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Saturday, February 23, 2008
Ameritrust Tower Still in Peril
Cuyahoga County looks to reopen bidding for Ameritrust complex after K&D deal falls short. Threatens moving ahead with tower demolition and administration complex construction if suitable bidder isn't found.
Plain Dealer writes all about it
Wow.
I knew the KD deal was weak but I didn't realize that the County was angling to use its failure as an excuse to move forward with poor planning decisions (the implementation of the original Ameritrust plan). I wish the FBI would step in and start investigating the County government's current deals regarding the Airport and the Amertitrust tower if only to create a 'clean slate' from which citizens of Cuyahoga County could begin to judge and function.
While the Corridor project moves forward and small sparks of vitality start to ignite within downtown I still find myself worrying that without the proper support for new ideas, proposals and plans that the region will stagnate even after a massive influx of capital.
Granted while the current Avenue plan is bringing people downtown it isn't attracting the sort of citizen interested in an urban lifestyle. The marketing scheme seems more centered on moving the 'suburban dream' to downtown. Granted that without infrastructure to support downtown denizens this seems like a logical and viable plan as residents will have to commute back to the suburbs for certain events, attractions and shopping. Perhaps this reverse suburbanization is the proper plan. Let the outskirts become the central business/retail districts and concentrate habitation in an unsupported urban center.
Although even that comment is unfair. There is some shopping and nightlife areas still open downtown, probably more than there were last year, and it does seems as if certain projects are underway to make Cleveland even more livable. There just needs to be the people to exploit that (Granted winter is a poor time for any sort of empirical study as most stay in their warm comfy homes rather than explore the outside.
The question though, is whether the government is truly attempting to support the region or just trying to find ways to profit personally from it. The major recent projects seemed to have been botched from the beginning. The Airport Expansion, the Lakefront Development, the County Administration, the Innerbelt Bridge/Trench and possibly the Medical Mart projects all share the same heavy handed approach that seemed to lack the finesse and logical approach (or even strong willed decision making) that would have resulted in acceptable implementation. Instead we are left with the very distinct taste of projects that would 'revitalize the city' failing at inception.
Somehow the Euclid Corridor project has moved forward and even though there are definitely some growing pains it is already possible to see the fruits of the project if only to recognize that Euclid does indeed look and 'feel' better (in the areas finished). Will it be enough to attract people and businesses back downtown? Maybe but honestly it is better than nothing.Labels: Cleveland Trust Tower, Design Rants
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Breuer Tower...what can I say. We were smiled upon. Or at least we got a wink and a nod.
There really isn't all that much that I can add to the seemingly incessant coverage of the former Ameritrust Building being being purchased by K&D for $35,005,000.00 today (is the new sales tax part of that?).
K&D is a development group based out of Willoughby, Ohio who does quite a bit of residential development including the, at times, regrettable Stonebridge Condos.
However, one cannot overlook K&D's optimistic outlook for the city. I for one am entirely in favor of the former Marcel Breuer masterpiece being converted into a residential tower (in part) and would actually investigate a cost analysis upon whether it would be at all beneficial to call the tower a domicile. It would be closer to work cutting my commute to mere minutes, I wouldn't have to ever drive into the city at rush hour (unless coming home from someplace else), I could threaten people with my inferred tough demeanor gained by actually living downtown and I could research and document all the amazing places downtown that I ignore on my journey to and from home to work. Heck,I may even purchase enough junk by my own person to necessitate the increase in county jobs by at least one person.
Regardless of how much the building is worth, how much was spent on it and the effort it took us to get here (thanks again to Susan Miller and crew) I would like sigh a brief sigh of relief that I won't have to witness much more ham handed demolition done in the name of some special person who gives all bearded people a negative persona. I am sure his family is very nice, and although I don't like the tie in the picture on his website I am sure he has plenty of nice ones at home that he saves for special occasions.
It has been a big day. I am going to bed.
Check out the ClevelandDesignCity for more such amazing and well crafted/spell checked articles.
Also, what will come of all this? Oh man, are we in for a DOOZY!Labels: Cleve. Events, Cleveland Trust Tower
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
Greening the modern preservation movement - Bauhaus at the brink
Bauhaus at the Brink
To what aspiration would a creative movement desire to achieve a level of connectedness that could possibly transcend multiple disciplines, whether from graphics to painting to manufacturing to architecture?
Recent arguments have been made for and against a rather rash violation of Cleveland's urban fabric with the suggested destruction and replacement of Marcel Breuer's Ameritrust Tower. Even now, with an uncertain future, work gangs are delving into the structure's bones to remediate the site for either sale or demolition. Questions have been poised voicing exploration into the fiduciary, environmental and programmatic rationale for these decisions and have led to little more then frustration.
Admittedly this has been all very dramatic. From a environmental, preservationist and design perspective the whole process has seemed extremely ham-handed but has solidified an interesting ground swell of reaction. From these inquisitions have surfaced a dialogue unlike anything I have experienced in this city, a barrage of discourse centered upon the legitimacy of the County Administration relocation plan, collecting a multitude of interesting parties of all age groups, social strata and occupation. Everyone has an opinion and while not all may agree, the dialogue is itself a vindication of sorts of the passion that this city brings out in it's citizens.
Currently another layer is to be weaved into the discussion, the validity of the Ameritrust Tower as an example not only of Breuer's work but also of the Bauhaus school (not the band).
For those of you unfamiliar with the Bauhaus, do not fret, there will soon be a small series of forums, films and exhibits based not only on the Ameritrust Tower but also the Bauhaus connection.
Saturday, November 10th, 2007
4pm - 6pm
Primer on Breuer and the Bauhaus
A slide show by Tony Hiti, Chair of the Historic Resources Committee of the AIA, Cleveland Chapter on the history of Marcel Breuer and the Cleveland Trust Building. At the Sculpture Center (free parking available)
Saturday, November 17th, 2007
4pm
The history of why the Bauhaus came to America
Bauhaus in America: a film by Judith Pearlman followed by a panel discussion with Cleveland architect, Peter Van Dijk and Associate Professor of Art History at Kent State University, Carol Salus, moderated by Christopher Diehl, Director, Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative
At the Cleveland Cinematheque general admission $8/members, CIA students, staff $6
Also showcased will be the entries from the Ingenuity 2007 What would you do with the Breuer? exhibit.
Wednesday, November 28th, 2007
6pm
Green building and modernism; are they antithetical?
Guest lecturer, Carl Stein, FAIA, Principal of elemental architecture, llc, of New York City and his late father, Richard Stein, FAIA, have completed numerous historic rehabilitation projects based on their innovative and pioneering research in the analysis of energy use and conservation in buildings and design. He served his architectural internship with Marcel Breuer from 1968-1971.
At Judson at University Circle (free parking available)Labels: Cleve. Events, Cleveland Trust Tower
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Someone lend me 35 mill.
I was hoping that I would discover this on Craigslist. However, it is official, the Plain Dealer just announced the sale of the Ameritrust Tower for a mere $35,000,000.
I don't have any comments on this just yet. The idea is that the County will not accept any less then the money that they have invested in the project in the first place so I suppose, in theory, this isn't a loss for the citizens of Cuyahoga. Before we make any rash judgements, lets see where this mess ends up.
Oh, and it was pointed out to me that the $35 million price tag is the same as for the Tri-C Rock Hall archive.Labels: Cleveland Trust Tower
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Ameritrust Tower deal goes 'boom(?)', much like its lobby
 Even as rumors circulate about the possible sale of the Ameritrust Tower someone is still taking the time to drive about the lobby in a Bobcat. While I must admit that driving a Bobcat about is rather fun, and the prospect of driving one around the lobby of a building that I am supposed to systematically demolish could make me feel rather giddy (if I felt the building deserved it) I should point out that this particular exercise in County mandated destruction derby depresses me.
The best part of the above mentioned article is the responses. Oh internet, you so crazy!Labels: Cleveland Trust Tower
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Marcel Breuer: Design and Architecture Exhibit
 If you happen to be in Washington DC between November 3rd and February 17th you may want to stop in at the
National Building Museum and check out the Marcel Breuer exhibit.
I found the timing of this show interesting, especially as I received the notice around the same time that I was sent the Plain Dealer article stating that the County Commissioners may not demolish the Tower after all. In what one could call an 'interesting' turn of events, it seems that the County didn't fulfill their due diligence in planning their new administrative complex. Whether the fault could be blamed on poor planning, lack of planning, total absence of foresight or some other descriptive term that basically calls the project incompetent, it is becoming more and more apparent that the premise for the project was severely flawed. The question that remains is how much the taxpayers are going to pay for this mistake. I am guessing the whole thing won't be cheap.
I am sure someone out there is doing some interesting investigative reporting on where the money came from and where the money went. I know I would be interested to see a breakdown.
Hopefully something that fills in the gaps on where the majority of the money went and to whom. I thought this was a fine start.Labels: Cleve. Events, Cleveland Trust Tower, Design Rants
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Breuer Tower Demolition has started
 Apparently the County is moving faster then even THEY anticipated. I admit some surprise as I assumed that an event of this import would have been announced/covered/mention by our local news networks. I guess no one is paying attention anymore.
The east sidewalk of East 9th is closed to make room for 2 construction trailers (one of which I am assuming is a sub-shop in case Mr. Jimmy stops by to view his folly). The good news is that Kurtz Brothers is handling the construction demo/recycling (as an expressed part of creating a new 'green complex'). I am assuming that they do the material separation off site which makes sense due to the constricted nature of the job site. We don't need Euclid and East 9th completely closed down.
Combined with the Euclid Corridor project I feel the financial district will look completely foreign in a couple of years. (Of course the timing of both makes me suspect that the relocation of the County offices was used to inflate the projected 'job numbers' that were used to justify the Euclid Corridor project.
It doesn't really matter too much now. I feel a little ashamed. Like I have been 'had', as if a schuckster sold me some snake oil and I had just recently discovered my foolishness. At least I will admit it, I tried to speak out, attended meetings, shook my fist at the establishment, and apparently have resolved myself to documenting the change because for better or for worse it is out of my hands.
I suppose the question is now, what can we do to stop this mess from happening again? Should we even protect our past or just recreate it to reflect whatever we envision our future to be? (I love that the etymology for 'erie' is given in that article but not a understanding or investigation into 'terminal' or even the derivative 'terminus', instead if was glibly given whatever definition fit the author's preconceived notion)Labels: Cleveland Trust Tower, Design Rants, Environmental, Materials
Monday, September 03, 2007
Homogenous history
Saturday I took the necessary time to take a stroll through the rotunda. I had just come from the Veteran's Memorial Bridge street car tour, which was as typically amazing as it usually is.
So I was in a fairly positive mood. I drove downtown to East 9th with the girlfriend, bent on comparing the grandness of the Rotunda with the accessible area of the Breuer Tower. With this in mind we used the Breuer tower as our entry into the Rotunda.
Let me just mention that I was amazed at the detailing, the clean lines and the feeling of the AmeriTrust lobby. I had always imagined it to be dark and foreboding but it was actually quite nice, if not a little sterile. It had probably the only 'popcorn' ceiling that I had ever seen that I didn't find repulsive. The black granite was amazing and so glossy that even though it was black it bounced light deep into the recess of the space and the extremely tall windows made the lobby feel much larger then it was. I was so overjoyed to see such an amazing example of moddernism and good materiality that I was a little saddened knowing that it was to be torn down.
The Rotunda was also an amazing space, albeit from a distinctly opposing standpoint. The white granite almost glowed under the 60 foot Tiffany dome skylight which is surrounded with small murals by F.D. Millet based on the theme of the 'rise of civilization in America'. The Rotunda building has all the typical railings, arches, columns and other assorted details that give the illusion of being in a truly historic building and I assume that it was in noticing this abundance of detailing that I grew almost weary of it.
I wonder, during what course of our history, does a collection, a conglomeration of standardized historic detailing, become more important or more interesting then something new and groundbreaking. I am not suggesting that the Rotunda be the building with which the brunt of the County should have been felt, it is that I honestly don't think I would have minded so much if it had been the one threatened with demolition.
The Rotunda is amazing. It has it's wonderful moments, but most of those are reflections of ideas that had already been implemented and explored in other buildings around the country. In essence, the Rotunda is nothing more then a gallery for what the ideals of a historic building should be, disseminated from successful structures and tossed together in an attempt at a cohesive assemblage of ideas. I suppose that one could argue that it is rather successful in those regards. That throughout one could find prominent examples of different styles and techniques and that makes the Rotunda a repository for historical notions. I would like to argue that it is this false historic ism that degrades the structure. At no time was it ever meant to be an honest example of ideas or thought, that instead it was a grasp for false stature that is even now being used in the extremely similar and degrading manner to attempt to lift the spirits of the city.
Don't exhume this diatribe as meaning that I dislike the Rotunda building, I don't. I honestly rather enjoy passing it almost every day. The detailing is exquisite and the manner and methodology of it's construction is what elevates it among it's neighbors. I am only simply stating that I find it horrible that so many base our heritage, our history, on nothing more then symbols, constructed to falsify our past when really, we should be celebrating the chances we took, the choices we made and the mistakes that occurred along the way. That is what really defines a city, not a monument to a glory that we falsely possessed. Labels: Cleveland Trust Tower, Design Rants
Friday, August 31, 2007
This was just emailed to me and I had to share
I think it captures the spirit of the moment rather nicely.
Labels: Cleveland Trust Tower
Come on down, see the Rotunda. Pay no attention to building you have to enter through to get there!
As I walked past the lobby to the Breuer Tower the other day (you may all remember that I might have covered topics on this building before) I noticed quite a lot of activity in the lobby. I thought very little of it.
Then I walked past the Rotunda as I heard word of some beautiful banners for the Celebrate our Heritage Festivus and wanted to check them out.
Let's follow my path and see where it leads us...
- Corner at E9th and Euclid. Note the signs pointing towards the easy ADA entrance and Public Restrooms!
 -More signs on the side, by now I may really have had to pee!
 -Apparently they plan not to use the Rotunda entrance to actually enter "Our Heritage". That strikes me as a little odd...
 -Oh, of course. They are using the Breuer Tower Lobby to enter the Rotunda. I guess this isn't part of our heritage. I suppose to properly celebrate our past we shouldn't be able to use the Lobby to access the Rotunda. We should do it the way our pioneer forefathers (and mothers) did. By, um, yeah. Did no one have to use the restroom in the early 1900's?
At least I will get to see the Breuer Tower before they tear it all down. I am also SURE that they did all they could to abate the horribly invasive and particularly deadly asbestos infestation that I keep hearing about in regards to the Tower before they open it to the public. I mean that was one of the contingencies that necessitated the demolition in the first place.
Right?
Right.
Labels: Cleve. Events, Cleveland Trust Tower, Design Rants
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
What you call heritage, I call hypocrisy
Friday, August 31, 2007
Saturday, August 31, 2007
11am - 4pm
Cleveland Trust Rotunda
A while back I had posted something about how the County was unintentionally being ironic when it proposed tearing down the AmeriTrust Tower as part of a 'green initiative'. I got yelled at for that. Fine.
This whole thing makes me think the County isn't only corrupt and ironic but actually stupid.
Building on our Heritage is a celebration of sorts. A celebration of Cleveland's heritage, by showcasing the Rotunda building. A fine structure of historical design that celebrates a 'revival' period (City Beautiful) of Cleveland's history. By mentioning the revival period I am pointing out that the historical classicism of the Rotunda building is inherently false and that celebrating it whilst tearing down a building that properly reflected a current design philosophy and claiming the false one as a 'heritage' makes us all look like liars. No need to expand on that one, I think you understand.
Anyway, you can check out the County's flyer but I already created my rebuttal. I find the premise of the event ridiculous, the fact that it is being held in/near/around the Ameritrust Tower which the County wants to tear down to replace with a building of questionable design and merit and resonates the idea of how buildings can reflect our heritage insane. Downright friggin' insane.
I would appreciate anyone that goes to this mess to actually look around at the fabric of the city in the area and question how they would want their 'heritage' defined. Perhaps even makes some choices on whether you want to be defined by anything on that particular corner and what you may consider 'historic'. Labels: Cleve. Events, Cleveland Trust Tower, Design Rants
Friday, June 29, 2007
boxes and packing tape - TIMMMMMMBER!
I laugh only because if I don't I may throw up.
The Cleveland Planning Commission approved the demolition of the Breuer tower this morning further cementing Cleveland as a town of little artistic integrity in the hearts of many.
Not a totally glib article, which I appreciate.
Although perhaps good may come out of this. Either the local design community, so outraged at the spurious indifference given to logic and design may come together and force an explosive movement or they just may move out, like so many great designers have done for decades past.
I will be around for a little while at least. I just signed a new lease.
I, for one, am eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the abortion of a design that will soon be hidden in our fractured skyline. That thing has some high expectations to live up to. Although I doubt this is the last we will hear of this saga.Labels: Cleveland Trust Tower
Plain Dealer offers fact and fiction, up to readers to figure out for self.
I suppose the purpose of an editorial is to comment, in simple terms, upon a subject regardless of whether or not one is an authority upon a certain topic in order to appear to have a grasp of said object of ire. I just wish that people that offer editorials, especially journalists, would attempt to utilize the same rules of journalistic integrity that they hopefully studied from an accredited college and not as ideals gleaned from network television. I honestly believe that the print news is our last bastion of domestic information and honestly strives to not be too swayed by local government or the opions of its readers instead it attempts to fulfill its goal of factual accounts for the rest of us to make informed opinions based upon. I admit I typically get my news from such 'liberal based outlets' as the BBC and Reuters but for civic and domestic issues I necessitate the local newspaper to keep me informed.
I may just have to give up and start reading the weekly free mags.
Today the Plain Dealer published a general editorial regarding how the Planning Commission should push forward and approve the County's demolition of the Breuer Ameritrust Tower. I understand the difference in opinions. Truly, I think that opposing points of view are great. What concerns me is when a newspaper spouts information that appears to have been spoon fed to them as independant thoughts deserving to masquerade as such.
Seriously, the tower can't withstand the earthaquakes that the region is known for? Is this a new thing? All the other points raised have been dealt with and could be dealt with by a design team led by the laziest intern. They really don't require that much thought and have been refuted again and again and again and again. In fact, one design team even shared their presentation on how to solve many of those problems at a public meeting (perhaps no one from the PD attended?).
How to consolidate offices? Communicating stairs can be used to connect multiple floors which can be cut open to create grand spaces for each department and can radiate from centrally located meeting spaces (which can be shared).
Low floor to floor for all the new technology and 'hi-tech' wiring? Really? As our technology increases we need MORE SPACE? Doesn't that seem counter intuitive? Exposed spiral ductwork, radiant slab heating/cooling (you only need to add a 2" topping slab to the existing - which could also enclose electrial and telecommunication conduit), soffited plumbing around the perimeter which would not obstruct views from the windows, those are some ideas off the top of my head. Heck, the most hi-tech of all wiring systems is to go, well, wireless.
Windows are leaky? So, replace the glass. That has to be cheaper then replacing the entire skin of the building.
Asbestos is pervasive? Please look at these photos of the Tower under construction and notice that the panels appear to be fastened to the bare steel. The asbestos must have been used primarily as fireproofing and is not as 'pervasive' as mentioned. Regardless, rehab or demolition, the panels would have to be removed and cleaned with either option. The only difference is whether they are reinstalled or thrown out.
It seems that the application of any thought could easily offer solutions to any of the 'arguments for the building's demise' that the county/Plain Dealer could offer.
I also find it ridiculous that this whole conversation exists in a vacuum lacking any sort of design strategy or solution from the selected 'design team'.
Talk about being disingenuous.
Special thanks to Cleveland Skyscapers dot com
Labels: Cleveland Trust Tower
Monday, June 25, 2007
Litt takes it to the mat!
I just wanted to point out Steve Litt's recent article about the Breuer tower.
I want to single out this statement, one I am sure Hagan would hate to have haunt him for the rest of his shortlived career.
"Hagan responded angrily in an interview with Plain Dealer reporter Tom Breckenridge.
"This is beyond anything I've confronted in my political life," Hagan said. "An unelected group dictating to commissioners what kind of building should be built in a city where the mayor and City Council president support it. That's exactly what's wrong with the city." "
Exactly 'what is wrong with the city' is when the general population want to be properly represented by their city officials. Really crazy and awful of us, isn't it? To expect our officials to do what is best for their constituates instead of their egos seems to much of a task for our county to bear. Although what would you expect from someone who doesn't even listen to the planning department of their very own office in regards to what is best for the region?
Don't forget to save room for the general response, pay special attention to Mr. Tom Purvis of Sandusky, Ohio's letter about the 'leaky window' problem.
Fantastic!Labels: Cleveland Trust Tower
Thursday, June 14, 2007
I don't even know anymore
I find it increasingly difficult to be positive lately. I don't know if this is an occurrence due to a multitude of factors or a result of a singular event. What I do know is that it seems increasingly difficult to not walk up to people and slap them in the face.
Daryl Davis sent this to my email, which I appreciate. A nice little account of the Planning Commissions meetings regarding the Breuer Tower. A building that I once intoned on this very internet site that I was entirely indifferent to. Oh, how the world has embittered me.
Now I realize just how for saving that building I am, and not for the reasons that I think most would want to realize.
I think it should be saved if only to prove that the people have a voice, that a concerted effort to speak out against a ruthless and unformulated plan will prove that logic and common sense will prevail.
I think it should be saved because Cleveland has a history. One that is constantly under threat of being torn up to create suburbs, of being emptied to create lifestyle centers, of being forgotten to hasten 'social engineering' and of being demolished to fabricate icons to egos.
I think it should be saved because right now it being demolished for unverified reasonings is in essence the acceptance of a lie. Allowing it to fall is to say that those who can lie, cheat and steal the best should do the thinking for the rest of us. It says that as a city we are all dupes and will accept whatever we are fed.
It should be saved because we don't know what is going in its place. Perhaps I would be more willing to accept the fate of the tower, even though it flies in the face of any logic I could apply, if only there was a semblance of what was to come. Perhaps I fear the bait and switch more then anything. Promise me a green icon for the city and put a parking lot in its place. I almost expect that to actually occur.
It should be saved because a government building has no place on a financial district corner, let alone that particular financial district corner. Personally I think that location was chosen so Dimorra (cheese-steak dangling from the corner of his mouth) could watch an Indians game without exerting himself too much. One would think the County would want a building by all the other federal buildings, perhaps so that they could interact or something. I don't know. Maybe this is the new 'de-centralized de-regionalized regional government' thing that will sweep the nation and show how progressive we are.
I think it should be saved because as someone who was trained as an architect, as someone who hopes to actually make a difference, as someone who attempts rational thinking mixed with empathy and attempts to understand the needs of others, I cannot for the life of me make a good argument to tear it down, no matter how many lunches I spend staring at it trying to figure it out.
No sir, I can't.
Special thanks to Gloria Ferris.
Labels: Cleveland Trust Tower
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Planning Commissioners meeting re: Breuer Tower
You are just DYING to know what went on there aren't you? You probably had to work, or couldn't make it downtown but you are very passionate about what went on regarding the Ameritrust Tower and you wish you had an inkling of the exciting presentation that went on in your absence, aren't you?
Well, as they say in the old library PSA's, 'books! check 'em out!'
Special thanks to the 'Save Our Land' blog
Oh, yeah! It covers costs, the floor to floor issue, the floor plate size issue and of course asbestos-y goodness! Good times and a quick read.
Labels: Cleveland Trust Tower
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Busy Cleveland summer is kickin' off
It has been a pretty hectic week around here. First William McDonough graced us with his presence at the Cleveland Clinic. Then Farshid Moussavi showed some interesting work at the Cleveland Museum of Art as well as at MOCA which also started the run of the OPEN show regarding public spaces. This weekend brought waffles and ice cream and farmer's market openings. Then to top it all of the Cleveland Cavaliers had to go and win the Eastern Conference which basically made my entire weekend just that much more fantastic.
While this week isn't yet looking as hectic you can sense things are going to pile up quick. I know this because I already have a listing of events to toss up here. Let me just say, keep Thursday and Friday evening free. Thursday doubly so.
Anyway, this last week also saw the Cleveland Planning Commission struggle with the County's desire to demo the Breuer Tower and replace it with an edifice of bloated intentions to mar our already hindered skyline.
I won't go into overdrive rehashing what has already been hashed to death, you can read a pretty good summary here.
Instead I would like to offer a slight solution for our image problem. Perhaps you may have noticed all the news about Dubai and China and seen photos of the massive construction. Perhaps you may have noticed all the constructions and thought, "Dang, that city looks like it has a lot going on, what with all the construction! You can bet they are doing things right!". Well this is my suggestion; How about the city locate a half dozen to a dozen giant cranes strategically around the city, they can be moved every couple of days or so, just enough to give the impression that something is going on. We can fence off some empty lots with construction fencing or something. I don't know, just an idea to make it appear that there is some progress going on around here.
Labels: Cleveland Trust Tower, Design Rants
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Delicious ways to save the Breuer Tower
 Yeah, that photo got your attention!
Johnny Mango's
Saturday, June 2nd, 2007
Sunday, June 3rd, 2007
Help raise some tasty awareness by visiting Jonny Mango's and ordering the Breuer Tower Waffles with Ice Cream. Arranged to look like the infamously wonderful Ameritrust Tower that has been discussed around these parts lately you can bet that even 'Boss Man' Dimorra couldn't pass by one of these delicious babys.
What better way to spend your summer then with some ice cream and protest?
I hope you all get the imagery.
Yes, I just posted about this
Labels: Cleve. Events, Cleveland Trust Tower
Cleveland Planning Commission - Reminder
Friday, June 1, 2007
9am
Cleveland Planning Commission @ City Hall
Well, it seems like a maelstrom has possible been kicked up regarding the Breuer Trust Tower that the Cleveland Planning Commission will soon hold a hearing on. Following up on yesterday's post I received some new information that I thought I ought to be kind enough to pass on.
- Max Bond of Davis Brody Bond will be picketing in front of City Hall at 8am before the meeting.
- Word on the street is that the planning commission are 'by no means decided' yet, so a strong show of support may swing opinion.
- Cool Cleveland interview with Peter Lawson Jones and Brewed Fresh Daily have some reports of those Meet the Bloggers chaps here
- Cleveland Free Times has a pretty dang good article about the debacle.
- Johnny Mango's will be offering Breuer Tower Waffles with Butter Pecan ice cream (to represent the Tower and Rotunda) Saturday June 2nd and Sunday June 3rd.
-Thanks to Daryl for the notes.Labels: Cleveland Trust Tower
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
At some point, I wanted to be a dreamer with a conscience...
...and I think others still may.
Douglas Hoffman of Weber Murphy Fox said that he and a cadre of fellows from WMF as well as Max Bond of Davis Brody Bond are more then willing to visit the Cleveland Planning Commission and present their solution for the highly debated new County Commissioners facility in the contested Breuer Tower at their own expense. However they are having troubles getting the models and drawings of their submission released by the county.
Recently the county has refused to share the submitted materials from the competitors that resulted in Madison International and KPF being awarded the commission saying "The commissioners don't feel it's in the best interest of the project to rehash it with a firm that was not selected". Fine, how about showing the constituents what the submissions were? How about letting the PEOPLE of the County take a peek behind the curtain and evaluate for themselves how and why the selection was made?
I find it brave and amazingly wonderful that WMF and DBB is willing to step up and present their ideas, share their vision with the city they were willing to work (and live) in (and with) and would love to see all the submissions, side by side, to evaluate and judge as public buildings ought to be. One must suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune if one wants to achieve something good. We can't all be carps at the spillway fighting for a piece of soggy bread.
"We feel duty-bound by conscience to share what we know," ~Hoffman.
"Trotter said that the materials in question are county property and could be considered public records if requested by citizens or the press, but would not be released for use by an architecture firm that makes a presentation to another government body."
Labels: Cleveland Trust Tower
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
What would YOU do with the Breuer Tower?
 Thanks to the Design Rag for this one.
The Cleveland Ingenuity 2007 festival is sponsoring a competition on submissions of what could be done to our infamous tower in dire straits.
Ingenuity 2007 the Cleveland Festival of Art & Technology architecture exhibit
What Would you do with the Breuer Building?
July 18 – July 21, 2007
Opening Reception: Thursday, July 19, 2007, 5:00 - 7:00 pm.
Location: 1305 Gallery, 1305 Euclid Avenue at East 13 Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
Two-thirds of Cuyahoga County’s commissioners want to demolish it.
Architecture critic Steven Litt wants to save it.
What would you do with it?
Sponsored by Ingenuity, the Cleveland Festival of
Art and Technology, this juried architectural
exhibition invites architects, architectural interns,
students, engineers, artists and designers living or
working in Northeast Ohio to answer the question.
The intent of the exhibit is to keep the debate alive
– through both imaginary and real alternatives to
the Breuer Tower’s future. Additionally, this
exhibit offers area design professionals and others
with an opportunity to participate in the
Ingenuity festival and to demonstrate how
architecture can be the embodiment of "creativity,
innovation, culture and technology."
We encourage architecture, engineering and design
firms to participate as well as to support and
recognize their staff members who participate in
the creation of an entry. Firm affiliations will be
noted along side the designer’s/designers' name(s).
To participate, please email
architecture@Ingenuitycleveland.org,
subject line: Breuer Tower.
We will forward the hi-resolution jpeg image to use
in the creation of your submittal.
Submittals:
Rendering using the hi-resolution image of the Breuer Tower
30” h x 20” w mounted on 3/8” white foamcore.
Digital jpeg image, 15” x 10” at 72 dpi.
Drop off/Pick up:
Renderings must be submitted by 5:00pm, Friday June 22, 2007.
Digital images must be emailed by 5:00pm, Friday June 22, 2007.
Email to architecture@Ingenuitycleveland.org
All work will be available for pick-up ?.
Entry Fee: $19.71
Please make check payable to the Ingenuity Festival, earmarked for architecture exhibit
(Fees will be used to mount the show and for the opening reception.)
Jury:
Faith Baum AIA, IIDA, Principal, Faith Baum Architects, Lexington, Massachusetts; Adjunct Faculty,
Department of Interior Architecture, Rhode Island School of Design
Debi Lacey McDonald, AIA, LEED Architect, DiMella Shaffer, Boston, Massachusetts
Etty Padmodipoetro, AIA, Loeb Fellow 2006, Rosales + Partners, Vice President, Boston, Massachusetts
Maryann Thompson, Maryann Thompson Architects, Cambridge, Massachusetts
Gretchen von Grossman, Parsons, Corp., Boston, Massachusetts
Vicky Sirianni, Consultant, Salem, Massachusetts
Jury policy:
Decisions will be based both on quality of work and allowable space. The intention of the
Ingenuity Festival and the What Would you do with the Breuer Tower? exhibit is to
celebrate as many talented designers from the region as possible.
Curators:
David H. Ellison, AIA
Sally L. Levine, AIA
For more information or to register, contact:
Email: architecture@ingenuitycleveland.org
Website: http://www.ingenuitycleveland.org
The Exhibit is sponsored by Ingenuity, the Cleveland festival of arts and technology.
What more could I say but "Get on it". Another wonderful example of Cleveland's ability to voice their own aesthetic. I can't wait to see all the submissions.
Labels: Cleve. Competitions, Cleve. Events, Cleveland Trust Tower
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Save the Tower - Cleveland Planning Commission meetings
 June 1st, 2007
June 8th, 2007
The Cleveland Planning Commission will meet to discuss (and listen to arguments) upon whether to give the green light to the County to raze the Breuer Tower.
After all the hackneyed arguments for the razing and the confusing and sometimes hypocritical reasoning behind saving the tower I would hope that this last hurrah allows some succinct and cohesive discourse on why the tower COULD be re-used and why it SHOULD be saved.
For more reasons you could even search this blog, or check out The Design Rag, Green City Blue Lake or even one called savethebreuertower.com. Heck, there are plenty of sites out there arguing their reasons for the tower.
If you care about preserving historic or iconographic structures, attempting to do some environmental good or just think Jimmy Dimorra is a corrupt putz then take some time, read up on the topic and take this last chance to voice your opinion.
See you there.
Labels: Cleveland Trust Tower
Monday, April 02, 2007
Tuesday, April 3rd - 90.3FM discussion on architecture
 Just when you thought it was safe to put away the Breuer Trust Tower Trading Cards WCPN 90.3FM will present Christopher Diehl, Steven Litt and Robert Madison to discuss the woefully and wonderfully delicious debacle that is the County's decision to raze the tower.
Again, I wish I had actual minutes of the county's meeting to really make some good jabs at the expense of others but one can only PRAY that Litt and Diehl will have the veracity of soul to do it for me. While I personally believe that the County is only capitalizing on the city's complacency in its actions of demolishing the tower I find the fight not without merit and will welcome any action that moves to point out the bureaucratic hypocrisy and fallacy that has helped run the region into the ground.
In other news the Cleveland City Planning Commission did what others were afraid or unable to and attempted to put the brakes on the County's plan to demolish the Breuer Tower. They are allowing the removal of 3 pedestrian bridges but want the County to re-evaluate whether the Trust Tower does in fact, need to come down. In fact the city demands to first approve a master plan for the site and a presentation on preserving the tower as conditions for approval to move forward with any development of the site in question.
Hope you all tune in tomorrow and be sure to have your phone and email ready as I am sure that there will be ample opportunity to be heard.Labels: Cleve. Events, Cleveland Trust Tower
Saturday, March 31, 2007
Live and don't learn, that could be a new city motto
While reeling from the recent events surrounding the Breuer Trust Tower I learned of some more craptastic ideas (or solutions for problems that don't really exist yet) in the works.
Before I go into that I would like to toss a shout out for Cleveland Public Art's "influence and imposition", a rather nice exhibit that made it's public introduction on the same day as the county voted to continue on with plans of demolishing one of the city's architectural pieces. What made this gala event (the gallery opening) more bitter sweet was that the work of these designers, most with formal training in architectural design, were showing off their collective takes on the city, and had made conscience choices to come to Cleveland to practice their trade. Now I realize that the work of a design professional goes mostly unheeded and that most of the great and truly wonderful ideas never become realized which is why these gallery exhibits are so important. However, I have to take great issue when, as a community, we are willing to portray an image of the city of not even caring when there is talk of destroying something of value and when we do not question the circumventing of normal channels in order to lessen the inconvenience of having to hear dissenting views. Well that is just ridiculous, especially when it is counter-intuitive to maintaining and growing local design talent and presence. I will have to find a transcript of the last County meeting to point of specific examples. If anyone can point me to one I would greatly appreciate it. GREATLY APPRECIATE it.
The current task at hand though is ODOT's new innerbelt plan which would result in 5 possibly historic buildings, possibly being torn down. Now, these buildings may not carry the same importance or exhibit the same wonder as the Breuer building does, however I would rather these issues be brought up now, while there is time to take a stand, rather then waiting until the chance is gone and city/county/state is too entrenched in their process to allow for the presentation and study of alternative solutions.
That is really all I have for that, just a heads up, that we may make another regretful mistake that we will have to live with.
resources:
online photo gallery of buildings in questionLabels: Cleveland Trust Tower, Design Rants
Thursday, March 29, 2007
County votes - They know better then the rest of us, or something.
I don't know how long it will take for this to make the "official" news channels but word on the street (singular) is that the County did indeed vote to collect bids for the demolition of the Breuer Tower.
While some may argue that the County's reasons lack merit, are fiscally unsound and just plain dumb I would like to argue that I am sure there are more devious reasons afoot. Something along the lines like the building blocks the gateway to Zuel's (from Ghostbuster's fame, who should probably have a myspace page) home dimension or some such.
Go ahead and chortle. When Jimmy Dimora rides through town on the back of a giant Stay Puft Marshmallow Man don't come crying to me. The plan still has to go through the Cleveland Planning Commission so it could still be quashed if the right people became vocal.
With all the problems that Cleveland has right now, razing what could become an architectural gem for a plethora of misguided reasons just makes this city seem, I don't know, dumber then we should seem. Dumber and corrupt and just plain awful. I don't like feeling awful.
Labels: Cleveland Trust Tower
Steve Litt - I love when he calls things a wash
Just a few comments about the County's intentions to demolish the Breuer tower. Honestly a rather interesting article.
I wonder how the meeting went this morning. I am out of town right now and far from any news, good or bad. Unless someone wants to drop me a line...
Hopefully more news later.
Labels: Cleveland Trust Tower
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
AIA - Urgent Bulletin - in case you don't suscribe to the emails
 |  | Cuyahoga County Commissioners to Determine Fate of Breuer Tower The Cuyahoga County Commissioners will be discussing the demolition of the Marcel Breuer designed Cleveland Trust (Ameritrust) Tower at it's next meeting at 11:30 AM on Thursday, March 29, 2007 at the Board of Cuyahoga County Commissioners Chambers, 1219 Ontario Street, 4th Floor. All AIA Cleveland Members are invited to attend the meeting and express their views on this matter. Over the course of the last several months, AIA Cleveland's Executive Board and Committee on Historic Resources has urged the Commissioners to reconsider demolishing the Tower and has called for them to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study of adaptively reusing the Breuer Tower for the new County Administration Center. If you cannot attend, please call or e-mail your position on this important matter directly to the Commissioners before Thursday's meeting. Their contact information is as follows: Commissioner Jimmy Dimora
Phone (216) 443-7180
CNJCD@cuyahogacounty.us Commissioner Peter Lawson Jones
Phone (216) 443-7182
CNPLJ@cuyahogacounty.us Commissioner Timothy F. Hagan
Phone (216) 443-7181
CNTFH@cuyahogacounty.us AIA Cleveland Statement Cleveland, Ohio, January 30, 2007 - AIA Cleveland, a Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, urges The Cuyahoga County Board of Commissioners to preserve and renovate the Cleveland Trust (Ameritrust) Tower. Designed by the pioneering modernist architect Marcel Breuer in 1971, the tower's prominent location, noteworthy design and contribution to downtown Cleveland's skyline, make the building potentially eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. As stewards of the built environment, it is our community's responsibility to ensure that significant examples of modern architecture like the Cleveland Trust Tower endure for future generations. Furthermore, AIA Cleveland encourages the Commissioners to undertake a comprehensive feasibility study of adaptively reusing the Breuer Tower for the new County Administration Center. This study must thoroughly analyze the overall project development costs to the tax payers of Cuyahoga County and definitively justify the decisions made by the Commissioners. In addition, the impact of demolishing the twenty-nine story structure must be carefully considered from an economic, environmental and sustainability perspective. This study, coupled with a creative and transparent design process, will determine if and how the existing building can best meet the County's needs. Most importantly, we urge the County to engage the community during the decision making process so that all voices are heard on this major expenditure of public resources. AIA Cleveland stands ready to provide the Cuyahoga County Board of Commissioners with assistance and counsel in this most important matter and we look forward to a constructive community dialogue on this issue.
- bulletin reposted from email sent to suscribers of the AIA Cleveland announcement list. The word is out.
|
Labels: Cleve. Events, Cleveland Trust Tower
Saving the Trust Tower - Operate with heresay and innuendo until something better comes along.
Thursday, March 29th, 2007
1219 Ontario St. 4th Floor
Cleveland Ohio 44113
11.30am (same great county meeting, new exciting county time!)
This Thursday is there is an open meeting of the Cuyahoga County Commissioners who will be discussing, upon other things, the fate of the Breuer Trust Tower, future home of the rockstar county commissioners office (it is on Rock-n-Roll Blvd, right?).
Just check out item #23/c of the attached agenda:
Department of Central Services, submitting specifications and estimates of cost in connection with development of an administrative comples for County government; requestion authority for the Director of the Office of Procurement & Diversity to advertise for bids:
RQ8528: Ameritrust Tower Exterior Asbestos Abatement and Deomolition and 1010 Euclid Building Demolition - $8,950,000.00
Word on the street is that there will be open and the county will hear testimony from the public prior to voting. Perhaps this would be an opportune time to reiterate how the destruction of the Breuer Tower actually goes AGAINST the environmental creed the county is using to support its decision as well as destroying one of Cleveland's few remaining skyscrapers. I suppose this meeting would be perfect for those of us used to shouting at a brick wall, however if you can go and show your support or your concern I think the city of Cleveland would thank you.
I bet they would also appreciate any phone calls on the matter.
216.443.7178
posted agenda
If you would like some more primer on the topic check out Design Rag's rather comprehensive list on the topic at hand.
Labels: Cleve. Events, Cleveland Trust Tower
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Major press for one of Cleveland's boiling issues.
 Metropolis's magazine online edition posted a rather interesting article about the fate of the Breuer Tower on Wednesday.
Regardless of what anyone may say, I wouldn't put any money on the County going ahead with plans to raze it just yet. Not while there is still a growing voice claiming the demolition to become a great regret for the county.
In positive news, this article and posting of Cleveland's Design Competition on the Metropolis website just might give avid readers the impression that something is going on in Cleveland.
Labels: Cleveland Trust Tower
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Re: Breuer Trust Tower
 I have been receiving some emails and comments from people wanting to know if there is an organized effort underway and if so, who the heck is in charge of it. Well, I would love to be the one waving the flag and hollering to the rafters but to be honest I don't have much in the way of spare time and would not be able to give it my own full support. I would love to act, however, as a minion in someones army, perhaps standard bearer, or mess hall captain, fighting for such a noble cause.
I have sent out feelers to people whom I think would be in the know more then myself and to the best of my knowledge those people have sent out feelers.
I will let everyone know what gets felt back.Labels: Cleveland Trust Tower
Friday, February 02, 2007
Because we all LOVE tales of corruption...
I have to link to a very sensational article about Jimmy Dimora, a Cuyahoga County Commissioner who some are inferring might be shady. A government offical, shady? In Ohio? My heart can't take the news!
Still though, what are the consequences with the Breuer building? Oh, you haven't thought I forgot about that yet, have you?
Labels: Cleveland, Cleveland Trust Tower
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Cleveland Trust Tower Part 543 - Trainstation
 I know I have made quite a bit of noise about how much I believe in public transportation, especially the pattern and predictability afforded to a public by rail transit.
Which this little gem floating in the back of my noggin, combined with my need to play with the Breuer Tower's panels, I decided to try to create a RTA station out of collection of Cleveland Tower Trust Panels.
I am a strong believer that for a city to make the proper impression, the way that the general population, and also the tourists and visitors percieve a city, is mostly through the way that one can experience the city on its "ground level" and by that I mean the main conduits that one would use to reach different portions of the city.
 With that in mind I have a set of criteria that important public transit nodes should fit. These are not "rules" but flexible guidelines. Most astute readers will notice that very successful transit systems have stations that do not prescribe to these guidelines, but here they are anyway.
1. - Make a statement. If tax dollars are being pumped into a major renovation/rebuild, please utilize it to showcase the transit system. I don't want to point fingers but there are some very unsophisticated light rail stations that are going up in Cleveland. They don't react well with the surrounding area, they don't interact with the context, they do nothing to mark the location as a rail-centric area and they sure as heck don't act as an active gateway to the city. That leads into point #2.
 2. - Promote the city- I want imagery, I want kiosks with information, I want clean and safe and I want well thought out, clever design and systems. I want to live in a city that pays attention to nuance and detail.
3. - Convey when things are going on- I have noticed an increase in text screens that mention when trains and buses may arrive, some, such as in Tower City and Triskett even have a news ticker. Great. How about some real time? Tell me where a train is, tell me city sponsored events are going on, give me news and weather and sports, let me enjoy the 7 to 15 minutes I spend waiting for a train. Inform me of what is going on and when things are getting to the station that I am freezing my but on. Every station. I would love to see a map of the transit system with little icons of what train and bus is where in "real time". Awesome, that would be awesome.
 I could add more. About bikes and cleanliness and urine-resistant flooring, but I won't. This isn't meant to be a lecture about subtle ways to improve peoples perceptions of our wonderful city, this was just me making some "purty" things and putting them online.
Labels: Cleveland, Cleveland Trust Tower
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Cleveland Trust Tower Part 542 - Facade Study
 It isn't exactly as if the movement of utilizing modular elements, whether as repetitive pieces for the facade or as entire separate living units that when combined can form a multitude of forms is anything new.
When taking the time to examine the possibility that presents itself upon restricting a palette to set series of patterns, forms and colors it becomes apparent that by concentrating upon the dialogue created by the rhythm of the modules, along with orientation, materiality and form created by such one may introduce slight modifications to the palette to accent the similarity and by accenting the similarity create a slight amount of tension, perhaps enough to give movement to the form, to create a sense of excitement in an otherwise mundane design.
 With this as an outline I wanted to play around with and capitalize on the tension created by suspending the modular concrete panels high above a public walkway, stacking them with edges exposed in a rather precarious appearing manner, and then altering the material, perhaps adding a shiny anodized aluminum panel or wood panel in place of the concrete. The newer, lighter looking materials would maintain the shape and form of the original therefore allowing the rhythm of the facade to exist unhindered but while attempting to interject another more subtle conversation about constructability, inferred weight and density and reaction to light. I had hoped to increase an interest in the use of different materials and the way they could be applied to a rather strict existing structure without disturbing the overall form too much.
 In the end I suppose I began cheating, by removing and insetting corners of the building, wondering if exterior balconys and gardens could be created in places once before met with sheer and oppressive wall faces. The success of such a study could be construed as mostly arbitrary, meant only as a manner of play. The amount of drastic change to the appearance of only two facades achieved by simply disrupting the static color of the field and then allowing one small corner (in itself a larger repeating patter) to shift reinforces the argument that the existing building (albeit dirty) already possesses a rather taunt and interesting amount of tension that could be extrapolated upon, if the effort and intent was such.
 It seems even more of a shame to give up on a building like this now.
Labels: Cleveland, Cleveland Trust Tower
Friday, December 01, 2006
Cleveland Trust Tower Part 541 - Street Furniture
 Alright, this is the last in my "Street Furniture of Fun" series. As you can see its just some simple stacking of panels in front of/behind a cut panel that is used as bench.
Alright, that is the last of this foolishness. I mean, this particular foolishness. I have more on the way.
Similar variety of foolishness.
 
Labels: Cleveland, Cleveland Trust Tower
Cleveland Trust Tower Part 540 - Street Furniture
 So, here is yet another pass at some street furniture. Just a simple bench. Even more coming.
Oh yes, I have started realizing that things I post are not maintaining the look they are originally posted as (ie, they get screwed up somehow and not in a browser specific way). I don't know when I will have time to attempt to fix it but until then please bear with me.
For those of you curious, I am suggesting that one can use a water jet and concrete cutting blade to cut through the panels. I will try to get the last street bench up because I have some more things that cover a wider array of uses that I think I would like to share too.
Labels: Cleveland, Cleveland Trust Tower
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Cleveland Trust Tower Part 539 - Street Furniture I
 I suppose you could argue that I am attaining a super nerdy addiction to what isn't even considered a design problem to a lot of people.
Oh well, sometimes I find it better to create a solution for a problem that doesn't exist rather then wait until the problem becomes too large to solve.
Here are some quick renderings of taking the concrete facade panel from the Breuer Tower, cleaning them, removing the glass and window frame and them cutting them to create benches and other street furniture. While I am sure that many will argue that more street furniture is the last thing Cleveland needs (at least bring in some people to use it) I will argue that the County is building an administration building, therefore this street furniture can be used anywhere in the county (Cuyahoga) and could be a nice way to tell a little story about our history. I am not adding an animation, made another walkaround one (I do that typically just to see how things resolve themselves) but I can't imagine how anyone would be excited by it.
More coming. Oh, so much more coming.
  Labels: Cleveland, Cleveland Trust Tower
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
At least reuse some of the dang thing! - Cleveland Trust Tower part 538
Well, blogger has be extremely difficult for posting images lately. I use them as a dashboard and they were working well. I am hoping that the problem resolves itself soon, mostly because this is becoming so tedious that I am losing my drive to keep images going up, which I think are very important to messages getting across. Regardless.
 I know lately I have been harping on Mercel Breuer's Cleveland Trust Tower. Enough that someone may infer that I think that the future actions regarding it are important. Well, you are correct. I think the upcoming actions are important. The way that this project is publicly handled can set the tone for future development and planning for the area. Therefore, let us brainstorm on some ways that we can use the demolition of the Cleveland Trust Tower in a manner that would be conducive to the direction that the area would like to move itself.
 With this in mind I would like to take a tip from such projects as Single Speed Design's Big Dig House and just create some examples of what can be done with the concrete facade panels from the Tower Trust Building.
I admit that these suggestions base themselves in some rather broad guessing that I will be so kind as to admit to first... 1- Size, I was guessing at 12' by 6' based on photos and sort of staring at it aimlessly for copious amounts of time.
 2- That the panels could be cleaned of any hazardous materials including and not limited to asbestos and that when washed they would attain their original-ish color.
So, may I present for my very first wild stab, a bus station made from the facade panels. I also made an animation because I could. I have more coming so pay attention! Enjoy! Labels: Cleveland, Cleveland Trust Tower
Friday, November 24, 2006
Irony. This is an example of irony.
The Cuyahoga County Planning Commission's Weblog recently posted that Donovan Rypkema of Place Economics had mentioned that "reusing structures is the best way to save energy and called historic preservation 'the ultimate in recycling'" when he spoke at the Cleveland Restoration Society 34th annual Community Luncheon.
You can listen to the summation on NPR here.
Choice quotes:
"Much of the green building movement focuses on the annual energy use of a building, but the energy embodied in the construction of a building is 15 to 30 times the amount of its annual energy use."
"Part of the major components of new buildings, plastic, steel, vinyl, aluminum. What are among the MOST energy consumptive materials? Plastic, Steel, Vinyl and Aluminum."
This seems a tad bit ironic as the County plans to dispose of the Cleveland Trust Tower (possibly mentioned here before) in order to replace it with a new "green" building. I am sure there are plenty of arguments as to why it should be taken down but it does seem a little strange to suggest that it is more environmentally friendly to remove a 29 story building without a specific example of how. I think that if the County could, in some way, demonstrate why they would need to demolish the building to replace it, it could make their argument much more substantial and might go a long way towards furthering their "green, progressive" image rather then creating another example of how North East Ohio demolishes evidence of its past success.
No image, I am sick of posting images of this building. Besides, I have more coming anyway.
Labels: Cleveland, Cleveland Trust Tower
Monday, November 20, 2006
One man's stand against an army
 Yeah, I have mentioned the Breuer tower thing before. Yeah, I have decidedly sat on the fence, not committing to any particular view. Yeah I lamented and cajoled but didn't say much of anything.
Well, nothing is going to change.
I still don't have too much of an opinion. Really. Seriously. I haven't really decided to lean one way or another.
I will mention that I have been talking to Bradley over at DesignRag and have spent some time looking at the Breuer tower and pondering and wondering and scheming.
See, Bradley is all about Cleveland. He likes it. He wants to make it better somehow. Then he gets all up on his soapbox and preaches and praises and persuades. I am putty in his logic.
So I thought I would help out his cause. He is taking it upon himself (and anyone else who would like to join) in striking wildly at the windmill that is complacency. He knows that the County has made up its mind, selected its architects, mastered its masterplan and there is little to nothing the community has done to save this historic piece of Cleveland history, nor is there much that can be done. Really, if the building doesn't fit, then the county must acquit, to put it succinctly.
Either way, the fine folks over at DesignRag are accepting modifications to the Save Breuer Image (my little submission is what you see now) with the hope that they can at least spread some concern and knowledge so that if this cannot be halted at least it might not happen again.
Of course the time that we spent staring up at the tower has led to much discussion about what could, in fact, be done to minimize the loss. Stay tuned for more good time happy images about the destruction of this icon and some simple solutions or alterations that could, in fact, change the face of history.
Labels: Cleve. Competitions, Cleveland Trust Tower
Monday, October 16, 2006
I can't go one day without the Breuer tower shoved in my face
Thursday, October 26, 2006
5:30 to 8:00 p.m.
Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs
Glickman-Miller Hall, Atrium
Light refreshments will be served!!!!!!*
Well, that isn't exactly true. I didn't think about it at all this weekend while I was in Columbus enjoying some fine folky music and non-smoking bars and an old pal's new feline roommate. I mostly just think about it on the way to work, when I see it from the train and then the walk into my building. Then again as I wander around my office attempting to look busy and see it ominously outside the window, it's dark portals staring unblinkingly at me.
I don't love it. I don't hate it. I have become indifferent to it mostly. Well, not indifferent, just concerned that Cleveland will lose one of it's few tall buildings (our skyline is going to look like the five fingers of Kansas City soon) rather then a piece of architectural history.
Don't get me wrong, as a designer and environmentalist I usually think that resolving existing solutions in a clever manner is far more difficult and therefore more impressive then working with a clean slate. However I suppose we must make concessions if the existing building doesn't fulfill the necessary functional requirements. Of course I am not privy to the dealings of the county with regards to programming requirements so I cannot fully judge. Nor am I a great fan of asbestos filled brutalism. I love me some brutalism but I fear the punctured skin takes the strength away from the stark form enough to almost consider this a sad attempt of heavy "international" style structures. I could be wrong. I admit that most usually that is the case.
Regardless there will be a forum at the
Maxine Goodman Levin college of Urban Affairs and sponsored heavily by the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects and will no doubt be attended by Steven Litt whom is fun to both agree with and find totally baseless. Mr. Litt may or may not be against the county tearing down the Breuer building. It would be hard to tell.
*extra exclamation points added by me~ ed.
Labels: Cleveland Trust Tower
|
Metropolis's magazine online edition posted a rather interesting article about the fate of the Breuer Tower on Wednesday.
I have been receiving some emails and comments from people wanting to know if there is an organized effort underway and if so, who the heck is in charge of it. Well, I would love to be the one waving the flag and hollering to the rafters but to be honest I don't have much in the way of spare time and would not be able to give it my own full support. I would love to act, however, as a minion in someones army, perhaps standard bearer, or mess hall captain, fighting for such a noble cause.
I know I have made quite a bit of noise about how much I believe in public transportation, especially the pattern and predictability afforded to a public by rail transit.
With that in mind I have a set of criteria that important public transit nodes should fit. These are not "rules" but flexible guidelines. Most astute readers will notice that very successful transit systems have stations that do not prescribe to these guidelines, but here they are anyway.
2. - Promote the city- I want imagery, I want kiosks with information, I want clean and safe and I want well thought out, clever design and systems. I want to live in a city that pays attention to nuance and detail.
I could add more. About bikes and cleanliness and urine-resistant flooring, but I won't. This isn't meant to be a lecture about subtle ways to improve peoples perceptions of our wonderful city, this was just me making some "purty" things and putting them online.
It isn't exactly as if the movement of utilizing modular elements, whether as repetitive pieces for the facade or as entire separate living units that when combined can form a multitude of forms is anything new.
With this as an outline I wanted to play around with and capitalize on the tension created by suspending the modular concrete panels high above a public walkway, stacking them with edges exposed in a rather precarious appearing manner, and then altering the material, perhaps adding a shiny anodized aluminum panel or wood panel in place of the concrete. The newer, lighter looking materials would maintain the shape and form of the original therefore allowing the rhythm of the facade to exist unhindered but while attempting to interject another more subtle conversation about constructability, inferred weight and density and reaction to light. I had hoped to increase an interest in the use of different materials and the way they could be applied to a rather strict existing structure without disturbing the overall form too much.
In the end I suppose I began cheating, by removing and insetting corners of the building, wondering if exterior balconys and gardens could be created in places once before met with sheer and oppressive wall faces. The success of such a study could be construed as mostly arbitrary, meant only as a manner of play. The amount of drastic change to the appearance of only two facades achieved by simply disrupting the static color of the field and then allowing one small corner (in itself a larger repeating patter) to shift reinforces the argument that the existing building (albeit dirty) already possesses a rather taunt and interesting amount of tension that could be extrapolated upon, if the effort and intent was such.
It seems even more of a shame to give up on a building like this now.
Alright, this is the last in my "Street Furniture of Fun" series. As you can see its just some simple stacking of panels in front of/behind a cut panel that is used as bench.
So, here is yet another pass at some street furniture. Just a simple bench. Even more coming.
I suppose you could argue that I am attaining a super nerdy addiction to what isn't even considered a design problem to a lot of people.
I know lately I have been harping on Mercel Breuer's Cleveland Trust Tower. Enough that someone may infer that I think that the future actions regarding it are important. Well, you are correct. I think the upcoming actions are important. The way that this project is publicly handled can set the tone for future development and planning for the area. Therefore, let us brainstorm on some ways that we can use the demolition of the Cleveland Trust Tower in a manner that would be conducive to the direction that the area would like to move itself. 
With this in mind I would like to take a tip from such projects as Single Speed Design's Big Dig House and just create some examples of what can be done with the concrete facade panels from the Tower Trust Building.
2- That the panels could be cleaned of any hazardous materials including and not limited to asbestos and that when washed they would attain their original-ish color.
Yeah, I have mentioned the Breuer tower thing before. Yeah, I have decidedly sat on the fence, not committing to any particular view. Yeah I lamented and cajoled but didn't say much of anything.
