Topic: Cleveland: Demolition Watch

[Sherman Cahal]

How many historic buildings in Detroit have been razed by Gilbert companies?

Actually, he's one of the biggest property owners in Detroit and has saved a considerable number of buildings from demolition. Historic properties, at that. It's very well documented.

More photos of the demolition: http://photos.cleveland.com/plain-dealer/2012/12/demolition_starts_at_the_stanl_1.html

[New World Techno Boy]

One of the things that struck me most about the former Stanley block was how thick and strong the exterior brick walls were... As I watched this amazing block being destroyed, it seemed that the walls were very similar to ancient ruins I've seen in European cities...Decide for your self after looking at these photos...

[CleveChiNola]

Just kills me

[natininja]

Is this for casino parking?

[KJP]

Sometimes I really hate this country. Who do we think we are to declare that a pre-fab, erector-set parking garage is more important than a building that pre-dates many nations?

After my parents are gone, I'll have much less reason to stay in this nation that claims to love itself yet loves to erase its identity. Whether I'll have the balls to move remains to be seen.

[StrapHanger]

Is this for casino parking?

Sort of, but it's a lot more complicated.  The building was neglected for decades, and in recent years any decisions about redevelopment or normal demo were paralyzed by a dispute between ownership groups (one of which was controlled by the casino).  It's actually the city demoing the property now because of its condition (ostensibly), bot the owners.

I know this seemed like a minor building to a lot of folks, but it was actually a pretty significant specimen of stone-fronted 19th century commercial architecture for Cleveland.  Much more refined, IMHO, than the brick Victorian stuff that survives.  I'm extremely bummed to see it come down.

[CleveChiNola]

If Cleveland did not learn the lesson that it should not tear down buildings for parking from its decades of decline, and rebirths of threatened areas like Playhouse Square, did the city learn anything?

[New World Techno Boy]

(re: Stanley Block) Ok, one more comment and then I'm letting this one go.  I had to stop by one more time early this Sunday morning.  The crushed building has been scooped away, exposing the basement, which to me, is always one of the most interesting parts of an old house/building.  The sight reminded me so much of some old photos I'd seen of when the old Forest City house was demo'd for the Cleveland Union Terminal project.  I presume they'll leave the old sandstone and brick basement walls in place and just fill in the basement with fill dirt.  That will make for an interesting archeological dig at some point in the future...

The smell of pine that is always so strong at Cleveland demo sites, was very strong this morning - there was still some leftover timbers crushed in the wet snow.  I grabbed some pictures.  Then I made sure the cops on the corner were not watching me and I jumped the barricades and grabbed an in tact brick to add to my collection of bricks from recently demo's Cleveland landmarks.  Of all the bricks I've collected, this one is the heaviest and most solid. RIP Stanley Block.

[KJP]

Interesting back wall on the right side of the basement. Its imperfections (none of the blocks line up in any kind of order) compared to the rest of the foundation tells me this may have been part of an even older and smaller structure that occupied this site. I wonder if that was the case, and if so, what was that building?

[X]

Very sad and disappointing

Historic Euclid Avenue church will be razed, after vote by Cleveland Landmarks Commission

Michelle Jarboe McFee, The Plain Dealer By Michelle Jarboe McFee, The Plain Dealer
on February 14, 2013 at 4:10 PM, updated February 14, 2013 at 4:55 PM

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A historic church at the edge of the Cleveland Clinic's main campus will be razed, after a Thursday vote by the Cleveland Landmarks Commission paved the way for demolition.

The commission's decision ends a two-year quest by the Euclid Avenue Church of God to knock down its former home, which sits empty at 8601 Euclid Ave.

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2013/02/historic_euclid_avenue_church.html#incart_river_default

[CleveChiNola]

Does the city have any programs that help maintain or find new uses for landmark buildings?  I know there are federal and state tax credits, but what about the city?

[TheCOV]

It's almost always the same bullcrap story-   demolition by neglect because these organizations fail to maintain their property, and the city governments fail to enforce their own laws and allows them to reach this poiint of no return.  These groups magically always have enough money to flee to the burbs and obtain new digs!!  Isn't that amazing?  Proof they could have been maintaining existing infrastructure all along. 
The final nail in the coffin for these properties is their astronomically high listing prices for the unwanted real estate.  Of course we are going to end up with this "wipe the slate clean" mentality that begets a new, mediocre structure, if we are lucky to escape the land becoming a parking lot.

Pathetic observation about our throw-away society...  and another reason I can't  keep a straight face around "religious" people and their "time tested" beliefs.  They can't even keep their own church buildings from being demoed.  Why should I not think the same about their religious dogma?

[dave68]

It's almost always the same bullcrap story-   demolition by neglect because these organizations fail to maintain their property, and the city governments fail to enforce their own laws and allows them to reach this poiint of no return.  These groups magically always have enough money to flee to the burbs and obtain new digs!!  Isn't that amazing?  Proof they could have been maintaining existing infrastructure all along. 
The final nail in the coffin for these properties is their astronomically high listing prices for the unwanted real estate.  Of course we are going to end up with this "wipe the slate clean" mentality that begets a new, mediocre structure, if we are lucky to escape the land becoming a parking lot.

Pathetic observation about our throw-away society...  and another reason I can't  keep a straight face around "religious" people and their "time tested" beliefs.  They can't even keep their own church buildings from being demoed.  Why should I not think the same about their religious dogma?

Well said

[ClevelandOhio]

Seems like Thomas Coffey is the only one who deserves to be on the commission.

From the article...

"Thomas Coffey, an attorney and the sole Landmarks Commission member to vote against the demolition request, said the decision points to deeper, systemic problems with city ordinances meant to protect landmarks and force property owners to maintain their buildings. He views the Euclid Avenue Church of God as a case of demolition by neglect.

"If the city would start enforcing its own ordinance requiring owners to take care of their property, the entire city would benefit," he said in an interview, adding "Nobody could have convinced me that voting for that demolition was the right thing to do.""


And from an article months ago about the Columbia Building... Which he voted against...

"Commissioner Thomas Coffey questioned the developer's representatives at length about the history of the Columbia Building and whether they considered putting the parking operation in the May Company garage across Prospect. Coffey said the current proposal was the "cheap alternative."
"They have all the big guns out to support this," Coffey said. "This building does not have to come down.""

[Mendo]

I get that sinking feeling in my stomach every time I see this thread pop-up on the "new post" list. This news is why.

[Etheostoma Caeruleum]

The landmarks commission is a total joke. Their is always a convenient excuse to demolish history. Their is no learning from the past poor decisions.

[KJP]

Very sad and disappointing

Historic Euclid Avenue church will be razed, after vote by Cleveland Landmarks Commission

Michelle Jarboe McFee, The Plain Dealer By Michelle Jarboe McFee, The Plain Dealer
on February 14, 2013 at 4:10 PM, updated February 14, 2013 at 4:55 PM

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A historic church at the edge of the Cleveland Clinic's main campus will be razed, after a Thursday vote by the Cleveland Landmarks Commission paved the way for demolition.

The commission's decision ends a two-year quest by the Euclid Avenue Church of God to knock down its former home, which sits empty at 8601 Euclid Ave.

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2013/02/historic_euclid_avenue_church.html#incart_river_default

Gee, if you check the Landmarks Commission page on the City Planning website, you'd never know that a meeting was even scheduled, let alone what was on their agenda. The agenda page hasn't been updated since before the Jan. 24 meeting....

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/landmark/

[Mendo]

Anybody that thinks this city isn't still corrupt as sh!t, I've got this bridge to sell you. It's got this wonderful view overlooking some surface parking.

[CleveChiNola]

Bob Brown's legacy will be of how much was destroyed, rather than what was built.
Im not angry anymore, just sad.

[KJP]

I wasn't suggesting that some under-handedness was happening. In fact, I'm aware that CPC is pretty overwhelmed with work right now and under-staffed. But dammit, I want the meeting agendas!! 

[E Rocc]

Meanwhile, the old Maple Heights High School's in the process of being torn down.   Only the gym (a separate building that's still one of NE Ohio's best facilities) and a couple other outbuildings will remain. 
http://mapleheightsalumni.ning.com/photo/album/show?id=2513118%3AAlbum%3A83216&xg_source=activity

[KJP]

Two more facing the grim reaper.....

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/landmark/agenda/2013/02282013/index.php

Lorain Station Historic District:Â Case 13-007
9227 Lorain Avenue
Demolition
Ward 16 Westbrook

Ohio City Historic District
3135 Whitman Avenue
Demolition
Ward 3 Cimperman

[jjames0408]

The Lorain Ave property makes sense. It opens up a decent size lot for development and the building itself detracts from the historical aspect of the neighborhood. I don't see anything wrong with the home on Whitman though. The lot is pretty small also, so it seems it would be demolished for open space :/

[X]

On the plus side, 1374 East 25th, the Mathias Stepp house, one of my favorites in the city, is up for Landmark status!

[Clueless,Ohio]

Must be one of these on E 25th that's getting whacked.
Either one is a shame

[Cleburger]

I love that brick behemoth on E 25th!   I used to work around the corner on St Clair and always wondered what the inside looks like.

[TheCOV]

Cleveland doesn't really have a ton of that stuff left.  One day, it will ALL be gone....

[X]

Must be one of these on E 25th that's getting whacked.
Either one is a shame

It's up for Landmark nomination, not for demolition.

[TheCOV]

Thank God!

[Clueless,Ohio]

Ooops, glad Im wrong.

[ClevelandOhio]

I believe that second one dates back to atleast 1881. Same for the two brick structures at the corner.

[MuRrAy HiLL]

A few more century old homes coming down:

Cleveland Heights, East Cleveland look to revive depressed North Coventry neighborhood By Brian Byrne, Sun News Sun News
on March 22, 2013 at 12:00 PM Print 

  CLEVELAND HEIGHTS -- City Council is collaborating with East Cleveland officials in an effort to rejuvenate the struggling North Coventry neighborhood.


Utilizing funding provided by the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor's Office and the Cuyahoga County Land Bank, the cities have embarked on an initiative to demolish blighting vacant homes in the hopes of attracting renters and investment to North Coventry.

"We all love Coventry (Village), and understand the importance of that commercial and residential area as an economic and cultural driver for our city. However, North Coventry...has not shared in the prosperity of the traditional Coventry (Village) area," he said.


East Cleveland was awarded $1 million each from the land bank and prosecutor's office, and Cleveland Heights $100,000 from both to clear problem vacant properties. On March 18, Cleveland Heights City Council took the first step to demolish five such homes - on Coventry, Eddington and Glenmont roads - and is expected to take action on a second round in the coming weeks.

http://www.cleveland.com/cleveland-heights/index.ssf/2013/03/cleveland_heights_east_clevela.html

[KJP]

OK, so not every building gets demolished when the owner (in this case a labor union) claims the building is beyond saving......

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/bza/bbs/agenda/2013/AGENDA03272013.pdf

Agenda
BOARD OF BUILDING STANDARDS AND BUILDING APPEALS
Room 514 – City Hall
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2013
BUILDING: PUBLIC HEARING: 9:30A.M.
Docket A-331-12 3600 Euclid Avenue WARD: 8
(Jeffrey D. Johnson)
International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 18, Owner of the Property appeals from
a NOTICE OF VIOLATION—ELEVATOR, dated November 29, 2012; appellant states that
3600 Euclid Avenue is a vacant building, unoccupied, and has been such for over five (5)
years; the building is permanently sealed and barricaded; there was no inspection of the
elevator by any personnel from the City of Cleveland on or near November 29, 2012; all power
to the vacant and unoccupied building is and has been disconnected; the International Union
of Operating Engineers, Local 18, the owner, attempted several years ago to demolish the
building, however, the Midtown Development Corporation, the City Planning Commission/
Midtown, and the City Architect have all refused to acknowledge deterioration of the building
and its total lack of commercial viability, and refused to approve a demolition permit. Appellant
respectfully request that violation #V12049143 be withdrawn.

[KJP]

had to shake my head at this one.......

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/bza/bbs/agenda/2013/AGENDA03272013.pdf

Agenda
BOARD OF BUILDING STANDARDS AND BUILDING APPEALS
Room 514 – City Hall
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2013

Docket A-1-13 10815 Mt. Carmel Road WARD: 6
(Mamie J. Mitchell)

Shaughn Hubbard, Owner of the One Dwelling Unit Single-Family Residence Two & One/half
Story Frame Property appeals from a CONDEMNATION ORDER—MAIN STRUC-TURE,
dated December 17, 2012; appellant request two (2) years in which to abate the violations
because she will be in prison for two (2) years.

[E Rocc]

OK, so not every building gets demolished when the owner (in this case a labor union) claims the building is beyond saving......

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/bza/bbs/agenda/2013/AGENDA03272013.pdf

Agenda
BOARD OF BUILDING STANDARDS AND BUILDING APPEALS
Room 514 – City Hall
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2013
BUILDING: PUBLIC HEARING: 9:30A.M.
Docket A-331-12 3600 Euclid Avenue WARD: 8
(Jeffrey D. Johnson)
International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 18, Owner of the Property appeals from
a NOTICE OF VIOLATION—ELEVATOR, dated November 29, 2012; appellant states that
3600 Euclid Avenue is a vacant building, unoccupied, and has been such for over five (5)
years; the building is permanently sealed and barricaded; there was no inspection of the
elevator by any personnel from the City of Cleveland on or near November 29, 2012; all power
to the vacant and unoccupied building is and has been disconnected; the International Union
of Operating Engineers, Local 18, the owner, attempted several years ago to demolish the
building, however, the Midtown Development Corporation, the City Planning Commission/
Midtown, and the City Architect have all refused to acknowledge deterioration of the building
and its total lack of commercial viability, and refused to approve a demolition permit. Appellant
respectfully request that violation #V12049143 be withdrawn.

I'd say it's worth investigating how the violation got written....