The long-envisioned Irishtown Bend Riverfront Park project made significant progress in the last year.
Nearly $40 million has been secured from various sources toward the project, which was granted glowing approval from the Cleveland Planning Commission in Sept. 2017.
The Port of Cleveland — which along with LAND Studio, the city of Cleveland, Ohio City Inc. and dozens of other private and non-profit agencies, is guiding the vision and execution for the 23-acre park and attendant stabilization of the Cuyahoga River hillside, critical to some $3 billion in transportation and shipping along the corridor — has awarded a $3.4 million contract to Osborn Engineering to create the construction drawings for the stabilization work. In 18 months, contracts could begin being awarded on that front.
Also, as of the end of 2019, the coalition has acquired control of 94 percent of the needed land for the park.
One of the parcels it does not control is the long-dormant building on the corner of West 25th and Detroit. That structure, a former Royal Castle fast food chain location that has been vacant for nearly two decades, was purchased by restauranteurs Bobby and Tony George through their Mortgage Investments company in June of 2018 for $248,000.
That was surprising news for two reasons. First, the parcel was to be included in the park, a fact that was widely shared with stakeholders in Ohio City through outreach efforts. In theory and design, that corner on the western edge of the Detroit-Superior bridge would house a welcoming center (top right in the diagram below).
Second, part of the reason the building had sat vacant and for-sale for years was because of significant geotechnical issues regarding the hillside that meant any development there would be both difficult and expensive. Prospective buyers who inquired in recent years backed away both because of that problem and because they were made aware of its future as part of the park.
Neither of those facts stopped Bobby George, who told Crain’s Cleveland in June 2018 that he had no idea the parcel was in the park’s design.
“I love the property. I love the view. I have had a lot of interest from some pretty cool tenants in the building or may do something myself there,” he told Crain’s at the time. “We’re also in the billboard business and have people interested in that location as well. Or we may redevelop the site. I don’t want to be obstructionist. I hope they work with me to move the billboard or allow me to cooperatively develop the site with the park. I love what they are doing. I don’t understand why they didn’t buy it. It was not hard to close the deal with the seller.”
In the ensuing months, conversations between the Georges and the park coalition began. According to people familiar with the discussions, the Georges had offered to sell the parcel back to the park coalition for ten times what they paid for it and, later on, proposed receiving parcels in Ohio City in a land swap in exchange for the lot. This, according to those familiar, lent great credence to the belief that Bobby George knew full well what he was doing by strategically inserting himself with the purchase. This was a flip.
Around the same time, David Bowen of Richard Bowen & Associates, who also happens to be the Chairman of the Cleveland Planning Commission, had made calls on behalf of the Georges. Bobby George told Scene that Bowen, who he called a “great guy,” had called on parcels around the building the Georges had bought to see if they could increase the footprint.
The problem there was twofold. For one, observers questioned why Bowen, a mayoral appointee to the planning commission that had so favorably approved of the park project — including Bowen himself who said of the park at a planning commission meeting, “I find it very attractive, there’s no doubt about it,” — and of which the city itself was a key partner, would be working seemingly against the park’s interests.
Secondly, those surrounding parcels were also slated to become part of the park, including the parking lot next to Bobby’s building, which is owned by Cuyahoga County, who has pledged to transfer ownership to the coalition. (Incidentally, according to multiple people, Bobby George at one point allegedly leased those County-owned parking spots to the Ohio City Galley for its valet parking until it was brought to the attention of the Galley that he didn’t actually own the parking lot.)
Bowen, in a brief and awkward conversation with Scene, deflected any criticism of his involvement.
“I had a tenant that might be a good fit for the property,” he told Scene. “What’s good for the city is good for the city.”
Asked to clarify what that meant, Bowen said if Bobby developed the parcel to complement the park, that would be good. And that, “If he did something and it came before planning commission, obviously I would recuse myself from voting. But Bobby buys lots of property. It’s a solid, good building. And I don’t think he knew about the park.”
More than a year after the purchase, nothing much has changed at the building besides updates on the billboard, which is a revenue-producing aspect that the park coalition would likely have to account for if it attempted to buy the building back from the Georges or otherwise come to an agreement.
But, those conversations have ended for now, Bobby George told Scene. And that solid, good building would come down to make way for his future project.
“We have development plans now, but I can’t release them or say much because the potential tenant — and we have multiple tenants, one major tenant — is under a confidentiality agreement,” he said. “But we’re finalizing our development plan. I’ve tried to reach out to [the park coalition] because I wanted to work within their plan. I don’t want to be an obstructionist. I’m not going to do anything that’s bad for the city. I’m not going to do anything, number one, that doesn’t make money, but second that also doesn’t represent my family. I think it will fit within the project.”
And he stands by his quotes that he didn’t know about the park. And as for anyone who doesn’t believe him…
“It’s one of two things. Either I’m a liar or I’m telling the truth,” George said. “What am I going to say? Call me a liar. The fact of the matter is that property had been sitting there for years and when I went to buy it… actually to be honest, when we first looked at it I was going to put a marijuana dispensary there.”
That couldn’t happen because it was within 500 feet of a park or church. But he still wanted the property, and he doesn’t see the geotechnical issues as a problem like others. Instead of building a bigger footprint, he said, they’re just going higher, though he won’t say how many stories.
“We’ve had engineers go out and we have to do some reinforcement, but it’s nothing compared to the scope of the project, which is a prime use of real estate,” he said. “I just don’t have a timeframe yet. But I’d be more worried about [the park coalition] starting work than me starting work.”
Observers are doubtful on that last point, specifically given Osborn Engineering’s ongoing study of the hillside for the park, but also because the lot in question, separate from the geotechnical issues, is about 50-feet wide and has literally no room for parking, which would mean getting a variance from the city. (As Ken Prendergast noted, if they got denied, they could just sue the city and get paid.)
For now, there’s other work to be done, and down the road, if and when eminent domain takes center stage in the conversation, courts tend to side with parks over development projects, especially when there’s a good chance the developer knew of the impending park project. The city itself, especially under Mayor Jackson, would be loathe to use eminent domain, but the port could. Even then, it’s an expensive and lengthy process. The park coalition, some think, would be better off simply upping an offer to the Georges. Because while a complement project with a cafe or some other business at the tip of the 23-acre park would be acceptable, a vacant, derelict building would not.
“If they want to work with me, they gotta move,” Bobby George said. “I would always have a conversation. If you’re walking into this, my side’s the truth. I was willing to work with them, but they wanted me to essentially just hand it over. I’m not a socialist.”
In response, Ohio City Inc. executive director Tom McNair said in a statement to Scene:
“When we began our work there were over 20 parcels of land owned by 14 different property owners. Our coalition has been creative and worked with each individual property owner to find some value and meet their needs. Many property owners have agreed to donate their land to help be a part of the solution, in exchange for the tax benefits of the donation. Others have been acquired by grant sources secured by LAND Studio for an appraised fair market value. Today through one of our non-profit partners, West Creek Conservancy, our coalition controls over 94 percent of the hillside.
“The initial engineering report, funded by the Port of Cleveland, found that while existing buildings on the top of the hill could remain, it would be better for slope side stability if they were removed. That, along with a tremendous amount of public input, is one of the many factors that shaped the vision plan that we are working to bring to life. While the door to have their property become a part of the Irishtown Bend Riverfront Park is certainly still open, we’ve also let them know that if they feel they can redevelop their land within the limits of the law, they are welcome to do so.”
As for Bobby’s worry about the park getting started, McNair said: “This park will help link together a growing network of trails that stretch from Edgewater Park to New Philadelphia, and simultaneously tie our neighborhoods to their historic riverfront. The question is not whether or not the Irishtown Bend Riverfront Park is going to become a reality. The question is whether or not our coalition can follow through with the world class vision that we worked with so many in Northeast Ohio to create. We look forward to showing everyone that the answer to that question is unequivocally yes.”
This article appears in Nov 6-12, 2019.
Public parks are Frank Jackson’s fault!
An entrepreneur purchases a property that was abandoned for years and we are talking negatively about this? Bobby George and Townhall have helped Cleveland tremendously. Cleveland has been a backwards thinking city for years, and we are complaining about investor who brings forwards thinking. Bobby George should run for mayor tbh.
I know Bobby George. The business and personal Bobby George. His vision for this Cleveland is one of my favorite things about him. Yes! he is a great guy and its bullshit that anyone would smear what he does for this City. In the free enterprise we call the United States he sees a vision and actually acts on it. I don’t see any harm in that. I trust him and his vision. We can have something really great at the end of the development. This is yet another biased smear from SCENE making a hulabaloo of nothing. I says he only purchased the building not too long ago, and its well within the range of multiple other buildings on the street. In fact he told me once he thought about making it a safe place for employees of his other businesses to park and commute so they would be under security umbrella. Leave it to SCENE to tell one side. Thank you Bobby for your very large impact on this City. We appreciate you.
Ok, so let’s be clear…. This building for two decades sat in ruins and nobody batted an eye at it! So Bobby George buys the property and he is expected to know what other companies have planned for his purchase? This is more than petty and seems like an attack. If the park development wanted it to be part of the park then why didn’t they just buy the property? I don’t know how the park expected an other business to conform to their needs. What exactly was this article supposed to prove?
I will never understand the articles published by this publication. Bobby George has some of the most successful businesses around that make Cleveland look great, bring jobs, revenue, and add tremendous value to the community. Opening one of the most innovative and popular restaurants in the country is incredible for our city. I know Bobby well. He works 24/7 and puts his heart and soul into everything he does and treats his people very well. The comments making claims about him are untrue and sad. We ask for a better city with more innovative projects, then complain when someone buys a building. I do not understand.
If Bobby didn’t know that the project was happening, then it’s shameful to drag him. It’s a happening area, any halfwit developer would be interested.
If he did know the project was happening, that’s just smart business. I’m sure the city could have bought it before he did. Especially since they already had a plan with that building in mind.
Crazy that after 20 YEARS of being vacant, people are mad that something is going to happen to it. It’s either gonna be a park or prob another tax generating business that provides jobs. Can’t win with Cleveland. Then when he pulls a Rockefeller you’ll be sad he’s gone
So let me get this straight.. a building sits vacant for years, The George Family gets it at a steal to eventually develop the prime real estate property that would be expensive to develop (if any family has the $ to develop property in Cleveland it’s the Tony and Bobby George!) and now because the city wants to put a park in they get their goons at Cleveland Scene Magazine to libel the George family?
What evidence was there that they at all knew that this park was going in? It is also quite obvious that in the past couple years the area around that parcel of land has been developing, which leads to the increase in value of that property!
Furthermore, I have been to a few of both Tony and his son Bobby’s businesses in the area. They provide top customer service out of any establishment you will go to, and when I have met them at their restaurants they have always been friendly and made sure I was being taken care of.
They have a genuine interest in making their customers happy and providing them with the best quality service available.
Shame on Cleveland Scene magazine for publishing a hit piece on a family that has been dedicated to improving Downtown Cleveland and its surrounding areas.
I have known Bobby George for > than a decade, Great guy and admired by many. His commitment t making a success of everything he works on is a praiseworthy. Bobby is an entrepreneur along w a successful businessman. Bobby has managed to bring life back into the restaurant business along w attracting competition to the 25th street area.
Bobby is generous w addressing this issue. He has no reason t explain t anyone his business plans.
Sounds like a lot of whining from the obvious (snooze u loose) and then using the press who is almost always biased!
Geez. Go t plan B.
Just another way for the government to try to screw over successful family businesses. They get their mouthpieces at Cleveland Scene to slander them, create a public outcry and try to steal the property back for half of its value.
If Tony and Bobby developed that land it would be the next hot spot in Cleveland.
Wouldn’t be surprised if it was his competitors that tried to screw him out of this property.
Bobby and Townhall have revitalized Ohio City to make it a destination point. This project will be great for not only the street but also the city as a whole. To those that doubt his care for the community, keep in mind the fact that he closes Townhall for a day and feeds thousands of homeless and underprivileged residents of our city.
Hey scene, where’s my second posting?
Bobby George: great guy, phenomenal businessman, innovative entrepreneur w dedicated enthusiasm along w adds class t his business ventures.
He’s generous for sure in many ways especially w responding t scene! He OWES no one an explanation for his insight t his entrepreneurial skills.
Geez. Doesn’t the park system have a plan B?
Only in Cleveland do people find the negativity in all aspects of something that can be positive. This is a shame and and really dark cloud that sits over this great city of ours. These are usually the same people that aren’t doing any good for this city themselves but hiding behind computers and typing to the world hoping another loser listens to their negativity. Let’s just stop that already people. The world is a dark enough place as it is.
Bobby George is a great person and has done some awesome things for this city. He is as loyal as a friend and employer as any person could ask for if you treat him with the same respect and loyalty. I’ve been best friends with him since I was a kid and a business partner of his for the past 20 years and we have accomplished some great things together with ambitions to do more that will help provide this city with more opportunities and great features for its beloved people.
Stay ambitious and bold Bobby and keep trucking forward. The people that really matter will stand by your side and help you to continue to accomplish the great feats that you should be so proud of.
-For a Better Cleveland-
Bobby George has been a great spirit and helped the development along w other businesses. He does more then just promote business. He also loves to help and give back to communities, charities and surrounding suburbs. If he makes choices that you don’t like or disagree with Thats well within your rights. As is the choices and things he chooses as well.
Look this article is depicting Bobby as an “awful human” which is complete FALSE. His a great guy, great friend, and business partner. He is always there when you need him.
He takes risks that most others wouldn’t so that makes him a horrible person? WRONG! That makes him a strategic business man. Id say “entrepreneur” but I absolutely despise that word as everyone is an “entrepreneur” these days by simply filling out a 1099 form. NO NOT BOBBY GEORGE. Bobby works effortlessly day in and day out. Not only in his business but is always there to help whenever you need him.
I am sick and tired of whenever someone tries to do good in this city or wherever and people just try to find a flaw and bash them. As a society we need to stop bashing and degrading people and never think to get to know the person before bashing them. This is ridiculous.
All that said, bobby is a great guy and I could not be happier for all his successes as I am sure he would do nothing to make sure this project is a success and is a proper fit for this city.
I have got to say this is going to be a fantastic rebuild for the city to enjoy! Bobby george does nothing but assist and help this city grow. How can these people really be that angry about it? ( they didn’t have the money or the idea first ) that’s my opinion. Bobby and tony have done a lot for this city and hope they continue to do so.
Every thing Bobby George does, he does with great compassion and heart. He is one of the most caring and hard working individuals you will ever meet. The people talking bad about him, have probably never even met him and he doesn’t deserve the negative feedback he’s getting. He has helped this community tremendously and will continue to grow and bring Cleveland together. This project will also be awesome! Looking forward to it.
The Irishtown Bend was publicly announced in early 2017, and has been covered fairly extensively by the press since. It is happening in Townhall’s backyard. There is literally no way that Bobby George, a developer with a pulse on every major project going on in Cleveland, did not know about the project after a year and a half of public promotion. Offering to sell it back to the park commission shortly after purchase at 10x what he paid for it is a sh*tty move regardless. That’s not just “being an entrepreneur” — that is exploiting taxpayer dollars (and a publicly-funded project to benefit the community) for personal gain. “Oh oops, I had no idea this was supposed to be parkland. But you can have it for $2m in taxpayer dollars.” Classy move Bobby.
I parked on that lot once and let me tell you, Bobby has the best lots! I even took a whizz there in total privacy! The bricks are already yellow!
The County should just give him that lot since he’s already providing such luxury and security to those in need. And all for reasonable terms!
I am very excited to see what Bobby has in store for this project in our city. Besides developing some of the most successful businesses Cleveland has ever seen, he does it with true passion from his heart. His leadership is admirable and he has already made such an impact with his vision for better health, well being and will to live not only for many individuals but for the entire community. Cleveland should be grateful this building is in the hands of a loyal, inspiring and driven entrepreneur!
I don’t see an issue here. Building was for sale. Entrepreneur bought. At this time it’s up to him what he wants to do with it. If you see all the amazing spots he’s already opened why wouldn’t you have faith in this location as well?
Not only has Bobby George developed several great locations he has supplied many people with jobs. He is an amazing leader and stand up guy. Personal opinion.
What the George family has done to revitalize the Community over the past 20+ years should be cheered. Not many people have been able to redevelop areas and transform them from dark, vacant, and unsightly areas to hip, busy, successful spots in which people from all over the city choose to patronize. For Scene and others to criticize an entrepreneur for continually investing in the city is a shame. Sounds like sour grapes that the city or county didn’t have the foresight to acquire the property earlier. Bobby is one of the biggest supporters of this city and has always been thoughtful and reasonable with his businesses. To drag him and his family and businesses because he was ahead of the curve is insulting to every business owner in this town. As he said, he “is not a Socialist”. He purchased the property. The City, County etc had every chance to insert their concerns and make a better offer at the time. This is still America, he is not required to turn over/sell property because others think he should. Although I doubt he is asking 10X as much as the purchase price, he has every right to do so. Regardless, we all know that whatever he chooses to do with the property, it will be a success.
The guy closes his restaurant down every Thanksgiving and feeds anyone who needs a meal no questions asked. Bobby get so much undeserved hate for being a successful businessman. He’s actually a great guy.
A negative story about Bobby George is basically a bat signal, only for status quo white business bros from Westlake.
I’ve had the privilege to work under Bobby George for going on 4 years now. I have never met a more devoted, caring and selfless leader. He truly has shaped me into the successful woman I am today. I owe a lot to this man. Anyone that has negative comments to say about Bobby, clearly doesn’t know him personally. All I have to say is jealousy is an ugly look. Anything Bobby touches turns to gold! I cannot wait to see what he has up his sleeve for this one. Really, we should all be thanking him for cleaning up this City. This building has been an eye sore for years, its embarrassing. Thank you Bobby.
All these people and newly created accounts biting at the bit to defend an known POS??
How much is he paying these people to write these ridiculous comments?
We should be grateful that Robert George continues to make an effort to make Cleveland a better city to live in with his forward thinking mentality. He and his father have done a lot for this city and I’m proud to call them my family and one of my closest friends. Bobby is one of the most caring people I know and I’m positive he will continue to do great things in Cleveland 👏🏼👏🏼 rise above it!
When I saw that he purchased this property I wondered why he did buy it. I and everyone I know knew about the properties along 25 th st being demolished for the Park. You can’t tell me a person like Bobby , who is involved in everything Cleveland, didn’t know about the Park. WHAT ? He knew !
In case the rest of you forgot, thay yupster shithole on W. 25th (AKA Town Hall) hosted a huge fundraiser for Dolt 45 (AKA the POTUS) in 2016. That tells me all I will ever need to know about Bobby. And suburbanite Tony is trying to clean out City Hall. It’s hard to tell whether Bobby George or Tony George is the bigger a-hole in this town. Or maybe that should be which a-hole is the bigger George.
Lmao those Bobby bots are out in force. Only in Cleveland are small time hustlers this well respected.
Bobby is real, loyal, and humble to the core. I never comment but that changed when you badmouthed our leader.
I know Bobby George will make this project outstanding! We need to support a young businessman like him who is willing to take risks! I encourage you all to walk a mile in his shoes before you judge. He has sacrificed his life for his businesses. I have known him personally for over 17 years and I love him as a person and friend, in fact he is one of my best friends. If anyone knows who he is and what kind of person he is it’s me. Get to know him you and you will understand where his heart is and how much he cares about Cleveland and it’s people.
I stopped reading Scene magazine years ago and this is exactly why! Let’s build each other up and stop hating on someone who has great intentions and wants to see big things happen for Cleveland. Time will tell, and the truth always comes out in the end. I have no doubt Bobby will prevail in the end! Then what you will you have to say???
these comments by “Tessa, Jacki, Taylor, Eva, and Emily”
AKA the bar staff at town hall
“get online and defend me in the comments!!!!”
a violation of employee free speech rights, sad!
I don’t really have an opinion on the development, but it incredibly odd to have your employees spam the comments section on an article that discusses your purchase. To those employees: have you no shame?
If you’re an employee of Bobby and were coerced into posting on this article, please take a step back and consider ORGANIZING.
He will fire all of you in a heartbeat if it helps make him 1 extra dollar.
employees may also want to consider contacting an employment attorney, as their speech rights are violated every time they are coerced into posting about the businesses on their social media, sharing the business posts, or doing this kind of online commenting
Real estate for dummies… buy property no one wants, do something positive with it, sell it for more money. Scene mag really needs a hobby.
Wow the guy has a heck of a social media agency!
Universally despised jerk, robs the city and county all the time.
Use eminent domain
Tessa stopped reading SCENE years ago, but she comes here to spew horseshit about her boss in order to keep her job. Sure is funny that the most-commented story on this site, in less than 24 hours, produces literally dozens of pro-George rants, about an entremanure whom most people in Cleveland either barely know of or have never even heard of. This is an organized spam campaign designed to damage this publication and build up the Georges…at any cost.
It’s fairly obvious this guy is trying to make a killing off the city by buying up a useless piece of land, holding it for ransom, and selling it back to the park people for millions in profit. No wonder this anti-gay, homophobic asshat also sponsored a huge rally for Agent Orange during the 2016 campaign. Probably told his employees how to vote if they wanted to keep their lucrative barista and waitress jobs.
What to do about this POS? A well-organized boycott of Town Hall would be a good start. Stay the hell out of there and tell all your friends, and tell them why. Hit this mofo right where it hurts the most…in the wallet.
And stay the hell out of all the other places Bobby and Tony own. That’s the kind of kicks in the ass they need and deserve. The thieves in expensive suits are destroying all that is good about Cleveland as fast as the street thugs and gangbangers are. Maybe even faster.
Lots of shills here for Mr. George.
People in this town, and elsewhere, make big bucks after buying beater houses in gentrifying neighborhoods and re-selling them for big profits. Sometimes they even fix them up first. That’s called flipping.
But you can make literally millions by buying up an almost-worthless piece of land, owning it for a while, and selling it for an enormous profit when it becomes desirable through proposed developments or civic improvements…or even the creating of public parkland.
You don’t even have to do anything to that plot of ground…not even pick up dumped trash. That’s called flipping, too. But there are other names for this process, and those who do it, that cannot be typed here.
No, Bobby’s not a socialist (just the way he uses that word tells you what he is, and what color flag he flies (starting with orange). Marijuana dispensary, my ass…anybody who believes that tale from this robber baron might want to take a look at the nearby bridge I’m offering for sale. The more I hear about this story, the more I want to puke.
Bobby George I applaud you. Keep up your good work and commitment.
Looks like his employees think he’s phenomenal. It also looks like Scence will yet again be the kids told to kick rocks after unsuccessfully making demands for what other people do with their money.
Foiled again, womp womp.
Ask for a raise in your allowance, pool your money and maybe you can buy something someday.
Serious question: How is it possible that this “coalition” has 94% of the land for this project but failed to secure an exclusive option to buy this property long ago?
The problem isn’t that Bobby bought the property knowing it was part of the park plan. The problem is that the park “coalition” didn’t have its ducks in a row when they announced they needed that property. What could be their motive for that?
Never heard of this guy but I am a fan of his restaurants/bars. The fact that his ego is so fragile that he asked his employees to come to his rescue in the comments section of a local alternative paper is…odd. Far more revealing than any mundane real estate fodder.
This is SO GOOD!! The building sat vacant for 20 years and this George guy just happened to stumble upon the opportunity to buy it recently. hahahahahahaaa. The idea of buying it in the last 20 years wasn’t a good idea I guess. Especially in the last 5 years that the area has blown up. But now was the time to buy. It sounds like his pal, The Chairman of the Cleveland Planning Commission, might’ve had a little to do with that. But that’s just my opinion. HaHa, Oh and the people that he bought the property from didn’t realize that they too could potentially sell the property for “10x” the amount they sold it this George guy for. LMAO. These George guys that have Cleveland in their best interests, employ many people, and have their finger on the pulse somehow didn’t know there was a gigantic multi-million dollar project being planned literally in their backyard. I don’t even live in Cleveland anymore and I know about this project. I respect the business savvy I guess, but to lie is completely hilarious and also BS!
The plans for this Park have been widely shared through public meetings for the past 2 years. While I’m a fan of the development and smart business decisions I’ve watched this family perform, claiming to not know about this project is either negligent or not true for a man that is so tied into the local scene. This was to be a main entrance to a park that will outshine Chicago’s Millenium Park and will be a source of strength and beauty for Cleveland. Do the right thing mate – I’m sure you could use the tax write off.