Work could begin soon on a skyline-changing landmark in

The connecting mass would break up the skyscraper into two smaller volumes, spanning a “laneway” between the development’s larger buildings that developers Stark Enterprises and J-Dek Investments—both from the Cleveland area—hope will harbor shops and street life amid the massive development.

Stark and J-Dek bought the property in September for $26 million in a deal that also included other assets. The total project cost could be as high as $400 million, but according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Cuyahoga County has committed a $3-million loan from casino tax revenues to the project, as well as tax-increment financing and possible property-tax abatements.

Still, the developers are banking heavily on Cleveland’s downtown comeback to continue for some time.

"We believe downtown Cleveland is in the middle of a renaissance and will need buildings of this height to meet future demands," NBBJ Partner and Lead Designer A.J. Monter told the Plain Dealer.
Lead designers NBBJ are joined by local firm Bialosky + Partners Architects on the project, which awaits public review before the Planning Commission next week and a city design review committee on Jan. 15. The developers of nuCLEus hope to begin demolition on an aging parking garage onsite as soon as city approval comes through, perhaps in time to deliver new parking for the Republican National Convention in mid-2016.