Beware of falling concrete! (Its not the Marquee that is dangerous!)

Contrary to public opinion, the barrels surrounding the LaSalle Theater are not because of the marquee. We have heard from dozens of people that believe the marquee is unstable and is at risk of collapsing.

Let’s set the record straight. It is not the marquee that is creating the risk to the public.

The orange barrels are surrounding the building to protect the public from pitting that is occurring on the sandstone of the building. Several years ago, the owner of the LaSalle Theater attempted to repair some sandstone pitting and cracks with a concrete epoxy. This concrete epoxy was not developed for this use and never adhered to the theater’s façade properly. From time to time, this concrete epoxy has failed to adhere to the building and has come crashing down to the sidewalk along East 185th Street.

If someone was in the wrong place at the wrong time, this concrete epoxy could come crashing down on their heads causing serious injury. Because of this risk, the Cleveland Housing Court declared this condition a danger to the public and required the previous building owner to barricade off the front of the building.

Northeast Shores purchased the LaSalle Theater in its “as-is” condition. In other words, it is now the responsibility of Northeast Shores to properly repair the LaSalle Theater façade so that the orange barrels and fencing can be removed.

In anticipation of this requirement, Northeast Shores has made some leads on grant funding to cover this significant expense but application for these competitive funds could not occur until title transferred. Please continue your patience with this ugly street condition while we await word of grant funding and can proceed with the necessary work to repair this dangerous condition.

In the meanwhile, Northeast Shores knows the marquee does not gleam as it once did and we look forward to restoring the marquee as well. Look for future information about sponsorship opportunities for you to support restoration of the marquee

Northeast Shores purchases LaSalle Theater and Tavern

On September 28, 2009, Northeast Shores purchased the LaSalle Theater and Tavern after several years of negotiations.

Northeast Shores initially became interested in buying this block of East 185th Street when the properties entered foreclosure in 2006. At that time, Northeast Shores attempted to purchase the properties from the former owner but was unable to complete the transaction before the foreclosure proceeded. The previous owner attempted to retain title to the properties but eventually the foreclosure proceedings were successful and title reverted to the mortgage holder, Parkview Federal and Savings.

Following standard company policy, Parkview Federal proceeded with eviction proceedings of the commercial and residential tenants in the property. Some of these tenants were sad to leave the East 185th Street Business District and Northeast Shores made attempts to relocate one of these tenants to a space farther north in the district.

Upon vacancy, Parkview Federal put the property up for sale and entertained several offers for the property. Northeast Shores bid on the property at less than half of the asking price and waited months as Parkview Federal vetted through other offers that did not culminate in a sale.

In the meantime, rumors that Parkview Federal intended to demolish the theater became deafening when Parkview Federal proceeded with seeking a demolition bid and inquired to the City of Cleveland Building and Housing Department about the process for seeking a demolition permit. Councilman Mike Polensek stepped in and had the theater declared a local landmark to prevent the demolition of the theater.

Upon local landmark status, Parkview Federal reduced their asking price and Northeast Shores was able to strike a deal to acquire this key property. It still took several months to secure acquisition financing, given the building’s vacancy and uniqueness as well as the current lending environment. Thankfully, Village Capital Corporation stepped to the plate and offered to provide the financing for the purchase.

While the theater and tavern are now in safe hands, the saga continues. Northeast Shores needs to renovate and retenant the building. To do this, Northeast Shores must raise significant grant and loan funds to bring the theater back to its historic grandeur.

We are excited about undertaking this difficult redevelopment project. Once restored, the LaSalle Theater can continue to be an anchor and landmark for future generations on East 185th Street. Pick up future issues of the Collinwood Observer or check out the blog on the Northeast Shores website for future chapters as this project continues to evolve and develop.

Euclid Beach Event Draws Thousands

We hope you were one of the several thousand that attended today's Remembering the Sights and Sounds of Euclid Beach Park.

This year's event was bigger and better than the last several years. It was great to be on hand for the dedication of the shuffle board courts. The car show was bigger and better than ever with the Kiddie Hook and Ladder Fire Truck making its first return to Euclid Beach State Park since the amusement park closed forty years ago.

It was incredible to see the park so alive with people sharing their memories of the amusement park with their children and grandchildren. A favorite memory of today was watching a grandfather teach his grandson how to play skee ball.

Thanks to the volunteers of the Euclid Beach Park Now for making an unforgettable event happen right here on our lakefront.

Collinwood Observer Covered by WKYC Channel 3

The great community story of the Collinwood Observer being published was covered by WKYC Channel 3. Check out the great story here:

http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/news_article.aspx?storyid=122190&catid=2

Collinwood Observer is in Print!

The very first issue of the Collinwood Observer is in print and has been distributed.

The first issue looks great and Northeast Shores is proud to be a key partner in this wonderful new neighborhood-driven publication.

The debut issue includes a full page of Northeast Shores news on page nine.

Come by our offices and pick up the debut issue and save an extra copy for prosperity.

Look for new issues of the Observer to be available every two weeks.