Stark Enterprises wants to build two towers just north of Quicken Loans Arena. The towers would house office space, hotel rooms -- and add around 500 apartments to downtown Cleveland.
Developer Bob Stark says one tower could rise around 35 stories. But what gets him excited is the prospect of new shops and restaurants a short walk across the road from eateries on East 4th.
"In the '60s, in the '70s, in the '80s, we built buildings that forgot about what that street is about," Stark told Cuyahoga County Council yesterday afternoon. This should be the opposite. There shouldn't be one inch of frontage of the buildings involved here that isn't active.
Some of those storefronts will line a pedestrian-only path that cuts between the two buildings at street level.
Stark told council the total cost of the project could be near $400 million, roughly. He's asking for a $3 million loan from the county's casino revenue fund. Council members generally sounded receptive at the meeting, but haven't voted on the loan.
Today, Cleveland City Council will consider giving the development a break on some property taxes.
