Greening Modernism | Preservation, Sustainability, and the Modern Movement

I received a rather interesting email this morning. If we button ourselves up in the wayback machine and take a long look at Cleveland's recent past we may well remember when County Management (only a 33% indictment rate!) decided they should consolidate by purchasing the Marcel Breuer Ameritrust Tower (at the corner of East 9th and Euclid Ave.) and then in an effort project their new, more environmentally friendly persona, demolish it for a brand new building. Many people cried foul (including yours truly) and a grassroots (of sorts) campaign was launched. Being as how this involved architecture AIA Cleveland eventually got involved at the very end (yes that was meant as snarky).

So the email I read this morning was in reference to a recent article in Metropolis Magazine whereas one Carl Stein (you may remember his lecture during the Breuer bruhaha) has recently released his new book Greening Modernism.

I would take a quote from the email, which was a quote from the article, which was slightly a quote from the book and post it here so that all this elaboration comes to a fine point (emphasis not mine, but close enough to what I would do).

"For Stein, the title Greening Modernism means two things. Firstly, the book is a rallying cry for those building in the modern “style” to return to the Modernist philosophy which, he believes, has a Green heart, with a capital-G. Secondly, he’s calling for a literal “greening” of Modernist buildings. He proves that the most sustainable building is an existing one and believes in recycling and retrofitting Modernist structures, citing a case study of a 29-story Cleveland high-rise. The building was marked for demolition until it was saved by a campaign to protect it and the city’s cultural heritage — in this case, the only high-rise by Marcel Breuer, the influential Hungarian-born Bauhaus graduate and instructor. The campaign, he notes, avoided the 1.7 million gallons of oil it would have taken to build anew."

Oh, how I remember to be all full of hope and vinegar.

I would like to also apologize publicly for being all full of vinegar when I had dinner with Mr. Stein after his lecture. Disgruntled young archi-wrecks have no place at civilized table side conversation. I am now older - but still disgruntled. Grrrr.

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.

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!

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)

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.

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!

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.

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)

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.

This was just emailed to me and I had to share

I think it captures the spirit of the moment rather nicely.

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.

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'.

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.