Inside the New Offices of Positively Cleveland

Firm
  • Client Positively Cleveland,
  • size 17,500 sqft
  • Year 2013
  • Location Cleveland, Ohio, United States,
  • Industry Advertising / Marketing,
  • Cleveland marketing association Positively Cleveland has recently moved into a new office designed by Vocon. Vocon has also recently expanded their reach in their acquisition of New York-based Conant Architects – be on the lookout for more projects here by both firms.

    “This location, which also houses the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission (GCSC) and The Cleveland Visitor’s Center, was chosen to maintain the organization’s visitor accessibility and visibility with a street level presence. A driving factor behind the design was a phrase developed by Positively Cleveland called “Midwestern Hip”. The goal was to have visitors understand Cleveland’s urban heritage and impactful benefits throughout the space.

    This relocation project was phased, starting with the first floor build out, followed by mezzanine level construction to add floor space, then second-floor work to convert four existing apartment units into office space. Due to the tight deadline, Positively Cleveland and GCSC had to move in while the second floor retrofit continued.

    The two floor interior, features high exposed ceilings with large glass windows allowing for natural light and city viewpoints. The lobby/entrance area has a “Cleveland Attractions” theme with television screens publicizing area interest points and a visitor-information desk. As visitors enter the space they are immediately connected to what Cleveland is all about.

    Other design elements and attributes of the 17,500 SF space include:

    • A conference room which resembles a basketball court containing a large mural adapted from a Cleveland sports heritage Etch-A-Sketch drawing by local artist George Vlosich.
    • A circular staircase connects to the mezzanine level collaborative area called “The Treehouse” overlooking the 1st floor conference space. The “Treehouse” features vintage barn siding and Cleveland Metroparks images.
    • Café area with a mural of the historic West Side Market and a recycled wood feature table made from demolished Cleveland homes.
    • A large boardroom with classic record-album covers, donated by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which adorn the room’s entire side wall in tribute to Cleveland’s musical tradition.
    • Incorporation of sustainable design principles; daylight harvesting, low VOC finishes, renewable/recycled materials and reclaimed wood from Cleveland area homes.
    • Visitor center with Cleveland attraction displays connected to retail space for a local company who design unique Cleveland inspired apparel.”

    Design: Vocon
    Design Team: Lauren Dennison, Richard Dillon, Matt Kovacic, & Steve Bell
    Contractor: Neshkin Construction
    Engineers: WHS Engineering
    Furniture Dealer: APG