PURE Media Blitz: Coverage on WJW-Fox 8, in the Plain Dealer and in Inside Business Magazine

In addressing the downturn in the housing market, and in being at the forefront of overall home sales in the city, Progressive Urban Real Estate continues to be an industry leader.

This is evident in the recent spate of media coverage that has focused on the firm. Vice President David Sharkey was quoted in a Plain Dealer article on Saturday, Oct. 25th entitled, "Homes Sales in Northeast Ohio Jumped in September". Jim Anderson, real estate agent, and Lee Chilcote, Marketing Director and New Construction Project Manager, were recently featured on Robin Swoboda's morning program on WJW-Fox 8, "That's Life," in a special program that examined shopping, dining and living options in Tremont. PURE real estate agent Jim Miner, who owns a bed and breakfast in Ohio City that's called Clifford House, was also featured on "That's Life" in a program focused on the Ohio City neighborhood.

Finally, former PURE marketing guru Genna Petrolla, who now manages the Greater Circle Living Initiative for University Circle Inc., was recently featured as "one to watch" in an article in Inside Business Magazine. In the article, she cited her experiences working at PURE as formative ones that helped to shape her desire to promote living options in greater University Circle.

Clarence Court Development Featured on WVIZ Applause Program

On Thursday, October 23rd, WVIZ’s “Applause” program featured the Clarence Court development as one of three examples of innovative architecture in Northeast Ohio.

“From the late 19th through the early 20th century, Cleveland built a reputation as an oasis for progressive planners and architects - people who displayed their civic vision through massive public buildings and common spaces,” moderator and WCPN Around Noon host Dee Perry says. “On this edition of Applause, we're here to show you that the city still attracts dreamers and visionaries who want to build something remarkable... it's just the scale and locations that have changed.”

Architect Dan Bickerstaff of Ubiquitous Design Ltd., who designed Clarence Court in collaboration with Keith Brown of Progressive Urban Real Estate, was credited as “thinking outside of the box” in his approach to urban residential design in Clarence Court. This project features angled walls, the use of corrugated metal, and a single-family home that is a truly unique example of creative, contemporary architecture in Cleveland.

Clarence Court is located at the intersection of West 9th Street and Brayton Avenue in Tremont, near a local landmark, Lucky's Coffeeshop on Starkweather Ave.

“I would consider this style of architecture to be post-Industrial,” Bickerstaff said during his interview, citing the influence of the surrounding Tremont neighborhood as well as the nearby Industrial Flats.

You can view the program by visiting the WVIZ website and clicking on the Applause link. Look for Season 11, Episode 4 that aired on Thursday, October 23rd.

Circle 118 Development Continues Despite Nation's Credit Concerns

It’s been many years since University Circle has witnessed new residential construction in its backyard, but the drought is almost over as WXZ Residential prepares to break ground on a collection of bold, contemporary townhouses. Situated at the corner of Euclid Avenue and East 118th Street, Circle 118 will be a unique community of new residential properties conveniently located in the heart of the city where University Circle and Murray Hill connect.

Circle 118 will be the first thing travelers see as they enter University Circle from the east and will act as a gateway to Cleveland’s medical and cultural district.

“Located within a five minute walk of world class education, health care, arts and cultural institutions of University Circle, Circle 118 is a new signature address in this premier urban district,” commented Chris Ronayne, president of University Circle Inc.

Circle 118 is a collection of 17 four-story townhomes offering fresh, urban design, sustainable materials and luxury standards. Pre-construction incentives, below-market financing opportunities and 15 year, 100% tax abatement are available for buyers at Circle 118.

In addition, Circle 118 is included in the Greater Circle Living program, a forgivable loan program that offers $5,000-$15,000 to full-time employees of nonprofit institutions in and around University Circle.

Detroit Shoreway Hosts "Green" Open House at Bridge Square III

On Wednesday, October 29th from 6:00-7:30 pm, Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization and Progressive Urban Real Estate will host a "green" open house event at the Bridge Square Townhomes Phase III model unit, located at 5809 Bridge Ave.

Chris Kious from A Piece of Cleveland (APOC) will be on hand to speak about deconstruction and upcycling in Cleveland. He will also display the newest innovations in home decor from APOC.

Michele Anderson of Progressive Urban Real Estate will be available to answer questions about Bridge Square Phase III. The model townhome offers many green features, including beautiful bamboo floors in the living area, sustainable finishes such as ceramic tile flooring and granite countertops, lots of natural light, and high energy efficiency furnace and windows. Bridge Square Phase III was also built with high-efficiency insulation and thick, 2 x 6 wall construction. This model unit, which has an attached garage, two bedrooms and one and a half baths, is affordably priced at $159,900 and offers tax abatement through 2021.

Euclid Corridor Opens: Now That It's Built, Will They Come?

The revamped Euclid Corridor opens this weekend, celebrating with a ribbon cutting at 2:30 pm on Friday at East Fourth and Euclid, and a day-long open house on Saturday with free rides on the HealthLine between Public Square and University Circle.

WCPN 90.3 Ideastream reporters were out test-riding the new Euclid Corridor on Thursday morning. WCPN reporter Rick Jackson, who hopped aboard the new bus rapid transit vehicles, found that it only took 22 minutes to get from Public Square to Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals on the new bus lanes.

Panelists interviewed on WCPN's Friday morning program included David Goldberg of Amtrust Bank, Chris Diehl of the Kent State Urban Design Center, and Steve Litt from the Plain Dealer. The panelists lauded the Euclid Corridor's design and the impact that this investment of public dollars will have on downtown, University Circle and Cleveland redevelopment. They also cautioned Clevelanders to take a long-term view on this project, and not to expect immediate transformation. Due to the credit crunch, many of the planned projects on Euclid Ave. are in a fragile state, while others may require additional time to reach fruition.

The Euclid Corridor project offers an entirely new streetscape for Euclid Avenue, including wider sidewalks, new infrastructure, bike lanes, planters, improved lighting, public art and pedestrian-friendly crossings.

John McGovern, a Detroit Shoreway neighborhood resident, rode the Euclid Corridor on his bike this morning. He stopped by to talk with WCPN's Dan Molthroup during Friday's program. "The Euclid Corridor is an investment for the people of Cleveland," said McGovern. "This is development for people - not only for cars."

For more information, visit the Greater Cleveland RTA website.

Transformed, an Historic Building on Public Square Nears Completion

The Park Building, located on Public Square, is a downtown Cleveland success story. This building, which is nearing completion, has flourished despite the challenges of today’s housing market. Nearly two-thirds of the twenty-seven planned condominiums are under contract.

This building, constructed by the Swetland family in 1904 and once considered “downtown’s most valuable acre,” is a piece of Cleveland history. Lovingly cared for by its owners for more than a century, the Park Building housed office tenants until several years ago, when it was purchased for adaptive re-use. The building contains historic details that would be difficult to replicate, including a restored marble lobby, oak molding and trim, and bay windows that look out over Public Square and the Soldiers and Sailors Monument.

Due to the plethora of windows in the building, which fills it with natural light, the Park Building is a natural fit for a condominium conversion. Stunning views are available from every floor. Offering one, two and three bedroom condominiums, the condo units feature original, refinished maple floors, luxurious standards, and many preserved historic details. Units are nearing completion, and the first residents to live on Public Square in many decades are expected to move into their new homes soon.

You are invited to help us celebrate the Grand Opening of the Euclid Corridor project and the Healthline – and the near-complete renovation of the Park Building – this weekend. A ribbon cutting for the Euclid Corridor will take place on Friday and a Scavenger Hunt on Saturday (the Park Building is one of the stops). We hope to see you there!

Bridge Mix: A Night Under the Stars and Over the Headlights