutique signage is up

3) Panera Bread signage is up in the "alley"

4) Restaurant planners in the window...Sasa?

ClevelandOhio · « **Reply #1211 on:** July 01, 2012, 03:38:42 PM »

Thanks for the picture updates.

And I knew that boutique's name sounded familiar. Its currently in Little Italy. Too bad its most likely just moving, creating an empty space nearby. Should probably get more traffic though.

AJ93 · « **Reply #1212 on:** July 02, 2012, 07:13:48 AM »

Wait, is Sasa moving from Shaker Square?

StrapHanger · « **Reply #1213 on:** July 02, 2012, 07:18:32 AM »

^Nah, it's just another place by the same restaurateur, to be called "Accent."

Great photos Murrah Hill! I have to admit that Chipotle and Panera aren't exactly what I had in mind when the concept of "the alley" was first described, but I'm still happy with the large share of local table service places that will be here too.

ClevelandOhio · « **Reply #1214 on:** July 02, 2012, 07:18:42 AM »

Quote from: AJ93 on July 02, 2012, 07:13:48 AM

Wait, is Sasa moving from Shaker Square?

Looks like they are opening a new restuarant named Accent. Not moving Sasa. And that spot in the picture is Accent.

https://twitter.com/SASArestaurant/statuses/143040846663659520

EDIT: Straphanger beat me to it.

dwirthwein · « **Reply #1215 on:** July 02, 2012, 07:19:42 AM »

Sasa owner opening new place here. Has been no mention of it moving, to my knowledge.

AJ93 · « **Reply #1216 on:** July 02, 2012, 07:28:20 AM »

Hey, I like the idea of a new location. Sasa is one of my favorites.

lockdog · « **Reply #1217 on:** July 03, 2012, 06:06:54 PM »

thanks for the pics... almost like I felt when I came home and saw jacobs field for the first time...

StrangeBrew · « **Reply #1218 on:** July 10, 2012, 01:13:03 PM »

http://blog.cleveland.com/architecture/2012/07/peter_b_lewis_donates_5_millio.html

MuRrAy HiLL · « **Reply #1219 on:** July 10, 2012, 01:54:41 PM »

Quote from: StrangeBrew on July 10, 2012, 01:13:03 PM

http://blog.cleveland.com/architecture/2012/07/peter_b_lewis_donates_5_millio.html

Posted in the CIA Expansion thread http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,18747.msg630258/

Mov2Ohio · « **Reply #1220 on:** August 07, 2012, 01:31:53 PM »

Got a tour of Uptown this evening. Below are some of the pics.

CleveChiNola · « **Reply #1221 on:** August 07, 2012, 04:34:23 PM »

I know there are mixed opinions on the subject, but I ABSOLUTELY LOVE the statement uptown with MOCA makes about UC and the Cleve in general.

That statement, in my mind goes something like "F*ck yeah we did this, and if you are impressed now, try wandering off of Euclid Ave a bit. Oh, and later... you're welcome"

Ok, I really like this development, second only to the convention center

surfohio · « **Reply #1222 on:** August 08, 2012, 02:41:13 AM »

Quote from: Mov2Ohio on August 07, 2012, 01:31:53 PM

Got a tour of Uptown this evening. Below are some of the pics.

I'm getting a mixed "futuristic-nostalgic" vibe from these pics.

Loving it. Thanks for posting.

Mov2Ohio · « **Reply #1223 on:** August 08, 2012, 03:13:30 AM »

No problem.

I know its been mentioned before, but I just wish everything wasn't so gray, wish there was a little more color on the Uptown buildings. Other than that I can't wait for this to become a busy district as the center of Cleveland's second Downtown.

A side note. Chris Ronayne did mention that the Secretary of HUD was in town looking at this development as well as Circle East as UCI is looking to get funds to help build Phase II of that Development. Also the Secretary of the DOT was in town looking at the success of the Euclid Corridor.

StrapHanger · « **Reply #1224 on:** August 08, 2012, 03:17:37 AM »

Any word on how the residential leasing has been going for Uptown?

News:

Author Topic: Cleveland: Uptown (UARD) in University Circle (Read 200492 times)