Positively Cleveland/
Higbee Building Renovation
Cleveland, OH
15,000 sf
AIA Cleveland Renovation Design Award
Cleveland Restoration Society Renovation Award
Positively Cleveland, the region’s convention and visitors bureau, elected to co-locate with the Greater Cleveland Partnership to share large meeting and support functions and reduce occupancy costs. A comprehensive programming and location analysis resulted in the selection of the Higbee Building, which entailed significant design and historic tax credit challenges.
PC was located in the first floor with the main Public Square entry and a visitors center to the northeast corner. To satisfy the landlord’s prior historic preservation commitments, and tax breaks, the three central bays were left open, original chandeliers captured and restored and 9’ glass demountable walls used to keep sight lines open and give users the sense of the original grand department store. New elevator, rest room and HVAC system were integrated outside this area and a collaboration area located in the center of the space for shared use.
Space standards were streamlined and sliding glass doors use to save space. PC shared conference/ meeting, copy center and fitness center space with GCP which occupied the second floor. The difficult turnkey project was completed on time and on budget and additional tax credits were secured.