Beck Center movement: NOT a rumor!

[Jim O'Bryan]

Mr. O....

I agree wholeheartedly with your view that once a spouse has decided to walk out the door, offering to do more cooking and cleaning is probably pointless. But Mr. Farina throws at least a bit of doubt as to whether the Beck has indeed decided to hit the road.

Clearly there are entities in town who are concerned with "building the Lakewood brand" (the Observer, the library, the administration, etc) and just as clearly, there are/were entities operating in Lakewood who really didn't have a vested interest as to whether the brand was built or not (Fairchild, Lakewood UCC).

It seems to me the Beck Center is in the process of deciding whether Lakewood is mission-critical or not. It obviously is determining whether it is fish or fowl, and my life experience tells me that's a particularly agonizing process for a non-profit, much more so than a for-profit business.

The danger, of course, is that the city (or its "angels"), could wind up investing MORE in a replacement for the Beck Center than they would working with the original entity.

Again, you wear your heart on your sleeve. And I can't get that danged green eyeshade off my forehead.

Joan

I have not spoken with John yet, but I did speak for some time with Mr. Unger and we have agreed to talk again Monday morning. There is one thing that I would like to temper from before.

I have no doubt, that both love Lakewood, and respect Lakewood and their residents. Mr Unger is placed in a very bad position that we see many get put in. It takes heart out of the equation, but doesn't change the facts. One of duties it to secure the long term viability of the Beck Center.

I believe Mr. Unger is a very good person.

I am willing to bet not one person in Lakewood wants the Beck Center to fail. But I fear, we must now consider all options.

Charyn

I would love to be wrong on this one. I understand and agree with your poster child comment. But it is a very thin wire I walk.



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[Jeff Endress]

I would love to be wrong on this one. I understand and agree with your poster child comment. But it is a very thin wire I walk.

and we all know the difficulty of walking a thin wire, even if we are small people....

Jeff

[Jeff Endress]

John

We own all of our property

I'm confused.....County records would seem to indicated that at least one parcel of the Beck compound is owned by the city. Is this just a parking area?

311-24-067, 1437 Wayne?

Not that it's an issue until someone tells us what's really going on, but it would be nice to know for the entirety of the picture.

Jeff

[Lynn Farris]

As for being in demand, to quote Asst. Planning Director Dryck Bennett from yesterday's Reality Conference. "The problem is not finding developer's it is finding space for them to develop."

I think we have recently seen some very creative great ideas here. We have Rookwood and Rosewood developing on vacant car lots - I think that is super and I commend them.

Foran group is buying 2 homes and developing on a under utilized hillside of the river.

Savannah has suggested using reclaimed land for a large 26 acre pennisula in Lake Erie.

We have innovative people working in Lakewood that want to make it better.

I do appreciate John coming forward and adding to the discussion. I think the Beck Center is one of Lakewood's greatest assets. My children took classes there as did I. We have attended many shows as a family.

I'm a little confused as to who exactly owns the Beck Center? Is there any reason why the Beck Center can't expand and have two sites? Surely the students who attend here wouldn't want to go out to Crocker Park and visa versa. And while people will go futher for plays - can't we have two theatres - the area will support it. I know the Beck Center has had teachers from the Cleveland Institute of Art teach classes there. I would like to see this turn into a win win situation. I think Beck center should remain here and I see no reason why a satellite branch couldn't be at Crocker Park as well.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Lynn

Some interesting ideas. The double campus sounds perfect but it would always put me on edge. One part of the Visionary Alignment was Café Universities. During the discussion it became obvious that one school was more interested in just keeping the other one out of their area, and sounded willing to commit. But I always wondered what their commitment would be. Would they be 100% satellite campus or use the building for storage of old desks and lockers?

I would consider this only if there were some hard and fast contracts covering what is/was offered.

Mr. Unger did not close the door on what if WE (Lakewood, Beck and residents) could raise $25 million dollars. Then maybe...

But it is hard to get excited about a project when the group has one foot in Westlake and one hears the bags being packed. It reminded me of the Browns' saying you built stuff for everyone else now it's my turn. Certainly the Browns had every reason to ask and want a new stadium, but the timing was way off on what the city could afford. Had they merely asked for them to be considered next, they would have probably gotten a stadium. But throwing out the ultimatum along with the public courting of Baltimore rightly rubbed people the wrong way. 5 years later Cleveland built the stadium and we once again like the Beck had a semi-professional football team.

My challenge to the Beck is "Can you wait and work with the city 100%?" Are you willing to be part of the revitalization and growth going on? Could you actually make do with what you have, sign a long term commitment to Lakewood and our renaissance as we have done to yours? Can you help us attract large corporate investors, sponsors and residents to this city? Is the marriage over over or was it just a tawdry make-out session just so you could feel sexy again at the age of 75?

I know that the mayor is committed to keeping the Beck in Lakewood, but we all know Lakewood's money is tight. I think all the residents would like to keep the Beck here the only question is at what price. OK John, and Mr Unger, you claim you like Lakewood and want to STAY in Lakewood. Publicly walk away from the Crocker Park deal, sign a long term commitment, take the same chance on us we took on you, and maybe we can rebuild the magic we once saw in each other.

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[John Farina]

Jeff - The property you are referring to is the city's Sign Shop, which is directly behind the Armory.

[Charyn Varkonyi]

Charyn

I would love to be wrong on this one. I understand and agree with your poster child comment. But it is a very thin wire I walk.

I do know that Jim, and I truly dont envy your position.

Please try to remember that we are on the same side and that I DO believe that the Observer is a wonderful, invigorating initiative and an integral part of moving Lakewood forward in the future. Whatever opinions or disagreements I may have doesn't change those facts.

Kind Regards,
~Charyn

[Heidi Hilty]

Jimmy,
When you're ready to start up the new theatre/arts center, let me know. I'm happy to lend my administrative and organizational skills to the process. Also, we have in Lakewood an invaluable asset in the Lakewood Civic Auditorium Manager, Trish Hendy (LHS Class of '82) who has trained countless students over the years in technical theatre production. She has a staff of Assistant Managers who are also talented, especially Bill Langenhop. While I don't presume to speak for them, I would certainly bet they would lend a hand. Just some food for thought.
Much love from your favorite shut-in,
Heidi

[Jim O'Bryan]

Jimmy,
When you're ready to start up the new theatre/arts center, let me know. I'm happy to lend my administrative and organizational...Heidi

Heidi

I know I can always count on you. But in my letter to Councilman Butler and Mayor Tom George I mentioned that you had the Observer running so smoothly I could give 100% of my attention to reorganizing the Lakewood Little Theater as a for profit entertainment center. With little or no help from the city.

You and I both know that the hearts and sweat equity of the residents and businesses will pour out to work on this project. Already have the schedule roughed out.

Let's be honest I knew nothing about the newpaper business a year ago. But entertainment, clubs and stages, makes me smack my lips with anticipation.

Thanks for being Wendy to the Lost Boys.



.

PS - Of course if we get Emmie Rhodes back, hmmmmmmmmmm.

[David Anderson]

Well - Here's the official press release offered by the Beck Center on Friday, June 23.


Beck Center for the Arts

Celebrates 75 Years and Looks to the Future

Cleveland – Beck Center for the Arts, the most comprehensive non-profit arts and arts education center serving Greater Cleveland, will celebrate its 75th anniversary year starting in September 2006. The Center, located just 10 minutes west of downtown Cleveland in Lakewood, is dedicated to educating and entertaining Greater Clevelanders through its critically acclaimed professional theater, teaching of the arts, and gallery exhibitions.

With more than 170 classes offered each semester, at least 125 professional theater performances each season, and regularly changing exhibits of both local and nationally renowned artists, the Beck Center is a community resource that is valued by all who attend and financially support the organization. The unusual combination of professional theatrical productions, curriculum-based education in creative arts therapies, dance, music, theater and visual arts, and the opportunity to exhibit artistic work creates a cultural vibrancy and significant economic impact not found in many other communities.

Although the past few years have been financially difficult for many non-profit arts organizations, the Beck Center has experienced an increase in theater ticket sales, as well as arts education and outreach revenues. During this period, the Beck Center has improved its financial position and management capability as well.

Despite this recent success, and in part because of it, Beck’s Board of Directors recognizes that aging inefficient facilities make it necessary to plan for the future. At a 2005 strategic planning retreat, the Board decided to explore the feasibility of constructing a new arts education and entertainment center housed in an energy efficient facility designed to meet present day needs and future growth. Ideally, the arts center will be part of a neighborhood of retail shopping, residential living and other commercial activity, in order to maximize the benefit that the center can have in stimulating surrounding development.

In preparation for Beck’s 75th Anniversary, a group of Board members has been exploring issues involved in constructing a new facility and, if it is feasible, designing a fundraising campaign that could be launched as part of the year-long anniversary celebration. Based on their evaluation, this group will recommend to the Board a course of action that maximizes the Beck Center’s service to the Greater Cleveland and West Shore communities in the future. Consultants are being retained to evaluate a variety of important issues: to determine the economic impact and benefit of the Beck Center, to conduct a market analysis of possible locations, and to justify to the community the funding that will be needed. The goal is to build a well-designed and attractive facility that will serve the community’s needs well into the next 75 years.

“We know that a project of this magnitude will require a number of major gifts, as well as financial support from the public sector,â€Â

[Jim O'Bryan]

David

This release really seems like this process is just starting yet conversations with others would show that it is far along.

This release does not mention Crocker Park or the offer that Bob Stark has been fine tuning for over 6 months.

Where does Fred Unger's quote of, "It will take 2-5 years for the new facility to be built," come from if/they are only now looking for a possibility of a new building and a "look" at possible growth.

As much as I want the Beck to stay here, it is very hard to get excited about raising money for a center that has a serious offer on the table from Stark and Westlake.

Let me be the devil's advocate. What if Lakewood and the residents commit 100% to the fund raising only to find out later that it was only to build equity for Westlake and Crocker Park?

While I am sure that Beck sees themselves as a community/regional theater, many in Lakewood do not yet see the "regional benefits" of loosing something we helped build and support through their tough times now bail out on Lakewood for the other side(greener?) of the street.

This to me is the single biggest problem. Whoever is trying to organize this has started all wrong. To get offers from others and come back to Lakewood for what can only be called "Match or Beat this offer" shows no respect to the city that nurtured and helped the Beck. Why wouldn't the headline in the PD read, BECK fights to stay in Lakewood?

As a person that is always working to build the Lakewood brand and bring in new residents I have to think the PD story did much harm to Lakewood and the efforts of hundreds that work for arts, schools, and perceptions of the town we love. I am sure many saw it as, "look what Lakewood lost"

While having a great conversation with Fred Unger last week, two things were clear. He was concerned about the long term viability of the Beck, and that the future might/probably will take it out of Lakewood.

As I wrote in the upcoming issue of the Observer, this is almost the same as the Browns moving. Art Modell had every right to want a new stadium after all the Tribe got one, Playhouse Square was being rebuilt, the city had helped the Science Center and the Rock Hall. But at the time the city was tapped out. Instead of being part of the revitalization of Cleveland he chose to hurt it publicly and stormed off to Baltimore. 5 years later Cleveland had a new world class stadium and a semi-pro team playing there just like before.

Let's see the Beck Center turn down the Stark offer as publicly as they floated it, sign a long term commitment to stay in Lakewood without any promises. Help us as we helped them. Then maybe we can get on with the fund raising, and work together to secure the Beck better facilities in Lakewood.

Another interesting question would be some of the verbal commitments made by the Beck 18 years ago when the last deal was forged. More than one person remembers much of this was based on NEVER leaving Lakewood.

But I would rather let them go than MAKE THEM stay. Lakewood is in the middle of a powerful resurgence, Historic areas, Entertainment areas and Arts areas that spread from on end of Lakewood to another. Lakewood has 6 great theater stages, with two more coming online. Three recording studios, two film companies, a deep music history. Westlake has Cheesecake and I am sure something else that would attract art lovers.

FWIW

[David Anderson]

Just to let you readers/writers know, I am not affiliated in any way with the Beck Center. The press release came to my attention and I simply posted it on this forum to further the discussion.

(Jim, you may not recognize my name but I'm your former neighbor from the big white triple two houses east of you on the south side of Franklin who then bought a house on Riverside and now lives on Narragansett.)

[Jim O'Bryan]

Just to let you readers/writers know, I am not affiliated in any way with the Beck Center. The press release came to my attention and I simply posted it on this forum to further the discussion.

(Jim, you may not recognize my name but I'm your former neighbor from the big white triple two houses east of you on the south side of Franklin who then bought a house on Riverside and now lives on Narragansett.)

In our house we simply refer to you as our favorite neighbor.

We also had a copy of the release but some some glaring holes, that we wanted to sort out. Our story hits the streets tonight. Michael Gill's hit the streets tomorrow.

Last night I found out that the first talks with Stark were four years ago, and that he approached the Beck during the civil war in Lakewood.

Calls and emails have really shed some light on this entire deal.

Dave how is the family, up to ten kids yet? Mom seems to be doing OK.


peace

[Jeff Endress]

It is my understanding, and perhaps either Mike Gill or someone from the Beck board can confirm, that Stark has floated a proposal which has not been made public, and Lakewood is being "asked" to make its own offer....which is pretty difficult if you don't know the basis for the bidding. Hopefully our scant municipal dollars and resources won't be used to maintain the Beck for the time it takes to complete its new Westlake home.

Jeff

[Jim O'Bryan]

It is my understanding, and perhaps either Mike Gill or someone from the Beck board can confirm, that Stark has floated a proposal which has not been made public, and Lakewood is being "asked" to make its own offer....which is pretty difficult if you don't know the basis for the bidding. Hopefully our scant municipal dollars and resources won't be used to maintain the Beck for the time it takes to complete its new Westlake home.

Jeff

Jeff


You sumed it up perfectly. Because the way the deal has come down, and that the city knows that talks go back at least 4 years with Stark, and that the past 6 months have been hard at it. It is tough to know how to play it. Does the city risk wasting valuable resources even chasing the deal? Numbers that accompany most of the rumors are numbers the city could never touch. $25 million to $50 million?

As I have told members of the Beck, "heck you will only be ten minutes down the road." I haqve no idea who is handling things for the Beck but it has to be the worst handling of a deal I have seen in decades.

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