Circle 118 Townhomes, Cleveland, Ohio

The cubic exuberance and vibrant colors of the Circle 118 Townhomes enliven the previously dreary eastern edge of University Circle on Cleveland’s East Side.

Circle 118 is a project assembled by James Wymer’s WXZ Development company of Fairview Park, Ohio. For the challenging site — formerly a drab parking lot of University Circle Inc. (UCI), bounded by elevated rail tracks and fronting on busy Euclid Avenue  — WXZ chose the architectural design firm of RDL Architects of Shaker Heights.

RDL’s playfully composed solution is a series of cubic solids marching in serrated rows along Euclid Avenue. The cupping red C’s of upper level bedrooms project above the glass walls of prime living spaces and the townhome bases of earth-toned wall panels, while railed roof patios atop await optional green roofs.  Rich blue wall panels define the residences’ stairs housed within. The structure’s faceted northerly façades are rendered in tints of orange, yellow and acid green.

Townhome interiors, though modest, are fitted with many appealing features, not the least of which is the generous use of multi-pane glazing to open each unit to substantial daylight and exceptional views, while limiting sound intrusion.

The eight townhomes offered at Circle 118 vary in size from 1,730 to 1,820 square feet, and begin at the up-market pricing of about $330,000. WXZ plans an additional nine units — more moderately priced — in a future phase that is intended to embrace an interior courtyard off East 118^th Street providing access to grade-level garages.

Circle 118 offers a sleek and striking contemporary urban residential opportunity unlike most housing options throughout the region surrounding University Circle. It also establishes a distinctive and arresting visual landmark anchoring the eastern gateway to vibrant University Circle.