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.
"We presented Bill Eberhard with a daunting task:  Restore The Higbee building to it's original historic beauty, while maintaining historic tax credits for the landlord, and living within a tight construction budget.  Through Bill's leadership, creativity, and design expertise, we were able to achieve our functional, aesthetic and financial goals."

Darin R. Haines, former Vice President
Greater Cleveland Partnership/ Positively Cleveland

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