Clifton retail strip demolition awaits approval from Cleveland

CLEVELAND Demolition of a retail strip at Clifton Boulevard and West 117th Street could be approved by the city as early as Nov. 8. However, the land could sit empty for a while as no new building is immediately planned and no tenants are signed.

The combined Johnny Malloys-Geppettos at 11636 Clifton Blvd., which occupied the corner storefront in recent years, closed Oct. 24. Calls to that store are being answered by the Lakewood store, 17103 Detroit Ave. at Cordova Avenue.

Johnny Malloys-Geppettos was on a month-to-month lease at the retail plaza, owned by Carnegie Cos. Inc. Carnegie last year announced it was seeking to demolish the retail strip for a new one called the Shoppes on Clifton.

Mike OMalley, owner of the Johnny Malloys-Geppettos chain, declined to be part the planned Shoppes on Clifton development and reportedly hasnt sought help for reopening in any nearby locations.

The expected new rents werent something he was interested in paying, said Anita Brindza, executive director of Cudell Improvement, Inc. which is the community development corporation for that neighborhood.

According to its listing at the real estate website loopnet.com, Carnegie is seeking $15-$20 per square foot for the Shoppes on Clifton.

Its listing has been on loopnet.com for more than a year. Last year, the company said it hoped to begin construction in the summer of 2012. The listing was updated in October, advertising brand new construction for fall 2012.

Weve enjoyed having them (Johnny Malloys-Geppettos) in the neighborhood, Brindza said. Unfortunately, thats what the consequence is of this development.

But more pressing is that the existing building was deemed unsafe and must be demolished. She said the building had structural issues for a long time, going back to when Giant Eagle occupied the strip before 2008. Specifically, she noted that structural supports in the basement were deficient.

The citys Design Review Committee recently approved demolition of the retail strip, from West 117th east to West 116th Street. Because the retail strip is in the Clifton Historic District, its demolition must also be approved by the City Landmarks Commission.

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Clifton retail strip demolition awaits approval from Cleveland