WKSU News: A new project will shake up the Cleveland skyline

Tuesday, January 13, 2015 A new project will shake up the Cleveland skyline A proposed 54-story apartment complex will be the fourth tallest building in Cleveland and a modern addition to the skyline by WKSU's JEFF ST. CLAIR	Reporter / Host Jeff St. Clair

The proposed nuCLEus project includes a 54-story apartment tower in downtown Cleveland. Stark Enterprises is the developer of the nearly $400 million project.

Courtesy of NBBJ

Developers of a proposed 54-story apartment complex will go before Cleveland’s Design Review and Planning commissions this week.

Cleveland-based Stark Enterprises is lead developer of the nearly $400 million housing, hotel and retail project, designed by NBBJ.

Terry Schwarz, director of Kent State’s Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative, believes the new apartment building will complement Cleveland’s skyline.

Schwarz - skyline addition

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“There are ways to insert a new architecture in a historic city in a way that makes both more interesting. It’s all about the counterpoint,” says Schwarz.

"It's probably better to create a contemporary statement that speaks to this moment in time rather than try to replicate an older historic piece of architecture."

City planners have already laid the groundwork for tax incentives, and Cuyahoga County has pledged $3 million in casino revenue for the project.

Part of the complex, a 1,600 space parking garage, is expected to be finished in time for the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland.

Cleveland currently has a 98 percent occupancy rate for downtown housing.

(Click image for larger view.)

The approx. 500 room apartment complex is designed by NBBJ with help from Bialosky + Partners Architects.

A six-story bridge will double as a hotel, connecting the apartments with the parking garage. Street level retail is also part of the plan.

The nuCLEus project includes a 1,600 space parking garage.

Terry Schwarz is director of Kent State's Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative. She says the modern design of the nuCLEus project should complement the historic flavor of downtown.