I have it on good word that two new tech companies are moving into the Tyler Elevator complex (and word on the street is there is a potential new tech company moving into Hanna Tech Hotel, too).

During my early tenure as "Tech Czar" for Cleveland, I will admit, the Tyler Elevator complex (E. 36th and Superior Avenue) never registered as a venue for technology companies. It is a stunning facility - almost 1.2 million square feet of old industrial space. The views from the upper floors are unbelievable - with an unadulterated line of sight of Downtown and the Lake. (Perfect for viewing Cleveland's annual air show.)

At first blush, this leviathan of a complex and industrial history just does not seem like a "tech village" but first looks are often deceiving.

During my first year in the Campbell Administration, I made an appointment to see King Hill, President of DigiKnow out in Beachwood. I had heard from the proverbial grapevine that the Company was searching for new space.

At this time, most of the tech companies I had been talking to were giving me and more importantly the City the cold shoulder. So expectations were not high. I did not have the feeling that a new tech revolution, was in fact, about to begin.

I had known King for a number of years and held him in deep regard - I felt a great deal of respect for him and his management team for taking a risk at an ad agency and creating what we now know as DigiKnow. The initial meeting did not go well…not terribly, mind you, but not well. There was some resistance that Cleveland could be the answer for the real estate needs of DigiKnow.

But, King did agree to add some Cleveland locations on the search. I made sure that a few real estate groups followed up with King - and I prayed.

A few weeks after our initial discussion I got a telephone call from King about Tyler Elevator. I took some questions from King, promised I would investigate and literally ran down to my car at the City Hall garage and burned rubber over to Tyler.

The staff at Tyler was gracious, although a bit confused why a City official came unrequested to their building, and gave me a tour. I could fill pages with details on the complex but I suggest that you call David Fleming of Tyler @ 216.903.9865 and ask for your own tour. (Invite me as well I always get a thrill walking through this beautifully monstrous complex.)

And yet, Tyler has become a cool place to house emerging growth companies:

• DigiKnow
• Analiza
• APG
• Ante Up Studios

Can you imagine 1.2 million square feet of old industrial space housing hundreds of tech companies in one massive location with free parking and easy access to the highway system and served by the St. Clair - Superior and Little China neighborhoods?

I can.