Transportation
After decades of population loss, cities like Cleveland, Denver, Detroit, Minneapolis-St. Paul and Pittsburgh are now growing faster than the rest of their metro areas. Urban developers are trying to attract the right amenities to support the new wave of urbanites. So what’s needed to sustain a dense and vibrant city? The answers might surprise you.
university study ranks cities' walkability; cleveland in top 10
In a recently released report by the Center for Real Estate and Urban Analysis at George Washington University School of Business in conjunction with Smart Growth America, the 30 largest U.S. cities were ranked by how walkable they are. This is key indicator on how cities are shifting from suburban sprawl to urban infill.
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“The researchers, including Leinberger, first looked at Walkscore heat maps, focusing on areas that scored high. They then looked at areas with significant regional importance, meaning they have at least 1.4 million square feet of office space and more than 340,000 square feet of retail space. They combined these factors to determine areas they call "walkable urban places" or WalkUPs.”
But the report doesn’t just evaluate the present; it looks ahead.
“Researchers then tried to predict how these areas would grow in the future by looking at trend lines and pricing premiums in rent space, which indicate demand level. For example, demand around train stations in places like Washington, D.C. is so high commercial and residential renters can pay a premium of between 50 and 80 percent, said Emerick Corsi, president of Cleveland-based Forest City Enterprises Real Estate Services.
Coming in at No. 10 is Cleveland.
“Ohio's largest city hangs on to the bottom spot in the Top 10, but that may change soon. It's set to plummet to No. 24 in the future. Cleveland is one of a handful of older industrial cities where walkability is largely rooted in the past, where a strong city center is walkable while the rest of the surrounding suburban area lacks any kind of walkable urban space.”
Read the rest here.
?
“The researchers, including Leinberger, first looked at Walkscore heat maps, focusing on areas that scored high. They then looked at areas with significant regional importance, meaning they have at least 1.4 million square feet of office space and more than 340,000 square feet of retail space. They combined these factors to determine areas they call "walkable urban places" or WalkUPs.”
But the report doesn’t just evaluate the present; it looks ahead.
“Researchers then tried to predict how these areas would grow in the future by looking at trend lines and pricing premiums in rent space, which indicate demand level. For example, demand around train stations in places like Washington, D.C. is so high commercial and residential renters can pay a premium of between 50 and 80 percent, said Emerick Corsi, president of Cleveland-based Forest City Enterprises Real Estate Services.
Coming in at No. 10 is Cleveland.
“Ohio's largest city hangs on to the bottom spot in the Top 10, but that may change soon. It's set to plummet to No. 24 in the future. Cleveland is one of a handful of older industrial cities where walkability is largely rooted in the past, where a strong city center is walkable while the rest of the surrounding suburban area lacks any kind of walkable urban space.”
Read the rest here.
Navigating the streets of Cleveland on a bicycle is nothing new to Will Ansley; he's an experienced and dedicated bike messenger. “A lot of people do it for a little bit and either can’t handle it or don’t like it,” Ansley says of the high rate of turnover in his vocation.
The only problem Ansley has encountered is that he wasn't earning his fair share. “A lot of [messenger] companies these days don’t give you a fair percentage of the rate they are charging,” Ansley says. “Since you’re not getting that much money and the company doesn’t care about their workers, people leave.”
So Ansley decided to take matters into his own hands. This past March he launched Ohio City-based North Coast Courier, the only employee-owned bike courier service in Cleveland. He based the company on a trend he’d seen in Chicago, where many courier companies are worker-owned and everyone gets a say in company decisions.
Right now, North Coast Courier is focused on personal deliveries, like food and groceries. But the company will deliver pretty much whatever a customer wants. The delivery zones are downtown from the lake to Carnegie Avenue and E. 30th Street, Tremont, Ohio City and Gordon Square. The cost is only $5 for delivery in any of these zones and $7 for delivery beyond E. 9th Street.
There are a few spots that North Coast Courier also will deliver to: The Hildebrandt Building, 78th Street Studios, the Flats and Jakprints. “It’s because we know a lot of people in those buildings and lots of them are worker-owned businesses or solo-owned,” explains Ansley.
The only problem Ansley has encountered is that he wasn't earning his fair share. “A lot of [messenger] companies these days don’t give you a fair percentage of the rate they are charging,” Ansley says. “Since you’re not getting that much money and the company doesn’t care about their workers, people leave.”
So Ansley decided to take matters into his own hands. This past March he launched Ohio City-based North Coast Courier, the only employee-owned bike courier service in Cleveland. He based the company on a trend he’d seen in Chicago, where many courier companies are worker-owned and everyone gets a say in company decisions.
Right now, North Coast Courier is focused on personal deliveries, like food and groceries. But the company will deliver pretty much whatever a customer wants. The delivery zones are downtown from the lake to Carnegie Avenue and E. 30th Street, Tremont, Ohio City and Gordon Square. The cost is only $5 for delivery in any of these zones and $7 for delivery beyond E. 9th Street.
There are a few spots that North Coast Courier also will deliver to: The Hildebrandt Building, 78th Street Studios, the Flats and Jakprints. “It’s because we know a lot of people in those buildings and lots of them are worker-owned businesses or solo-owned,” explains Ansley.
There's more than one way to get around Cleveland. As more and more alternative transportation options like Lyft, Uber and pedicabs enter the local market, residents are discovering that it's increasingly becoming easier to leave the wheels at home. Fresh Water took them for a test drive.
Sometimes, even the most adventurous resident can grow a little too comfortable living in the same city after a while. But one can always find something new to discover if we just dig a little deeper. Lucky for us, a number of smartphone apps will help the explorer in all of us get reacquainted with the city we call home.
It's been four and a half years since the first edition of "Moon Handbooks: Cleveland" was published. Considering all that has taken place in Cleveland during that time, author and Fresh Water managing editor Douglas Trattner says that for the second edition, which was released this week, he went back to the starting gate.
Issue Media Group publications such as Pop City in Pittsburgh, The Line in Minneapolis and Soapbox in Cincinnati cover "what's next" in urban centers. In this recurring feature, we highlight the top stories in urban innovation from across our national network.
If you're considering a move to Cleveland, there might be no better means to examine the broad range of residential options than by hopping aboard a City Life tour hosted by Cleveland Neighborhood Progress. In a few short hours, participants enjoy an immersive dive into a number of Cleveland's most in-demand neighborhoods.
Austin McGuan, an attorney with Squire Sanders, first learned about the City of Cleveland's bike parking ordinance a few years ago. A regular bike commuter, McGuan began inquiring about his own landlord's bike parking facility and learned that it was not in compliance. So he worked with his firm, the landlord and the building management to reach a good solution.
Today, thanks to the efforts of McGuan and other members of the Squire Sanders bike committee, the firm has safe, covered bike parking at the front of the garage, offers employees memberships in the Bike Rack downtown, and sponsors regular bike commuting and recreational events. The firm recently received a silver-level bicycle friendly business designation -- the only company or organization in Northeast Ohio to receive this coveted award, and the fourth in Ohio.
"Before, we had a rim-bender bike rack that was tucked into a dark corner, always in a puddle," says McGuane. "If you want to encourage people to ride a bike to work, you have to provide them with a good and safe place to park their bike. That’s what we’ve done working with building management here."
McGuane says one of the most important aspects of fostering bike commuting is encouraging bike-friendly workplaces. "We wanted to knock down potential barriers that would prevent someone from biking to work," he says of his colleagues at Squire Sanders. "One of them, obviously, is having someplace to shower, clean up and change. We explored providing that within our own building, but instead we decided to do the next best thing, which was to sponsor the Bike Rack."
Jacob Van Sickle of Bike Cleveland says the number of bike commuters has been steadily rising in Cleveland and especially downtown in recent years. It's critical to offer a bike-friendly work environment in order to attract more commuters, he says. Although more is needed, the Bike Rack's growing membership, increasing number of parking lot owners in compliance with the city's ordinance, and newly installed bike racks downtown all are part of the amenity mix falling into place.
Today, thanks to the efforts of McGuan and other members of the Squire Sanders bike committee, the firm has safe, covered bike parking at the front of the garage, offers employees memberships in the Bike Rack downtown, and sponsors regular bike commuting and recreational events. The firm recently received a silver-level bicycle friendly business designation -- the only company or organization in Northeast Ohio to receive this coveted award, and the fourth in Ohio.
"Before, we had a rim-bender bike rack that was tucked into a dark corner, always in a puddle," says McGuane. "If you want to encourage people to ride a bike to work, you have to provide them with a good and safe place to park their bike. That’s what we’ve done working with building management here."
McGuane says one of the most important aspects of fostering bike commuting is encouraging bike-friendly workplaces. "We wanted to knock down potential barriers that would prevent someone from biking to work," he says of his colleagues at Squire Sanders. "One of them, obviously, is having someplace to shower, clean up and change. We explored providing that within our own building, but instead we decided to do the next best thing, which was to sponsor the Bike Rack."
Jacob Van Sickle of Bike Cleveland says the number of bike commuters has been steadily rising in Cleveland and especially downtown in recent years. It's critical to offer a bike-friendly work environment in order to attract more commuters, he says. Although more is needed, the Bike Rack's growing membership, increasing number of parking lot owners in compliance with the city's ordinance, and newly installed bike racks downtown all are part of the amenity mix falling into place.
On Thursday, May 1, Global Cleveland will officially launch its talent attraction campaign at a major event at the Cleveland Convention Center. The event -- like the organization hosting it -- is focused on increasing the population while strengthening the local economy.
University Circle Inc. has announced plans to construct a $130 million, 20-plus story apartment highrise on the current site of the Children's Museum, as well as surrounding land owned by UCI. The nonprofit has selected Mitchell Schneider of First Interstate Properties and Sam Petros of Petros Homes to lead the development team.
The announcement is the fruit of years of discussion about a luxury residential tower in University Circle. UCI has long set its sights on building such a tower, seeing unmet demand for housing in an area experiencing strong job growth, near 100-percent rental occupancy and growth in commercial amenities.
The project will include about 280 units ranging in size from 720 to 4,200 square feet. The structure will have floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the downtown skyline and Lake Erie. Initial plans call for a building that is 25 to 28 stories tall. The property also will be green-built and offer easy access to public transportation.
"There is substantial demand for this type of housing in University Circle," explained Chris Ronayne, President of UCI, in a release. "One University Circle will provide a quality urban design solution that meets a market demand, brings greater density to University Circle and supports neighborhood businesses with new residents. We believe this project will continue the momentum of University Circle and the renaissance underway in Cleveland... One University Circle will be a welcoming gateway to the institutions of University Circle and a home for their employees coming from all over the world.”
In keeping with a luxury urban apartment building, One University Circle will offer concierge services, a fitness center and an indoor pool. The project also will include a green rooftop and other shared amenities. Ronayne says work could begin in 2015, with the first residents moving in two years later.
The Children's Museum currently is seeking a new location in Cleveland that will accommodate its plans for expansion. The developers have announced that they intend to work with the City of Cleveland to craft a community benefits agreement for the project. The agreement will stipulate goals for hiring local and minority tradespeople and working with area high schools to provide internships.
Source: Chris Ronayne
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The announcement is the fruit of years of discussion about a luxury residential tower in University Circle. UCI has long set its sights on building such a tower, seeing unmet demand for housing in an area experiencing strong job growth, near 100-percent rental occupancy and growth in commercial amenities.
The project will include about 280 units ranging in size from 720 to 4,200 square feet. The structure will have floor-to-ceiling windows and views of the downtown skyline and Lake Erie. Initial plans call for a building that is 25 to 28 stories tall. The property also will be green-built and offer easy access to public transportation.
"There is substantial demand for this type of housing in University Circle," explained Chris Ronayne, President of UCI, in a release. "One University Circle will provide a quality urban design solution that meets a market demand, brings greater density to University Circle and supports neighborhood businesses with new residents. We believe this project will continue the momentum of University Circle and the renaissance underway in Cleveland... One University Circle will be a welcoming gateway to the institutions of University Circle and a home for their employees coming from all over the world.”
In keeping with a luxury urban apartment building, One University Circle will offer concierge services, a fitness center and an indoor pool. The project also will include a green rooftop and other shared amenities. Ronayne says work could begin in 2015, with the first residents moving in two years later.
The Children's Museum currently is seeking a new location in Cleveland that will accommodate its plans for expansion. The developers have announced that they intend to work with the City of Cleveland to craft a community benefits agreement for the project. The agreement will stipulate goals for hiring local and minority tradespeople and working with area high schools to provide internships.
Source: Chris Ronayne
Writer: Lee Chilcote
In Cleveland’s ever-evolving social media community, there is a wide variety of contributors to the civic dialogue. We've complied a list of some of our favorite voices -- a mix of up-and-comers and seasoned vets from different corners of the web who are using their blogs, podcasts and Twitter feeds to give the city a voice.
Perspectus Architecture recently completed a merger with HFP/Ambuske Architects, bringing five jobs from Beachwood to Cleveland. Perspectus will remain in its second floor offices on the southeast quadrant of Shaker Square, where it has doubled its office space and is in the process of remodeling.
"Our focus is firmly based in healthcare," says Perspectus principal Larry Fischer of both companies. "We saw a lot of advantages in getting together."
Staying and growing at Shaker Square seemed like a no-brainer, he adds. "When we were looking for space, we wanted a venue or neighborhood that had a certain cool factor to it," says Fischer, who has expanded from a single 900-square-foot office to 10,000 square feet on the entire second floor of his building in the past 14 years. "We probably couldn’t afford being downtown in the primary core. There's a lot happening at Shaker Square."
The new offices are just as cool. There are now a total of 36 staffers in the redesigned space. "Being a contemporary firm, we wanted the space to really represent the work we're doing," says Fischer. "We kept a lot of the mahogany moldings and doors, then contrasted them with clean, light walls and contemporary light fixtures. At two ends, we actually exposed the old wood structure. There’s a contradiction of styles that works pretty well for us."
One big change is that Perspectus' new offices now reflect the movement towards open, connected spaces. "That was a big deal to us," Fischer says. "We didn’t want to be in an old, stodgy environment. We also reorganized the studio -- all or our architects worked in teams, but they weren’t sitting in teams. Now they're more organized and have more space. We really wanted to create a space that supported how we work, and that encouraged mentoring, interaction and collaboration."
That open environment goes for the bosses, too. "There are some people that wish I had my own office," Fischer adds wryly. "But I'm out in the open, too."
Fischer praised the Coral Company for its willingness to work closely with the firm to customize the layout. Perspectus employees continue to enjoy "problem-solving walks" around the Square, taking inspiration from the architecture.
Prospectus is headquartered in Cleveland, but also has offices in Columbus and Charleston, West Virginia.
Source: Larry Fischer
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"Our focus is firmly based in healthcare," says Perspectus principal Larry Fischer of both companies. "We saw a lot of advantages in getting together."
Staying and growing at Shaker Square seemed like a no-brainer, he adds. "When we were looking for space, we wanted a venue or neighborhood that had a certain cool factor to it," says Fischer, who has expanded from a single 900-square-foot office to 10,000 square feet on the entire second floor of his building in the past 14 years. "We probably couldn’t afford being downtown in the primary core. There's a lot happening at Shaker Square."
The new offices are just as cool. There are now a total of 36 staffers in the redesigned space. "Being a contemporary firm, we wanted the space to really represent the work we're doing," says Fischer. "We kept a lot of the mahogany moldings and doors, then contrasted them with clean, light walls and contemporary light fixtures. At two ends, we actually exposed the old wood structure. There’s a contradiction of styles that works pretty well for us."
One big change is that Perspectus' new offices now reflect the movement towards open, connected spaces. "That was a big deal to us," Fischer says. "We didn’t want to be in an old, stodgy environment. We also reorganized the studio -- all or our architects worked in teams, but they weren’t sitting in teams. Now they're more organized and have more space. We really wanted to create a space that supported how we work, and that encouraged mentoring, interaction and collaboration."
That open environment goes for the bosses, too. "There are some people that wish I had my own office," Fischer adds wryly. "But I'm out in the open, too."
Fischer praised the Coral Company for its willingness to work closely with the firm to customize the layout. Perspectus employees continue to enjoy "problem-solving walks" around the Square, taking inspiration from the architecture.
Prospectus is headquartered in Cleveland, but also has offices in Columbus and Charleston, West Virginia.
Source: Larry Fischer
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The City of Memphis is on the rise thanks to a growing startup community, investments in bike lanes, a burgeoning arts district and people moving back to the city. Through it all, the city has listened to its residents and embraced "lean urbanism." Cleveland should take heed.
Downtown Cleveland was named one of the top cities for millenials to live by The Atlantic, with more than 1,000 new housing units coming online, and major projects like Flats East helping to reenergize formerly moribund parts of downtown. These are just a few of the successes listed in Downtown Cleveland Alliance's 2013 annual report, and touted at this week's State of Downtown forum at the City Club.
Yet more needs to be done to connect downtown's assets, including public realm improvements, pedestrian- and bike-friendly amenities, and especially lakefront connections. These were the messages conveyed by leaders at the forum.
"We're no longer in the 'big box' phase," said Joe Marinucci, President and CEO of DCA. "Now our challenge is, how we can incrementally connect the investments."
Marinucci pointed to Perk Park, a revamped green space at East 12th and Chester, as an example of a successful strategy for creating public improvements.
Now DCA has launched Step Up Downtown, an initiative to engage residents and stakeholders in envisioning the future of downtown. With abundant plans in place, the goal is to prioritize which enhancements to focus on first, garner feedback from residents, and drill down to the implementation phase.
"This initiative recognizes that we've made a lot of investments downtown, but in many ways haven't connected the investments as well as we should," said Marinucci. "We need to make the public realm as attractive as the destinations."
Attendees posed questions about connecting to the waterfront, making downtown accessible to all income levels, and prioritizing educational opportunities for families.
Marinucci cited lakefront development plans, the incorporation of affordable housing into downtown projects and DCA's work with Campus International School and the Cleveland Municipal School District as signs of progress.
Source: Joe Marinucci
By Lee Chilcote
Yet more needs to be done to connect downtown's assets, including public realm improvements, pedestrian- and bike-friendly amenities, and especially lakefront connections. These were the messages conveyed by leaders at the forum.
"We're no longer in the 'big box' phase," said Joe Marinucci, President and CEO of DCA. "Now our challenge is, how we can incrementally connect the investments."
Marinucci pointed to Perk Park, a revamped green space at East 12th and Chester, as an example of a successful strategy for creating public improvements.
Now DCA has launched Step Up Downtown, an initiative to engage residents and stakeholders in envisioning the future of downtown. With abundant plans in place, the goal is to prioritize which enhancements to focus on first, garner feedback from residents, and drill down to the implementation phase.
"This initiative recognizes that we've made a lot of investments downtown, but in many ways haven't connected the investments as well as we should," said Marinucci. "We need to make the public realm as attractive as the destinations."
Attendees posed questions about connecting to the waterfront, making downtown accessible to all income levels, and prioritizing educational opportunities for families.
Marinucci cited lakefront development plans, the incorporation of affordable housing into downtown projects and DCA's work with Campus International School and the Cleveland Municipal School District as signs of progress.
Source: Joe Marinucci
By Lee Chilcote
Northeast Ohio's convention and visitors bureau wants to change the conversation about Cleveland. The multifaceted branding enterprise is designed to bridge a communications gap that ideally will be crossed by millions of business and leisure visitors over the next few years.