Cleveland’s 55 Public Square Building Converted into a Mixed-Use Development with Luxury Apartments, Office Space, and a High-End Restaurant with a Rooftop Bar.
CLEVELAND, OHIO (July 25, 2023) – Cleveland Construction, Inc., a national construction management firm, and The K&D Group are proud to announce the successful completion of the historic renovation and adaptive reuse project at The Residences at 55 Public Square in Cleveland, Ohio.
The Residences at 55 Public Square Building, a 24-story skyscraper located on Cleveland’s Public Square has been completely converted from office space to a new mixed-use development, now named the Residences at 55. Formerly known as the Illuminating Building and once home to northeast Ohio's electric company, the building was originally built in 1958. Cleveland Construction began construction in October of 2021 to revitalize this architectural gem and convert the building into a modern, luxurious residential development.
Cleveland Construction, Inc. provided preconstruction and construction management expertise in the historic renovations and adaptive reuse projects, overseeing the restoration and conversion of the building from office space to multi-family housing units. Cleveland Construction partnered with all Northeast Ohio trade contractors and met the project's diversity requirements.
"Our trade partners on this project were truly committed to helping us create a culture of quality management initiatives and goals for this project," said Dan Dietrich, Vice President of Construction at Cleveland Construction, Inc. "Their attention to detail was instrumental in implementing creative solutions to overcome everyday construction obstacles in the field, ultimately delivering a high-quality project to K&D.
The project involved converting floors 2 through 15 into 202 luxury apartment units, offering 18 distinct layouts to suit a variety of lifestyles. Notably, the 14th and 15th floors feature larger 2- and 3-bedroom units that showcase breathtaking views of Lake Erie and the Cleveland skyline. The first floor now houses new leasing offices for K&D Group. Additionally, the second floor offers a host of modern amenities, including a resident lounge and fitness room, providing residents with an exceptional living experience. The office tenants were relocated to the top floors, while floors 23 and 24 house the mechanical systems for the entire building.
This historic adaptive reuse project was executed with a phased-occupancy plan that allowed completed apartment units to be turned over floor by floor, starting from floor 2 and progressing upward through the building. In September 2022, the first turnover of apartment units commenced following the completion of essential building aspects, including life safety, elevators, and lobby work. This strategic approach enabled K&D to begin leasing apartment units and welcoming residential tenants while the renovation work was ongoing. Cleveland Construction effectively managed the turnover process, delivering a new floor of apartments to K&D every 3-4 weeks, streamlining the occupancy schedule, and allowing the building to begin generating operating revenue during construction.
Preserving the architectural integrity and historical features of the building was a top priority as the project received Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits. The existing curtainwall facade underwent a meticulous cleaning and resealing process to restore its original charm. The plaza's entrance was completely renovated, creating an inviting space that complements the building's grandness.
Cleveland Construction, Inc. also refurbished the cooling tower and installed a new air conditioning system, gas services, and fire lines to serve the residential units, restaurant, and commercial office spaces on the top floors. This comprehensive approach to modernizing the building's infrastructure ensures a comfortable and safe living environment for residents.
Under a separate contract, Cleveland Construction served as the Design-Builder for the build-out of the ground-level restaurant space, now Chef Rocco Whalen's newest flagship restaurant, Fahrenheit Cleveland. This space was previously occupied by John Q Steakhouse until 2013. In collaboration with Vocon, the selected Architect and Design Firm, Cleveland Construction spearheaded the design for the 15,000 square-foot restaurant, completely transforming it into a modern and upscale dining and event space on Cleveland's Public Square.
The restaurant features an array of impressive amenities, including three bars, a spacious dining room, a chef's table, and a commercial kitchen that overlooks the dining area. Additionally, the restaurant boasts a second-floor bar with a rooftop lounge, providing Clevelanders with a delightful rooftop experience overlooking Public Square.
Cleveland Construction, Inc. proudly celebrates the successful completion of The Residences at 55 Public Square and Fahrenheit. This historic adaptive reuse project exemplified a strong emphasis on quality craftsmanship and unwavering attention to detail, resulting in the seamless transformation of this historic building into a vibrant and sophisticated mixed-use community located on Cleveland's Public Square.
The Residences at 55 Public Square is now ready to welcome residents to experience the perfect blend of history and contemporary living in the heart of Cleveland. For more information about the apartments and leasing opportunities, please visit www.residencesat55.com. Fahrenheit officially opened to the public for dinner on July 13, 2023. To view Fahrenheit restaurant in Cleveland’s menu visit: https://www.chefroccowhalen.com/fahrenheit-cleveland/
About Cleveland Construction, Inc.
Cleveland Construction Inc. is a family-owned commercial construction manager specializing in historic renovations and adaptive reuse projects with construction offices in Downtown Cleveland and headquartered in Mentor, Ohio. We provide our clients with an integrated approach to preconstruction and construction services with a mission to help our clients turn their vision into reality. Cleveland Construction has managed more historic adaptive reuse projects than any other contractor in Cleveland, with over 2.2 million square-feet renovated. We have restored some of Cleveland's biggest and most challenging buildings, including the Terminal Tower Residences, Kimpton Schofield Residences, Residences at Leader, Residences at 668, and the Residences at Halle. Cleveland Construction recently completed the adaptive reuse of 75 Public Square and the mixed-used redevelopment of the Residences at 55 Public Square, both located in Cleveland's Public Square. Cleveland Construction, Inc. is currently working on the historic adaptive reuse of the 700 Prospect Ave Building (formerly the United Church of Christ building) in Downtown Cleveland, Ohio. More company information can be found at www.clevelandconstruction.com.
About The K&D Group
The K&D Group is a prominent real estate development and management company specializing in residential and commercial properties. With a focus on creating exceptional living experiences and cultivating vibrant communities, The K&D Group is committed to excellence and innovation in the real estate industry. For more information, visit www.kandd.com