Samsel Supply Co.’s former properties along Old River Road in Cleveland’s Flats were recently planned to be redeveloped with a wellness hotel. But the maritime supply company that thrived within those venerable buildings for decades will be no more (Google). CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE THEM.
Redevelopment plans for Samsel site still active
When they sold their properties on Old River Road in Cleveland’s Flats East Bank to a developer nearly three years ago, Samsel family members had declined to answer where they would relocate their commercial supply business, Samsel Supply Company. No one else in local real estate circles seemed to know either. Turns out the reason was a simple one that few had considered — they’re not relocating. They’re closing.
After 66 years of continuous service, representatives of the multigenerational family-owned business have made the difficult decision to close. The decision, reportedly made after careful consideration, marks the conclusion of a proud history characterized by deep ties to the community and a commitment to excellence, the family members said in an announcement released today.
Located at 1285 Old River Rd., Samsel Supply is a fabricator, distributor and service/repair center for contractors, industrial firms, municipalities and the commercial marine market. The company will fulfill outstanding orders and continue to accept new orders for stock items the next 30 days. Employees will be retained for 60 days and be provided with access to job placement assistance. Business intel firm Manta says Samsel has approximately 33 employees.
“We are very proud of all that we have accomplished over the years, thanks to the tremendous support of our customers and hard work of our loyal employees,” said Samsel Supply Vice President Mike Samsel in a written statement. “It has been an honor to serve this community, and we take great pride in the legacy my father began and we’ve all built together.”
The Samsel Supply buildings, at the bottom-center of this aerial image, are located on the Flats East Bank at the western edge of Downtown Cleveland (Google).
Samsel Supply was founded in 1958 by Frank Samsel. Initially, the company specialized in wire rope, chain, blocks, load binders, and manila rope, growing into a major distributor and fabricator of industrial, construction, and marine supplies throughout the Great Lakes region.
Samsel Supply has been known for its wide range of products, including safety equipment, lifting and rigging products, and custom fabrications. The company also became a recognized leader in environmental issues, contributing significantly to the cleanup of the Cuyahoga River and participating in initiatives to restore local fish habitats.
For example, The Putzfrau, a 56-foot fish tug designed by founder Frank Samsel, led pioneering efforts in environmental responsibility by playing a key role in the cleanup of the Cuyahoga River in the late 1960s through the 1980s. The company was also a part of the Greenspace Initiative Program, aimed at restoring local fish habitat.
“As we close this final chapter, we are thankful to everyone who has been part of the Samsel family,” said Mike Samsel. “We are grateful for the opportunity to serve many people and companies over the past 66 years.”
The previous plan for redeveloping the Samsel Supply buildings was to convert them into a wellness hotel, representing a nearly $42 million project. The vehicular lanes of Old River Road would also have been narrowed in favor of a more pedestrian-friendly setting (LDA).
The next chapter of the Samsel property is already in the works. Historic redevelopment firm GBX Group of Cleveland acquired Samsel’s Flats properties in December 2021 for an undisclosed amount. That includes two historic buildings totaling 121,458 square feet and land measuring 1.12 acres, county records show.
GBX initially joined forces with developer Bobby George’s Ethos Hospitality Group to redevelop the site. But, long before was he arrested last month and charged with violent crimes, George opted out of the Samsel deal to pursue a riverside development across the street. George is denying the charges and challenging the evidence.
Instead, GBX partnered with RHM Real Estate Group of suburban Lyndhurst to pursue a still-active but not yet publicized redevelopment of the Samsel buildings, namely the pair of century-old brick structures. One is a five-story-tall building at 1235 Old River and the other is a three-story-tall structure at 1285 Old River.
RHM typically develops, owns and/or manages multi-family and mixed-use properties. GBX primarily finances historic rehabilitation projects. Dimit Architects of Lakewood is the designer of the Samsel redevelopment.
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