The Observation Deck

Steve Litt, The Plain Dealer Architecture Critic has written about Lakewood's Library expansion in the Arts & Life section.

Bravo to the Trustees and Ken Warren for their smart forward thinking.

Good article...I can't wait for the opening.

http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/entertainment/1147423289244900.xml&coll=2

Congrats!

I read the review and am glad to see it posted here.

Litt starts of with a rather acidic observation: that the Library design says, "Thanks, but no thanks" to "progressive contemporary architecture in Ohio", but then goes on to write a well-considered and even-handed discussion of the design factors involved in the Library renovation.

Context is important, he says: the traditional classicism of the Christian Science church and Masonic Temple across the street are factors in the Library's more traditional design.

He also (I'm glad) points to the Drug Mart strip mall as poorly designed and the Taco Bell as a presence that has "mangled the area". Can we ask the Drug Mart for facade renovation?

The review makes me appreciate how much community trust we place in an architect--a lot is riding on Architect Robert Stern's judements about design, utility, beauty. I realize with new insight how important architecture is to creating community and how architects become visual Fathers and Mothers of communities.

Where else on the downtown Detroit Avenue corridor could architecture help renew Lakewood?

haha -

Can we ask the Drug Mart for facade renovation?

It could use soe rennovations inside as well as outside!

A store that well traveled needs a facelife every now & then - but even if it were only on the inside I think it would make a big difference. Either that or getting them to move to a larger facility - they seems to be outgrowing their current home, which is what leads to the unkempt appearance...

FFT -

~Charyn

Does City Government have any say about facade renovations or are we relying on the building owners?

My concern is that many building owners may be have a "milk it" business plan--not investing anything further and forsaking hopes of raising their rents, just hoping to limp along with buildings as-is.

Is Drug Mart really the "highest and best use" for that property? (Though I do shop there all the time.)

Tom Powell-Bullock wrote:Is Drug Mart really the "highest and best use" for that property?

Tom-

What does that phrase "highest and best use" mean?

I heard former Mayor Cain use that phrase on 60 minutes and it chilled me to the bone.

Who determines this? What is the criteria? Is it static or fluid?

Tom Powell-Bullock wrote:Does City Government have any say about facade renovations or are we relying on the building owners?

My concern is that many building owners may be have a "milk it" business plan--not investing anything further and forsaking hopes of raising their rents, just hoping to limp along with buildings as-is.

Is Drug Mart really the "highest and best use" for that property? (Though I do shop there all the time.)

Tom

I am not sure if you were here when the A&P Food Market burned down in the early 60s. I remember how excited everyone was when the new "strip mall" opened. It was just like one that had popped up in Westlake. People came from blocks around to look at the cool building. We all stood in our Campus Sweaters, listening to the Dave Clark 5, some in Beatle Boots others in British Walkers, a rare Dingo Boat every now and then, oooed and ahhhed then headed off to catch the Big 5 Show.

Time passes, as do styles.

As pointed out after Mayor Cain made her national breakthrough on 60 minutes. There is not one single property in Lakewood that could not be torn down and turned into "better use." That would also include some still under construction.



.

Jim-- Now I remember where I saw you back then----------

You were on Upbeat with Jeff Koutash and the Upbeat Dancers weren't you?

Charyn Varkonyi wrote:

A store that well traveled needs a facelife every now & then - but even if it were only on the inside I think it would make a big difference. Either that or getting them to move to a larger facility - they seems to be outgrowing their current home, which is what leads to the unkempt appearance...

FFT -

~Charyn

Unless Drug Mart can convince the landlord not to increase the rent the store across from the Library will close at the end of the lease. I am going to miss it. I use that store more than any other.

I think the current Drug Mart location would make a great park (public use). Imagine a nice green space across from the library framed by the Christian Science building and the Masonic Temple.

The park behind Drug Mart and some areas on Andrews could be the land needed for a larger commercial development.

Bill

I think the current Drug Mart location would make a great park (public use). Imagine a nice green space across from the library framed by the Christian Science building and the Masonic Temple.

The park behind Drug Mart and some areas on Andrews could be the land needed for a larger commercial development

From your mouth to God's ears.......

Jeff

Does City Government have any say about facade renovations or are we relying on the building owners?

Keep in mind that the Lakewood Division of Community Development, within the Planning Department, has a very generous Commercial Property Revitalization Program. A commercial building owner can get a 0% loan for up to 80% of eligible costs ($50,000 being the max) and a rebate for up to 40% of eligible costs, not to exceed $30,000 per project.

This is one of the oldest and best established storefront renovation programs in the region. With some guidance and oversight, this provides a nice incentive for a property owner to make improvements. I believe the recent business survey that was done indicated that more needs to be done to let the business community know about this program.

I agree. I would loved to see them encouraged with this program.

BTW, I think the new library is beautiful. I can hardly wait to see it at completion. My son and I were discussing it during lunch and we don't completely agree with Litt's interpetation - but we like it for different reasons.

I think the current Drug Mart location would make a great park (public use). Imagine a nice green space across from the library framed by the Christian Science building and the Masonic Temple.

The park behind Drug Mart and some areas on Andrews could be the land needed for a larger commercial development

I'd love to see a public square put in there ringed by cafe's with sidewalk tables. Saturdays and Sundays during warm-weather months, this could host a Lakewood street-market--featuring the goods of local vendors.

Concept: build on Lakewood's walkability and densely-packed population. Make our diverse community the asset itself by encouraging people-watching, paper-reading, coffee-drinking on the public plaza one of our community highlights.

Mr.Call

There already is a nice park right across the street from the library and thats Kaufman Field. If only we could get that S.W.A.T team outta there!

Loved the article in the Observer. I thought it was great that not just the dignitaries got to break ground, but some of the kids did too. This is something they will remember forever. Great idea.