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 question

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.

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.

Ah spring, the time of new beginnings.

The weather in our fair town of Cleveland has almost made me delirious with its potential. I have already found myself in the attic taking advantage of the warmer clime as I attempt to recreate myself, anew, by ridding myself of the trappings of the past.

So many books and old "collectible toys" and clothes (that fit a much more svelte me) going to good will, it is crazy. My plan is to convert a gigantic pile of "collection-ish-things" into maybe half a car load by the end of this weekend is on track. Granted some is driven by a need to move on, some by a need to simplify but most just because I feel suffocated by the overwhelming amount of crap I have collected.

I have collected a lot of things.

One thing I wouldn't mind having though is the new Home Joule a nifty little device that plugs into your outlet and monitors not only your home power usage but also tells you when you could save money (because of weather conditions or off peak power usage) and when you are being incredible consumptive. Supposedly the little thing also tracks market trends and weather forecasts as well. No info on how much power IT consumes itself (or if there is I chose to ignore it).

It is even colour coded for you people that don't like to read things. It goes from a wonderfully nice green hue to a DANGER DANGER red color when you are using too much power. I suppose one could say that it is a more holistic-whole household solution then the extremely less sexy Kill-a-watt and it manages to put power consumption into tangible dollar amounts instead just energy units consumed data. That's right, it is all about the Benjamins. That is what people pay attention to, cash money. Not that I blame a single one though. Not that much.

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.

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.

Countryside Harvest Guide - local eating help online

So, I was at Lucky's Cafe in Tremont this last Saturday for brunch (which was AMAZING) and my gloriously wonderful breakfast date handed me a nice little card and gave me that sort of smile that a mischievous child who discovers a secret doles out to unsuspecting adults.

At first glance it appeared to be a quick little reminder about the NE Ohio eat local challenge which I am pretty sure I have mentioned before. Now Lucky's Cafe has a wonderful local food history. They have their own garden next to the business, they are part of the City Fresh program, so it should come as no surprise to find these cards around.

I only bring this up simply because as spring rolls around and we start to wander outside and look at our yards and think of all the possibilities I would suspect that having a little garden might come to mind. I started my tomatoes and lettuce inside a month ago and they are in need of being transplanted outside as they are getting a tad crowded in their containers.

However, if you don't have a green thumb (or any earth tone digits for that matter) perhaps I should mention yet another online guide for you to use. Introducing the Countryside Harvest Guide which now contains a directory online of the following catagories:
Community Supported Agriculture Programs
Farmer's Markets
Local Grocers and Retailers
Local Farms
Restaurants, Cafes and Caterers Featuring Local Food
Artisan Bakers and other food specialtists
Northeast Ohio Harvest Calendar

They plan to soon add an interactive food map, local food shopping list and local food request cards. Now even if you can't grow it yourself you can still eat local, and what is more wonderful then eating?

PVC is BAD, I mean, seriously people.

Everytime I open up an issue of eco-structure magazine or Environmental Design + Construction I find advertisements for vinyl flooring and I think to myself "How the heck can this crud be in an environmentally centered construction magazine?" Then I wonder if I am taking crazy pills.

Well, I appear to not be the only one flummoxed by this happening. Recently Healthy Building News has published a finding that soon after the USGBC has listed PVC as an unhealthy building material the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board has discovered that a deadly 2004 factory explosion occurred because of released vinyl chloride gas.

There have been movies and tons of studies about how vinyl products have a very deadly and poisonous birthing process but it hasn't been until recently that concerns for material production and environmental impacts of such being a marketing strategy that resulted in the proper attention being paid.

One can hope that scrutiny directly caused by green building practices and environmental concerns can continue to help create safer jobs and communities around factories, if only through indirect means.

Did anyone else find that last sentence a little awful tasting in the mouth? It does seem a little hard to swallow that all of a sudden safety and health concerns are being brought to light. Perhaps it is only the power of marketing that can actually sway manufacturing and production practices and standards. Something to ponder next time you pull up to a red light in your Hummer watching the kids on the sidewalk waiting for the bus choking on your fumes.

Don't Forget

Tomorrow is Shut Down Day, which of course means have to work.

But I will try to do as much as possible without the computer and definitely not use the internet so THERE.

Also this means there won't be any posting. However I got some GREAT material to go up on Sunday (if I don't have to work) so catch you then.

Spaces Art Mart 2007

Spaces Art Mart
March 23-30, 2007
2220 Superior Viaduct
Cleveland OH 44113


Come and support local artists by perusing (and possibly purchasing) some fine local art by our fine local artists at Spaces Gallery located on the Superior Viaduct.

Our Place in the Urban Age: CSU Forum

Our Place in the Urban Age Forum
Tuesday, March 22, 2007
Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs
4pm - 6pm

"This forum is the first in a year-long series celebrating of the 30th anniversary of the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs. The forum series, entitled Our Place in the Urban Age, will explore the dynamic role of cities in a world transformed by technology, climate change, modern lifestyles and a global economy. What will America's urban centers look like in what some are calling the Urban Age? What economic functions will cities serve, how will the quality of life change, and how will Cleveland and Northeast Ohio adapt?"

"Borrowed" from CSU Maxine Goodman Levin website.

National Solar Conference 2007 - in CLEVELAND, OHIO

"Sustainable energy puts America to work"

National Solar Conference 2007
July 7th - 13th, 2007
Cleveland Ohio

Right after hearing about a Plain Dealer article claiming that Green Building Fails to Thrive which, among other things, used tired, lazy excuses such as "The disappointing thing is we were all hoping consumers would embrace it and at least be willing to pay a substantial part of the premium," he [a lazy developer] said. "I can't say we were overwhelmed by the results financially." While I COULD point out the many fallacies of those remarks and even go off on a tirade about how developer driven building projects are constantly ruining what "design" is about I would rather point out that SOME industries and cities are EMBRACING green building.

Including Cleveland. Come and join us as we learn all we can about practical solar design applications and how we can harness it to grow economies. I promise, it won't be a quarter as boring as I just made it sound.

Ripped from the headlines:

The National Solar Energy Conference is the largest and most inclusive solar and renewable energy conference in the U.S. each year. SOLAR 2007, taking place in Cleveland, Ohio, will explore the theme “Sustainable Energy Puts America to Work .” The National Solar Energy Conference combines a premiere technical conference, plenary and forum sessions exploring both the conference theme and the most timely topics of the day, a Renewable Energy Products and Services exhibit that showcases manufacturers, dealers, distributors, installers and other related businesses and services, and workshops, tours and special events of interest to professionals and consumers.

SOLAR 2007 will feature the following:

36th Annual ASES Annual Conference
32nd Annual National Passive Solar Conference
2nd Annual Policy, Advocacy and Marketing Conference
Green Energy Ohio Annual Meeting
Renewable Products and Services Exhibition

Registration is open.

Just in case you missed the link

I promise more announcements about this as more info. comes up. Seriously, having a national renewable energy conference here in Cleveland could be HUGE for the city.

Visions of a City

You have until March 31st, 2007 to catch Visions of a City, Four Photographers in Cleveland, with a Soul (1925-2005) currently showing at the Beck Center for the Arts. Put on by Cleveland Artists Foundation the show hosts a series of photos from Arthur Gray, William Barnhill, Jasper Wood and Andrew Borowiec. Images vary from ghostly etheral images of a great city past, moments of time borrowed from those busy just living their days recent images of what a great forgotten city has become.

It was easy to get lost in the images made more powerful or painful by some sense of familiarity with the subject. You have 11 days to go see for yourself. I suggest you get busy about it.

At what point does virtual reality become as tedious as actual reality?

Well, if Case Western Reserve achieves their envisioned future, it could be quite possibly sooner then one would want to reasonably expect.

Announcing Cleveland 2.0, an online addition to the Second Life virtual reality "game" that attempts to create an online virtual life where you can live as you dream it. In essence, you can have whatever you want, as long as you work for it. Somehow very few people are making this connection to real life.

Anyway, those wacky lab-bunnies over at CWRU have spearheaded creating a version of our very own Cleveland, Ohio in the hopes of capitalizing on marketing possibilities and business infrastructure already prevalent in the online game.

My first intuition is an abhorrent fear of empty tumble weed streets and total social collapse similar to the envisioned Don't Date a Robot! video clip thanks to Futurama. Where people peruse a internet world from the sanctuary and sterility of their own climate controlled little office space, go shopping for homogenized goods, visit nice safe places and keep exposure to new and possibly life altering scenarios to an absolute minimum. Perhaps this is the pinnacle of mankind, we will take the physical plane from our burdensome lives and exist only as pixels in a pretend world, possibly safe from inclement weather, crime or even differing views. Where we truly control our looking glass selves and vet our avatars to convey only what we want others to see. No more cosmetic surgery, put away your knives, instead view upon our photoshopped wonder with awe.

Of course even that deciphering is abhorrent and ridiculous. We would never stoop to that, we are inherently social creatures currently grasping at straws as we attempt to assimilate to a solitary and sedentary lifestyle. The internet and false online worlds are what Ben and Jerry's ice cream tubs were mere years ago. Nothing more then empty hugs and self loathing wrapped in perceived comfort and quickly passing joy. "Oh, the time wasted!", we bemoan as we calculate the hours spent at a keyboard when we could have been out actually living life or creating something. Something to pass on to future generations. Something to share and bring joy to others.

So, as Cleveland creates its own dream image, with corporate sponsorships and stakeholdings in fake and pretend worlds dreamed up by whomever takes the time to, the real city attempts to struggle on, yoked by reality and human interaction, where instant gratification is a nice idea but hardly practical. And where do those of us who long to alter the course of our great city stand? Probably only in the real, physical world, the only place that actually has room for us that don't mind enjoying the journey probably more then the destination.

Chances are you wouldn't even notice us though. Not when those that want to change the world aren't programmed into the language of one designed just for visitors and shoppers. Not that that would bother you if you were never exposed to thoughts like that in the first place.