CLEVELAND — “This is a tremendous opportunity and a really important catalyst for the neighborhood,” said the Director of Development for Pennrose, LLC, Geoffrey Milz.
The Warner and Swasey Company building looms near the intersection of East 55th and Carnegie Avenue. Crumbling brick and weathered steel, it sits vacant, a shell of its former self.
“When I look at buildings like this, my heart skips a beat,” remarked Milz. “I mean, you just can't help but to think about where it's been.
For eight decades, the building buzzed with manufacturing activity. Partners Worcester Warner and Ambrose Swasey created one of the world's top machine-tool makers. The company also gained international notoriety for building telescopes, an endeavor driven by Warner's passion for Astronomy. Later, it became a leading producer of turret lathes, used for mass production of parts. At its height, 7,000 people worked for Warner and Swasey. But by 1981, financial losses, a sale and industry consolidation forced the closure of several factories, including the Carnegie Avenue location.
“It was really the center and is the epicenter for MidTown,” stated Karis Tzeng, the VP of Planning for MidTown Cleveland. And I think even as it has been vacant for almost 40 years, still represents that.”
Today the Warner and Swasey building is targeted for a 66-million-dollar renovation, spearheaded by MidTown Cleveland and Pennrose, a real estate developer. Plans include mixed-income housing and commercial space with unilateral support from the local level.
“We currently need more housing, particularly that is affordable, that is for seniors, that is for families and for working professionals,” said Tzeng.
There are two phases, first is the construction of more than a hundred affordable condominiums on the second through fifth floors.
“This is a place where, you know, families will be raised, and seniors will be able to age in place and go for walks in the neighborhood,” said Milz.
Phase two tackles the wedge-shaped building near the back of the property, where more living space will be created. And building out commercial space to the ground floor of the main building. Once finished the Warner and Swasey building will still retain the architectural charm of its past. While supporting Midtown Cleveland's Mission, to turn this "pass-through" part of town, into a community where people will live, work and play.
“Which is to say, hey, there's a place for you here,” said Milz. “And really all that is encapsulated in this one project and this one building, which is really exciting.”
While past efforts to repurpose the building have failed, MidTown is close to its goal.
Senator Sherrod Brown requested 5 million dollars of the project, that would complete the funding for phase 1. And allow construction to begin next summer.
While past efforts to repurpose the building have failed, MidTown is close to its goal. Senator Sherrod Brown requested $5 million dollars for the project, that would complete the funding for phase one. And allow construction to begin next summer.
“This project has come the furthest and is the closest to the project coming to fruition,” said Tzeng. “We are so close, and we are so excited to really see the future of this building.”
In its current state, the abandoned Warner and Swasey Building has become an unofficial museum of street art. Showing off the work of Cleveland’s graffiti artists. MidTown Cleveland produced a short documentary to archive the images within the building.
Which you can view here.
