Topic: CLEVELAND - Park Building Condo Open House!

[MayDay]

So I paid a visit to the Park Building's Condo Open House - the Park Building was built in 1904 and is undergoing conversion into 27 condos. It has a primo location, great views and from what I could tell - nice finishes in the units. They're planning to add a top level of glassed penthouse suites in the near future. A little note of trivia - in "A Christmas Story" - it's one of the very first buildings you see. The project already has seven pre-sales, which is pretty impressive since this project has been decidely low-key compared to other condo projects in downtown. I have to give credit to James Howells, son of the building owner for letting me up to the ninth floor to take some pics of the amazing views.

The Park Building is on the lower left:


The model unit:


Stupid blinds! The realtor said that they're operable but also might be removable - I know I'd be ditching them.


Looking back toward the entrance:


*Love* the built-in corner shelf:


Grrrr... blinds!


Looking toward the living area - note the bay windows with west and north exposures:


Den to the left, dining ahead, tray ceiling above:


#@*%# blinds!


Love the fireplace!


In the den area, looking toward the kitchen:


Master bath:


Funky light fixture - maybe vintage?


Master bedroom, with the Higbee Building outside:


Looking from the master to the second bedroom:


From the main corridor into the master suite:


The main corridor, with what was one of the best food/drink spreads I've ever seen for an open house (other developers take note). What was cool was that almost all the food came from restaurants/eateries that are already in the building (Susy's Soups, Sushi 86, etc.).


I love the vintage staircase:


Next, up to the 9th floor!

This will be the nightlight for the people who buy the penthouse level units:


Soldiers and Sailors Monument:


Nice view up Ontario:


Soon enough, those parking lots might be going away


75 Public Square (which the realtor mentioned as a prime condo conversion opportunity) and the Old Stone Church:


Society for Savings:


The Old Federal Building in the foreground, and the new(ish) Federal Building in the background:


Society for Savings and the Marriott at Key Center:


Cleveland's Lady Liberty ready to take on Key Tower:


Rock Hall, Goodtime III, the Lake - what more could you want?


The floorplan - the model suite's is on the left:


They brought in a band for the opening:


I love the old-school mailboxes - they're staying.


On my way to catch a bus, I snapped a pic of the Arcade and ran into Mister Good Day as well


Good night!

[MyTwoSense]

MayDay......FABULOUS Pictures. 

I agree, the blinds and that generic hardware on the doors sucked .  I wonder why they didn't pick a more appropriate hardware that match the stairways?  The hardware on the cabinets in what I think was the dining room and the bathroom are nice.  The corner niche and tray ceiling is cool.

I like that they added crown molding in the Kitchen.  I'm not a big fan of the fireplace, but the view and the fact that 7 are already sold is a great thing!

I love the pics across the sea of parking lots to the Pinnacle and the zoom shoot of NCH!  damn that one might camera!

Another (potential) condo rehab on public square you say???

Downtown is looking pretty sweet man!

[3231]

Awesome!

[MayDay]

"I'm not a big fan of the fireplace,"

1. Fireplace going.
2. Public Square lit up for the holidays.
3. Mulled wine, Mulled cider and/or Christmas Ale flowing freely for your guests.

*OR*

1. Fireplace going. Lights off.
2. Public Square lit up for the holidays.
3. Mulled wine, Mulled cider and/or Christmas Ale flowing freely for you and your S.O.
4. Lights off.

Tell me again how the fireplace is a bad thing?

[KJP]

Very nice pictures (though I see you don't like blinds!!). Looks like you beat the crowds to the open house! Makes it easier to get better pictures without lots of people blocking the views.

FYI the floors in each unit are all made of maple while the trim is oak. Some of the floors were covered by linoleum tiles (YEECH) but have since been removed to reveal the maple below. In the common-area hallways, the floors are terrazzo, installed in the late 1940s, with granite and marble for the walls and stairwells.

[3231]

I am so glad that this building is selling so quickly. It should serve as an example to developers that if you provide the right product that people will buy it. 

[MyTwoSense]

"I'm not a big fan of the fireplace,"

1. Fireplace going.
2. Public Square lit up for the holidays.
3. Mulled wine, Mulled cider and/or Christmas Ale flowing freely for your guests.

*OR*

1. Fireplace going. Lights off.
2. Public Square lit up for the holidays.
3. Mulled wine, Mulled cider and/or Christmas Ale flowing freely for you and your S.O.
4. Lights off.

Tell me again how the fireplace is a bad thing?

I'm not a fan of the marble tiles around that fireplace.  However, once you move in you can take them down, put up a fireplace that works with the crown molding and give it a modern twist, they could have even used (colored) glass tiles or quartz.

That fireplace just doesn't work right to me, it looks like an after thought.  However, every person has his/her own taste.  Thats just how it looks to me.

I like fireplaces, for the very reason's you mentioned above.  In winter I love looking out of my apartment, onto the lawn, with all the lights aglow on the the christmas tree coming into my living room.  And who doesn't like making smoores in the fireplace??!!   

[MyTwoSense]

Very nice pictures (though I see you don't like blinds!!). Looks like you beat the crowds to the open house! Makes it easier to get better pictures without lots of people blocking the views.

FYI the floors in each unit are all made of maple while the trim is oak. Some of the floors were covered by linoleum tiles (YEECH) but have since been removed to reveal the maple below. In the common-area hallways, the floors are terrazzo, installed in the late 1940s, with granite and marble for the walls and stairwells.

I bet after all the construction is done and those floors, walls, stairs, railings and any original fictures that they decide to keep, are given some love and care, the common areas will be out of sight!

[StrapHanger]

What an awesome project.  Thanks MayDay for the shots.

[ink]

I'm impressed!

[KJP]

I bet after all the construction is done and those floors, walls, stairs, railings and any original fictures that they decide to keep, are given some love and care, the common areas will be out of sight!

Fortunately, the building is in very good condition. The building was owned by three generations of the Swetland family from when it was built in 1904 to 2006. They maintained it very well. Although wood floors weren't in vogue in the middle part of the 20th century and thus got covered over, they did take care of the oak trim, and kept the marble and granite in the common hallways.

I'm sure many of us have seen buildings prior to their renovation and wondered how in the world can these buildings be saved. But, yet they come out looking great. The Park Building looks almost ready to move in now, aside from the dust and the fact that the suites are still configured as offices. Howells told me the biggest expense he will have is updating the building's mechanicals. The reconfiguration of the suites into condominiums, expense-wise, is not a big deal. However, he said that he, his staff and the project architect spent many meetings intensely debating how to configure individual condo units within the confines of existing interior and exterior walls. That was a big challenge for this project.

[3231]

^is he going to renovate the rest of the building all at once or is he going to renovate them as they sell? 

Any word on when the building will be finished? (if they renovate all at once)

[X]

It looks like it lays out real nice for housing.  If I didn't know better, I would assume from the pictures that it was purpose built for housing.  Of course, it could feel different in person.

[FrqntFlyr]

^is he going to renovate the rest of the building all at once or is he going to renovate them as they sell? 

Any word on when the building will be finished? (if they renovate all at once)

I asked about the timeline.  I was told that units would be renovated as they sell them.

[KJP]

^is he going to renovate the rest of the building all at once or is he going to renovate them as they sell? 

Any word on when the building will be finished? (if they renovate all at once)

He's starting renovations next month (those that he can get away with in the absence of a permit). He's hoping to have the first units ready for occupancy this summer, with the entire building renovated in 18 months (including the Southworth Building). So, yes, people will move in as the units are ready. But he's got a lot of work to do on replacing the wiring, plumbing, HVAC, etc. before anyone can move in.

At this rate, I won't have to write the Sun article. I'll just refer Sun's readers here!

[clvlndr]

This is a great adaptive reuse.  Our downtown is certainly impressive architecturally.

[musky]

I've been telling a few friends looking to buy about this place (as well as the Avenue).
If they buy, is there a finders fee?

[the pope]

when i walked by after work, i kept staring up into the window to try and get on someone's camera.

[Florida Guy]

Summertime... Green trees, blue skys, aqua lake.

Nightime any season... Priceless.

[the pope]

^typical response from any coworker of mine: "why would you want to look at bums all day?"

[MyTwoSense]

^typical response from any coworker of mine: "why would you want to look at bums all day?"

and what was your snappy reply to that?

[the pope]

^typical response from any coworker of mine: "why would you want to look at bums all day?"

and what was your snappy reply to that?

i've given up on "lecturing" them. Instead I try to get them to unique restaurants or fun happy hours to let them experience it for themselves.

[Florida Guy]

^ Good way to go. I would guess it becomes tiresome...

The history, the lake, public square, society, key bank, soldiers and sailors monument, and yes even the bums. This is the city and the melting pot of NEO. I would not have it any other way.

[KJP]

^typical response from any coworker of mine: "why would you want to look at bums all day?"

Proposed response #1: "I get plenty of practice looking at you all day, don't I?"
Proposed response #2: "Well maybe if you worked harder you wouldn't be such a bum."
Proposed response #3: "Why not, they have better manners than you do."
Proposed response #4: "f$&k off, you suburban elitist."

[Florida Guy]

^Very diplomatic, ILMAO!!!

[MyTwoSense]

^typical response from any coworker of mine: "why would you want to look at bums all day?"

Proposed response #1: "I get plenty of practice looking at you all day, dont' I?"
Proposed response #2: "Well maybe if you worked harder you wouldn't be such a bum."
Proposed response #3: "Why not, they have better manners than you do."
Proposed response #3: "f$&k off, you suburban elitist."

OH MY GOD...those responses were so KOOW-ish. 

KJP you're so polite, I wouldn't expect those appropriate responses from you. 

i've given up on "lecturing" them. Instead I try to get them to unique restaurants or fun happy hours to let them experience it for themselves.

Smart!

[jamiec]

^typical response from any coworker of mine: "why would you want to look at bums all day?"

and what was your snappy reply to that?

i've given up on "lecturing" them. Instead I try to get them to unique restaurants or fun happy hours to let them experience it for themselves.

Yeah, my brother-in-law said this to me, too.



Nice pictures, though! The building looks quite cozy!

I'm with MTS, I don't like that style of fireplace, but overall, that has got be one of the coolest places to live. And 75 Public Square would be a FANTASTIC building to live in. It's beautiful.

[KJP]

OH MY GOD...those responses were so KOOW-ish. 

KJP you're so polite, I wouldn't expect those appropriate responses from you. 

KOOW-ish? Wazzat?

Polite? Yes, most times I am. But you have to develop an asshole to work (and survive) in the media.

[MyTwoSense]

OH MY GOD...those responses were so KOOW-ish. 

KJP you're so polite, I wouldn't expect those appropriate responses from you. 

KOOW-ish? Wazzat?

Polite? Yes, most times I am. But you have to develop an asshole to work (and survive) in the media.

KOOW= Kingfish Out Of Water

[Florida Guy]

But one has a neutral prospective and is a class act...

[From Heights to Harlem]

Thats really Nice.  But the picture of the parking lots is such a downer.

Public square will be great focal point and if the speculated tower across the street goes condo, the warehouse and gateway districts will be one continous neighborhood, but with unique personalities.

[whispergirl]

OMG!!!! These condo's are amazingly beautiful...they have the urbanchic italian decor and feel...the ambience is amazing coming through the pics...lol! i would love to of borrowed one of the band member pin striped jackets. KUDOS 2 CLEVETOWN!!

[carolecohen]

May Day you rock! Now I was at the Brokers open for this but maybe you were at the real open house? It would be funny if you and i were there at the same time but of course didn't know each other LOL.  I think we were at different ones. In any event, this bldg has made leaps and bounds in sales since you so accurately reported on this. It is truly wonderful and if I win the lottery I want to live there too! Fabulous photos!  (yeah, I'm late to the party but at least I found this!)

[DJ Orion]

Just for reference, do you know how much those condos sold or are still selling for?? I am trying to get a feel for some of the cites on my "Prospective Cities to live In" list.. haha  great thread btw im glad it got bumped!!!

[3231]

May Day you rock! Now I was at the Brokers open for this but maybe you were at the real open house? It would be funny if you and i were there at the same time but of course didn't know each other LOL.  I think we were at different ones. In any event, this bldg has made leaps and bounds in sales since you so accurately reported on this. It is truly wonderful and if I win the lottery I want to live there too! Fabulous photos!  (yeah, I'm late to the party but at least I found this!)

Do you know that sales numbers so far?

[FrqntFlyr]

I found this on PURE's site.  It looks like 11 out of 27 are sold.

http://www.progressiveurban.com/new_construction/park/floorplan.htm

And I found a rendering of the penthouse addition that will be done to the building.

http://www.progressiveurban.com/new_construction/park/Park_Building_Exterior_lg.jpg

[Map Boy]

I like.  And though I expected brisker sales (I'm an optimist), this number in the current real estate climate is still good!  Anyone know if work has begun?

[Florida Guy]

Just for reference, do you know how much those condos sold or are still selling for?? I am trying to get a feel for some of the cites on my "Prospective Cities to live In" list.. haha  great thread btw im glad it got bumped!!!

$179,000 - $275,000

[FrqntFlyr]

Anyone know if work has begun?

I've noticed a dumpster in the alley next to the May Co. building, but don't know much else.

[DJ Orion]

Just for reference, do you know how much those condos sold or are still selling for?? I am trying to get a feel for some of the cites on my "Prospective Cities to live In" list.. haha  great thread btw im glad it got bumped!!!

$179,000 - $275,000

Wow I was thinking wayy more.. Thanks a lot!  I guess I'm still used to the cost of living in New Jersey.. lol

[Florida Guy]

That was pre-construction and of course the penthouse, etc. will be more.

[jmjr]

These are great!  We looked at these before choosing Battery Park and really did fall in love with the whole urban feel.  Almost a NYC, black and white movie, uptown feel.  Very chic!  For us the difficulty was in having more than one vehicle and the parking issue.  We came within 15 minutes of signing on the dotted line but decided that we needed to think more about it and as a result decided on more of a single family home.

Now, once we retire in 10 to 15 years, just like Jason at Halloween -- we'll be back!

[gotribe]

^C'mon man, Jason was in Friday the 13th...and I think you're thinking of Arnold.

[KJP]

Now, once we retire in 10 to 15 years, just like Jason at Halloween -- we'll be back!

You just combined three movies into a single buzz line.

[jmjr]

After a while all those knife wielding, blood soaked, screaming & crying scenes all look the same so forgive my movie-ola ignorance!

[MyTwoSense]

Well in jmjr's defense, it is "slasher movie" season.

[UncleRando]

Looks great...who wouldn't want to live in a gorgeous building like that with those breathtaking views?  On another note, the Arcade takes my breath away every time I see it.