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Re-emergence: nostalgic Higbee's space is set to let

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 2017

In the 1950s, 60s and 70s, downtown Cleveland’s department stores competed to be known as the utmost authority on women’s fashion trends — holding regular luncheon fashion shows in their auditoriums to exhibit their collections and attract shoppers. Dixie Lee Davis, who served as fashion director during that period for Halle’s department store, and later May Company and Cleveland Saks Fifth Avenue, remembers the era well. “My whole career has been in in retail,” she says, adding that the department stores were all on friendly terms with each other back then. While the fashion shows, not to mention many of the major department stores, are a concept of the past, the spaces of these magnificent shopping meccas still exist, and many have been converted to offices and residential units. The 192-foot-tall, 13-story 1931 Higbee Building at 100 Public Square is one such historical edifice. Today it is home to Jack Casino on the lower floors and offices such as Quicken Loans on the fourth and fifth floors. The latter received much acclaim for its move to the space and subsequent remodel back in 2016 when the company brought in Detroit-based design firm dPOP to embrace the historical architecture and design elements of the former department store, while also creating a modern work environment. Now, Terry Coyne, vice chairman for commercial real estate for Newmark Grubb Knight Frank, is hoping the right tenant will follow suit with the 10th floor of the Higbee Building. More than 50,000 square feet on the entire 10th floor — except for the former Silver Grille, which is leased by the Ritz-Carlton hotel — in what used to be used for Higbee’s regular fashion shows, is currently available. Long-time locals may remember the impressive space from the three-decade-span when Higbee’s would regularly hold fashion shows — complete with luncheons — to tout its newest collections. “When you went down to Higbee’s in the 1950s, you went up to the 10th floor,” explains Coyne. “This is where they had runway shows, and there’s a rotunda that goes all the way up to the 11th floor. Women would wear their white gloves.” Davis says the auditoriums that housed the shows — several times a year for back-to-school, bridal, seasonal and trunk shows — were the best way for shoppers to view the latest fashion trends. “The fashion shows were very popular and well-attended events,” she recalls. “It could be a social event, but people wanted to know what the latest in fashion was. There was lots of fashion activity going on at the time and we were bringing the latest in fashion to Cleveland. All the top designers on both sides of the ocean were represented here.” The raw space — 52,848 square feet — is wide open and in great shape, Coyne says. “They really kept the integrity of the building,” he says of the building owner, an affiliate of JACK Entertainment. “The ceilings are 14 feet, all the way up to 35 feet in the rotunda area.” The windows overlook the newly renovated Public Square. “It is a great view on the heartbeat of the city,” adds Coyne. Davis remembers the old Higbee auditorium well. “It’s a beautiful, large auditorium,” she says. “It had a beautiful stage and wonderful lighting with a runway out to the audience.” The space, which is going for $18.50 per square foot, is not for just any kind of tenant, notes Coyne. Instead, he says he hopes the new tenant, perhaps a technology company, will embrace the space in much the same manor that Quicken Loans did, but also perhaps with a nod to the time when ladies in white gloves enjoyed catered luncheons before taking in a fashion show. “We’d like a tenant to embrace what Quicken Loans has done,” he says. “It’s really neat that they’ve embraced the era.” Some of the vintage décor, signage and Higbee’s paraphernalia Coyne may offer to tenants are tucked away in storage on an unused floor of the building. “The perfect tenant is one who can utilize the high ceilings in the interesting potential layout for the space,” says Coyne. “This is not going to be space from the 1990s. It is open, high ceilings, with interesting opportunities for design.” Interested tenants can contact Coyne or the primary leasing agent and NGKF managing director David Hollister or Kristy Hull.

Call for TLC: vintage Capitol Theatre MONDAY, APRIL 17, 2017

Eight years ago the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization (DSCDO) unveiled a newly-renovated Capitol Theatre. The 1921 theater, originally constructed as a silent movie house, went through years of neglect before ultimately closing its doors in 1985. The huge renovation was complete in 2009, and took nearly 30 years to accomplish. Today, eight years after its grand reopening, the Capitol Theatre needs a bit of an update to keep it going strong for the next 30 years. So the DSCDO is hosting a fundraiser gala, Timeless, on Friday, April 21. The historic theater was already on the DSCDO’s radar when the organization was founded in 1973, and the Capitol was one of the main drivers behind the economic development and success of the Gordon Square Arts District. “When we were founded in the 70s we knew we could not let this place go,” says DSCDO managing director Jenny Spencer. ““Preserving the Capitol Theatre and the Arcade Building were essential for rebuilding Gordon Square.” Today, the Capitol has all digital equipment on three screens and is operated 365 days a year by Cleveland Cinemas. The theater sees an average of 50,000 patrons a year and is a Gordon Square mainstay. “We’re extremely committed to keep it open, as it’s an economic driver for the neighborhood,” says Spencer. “Even people who are window shopping or getting a bite to eat come by. This is very much a mission-driven thing, being an historic theater. It can attract new residents and keep the existing residential population.” Spencer says the Capitol simply needs some upgrades to its equipment, as well as some plaster repair work. “It’s very, very old plaster and it just needs some more love,” she says, adding that previous years of exposure to the elements necessitates periodic maintenance to the plaster. “The plaster was so compromised, it’s still recovering,” Spencer says. “We want to preserve what’s still there.” Like all digital equipment today, the DSCDO also needs to upgrade the audio and visual technology to keep it up to date. “We’re not going to get rich operating a three-screen theater,” Spencer says. “We just want you to have a great theater experience where you’re just immersed in what’s on the screen — and that experience comes with great sound and visuals.” The goal is to raise $70,000 through the Timeless event. Spencer says that amount will cover the digital upgrade and plaster stabilization and restoration, as well as create a repair reserve fund for future upkeep. Friday’s Timeless event begins at 6 p.m. with a VIP reception, with free valet service beginning at 5:30 p.m. The VIP reception includes a silent auction preview and open bar. The main party runs from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with cocktails, a large spread of appetizers, the silent auction and a live Hollywood revue performed by local cabaret lounge singer, Lounge Kitty. Desert will be provided by Sweet Moses Soda Fountain and Treat Shop and Gypsy Beans will serve coffee. At 9 p.m. a whiskey sour nightcap will be served in preparation for a viewing of the timeless classic Casablanca. “We thought a bourbon type drink would be appropriate, because Humphrey Bogart drinks it in the movie,” says Spencer. “And, of course, there will be popcorn.” Tickets start at $100 for general admission and $150 for VIP admission. $83 of the general admission ticket cost is tax deductible, as is $122 of the VIP ticket. Donations to the theater fund are also accepted. All donations will be kept in the Capitol’s fund at the Cleveland Foundation. “This is such an iconic place for the community, and this is an opportunity for people to reconnect and get excited about the theater,” Spencer says, adding that she recalls hearing many fond memories from longtime residents. “The amount of love stories I’ve heard, you would not believe how many stories.”

New hope for historic Scofield Mansion restoration TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2017

The 1898 dilapidated mansion of renowned Cleveland architect Levi Scofield is about to get a makeover and a new chance to become a crown jewel of the Buckeye Woodhill neighborhood, thanks to the valiant efforts of the Cleveland Restoration Society (CRS), Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, the Cuyahoga County Land Bank and a team of volunteers. Scofield’s vacant historic home, tucked away at 2438 Mapleside Road, has fallen into disrepair over the past two decades. “It’s in a forgotten corner of this neighborhood, in an area you wouldn’t normally go to,” says CRS president Kathleen Crowther. “It’s like a haunted house. But if it’s restored and sold, it could be a showcase for the city and could really turn this neighborhood around.” That optimism is why the CRS formed a blue ribbon task force last year with the hope of saving and restoring the home. “This is a last-ditch effort on this property,” Crowther says, noting the structure has been flagged for potential demolition. “It’s completely open to the elements, kids can get in there. It’s horrible. It’s now or never.” Despite the repairs needed because of vandals and exposure, Crowther says the house is structurally sound. “The stone is Berea sandstone, the wood is hard as steel,” she says, adding that the original slate roof is still intact. “The wood that was used back then was hard, dense lumber. The building was very well-built.” Saving the mansion is now looking like a possibility, as the property could be signed over to the Land Bank as earlier as the end of this week, says Justin Fleming, director of real estate for Neighborhood Progress. The move was made possible through a legal deal in which the current owner agreed to donate the property to the Land Bank in exchange for the court waiving $55,000 on back property taxes. In turn, the Land Bank has agreed to hold the property for two years while Neighborhood Progress and the task force try to save the house. “We’ve been working on it in earnest since last spring and not it’s really all hands on deck,” says Fleming of the effort. “This gives us time to clean it out, stabilize it and secure the house and really set the stage for what could happen.” When Scofield, who is best known in Cleveland for the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Public Square and the Schofield Building, now the Kimpton Schofield on E. 9th, was looking to move to the country in the late 1890s, he bought six acres of land on a bluff overlooking the Fairmount Reservoir and built the 6,000-square-foot, three-story Victorian home. “It was designed in a very picturesque setting to overlook the city,” says Crowther. “He built it in a bucolic area to have magnificent views of the city.” After Scofield’s death in 1917, his family remained in the house until 1925. Over the years the house served as a chapel, a convent, and finally a nursing home until 1990. Sometime in the 1960s, a second building was erected on the land as an extension of the nursing home. Both buildings stood vacant and went into disrepair since 1990. In 2011 a buyer, Rosalin Lyons, bought the property for $1,400 at a foreclosure auction, thinking she was just buying the 60s building. But the sale included the mansion, according to Fleming. “I can understand the thought process on the building because it has really good bones,” he says. “But Lyons was in way over her head and nothing ever happened to either property.” Crowther says the owner had plans to transform the property into a rehab center, but nothing every came of it and Lyons ended up in housing court. “She had dreams of doing something good for the community there but that dream needed money,” Crowther says. “She was between a rock and a hard place.” Now members of the task force are making preparations for stabilization work on the house as soon as they get the word the transfer is complete. “The clean-out, the stabilization and securing of the house really sets the stage for what could happen,” proclaims Fleming. “Let’s save the asset.” Three companies have already committed their time, labor and services to stabilize the house, says Crowther, who calls the process “mothballing,” which means preserving the property for future renovations. Joe DiGeronimo, vice president of Independence-based remediation company Precision Environmental, has pledged to clean up both the mansion and a 1960s building built on the property. The DiGeronimo family has roots in the neighborhood, says Crowther, and has an interest in revitalizing the community. “They have been heroes in this endeavor,” says Crowther of Precision Environmental. Steve Coon, owner of Coon Restoration and Sealants in Louisville, Ohio, sits on the CRS board of trustees and has committed to roof and wall stabilization as well as masonry work. Cleveland-based SecureView will measure all of the doors and windows and fit them with the company’s patented clearboarding—clear, unbreakable material. The help is a relief for proponents of the renovation. “In the beginning we were knocking out heads because we didn’t know what to do —there were so many pieces, all moving at the same time,” says Crowther of the project. “But inch by inch, we got somewhere.” Crowther says CRS continues to raise money for the project. Once the building is stabilized, CRS and Neighborhood Progress will figure out the next steps in saving the house, marketing it and selling it. Both Crowther and Fleming say there is no concrete plan yet for the final outcome of the project, but they say they are pleased with the initial progress. “I think it illustrates what can happen with lots of partners willing to come in and do something,” Crowther says. John Hopkins, executive director of the Buckeye Shaker Square Development Corporation and task force member, says he sees restoring the Scofield Mansion as beneficial for the neighborhood in three ways. “It would bring stability for the neighborhood,” says Hopkins. “It would not just stabilize the building, but stabilize the neighborhood. Second is the economic impact in that it would increase the value of some of the homes around it [the mansion]. Third, there will be a sense of pride in this great building we saved.” Fleming says Neighborhood Progress must next bring in an architect to draft new floor plans for the home, as the originals are lost. “That will help us talk to a tenant,” he explains. Eager to move forward, organizers on the task force are encouraged by the pending transfer. “They are trying to save it as an anchor and a monument,” Fleming says. “The neighborhood deserves it. The house deserves it.”

Trending Downtown: loft office space MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2017

Residential development in downtown Cleveland is going gangbusters, attracting the working millennial crowd and empty nesters alike. And much of the action is playing out in the city’s historic buildings. The growth has interesting side effects. According to Newmark Grubb Knight Frank’s fourth quarter Cleveland Office Market report, the conversions of vintage office and industrial buildings in the Central Business District (CBD) to apartments has effectively dropped the office vacancy rate in the fourth quarter of 2016 to 24 percent for class B office space and 22.4 percent for class C. Overall combined vacancy in the CBD is 19.9 percent. However, Terry Coyne, vice chairman of commercial real estate for Newmark points out the vacancy is even lower when Newmark’s office space Zombie Report is factored in. The report does not include vacant space that is currently being renovated and off the market. Omitting these offices brings the vacancy rate down to 18.2 percent for class B and 15.4 percent for class C space. Eleven such buildings are omitted in the Zombie Report because they are being converted to apartments or are functionally obsolete, Coyne says, including the Tower at Erie View, the Halle Building, the former Cleveland Athletic Club and the Standard Building, among others. Part of the reason the office vacancies are declining is attributable to unoccupied office buildings being converted to apartments, says Coyne. And while he admits that the downtown living trend is encouraging for Cleveland, he says landlords and developers should also be thinking about converting downtown office space. A new generation of offices A new generation of workers are living and working downtown with educated millennials drawn to the city’s core. They are enamored by Cleveland’s history and its historic buildings, says Coyne. As residential living grows, he notes, so must attractive office space. “It is not just millennials who like to live near their offices,” explains Coyne, adding that at one time residences and businesses were more centered in Cleveland suburbs. “People historically like to live near their offices. The difference is the offices are now moving downtown where the people live.” The next generation of workers are driven to employers with what Coyne calls “cool loft office space,” which is often characterized by historic buildings with high ceilings, exposed brick and wood floors reminiscent of the structure’s original purpose. “I believe there is great demand for loft office space and I think the numbers show it,” says Coyne, suggesting that as downtown buildings are converted to apartments, conversion into loft offices should not be forgotten. “The overall health of the market is being driven by conversions,” explains Coyne, adding that the apartment conversions have stabilized. “The annual net absorption of office space in 2016," he also notes, "was approximately 254,000 square feet. However, the absorption for cool office space is currently keeping pace with supply.” Leading the way The successful developers downtown have noticed this change and are following suit with their developments. Coyne cites Tyler Village, 3615 Superior Ave., as one perfect example. “Graystone Properties spotted this trend when they decided to convert the former Tyler Elevator building at East 36th Street and Superior Avenue, which they had owned since the 1970s, into loft office space,” says Coyne. “Without the use of tax credits, Graystone repurposed this million-square-foot-plus property into a neighborhood of retail, office and warehouse. “The development is performing so well they are now able to charge for indoor parking in an area of town where parking is free and abundant,” he adds. Coyne also cites the 1903 Caxton Building, 812 Huron Road, as another success story. “The leader in this trend—the Caxton Building—has seen an increase in rents over the past year for both parking and office that other landlords can only dream about,” he says. Quantifiably, the Caxton has seen a 90 percent occupancy rate over the past 10 years, according to commercial real estate broker Gardiner and Associates. Meanwhile, Quicken Loans’ Cleveland offices garnered acclaim for its 2016 move into 81,000 square feet of space on the fourth and fifth floors of the Higbee Building at 100 Public Square. The company preserved much of the original architectural elements and historic nature of the building. Coyne says there is still 90,000 square feet of raw space available in the iconic 1931 art-deco building. A fourth example is the renovation of the old Sammy’s Building in the Flats. With its views of the river and a rooftop deck, the owners are getting some of the highest rents in the city, Coyne notes. While he estimates the overall vacancy rate of trendy office space in the CBD to be around 12.6 percent—or 2.9 million square feet—Coyne suggests landlords consider renovating their older buildings for loft-style offices, which drives drown vacancy rates and drives up rental rates. Embracing change Coyne asserts that the days of cubicles, dropped ceilings and wall-to-wall carpeting are gone. “It’s a changing style of office,” says Coyne of the trend towards loft office space. Millennials, he notes, want more of a “SoHo look” in their workspaces. “The market changes and those people want a different style of office.” It’s fairly easy to achieve this look and create a whole new office space, says Coyne, although some buildings are more conducive to it than others. “You can’t convert the KeyBank Tower into a loft building,” he says, “but you can expose the duct work and mimic an older, industrial type building.” Coyne cites the 1921 925 Building, formerly the Union Trust Building and later the Huntington Building, as being prime for redevelopment into loft space. He adds Hudson Holdings would be wise to consider loft offices in its redevelopment of the 925 Building. “Overall, these changes in our market present opportunities for both tenants and landlords,” says Coyne. “And understanding these trends helps both sides make better decisions.”

$12 million makeover for West Side hotel MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017

Cleveland’s newest hotel is designed to highlight all the city has to offer while also providing the amenities that appeal to the young business traveler. The first Four Points Sheraton Cleveland Airport—the first of Marriott International’s Four Points brand in Cleveland—opened on the site of the former Holiday Inn Cleveland airport, 4181 West 150th St., last month. Marriott bought the building in January 2016. “It was a $12 million-plus renovation,” says Sandra Keneven, director of sales and marketing for the hotel. “They gutted the building. There’s nothing old left,” she adds of the year-long renovation. The Four Points concept is a more affordable version of a traditional Sheraton hotel, says Keneven, and is the result of a five-year rebranding initiative. “Our target audience is the younger generation,” she says, adding that the hotel’s 147 rooms offer a comfortable bed with its signature mattresses, complimentary bottled water and free internet. Furthermore, guests can use their smart phones for mobile check-ins before arriving at the hotel, and then use their phones for keyless entry into their rooms. In addition to a 24-hour fitness room, business center and heated pool, the Four Points serves up Great Lakes Brewing drafts in its Hub Bar and Grill. On Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m., the hotel offers its Best Brews reception with a Great Lakes beer tasting and free appetizers. “The plan is to rotate different local brewers,” says Keneven, adding that the brewers will be invited to come and talk about their beers. She says they are also considering bringing live music into the bar. The hotel has 6,500 square feet of meeting space, with two ballrooms, one of which is on the sixth floor and has windows on all sides. Keneven says they have built a good relationship with Destination Cleveland for upcoming conferences and events. Staff is also starting to book weddings. Location is yet another amenity. Popular Cleveland destinations, such as like Kamms Corners, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and FirstEnergy Stadium, are a short distance from the hotel, which offers free round-the-clock shuttle service to and from the airport and any destination within two miles. In addition, the hotel is adjacent to I-71 and the Puritas West 150th Street RTA Rapid station. Through March, Four Points is offering an introductory rate averaging $99 a night, says Keneven, and average rates during peak times will be about $159 a night. The renovated hotel has already gotten local praise. “We have people stopping in off the street,” says Keneven. “It’s beautiful. It just looks beautiful.”

County grant paves the way for Lee Road facelift WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2017

In an effort to spruce up Lee Road between Scottsdale Road and Chagrin Boulevard and make it a more attractive business district, the Shaker Heights Economic Development Department helped four property owners in the neighborhood update their exterior facades, thanks to a grant from Cuyahoga County. For us, it’s all about making slow, incremental changes,” says Shaker economic development specialist Katharyne Starinsky. “We’re trying to do this in a progressive fashion so it lasts.” The city applied for a grant through the Cuyahoga County Competitive Storefront Renovation program in November 2015, and was awarded $50,000 for full façade improvements on three buildings and new signage on a fourth. The 2016 project marked the first time Shaker Heights had applied for the County grant, and was among four approved cities. The store renovations are a new addition to Shaker’s business incentives portfolio, designed to help small businesses thrive. Shaker tapped six businesses in its application. Last April, three were ultimately chosen for the grant money: Discount Cleaners at 3601 Lee Road State Farm Insurance at 3605 Lee Road, and a vacant 1,600-square-foot office building at 3581 Lee Road. “There are a number of different businesses involved in doing upgrades to their properties,” explains Starinsky. “We have a relationship with all of the business owners so we knew what businesses might be interested.” The city was able to include a fourth property, Protem Homecare at 3558 Lee Road, with new signage for its recently-renovated building. The business owners were required to pay for 50 percent of the renovation costs, up to $16,000, while the city matched the other 50 percent with the grant money. "These are small, locally owned businesses and this is a lot of money for them,” says Starinsky. “Out of the three properties, only one used the full $16,000. Because of that, we were also able to do the signage for Protem.” Shaker hired a design specialist to work with the business owners on cost estimates and envisioning their needs. “They came up with the design together,” says Starinsky of the cooperative work. The businesses then evaluated contractor bids on the work. “The toughest part was going through the contractors’ bids,” recalls Starinsky. “It was very time consuming, but we wanted them to choose someone they felt connected with.” Ultimately, Starinsky says two of the contractors chosen for two projects were minority owned enterprises. The projects are mostly complete. State Farm renovated the existing façade details, including installing exterior lighting, signage and replacing the door and windows. Discount Cleaners replaced windows and installed a new sign and canopy and is completing finishing touches this week. The owner of the office building, which once housed credit union, tuck-pointed the front steps, installed new awnings and windows and other façade work. “This was a leap of faith for him, because he [the owner] doesn’t have a tenant yet, it he wants to rent it out,” explains Starinsky. “It’s caddy-corner to [co-working and office hub] The Dealership, so it’s a really great location for someone who doesn’t need a big space all the time.” Shaker’s Lee Road district is capped off with a sculpture, Cloud Monoliths, by local public artist Steve Manka – part of the city’s 2015 Lee-Lomond intersection project. Overall, the renovation projects totaled $113,699, which includes the storefront grant, $48,427 in private investments, $18,550 by the city for the design specialist and architectural fees, and $4,500 in grants from Shaker Heights Development Corporation made possible through Citizens Bank. The city is so satisfied with the work done in 2016 that officials applied for a similar county grant for 2017. “It’s a real nail biter,” Starinsky says of the recent application, “because we’d like to try it again. We’re supporting our [new] businesses and those who have been here a while too.” Shaker has a number of available commercial properties for lease. The City of Shaker Heights is part of Fresh Water's underwriting support network.

Alhambra apartments blend history with modern amenities TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2017

After two years of renovations, New York developer Community, Preservation and Restoration (CPR) Properties has transformed an 1890s building at 3203 W. 14th St. in Tremont into some of the neighborhood’s newest, most modern apartments. Designed with young professionals and empty-nesters in mind, the Alhambra offers one-bedroom units starting at 480 square feet for $695 a month, twobedroom, 575-square-foot units for $850 a month, and a three-bedroom, 1,0500square-foot unit for $1,350 a month. “It’s very reasonable,” says Carolyn Bentley, a realtor with Howard Hanna’s Cleveland City office in Tremont, adding that some of the units have back deck areas. Originally dubbed the Edison Building, CPR partners Noah Smith and Ted Haber bought the building in late 2014 with plans to update and upgrade the apartments and common areas. The owners ultimately chose to stick with the building’s original name, the Alhambra, after an historic palace and fortress in Spain. Fourteen of the 35 units have been remodeled and will be available for occupancy on Wednesday, Feb. 1. The building was fully occupied when CPR took ownership, so the company moved some tenants to 17 other units during the remodel. “When they bought the place, they did not displace any current residents,” explains Bentley. When Smith and Haber took possession of the Alhambra, they realized there was quite a bit of repair work to be done. The apartments now have all new electrical systems and plumbing. The refinished walls are painted in neutral colors and are adorned with foot-high baseboard molding. The owners were able to keep the original hardwood flooring and other features, Bentley says. “They did it with a lot of character,” she explains. “They kept some of the original woodwork and it’s an open feeling with tall ceilings. They did a really good job of keeping the character that was there.” Bentley describes the kitchens and bathrooms as “clean, simple and modern,” with stainless appliances and tile. The result is a combination of modern decor with an historical feel. “It has the overall look and feel of the original building,” she says. While the Alhambra may be an historic building, CPR has installed some 21st Century technology. The exterior locks to the building’s main entry are controlled by the residents’ smart phones. Visitors simply buzz tenants to let them know they are outside, and tenants grant access via their phones. The shared laundry area in the basement is also smart phone-equipped, allowing users to pay for their loads and receive alerts when a washer or dryer is free or when their loads are done. While the apartments themselves are finished in neutral colors, the foyer and entryway, including the large front door, are full of color, Bentley says, and the developers took great care to preserve the original interior staircase’s intricate woodwork. “The developers had a lot of fun with color and the high-end workmanship,” Bentley says, noting the red entry door and green tinted glass tile. Situated on a hill, the Alhambra offers spectacular views of downtown, the Steelyards and Tremont itself. Furthermore, the accessibility appeals to both baby boomers and young professionals, says Bentley. “Tremont is an amazing place to be living right now. It’s a walkable neighborhood. You have Steelyard Commons with places like Target, then in the opposite direction you have [independent businesses] like A Cookie and a Cupcake. And you’re a short Uber ride into downtown.” Bentley held an open house last Thursday, Jan. 5, and reports that the Alhambra has already gained a lot of interest.

Former Sammy's building emerges as a renovated gem in the Flats TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 01, 2016

With its outstanding views of downtown Cleveland and the Cuyahoga River, Sammy’s in the Flats maintained a presence at 1400 W. 10th St. as the signature place in Cleveland for weddings, celebrations and other special events for more than three decades. Then in 2013, the iconic event hall closed it's doors. Last Thursday, Oct. 27, the building came to life once again during the grand opening of Settler’s Point, a 34,000-square-foot loft-like office complex on the Flats East Bank. Developer Joel Scheer bought the Sammy’s property, built in the late 1800s and early 1900s, out of receivership in December 2014 with an eye on restoring it and an admitted fascination with both the property and the area. “That building - I’ve always been looking at that building ever since I was a little kid,” Scheer says. “It’s where Moses Cleaveland landed, it has fabulous views, and it has tremendous potential. It was kind of like a high profile place at the time for parties. People got married there.” After buying the complex, Scheer spent much of 2015 working on a renovation plan with Dimit Architects and Vocon interior design architects before Welty Building Company began work on the project as the general contractor around Thanksgiving last year. The renovation has transformed and modernized the space. “It doesn’t really look the same,” says Scheer, adding that the building had undergone many rounds of construction over the years. “There were layers and layers of previous renovations. We uncovered windows behind walls, floors upon floors. One floor was actually a roof.” Scheer invested in new HVAC, electric and plumbing for the century-old building, and installed in new energy-efficient, yet historic, windows and a new roof. He left the exposed brick walls and wood beams. “We basically took it down to its shell,” he says of the renovations. Decks and patios make up 5,529 square feet of Settler’s Point, each with views of the city and the river. The gem of the building, however is the 1,325-square-foot penthouse, available to all tenants. “Three sides are all glass with amazing views of the city,” says Scheer. The penthouse features meeting and event space, a kitchen and bathrooms. Off of the penthouse is an 815-square-foot deck made of ipe, a Brazilian maple hardwood known for its beauty and durability. Welty Building and Environments for Business are already tenants of Settler’s Point. “There’s room for more,” quips Scheer. There’s about 15,000 square feet still available for leasing. About 75 people attended the grand opening last week, including representatives from the Cleveland’s economic development department, members of the architecture team, real estate brokers and other partners. The Gatherings Kitchen in Lakewood and other local food vendors provided catering for the event. Scheer says those who have fond memories of special occasions at the former Sammy’s are impressed with the renovations. “People are excited to come in and look since I bought the building.”

West 25th Street Lofts merge historic architecture with contemporary design MONDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2016

A group of buildings built in the late 1800s on Church Avenue between W. 25th and W. 28th Streets in Ohio City were once the hallmark of a manufacturing town – housing everything from the original Baehr Brewing Company and Odd Fellows Masonic Hall to a machine shop and a tin and sheet metal shop, among other business and residential dwellings. Exhibit Builders last owned and operated the buildings fronting W. 25th Street. More recently, the heavy industrial buildings housed the Phoenix Ice Machine Company, Lester Engineering Company, then a charter school and the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority. Today development partners Rick Foran of Foran Group and Chris Smythe of Smythe Property Advisors are converting the structures into contemporary apartment lofts with a nod to their unique history. “You know you’re in historic buildings, but with modern amenities,” says Smythe. The project has been nine years in the making. Smythe and Foran bought their first property in the group from CMHA back in 2008 with a bank loan. Then the real estate market tanked. “For several years afterwards, it was virtually impossible to get any financing to move the project forward,” recalls Foran. “Eventually, we turned to Love Funding to put together a HUD 221(d) (4) FHA loan guarantee designed for market-rate based apartments.” Smythe and Foran also received $8 million in historic state and federal tax credits for the $24 million project, $18 million of which comprises hard construction costs being done by Project and Construction Services and its subcontractors. The pair have almost completed 83 market rate loft apartments in what is now West 25th Street Lofts. The structure features one-, two-, and three-bedroom lofts, as well as 18 townhouse-style units and a couple of studio apartments. The lofts are 72 percent leased – the first 22 tenants came in September, a second group of 25 will move in sometime in November and another group in midDecember. There are 9,600 square feet of commercial space on the first floor, for which Foran and Smythe have verbal agreements with a restaurant and an office tenant. Smythe says each loft’s floor plan is different, ranging from 618 square feet for a studio, about 800 square feet for a one-bedroom to more than 2,000 square feet for a two-story townhouse loft. Foran and Smythe hired City Architecture to create the look. The units have bamboo hardwood floors, energy efficient stainless steel appliances, including washers and dryers in each unit, granite counter tops, high ceilings and oversized windows. Foran boasts that the original large windows have been replicated with energy-efficient versions. Twelve of the units have the remaining overhead crane track, which was used by Lester Engineering. “Lester Engineering made huge stamping machines that were used around the world by manufacturers such as the auto industry,” explains Foran. “The overhead cranes would move massive heavy material back and forth through the assembly plant.” The brick stable that used to house the horses that pulled the Baehr Brewery wagons to deliver beer to area taverns at the turn of the 20th Century now makes up the West 25th Street Lofts’ entry lobby and fitness room. Foran and Smythe transformed a 45-foot tall heavy industrial space into a large atrium with wall-to-wall skylights and catwalks leading to apartment entries. Smythe explains that the open atrium allows natural light to pour into the apartment units. “They have a post-industrial look,” says Smythe. “Yet they also have a contemporary feel with an historic lineage.” One of the most unique apartments centers around the brewery’s old powerhouse. The 1,800 square-foot, two-story, three-bedroom, three-bath apartment encompasses part of the 140-foot smokestack that soars three stories. In the building that was once the home of the Jacob and Magdalena Baehr and their eight children, layers of 140-year-old wallpaper line the walls as Foran and Smythe complete renovations. Pocket doors separate rooms, two of which have coal-burning fireplaces. The home will soon be two separate town homes. "Some of this stuff was built 140 years ago," says Foran. "With such attention to detail, quality and use of materials, it wouldn’t be fair to not treat them with quality labor. Hopefully we can become stewards of the building as we pass through time.” Common space includes a rooftop lounge, paved with recycled tires and offering spectacular views of downtown. Six loft units have direct access to the deck area, while there is also an entrance accessible to all tenants. The west end of the building abuts the planned Irishtown Bend redevelopment, leading to easy access to Wendy Park and the Towpath Trail. Foran and Smythe have been working with Ohio City’s sewer district on a storm water retention plan for greenspace, growing areas and plantings. The building’s perimeter will be converted to six-foot sidewalks next to eight-foot tree lawns. Foran saw the history and features of these buildings as a development opportunity he couldn’t pass up. “I personally always was drawn to historic properties, especially those with great bones like the gothic windows and heavily detailed façade,” explains Foran of the endeavor. “Additionally, new attractions such as the Bier Markt and Market Garden Brewery were leading the turnaround of the W. 25th Street corridor.” Foran’s observations prompted him to develop an area of Ohio City that has been deemed economically distressed, but Foran sees it as full of potential. “Having watched how redevelopment tends to spread, I had confidence that such stabilization would expand on the main arteries,” he explains. “There was such a huge need for housing in the area for those young people who wanted to make their urban districts bustle like other great cities, so the demand was strong.” Now Foran and Smythe are confident their vision will be well received. "It brings it back toward the neighborhood feel,” Smythe says “Stand on the roof and look around, and it’s a neighborhood. Foran adds, “In 2005 there was a renewal where people wanted to move back. That gives us confidence that it’s going to be a success.”

Hatfield's settles into Kamm's Corners with more good grub at 'Pork N Bean' TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2016

For a little more than a year, Ken Hatfield has sold Clevelanders on his southern comfort food from his food truck, Hatfield’s Goode Grub, at Walnut Wednesdays and Food Truck Fridays. He also cruises corporate parks around town and offers catering. Now Hatfield’s is about to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant and coffee shop: Hatfield’s Goode Grub: The Pork N Bean, at 16700 Lorain Ave. in Kamm’s Corners. Hatfield had been preparing his food for the truck in a 700-square-foot commissary kitchen and is excited to move into the 3,000 square-foot restaurant. The new space has a six-door walk-in cooler, a kitchen hood, a stainless steel wash tub and an Ansul fire suppression system. “It’s a big jump,” Hatfield says of the expansion. The restaurant will serve Hatfield’s signature burgers and pulled pork sandwiches on picnic tables in the back, while customers will place their food and coffee drink orders in front in a café-style space with tables, chairs and a porch swing. The walk in cooler will depict the same photo of the Hatfield family that adorns his truck. Ken is a descendant of the Hatfield family of the infamous Hatfield-McCoy feud fame. “It’s going to be a fun, inventive place to be,” Hatfield says. “We’re trying to get the food truck experience in a restaurant.” Originally from North Carolina, Hatfield spent four years as a chef on an international hospital ship and studied under executive chefs at the House of Blues and Hard Rock Café. Aboard Goode Grub, he's become known for creations such as the All-In Burger – a burger with bacon, pulled pork, caramelized onion, dill sauce, barbeque sauce and cheddar cheese. “It’s Southern comfort fusion food,” Hatfield says of his cooking style, adding that he plans to expand his menu. “I’ve taken my southern heritage and flair, added some internationalized style to it and came up with some stuff people really like.” Hatfield's newlywed wife, Jessica Hatfield, will oversee the coffee shop segment of the Pork N Bean. The coffee bar will use siphon brewers and specialize in coldbrewed coffees. Customers can cold brew their own coffees, in which they will get a large mason jar, coffee and any flavors they want. The jars will be kept on shelving behind the counter. Hatfield is building the interior himself using reclaimed barn wood. He's aiming for a family friendly atmosphere. “I think we’ll be a really good fit in the neighborhood,” he says. Kamm’s Corners Development Corporation (KCDC) assisted Hatfield with city permits, securing signage through Cleveland’s Storefront Renovation Program, and helped negotiate a spot for the Goode Grub truck at the U-Haul Moving and Storage across the street. “We saw the attraction of having Hatfield’s in the neighborhood,” says KCDC executive director Steve Lorenz. “Right away we tried to lend a hand.” Fans can still catch Hatfield's food truck around town and for catering events. The Kamm’s Corners restaurant is scheduled to open on Monday, Oct. 31 with a “Hillbilly Halloween.” The truck will be parked out front and a hillbilly costume contest will run from 6 to 9 p.m.

Some saucy brew - and pizza coming to Hingetown MONDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2016

After a myriad of minor delays, construction on Saucy Brew Works is scheduled to begin tomorrow in the old Steelman Building at 2885 Detroit Ave. in Hingetown. Owner Brent Zimmerman returns today from Obing, Germany, where he spent last week touring brewing equipment manufacturer BrauKon and inspecting his new brewing system. “It’s very efficient, very technologically savvy,” says Zimmerman of his new system. “It’s the cutting edge of savviness. It’s a Ferrari, it’s very well-crafted.” He adds that the system is energy-efficient and saves water. Zimmerman bought the Steelman Building earlier this year with the plan of renovating it and developing 11,000 square feet on the ground floor and a 1,200square-foot mezzanine into Saucy Brew Works – a brewery and a pizza kitchen. One other tenant occupies 2,200 square feet of the 14,000-square-foot building. Zimmerman and director of brewing operations Eric Anderson plan to keep the industrial feel of the former warehouse and factory for water treatment facility parts while giving the space an updated look. In fact, Zimmerman says they will incorporate many of the cranes that remain in the space into the design. “Our taps will come out of one of the cranes and cranes will hold up the televisions,” he explains. “We’re keeping the building true to itself, but we’re cleaning it up and making it usable.” Cleveland architectural firm Vocon created the design, while Sandusky-based Zimmerman Remodeling and Construction will manage the build. Hans Noble Design will create a custom interior using steel fabrication and reclaimed materials. “Han Noble will create all that stuff from scratch right here in our own hometown,” says Zimmerman. On the exterior, all the currently blacked out, frosted glass windows on the building will be replaced with clear glass, then painted to mimic the old look, creating an all-glass front to the building. “It will look and feel similar, except with nice windows,” Zimmerman explains. “And there will be an open air patio on the corner.” While the BrauKon system can brew up to 30,000 barrels in a year, Zimmerman says the plan is to brew about 3,000 barrels in the 15 tanks for his first year. While he won’t reveal the exact names or types of beer Saucy will offer, he'll have up to 14 beers on tap. “Eric has made more than 60 types of beers and that doesn’t even come close to what we plan to do,” he says. “Obviously, we’ll have an IPA and a Kolsh. Ten to 12 taps will always be ours, and we will probably have six [varieties] always on tap. Then we will have two to four guest taps.” The pizza kitchen will serve up New Haven style pizza – a popular saucy, thin crust style of pizza hailing from Connecticut. “There’s lots of sauce up to the very edge of the crust,” explains Zimmerman, noting the eatery’s saucy name. “You pick your toppings, which will be as fresh as you can get for the season.” Customers will build and order their pizzas at the counter, and will be notified when their orders are ready. There will also be an exterior walk-up pizza window for pedestrians to order a slice to go. While the ordering is self-serve, Zimmerman says he plans on offering a unique and lucrative employment package to his staff. Employees will receive aboveaverage wages as well as stock options, education reimbursement and health benefits. “We’re trying to create a certain culture with less turnover,” he says. “We want to create some stability through six or seven things you don’t see in this business.” Saucy Brew Works will also team with Breakthrough Schools to raise money for quality education for all children in Cleveland. Zimmerman plans to hold a naming contest with the Breakthrough staff for one of his brews. The winning named beer will always be on tap and $1 from each sale will go to Breakthrough. “Education is very fundamental to the success of Cleveland,” says Zimmerman. “We want to educate people who otherwise [might not] have that opportunity – educate people and get them to return to Cleveland.” Additionally, Zimmerman plans to partner with a yet-to-be-determined non-profit water and sewer treatment company to promote Lake Erie’s resource and water conservation. “The Great Lakes and water are very important to us,” he says. “We are heavily focused on the environment because brewing takes a lot of energy and water is so important to beer. The water in Cleveland is fantastic and we’re very lucky to have that sort of resource. We want to be good neighbors.” Saucy Brew Works is scheduled to open in early 2017.

Update: Heights High renovations on track, clock tower unveiling imminent MONDAY, OCTOBER 03, 2016

Halfway through the renovations at Cleveland Heights High School, the $95 million project is on budget and on schedule to open in time for the 2017-2018 school year. “It’s going to be beautiful when it’s done,” says Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District project liaison Brad Callender. “There’s been a real effort by the district to preserve the architectural elements of the building.” The high school was built in 1926 to accommodate a growing student population and was designed in the style of a Tudor castle, with a clock tower, high column and a large center entrance, according to Cleveland Historical. The building underwent several changes over the last 90 years, but failed to keep up with modern-day technology and amenities. “It had multiple additions, multiple renovations until the 1970s – at least six major additions – and that doesn’t count all the small stuff,” says Callender. So in a plan that came about after 10 years of planning, plenty of community input and the 2013 passage of a $134 million bond, the district began a major overhaul in June 2015. “Construction began the day after the students moved out,” recalls Callender. “We’re on a tight deadline to get everything done by move-in by the start of school in 2017.” The high school students are currently housed in the district’s Wiley Middle School, both in the building and in modular classrooms on the campus. About 1,500 students will attend the new high school when it reopens. With less than a year until completion, officials, teachers and students are already getting excited. “Anticipation is starting to build even now,” Callender says. “This year’s juniors are already seeing themselves as the first graduating class from the new building, and the teachers are very excited about having technologically advanced classrooms.” By “technologically advanced,” Callender is referring to classrooms outfitted with the latest in multi-media equipment such as interactive smart boards. “Classroom technology has evolved in the last 10 years and students are comfortable with multi-media,” Callender explains. “They will be able to take field trips without ever leaving the classroom. Kids can walk up to the smart board and manipulate things themselves.” With the additions over the years, Callender likens the old high school layout to a sort of labyrinth. Originally designed in a U-shape, various additions had closed off the center courtyard and divided up the approximately 450,000-square-foot building. Although the new building preserves much of the original structure, it will be only 360,000 square feet. “It’s a significant decrease, but a lot of the old space was cut up and like walking through a maze,” Callender explains. “This is going to be a building that is significantly more efficient than the old one.” The clock tower – the building’s centerpiece and towering more than 90 feet over the city – has been rebuilt from top to bottom, Callender says, and the original patina copper topper has been replaced with a new copper top. “The decision was made by the community to make it copper again,” he says. “We will let it patina naturally.” The clock itself, which hasn’t worked for years, has been replaced. “It didn’t work because it was technologically outdated,” explains Callender. “The new one is an exact likeness to 1925-1926 pictures and the exact details are duplicated.” Callender adds that the view from the clock tower is “amazing,” which is accessible in order to service the clock in earlier times. The new clock won’t require such maintenance. The scaffolding that surrounds the rebuilt tower is due to come off in the next two weeks. “It will be a great day when they peel off the scaffolding on the clock tower,” he says. “We will all breathe a collective sigh of relief.” The main entrance of the school, which was covered by a science addition built in the 1960s, is now visible, returning the building to its original castle-like grandeur from Cedar Road. A hybrid geothermal system, solar-ready roof and energy-efficient windows will earn Heights High LEED Silver certification, going from the bottom 10 percent for energy efficiency among peer buildings in the region to the top five percent. Among the many community workgroups involved in the project, 12 Heights High students are exploring career paths in architecture and architecture design while participating in the renovation. “The construction manager has involved the students from the very beginning,” Callender says. The renovation design was done by Youngstown-based BSHM Architects and Gilbane Building Company is the construction manager. When it is completed next August, Callender is confident the school will once again be a focal point in Cleveland Heights. “We’re preserving the architecture with modern amenities,” he says. “It says strong things about this community. You see all of these homes and the school fits right in in the middle of the neighborhood. It’s going to look a lot like it did in 1926.” Additionally, Callender sees the new high school as a symbol of Cleveland Heights pride. “It’s going to be the centerpiece of the community and I truly think the building reflects the values and dedication of the community to education,” he says. “And the students (they won’t say it) will truly appreciate it.”

New Perkins Wildlife Center is a fitting home for native rescue animals, joy for visitors WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2016

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s (CMNH) Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center and Woods Garden, presented by KeyBank is a refuge for the region’s native animals and plant life, as well as the many visitors who are expected to come through. Construction began on the center in June 2015, after KeyBank made a $2 million sponsorship donation to the project. The center opened on Labor Day weekend. It replaces the old Perkins Wildlife Center, which was located on the west side the museum's campus. The new two-acre center overlooks Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. “It’s an interpretive landscape,” says Harvey Webster, CMNH director of wildlife resources. “We want to bring people together with plants and animals that are native now to the region or were once native. What we’re trying to do is create a dynamic, immersive educational experience.” The center has a meandering, elevated walk way – portions of which are made from repurposed black locust wood salvaged from the trees on the site that were damaged by lightning or dying. It winds throughout the interactive center, past everything from songbirds, sand cranes and owls to fox, bobcats, raccoons and coyotes. Even the otters, Lucy and Linus, splash and play among turtles, fish and frogs in a tank with a 50-foot acrylic wall that allows visitors to watch them under water. “It’s a zoo of native wildlife and native plants in the museum,” says Webster. “It’s a dramatic landing, two-and-a-half stories high". The elevated walkway snakes west, bordering the property, soaring over MLK Boulevard and the Doan Brook Watershed. ”It’s an interesting topography to be appreciated,” he adds. There are 48 species totaling more than 100 individual animals living in Perkins. Trees include beech, maple and oaks. The center will also receive American chestnut saplings, a species that has been almost demolished in this region, from the American Chestnut Foundation. The shrub swamps and wetland garden areas feature plant species native to Ohio as well. There are 11 species of mammals, including bobcats, foxes, coyotes, river otters, porcupines and groundhogs. There are 24 species of birds, including songbirds, eagles, falcons, owls and other birds of prey; five species of reptiles; five species of amphibians; and five species of frogs. While the species each have their own unique habitats for visitors to observe, the humans can also serve as observation subjects for many of the animals. The Bobcats, coyotes, red and grey foxes, porcupines and raccoons all have their own elevated runs along the path – over the visitors’ heads, so they can watch the people passing and indulge their own curiosity. Along the path are “parallel play areas,” where visitors can mimic activities the animals do. For instance, visitors are challenged to “hop like a bobcat,” where a 10-foot span is marked on the path to indicate the distance a bobcat can go in just one leap. In another area, visitors are encourage to “perch like a crow” on posts of varying heights. “You can emulate the animal and hopefully the animal will emulate you,” says Webster. “It’s another way to create a relationship between you and the animals.” Songbirds fly through the tree canopy in an aviary, while a bald eagle named Orion and a golden eagle named Midas perch next to each other for comparison. Midas flew into high tension wires while in the wild and is blind in one eye. In fact, all of the animals in the Perkins Wildlife Center come from either rescue or rehabilitation centers. Niles and Daphne, a pair of sandhill cranes, were found picking bugs out of radiator grills at a highway truck stop. "The sandhill cranes are a conservation success story,” says Webster. Three of the coyotes – Tex, Red and Ember – came to Perkins after their mother was hit by a car on a Texas highway. A son of a veterinarian stopped and delivered the pups on the side of the road. A fourth coyote, Charcoal, lives separately. She was saved from a wildfire. Both of the great horned owls, Tamarack and Mama have permanent eye injuries. Tamarack was hit by a car and Mama was affected by West Nile Virus in 2002, leaving her with an inability to judge distances correctly. Linus the otter was caught in a Louisiana trap seven years ago. Both Linus and Lucy are estimated to be about 18 years old, with a life expectancy of 25. Many of the animals have preschool play toys, such as picnic tables and slides, donated by Streetsboro-based toy manufacturer Step 2. The big plastic toys help provide enrichment activities to the animals. Some species have blankets and clothing in their living areas that carry other animals’ scents, which also stimulates them. The Perkins Wildlife Center is part of phase one of the museum’s Centennial transformation project, which will be completed for its 100-year anniversary in 2020. The multiyear project is designed to create powerful and engaging experiences that will capitalize on the resources of the museum. The entire exhibit was designed by New York-based Thinc Design, while Osborn Engineering, AECOM, general contractor Panzica/Gilbane and Project Management Consultants also worked on the project. Approximately 135 people worked on the construction team. Eight museum employees tend to the center on a daily basis. Tickets to the Perkins Wildlife Center are free with museum admission.

Lakewood's first historic tax credit to benefit classic 1915 building TUESDAY, AUGUST 09, 2016

Frank Scalish, owner of Scalish Construction, is attempting to revive Northeast Ohio’s history brick by brick. His latest project is an historic 5,000-square-foot building at 12301 Madison Ave. in Lakewood’s Birdtown neighborhood. Thanks to a $82,402 Ohio Historic Preservation tax credit, Scalish is renovating six apartments and the street-level store front of the 1915 structure constructed by Michael and Veronika Turza, who lived there until they died. Their children sold the building in the 1950s. The classic retail downstairs/residential upstairs building had no name, so Scalish dubbed it The Veronika, after Mrs. Turza. He came to own it after the previous owner queried him about renovating the windows. “I got the impression he was just fixing it up to sell it,” Scalish recalls. So he decided to purchase the building and renovate it himself. “We’re only the third owners.” Scalish is working with the Architecture Office to preserve the historic nature of the building while also updating the interior. The former home of the Corner Pub, which was actually two storefronts combined into one 1,250-square-foot space, previously housed a hardware store and a candy store. Scalish is currently talking to two potential retail tenants including a coffee chain and restaurateur. Scalish has already successfully uncovered the original wood storefront of the Veronika’s exterior. “What we’ve found intact we’ve refinished and restored to like the day it was built,” he boasts. “And most of the masonry is intact.” He is also restoring the building’s original glaze brick exterior while large glass doors are on order. Inside, Scalish removed four ceiling layers to reveal portions of the original tin ceiling. “We should have enough to do at least one side,” he says, adding that one of the previous owners tore out the ceiling to make way for HVAC. Scalish is refurbishing the original bar and the maple hardwood floors throughout the building. “It was a unique find hiding in plain sight,” he says. “We’re trying to preserve the original woodwork as much as possible.” The one-bedroom apartments upstairs are being renovated in stages, with phase one nearly complete, says Scalish. The apartments will have updated LED lighting, quartz counter tops, clean white walls and vintage tile accents. The restored original storm windows provide plenty of light throughout the space. Walls were torn down to open the kitchens to the living rooms, while also creating better natural light and ventilation. “It’s an open layout,” Scalish says of the plans. “The whole floor plan is more modernized. They’re pretty much new from top to bottom” The first phase is almost complete and Scalish says he plans to start leasing the apartments at market rate within six weeks. The entire project is on schedule to be completed by the end of the year. The Veronika is not Scalish Construction’s first restoration endeavor. Scalish is building a reputation for restoring local homes and businesses in Northeast Ohio, including his offices in the old Cleveland Trust building on Madison Avenue in Lakewood. “Old buildings have history, and with that history comes a certain level of soul,” says Scalish. “Most of these old structures were built by true craftsman, by hand, with care and compassion and without the use of modern day tools. They are certainly hard to replicate even in this day and age. This is evident in all of the little details that are present on these historic buildings.” Scalish freely shares his passion for his work. “It’s a pleasure to be surrounded by a team of true modern day craftspeople who have the ability and share the passion to return these structures to their original glory,” he says. “I love the idea that these buildings have withstood the test of time and lasted a century. My passion is driven by the legacy that we are leaving behind for the generations to come.”

More to love at the Fairmount with new indoor patio, event room WEDNESDAY, JUNE 29, 2016

Since taking over ownership of The Fairmount in 2011, Jake Orosz has quietly established the martini bar and restaurant as a friendly little place at the top of Cedar Hill, 2448 Fairmount Blvd., that offers up an eclectic range of drinks and light bites, from the Rhubarb Ginger Fizz alongside the Smoked Brisket Wonton Bowl to a no-frills Heineken enjoyed with a small plate of pretzel bites. Last weekend, Orosz added to the Fairmount’s draw, celebrating the opening of a 40-seat 1,000-square-foot private event room with a wedding reception and an adjacent 800-square-foot “indoor patio” in the community atrium of the building. Orosz began thinking about doing something with the space three months ago, he says, after neighboring Luna Bakery and Cafe relocated its cake decorating operations. “It's nice to finally be done with all the construction so I can focus on other aspects of the business,” he says. Orosz hosted 85 people at the reception in the new event room, the indoor patio and a section in the main room. “I like to call it ‘modularity,’” he says of the divided areas. “If there were no wall separating the area it would just be a wide open space. Modularity lets you do whatever you want – it lets you customize the space for whatever you want to do.” The indoor patio features two-story ceilings, hanging plants and fountains on a slate gray floor. “I’d like to add a water wall,” Orosz says. “And it has big double doors that open to the street.” Orosz adds that the indoor patio will also serve a double function when the outdoor patio behind the restaurant gets full. “When the patio gets packed outside, we can open the indoor patio,” he explains. “In the winter we can use it for regular service and I won’t have to lay off staff.” Like the main bar and the patio in back, the private room has its own full bar with two beer taps. While the two satellite bars don’t have quite the full cocktail menus – servers must run inside to fetch one of the Fairmount’s single malt scotch offerings or certain varieties of wine – the three bars provide more space for customers to place their drink orders. Patrons will be able to order the Fairmount’s signature cocktails, such as a coffee martini made with house-infused coffee vodka, a John Daley made with houseinfused black tea vodka or a Moscow mule made with house-brewed ginger beer. “We're constantly changing our cocktail menu, as well as our beer and wine list,” Orosz says. Orosz also plans to host ticketed events such as wine tastings in the private room, which is equipped with audio visual capabilities and a separate stereo system. Thanks to renovations to the kitchen last year, customers in any area of the Fairmount can order off an expanded food menu including chicken and waffle sliders, pizza and the Fairmount patty melt. And whether it's served on a plate or in a glass, offerings are often seasoned with herbs from the restaurant's indoor and patio gardens. Food and drink specials can be had during the weeknight happy hours from 4 to 7 p.m. “I’m excited to be able to do special events and tastings,” says Orosz. “We’re getting all the kinks ironed out and I think it will be good.”

Cleveland Public Library plans to reopen historic South Branch MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

After closing the doors in 2013 to the Cleveland Public Library (CPL) South Branch building at 3096 Scranton Road in Tremont, the library announced last week that it will reopen the historic 1911 Carnegie building. “It’s been a process for us,” says Tim Diamond, CPL’s chief knowledge officer. “We’ve been working on this for a while.” The library’s board of trustees decided to close the facility three years ago after determining there were critical repairs needed. “The building was older and some of the major systems had not been updated,” explains Diamond. “An assessment of the building determined there were a lot of serious issues. We were going to repair them when the heating system began to fail.” While a temporary location was set up in a storefront on Clark Avenue, the CPL board hired Kent State University’s Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative (CUDC) to engage the community for feedback on what should be done and what services were needed at the branch. “We were not making a decision without finding out what the community wanted,” says Diamond. “There were a variety of voices that were heard.” Residents liked the location and the building’s rich history, says Diamond, explaining that the structure was designed by library architecture firm Whitfield and King and was the eighth branch built with funds from Andrew Carnegie. “It was designed in a very flexible way, with shelving on perimeter walls,” Diamond says of the 8,350 square feet of usable space. “It’s like walking into the study of an old house with bookcases built in. When you look at it, in addition to being a beautiful building, there are all these possibilities for the space.” Nationally-recognized library planning and design firm Holzheimer, Bolek & Meehan (HBM) in Cleveland has been hired for the $3.3 million project. Construction is scheduled to begin in May 2017, with a tentative completion date of March 2018. CPL historians discovered an interesting fact about the South Branch in their research. Diamond notes that one section of the library always appeared somewhat odd. “The rear of it facing Clark Avenue looks unfinished, in a sense, and we never knew why,” he says. “We went in our records and found [the building] was never finished. They intended for there to be an entrance off of Clark to a small auditorium, but they ran out of money.” Diamond says they found a document in the library board’s minutes noting that “when more money becomes available we’ll finish this later.” With the renovations, that section of the library will now include that entrance, with ADA accessibility, and a small addition. “It got the architects really excited because they said, ‘it’s our chance to finish the building.’” The CPL also owns a 50-foot wide parcel of land behind the building, which Diamond says they will determine a use for – either a complete build out, greenspace or a combination of both. The renovation of the South Branch is part of CPL’s Community Vision Plan, in which all library branches will be evaluated for the services each offers to their respective communities by 2019. To continue the community involvement in the South Branch’s future, the CPL will host an interactive design session on Wednesday, June 29 at 7 p.m. at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 2592 West 14th St. in Tremont.

New Public Square recalls Cleveland's historic vision with fresh modern feel WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15, 2016

As the refurbished statues of Moses Cleaveland and 1901 mayor Tom Johnson overlook Public Square, one would think that the pair would be impressed with the modern transformation of the plaza that originally served as a common pasture for livestock and later a grid for moving from point A to point B within downtown’s epicenter. Almost complete, the fences that have been hiding Public Square since renovations began in March 2015 will soon come down and a new six-acre green space will be unveiled before the Republican National Convention begins July 18. But the revitalization was not solely for the sake of the convention, says Nora Romanoff, senior project director for LAND studio and part of the Group Plan Commission charged with transforming the heart of Cleveland’s downtown. “We didn’t just do it for the RNC,” says Romanoff. “We did it for Cleveland.” The plan for a new Public Square has been years in the making. LAND studio initiated a conversation about it back in 2003, but it wasn’t until 2010 that officials started to move forward on the $37 million project. “At the time, the Square was not pedestrian friendly and it was hardly a destination,” recalls Romanoff. “It wasn't until 2010, when investment in the city and the region started to ramp up, that the current process really started to move.” Mayor Frank Jackson convened the Group Plan Commission in 2010 for the prime objective of improving the city’s public spaces and leveraging those investments. “When the RNC was announced, the project was well positioned to really ramp up,” says Romanoff. The Group Plan hired New York-based landscape architect and urban design firm James Corner Field Operations (JCFO) to create a new Public Square that respects both the vision of the Group Plan of 1903 while creating a modern-day public space that focuses on people. The result is a pedestrian-friendly sprawling city center that caters to just about every lifestyle. Since 2015, Veronica Rivera, project manager and an associate with JCFO, has been living downtown just steps from the site to oversee the project’s transformation. “The goal of [the project] was to re-invigorate the historic center of Cleveland - a center point that held so much untapped potential,” Rivera explains. “To achieve this, we set out to connect what used to be four separate under-used quadrants into a unified whole to truly capitalize on the space available.” Rivera describes the Square’s three new components. --The perimeter gardens run along the outside of the square and features 30 species of grasses and perennials and more than 12 types of shrubs and flowering trees such as dogwood and Eastern redbud. “In the future it will only get better,” Rivera says, referring to the fact that the new plantings will mature, grow and bloom. “There’s always something to see, always different colors.” --Geometry figured into the ribbon promenade, designated the Key Bank Promenade on account of the KeyBank Foundation’s $4 million grant – the largest gift in its history. “Circulation and desired diagonal connections where major drivers of the geometry,” Rivera says. “Generating the ribbon promenade served as a strong framework for the design of the square.” The promenade is made up of granite cobblestones in an infinite arcing pattern that winds throughout the square, lined by a curving and escalating wall. “The walls in Public Square are sculptural features that are used to articulate the otherwise flat six-acre park,” explains Rivera. “The walls form numerous elements such as lounge chairs, overlooks and planting beds, and are designed to make your eye move along the promenade – slowly unveiling the different areas of the park.” --The third component makes up the civic spaces, which include the event lawn, or the Gund Foundation Green, named for that foundation’s $5 million grant, with an overlook hill and a concert hill. The civic plaza, or the Cleveland Foundation Centennial Plaza, named after the $8 million grantor, is home to the Soldiers and Sailors Monument and has a café that will serve beer and wine. Adjacent to the café tables is a water feature with a one-quarter-inch deep mirror pool that reflects the city skyline. “At the north edge is a jet crescent with 117 arcing jets that dance and invite visitors to interact with the feature,” says Rivera. “Each jet is individually lit, which creates a great visual center point in the plaza every evening.” The design and its components give each area a unique feel. “My favorite aspect is our play with topography and the geometry of planters, seating and walls as a manner to achieve a balance between grand civic spaces, and intimate gardens and paths,” says Rivera. Other grants that financed the renovation include $2.5 million from the Mandel Foundation and $3 million from the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD). Part of the plan involved a $7 million investment in a green infrastructure system that will process up to three million gallons of storm water a year that is collected in a 50,000-gallon chamber under the square. “The water collection is treated and pumped from the tank to a series of pipes that water the plantings,” explains Romanoff. “In the wintertime that captured water is pushed to the sandy soils below grade.” Previously, Public Square was located above a tangle of ducts and wiring for more than 20 utility companies. About $13 million was spent merging and relocating those works. “It looked like a bowl of spaghetti,” recalls Romanoff. “We did the utility work primarily because there was an opportunity with the demolition of the old Square to access and upgrade utilities below. This meant improved infrastructure in the duct banks below with better constructed and better located manholes for future access.” Accommodating the utilities and the water treatment systems together was fascinating to Rivera. “I think the overlap between systems is most interesting to me,” she says. “We have such large infrastructure below – massive utilities, as well as complex water harvesting systems – yet we managed to integrate all of these components into the design. It was an interesting juxtaposition of systems to coordinate and detail. Portions of Ontario Street are now part of the plaza, and the section of Superior Avenue that used to intersect the square has been reduced from 77 to 48 feet wide and will only be accessible to busses and bicyclists. Drivers will have to navigate around the square to continue east or west on Superior. Donley’s Construction is the general contractor on the project, although Romanoff says the company hired multiple subcontractors. While officials have not yet released the official opening date of Public Square, Romanoff promises a nice rollout of events in the near future. Additionally, the Cleveland Orchestra will return to the Square on Friday, July 29. As Rivera wraps up her year-long stay in Cleveland, she says she is pleased with the completed plaza and looks forward to people putting it to good use. “My hope is for them to embrace it, make it theirs – that they fall in love with it and see the great work that so many Cleveland hands put into building this park for them,” she says. “I can’t wait to come back and be completely surprised when people are using it in ways I could not have foreseen,” she adds. “That would be the best of all. I hope people use it, for their day-to-day [lives] – not only when events occur, but on their lunch breaks, to walk the dog in the evening, or bring the children to play. I want to be surprised.” Romanof expressed pride in the team that brought the project to fruition and is amazed by the spectacular support the city has shown for the project. “This project is a labor of love on every level,” she says. “It was a huge, civic movement that acknowledged that Cleveland deserves a very special place. While I was involved from the beginning, I am still stunned by the beauty of the Square each time I am there. I cannot wait for others to feel the same thing."

Goldhorn Brewery's offerings set to be on draft later this month TUESDAY, JUNE 07, 2016

Later this month, East 55th Street will return to its roots with the opening of Goldhorn Brewery, 1365 E. 55th St. While Ohio City usually comes to mind when thinking about local craft breweries, Goldhorn owner Rick Semersky says the St. Clair Superior neighborhood actually was Cleveland’s brewing hub at the turn of the twentieth century.. “East 55th used to be home to a lot of breweries and had one of the first neighborhood beer gardens in the city,” says Semersky, who also owns Sterle’s Country House next door and is developing the 42,000-square-foot Hub 55 complex. "Fifty-fifth Street has a long tradition of brewing business in the city of Cleveland.” The Goldhorn Brewery lends its name from the Slovenian mythical goldhorn goat. Brewer Joel Warger, formerly the pub brewer for Great Lakes Brewing Company, has been busy since April at the 15,000-square-foot brewery, brewing Goldhorn’s signature beers including pilsner, stout, English pale ale and bock. The beers are brewed in nine fermentation tanks and nine brite tanks in the 10-barrel brew house on premises. The beers will be tapped later this month. “The plan is to always have at least nine beers at all times,” says Semersky. Goldhorn Brewery will share a kitchen with Café 55, which serves breakfast and lunch. Semersky plans to serve “sharable plates. We’ll be sandwich heavy – more casual food.” The Goldhorn tap room will seat between 125 and 150 people. Epoxy floors shine in the natural light, as do the bar and fixtures. “The bar and walls are made of reclaimed barn wood and the bar top is copper,” he adds. The idea for Hub 55 first came about when Semersky’s construction company, VIP Restoration, outgrew the former Leiden Cabinet Company building. VIP is now located in two buildings down E. 55th. With the building right next door to Sterles, Semersky decided to create a center for food, drink and business to the neighborhood. “The Hub will bring jobs, education and access to fresh healthy food for not just our community but the city as well,” Semersky says. “A Hub, by definition, is a ‘center around which other things revolve or from which they radiate.’ Our goal is to bring a focus and attention to the St. Clair neighborhood, bringing new business to the neighborhood and at the same time promote the rich tradition and history of the people and business that are already here.” In addition to Goldhorn Brewery and Café 55, Hub 55 will also soon host a farmers market of some kind. The St. Clair Superior Development Corporation (SCSDC) is in the final stages of a feasibility study for the remaining space in Hub 55, according to Semersky. “Our goal is to have final plans soon so we can move forward,” he says. “In the meantime, SCSDC plans to hold pop-up farmers markets on the weekends here at the Hub until the permanent market is completed.”

Apartments coming to historic Wagner Awning building in Tremont WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 2016

Since 1895, the Wagner Awning building at 2658 Scranton Road in Tremont was a sewing factory. For more than 120 years, workers at Wagner Awning, later renamed Ohio Awning, made everything from tents and sails to awnings. “If you ever are in a submarine and begin to sink, you likely will be in a flotation device sewn at 2658 Scranton Road,” says Naomi Sabel, Sustainable Community Associates (SCA) co-owner. So when Ohio Awning announced it was relocating to Slavic Village last year, Sabel and her SCA partners Josh Rosen and Ben Ezinga were quick to buy the historic building for development into apartments. The developers of the Fairmont Creamery on the Ohio City-Tremont border are attracted to old Cleveland factories, with the mission of repurposing them into apartments. After working with Tremont West Development Corporation on the Fairmont Creamery, the trio was eager to start another project in the neighborhood. “We fell in love with the building,” says Rosen. “It has operated as a sewing factory of some sort since it was first constructed. There are incredible beams and columns - and maple floors from 1895 are hard to duplicate in a new construction project.” The sale was completed last spring and work on converting the Wagner Awning Building into 59 one-bedroom apartments began in January by designer Larissa Burlij with Dimit Architects. General Contractor Welty Construction is overseeing more than 100 workers on the site each day to ensure the renovations are completed by November 1. Of the 88,000 total square feet, the 59 apartments will all be complete onebedroom units, ranging from 650 to 1,250 square feet. “We don’t believe in micro apartments,” says Rosen. Monthly rents will range between $900 and $1,500. Each unit will feature the refinished original maple hardwood floors and high ceilings. The 420 new large windows will provide bountiful natural light. A section of the third floor of the L-shaped building that was destroyed by a tornado in the 1950s is also being repaired. A 14,000-square-foot area in the basement of the building, which also has ample natural light, will be converted into office space. About 90 outdoor parking spaces in a gated lot will be available to residential and office tenants. The exterior will be painted a light grey. A raised 2,000-square-foot elevated deck in the courtyard will serve as a socializing area for residents and office users and a buffer to adjacent Scranton Elementary School. The building itself is close to many Tremont attractions such as the Tremont Tap House and Tremont Athletic Club. SCA also owns two 1.5-acre lots across the street, which Sabel says they are considering for future projects. “We need to do our due diligence and talk to folks about the right fit,” she says. “But the opportunity to do a significant four corner development really excites us.” The $14 million project was eligible for $4 million in tax credit equity through federal and state historic tax credits. The tax credit investors are Enhanced Capital and Nationwide Insurance, while Village Capital Corporation provided a mezzanine loan. “Both [Fairmont Creamer and Wagner Awning] required a challenging capital stack and many partners in both the public and private sector in order for the visions to become fully realized,” says Sabel. Rosen is thrilled to be adding another residential repurposing of underutilized factory space to Tremont. “Tremont is a pretty rich tapestry of folks who have been here for generations, newcomers to Cleveland, young families moving back into the city and people who have been working in the grassroots for 20-plus years to improve the quality of life in Tremont,” he says. “The neighborhood is really welcoming and civically motivated and we have a strong CDC in Tremont West that is always willing to help.” There is already a waiting list for apartments at Wagner Awning, but SCA will begin conducting tours today for prospective tenants and community members. Contact SCA to schedule a tour.

Building a big dream on a tiny slip of land MONDAY, MAY 23, 2016

As the saying goes, good things come in small packages. In Lakewood, that package is tucked away at 1427 Scenic St. near the city's westernmost border, the Rocky River. Three years ago, the Cuyahoga Land Bank took over a tiny abandoned house on a 35- by 95-foot parcel in Lakewood’s Scenic Park neighborhood. As the Land Bank razed the 348-square-foot house, cleared the property and laid grass seed, LakewoodAlive, a community-centered non-profit organization focused on maintaining vibrant neighborhoods in Lakewood, took notice. “We identified this vacant property in March 2015 while knocking on doors to introduce ourselves and our Community Engagement Program,” recalls LakewoodAlive executive director Ian Andrews, adding that the program focuses on the Scenic Park and Birdtown neighborhoods to make sure everyone has the resources to create healthy and safe homes. “We saw this vacant property and thought: what can we do with that?” After neighbors on either side of the property declined to annex the approximately 3,300-square-foot parcel, LakewoodAlive began working with the Land Bank and Lakewood officials to build a new house. The organization took title to the property in January and then transferred it to Lakewood developer Dana Paul with Prairie Stone Group in March. Paul broke ground on a 1,425-square-foot, two-story home with three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths on April 30. “It has a deck overlooking the Rocky River Reservation,” says Andrews. “It’s going to be a beautiful home.” Last Wednesday, May 18, a group of community members, mayor Michael Summers, Paul and LakewoodAlive representatives gathered at the site to celebrate the project. Because construction has already begun, with concrete work well underway, officials dubbed the event the “Scenic Park House Project Launch Party” instead of a groundbreaking. Attendees honored the future home by breaking beer bottles over a rock at the construction site. Andrews says the market is hot for a house like the one being built on the pintsized parcel. “There’s a big market for historic, other people want funky,” he says, adding that the neighbors are pleased. “They’re glad to see this little lot is finally getting some love.”

Former Fleet retail space to emerge as 12,000-square-foot artists' mecca TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2016

Ben Domzalski’s family has long been a staple of the Slavic Village business community, operating the tax and accounting firm Commercial Enterprises on Fleet Avenue since 1952. So when his father and business partner, Jeff Domzalski and Chester Cuiksa, bought the old Magalen Furniture building at 5203 Fleet Ave. three years ago, Domzalski voiced his idea of what to do with the 12,000 square foot space – the largest building on Fleet Avenue. “[Jeff and Chester] believed it could carry a great influence on development of the Fleet Avenue commercial district,” recalls Domzalski. “Both being Fleet Avenue merchants for over 40 years, they were very concerned with the direction of the neighborhood, Fleet Avenue in particular, and wanted to do what they could.” Domzalski immediately saw a way to bring arts to the community. “When I first saw the building I saw its potential for gallery and studio space,” he recalls. “I felt very strongly the size, unique features and location could help this building become a true destination.” In January, Jeff and Chester gave Domzalski control over the space and, he promptly started making plans to convert it to The Magalen a mixed-use art gallery and studio space. Domzalski’s inspiration came from listening to Cleveland Public Theatre founder James Levin speak ten years ago about community development through the arts. “His words stuck with me,” he recalls. “Artists beautify their surroundings, they are patrons of the local establishments and, most importantly, they're courageous as seen in Waterloo, Tremont and Gordon Square. Each of these areas focused on arts first.” Domzalski calls the artists who helped shape those areas “courageous” because of their influence on revitalizing neighborhoods. “Artists are courageous because of their willingness to venture into new neighborhoods, ones where development has yet to happen or is currently happening,” he explains “They're at the forefront of neighborhood development.” He says he hopes Slavic Village will be the next such example in Cleveland. “As the Magalen grows and we open the studio spaces, I hope for more artists to move to Slavic Village, and in turn attract more people to the neighborhood.” The two-story Magalen dates back to 1908, when the front section and a rear carriage house were built. The two sections were later connected by additional rooms and a loading dock. For decades, the space housed a neighborhood staple, Magalen Furniture. While the front area, with large windows overlooking Fleet Avenue, will serve as a gallery and event space, the rear areas will provide two studios for artists and the second floor area will service as meeting space or additional studios, according to Rachel Hunt, events curator for the Magalen. Hunt shares Domzalski’s vision of how the Magalen will give Slavic Village a boost. “The Magalen will be the only multi-use arts facility in the area that is run not only by management, but by the artists,” she explains. “It will eventually be available for use by artists with studio spaces 24/7. We've been inspired by other art facilities in the Cleveland area and want to bring Slavic Village up to date with what other desirable communities such as Waterloo and Ohio City are doing for their neighborhoods.” Although the entire project will not be complete, the Magalen gallery will be open in time for Rooms to Let this Saturday and Sunday, May 21 and 22. The event transforms Slavic Village homes slated for demolition or restoration into galleries and art installations. The Magalen will host an after-party during its gallery debut, Reimagined, from 5 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, May 21. Four artists will be featured, including Michael Marefka, Dustin Nowlin, Riley Kemerling and Maggie Duff. The gallery will also be open on Sunday for pickup of purchased works. Otherwise, regular gallery hours have not yet been set.

Holzheimer Interiors carries on its century-old design tradition in new Larchmere home TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 2016

Jackie Holzheimer fondly remembers spending afternoons at her family’s business at 10901 Carnegie Ave. as a fourteen-yearold, playing hide-and-go-seek, conducting treasure hunts and exploring the goods and fabrics of Holzheimer Interiors. “I would go there on Saturdays and play designer,” she recalls. “It felt like a second home to me.” Holzheimer Interiors was founded in 1902 by John Holzheimer as a store that specialized in interior and exterior residential painting. When his son, Frank, took over he added wall coverings to the company’s specialties. Frank’s sons in turn added furniture and custom cabinetry, upholstery and window treatments. Holzheimer's aunt was a bookkeeper for the store. Her mother, Kathryn was a designer for the company and, although retired, still participates in operations and maintains her client connections. As the fifth generation of Holzheimers to run the store, Jackie has transformed Holzheimer Interiors into a full-service design firm featuring the same quality and standards that established the company 114 years ago. Long gone from its Carnegie Avenue home for 60-plus years, Holzheimer Interiors has always called Northeast Ohio home. In January Holzheimer opened the shop at 12733 Larchmere Blvd. in Shaker Heights in a 1920 store front that was once operated by the sisters of Shaker’s first mayor, William Van Aken. "This, to me, is a nod to our history,” Holzheimer says of the new storefront, which, like the original Holzheimer store, has big windows that display changing vignettes of living areas. Holzheimer moved into the 2,500-square-foot space the first of this year, taking some time to remodel it before she opened the doors to the public, who are invited by appointment only. A coat of paint and new lighting freshened the shop's look. Holzheimer is also having a replica of the store’s original sign at the Carnegie location made for the new Larchmere shop. While updating the space, Holzheimer also discovered a pleasant surprise: the original maple hardwood floors. “When I pulled it up, I said ‘oh my god, we have to refinish this,’” she recalls. Holzheimer installed four islands with white countertops as work areas. “There were certain things I knew I wanted to do with the floor plan, where things would be located,” she says. The large front windows and 10-foot ceilings provide plenty of natural light, while the off-white walls create a neutral palette for customers to evaluate different patterns and colors. The open space allows Holzheimer and her designers to present different floor plans based on their clients’ room layouts – always presenting three distinctive options to each client. “There are thousands and thousands of options out there, so our philosophy is: have it be unique,” she explains. To that end, the store represents 3,000 manufacturers. Holzheimer says she can work with any budget. “Our pricing is very competitive, or often cheaper, than the big box stores,” she boasts. “Everybody deserves good design,” she says. “You can have quality furniture that will last you for 25 years.” She travels all over to work with her clients, the vast majority of whom are referred by other clients. The firm does not advertise. The lower level is reserved for an inventory of lamps, artwork and accessories to complete a room. “It gives an option,” explains Holzheimer. “That finishing touch of a room that bring it all together.” While Holzheimer was previously based in Novelty, she says she chose Shaker Heights because of its history and retail neighbors that complement her business. “Larchmere is a very fitting environment,” she says, adding that other area stores sell antiques, collectibles and Oriental rugs. “We’re a natural fit with our neighbors and all of us help one another.” History and location notwithstanding, maintaining the Holzheimer Interiors reputation is the biggest priority for her. “To me, the history of the company is very important, the quality of the products and quality of service is very important,” she says. “Being fifth generation, I don’t know many people who have that legacy. I want to keep the name strong and keep that name alive.”

SPACES to expand offerings in new Van Rooy space WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 2016

After more than two years of searching, SPACES, the 38-year-old organization for new and experimental art, has found a new home home with enough room to offer community programming and studio space. The 9,300-square-foot first floor of the Van Rooy Coffee building at 2900 Detroit Ave. in Hingetown offers everything the institution needs to continue its mission. “It’s gorgeous,” says SPACES executive director Christina Vassallo, adding that they will also have rooftop access for programs. “This is really going to make SPACES a vital community resource.” The opportunity came about when Fred and Laura Ruth Bidwell approached SPACES staff after buying the building last year and asked them if they would be interested in the first floor of the three-story building. The Bidwells agreed to sell the space to the venerable gallery and are financing the mortgage at a belowmarket rate. They also made a $150,000 donation toward the cost. “They don’t just support us, they support the entire art community,” says Vassallo of the Bidwells’ generosity. Furthermore, SPACES received a $500,000 grant from the Gund Foundation toward its $3.5 million capital campaign, Project SPACElift, which includes $2.475 million for real estate acquisition, renovation, and costs associated with the relocation and $1.25 million for the SPACES Future Fund for cash reserves and its first-ever endowment for long-term sustainability. SPACES has already received $300,000 from the Gund Foundation, but the remaining $200,000 is in the form of a challenge grant, meaning SPACES will not receive the remainder until it raises $200,000 through its capital campaign. The organization has raised $72,980 toward that $200,000 goal in a little more than week. SPACES sold its current space at 2220 Superior Viaduct in 2013 and must vacate by November. Vassallo says the old space never provided a conducive flow between galleries because of its shotgun-style layout. In the Van Rooy location, however, the layout will provide better spatiality between the two galleries, which total 3,800 square feet. “With this space, it created a transition between the two galleries,” says Vassallo. “[The transition] is a palette cleanser.” A third 800-square-foot, 40-seat gallery will serve as an educational room for discussion-based and hands-on programming. The organization has never before had a dedicated space for its community engagement initiatives. Another room will accommodate experimental audio and visual presentations. Two work rooms totaling 1,300 square feet will serve as art production and studio areas, which is another new feature for the organization. There are 13-foot high ceilings throughout the building. “This creates a work and learn about work [environment],” says Vassallo. “So basically, it’s a one-stop shop.” John Williams, principal of Process Creative Studios in Ohio City designed SPACES new home. “He digested out many different needs,” says Vassallo. “He came up with a comprehensive plan.” Work on the Van Rooy location is scheduled to begin in late May, with a planned January opening. While the gallery will close its current doors in November, Vassallo says they plan to continue programming in temporary locations around the city in the interim.

Boutique Kimpton Schofield Hotel: historic on the outside, modern on the inside TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2016

The Kimpton Schofield Hotel opened its doors on March 8 with a host of signature features and perks including being pet friendly, offering free bicycle use, and hosting a nightly wine happy hour. The renovated 14-story Schofield Building houses 122 hotel rooms and six suites on floors two through seven, with 52 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments on the upper floors. Cleveland architect Levi Schofield constructed the building in 1901 just steps from his childhood home in the boarding house his father built. The $50 million project included six years of renovation to restore the building’s exterior to its original 1901 glory, for which developer CRM Companies secured $5 million in historic state tax credits. “It was a very exciting project,” says Jeff Smith, principal director with StudioCRM, the architect firm charged with the restoration. “It’s great to finally see it come to fruition and people enjoying it.” The process began in earnest in 2009 when crews removed a fiberglass curtain that shrouded the original brick and terra cotta façade and dated back to the 1960s. By the time that segment of the project was done in 2010, Smith was looking at a beautiful, albeit beaten up, Cleveland landmark. “It was in pretty rough shape,” recalls Smith when the original exterior was revealed. “A lot of detail was broken off from the curtain wall.” The team, which included StudioCRM, CRM Companies, Cleveland Construction, preservation consultant Sandvick Architects and New York-based brand design firm Warren Red, set about repairing and replicating the exterior details and creating an appropriate look for the interior. Shields with letters that spell out “Schofield” and the date of the building’s construction were recreated. They line the building about two-thirds of the way up and are illuminated at night. “Pieces that were no longer intact were replaced with terra cotta or RFP,” explains Smith. “It was a painstaking process to recreate.” More than 1,000 windows that had been reduced in size with the curtain wall were returned to their original sizes and openings. The new windows, which actually open, offer spectacular views of Cleveland. “There are awesome views out of the building in all directions,” says Smith. “You can see the lake, Playhouse Square, Public Square, East Ninth Street and you can see toward Gateway.” Of course the most prominent view is that of the Soldiers and Sailors monument in Public Square, which Schofield also designed. “He was a bit of an egoist,” says Marcie Gilmore, a marketing consultant for the Kimpton who led a tour of the hotel and apartments for members for the Cleveland Restoration Society last Saturday. “He built this building with the purpose of seeing his work on Public Square.” There was not much historical significance to the interior, Smith says, other than the center staircase that runs throughout the building and features Schofield’s signature “S” on each newell post. “Everything else is new,” he says. “There wasn’t much left.”

However, Smith did pay homage to Schofield and Cleveland’s history with the décor. Kimpton extensively researches their hotel's host cities, says Gilmore, and hotel planners incorporate each city’s personality into the motif. In Cleveland that means guitars in the lobby that guests can borrow as a nod to the Rock Hall, a map of the world with push pins for them to mark their hometowns and a “good news board” by the elevator bank for broadcasting positive local news. Since Levi Schofield was a founding member of a group that collected and discussed animal specimens called the Cleveland Ark Club, many of the Kimpton rooms feature prints of different insects and butterflies. Other artwork includes prints of historic matchbook covers from Cleveland businesses. The lobby will will be flanked by retail space at the north end of the building and will also connect to the forthcoming Parker’s Downtown restaurant. The hotel also features a 3,800-square-foot ballroom. The apartments feature stainless steel appliances, granite counter tops, slate back splashes and walnut trim. The floor plans range from about 700 to 3,000 square feet, with corresponding monthly rents of $1,495 to $7,200. Thus far, 13 of the apartments are occupied. When the historic state tax credits expire in five years, Kimpton may convert the apartments to condominiums. Hotel rates are running at a discounted rate of about $130 to $160 a night this month as the hotel ramps up, but will increase next month. Gilmore says rooms at the Kimpton Schofield are going for a premium and outpacing other area hotels for the Republican National Convention in July. About 100 people are employed by the hotel while approximately 150 worked on the renovation project.

Cleveland Insider: the Palace of Fermentation MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2016

As Sam McNulty sat in Market Garden Brewery one afternoon last week, the craft brewery owner overheard a couple discussing their plans. As they were leaving one of them said, “Let’s go drop our suitcases at the hotel and then go back to Nano Brew.” McNulty, who also owns Nano Brew, was tickled by the conversation. “Word is starting to get out how amazing our city is and the brewery scene,” he says. “We’re kind of a best-kept secret. The more I travel, the more I realize Cleveland, hands down, has one of the best food scenes and one of the best brewery scenes.” In fact, McNulty claims Cleveland’s brewery district in Ohio City ranks among the top in the country with the highest density of craft breweries, second only to Portland’s Pearl District. The area is home to eight craft breweries, two of which, Forest City Brewery and Hansa Haus, are about to open. One more, Earlybird Brewing Company, will open later this year. That growth of the craft brewing scene was one motivator for McNulty to build the recently-completed 43,000-square-foot Palace of Fermentation, the new production and distribution facility for Market Garden and Nano Brew. The facility will brew and distribute three of its flagship beers and one of 10 seasonal beers throughout the year. The building at 1849 W. 24th St. dates back to the 1840s. The one-acre plot was once a collection of houses that transitioned into stores and eventually became a manufacturing and distribution warehouse. During the renovation, the construction crew peeled back five layers of wallpaper and discovered a fireplace and other artifacts from days gone by. The Palace, which got its name after brewmaster Andy Tveekrem jokingly named it, has been two-and-a-half years in the making. The facility, which officially opened last week, initially was designed to brew 250,000 gallons of beer with seven 2,200-gallon fermentation tanks in its first year with distribution to select vendors in Cuyahoga County, such as Lizardville, Barrio and Progressive Field. “The reason we built the production facility is, from day one, we were seeing so much demand and we have to be ahead of the demand curve,” says McNulty. But demand has already exceeded capabilities. So McNulty and co-founder Mike Foran ordered five additional 6,500-gallon fermentation tanks, which will be delivered in a few weeks. “It’s a good problem to have,” quips Foran. “But at the end of the day, I hate not being able to get more people our beer. We want to get beer to anyone who wants to drink it.” In addition to beer production, McNulty sees the Palace of Fermentation as a resource to promote the growing beer tourism industry in Cleveland. The facility has been offering tours since it opened and will open its tasting room and retail store, offering “Market Garden goodies” in mid-May, Foran says. “We're the first brewery - production scale or brewpub - in the city that was built from day one with tours and retail in mind,” McNulty adds. The tours are conducted on five-foot-wide catwalks that run 15 feet above the action on the floor. While the walks currently span about 400 feet, plans include doubling the length in future expansion. The tasting room features a mahogany bar that was salvaged from a Lorain Avenue building undergoing its own renovations. “We're really creating a brewing campus where we brew at three different scales and teach, tour, taste and train in all things brewing and beer,” says McNulty. While keg distribution is underway, the staff was filling bottles of Progress pilsner and Prosperity wheat, which were named after the motto on the Cleveland flag, at the Palace last week in anticipation of the bottled beer distribution in May. Market Garden and Nano Brew will also continue to brew at their respective pubs. “We're super excited to be a part of the Cleveland craft brewery community," says McNulty. "We're seeing beer tourism grow in leaps and bounds in the city."

The Milton to offer 16 upscale town homes on Superior Avenue TUESDAY, APRIL 05, 2016

When Brent and Cary Zimmerman bought their townhome in what was then called the Avenue District in December 2007, they were expecting a huge influx of neighbors and additional residential construction projects. Unfortunately, the housing market crash stalled activity and the Zimmermans were left looking at an empty lot at 1533 Superior Ave. near East 15th Street. Eight years later, the Zimmermans have a 14-month old son and love their neighborhood. “We were really the first people in and we love it,” says Brent. “It’s just a little community down here. We have lawyers and doctors, engineers and people who are retired.” But that empty lot still was an eyesore for the community. So in June 2015 Brent Zimmerman bought the property out of receivership. Plans are now underway to build sixteen 1,200-square-foot, two-story market rate town homes on the land in a gated community. Designed by RDL Architects, the Milton units will rent for about $2,200 a month, Zimmerman says, and will feature two bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths and twocar garages. The units will have hardwood floors, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, a Sonos sound system and flat screen televisions. Many of the units will have balconies and city views. Using energy-efficient appliances in all the units, Zimmerman estimates total utilities costs should be about $100 a month. A private dog park will be accessible only to residents. “There are a lot of dogs living downtown,” Zimmerman says of the city’s residential rebirth. “I have one too.” Perhaps the best amenity, says Zimmerman, is the Milton’s location. The development is a 10-minute walk to many attractions, and a short bike or car ride to the rest of the city’s charms. As a season ticket holder to the Cavs, the Browns and Playhouse Square, Zimmerman says he’s never experienced such convenience in any of the other metropolitan areas that he's lived in, including Boston and New York. “There are no other cities on the planet where you can walk to three professional sports teams’ events and the theater in 10 minutes,” he says, adding that there’s a great selection of family-friendly restaurants nearby as well. Zimmerman has all the permits in place and he says Geis Companies and Zimmerman Remodeling and Construction expects to break ground this month. The Milton should be complete by late summer or early fall this year. Zimmerman has a family history of residential development. To underscore his lineage, The Milton is named after his grandfather, who flew in World War II and was a developer in Zimmerman’s home town of Bellevue, Ohio. “This is a tribute to him,” he says. “He developed half the town I grew up in.”

Ohio Theatre returns to its 1921 splendor with renovations nearly complete TUESDAY, MARCH 22, 2016

The restoration of Playhouse Square’s Ohio Theatre lobby is almost complete, with the space returned to its original grandeur. The May completion will mark the final project on the Playhouse Square theater renovations list. Last Saturday, Tom Einhouse, Playhouse Square’s vice president of facilities and capital, led members of the Cleveland Restoration Society on a tour of the lobby, which has been shielded from public view by drywall during the restorations. He detailed the painstaking research and physical work that went into re-creating the 1921 Thomas Lamb design. Restoration began in June 2015. “This is the transformation of the Ohio Theatre,” Einhouse told the group. “We’re just putting the finishing touches on it.” Einhouse explained that the theater lobbies were often updated every 10 years in the early days, sometimes covering the original design. Then the Ohio Theatre was damaged by a fire in 1964. A 1980s attempt at remodeling on a limited budget left the theater with painted drywall, dropped ceilings and linoleum floors. “The happiest time of my life was getting rid of those,” Einhouse told the group. The $5.5 million project was funded with a $3 million grant from the George Gund Foundation and $2 million from Playhouse Square’s $100 million Advancing the Legacy campaign for capital improvements, endowment growth, neighborhood transformation, education programming and new productions. Saturday’s tour began in the State Theatre lobby and auditorium, where Einhouse pointed out the restored ceiling – painted in 14 different colors and used 6,000 sheets of metal leaf – plastering and new chandeliers. Twenty-five painters, 20 of them locals from Dependable Painting, stood on $140,000 worth of scaffolding to get the job done. Einhouse also talked about the conversion to LED lighting, which provides better illumination, requires less maintenance and costs less. The tour then moved on to the Ohio Theatre lobby. Before entering the Ohio Theatre lobby space, which is still surrounded by drywall, Einhouse made the group raise their right hands and swear they would not look up until he gave the word. When he did, the group collectively inhaled at the ornate 150-foot long, hand painted ceiling. Jeff Greene, owner of EverGreene Architectural Arts in New York, worked with Cleveland architect firm Westlake Reed Leskosky and Einhouse to painstakingly research and recreate the original paint colors, plaster ornamentals, columns and other décor to accurately replicate the original design. Turner Construction and the Coniglio Company were the contractors on the job. The project took six months to complete.

The acrylic paint and glazes were all hand applied and wiped. Two of the painters on the EverGreene team, Mike and Jaime Carpenter of Hudson, were particularly pleased to be involved. While they normally travel the country for restoration projects, Einhouse said they were pleased to be working closer to home. Research included delving into the Thomas Lamb archives at Columbia University’s Avery Library. “We were able to find the original drawings,” boasted Einhouse. Other reference photos came from Architectural Digest. Elements of the original ornamental plaster were found in a cove of the theater lobby and photos helped them match the look. Nearly, 8,500 hours of plaster sculpting went into the project. The sprinklers and air returns are cleverly hidden in the plaster ornamental elements of the ceiling. “We were able to recreate it pretty accurately,” says Einhouse. “Everything was created by hand. We used modern building techniques to recreate something very authentic.” Walls will be adorned with three 30-foot by 10-foot murals, recreated from the originals that were inspired by 17th Century French painter Nicolas Poussin. Six EverGreene artists worked on the canvas murals, which will be shipped from New York and installed in April. Two fireplaces, four-foot high marble and mahogany accents will adorn the walls, in addition to display cases and columns. Historic chandeliers, although not the originals, will be restored, cleaned and rewired. The original carpeting is being recreated by Brintons in England. In addition to the lobby, a $900,000 restroom project included capping the sewage pipes and expanding the women’s restroom by 40 percent. The entire restoration will be completed by May 15, ahead of the Restoring the Legacy benefit gala. There were no snags along the way, said Einhouse. “We were able to peel back everything and get back to the original room,” he says. “And we kept the theater open the whole time.” While at times parts of the project were exposed, theatergoers only got “sneak peaks now and then” of the work going on in the Ohio. “This could last 50 years,” said Einhouse of the restoration.

Handcrafted sour beer, mead, eats and board games coming to Lakewood WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16, 2016

When the BottleHouse Brewing Company opened on Lee Road in Cleveland Heights in 2012, owner Brian Benchek brought a slightly different approach to the craft brewery – no mainstream beers or televisions, but plenty of picnic tables and board games to create an atmosphere the whole family could enjoy. The idea was a success and Benchek is on the verge of opening a second location. The BottleHouse Brewery and Mead Hall will occupy the space that formerly housed Old Sullivan’s Irish Pub at 13368 Madison Ave. in Lakewood. Everything is complete and management is ready to open the doors pending approval of their federally issued brewing license. Jared Plotts, general manager of the Lakewood location and trivia host on Monday nights at the Cleveland Heights location, says the license should come through any day. “We’re well past the 120 days, which is the normal time it takes,” he says. “We’re at 150 days. Once that email comes, we’re open. It just gives us an opportunity to tweak things.” While the team had been floating the idea of a second location, it was fate that brought it to life. “Brian had been toying with the idea of how we could get more people interested in our beer,” says Plotts. “We were discussing a second location, but we planned on opening in a year or two and we thought we’d build it out ourselves.” Then, Plotts says Benchek was tooling around town in November and happened to see the former Sullivan’s location was up for rent and in a blink, the second BottleHouse location was determined. “Every day since the end of November we’ve been working hard to get everything up to code,” says Plotts of the 5,000-square-foot space. The team ripped out the saloon-themed décor from the last tenant only to reveal an Irish cherry wood bar and other imported Irish wood. New embellishments include rustic chandeliers, barrels lining the room and highlights on the stone work arches. “The majority of the work was cosmetic,” says Plotts. “It’s more like a 17th century castle.” Picnic tables will encourage a community feel, and the customary board games will be available. "Valhalla," a private party room, features a 22-foot-long table. Plotts says he plans to host monthly craft brewing workshops here, including one specifically targeting women. He also plans to host monthly fundraising events for local charities. A game room in front has reclaimed wood floors salvaged from a vintage Irish barn, glass sculptures made by Benchek and old school arcade games. While the Lee Road BottleHouse will continue to be the brewing headquarters for the operation, the Lakewood location will focus on sour beers, which rely on wild yeast for fermentation, and barrel aging. The two locations employ about 10 people. Twenty-four taps will offer a rotating selection of BottleHouse-brewed clean beers, sour beers and meads. The sour beers take between six months and three years of barrel aging, so that selection won’t be available until late this year. There will also be a variety of cocktails made with the beers and meads. Menu items include crackers made with the spent grains from making the beer and BBQ sauce and beer cheese made from BottleHouse brews, as well as soups and salads. Offerings will change seasonally, Plotts says. And as always, patrons are welcome to bring their own food into the bar. Plotts says the overall atmosphere and attitude in Lakewood will be similar to the Cleveland Heights location. “Lakewood has such a rich history,” he says. “We wanted to give the community someplace they could be proud of and a place they can go with a lot of energy and the idea of community.”

Local chocolatier rebuilds facility destroyed by fire MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2016

Debbie Stagan will never forget Thanksgiving 2014. It was the day that fire destroyed the 342,000-square-foot Fannie May/Harry London warehouse in Maple Heights. “I was in shock,” the wholesale supervisor recalls, “left wondering if you had a job.” Last Wednesday, March 9, Stagan and the other 45 permanent warehouse employees returned to the rebuilt warehouse for the grand opening after spending nearly 16 months working out of a temporary warehouse in Twinsburg and the chocolate manufacturer’s North Canton headquarters. It was an emotional day for Kevin Coen last week as he welcomed the employees back. All of the permanent employees were able to keep their jobs throughout the rebuilding process. “I see the spirit of the team here,” says Coen, president of Fannie May/Harold London. “They’re coming back home.” Ten million pounds of chocolate is made in North Canton each year and the Maple Heights warehouse ships it all in four million packages to the company’s 85 retail locations in six states and Canada as well as to online customers. When Coen got news of the fire, he was first relieved that no one was there at the time and no one was hurt. He then went into "team mode,” following the longstanding Fannie May motto of "Fannie May Strong," and ensured operations could continue. ”It’s about spirit and how we go about doing things,” he says of the motto. “When you’re faced with that, you deal with that.” By Monday morning, the employees were being bussed to the North Canton facility. “We didn’t miss a day of work,” Coen boasts. “The [Canton employees] applauded as they walked in. There was such a sense of comaraderie.” Two weeks later, the temporary Twinsburg warehouse was found, to which any of the employees were shuttled each day from Maple Heights until last week. After the fire, Coen made sure all existing orders were fulfilled and the 75 seasonal employees were paid through December. “Everyone knew what to do and they just did it,” Coen recalls. “Everyone stayed, anything we had to do as a company we did it. [Warehouse manager] Brandon Baas was literally sleeping in his office. He and [director of warehousing and distribution] Ron Orcutt took charge.” The rebuilt 276,000 square foot Maple Heights facility has better LED lighting and a new, relocated 32,000 square foot freezer. “It’s much brighter,” Coen says of the lighting system. “It feels much more open. As you go through the facility, everything has been redone.” The only evidence of the fire is a pile of dirt, marking the location of the old freezer. Coen says there was no question the company would rebuild in Maple Heights. “For the employees, this is where they’re from,” he explains. “This is what makes it so special. This is a homecoming. They give 100 percent every day. And the city’s been great.” Mayor Annette M. Blackwell, fire chief Vito Kayaliunas, fire captain Dan Sypen, police chief John Popielarczyk, police captain Todd Hansen and members of city council welcomed the company and the employees back at the grand opening celebration. After a tour, guests were treated to a lunch. The employees were also given lunch and goodie bags full of treats from parent company 1800Flowers.com. Even though Stagan lives in Canton, she is says she is happy to be back in Maple Heights. “It’s great to be back,” she says. “Everybody is under one roof.”

New downtown YMCA set to open at Galleria in March MONDAY, FEBRUARY 29, 2016

The YMCA's 40,000 square feet of premium health and wellness space is finally set to open at its new home in the Galleria. Current members are invited to the two-story Parker Hannifin Downtown YMCA starting March 21, with a grand opening celebration slated for March 29, says marketing director Amanda Lloyd. Amenities at the much-anticipated facility include over 70 pieces of cardio and strength equipment and a three-lane lap pool. Members can also enjoy group exercise studios, a spinning area, message therapy rooms, and a health clinic complete with an on-site physician. Pilates, acupuncture, hot yoga and biometric screenings will be among the programming available, notes Lloyd. The new YMCA is expected to house twice as many fitness devotees as its current location at East 22nd Street and Prospect Avenue, which holds nearly 3,250 members. The Prospect location will close March 20, meaning members won't have a delay in service, Lloyd says. The old building, sold to a Texas-based company last year, will be maintained as private student housing. All of the YMCA's functions will move to the Galleria, where the gym will take up a former retail space. The organization has raised $7 million for a project budgeted at $12 million, with $3 million coming from Parker Hannifin. YMCA will tap grant money and individual donations for the balance of the financial package. The project is also set to employ 40 full-time and part-time workers, including personal trainers, lifeguards and housekeepers. Membership enrollment will cost $50 monthly for young professionals ages 18 to 29, $65 for adults and $105 for a household. YMCA officials believe the gym can be an anchor for a downtown population projected by Downtown Cleveland Alliance to balloon to 18,000 within the next two years. "There are some vacant storefronts (in the Galleria), but around us there's a good core of corporations and people living downtown," says Lloyd. "Moving to this space seemed like the perfect fit."

Collaboration brings home sweet home to disabled Cleveland veteran WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2016

An ex-Marine has found a new home thanks to a pair of veteran-friendly groups and a Cleveland suburb willing to support disabled soldiers with affordable housing opportunities. Elyria native Corp. Leo Robinson signed the final closing documents for his new house in South Euclid during a Feb. 18 ceremony at Cuyahoga Land Bank (CLB). The organization partnered with national nonprofit Purple Heart Homes and the city of South Euclid on the project. Robinson, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan who sustained brain injuries and other ailments overseas, was set to move into his renovated home late last week, says Howard Goldberg, assistant secretary and chief real estate officer with Purple Heart Homes. The 1,300-square-foot domicile, donated in 2012 by CLB, was rebuilt from the ground up, says Goldberg. Nearly 200 volunteers offered financial and material support for the approximately $70,000 undertaking. Plumbing, electrical, HVAC and insulation work was supplied gratis, while a local furniture company provided the home with a new bedroom set and other necessities. Members of the Notre Dame College football team, meanwhile, helped demolish the structure's interior prior to rebuild. "This shows how a community can come together and make something great happen," says Goldberg. Robinson will live in the house with his therapy dog, Kota. The finished structure has a new garage, laundry room, basement recreation space, and second-floor bath off the master bedroom. The former Marine will pay a mortgage equal to 50 percent of the home's appraised value. Eligibility for the ownership program requires an honorable discharge and a service-connected disability, Goldberg notes. Robinson is the second veteran to receive a home in South Euclid through the venture. A third residence is planned for the inner-ring community, while two more projects are in talks for Old Brooklyn and Euclid, respectively. "South Euclid's done a good job of sustaining their housing stock so the values go back up," says Goldberg. "The timing for us was excellent." The collaboration also meets Purple Heart Homes' stated goal of improving veterans' lives one home at a time. The organization, launched by two disabled Iraq War vets, has found stable partners among the leadership and general population of South Euclid, Goldberg says. "The one thing this shows is how people rally around their veterans," he says. "They're not only willing to help, but they want to make a veteran feel welcome in their community." Further reading: East Cleveland duplex now permanent housing for veterans

Lakewood fish shelf coming along swimmingly, officials say WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2016

A "fish shelf" designed to stabilize about 300 feet of riverfront on the Lakewood bank of the Rocky River is on track for completion this fall. Last June, the City of Lakewood received a $123,000 grant from the Ohio EPA for streambank restoration and construction of the shelf, which will be comprised of former sound barrier walls or other repurposed concrete construction materials, notes city engineer Mark Papke. The fish shelf will be built near the Rocky River Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks, close to the Lakewood Animal Shelter off Metropark Drive. Bidding will begin in April while construction on the approximately $204,000 venture is scheduled for June. Lakewood will pay $82,000 toward the project cost. The portion of the riverbank slated for restoration is unstable and eroding rapidly, says Papke. "The trees there have fallen into the river," he says. "There's no vegetation at all now." While the fish shelf won't replace the 15 feet of land lost to erosion over the last several years, it will protect the bank from further damage, Papke says. In addition, the shelf will prevent the influx of phosphorous-laden sediment into the river. Phosphorous, a primary plant nutrient, is known to play a role in creating potentially damaging algae. Meanwhile, new trees and shrubs will serve the dual purpose of beautifying and further firming up the space. Gaps in the rubble can provide a habitat for additional greenery as well as animal life. If planners have their way, the fish shelf will also be site a for sport fishing. The water around the proposed shelf is already known for steelhead trout. "We met a couple of fishermen last week to show them the plans," says Papke. "They appreciate the chance to have better access to the river." Partner organization Cleveland Metroparks will conduct a survey prior to and following construction to determine if the enterprise can attract even more fish to the area, Papke says. City officials estimate the fish shelf to be ready by October. Papke is confident the project will be both an environmental and civic boon for the region. "It's giving us an opportunity to stabilize the bank and provide a nice place for fishing," he says.

Summer opening eyed for Cleveland Coffee in Ecovillage MONDAY, FEBRUARY 01, 2016

The plot of land between West 58th and 57th Streets on the north side of Lorain Avenue is one of those spaces Clevelanders pass again and again while their brow knits and they mumble to themselves … huh. On it sits just one old building from days gone by, shuttered since who knows when. It is the only structure on that block, which is bordered to the north by West Aspen Court. For years, it has looked curious and perhaps lonely, but courtesy of a local entrepreneur that quirky old building in Detroit Shoreway's Ecovillage at 5718 Lorain Ave. is undergoing a transformation. "We've decided to house our first Cleveland Coffee retail environment there," says Brendan Walton, who founded Cleveland Coffee in 2003. He currently roasts at a midtown location and serves his brew at the downtown café and bar, A. J. Rocco's at 816 Huron Road. While Walton has owned the Lorain Avenue building for six years, he only began working on it recently. The first floor café area is approximately 850 square feet. Future plans for the second floor, which is zoned residential, are pending. "Our focus is definitely on the first floor," says Walton, who is acting as his own general contractor. Leslie DiNovi of Mark Fremont Architects is doing the design for the privately funded project. While Walton has not yet submitted an application, he hopes to take advantage of the city's Storefront Renovation Program. "I have to go through the process," he says, adding that he's working with staff at the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization to apply for the popular program. While interior work is ongoing, thus far Walton has replaced all the windows save for the large front window and has installed Dutch lap siding, which is often fashioned from vinyl, but Walton opted for wood. "We tried to match what was there," he says. While specifics are still yet to be determined, Walton is planning to be open seven days a week and have a limited selection of edibles that will complement his high end coffee, which he'll prepare via popular methods such as pour-over and Aero and French press. "A. J. Rocco's doesn't really lend itself to that," says Walton of those slower percup methods. He hopes to be serving up his joe – including the new and popular Cavs/Aussie inspired blend – at the new Lorain location by the beginning of summer. Until then, home brewers can purchase Cleveland Coffee at some 40 retail locations across northeast Ohio. While Walton is a bit of a pioneer on this stretch of Lorain, which has more than its share of vacancies, he is quick to tout neighboring successes such as the venerable Lorain Antique District, the gravity of which is loosely centered amid the West 70's, and the burgeoning easterly part of Lorain in Ohio City, into which ventures such as Canopy, The Grocery, and Platform Beer Company are breathing new life. He has stalwart faith that he can pull that energy inward to West 58th Street. "I've always loved Lorain," says Walton, adding that his new coffee spot may inspire others to invest in the area around West 58th Street. "I think this is an important intersection for Detroit Shoreway," he says. And while many of the area storefronts are vacant, they have a certain vintage charm, one that could reemerge with what Walton calls an "old-school Coventry feel," referencing the storied east side neighborhood. "We're Clevelanders," he says. "We like urban renewal and we would love to be a part of a renaissance in this area. We are very optimistic it's going to happen."

State allocates $6.1 million to Cuyahoga County for residential demolition TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2016

As part of the state's effort to eliminate blight, the Ohio Housing Finance Agency announced last November that it would distribute $13 million in funding for the demolition of distressed residential properties. This was the fourth such round of the Neighborhood Initiative Program (NIP), which has received $79 million in funding from the U. S. Department of Treasury's Hardest Hit Fund. Cuyahoga County received $6,075,000 of the $13 million. "This program started in summer of 2014," says Cuyahoga Land Bank's chief operating officer Bill Whitney of the NIP. "Before this $6 million, we received $14 million and have spent approximately $13 million of that." In doing so, he adds, the organization has demolished about 1,050 properties with the funds, 850 of which were done in 2015. "This last award of $6 million brings the total to $20 million since 2014," says Whitney of the NIP funding. "We expect now be able to continue the program and probably demolish an additional 480 to 500 properties." Of the 12 Ohio counties receiving these most recently announced allocations, Cuyahoga was awarded the lion's share, with Lucas County's $2.3 million allocation coming in second. The 10 other counties received $500,000 each. Coming in "first" in a funding round such as this is sobering indeed, but not unexpected considering the state of northeast Ohio's residential vacancy rate. A comprehensive property survey conducted last year by Western Reserve Land Conservancy, in collaboration with the City of Cleveland, counted 3,809 vacant residential properties graded D (deteriorated) or F (unsafe or hazardous). When combined with the 1,437 residential properties condemned by the city, the total is 5,246 structures that may be candidates for demolition. While that figure is daunting, it is also 32 percent lower than the city's 2013 estimate of 7,771 vacant and distressed properties. The Cuyahoga Land Bank acquires foreclosed properties from HUD and Fannie May as well as tax foreclosures. Demolitions are restricted to vacant and abandoned blighted properties the organization owns. It does not demolish properties that have more than four units, those that might have historical significance or any property that is connected to other residences such as row homes. Referencing a graphic that categorizes Cleveland neighborhoods and a host of eastside inner ring suburbs as either undergoing "revitalization" or nearing a "tipping point," Whitney explains that the revitalization sections are experiencing the most severe effects of the foreclosure crisis. They are also in predominately African American neighborhoods. "In general, the foreclosure crisis here – and maybe in other places – was extremely racist," says Whitney. If a property is salvageable, the land bank works with community development corporations and humanitarian organizations to rehabilitate it and put it to constructive use. "We try to save any property we can," says Whitney. The organization prioritizes at-risk populations such as refugees, veterans and the disabled. Partner organizations include the Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry and a host of area CDC's. Whitney tags Slavic Village Development, Northeast Shores Development Corporation, the Famicos Foundation and the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization. In such cases, properties will transfer for as little as one dollar. "Everybody needs housing," says Whitney. "To keep things in perspective," he continues, "in our six years of operation, we've acquired about 5,000 properties. We've demolished about 3,500 and have been able to save about 1,000." Of that number, approximately one third go to humanitarian causes with the balance going to market. Prospective buyers are thoroughly screened and the land bank holds the title until they have brought the property up to municipal code. To get an idea of the task at hand, Fresh Water invites readers to scroll through the properties owned by Cuyahoga Land Bank. "There's still an awful lot of stuff to do," says Whitney, "but it's gradually getting better."

Vintage La Salle set to explode with arts, mixed usage and zoomin' Internet WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2016

With a funding package all but complete, the staff at Northeast Shores Development Corporation (NSDC) in the Collinwood neighborhood is eyeing a February groundbreaking for the much-anticipated rebirth of the La Salle Theatre, 823 East 185th Street. "We're redeveloping the La Salle Theatre into the La Salle Arts and Media Center," says NSDC's executive director Brian Friedman of the 30,000-squarefoot-building. "This is going to be a video and music production facility." The rehabilitated venue will also house retail and residential space. Construction is expected to be complete in time for October 2016 move-in dates. Town Center Construction is the contractor on the project, for which LDA Architects did the design. Of course, the building is home to the beloved 12,000-square-foot theater, 7,000 square feet of which is unobstructed. The finished space will accommodate an array of activities including multimedia art exhibitions, weddings, community meetings, musical and theatrical performances, rehearsals, parties, and other public and private events. The second floor houses five residential units. Three one-bedroom and two twobedroom units will let for $475 and $550 respectively. Three retail storefronts on the first floor include spaces that are 900, 700 and 300 square feet. The largest retail space has already been preleased to Milk Glass Cakes, which specializes in high-end confections depicting everything from a bouquet of paperwhite Narcissus to a come-hither hot pink corset. "They do amazing graphic portrayals on cakes," says John Boksansky, NSDC's commercial project coordinator. While the new arts center will not necessarily be a full recording studio, it will have a mixing board and high capacity Internet service with download and upload speeds of 50Mbps provided by Lightower Fiber Networks. "It's critical that we have competent dedicated high speed Internet in the building so musicians, performers and others creatives are able to digitally send what they're doing back to a master recording studio, or live stream it to an audience or… a thousand different things," says Friedman. The unfettered upload capacity will set the La Salle apart, he adds. "Most people's Internet provider have intentionally put a dampener on your ability to put stuff into the pipeline – into the Internet," explains Friedman, citing the slow speeds of activities such as uploading footage to YouTube. "You're able to pull down information, but you're not able to put it up – or you're allowed to put it up at a very slow speed." That advanced 50Mbps Internet service will be available to all La Salle artists and retail and residential tenants as well, whether they're downloading or uploading. "The entire building will be lit that way," says Friedman. "Not only will the theater space be ready and able with that connection, all commercial and residential tenants will have that included in the rent." Approximately $3.3 of the $3.7 million needed to bring the project to fruition is in place. "We are just rounding the bend on fundraising efforts," says Friedman. "We're trying to raise about $400,000 in the next 30 days." The rest of the financial package includes more than $700,000 from the City of Cleveland, a $685,000 loan from Cuyahoga County, state and federal historic tax credits ($250 and $505 respectively), loans from Cortland Bank, Village Capital Corporation, IFF and a host of other funding sources. Built in 1927, the La Salle originally featured vaudeville performances and silent movies. The 1,500-seat theatre went dark in the early 1990's. Its last use was a display area for classic cars: The La Salle Classic Auto Theatre housed more than a dozen vehicles including a '26 Ford and a '69 Camaro. It opened in 1997 and was part showroom and part swap meet. The space has been dark for more than a decade. Now with the burgeoning success of the Waterloo Arts District, Friedman sees the La Salle as key to the Collinwood area at large, particularly as the forthcoming Made in Collinwood initiative comes online. "La Salle is kind of a cornerstone for that new program," says Friedman, noting that Waterloo's storefronts are nearly all occupied and new makers, artists and vendors wanting to move into the area need a place to go. East 185th Street is their next logical destination. "This is a critical step for us moving our efforts forward to improve that corridor now that Waterloo has become resilient and nearly entirely full," says Friedman. "The La Salle is a major anchor as we pivot from Waterloo to East 185th Street."

February opening eyed for duckrabbit coffee in Duck Island MONDAY, JANUARY 04, 2016

Calvin Verga, founder of duck-rabbit coffee, has very specific standards when it comes to pouring a proper cuppa, starting with where the beans are grown. "We roast in such a way to highlight all the different characteristics," says Verga, adding that a good cup of coffee is defined by its origin. He tags berry, currant and grape notes in coffee from Kenya, Rwanda and Burundi; citrus and floral flavors from Ethiopian beans and rustic earthy notes in those from Sumatra. Unlike the more common dark roasted beans, a delicate light roast brings out those nuanced flavors. "When you roast light in order to highlight those origin-specific characteristics, you need a phenomenal coffee. Any sorts of defects in the coffee will show in clean cup. It's imperative that our coffee is of the highest standard," says Verga. He launched duck-rabbit in 2014 as a bean-roasting venture and sold his product wholesale. Verga's coffee was heretofore available only at a handful of locations such as Root Café in Lakewood. As early as February 1st however, Verga will be offering his high-end brew at an emerging storefront at 2135 Columbus Road in Duck Island. The coffee house will be part of the Forest City Brewery project, which is also slated to include a meadery and brewery and is currently home to the quirky Cleveland Cycle Tours operation, with its two 15-seat bikes. duck-rabbit will occupy an 800-square-foot space and will employ about five, with both part- and full-time positions. Verga tentatively plans to have about a dozen seats. Hours will be 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Not surprisingly, the menu will be Spartan in order to showcase Verga's painstakingly chosen and roasted beans, with the star being pour-overs. He'll also sell roasted beans and some brewing equipment. A deep respect for coffee, where it comes from and how it's processed comes free with every purchase. "We'd like people to really get into coffee in a close personal way and be able to replicate/brew great coffee at home," says Verga, adding that he hopes to host workshops in the future. Verga will offer some espresso drinks, including macchiatos, cappuccinos and lattes. As for sugary flavored syrups and cups topped with clouds of whipped cream, they will not be found at duck-rabbit. "The main focus is the coffee going into the drinks," says Verga, who also concedes, "mocha is one thing I could see possibly on the menu at some time." He does, however, plan to offer a very limited selection of small bites such as French macaroons or madeleines, which he will source off-site. "No details on that yet," says Verga. While construction hums along, Verga has taken delivery on a high-end La Marzocco espresso machine and is roasting beans in a unique vintage German Probat machine, which he chose as carefully as the beans he puts in it. "When you're roasting on this," says Verga as he displays the Probat, "there are no computer programs. It's full sensory engagement by the roaster." Hence, success requires experience and a honed sensitivity regarding the sight and smell of the beans, all of which is married with timing and temperature. Verga, a Lakewood native, was in the San Francisco Bay area when he became engaged in the world of high-end coffee while immersed in academics. He eventually opted for joe over the lecture hall and after he "cut his teeth" in the coffee business on the west coast and established a network, he returned to Cleveland to launch duck-rabbit. "It felt like a great time to come back to Cleveland," says Verga. "That sentiment has really been reinforced since I came back. There is a good energy in Cleveland these days." Since Freshwater reported on the Forest City Brewery project last April, partners Matt Mapus, Jay Demagall and Cory Miller have realized their funding package, which now includes a Vacant Properties Initiative grant from the City of Cleveland. Mapus reports that the rental space for Western Reserve Meadery will be ready by February 1st and that Forest City Brewery will be offering up beer by this Saint Patrick's Day.

Model home of yesteryear on track for rebirth in Shaker Heights WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2015

Built in 1922 for the then-princely sum of $30,000, the stately home at 2834 Courtland Blvd. in Shaker Heights is long on history – including its celebrated inception as the future of Cleveland residential living and, more recently, a dark period when it was abandoned, neglected and slated for the wrecking ball. But now with the careful ministrations of the Cleveland Restoration Society (CRS), this fascinating home is set to return to its former grandeur. The home was built as one of four swanky demonstration units put forth by the Van Sweringen brothers, an iconic Cleveland real estate development team that was heavily involved in the development of Shaker Heights. Famed architects Howell and Thomas designed the quartet of homes, all of which are located at the intersection of Shaker and Courtland Boulevards near what was the terminus of the Shaker Rapid at that time. "These demonstration homes represented what you could expect in Shaker Heights," says Michael Fleenor, director of preservation services for CRS, noting that the homes were marketing tools similar to the model homes we see today heralding a new residential development. The original architectural drawings for 2834 Courtland, as well as a 1933 addition (also designed by Thomas and Howell), are available via the Cleveland Public Library. The 4,738-square-foot home, for which CRS is asking $379,000, features a twostory great room with a vaulted ceiling, seven bedrooms and four full and two partial baths. It also has an attic, basement and in-ground pool, which is rumored to be the first in Shaker Heights. Enduring design elements of the English Tudor include half timbering, projecting gables, fireplaces, leaded glass with some stained glass embellishments and a slate roof, one wing of which required significant work by CRS. "We had that wing done in slate and copper," says Fleenor, noting it had previously been covered in asphalt, which was an interim measure the city took after a roofing contractor walked off the job in 2009, leaving that entire wing open and exposed to the elements. Other work included extensive drying as all the gutters had been salvaged by the previous owner. Also, a billiard room had to be completely demolished on account of moisture damage. "We took out mold in another section," says Fleenor. The home at 2834 Courtland had eight owners, the last of which abandoned it. The property rapidly became a tangled legal nest of mortgages, unhappy bankers and liens. For over a year, CRS worked to straighten out the mess while simultaneously getting the neglected structure stabilized and grounds cleaned up. Although the structure is sound and in generally good condition, the current status is very rough as evidenced by a lengthy repair list compiled by the city. Fleenor notes, however, that many items on that list will likely be moot when the new owner guts spaces such as the kitchen or bathrooms. Challenges notwithstanding, Fleenor says that several parties are interested in the home and that CRS is optimistic about forthcoming offers and an eventual sale. Interest was evident last month, when the group held two open houses that garnered more than 200 visitors. They included the serious, the curious and the nostalgic. "Several former owners came through," says Fleenor. They recalled everything from teenage years spent in the house to fond memories of a grandmother. Conversations understandably included recollections on how different spaces therein were previously employed, which is par for the course for the restoration group. After all, every notable and historic structure has as many stories as the people it's housed. "So much of what we have… " says Fleenor referencing the group's portfolio, "the properties have different stories related to different people's lives."

Historic Tremont religious campus reborn as an urban business complex MONDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2015

In 2013, Melissa Ferchill, founder and owner of MCM Company purchased the Our Lady of Mercy (OLM) church complex, 2425 West 11th St. in Tremont. The move, however, was sparked by Ferchill's husband Nick Swingos, owner of Hermes Sports and Events, who was looking to relocate that company from its former St. Clair Avenue space. Ferchill recalls when Swingos asked her, "Would you guys have any interest in moving with us?" and the search began. "We started looking in Downtown and Midtown," says Ferchill. "We made offers on a couple other church properties, but we couldn't make deals." Then they learned about the shuttered OLM complex. "It just kind of fit," says Ferchill. Ferchill purchased the 40,000 square feet of space, which includes what was once a school, rectory and sanctuary, for $550,000. The financial package for the $5.2 million redevelopment included $1.56 million in state and federal historic and tax credits; two municipal grants totaling $110,000, approximately $700,000 in owner equity, a $250,000 Small Business Administrative loan and a $2.25 million bank loan. Currently, the office design firm RCF Group occupies 7,900 square feet in the complex. Hermes is in a 5,800-square foot space and MCM's offices occupy 5,200 square feet. Still to let is a single 4,800-square-foot area. Other spaces include a game room, conference center and basement. Renovations began in fall of 2014. MCM, which specializes in historic construction project management, moved from their rental space in the Warehouse District earlier this year. Weber Murphy Fox (WMF) was the architectural firm on the project. MCM acted as its own general contractor. Locally, MCM have been integrally involved in projects involving historic structures such as the new Cleveland School of Art in what was formerly a Ford assembly plant on Euclid Avenue, the preservation and adaptive re-use of the United Motors Company Building on Prospect Avenue, which is now the Cleveland headquarters for the YWCA, and the Nottingham-Spirk Innovation Center on Overlook Road, which was also once a church. Considering those projects and a host of other historic renovations across the country, Ferchill says of the OLM conversion, "It wasn't completely out of our wheel house." There was, however, an unusual twist. "We had to do some modifications to the historic district here," says Ferchill, adding that the West 11th Street campus was not within the geographical footprint of the Tremont Historic District. The firm successfully worked with the state and the National Park Service to get it amended. The project included some unorthodox transformations on the interior as well, including retrofitting the church confessionals to, well, bathrooms. "We needed to figure out how to come up with additional restrooms," says Ferchill, adding that the single restroom in the sanctuary's vestibule wasn't sufficient for the 7,900-square-foot-space. The location of the building's plumbing and a convenient crawl space made the confessionals prime candidates. "Plus, it's funny and most of us have a pretty good sense of humor," says the Catholic business owner. She's also gotten approval from higher authority. "We've had priests come through the building and say, 'At least there's still cleansing going on in the confessionals.'" And to that Fresh Water can only add: amen.

High-end and ultra-green: the new face of Duck Island WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 07, 2015

Nestled between Scranton and Columbus Roads from the Cuyahoga River to Willey Avenue sits Duck Island, the name of which has been attributed to a hidden place in the middle of the city where ne'er-do-wells could "duck in" in order to evade attention. Origin notwithstanding, most Clevelander's will agree that Duck Island does not have the name recognition of neighboring Ohio City and Tremont. That's about to change, but not with publicly funded projects. This story is about the private development of high-end ultra-green homes ranging from $300,000 to $400,000 (and up), all in humble Duck Island. "We have 60 projects lined up," says Matt Berges of Berges Home Performance. They are mostly single-family houses and are rolling out on both sides of Abbey Avenue. Some are in the seed stage, with the ink still drying on purchase agreements. Others are nearing move-in dates as burly workers erect and renovate single-family homes amid the West 17th, 18th and 19th Street vicinity. Berges' sixty parcels represent five years of acquisition. "We got busy and persisted with any vacant, abandoned, foreclosed, landlordowned properties," says Berges, adding that he did not pursue owner occupied homes. "The goal was to get landlords that didn't care so much out and fill the neighborhood with owners that do care." The move came with no small amount of risk. Staunch resistance to development in the area drove a host of other developers to give up. Berges, however, had another reason to persevere. He lives smack dab in the middle of Duck Island with wife Colleen and the couple's three children. "Initially I was just focused on my street, trying to make it so my kids could walk to the park," says Berges, who lives on West 18th Street. His commitment is also evidenced by the home he's building next to his own for his mother- and father-inlaw. He and his family have been in Duck Island for six years. "It's fun now to actually see a couple of houses going up," says Berges. "We'll be breaking ground on three or four more on 19th this year." All of his projects are custom and extremely green. Sizes vary by project, but a home he is constructing on West 19th is 3,100 square feet (not including the basement) and has a connected 1,000-square-foot apartment. Berges portfolio also includes the prominent Butler Nissan home in Ambler Heights. That project provided so much exposure, the houses he's building now are all pre-sold to customers who sought him out. "I was looking for those sorts of customers," he says of the Ambler Heights home admirers. "Now they're looking for me because they've heard of what I'm doing." Berges's homes include features such as superior air tightness, energy recovery ventilation systems that pre-treat incoming ventilation air, attention to southern exposure and rigid foam insulation on the outside of walls in addition to the interior insulation. "It's basically like putting a winter jacket over the entire shell," says Berges. The whole package adds up to nearly zero -- zero energy load, that is, which means a structure produces almost as much energy as it consumes. Berges' largest project will unfurl at the corner of West 19th Street and Abbey Avenue, where he's clearing 1.7 acres of land that previously housed what he calls "hard to manage" and troubled rental properties that were beleaguered by crime and vandalism. "We worked to clear these properties out," says Berges. "They weren't worth saving." Plans for the centrally-located plot, however, are in the works. He's floating singlefamily homes, mixed-use, townhouses and apartments. "The density this could handle is not what a lot of the neighbors would want," says Berges. "Politically, you have to have the neighborhood's support to do anything." With urban planners pushing for denser populations and neighbors lobbying against it, what's a developer to do? "There's a balance to be met," says Berges, adding of the large plot at Abbey and West 19th, "It'll be something a little bit more modest than what really should be done with this block." To help achieve that balance with all of his efforts in Duck Island, Berges formed the Duck Island Development Collaborative. Members include his own Berges Home Performance, Tremont West Development Corporation, Maker, Sam McNulty, Knez Homes, Environmental Health Watch, Forest City Brewery and Howard Hanna. Berges estimates there are between 300 and 600 units slated for Duck Island clustered in projects of various sizes and in various stages. Other developers and property owners include Blossom Homes, Brickhaus Partners and the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority. Even so, the resistance to development persists. Berges has faced protestations ranging from heated words to the unacceptable. "I've had some pretty serious threats," he says, adding that amid the opposition, owner/occupants have approached him about possible future sales. In the meantime, he's rolling with the punches in order to realize the definitive vision he has for Duck Island. "When in the history of a Cleveland neighborhood do you have a chance to do redevelopment at this level?" he poses, noting his passion for energy efficient homes. "We could make this the most efficient neighborhood in the country." To that lofty goal, add Duck Island's central and well-connected location, spectacular views of the city, a new span of the Lake Link Trail and diamonds such as the Velvet Tango Room. All of a sudden, tiny Duck Island inflates with possibility. "We're perfectly situated for an amazing explosion," says Berges.

Millions in upgrades planned for historic Euclid WWII bomber plant, former GM Fisher Auto Body MONDAY, OCTOBER 05, 2015

Last week, HGR Industrial Surplus invited the community to celebrate the christening of its sprawling 12-acre building as the Nickel Plate Station. The company also unveiled a display showcasing the fascinating history of the property and kicked off a $10 to $12 million campaign to improve the facility. HGR, purveyors of used and surplus equipment, purchased the property last year in a collaborative effort with the city and the Cuyahoga Land Bank (CLB) after it had been orphaned by its owner. "One day the landlord just got up and left," recalls Euclid Mayor Bill Cervenik. HGR, a tenant since 1998, wanted to stay in the 20001 Euclid Avenue building. Per CLB director of acquisitions, dispositions and development, Cheryl Stephens, the property was in foreclosure and had more than $1 million in outstanding back taxes and some other liens. "It would have taken more than a year for this company to get access to this property," says Stephens. "What we did on behalf of the city of Euclid was cut through the time, energy and money of having to pay back taxes. We wiped the slate clean. We cleaned up the title issues and sold the property to HGR." That was in 2014. HGR, which employs 120, has since upgraded the fire system and driveway. While future plans are still unfurling, they will include renovations to the façade, lighting and parking lot. The company also intends to improve and lease two large spaces, 160,000 and 50,000 square feet respectively. Within the next few weeks, HGR will also install a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) resource center in its customer lounge. The display will feature literature from area colleges and technical programs, books, magazines and periodicals. The effort is a partnership between HGR, the Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network (MAGNET) and Ingenuity Cleveland. "They're helping to put the 'A' in STEAM," says Matt Williams, HGR's chief marketing officer, regarding Ingenuity's involvement. "You hear a lot about STEM, but the arts are so important." With its massive stock of vintage machinery and a factory structure essentially unchanged since its 1943 opening, Williams also sees HGR as a place where middle and high school students can deconstruct manufacturing historically and literally. "If you think about it, our facility is really an archeological site. All the different facets of manufacturing are represented when you look at the equipment," says Williams. "We want to be able to take young people through and give them a glimpse of what manufacturing is," he adds, citing the components of design, engineering, building, installation, operation and maintenance. Most Clevelanders associate the giant Euclid Avenue structure with GM's Euclid Fisher Body Plant. Among other things, bodies for iconic cars such as the El Camino, Toronado, Riviera and Cadillac Eldorado were manufactured here from 1948 to 1993, but the site's history goes back to the late 1800s. What was once farmland became the subject of a long and contentious legal battle over zoning that ended up before the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS). On November 22, 1926, the SCOTUS ruled on Village of Euclid v. Ambler Realty Co., in favor of the Village. The landmark case made headlines across the country as a definitive decision that enabled fledgling zoning laws. In 1942, however, Uncle Sam had a different vision for the 65-acre plot and usurped control of the site, announcing plans for a $20 million war plant despite protestations from residents and village officials. Cleveland Pneumatic Aerol leased the plant, manufacturing landing gear and rocket shells for about two years until Victory over Japan Day marked the end of the War on September 2, 1945. 20001 Euclid Avenue essentially lay fallow until General Motors purchased it in 1947. The new name is a nod to the Nickel Plate Road (also known as the New York, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad). Built in 1881, the rail sliced through the Village of Euclid just to the north of the property. The building still connects to the famous rail line via a short spur that ends in an interior loading bay -- just as it did on the day this former WWII bomber plant opened more than seven decades ago. "Everything we do is about recycling, upcycling and reclaiming," says Williams. "We're reclaiming a building that would otherwise might have been knocked down and turned into a parking lot." HGR stands for Hit the Ground Running and was inspired by Van Halen's 1981 rock anthem, "Unchained."

Artisans raise funds, clear space for Larchmere Fire Works WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2015

A long vacant storefront at 12621 Larchmere Boulevard will soon be warming up courtesy of furnaces, forges and kilns if two ambitious artisans have their way. Glass artist Tina Haldiman and blacksmith Cassidy Anderson are hard at work clearing debris from the 3,500-square-foot-structure, essentially taking the space down to bare bones by stripping paneling, ceiling tiles, carpeting and whatever else they find. "We're trying to recycle as much as we can," says Haldiman. "There's an awesome place in Wickliffe that recycles carpet padding. Who knew?" The duo has been scouting the neighborhood for two years, working with Greg Staursky of Shaker Square Area Development Corporation (SHAD) and building owner/developer Montlack Realty. While the lease hasn't been inked yet, Haldiman and Anderson have their LLC in place for Larchmere Fire Works, of which they will be co-owners. "This particular building has been in red tape for years and years and years," says Haldiman. "It's a really great building. It just needs a little love." And a bit of cash in order to transform it into a studio. To that end, she and Anderson have started a Kickstarter campaign, which will run for a few more weeks. The studio will feature glassblowing and blacksmithing, with an array of classes and workshops for everyone, including kids as young as five. One-on-one instructional sessions will also be available. One of the first things Haldiman and Anderson aim to get open to the public is a gallery for displaying and selling art. "We're going to start with the gallery immediately," says Haldiman. "If we're still trying to get our hot shop going, we'll at least have the gallery open." While the space is in full demolition mode, the couple has procured two glass blowing furnaces from the Toledo Museum of Ar. Although they need some work, Anderson and Haldiman are aiming for a soft opening in as little as two months. "We need to be open and really getting traffic," says Haldiman. "This building has been empty for so long. All of a sudden, people are noticing movement and they're excited about that because this neighborhood is starting to revitalize." The two met at the Glass Bubble Project, where Haldiman worked for seven years and where Anderson connected with his father, whom he previously had never met. Both look back fondly at their time at the quirky Bridge Avenue studio. "I definitely enjoyed my time there," says Haldiman. "I would not have gotten this far if it hadn't been for Mike (Kaplan) and the guys at the Bubble." The mother of five adds that now that her kids are older, it's time to have her own creative space a little closer to home. Both she and Cassidy live in Cleveland Heights. Anderson first became interested in blacksmithing when he visited Hale Farm as a kid. He's been studying the craft for about two years under the tutelage of Art Wolfe and is entering the journeyman phase of his career. "I was working at the Bubble, where I met Tina," says Anderson. The two hit it off creatively and romantically. "It ended up snowballing and now here we are."

Neighborhood-inspired art meets graffiti at Spang Mountain TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2015

Northeast Ohio is home to an embarrassment of riches when it comes to unique enduring structures, the stories of which come alive when people rally around them. The latest entry is Spang Mountain: a sprawling 100,000-square-foot structure occupying an entire block in Ohio City. "It was built by my great-great-grandfather in 1887," says building owner John McGovern. "It's about 35 percent occupied." Spang Mountain spans between West 30th Street and West 26th Place from Barber Avenue to Barber Court. It originally housed a bakery before reverting to rental space. McGovern's father managed it from the 1960s to 2013, when it came under John's stewardship. The assertion of where do we start? regarding Spang Mountain's empty space aptly applies. McGovern has selected a couple of efforts that combine usage, the arts and a healthy dose of respect for the site's urban neighborhood and its denizens. Last Saturday, McGovern invited artists to celebrate the building in a communitycentered graffiti project, wherein they festooned eight industrial garage doors with fantastical images. McGovern funded the effort via an In Our Back Yard (IOBY) crowd-funding site, with which he raised nearly $500 to provide food, beverages and painting supplies. The artists, including Justin Cownden, Chris Cook, Dayz Whun, Fade Resistant, Jorge Cervantez, the Tall Boyz and Righteous Mothers (visiting from Columbus), donated their time. With garage doors as canvases, McGovern offered up neighborhood-inspired themes that he developed in tandem with the Barber/Vega/Queen Block Club. The artists were asked to graphically translate the concepts of gardens, helping hands, roots/intergenerational households/lifelong residents, diversity, chickens, bicycles and skateboards. "Everything we do is in tandem with neighborhood," says McGovern. "I try to go to as many block club meetings as I can." The artists included a love-struck robot on wheels, a giant blue feline, an eggplant, a screaming hand, carrots, a couple of chickens with serious 'tude and a shout-out to "216 – Cleveland – Ohio." McGovern describes the Graffiti Garages project as a small art festival and intends to plan other larger events that will involve area kids. "I think that we definitely want to treat the building as a large canvas when and where we can." As for the interior of Spang Mountain, McGovern has enlisted TOI Studio to draw up plans for the first phase of the property's transformation. He intends to create artist/maker studios in 5,400 square feet of space on the ground floor of the western section of the structure with the second floor housing digital artists. Being green is priority number one. "We really want the building to be a showcase for ecological design in terms of retrofitting an older industrial commercial building. What can you do in renovating the building that not only makes it a good place for people to be, but something that returns gifts to the environment?" he poses. "The first thing we'll address is all the rainwater that hits the building as an impervious surface. How do we channel it into something beautiful and then percolate it back into the ground? That's something we've been looking at for a while." Heating the building with geothermal wells is another eco-friendly option he might pursue. Being bicycle friendly is also a primary consideration. McGovern's 15 years in middle school education fuels a loftier goal as well: for the future makers inside Spang Mountain to inspire area youths, particularly those not intent on a college track. "To see someone blowing glass or doing some craftsman-style welding and say, 'Hey, that could be a career for me!'" imagines McGovern, "to have this as an entry point for vocational education, that would be a dream come true for me."

Detroit Shoreway pop-up competition features cash, training, free rent MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2015

Professional training, $1000 for sundry startup costs and free rent for three months in a 760-square-foot storefront in the heart of Gordon Square round out the loot the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization (DSCDO) is offering up as part of a Gordon Square pop-up competition. Ward 15 Councilman Matt Zone is funding the effort. "It’s a real opportunity to shape the future of urban retail in Gordon Square," says Adam Rosen, economic development director for DSCDO, noting that the district has added 85 new businesses since 2006, "and it's going to keep going." He tags the imminent openings of superelectric, Banter, Astoria and the Arcadian as evidence of such. Currently Esperanza's unique clothing and home goods store is operating in the space, which Rosen describes as "retail ready" with shelving, lighting and bathroom facilities. The previous tenant was Retropolitan. In addition to forthcoming neighbors, venues such as the Capitol Theater, which garners some 60,000 visitors a year, the new Near West and Cleveland Public Theaters, Luxe, Happy Dog and the ever-popular Sweet Moses ice cream confectionary attract their share of feet on the street. "You've got all that traffic," says Rosen, noting the inherent value for prospective pop up shop proprietors. "It's an opportunity for someone to slide right into a highly active district and get new customers to expand their reach and hopefully to establish their brand to fit into Gordon Square." Thus far, DSCDO has received approximately a dozen entries for businesses looking to expand their retail footprint for clothing, food and art. Rosen expects that number to double by the September 28th application deadline. While he looks forward to a new retail offering for the 2015 holiday season, the goal of the competition goes beyond that. "The ultimate goal is to keep that business in the neighborhood. That’s why we're doing this training with ECDI (Economic and Community Development Institute)." The successful candidate will be obliged to take that organization's Small Enterprise Education Development (SEED) training series, which focuses on business concept, organization, customer relations, and helping entrepreneurs develop their venture through an action-oriented process. One runner-up will be offered the SEED training as well. "We provide all those tools so you can be a sustainable business in a neighborhood that lasts. That's really the goal—to have someone that lasts." And if that business eventually moves elsewhere, Rosen says there will be no sour grapes. "Even if they don’t stay in Gordon Square," he says, "we view it as something that will give Cleveland as a whole better business plans and better business models." In order to select the winning candidate, DSCDO's economic development committee will review the applications and select one much in the way they evaluate a prospective lessee, with the organization's master plan and strategic vision for the neighborhood as criteria. "It’s a very similar process, albeit this application and what we ask of businesses for a pop up is much less than what we'd ask of a business for a potential long term lease agreement." The DSCDO owns more than 50,000 square feet of property within the district. Regarding the management of those assets, Rosen sees a community development landlord as being slightly different than a standard landowner when working with potential tenants. "We work with tenants to help them be the best they can be in fitting in with the existing flow and atmosphere of Gordon Square and Detroit Shoreway," he says. "We kind of go the extra mile. We really have the best interest of the neighborhood in mind." Information regarding the competition, including guidelines, the application and questionnaire are available here. The successful candidate will be announced on October 9th.

Metro Home rekindles heyday of downtown shopping MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2015

The street level view on the corner of East 9th and Walnut Avenue has bloomed in a way few might have predicted not so long ago. In 2009, the former East Ohio Building at 1717 East 9th Street was vacant. Now, 223 apartments populate the 21 floors and a gorgeous new home furniture and décor retail venture, Metro Home, occupies the space where Clevelanders used to go to pay their utility bills. "I'd flip the lights on and there would be seven or eight different people just peering in the windows," recalls store manager Robb Ernsberger of the store's soft opening in late July. "We let them in when there wasn't price tags on this stuff just to let people get acclimated to us." No wonder that. Metro offers up retail eye candy the likes of which downtown hasn't seen since the heyday of the department store era, when window dressing was an art form and the Home departments at May's or Halle's or Higbee's housed divans and love seats worthy of the stately mansions in Ambler Heights or on Edgewater Drive. Metro clinched the lease deal earlier this year. The City of Cleveland did minor build-out work in order to accommodate the spacious 4,500-square-foot store. Now the space is teeming with color and forward thinking pieces designed with the new downtown apartment dweller in mind, although Ernsberger reports that plenty of suburbanites and business owners peruse the merchandise as well. The eclectic stock includes seating options such as the funky Flirt Sofa ($2,199) and EQ3 Tub Chair ($699) as well as quirky kitchen items. Try Stonewall’s Maple Bacon Onion Jam (about $8), or THAT! heated butter spreader (about $20), which uses the heat of your hand to ease the pesky task of making chilled butter submit to a slice of toast. "It basically makes spreading butter ridiculously easy," says Ernsberger. "The thing can cut an ice cube in half." Alternative cutting devices notwithstanding, Ernsberger notes that the new venture bodes well for downtown, much in the way Heinen's Grocery Store and the forthcoming Geiger's clothing and sporting goods shop are changing the area's landscape in both a literal and symbolic sense. "It goes to show that another type of retail location can come down here and have an impact," says Ernsberger of Metro's new location, adding that downtown retail success is no longer just for the restaurant entrepreneur. Metro owner Michael Rogoff started in the business in 1971 selling waterbeds in Cleveland Heights. While stores have opened and closed over the years, he's been selling homewares continually since then with at least one or two stores open at any given time. Currently, he's got the downtown Metro and one at 7835 Mentor Avenue in Mentor, which opened about three years ago. Rogoff also operates Sleep Source, a furniture and mattress warehouse at 5100 Pearl Road in Cleveland. As for the latest venture, Ernsberger concedes that during the first month, the floor saw more lookers than buyers, but that's changing. "We are definitely trending upwards," he says. "We are definitely starting to heat up."

Edwins begins expansion into Buckeye with its Second Chance Life Skills Center TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2015

Brandon Chrostowski, the founder and CEO of Edwins Leadership and Restaurant Institute at Shaker Square, is moving ahead with his vision of revitalizing the nearby Buckeye neighborhood and providing housing for his restaurant workers. Construction began in late July on the Edwins Second Chance Life Skills Center – three buildings on 20,000 square feet of property located at South Moreland Boulevard and Buckeye Road. The campus includes a 22-bed dorm, an eight bedroom alumni house, fitness center, library and basketball court, as well as a test kitchen. Edwins students will also have the opportunity to take life skills classes. Edwins students will live in the dorms, rent-free, but $100 a month will be taken out of their paychecks. When they graduate, that money will be given back to them for a deposit on their own apartments. Graduates of the program who can’t find housing can live in the alumni house for $150 a month. The point of the campus is to give Edwins students, who get a second chance at a productive life after being incarcerated through learning the art of working at a French restaurant, a free or affordable place to stay while they get back on their feet. Edwins Restaurant has graduated 89 students since opening in November 2013 and has a current class of 30. Additionally, Chrostowski teaches classes at Grafton Correctional Institution, where 37 students have graduated. Chrostowski has lived in some shabby neighborhoods around the globe while working in the finest restaurants. “The way to bridge that is teaching,” he says. “If you can teach those skills, you can work your way out of anything. I’ve hit bottom twice in my life and I got back through good, hard work. Every human being, regardless of the past, has a right to a future.” Even though construction on the buildings will not be done until November, some of the Edwins students are already living on the property. “Five guys are living there right now, as construction is going on, because they don’t currently have a home,” says Chrostowski. “We have gotten a warm reception there.” Chrostowski held a fundraiser in February for the $1.6 million project and raised $152,000 on top of two anonymous donations totaling $1 million. Additionally, a slew of community business leaders donated their time and services to Chrostowski to make the idea a reality. Jones Day helped the center to gain nonprofit status, structured the purchase agreements and guided the diligence for the three real estate deals. “Edwins is a brilliant and unique concept to change the face of re-entry in the United States, and it's consistent with our commitment to doing the right thing," says Chris Kelly, partner-in-charge of Jones Day's Cleveland office. "We take tremendous pride in the civic-minded efforts of our people. The lawyers in our office here were -- and remain -- overjoyed at the prospect of helping Brandon with his bold ambitions. We are extraordinarily proud to be part of his endeavor." Other companies include Lightning Demolition, which has done everything at cost, and RDS Construction, which provided its services at below market costs and helped with the planning. “RDS Construction has been guiding and attending meeting after meeting throughout the process,” Chrostowski says. St. Luke’s Foundation has contributed financially each year toward Chrostowski’s mission. Bialosky and Partners Architects also provided design services. The Second Chance Center is just a small part of Chrostowski’s vision for the Buckeye neighborhood. He has been working with a team of partners on the area’s revitalization, including housing projects, bringing retail to Buckeye and revitalizing the old Moreland Theater. “Buckeye’s got the energy, it’s got soul,” he says. “I believe if we rally up the right people for the right projects, we can get ourselves a revitalized street and go from there.”

Luxury high rise in University Circle set to break ground in January MONDAY, AUGUST 31, 2015

Construction is slated to begin in January on a 20-floor luxury apartment building at Euclid Avenue and Stokes Boulevard in University Circle. The new high rise would add another high-end residential option in this booming, popular community. One University Circle, at 10730 Euclid Ave., should be ready for occupancy by January 2018. The 280-unit building will include 268 units averaging about 1,000 square feet, 12 additional penthouses, a four-story parking garage, outdoor grilling area, fitness room and yoga studio. The building also will have a café and market, business center and residents’ lounge. Dimit Architects designed the building, which includes a window wall and terracotta panel system for the exterior of the building. All of the units will have floor-to-ceiling glass, and some of them will have balconies or patios. University Circle Inc. president Chris Ronayne, who likens the project to similar apartment projects in New York’s Central Park and Chicago’s Millennium Park, envisions a diverse group of tenants, from academics and millennials to empty nesters. “You’re going to see a pretty diverse cross-section of people in One University Circle,” he predicts. “People who appreciate the amenities.” The building will offer easy access to the RTA HealthLine. Ronayne adds that the rising demand for city living in Cleveland will contribute to One University Circle’s appeal. It’s all about density when it comes to revitalizing any neighborhood, he comments. The residential component is just one factor. Retailers and public transportation are the other components that contribute to a thriving city. “When you’re looking at 280 units on 1.3 acres, you’re looking at the density of a major city,” he explains. “You need that kind of density to create foot traffic, retailers, for public transportation. We want a complete neighborhood where in a 20-minute walk you can find everything you need. The Circle has become a complete neighborhood.” A portion of the land at 10730 Euclid Ave. currently houses the Children’s Museum, which will be moving to the Stager-Beckwith mansion in Midtown. First Interstate Properties and Petros Development are partnering with University Circle Inc. on the project. Panzica Construction will be the general contractor.

Guide To Kulchur set to expand to larger digs in Gordon Square WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2015

Next week, Guide to Kulchur (GTK), the quirky bookstore and self-described "incubator for emerging and marginalized voices," will move from its tiny storefront at 1386 West 65th Street to roomier digs at 5900 Detroit Avenue. "It's part of our 20 job initiative," says GTK founder RA Washington. "We're adding 20 jobs over the course of 18 months. We're going to target the youth first and set aside jobs for kids with juvenile records." He plans to start by hiring six people, with some future slots slated for recently released prison inmates. The new 1,800-square foot space will feature more of what Gordon Square loves about GTK and then some, with a large stock of new books, a performance space, outside seating and even a coffee spot that will offer snacks made off site. And there's more to come. "In the next 18 months, we'll take over the second floor and that will be an artist in residence space," says Washington, adding that the additional 1,800 square feet will also house a community/meeting area. GTK's old home on 65th Street will transform into a regional warehouse for the Cleveland Books 2 Prisoners operation, which furnishes books to prisoners in Ohio, although Washington notes, "we get letters all the way from Texas, Indiana, Pennsylvania." He also supplies books to the homeless and invites community organizations and social justice advocates to take books free of charge for distribution from the warehouse. Regular janes and joes are free to peruse the stacks as well. "People can also buy books at a pay-what-you-want rate," says Washington. Amid all this development, Washington has recently launched GTK Press, which he also plans to expand at the new location in the 500-square-foot garage with more advanced equipment for printing and binding. Once established, he aims to bring in more youth employees to learn about publishing and the associated skills, from on-screen design to binding. He estimates the total cost of the endeavor at $23,000. Although he is still $7,000 short of his goal, an Indiegogo campaign helped raise nearly $7,000. GTK's pitch performance at last month's Startup Scaleup event garnered an additional $5,000. Washington has also worked with Kent State to get funding via the Common Wealth Revolving Loan Fund, which helps sole proprietorships such as GTK to transform into cooperatives. "The final step of the expansion is to transform Guide to Kulchur from a sole prop. to a worker owned co-op," says Washington. The grand opening of the new space is slated for September 4th.

Cleveland's next boom: Office space MONDAY, AUGUST 17, 2015

Fourteen cents doesn't sound like much, but one thin dime and four copper Lincolns amount to what might be the most significant number in Cleveland right now. "It is absolutely huge," says Gar Heintzelman, a research analyst for the global commercial real estate brokerage firm Newmark Grubb Knight Frank (NGKF). The figure represents the growth of area office rental rates over the last year, which now average $17.52 per square foot. "Cleveland hasn't seen a lot of rental growth," he adds, "because there's been so much product." The "product" Heintzelman's referring to is office space, which heretofore along the north coast was all but taboo to developers, but that's rapidly changing and the swift rise in downtown residential growth is a significant contributing factor. As largely vacant office buildings get snapped up for residential and mixed-use projects, they displace whatever professional tenants they have. Heintzelman cites the former East Ohio Gas building on East 9th Street, which is now the Residences at 1717, as one of the first harbingers of the trend. "Obviously that tower was largely empty," he says, adding that about 40,000 square feet of the space developed by K&D Management was actively occupied before the transition. "Those tenants had to go elsewhere. We're seeing more and more of that," he says. "The product is shrinking, but demand for office space has been the same for 10 or 15 years." Hence, prices are up and murmurs of new construction are bubbling among the development set, particularly in the wake of the success of the 480,000-squarefoot Ernst & Young Tower, 950 Main Avenue in the Flats, which is enjoying a 90 percent occupancy rate. While talk is long on Cleveland's comeback, Heintzelman is all about the numbers. Every quarter, he authors a Cleveland Office Market Report, which is largely a tool for NGKF brokers and clients. His data comes mainly from data analytic giant CoStar and a proprietary database populated by NGKF's insider information. Key takeaways from the current report include: --The much-ballyhooed sale of the 1.4 million-square-foot 925 Building (formerly the Huntington Building) at East 9th Street and Euclid Avenue, which is slated for nearly $300 million in redevelopment. Heintzelman calls the project simply, "giant." --The sale of the former Fifth Third Building at 600 Superior Avenue for more than $50 million. "That's over $100 a square foot," notes Heintzelman. "That's a high number. That's a pre-recession high number." --The law firm Benesch opting into the ambitious and yet-to-be realized nuCLEus project in the Gateway District with a lease agreement on 66,500 square feet. "It shows there is a demand for new high class A office space," says Heintzelman. "It kind of proves that the Ernst & Young Building was not an anomaly." --The Republican National Convention temporarily leasing 40,000 square feet in the Halle Building. "It's not going to be a negative when they leave; it's going to be a net positive while they're here," says Heintzelman, noting that the space is already slated for mixed-use redevelopment. "It's not going to get pushed back onto the market." Heintzelman, a lifelong Clevelander, speaks from personal experience on this unprecedented turn around and the residential boom. He's in the market for a Downtown apartment. "I'm on four waiting lists and can't find a single place," he laments. "The vacancy rate for apartments in the city of Cleveland is lower than Chicago, Brooklyn and Los Angeles. That's not a joke. It's harder to get an apartment in Cleveland than those three places." He did, however, manage to put a down payment on a unit in the Guernsey, 2836 Franklin Boulevard in Ohio City. As Heintzelman and droves of educated millenials elbow one another out of the way to move Downtown, it's creating a gravity, which is also a boon for office development. "That talent is going to attract more business into the city," he notes, adding that the trend is here to stay. "I don't see this as a bubble."

Gluten-free Cafe Avalaun coming to Richmond Road MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2015

As early as next month, Brian Doyle will be opening the Avalaun Café, 4640 Richmond Road, suite 200, which will set itself apart for many reasons, including being gluten-free. Doyle is the chef at the Beachland Ballroom and owner and chef for Sowfood, a caterer and CSA-style purveyor of prepared foods specializing in gluten-free options. While Doyle, alongside pastry chef Maggie Downey, have been running Sowfood in the 1,900-square-foot space since March, Doyle didn't finalize details on Avalaun until just last month. "It's been in the planning stages for about a year," says Doyle of the project, which he is financing privately and with a microloan from the Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI). Avalaun will feature an array of Downey's gluten-free baked items, salads, soups and sweet and savory crepes. "Anything you can put in a sandwich, you can put in a crepe," says Doyle. Menu specifics, however, haven't been nailed down yet--except for the coffee. Crooked River Coffee Company will be providing top shelf beans for an area that's badly in need of a good cup of joe. "We're going to be filling a void," says Doyle, noting that coffee options between Beachwood and Miles Road on Richmond Road are essentially nonexistent save for fast food chains. Initially, Avalaun will be open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, although Doyle hopes to expand those hours at a later date. He plans on hiring six employees, for which he is currently soliciting applicants. The space is the former site of Café Beníce. Since it previously housed an eatery, construction is minimal and Doyle is doing much of it himself with the help of some friends. Painting, decorating and minor construction are ongoing. The space features a large window between the dining area and the bakery, so patrons can watch the action in the kitchen. Avalaun will seat 20. Bridget Ginley, artist and host of the Sunday evening Erie Effusion on WRUW, constructed the tables for the café from reclaimed pallets. Carole Werder is creating a unique art installation with a poignant impetus. "Avalaun was my mother's name," says Doyle. "She passed away when I was eight." To that end, Werder's piece will be a painting of a tree with three-dimensional elements. Doyle describes the work as, in part, characterizing his mother's soul. "She was an artist and a poet." And she surely would be smiling upon her son's latest venture: a gluten-free eatery with a sharp eye on healthy local food in a stylish venue that's run by a sustainably minded staff. "It's not going to be this stark shopping center vibe," says Doyle. "It's going to be very unique and eclectic. It's going to have a lot of character and personality."

Exclusive first look: the Creswell WEDNESDAY, JULY 29, 2015

A new boutique apartment building with a quirky history, the Creswell, 1220 Huron Road, is set to open with 80 luxury one- and two-bedroom apartments in Playhouse Square. Move in dates will commence in September on the first six floors. Units on floor seven will be available in October. Floors eight through 11 are scheduled to start coming online in November, with all the apartments slated for completion by year's end. Thus far, 54 have been released to the market, and they are going fast. "We have 44 hard reservations out of 80 units," says Jon Mavrakis, managing director of CITIROC Real Estate Company, who is representing the project partners, the Slyman Group and the Dalad Group. Units will range from 773- to 1,162-square feet with rents from $1,275 to $1,920, although rents for the 11th floor two-bedrooms will top $2,000. North-facing apartments on the second floor will feature historic leaded windows. Construction started in January. Vocon is the architect on the project, which was awarded a $3.55 million state historic tax credit in 2013, and Dalad Construction is the contractor. The total cost is expected to be about $16 million. The 1920 Creswell was originally constructed as a garage for roadsters your great-great granddad zipped around in. Per the Aug. 15, 1920 Cleveland Plain Dealer (PD): "The south side of Huron Road at E. 12th Street is being improved with an eleven-story fireproof concrete structure with brick and terra cotta trimming that will house 800 cars." The Creswell was also built to last, with a footing of concrete piles that extended down 50 feet on account of quicksand (per the PD on Nov. 7, 1920). "The subfloors are all about two-foot-thick concrete," says Mavrakis of the building's solid construction. "It's very quiet." Hence, residents of the Creswell will not need to worry much about hearing the goings-on of their upstairs neighbors, which may include the four-footed variety. Two pets up to thirty pounds each will be allowed per apartment. While the building has endured these 95 years, the garage went out of business in 1923, after which the structure was quickly reborn as the Carnegie Hall Building and was home to a host of businesses in the entertainment industry and local legends such as the Cleveland Recording Company and Wyse Advertising. The style back then? Just plain cool. The new Creswell will have plenty of cool of its own, with a 1,000-square-foot fitness center and a rooftop deck that is scheduled to open in spring of 2016. Parking will be available at the Halle Garage for an additional charge. The first floor will have a 4,000-square-foot restaurant, a tenant for which has yet to be placed. "We're engaging some local operators," says Mavrakis. "We have a lot of interested people" He adds that one of the best parts of bringing these unique and modern apartments to a vintage building in Playhouse Square is the storied surroundings. "We feel this is the best neighborhood in the city."

Six Shooter Coffee coming to Waterloo TUESDAY, JULY 28, 2015

Peter Brown, proprietor of Six Shooter Coffee will move his bean-roasting operation from Miles Road in Cleveland to the corner of East 161st Street and Waterloo Road in the Collinwood neighborhood. Like so many proprietors of days gone by, he'll be living above the 900-square-foot shop, which will also house a storefront café. "It's very old school and it's very efficient," says Brown, adding that the arrangement will allow him to focus solely on his fledgling venture. "I feel like that's the safest way to make the business work." Scalish Construction is the contractor on the job and Cindy Wan is the architect. Northeast Shores Development Corporation is also assisting with the build out. The budget is confidential, although Brown did receive a grant, also confidential, from the Small Business Association. Brown plans to have two hourly employees and a store manager, with tentative hours from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the week and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends. The café will have bar seating along the front windows facing Waterloo and a few tables, accommodating between 26 to 36 customers. Six Shooter will be open as early as September and, Brown vows, no later than October. The shop will offer an array of coffee options including pour overs, lattes, cappuccinos and espressos, with classic drip coffee for those in a rush. But however his customers prefer it, Brown takes his brew seriously. "If you can think about coffee like some people think about wine, where different regions provide different flavor profiles," he says, "that's the approach that we're taking to coffee and I roast it to accentuate where it comes from." He describes one of his current batches from Bali as having notes of dark chocolate, pear and wafer. With joe that lofty, it will come as no surprise that flavored syrups will be limited to chocolate, vanilla and honey. "Personally, I am a purist," says Brown, "but I recognize that people like what they like." A small menu will include items baked strictly off site, as the kitchen area at Six Shooter will be dedicated to bean roasting. Poison Berry Bakery, a purveyor of vegan treats, will be one of the food suppliers, although Brown may add others. Six Shooter Coffee is also available The Grocery in Ohio City and Brown has a tentative agreement with Whole Foods to offer his beans in their forthcoming Rocky River store. So, what's the story behind the name? "I'm a little bit of a history buff," says Brown. "LBJ had a ranch where he served coffee and he called it 'six shooter coffee.'" Also, Brown's friends have been known to call him Pistol Pete. "So it's a little bit of a nod to history and a little bit of a play on my name." Brown is putting out a call to local artists interested in displaying their work at Six Shooter to contact him at for a possible commission/sale arrangement. He is available at 614-361-2437 or [email protected].

Artcraft Building to be reborn as office space MONDAY, JULY 27, 2015

The Artcraft Building, 2530-2570 Superior Avenue, which is beloved amongst the art set for its gritty appeal and inexpensive urban studio space, is about to undergo a major facelift. The building changed hands last year from the Roy Group to Global X as part of a larger real estate portfolio deal. The renovations will include the installation of all new windows and a complete overhaul of the HVAC system, which is currently powered by steam heat. "It must be the most energy inefficient building in northeast Ohio," says Global X's chief investment officer Timm Judson, "so we're going to change all that." Other upgrades will include façade work (cleaning and tuck pointing), new exterior lighting, interior structural changes, restoration of the water tower, which is still used for the building's sprinkler system, a new security system, a yet-to-bedetermined parking expansion and a refresh of all the common areas including the 26 bathrooms, which will be stripped down to the studs and completely redone. "They are in desperate need," says Judson. "The tenants are pretty excited about that." Whether or not they'll be around to enjoy the new bathrooms, however, is another matter. "We're trying to keep a lid on rental increases," says Judson, "but there will be rental increases. We've spoken to the tenants about that. Some will stay; some will go." Judson was short on specifics, saying that the financial model is still in the planning stage, but he does see rents moving up in phases, "so everyone's not sticker shocked." Currently, approximately two-thirds of the 265,000-square-foot building is occupied. One thing that will not change is the hand-operated elevators. "That was one of the truly charming features of the building that the tenants seem to love," says Judson, adding that the elevator operators will continue "being a part of the fabric of the building." Global X has budgeted $16 to $18 million for the project. "We'll be using federal historic tax credits, applying for state credits, and then we'll be using a mix of traditional and incentive based financing." Sandvick Architects are the historical advisors on the project with Vocon as the primary architect. The contractor is Marous Brothers. Judson hopes to begin work by early December. After that, milestone dates are tentative. "We just don't know what our timeline looks like right now," says Judson, adding that some "fairly large space users" have expressed interest in the refurbished class B+ offices. "We can't make any promises on delivering space, but we're getting close." Global X will be moving its own offices from 1303 Prospect Avenue into a 20,000square-foot space in the Artcraft in the summer of 2016—depending on how things go with the Republican National Convention. "We don't know how complicated that will be," says Judson. "So it may be that we wait until that event has passed." With residential development the reigning king in metropolitan Cleveland, the Artcraft project begs the question, why office space? "We've gone through a couple of different plans and iterations," says Judson, which included everything from gutting the building down to the columns to a residential build-out, but Global X eventually settled on offices. "Our thinking was, with all of these office buildings being converted to residential, all those displaced tenants and businesses need some place to go and there's not a whole lot downtown in quality B+ space." While the Artcraft project will be Global X's first foray into the once-derided and now booming section of Superior Avenue, it will not be its last. The organization has amassed a number of properties in the Campus District, plans for which are still highly tentative. "There are a couple of other buildings on (Superior) Avenue that we have our eye on," says Judson. "You don't want to get into an area after it's become really hot because then you're going to pay through the nose," he adds. "We just need to get our arms around what we're doing to do with these buildings. We're taking them one at a time."

Soda fountain expansion coming to b. a. Sweetie Candy Company TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2015

Still basking in the success of his company's move and expansion earlier this year from Brooklyn to Cleveland, Thomas Scheiman, president of b. a. Sweetie Candy Company, is looking forward to what he calls the most exciting project of his career: Sweeties Soda Shoppe, which is slated to open October 25. "It will be our own recipes," says Scheiman of the future ice cream offerings. "There'll be a lot of testing going on in October." With 5,100 square feet of space, the new soda fountain will be a far cry from the quaint storefront operations of yesteryear. Scheiman expects to add 16 people to his existing staff of 43 in order to man the new 150-seat establishment. Sweeties Soda Shop will be adjacent to the staggering 40,000-square-foot candy store and Golfland, a miniature golf course that is also part of the growing Sweetie campus at 6770 Brookpark Road. The new space will feature a party room that will seat 50 and have a dividing wall to accommodate two concurrent parties of up to 25 attendees each. This will significantly expand the outdoor party accommodations available seasonally at Golfland. The business end of the soda shop will be an "open kitchen concept," with windows showcasing employees preparing toppings and mixing and freezing the ice cream. "You'll be able to see everything," says Scheiman. With the addition of the soda shop, he sees the Sweetie campus as a perfect family destination spot, with a host of fun options including a leisurely stroll through the candy store's 14 aisles, a round of miniature golf and then a stop at the soda shop for a sundae, cone or float. "They can make a half a day out of this," says Scheiman. Fogg is the general contractor on the job. Chroma Design is doing the interior design. Both firms are local, which is something Scheiman strives for. To that end, he notes the store's acrylic candy bins come from HP Manufacturing on Carnegie Avenue and the shelving racks are supplied by Ohio Wholesale. The campus is approximately five acres. While the candy store was a new construction buildout, the soda shop will occupy a building that was built in the early 1980's and originally housed a restaurant, then a video arcade and most recently a church. Scheiman purchased the property in January 2012. The golf course was also existing, but had been shuttered. The cost of the multi-faceted and privately funded project is confidential, but Scheiman describes it as "an incredible amount of money." Scheiman bought the candy company in 1982 when it was called Bag of Sweets and employed just four people in a 1,200-square-foot space that offered no retail sales. This is the company's third major move and expansion since then. "Foot traffic is up 45 percent," says Scheiman, adding that Sweeties is on track to see 400,000 people come through its doors this year, up from 260,000 last year at the previous location, 7480 Brookpark Road. He credits the 40-foot lollipop beckoning travelers on Interstate 480 and the colorful sign on Brookpark for at least some of the added business. BNext Awning & Graphics of Cleveland supplied both. "This already is a destination," says Scheiman of Cleveland's largest candy store, noting that the sweetest part of the job isn't necessarily sampling the stock. "It's so rewarding to see families together doing something that is really cool."

Mayor reveals Oatey's best kept secret during groundbreaking ceremony MONDAY, JULY 13, 2015

Last Thursday beneath threatening skies, Oatey hosted a groundbreaking ceremony at the Emerald Corporate Park off Grayton Road near Interstate 480 in Cleveland. The 99-year-old company, which offers more than 6,000 plumbing products, paid $1.35 million for 7.6 acres at the site, on which it intends to build a two-story 43,500-square-foot building that will house its headquarters. Construction is slated for completion next year. Donley's is the contractor on the project, while Vocon is the architectural firm on the LEED certified design. Oatey will keep its three other Cleveland area locations open, two of which are on West 160th Street. The other is on Industrial Parkway. During last week's groundbreaking event, Martin J. Sweeney, representing the 14th District in the Ohio House of Representatives, touted the company's commitment to the city and environmental responsibility. "They were green before anybody else was green," said Sweeney of Oatey, noting how the company transformed a retention basin adjacent to its warehouse into a natural preserve that's a haven for migrating birds. "They should be commended on many different levels." Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish mused over the company's success, which he attributed to "a product line right out of professional wresting," adding that products such as Haymaker TM, Sizzle TM, Megaloc TM, "and my personal favorite, the Sludgehammer TM" are bound to be successful. While Budish's comments drew laughs, Mayor Frank Jackson drew attention to a facet of the Oatey operation that has little to do with its formidable Iron Grip TM products or Knock-Out TM test caps, but says a great deal about the company as a member of the community. "When I visited the company," said Jackson, "I ran across a group of developmentally disabled employees who were the happiest employees I ever saw. They were happy because the Oatey company had given them an opportunity." That program, which Oatey runs in collaboration with the United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) Association of Cleveland, has been in place for more than two decades. It currently employs approximately 20, with 12 doing light manufacturing and between eight and 10 in the distribution facility. They work six hours a day, every day. "They actually help us out a lot," said vice president of operations Kevin Ellman, adding that the company recently invested $20,000 to upgrade the group's work area with ergonometric chairs and tables. "They do a lot of light assembly and they're very valuable to our workforce." Oatey currently employs approximately 385, with plans to add up to 80 more jobs over the next four years, thereby increasing payroll by $3.8 million annually. Those new jobs and the projected overall investment in the new build garnered an incentive package from the city that includes a 70 percent tax abatement and a Job Creation Incentive Grant. Oatey has committed to stay in Cleveland for at least 10 years. As for the UCP program, Ellman said talk is underway to expand it into the new headquarters with some office workers. Until then, he notes how the group offers a subtler benefit that reaffirms Mayor Jackson's comments. "Whenever I'm in a bad mood or I'm not having a good day," said Ellman, "I go right down to that work cell and I talk to them. They're always positive. They just uplift me."

Local realty firm wins national recognition as 2015 Green Lease Leader MONDAY, JULY 06, 2015

NEO Realty Group, LLC does not tout itself as one of the area's largest or most influential real estate firms. "We're a local company," says Brant Smith, a managing broker for NEO. "We're in secondary markets," he adds, tagging Lakewood, Akron, Willoughby and Mentor. "We're in small- to medium-sized buildings." Most of the rental spaces the firm manages are 1,000 to 5,000 square feet. Operating on a smaller scale, however, hasn't stopped NEO from applying comprehensive energy savings strategies that garnered the attention of the Institute for Market Transformation (IMT) and the U.S. Department of Energy's Better Buildings Alliance, which designated NEO as a 2015 Green Lease Leader at the Better Buildings Summit in Washington, D. C., earlier this year. Green lease? "A green lease is an energy-aligned lease that tries to bring together different concepts and ideas related to sustainability and energy efficiency," explains Smith. Components include paying close attention during buildouts and upgrades by using low VOC paints (think lower odor and pollutants), window films, reflective roofing, flooring approved by the Forest Stewardship Council, LED and fluorescent lighting systems that adjust when natural light is abundant, low-flow commodes and faucets and perhaps most importantly, highly efficient heating and cooling systems monitored by digital systems that adjust heating and cooling when spaces are unused. "You start combining those things and they really do add up," says Smith, noting that NEO often tracks energy savings of 30 to 40 percent. Those numbers aren't pulled from the air. NEO has partnered with New Ecologix LLC, which performs energy audits and analyses on the firm's spaces. They use the resulting figures to construct clauses in leases that outline energy-saving commitments from both the tenant and the landlord. Industry insiders refer to the practice as overcoming split-incentives. An explanation per the IMT: "Traditional leases separate costs in a way that discourages landlord and tenant collaboration, while creating what is known as the 'split-incentive' problem: landlords have no incentive to improve the energy efficiency of their building, while tenants bear the brunt of wasteful and poorly performing building systems (AC, heating, etc.). With a modern, green lease, both landlord and tenant have incentives to invest in long-term, energy-efficient solutions. These sorts of investments are what you would see in today’s modern, green trophy office buildings." Smith believes that NEO's efforts to quantify green practice and adopt green policy by way of their leases is what set the firm apart and helped to garner the 2015 Green Lease Leader designation. "They were intrigued and impressed by what we were doing here in a secondary market in the Midwest with small- to medium-sized businesses," says Smith. For an example, Smith points to the firm's centerpiece holding, the historic 1923 Detroit Warren Building in Lakewood. How does he view the challenge of transforming a nearly 100-year-old building into a green property? "It's a huge opportunity," says Smith. And one NEO has taken hearty advantage of: the firm has reduced common area utility usage by 41 percent courtesy of upgrades to the lighting and HVAC systems and elevators. Smith and the NEO team, however, view their green aspirations on a broader scale. "Having good community relations and maintaining our buildings so we add to the vitality and livability of the cities we're in, that's the people side of it, the social side of it. It's a fundamental core part of our business," says Smith, adding that NEO aims to nurture the "triple bottom line" of people, planet and profit. "We don’t view ourselves as landlords. We view ourselves as stakeholders in the community."

Old-school face time stars at West 25th Street gaming cafe MONDAY, JUNE 29, 2015

Although Shiva Risner has had a lease in hand for Tabletop Board Game Café, 1810 West 25th Street, since last August, the much-anticipated opening of the old-schoolmeets-hip venue wasn't until last Friday, when all the snafus were finally behind her. "The roughest moment was when we were ready to get construction started," says Risner, "and we found out we didn't have the right zoning." Nail biting ensued, but after compromising with the zoning board over parking and having the appropriate hearings, Shiva and partners Michael and Brady Risner (who is also her husband) were able to get the zoning changed from a retail to restaurant designation. The newly renovated 2,000-square-foot space seats 68. The build out, which started in late January, included installation of ADA compliant bathrooms, a small prep kitchen and a bar. Shiva and her co-owners did as much work as possible, including building the bar, painting, and installing trim among other tasks. Casey Graor of CNG Construction LLC, however, did the heavy work. "He's the only contractor I ever met who is always on time and always picks up his phone," says Risner. "That was very refreshing for us." While privately financed, the project garnered $9,500 in Kickstarter support. Risner also got two storefront grants, one from the city of Cleveland and another from Ohio City Inc. Each were $3,000 for a total of $6,000. Signature Sign Co. constructed the signs for Tabletop, which will initially have two full-time and 10 part-time employees. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday. Admission is free before 3 p.m. on weekdays and $5 after 3 p.m. on weekdays and on weekends. Upwards of a thousand games, from Kingdom Builder (one of Risner's favorites) to Connect Four, are ready for play. There's no check out policy or limit on gaming; patrons are invited to pluck a game from the shelves and have at it. In between moves, Tabletop staff will be offering up nibbles such as the Avocado Bravado Sandwich and Buff Chick Dip. "It's our house made Buffalo chicken cheese dip," says Risner. "It's comfort food: indulgent and delicious." She recommends washing it down with a Left Hand Milk Stout or a Fine Dog 60 Minute IPA, although she advises, "We are going to be changing beers a lot." Risner, a 2014 Bad Girl Ventures graduate, describes herself as someone who's "bounced from one thing to another," with stints studying biology and law. She even took the bar exam. "I kept finding all these things were not for me," she says. "I did want to do something of my own, and have ownership." Then at her bachelorette party in Toronto, she found it. The group of 12 ladies went to Snakes & Lattes Café, which Risner describes as "the most successful board game café in North America." She watched on as everyone in her party started to, well, have a blast. "The girls were different in age, different in interests. A lot of them didn't know one another," she says, but pretty soon, "Everyone was laughing. It set the pace for the rest of the weekend." Hence, with a little nudge from her then-fiancé Brady, the idea for Tabletop was born. "At first, it started with us just talking about it, but it's turned into a reality." Now that it has, Risner hopes to cater to the local board game community, but she has loftier goals as well. "We want to bring board games to the general public, maybe to people who wouldn't consider themselves avid board gamers. Board games are about social interaction," she says, noting that old school face time is on the decline as our reliance on technology and social media grows. "People don't realize what they've been missing," she says, hoping plenty of them will drop into her new Ohio City storefront and give gaming a shot. "They really will have a great time."

New studios, listeners and partners for oWOW WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24, 2015

During last week's Third Friday event at 78th Street Studios, oWOW, a professional Internet radio station launched earlier this year, held an open house for guests to tour their newly completed studio space. The operation was formerly housed in makeshift offices. The paint was still drying, but oWOW founder John Gorman, the legendary machine behind WMMS's glory years, seemed pleased with the results. "We wanted an area at least wide enough to ride a horse in," he quipped of the 1,600-square-foot space. Work began shortly after oWOW launched in February. Steve Kibler was the general contractor. Mark Yager of Y Design, in collaboration with building owner Dan Bush, designed the space. "They came up with this funky but chic design. They wanted it to be very cool, but they wanted it to reflect the building as well," said Jim Marchyshyn, director of sales and marketing, "We're really happy with it. Hopefully we'll grow into more space." "If we have to, we'll go through the wall," added Gorman. Although no one was reaching for a sledgehammer just yet, the station is steadily growing. "Each week we pick up more listeners," said Gorman," and the listeners stay. The biggest growth is between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Those people are listening at work, which is what we'd hoped to do. The majority of our audience is in Cleveland, Akron and Canton." The station, which runs live programming 12 hours a day, has eight full-time and four part-time employees. "We have a lot of dedicated people that have put a lot of sweat equity in this," said Marchyshyn. In addition to expanding its audience, oWOW has adopted a couple of mascots and partnered with other area arts and culture events such as the popular summer mainstay event Wade Oval Wednesdays. They've also welcomed Steve Bossin as director of business development. He's been tasked with maximizing advertising. "He's got a lot of experience in Cleveland radio," said Marchyshyn. The past months haven't been completely smooth. Early on, the staff realized its operating system, described by Marchyshyn as the "brain that controlled everything," wasn't as sophisticated as it needed to be. "It didn't work. We realized that very quickly," he said of the previous system, which he declined to name. The replacement, however, is an RCS system. Hence, when Steve Pappas queues up the Led Zeppelin/James Brown mash-up "Whole Lotta Sex Machine," Springsteen's "Born to Run" and Murray Saul's notorious call to "get down" every Friday at 5 p.m., it all goes off without a hitch. "That signals to our audience," said Pappas, "it is officially the weekend."

Two Lakewood transformations: from nuisance properties to market value homes MONDAY, JUNE 22, 2015

A stunning 1898 Victorian Gothic home at 1436 Grace Avenue along with a 1906 home at 1446 Mars Avenue have left a dubious past behind and are ready for their close-ups. Back in the 1930s, both homes had been converted from single-family homes to boarding houses with multiple bedrooms. In recent years, they had become overcrowded and the subject of numerous police, fire and EMS calls. "They were really pulling down both streets and devaluing properties," says Ian Andrews executive director of LakewoodAlive, adding that one person owned both parcels. In 2012, the city purchased them for a total of $200,000. While city officials first considered demolition, they instead opted to enlist the nonprofit community development organization LakewoodAlive to investigate saving the structures. LakewoodAlive then turned to the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization. "They have a track record and experience doing this exact kind of work," says Andrews, "where you take an abandoned property and rehab and renovate it and turn it into a beautiful market rate home." LakewoodAlive stayed on as the local development entity, overseeing and marketing the project. "We were able to create a really great public/private partnership between the two nonprofits and the City of Lakewood," says Andrews of the collaboration that initially came together in May of 2013. To kick off the marketing campaign, they brought on Jeff Marks, who works on historic home renovations, to tour the property and come up with some initial floor plans to give prospective buyers an idea of each property's potential. "How do you take these beautiful homes that have been chopped up and return them to their prior splendor?" recalls Andrews. "With all the doors and walls, it was hard to visualize." So with some potential floor plans and renderings, they listed the homes thusly, $1 for the Grace Avenue property and $25,000 for Mars Avenue home. Interested parties had to have a minimum of $150,000 for renovations, a plan, and a proven track record. There were also deed restrictions on the homes: they could not be demolished or become rentals. "We had a lot of control," says Andrews. They held the first open houses in December 2013. More than 200 people toured each home, both of which closed in early 2014. James and Lilli Valli purchased the Grace Avenue property. The Mars property changed hands in summer of 2014, but ended up under the wing of Relief Properties. The Grace and Mars properties, 3,744 and 2,641 square feet respectively, are now market rate, single-family four-bedroom homes. The Vallis have uncovered beautiful architectural arches and hidden pocket doors during renovations and are slated to move in next month. Andrews describes the Mars home, for which Relief Properties found a buyer almost immediately after the project's 2015 completion, as having a "cool, historic mod mix." That family is already settled in. Each of the renovations cost more than $200,000. "It's really a great outcome," says Andrews, adding that he sees value in the projects reaching far beyond the front door thresholds. "It's so important that we invest in our older housing stock. It's critical to the success of our neighborhoods. We can't just have teardowns and vacant lots. You end up getting the missing tooth. You lose the density. It pulls down property values and the character of the neighborhood," he says, adding that stable residents bring in tax revenue and invaluable vitality. Andrews cites one more reason for inner ring suburbs and the City of Cleveland to invest and focus on improving existing housing stock. "Because it is beautiful."

925 set to send East 9th and Euclid into the stratosphere WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17, 2015

At a private press function held this week, Avi Greenbaum, a partner of the Floridabased Hudson Holdings, announced the company's plans for the staggering 1.4 million-square-foot 925 Building (formerly the Huntington Building). It all started on a romantic note. "The moment we walked into this building, we fell in love," said Greenbaum. Now Hudson intends to open this magnificent space to Cleveland and the world, with the breathtaking 61,000-square-foot lobby as the centerpiece. "We want to activate this lobby so everyone in downtown Cleveland wants to use it: for meetings, for a drink, to come and relax, to stay," said Greenbaum of a space that's been closed to the public for years. "We're looking forward to making this building as lively as it once was." In order to do so, Hudson intends to pour $280 million into the 925. Initial plans include 550 hotel-style apartments, 400,000 square feet of office space, a 300room flagged high-end hotel, 200,000 square feet of banquet/retail/conference space as well as a host of dining, lounge and club options in the building's unique areas, from the fascinating vaults to the airy penthouse ballroom and rooftop. Parts of the building will hopefully be available to host events for the 2016 Republican National Convention. The full buildout is tentatively slated for completion in 2018. "We're going long and big on Cleveland," said Greenbaum. As of yesterday, Hudson Holdings had owned the building for one week and a day. In an unmistakable underscore of the company's commitment to the project and the city, after the tours and photo ops and questions came to an end, Greenbaum hosted a full-service gourmet meal in that grand lobby. It unfolded at a single table that seated some 45 guests, complete with candles, flowers and linens. First, roaming wait staff served mini crab cakes and gazpacho shots while attendees sipped flutes of Mumm Napa Brut Prestige champagne. Driftwood Catering then offered up plates worthy of the three-story limestone pillars and marble walls and floors: greens and mandarin oranges dressed with blue cheese and toasted almonds, duck confit in a black berry reduction, seared sea scallops and corn risotto. They topped it off with politely wrapped cake lollipops. A full service bar and cheeseboard (think ripe strawberries, St. André triple cream brie) was available throughout the event. Cleveland's newest cocktail also made its debut. "The Huntington" is a concoction of Grey Goose Vodka, Patron Tequila, fresh lime and simple syrup. Such an auspicious display surely bodes well for the intersection of East 9th Street and Euclid Avenue, but if Greenbaum's grace as a host does not persuade, there is the less tasteful discussion of money. Case in point: The seller of 925 Euclid Avenue, Optima Ventures, purchased it in 2010 for $18.5 million. The building was at about 50 percent occupancy. Hudson purchased the building, which down to about eight percent occupancy, for $22 million, "which kind of speaks to the change that's going on in Cleveland," said Optima's representative Terry Coyne, vice Chairman of Newmark Grubb Knight Frank, adding that right now in Cleveland, mixed-use development is king and traditional tenants are not necessarily what a buyer is looking for. "If you bought the building fully occupied," he said, "you'd probably have to pay people to leave." Prices on vacant buildings going up, the historic Schofield Building transforming into a boutique Kimpton Hotel, oodles of capital pouring in from out of state, an urban resort at the once-derided Breuer building, a vacant bank building reborn as a divine grocery store ... it's all a far cry indeed from these musings that ran in the New York Times on June 17, 2007: "Marcel Breuer, one of the fathers of modern architecture, built only one skyscraper, the 29-story Cleveland Trust Tower, which today stands abandoned on a forlorn block downtown." That "forlorn block" is part of an intersection that's slated to become one of the city's greatest comeback stories, in no small part due to the sheer audacity of the associated projects. With this most recent announcement and the driving force behind it, the borders of the city won't be able to contain the success of East 9th Street and Euclid Avenue. Greenbaum's banking on that very assertion with his wallet and his heart. "We think this is really going to help raise Cleveland's profile nationally," he said of his latest love. "It was possibly the most grand building we've ever walked into."

It's raining barrels in the BellairePuritas neighborhood TUESDAY, JUNE 16, 2015

Whether or not it's raining, Rachel Napolitano, marketing coordinator and engagement specialist at the BellairePuritas Development Corporation (BPDC), fields requests for rain barrels. "Even on the coldest winter day, someone will call about a rain barrel," she says. "We get phone calls all year round—and every day it rains." While those requests won't reserve a barrel, Napolitano makes sure people inquiring about the program get information and an application as soon as the city announces it, which has been every spring for the last seven years. She estimates that they’ve distributed 156 barrels in the Bellaire-Puritas neighborhood since the program's inception. "It's kind of gone viral the old-fashioned way—a grass roots sort of viral," says Napolitano. People will see the barrel in their neighbor's yard. First they get curious and ask about it; and then they get jealous. That's when they call the BPDC. The barrels for the 2015 season arrived last week. Before they had all 30 unloaded, 21 were already spoken for. "People in the neighborhood are passionate about a lot of things. We have nice yards here. People have really robust and humungous gardens," says Napolitano, adding that some nurture flowers; others opt for vegetables and, of course, some plant both. Furthermore, other residents understand that stopping water from entering storm sewers is always a good thing, particularly amid the Chevy branch of the Big Creek, which runs through the Bellaire–Puritas neighborhood. It has a history of overflowing into the street and storm sewers and causing flooding. "Even if they're not going to garden, they value keeping water in that barrel during a storm event instead of having it discharge into the street and perhaps contribute to a flooding problem," says Napolitano. "They like saving money on water bills as well." Residents use the non-chlorinated rainwater to water gardens and lawns, but Napolitano has another suggestion for its use. "Your hair turns out the shiniest if you wash it in rain water," she says. The City of Cleveland employs local youths to assemble and install the rain barrels. The BPDC makes it even easier, sending out their own handypersons to install Oatey Mystic downspout diverters, which are manufactured right in the neighborhood at 4700 West 160th Street. The entire program is cost-free for residents. Napolitano most enjoys meeting the residents, seeing their gardens and hearing their garden stories. The pro-rain barrel set includes immigrants, long-time residents and people from other parts of the country. "The interest cuts across a lot of demographics," says Napolitano. "It's a great way to get to know residents, especially the people who really care about conservation." Aside: The Oatey Mystic diverter was born in 2009, when the city approached Oatey about developing, designing and manufacturing a rainwater diverter specifically for its rain barrel program. The diverters became so popular; Oatey now sells them throughout the United States and Canada.

Artists to earn renter equity with innovative Glencove project WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10, 2015

Over the summer, a lucky group of yet-to-bedetermined artists in North Collinwood will have a chance to lease amass equity in their living space without taking out a loan or making a single mortgage payment. "This is a unique opportunity for artists who are not ready to own a home, but still want to have value in the community that they live in as well as earn equity for themselves," says Camille Maxwell, assistant director at Northeast Shores Development Corporation (NSDC). The program will unfurl at the Glencove building, 231 East 156th Street, which has been undergoing renovations since June of 2014. Formerly home to a tavern of the same name and four residential units, the space has been vacant since 2005, when NSDC purchased it for $52,500. The circa 1920 building now houses six units, two one-bedrooms and four twobedrooms ranging from 650- to 850-square-feet, all of which are outfitted with standard kitchen appliances, a washer and dryer in each unit, and individual HVAC systems. The Glencove also has off-street parking for tenants and their guests and perhaps most importantly, a studio/display space for each resident artist. For two of the first floor tenants, that space will be part of their unit. The other four tenants will each have a dedicated space in the basement that is heated and lockable with access to a utility/cleanup area. Monthly rents are incredibly affordable, ranging from $600 to $700. Inspired by the Cornerstone Renter Equity program in Cincinnati, the project is the first of its kind in Northeast Ohio. LDA Architects were the lead designers. Lawler Construction did the build-out on the $771,000 project. "We received $350,000 in support from the City of Cleveland's Housing Trust Fund," says NSDC's executive director Brian Freidman. "We also have some Kresge Foundation support on the project." The balance of the finance package includes a mortgage on the property with IFF, a certified community development financial institution. Resident artists will earn equity by making timely rent payments, maintaining common areas, doing light landscape work and attending residential meetings. "It's kind of a shared responsibility environment," says Maxwell, "like a family within their living space." Tenants will get monthly statements detailing their earned credits. If they stay for five years, they can earn as much as $4,136. "They can cash out," says Maxell. "If they decide, 'hey, I want to go buy a house,' they can use that $4,000 for a down payment -- or get a gallery. Whatever they want to use that money for, they can." If a resident moves out before their would-be five-year anniversary, however, they forfeit all credits. If they stay on at the Glencove, they can earn a maximum of $10,000 over 10 years. If they cash out at any point after the five-year anniversary, their balance is thusly adjusted, but they continue to accrue credits. "We already have two potential tenants," says Maxwell, adding that she hopes to see a late June or early July move-in date. "They're completing their applications. We're just waiting for them to submit all their paperwork." While the Glencove project is dedicated for artists, Maxwell is quick to stress that the Waterloo neighborhood welcomes everyone, particularly those who just want to be in a creative and active environment. "I don't like to leave out non-artists because they're a big factor in our community too," she says, noting that a diverse population tends to balance itself. "When people start seeing things happen in the neighborhood, they become more involved. Maybe they weren't sure if they could do ceramics, but now we have a ceramic studio. We have a fiber studio. Once you bring that in, you start seeing change in the neighborhood -- a positive change that people can get involved in." Maxwell sees the innovative Glencove renter equity project as a pilot of sorts. "We hope that we can be a model for other neighborhoods and communities." Artists interested in more information about the Glencove, applying for tenancy or touring the property may contact Northeast Shores Development Corporation's assistant director Camille Maxwell at 216-481-7660, ext. 30 or [email protected].

Chef-inspired to meet grab-and-go at new Ohio City sandwich shop MONDAY, JUNE 08, 2015

Chef Brendan Messina, formerly of Rockefeller's in Cleveland Heights, is set to open a sandwich shop next month in Ohio City that will blend convenience with craft. "A lot of sandwiches I'll be creating are definitely going to be chef-based," says Messina of the new Herb'n Twine Sandwich Co. "I want the flavors to marry well together and have a decent sandwich -- with quality over quantity -- for eight or nine dollars." The centerpiece of the menu will be Messina's Porchetta Sandwich, which will feature thinly shaved pork shoulder that's been rubbed, cured in-house for 24 hours and roasted, fresh cracklings from La Plaza in Lakewood and "chilichurri sauce," which is Messina's own concoction of chilies and a classic chimichurri sauce. "It will kind of melt in your mouth," he says of his Porchetta. Other offerings will include daily soups, in-house smoked ham, turkey and bacon and vegan-friendly options such as hummus plates and quinoa salads. While there will be seating for about 10, Messina describes Herb'n Twine as mainly a take-out shop. "Ohio City needs a grab-and-go spot," says Messina. "Every place, for the most part, is sit-down dining." Herb'n Twine will also feature products from local vendors such as the Pork Chop Shop, Blackbird Baking Company and Old City Soda. "I'm excited about Fresh Fork Market opening down the street," says Messina, adding he hopes to incorporate more exotic meats courtesy of Adam Lambert's butchering skills. "I really like the idea of local businesses supporting each other." Formerly home to the notorious Speak in Tongues nightclub, Herb'n Twine will occupy 1,400 square feet in one of Ohio City's gorgeous century buildings at 4309 Lorain Avenue next to Bloom and Clover Wax Studio. Messina inked the lease on May 1st and is planning to be open by July 4th weekend. Michael McGettrick is the architect for the privately financed project. "I want to do a modern-meets-distressed feel," says Messina, adding that the interior will feature exposed brick and an open kitchen in hopes of creating an atmosphere that is at once new age and homey. The shop will be open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. into the later evening hours. Messina's professional kitchen experience began at the tender age of 12, when he washed dishes at the Asian Wok in Westlake. Now 28, the lifelong northeast Ohioan also once pursued a career in audio engineering that fell through, so he returned to the kitchen. A sous chef at Rockefeller's since 2011, that venue's May 30th closure marked a turning point for him. "It was time to move on and start my own thing," says Messina. "It's going to be a really exciting summer."

Fresh Fork Market and chef Adam Lambert to open boutique grocery in Ohio City MONDAY, JUNE 01, 2015

Ohio City is set to welcome a unique new storefront that will marry a high-end wholeanimal butcher with one of the area's most notable proprietors of fresh local produce and dairy. Trevor Clatterbuck of Fresh Fork Market is teaming up with chef Adam Lambert (Bar Cento, Lola, the Black Pig) to open a new storefront at 3208 Lorain Avenue, which formerly housed Ohio City Writers. "We have a lot of similar ideas of the way things should be produced," says Clatterbuck of the partnership. "We've been traveling around buying breeding stock for this project," he adds, tagging farms in Chardon, Wilmot and Ashland. Offerings will also include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy and eggs collected from more than 100 area farms, many of which do not have websites (although there are one or two exceptions). The duo hopes to complete the buildout in time for an early fall opening, when produce is at its peak. While they haven't settled on a name yet, they're leaning towards Ohio City Provisions: Market and Butcher. Doug Wahl of Visio Architects is proceeding with the design of the privately funded project. The approximately 2,000-square-foot space will be open seven days a week with varying hours. Slaughtered animals will arrive as hanging sides, which Lambert will convert into retail cuts and "old-world charcuterie," including sausages, pates, terrines and cured meats. "We're bringing in the whole animal," says Lambert. "Nothing goes to waste." He'll also craft selections such as headcheese and liver mousse. Originally planned as part of Sam McNulty's "Palace of Fermentation," Clatterbuck and Lambert decided to branch out on their own due to the scheduling of that project. "It's just taking more time and more time and more time," says Lambert. The Ohio City space includes two connected storefronts, one of which will feature dairy and produce and the other will showcase the meats, butchering and a small cooking area that will accommodate a limited take-out menu. The shop will employ approximately six. "It will be my first storefront," says Clatterbuck, who boasts 3,500 weekly subscribers to his online-only Fork Fresh Market. The new store will carry the same product line he offers those customers, but with the convenience of a brick and mortar location. Housed in the 1906 Miller Building, which is co-owned by Ohio City Inc. and the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization, the new business will join a hair salon and BuckBuck studio on the first floor. The upper floors house 18 residential units. "It’s a beautiful building," says Tom McNair, executive director of Ohio City Inc. of the red brick structure, "but it's not unique for Lorain Avenue," which he calls the "last vestige of commercial Victorian architecture in Cleveland." While the West Side Market and The Grocery are in very close proximity, McNair believes this high-end foodie addition will positively impact all three businesses and the neighborhood at large. "You start clustering a lot of the same type of businesses and it can be a very powerful thing," says McNair. "I think it really builds up Ohio City as an epicenter of fresh food and produce. It’s a great fit all the way around."

150-year-old Ohio Awning moves, leaves historic building in good hands TUESDAY, MAY 19, 2015

Earlier this month, Ohio Awning and Manufacturing, which was founded in 1865 by Civil War veteran James Wagner, moved from its historic 78,000-square-foot factory at the corner of Scranton Road and Auburn Avenue in Tremont to 5777 Grant Avenue in Slavic Village. Ohio Awning vice president William Morse says of the company's former space, "it's just a gorgeous building with hardwood floors and big redwood beams and tons of windows. It's also incredibly inefficient," he adds, citing the drafty windows and the structure's antiquated four-story layout. With welding on one floor and sewing on another, there was much inefficient labor usage, including handcarrying materials and finished products up and down stairs. "To bring a 40-foot awning down the stairs really got to be inconvenient," says Morse. "It’s a couple hundred pounds. It took six to eight guys." Hence their new 110,000-square-foot single-floor space makes life a lot easier, although they're only occupying about 65,000 square feet of it. They intend to lease another 40,000 square feet and also plan to open a 4,000-square-foot showroom mid-summer, where customers can view awning samples, touch and feel different fabrics and see an electronic rendering of their future awning, provided they bring a photo of their home. "We'll have the ability to put it up on a television and add the awning to the picture," says Morse. "We can design your awning in our showroom." The company purchased the Grant Avenue property last November for $1.05 million. Chase Optical built the structure in 1960 and expanded it in 1978. The last occupant began a build out, but then vacated the property, fortuitously leaving it in move-in condition for Ohio Awning. The company's old digs will continue on as a landmark in the historic South Scranton neighborhood, with a stunning transformation that will make the 1893 structure, well, brand new. The group that brought the Fairmont Creamery project to fruition, Sustainable Community Associates, secured a $1.7 million state tax credit, which will help to realize more than 50 apartments and 10,000-square-feet of office space in the old Wagner factory. Vintage photos and project updates are available at the Wagner Awning Building's Facebook page. Morse's father, Andrew, purchased the company in 1995 shortly after the name had changed from Wagner Awning to Ohio Awning and Manufacturing. While Morse has no flashy plans to celebrate the company's 150th birthday, he notes the history that's unfurled over the years, including a slew of military contracts going back through both World Wars and even to the Civil War. There were gentler events as well. "We've got a bunch of old scrapbooks with old pictures of the tents we used to put up in the '30s and '40—for the Hanna wedding and the Ernst wedding and somebody's debutante ball and this party and that party … just gorgeous old tent structures." Some of the dance floors that went inside those tents have been transformed into desks in the company's offices and even a conference table for Ohio Awning's new location. "The amount of history, all the different things we've been involved in," says Morse, "it's a little bit overwhelming to think of all the things we've done." And while Ohio Awning and its employees will miss the Scranton Road location, Morse is happy to know it's headed for a new incarnation. "It is in good hands. The character and just that nice feeling of the building will be maintained. I think it was a little wasted on us just because people were too busy working. A whole lot more people will be able to enjoy it."

Motorcars Honda expands with unique assembly line, solar canopy WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2015

Motorcars Honda, a Cleveland Heights institution, is pouring $6 million into a sweeping renovation that will include an innovative new service installation and vast solar canopy. "We're the largest single structure solar panel in country for automotive dealerships," says Motorcars general manager Trevor Gile. "That's why this is so unique." Athens, Ohio-based Dovetail Solar and Wind designed the canopy. More than eighty percent of the steel used for the structural beams came from recycled cars. The canopy will cover nearly 24,000 square feet and generate an estimated 50 to 75 percent of the facility's energy. The solar installation will cost $1.7 million, which is subject to 30 percent in federal tax credits. The canopy was the brainchild of Motorcars salesman Andrew Chiarelli, who shared it with management. "We couldn't wrap our arms around it," says Gile. Then Dovetail presented the canopy as an energy producer that would also protect their stock, cutting down on snow removal and making car browsing more attractive during inclement weather. "At that point," says Gile, "it started making sense." It also paid off. Earlier this month, Honda Motorcars was named Ohio Business of the Year by Green Energy of Ohio. In addition, the firm is expanding with a new assembly line for car repair. The move will hopefully translate into savings for customers and efficiency for the service department. "Cars will be pulled along kind of like a car wash," says Gile, adding that he believes the assembly line, which will be part of an 11,250-square-foot addition, will make Motorcar's service department the most advanced in the country. "Things that would normally take two hours will be done in less than a half hour." Construction started last November. The canopy will include 1,240 solar panels rated at 270-watts each and is slated for completion in early June. The assembly line expansion is scheduled for an August completion date. The renovations also include a total interior remodel, with the installation of LED lighting throughout. For a bird's eye view of the construction, poke around this page, which includes footage produced by videographer Ted Riolo with the help of a drone camera. The renovation will also feature a new approximately 500-square-foot kids' play area with a very specific theme. "It's going to be like an indoor kids' dealership," says Gile. "We'll have a little service department and a little showroom where kids will be able to design their own cars." The space will also have a 500-gallon fish tank. Other new green practices will include alternatives to rental cars for those waiting on a vehicle in the service department. Gile is on a mission to purchase between six and 12 three-wheeled bikes and coming up with maps that outline walking routes around the neighborhood. He's also hoping to line up some coupon deals with area eateries and retail spots. "People can get some exercise and not take a rental car." In addition, the firm aims to expand green awareness with grassroots community involvement. "We're trying to get a bunch of farmers markets to do an event under the solar panels and other events to help promote being green," says Gile. "We hope to get some awareness for solar panels in Ohio. I think a lot of people don't think there's value in them, but there definitely can be."

Agora foods, Le Petit Triangle teaming up for new retail space/eatery in Gordon Square MONDAY, MAY 11, 2015

While the lion's share of the 24,000-squarefoot building at 5417 Detroit Avenue currently houses Agora Foods International, the front section of the building is on the verge of a transformation that will undoubtedly delight neighbors and foodies from near and far. "We're going to have a specialty shop and a small tapas café operation," says Steve Daniels, vice president of Agora, a Mediterranean food importer and distributor that formerly operated at 3007 Clinton Avenue in Ohio City. "We're not just going to do Greek, we're going to do the whole Mediterranean region." The store and café will collectively be called Astoria. Tom and Joy Harlor will helm the café, which will seat approximately 45. The couple is best known for their popular Ohio City nosh spot, Le Petit Triangle Café, at 1881 Fulton Avenue. The café will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, with full liquor service Monday through Saturday and beer-only on Sunday, although Daniels is petitioning to expand the Sunday offerings. Retail selections will include cheeses, olive oils, dry cured meats, grains, roasted vegetables and olives that Agora imports from around the world and are currently only available to its commercial clients. Astoria will be approximately 4,000 square feet and will feature an open floor plan that will accommodate the retail sales area, dine-in seating, a small bar and an open kitchen. Currently, the entire front of the building is walled-in, unattractive from the outside and cave-like on the inside, but that's about to change. "It's going to be one big room, all windows, with light coming in to make it nice and bright and sunny," says Daniels of Astoria, noting his team's affinity for the area. "We're excited for the area and, hopefully, they'll be excited for us," Considering the new windows and storefront renovation will completely transform the corner of West 55th Street and Detroit Avenue, that's a pretty safe bet. Daniels expects the final building permit to be in hand by press time, with work starting as soon as possible. He anticipates the windows and signage to be in place as early as July, with a tentative Astoria opening date this November. The architect on the project is Dale Serne and the contractor is Manhattan Construction. Astoria will also eventually feature an outdoor patio and private party room that will double as a conference and tasting room for the Agora Food portion of the business. "We're trying to keep this old-world," says Daniels of the future entertainment space, noting the exposed vintage brick and ceiling beams. Agora president George Kantzios and Daniels purchased the property in May of 2013 for $275,000 via a separate business, Detroit Investment. Agora Foods International, which had been operating at the Clinton Avenue location since 2008, moved into the building in July 2014. "It's just been a long process," says Daniels, adding that he's anxious to see construction on Astoria move forward. At one time, the ambling space was home to Edgewater Chevrolet. Astoria will be in the area that housed the former Detroit Avenue showroom, once full up with gleaming Corvettes, Impalas and even a few special pennies. The old service bays and subsequent additions now accommodate Agora Foods, with a staggering 3,000 square feet of cooler space, 400 square feet of freezer space and shelving lined with 50-pound bags of grains, giant cans of olives and whole rounds of cheese from points across the globe. "We have olives from seven different countries," notes Daniels. The building required extensive work prior to the Agora move-in, including a complete electrical and plumbing overhaul. The project is privately funded save for a $3,900 Gordon Square Business Development Grant, although a Cleveland Storefront Renovation Program grant is pending. Daniels lays out the vision for Astoria as "a little bit of Gallucci's, a little bit of West Point Market and our own little twist," adding that he and the rest of the team are in the perfect spot to see it come to fruition. "We invested a lot in the Gordon Square area," says Daniels. "This is a part of us. We believe in Gordon Square. We believe in Cleveland."

Architectural firm moves from old Republic Steel building to Flats TUESDAY, MAY 05, 2015

While Clevelanders are still celebrating the reopening of the Columbus Road Bridge, a century building is on the verge of rebirth just down the way. Fabo Enterprises Inc, which is currently leasing 2,200 square feet in the old Republic Steel Building, 3100 E. 45th Place, will soon be occupying new offices in an unusual space at 1736 Columbus Road. "From what I can tell," says Fabo founder and president Brian G. Fabo, "it's actually six different buildings that have sort of morphed together over time." He estimates the oldest portion of the structure, which the company purchased in May 2014 for $237,500, dates back to the 1860's. Work on the long-vacant structure started last September. After the harsh Northeast Ohio winter put the kibosh on construction, it recommenced in earnest in March. Veteran Construction is the contractor on the project. So, what sort of surprises did those old walls hold? Try a wall with zero structural integrity hiding beneath a thick blanket of vines. The brick had virtually disintegrated and the wall was being held up by concrete block in-fill that was in the old window openings. "We actually ended up having to take that wall completely down," recalls Fabo. "Of course, that was not in the budget and it was not in the schedule." Snafus notwithstanding, Fabo expects to move into the space over Memorial Day weekend. Total project cost is confidential, but funding includes a mortgage and tenant improvement loan. Historic tax credits, which are based on percentages of the project cost and will come in the form of reimbursement from the state and federal tax credits, were instrumental to the project's fruition. The city of Cleveland also extended a low-interest loan as part of the Vacant Properties Initiative. The firm's design portfolio includes recognizable local spots such as Wileyville, 1051 West 10th Street, Irishtown Bend townhomes and Choolaah Indian BBQ on 27100 Chagrin Boulevard. "That was such a fun project to work on," says Fabo of the Indian barbecue spot. Founded in 1998 as a part time venture for Fabo, helming the firm became his fulltime job in 2008. Since 2010, the company, which is licensed in 32 states, has seen 27 to 62 percent year-to-year growth. Hence, it was time for a move. "I wanted to own my own building rather than rent," explains Fabo, enumerating his three property search criteria: being in Cleveland proper, great views of downtown and, "I wanted garage space." Garage space? That partly explains why the firm, which currently has 14 employees, will occupy 5,400-square-feet of the 30,000-square-foot building. While some of the unused space will be slated for professional expansion, the garage will house Fabo's unique car collection, which includes a 2005 Morgan Aero, a mid-90's Jaguar convertible and a 1979 Mini Cooper. "I have a hard time driving that one," says the 6-foot 3-inch-Fabo of the vintage sub-compact.

New apartments leasing in historic Templin Bradley Lofts in Gordon Square MONDAY, MAY 04, 2015

Renovations for the 1916 Templin Bradley Company building, 5700 Detroit Avenue, are nearing completion, with 30 new apartments that will be available for move-in as early as July 1. "It's on the eastern edge of Gordon Square Arts District," says Greg Baron, housing director for the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization (DSCDO). "We really trying extend the district out further east and west, so this is our first major project in that section of the neighborhood." All units are currently leasing. They include nine one- and 21 two-bedroom units, although four of the spaces are two-story live/work units, for which square footages range from 1,500 to 1,900. The other units go from 690- to 950-squarefeet. Fifteen of the apartments are priced at market rate and 15 are designated affordable, which was a condition for part of the project's funding. Those leasing the affordable units must fall within a certain income level. Monthly rents go from $500 to $1,100. The fruition of the Templin Bradley Lofts represents a trifecta win for the city by hitting three development goals: adaptive reuse, historic preservation and mixedincome housing. The $8 million project was financed by a complex array of sources, including federal and state historic tax credits, a low income housing tax credit through the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA), a $600,000 loan from the City of Cleveland's Housing Trust Fund, a $500,000 OHFA Housing Development Assistance Program grant and a permanent mortgage. "We're the developer and the owner," notes Baron of the DSCDO project. DSCDO purchased the building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, in 2014 for $210,000. Long vacant, it previously housed a wire manufacturing company. Construction on the new lofts began in June 2014. Marous Brothers Construction was both the general contractor and architect on the project. Coral Management will manage the building. The building features secure indoor parking, views of downtown and the lake, and a convenient Gordon Square location with access to Edgewater Park via the West 65th Street pedestrian. Perhaps most unique, however, will be the installations around the building's green space. "On the front lawn, they're going to replicate the original test garden for Templin Bradley Seed Company," says Baron. "We're going to have a historic marker out front as well as a piece of public art." "Garden Mirrors" is a 22-foot-high stainless steel pole with sculpturally repurposed security mirrors that face down, not unlike flower petals. The artist and fabricator is Steve O'Hearn. The installation will allow passers-by to enjoy the garden, which is a living nod to the building's rich history, from the street. "The idea is to bring the beauty of the front lawn garden onto Detroit Avenue and the Gordon Square Arts District," says Baron. On June 25 from 4 to 7 p.m., the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization will host a ribbon cutting and open house at the new Templin Bradley Lofts. Until then, persons interested in lease information may call the Coral Management Company's Gordon Square office at 216.635.0130.

Heights High to undergo $95 million makeover WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2015

Heights High School, which serves more than 1,600 students from Cleveland Heights, University Heights and a sliver of South Euclid, is on the verge of a massive $95 million renovation. A 2009 review by the Ohio Schools Facility Commission precipitated the move. "They came in and did a complete inventory of our facilities and it came back that, yes, they're very old and outdated," says Angee Shaker, director of communications and community engagement for the Cleveland HeightsUniversity Heights City School District. "It's long overdue that we tackle this and update our facilities." Voters passed a $134 million bond issue in November 2013, which is funding the work at the high school and future renovations on two of the district's three middle schools. Wiley Middle School will be taken offline, but will serve high school students until the renovations at the intersection of Cedar and Lee are complete. The Wiley campus will then be used for middle school students as their facilities are renovated. "It's gong to be very nice," says Shaker of the interim facilities at Wiley. "It's not going to be: let's throw you in here for a couple of years. The modular classrooms are actually way nicer than the classrooms at the high school." Most of the existing high school will be demolished. The original historic 1926 portion will remain intact, but will be renovated. The first floor of the new 362,500square-foot structure will house public spaces including the library, cafeteria, and auditorium along with administrative offices and the instrumental music department. Large, modern classrooms will occupy the second and third floors, while the lower level will house large two gymnasiums and a new pool, to which the community at large will have access. The school district decided on the new school's amenities and design based on input from more than 20 groups populated with community members, staff and students. Groups focused on aspects such as sustainability, history, arts and education. "We engaged as many as possible to get input," says Shaker. "We can't have it all," she adds of their myriad proposals, "but we wanted to get the best ideas." While the new athletic field and surrounding quarter-mile mile running track, to which the public has access, are complete, construction will start in earnest in June after students leave for summer break. Ozanne-Hammond-Gilbane-Regency is the general contractor for the project and the lead architect is Gary Balog of bshm architects. The new building is slated to open to students in fall of 2017. Until then, there is ongoing community oversight on the project by way of the Facilities Accountability Committee, which meets monthly for project updates. Obviously, the Cleveland University Heights Board of Education keeps abreast of the project as well. Just last week, the architectural team presented renderings to the BOE depicting what the corner of Cedar and Lee will look like in a little more than two years. "It just took everyone's breath away," says Shaker. "It's going to be so beautiful." There will be a Heights High Farewell and Groundbreaking Ceremony on May 12 at 6 p.m. at the high school, 13263 Cedar Road. This free public event will feature music, refreshments, and presentations. More details are available here.

Craft coffee, mead, beer and unique vehicle coming to Duck Island MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2015

Duck Island, the story of which is hard to nail down, is an unusual neighborhood. At once, it's home to the tony Velvet Tango Room, wherein stepping out for a cocktail is elevated to an event worthy of Gatsby, and the Duck Island Club, which invites customers to "duck in and duck out" for specials such as $3 "mystery beers." A host of diverse beverage options is about to fill in the middle ground when Forest City Brewery, 2135 Columbus Road, comes online in as little as four months. "This was a saloon that was built in 1865 by immigrants from the Alsace region of France," says brewery proprietor Jay Demagall from the Freeman Avenue Entrance of the 10,000-square-foot space. "There was a huge beer garden with an actual bowling alley at the very end of it." The pins are long gone and much of the beer garden is enclosed in the timberframe structure, but a few ideas are growing just the same despite the rough preliminary construction status of the building. Forest City Brewery proper will occupy approximately 3,000-square-feet of the building. Master brewer Corey Miller, formerly of Indigo Imp, will oversee one- and 10-barrel systems. Duck Rabbit Coffee and Western Reserve Meadery, both of which have signed on for two separate 1,000-square-foot spaces, will join the brewery. "He gets beans from all over the world, directly from the farmers and the foragers," says Demagall of Duck Rabbit proprietor Cal Verga, "And it's all small batch. When he makes it, that's it." Currently, Verga's unique roasts are only available locally at the Root Café. Helming the meadery are Douglas Shaw and Jason Andro. The duo took a bronze medal for their 2013 fruit mead, which consisted of blueberry, fig, and locally sourced honey in the 2014 Wine Maker International Wine Competition. They've been home-brewing mead for about eight years. The third tenant will not be part of what Demagall aptly describes as a "craft beverage guild," but Carol Stanek is welcome all the same. "There's no motor on board," says Stanek, standing before the unusual craft that powers her small business, Cleveland Cycle Tours. "It's all by pedal. It's truly a cycle." Powered by 10 humans, the mega-cycle transports up to 15 and is available for brew tours and other events. "We felt it would be wonderful to be able to start and stop in a location our customers could use," says Stanek of her fellow Forest City Brewery businesses. "Also, this is very centrally located. We run pub-crawls in Ohio City and Tremont. From this location I can easily go either way." While Demagall has successfully completed a $24,000 Kickstarter campaign, he's working with business partners Matt Mapus and Patrick McGinty to secure the rest of the funds needed to complete the build-out. Vestor is running a $250,000 debt equity campaign and they're also exploring traditional avenues. "We're speaking to a bank and an investment group right now," says Demagall. "Both are very positive." As soon as funds are in place, which he estimates will be in less than two months, "I have things lined up and ready to go," he notes, adding that contractors are set to begin work any time. Demagall forecasts the actual build-out will take two to three months, during which time, he expects federal and state liquor permitting to clear. The move is a complete turn around for Demagall, who spent 14 years as a labor negotiator for public school employees. "I got tired of the politics," he says. Instead he's anticipating being part of an unusual new union of his brewery, the two other beverage craftsmen, and a human-powered cycle bus. "It's more than just a brewery. It's about all of us together."

Scranton neighborhood to be listed on National Register of Historic Places WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2015

An area of town heretofore dwarfed by the venerable Ohio City and Tremont neighborhoods is on the verge of getting a brand of its own. Last month, the historic preservation consulting firm Naylor Wellman, LLC, presented a 120-page nomination to the Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board (OHSPAB) for the Scranton South Side Historic District to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was handily approved. OHSPAB will further prepare the document, and then recommend the listing to the National Park Service, which makes the final designation on behalf of the Secretary of the Interior. "We feel very confident," says Diana Wellman of achieving the final listing, adding she expects the remainder of the process to take 60 to 90 days. The Scranton South Historic District is essentially both sides of Scranton Road from Parafine Avenue to the north and to Valentine Avenue to the south and the grid of residential streets east of Scranton between Holmden Avenue and Valentine, bordered to the east by Interstate 71. The district includes a total of 453 commercial, institutional and residential buildings. "This really gives this area of town an identity as a community," says Wendy Naylor. "They're now thinking of themselves as the Scranton South Side Historic District." "Everybody kind of knows where Scranton is," adds Wellman. "Sitting between Ohio City and Tremont, (the district) does not have the presence with a name. This really gives the district an opportunity to be seen in the community, and to turn the light back onto it after being shadowed by Ohio City and Tremont." In addition to establishing a sense of place, the listing will make income-producing buildings within the newly designated district eligible for state and federal historic rehabilitation tax credits. Wellman explains, "The buildings in the district right now—being within the district —this does not change the review process when they decide to make a physical change on the building." "That was a very important distinction to the neighborhoods that were involved in this," adds Naylor. Tremont West Development Corporation enlisted Naylor and Wellman to handle the administration of the Scranton listing project. The duo, which joined up as a firm in 2013, has listed more than 34 individual sites and districts on the National Register of Historic Places. Their respective and combined efforts have garnered $53.6 million in federal historic tax credits. More specifically, their efforts helped to land $3.1 million in state historic tax credits for the Fairmont Creamery project. They also recently completed the nomination document for the WoodlandLarchmere Commercial Historic District, which will be on OHSPAB's June agenda. Points of architectural interest in the new historic district include the Cleveland Public Library's South Branch at the northwest corner of Scranton and Clark (temporarily closed, also known at the Carnegie Library) and the Emerson Casket Mansion, 2438 Scranton, which was built as a residence in 1852, subsequently changed hands and was augmented in the early 1900's with a one story brick addition that served as a casket showroom. Wellman and Naylor also suggest a stroll through the residential streets in the district's southeast corner, which feature an eclectic assortment of vintage and century structures. Commercial landmarks within the Scranton South Historic district include the Tremont Taphouse and now the Fairmont Creamery project, among others. "There's a good amount of love and care in these homes," says Wellman of the renovated units, adding while tax credit projects are interesting, they're also about financial incentive. "But the people who do painstaking renovations on their home? That' s more of a personal quest." Regarding those homeowners, she continues, "What happened in the Scranton Historic District is kind of like a fever. Once one person starts doing it, another person starts doing it. Those people are kind of like the catalysts that drive the National Register of Historic Places."

National restaurant mogul on why he chose the 216 MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2015

Robert Thompson knows a thing or two about restaurants. Since 1997, he's overseen the opening of a baker's dozen at points across the nation. His efforts have garnered no less than four awards over the years. Thompson's latest incarnation is president and CEO of Seasoned Development, which has four Punch Bowl Socials (Denver, Portland, Austin and Detroit), and three more planned for 2015, including one in Cleveland. "Clevelanders should be aware that they're on the national radar," says the lowkey mogul. "In the last nine months, other developers started reaching out to us. That's a good sign for you guys." They were out of luck. Thompson had already signed on for space in the Flats at East Bank project, which was a decision he didn't make lightly. Due diligence is mostly a by-the-numbers business, but sometimes you have to listen to your instincts. Still unsure on the Cleveland gamble, Thompson made a final research trip to Cleveland—and visited every entertainment district in town. "Every single entertainment district I went to in town was happening," says Thompson. "To me, that said: Cleveland is back. It's vibrant. There's commercial success happening everywhere." And the answer to his internal question: would a new entertainment district be busy? bloomed: "Why wouldn't it be? Everywhere else is busy." Hence, Thompson's fifth Punch Bowl Social will be occupying 27,000 square feet in the Flats East Bank project. The club will feature a main floor, balcony and 4,000-square-foot rooftop deck. The old-school gaming, craft cocktail and gastrodiner will count Zack Bruell's Alley Cat, Coastal Taco, Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill, The Big Bang, Beerhead, Flip Side and three concept restaurants from Chef Steve Schimoler among its neighbors. "We love it," says Thompson of his competition. "We love gravity. Mass equals gravity and gravity equals attraction. We don't like pioneering. We like having friends near us that have their own special offerings and help create a district. We don't want to ask Clevelanders to come down here just to come to Punch Bowl." But if they're hankering for the vodka concoction "You must bring us … A shrubbery" (an ode to Monty Python), or a Malted Maple Royal milkshake (featuring Crown Royal Maple), they'll have to swing through Punch Bowl. No worries, though. There should be plenty of room and folks to scare up those potent potables: the club will have a capacity of nearly 1,000 and 175 employees working the space. "It takes a lot of bodies to cover 27,000-square-feet," notes Thompson. The grand opening is scheduled for August 8th with a soft opening in mid-July. The eight-story building will also house 241 apartments, which are currently leasing with a scheduled July 1st occupancy. Units include one-, two- and threebedroom floor plans ranging from 720- to 1,700-square-feet, with rents from $1,565 to $3,920. "We look for up-and-coming markets," says Thompson of the diverse venture. "We're not in the business of fighting with sharp elbows with everybody in New York City or Los Angeles. We look for emerging markets or, in this case, reemerging markets. So Cleveland was on the radar in that sense." But as any old-time Clevelander can attest, the Flats is a singular place, full up with history and a not-so-immaculate reputation, none of which is lost on Thompson. "That's something special that resonates for us: being part of the resurrection of an historic entertainment district like this."

Exclusive first look: the Aragon Ballroom renovation WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15, 2015

It started as a roller rink in 1905 before transforming into a dance palace and amusement garden. Then in 1937, the nearly 20,000-square-foot space at 3179 West 25th Street was dubbed the Aragon Ballroom. For more than 50 years, its maple floor accommodated countless rumbas, waltzes and cha chas. Then in 1991, the foxes stopped trotting; the quicksteps sunk into quicksand; and the site's fascinating history came to an inauspicious end. Even worse, the beloved building lay fallow and eventually succumbed to disrepair and decay. In 2011, the City condemned it. But this is Cleveland, where ever-afters have a fighting chance long after the carriage has turned into a rotted pumpkin and the glass slipper has shattered upon the stone step. Enter local businessman Ali Faraj, who purchased the Aragon at auction just six months prior to its condemnation for the bargain price of $19,800 (he also shelled out more than $29,000 in back taxes). "I worked as a salesman for almost 12 years and when I used to pass by here," says Faraj, referring to his ongoing wholesale business, "people would say they loved this place and would love to have it back." Faraj's plans are to restore the space as closely as possible to its original splendor and then transform it into a conference and banquet center with a capacity of 800, although he foresees most events won't have more than 400 or 500 attendees. "I want to bring it back to the way it was," vows Faraj. Ward 14 Councilman Brian Cummins, who has been instrumental in the project from the beginning, adds that the team has done extensive historical research on the structure. Area residents have expressed concern over operations, having had negative experiences in the past with alcohol and firearm trouble at other businesses. Faraj and Cummins are quick to assert that the Aragon will be different, with no bar open to the public and a clientele similar to Faraj's Brookpark operation, the La Villa Conference and Banquet Center, which opened in 2011. "What he does is akin to Landerhaven," says Cummins, evoking the upscale venue of Executive Caterers. He adds that the area's large Hispanic population is excited at the prospect of such a sizable event venue. "A lot of the Hispanic people in this community come to our Brooklyn location to have events," notes Faraj's daughter Abbei. "We've had several quinceañeras." Parking is another major concern for area residents. To assuage those worries, Faraj has worked with the Cleveland Municipal School District to use the parking lot of Lincoln West High School for events after 6 p.m., with a dedicated valet service shuttling guests. He and Cummins are also at work trying to secure additional parking on 25th for daytime events. More information regarding operations is available online. An ambitious schedule has the venue open for business by the end of the year. Thus far, Faraj has completed a number of emergency repairs including window replacement, graffiti removal and roofing/rotted wood repairs. A to Z Builders is the contractor on the $1.5 million build-out. CARLETON Moore is the architect. The next municipal review of the project is a May 11 hearing at the Board of Zoning Appeals. The ongoing rebirth of the Aragon has its naysayers, but they might reconsider when they step inside the space, which is still breathtaking despite its rough condition, or when they hear Faraj's story. He immigrated to Cleveland from Palestine in 1976 and worked with his family for a few years before taking a chance on California. "I didn't have 50 cents in my pocket to buy a cup of coffee," says Faraj of his stint in the Golden State, so he came back to Cleveland. "I started with nothing." He found whatever work he could in resale and wholesale. "I worked my butt off 20 hours a day." The father of six is now an established Northeast Ohio businessman. While his wholesale business remains core, Faraj is humble about his 58,000-square-foot Brookpark event venue, which hosts more than 150 events a year. "It's just a hobby," he says. Understatements notwithstanding, the Aragon project also has larger implications for the surrounding Clark-Fulton neighborhood. "It's the catalyst on West 25th," says Adam Stalder, economic development director for the Stockyard, Clark-Fulton and Brookleyn Centre Community Development Office. The Aragon, along with the tentative $9.5 million Lofts at Lion Mills project and ongoing expansions at Nestle and MetroHealth, all add up to a staggering economic impact. "That's almost a billion dollars coming into this corridor."

superelectric coming to Gordon Square with more opportunities for pinball wizards, kids TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2015

It's difficult to describe the art of Ben Haehn, David Spasic and Nathan Murray. Call it one part retro, one part funk and two parts pinball with a splash of video and music to bring it all together. They also throw in a few motorcycles for style. “We brought one of these motorcycles up those stairs," says Murray, referring to the three flights leading up to their space at 78th Street Studios. "That was the shadiest thing we’ve ever done.” Shady? Perhaps, but not surprising; superelectric is decidedly alt. Just dig the group's most recent online commercial (you'll want to review all 57 sublime seconds). Courtesy of their popular free-play Third Friday events, the trio has delivered more replays, hi scores and orbits than even Barracora can tally. (And yes, superelectric has a Barracora, and a Quick Draw and a Fun Land and a Majorettes.) The pinball palace boasts nearly 50 machines, but over 100 have been through the shop over the past three years as the gents also service and refurbish machines for an array of customers. In a triple bonus development last week, a sign appeared in the window of the 1,700-square-foot space at the corner of West 65th Street and Detroit Avenue that formerly housed Yellowcake: superelectric is bringing their talents to Gordon Square. Stand down, fans of Eight Ball and Scuba. The Gordon Arts storefront will be an expansion, not a move. The 78th Street Space will go on, with resident cat (Tom Waits) keeping guard over the games, rental events and Third Fridays. The group tentatively plans to pull the plunger on the new location this summer. "The earliest would be June. The latest would be July," says Spasik. "We want to bring a lot of our older games." Food, potables, seating and between 20 and 25 machines will all be in the mix, as will a couple of vintage jukeboxes that play 45s. The new space needs electrical and plumbing work, which they hope to start as early as this week with the help of a Kickstarter campaign. The new location will be open six days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and denizens of the Gordon Square neighborhood couldn't be more delighted, starting with one happy dog. "It's going to be one of the coolest businesses in the country," says Happy Dog owner Sean Watterson. "Maybe there's one in LA. Maybe there's one in NY, but I've got a feeling this is going to be cooler than anything on either of those coasts or anything in the middle." "They really wowed us with their commitment to the neighborhood and their vision and how it aligns with everything else going on in the Gordon Square Arts District," adds Jenny Spencer, managing director at the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization. Aside from pinball wizards and curious passers-by, all those bumpers, flippers and tilts will be aimed at an unexpected kickout: kids and education. The group intends to expand its educational efforts, which heretofore included work with Progressive Arts Alliance and area high schools showing kids that a pinball machine's cool factor is really a confluence of electronics, physics and art: what Spasic calls, "things they'd never conceive of going on in there." He explains: "We'll open up the machines, go through the history, how they work, how the angle of playfield and gravity effects the ball and the action taking place." One group of kids even made their own machines, which superelectric showcased during a Third Friday event. Before the learning can begin, however, some kids have to take a certain leap. "We get little kids up here," notes Murray. "They play pinball as an app or on Xbox. They didn't realize there was an actual physical object." And when they see a real live machine with all those lights and bells? "They freak out sometimes." So whether it's an old-timer revisiting Corvette or a tot blinking in awe before the likes of Black Jack for the first time, Murray offers up a spot-on observation regarding our collective digital existence. "The world is ready for something tangible."

Cleveland Neighborhood Progress announces finalists for Vibrant City Awards MONDAY, APRIL 13, 2015

On April 28, 2015, Cleveland’s community development industry will gather at the Victory Center, 7012 Euclid Avenue, to recognize the accomplishments of its colleagues and organizations with seven awards during the first annual Vibrant City Awards luncheon. Event host Cleveland Neighborhood Progress (CNP) will present the inaugural Morton L. Mandel Leadership in Community Development Award along with six other awards recognizing an array of community development efforts. "This is a wonderful opportunity for our organization to convene the community development industry alongside city stakeholders and recognize successful neighborhood revitalization efforts," says Joel Ratner, president and CEO of CNP. "The Vibrant City Awards lunch continues a tradition of celebrating our collective accomplishments and enlisting new city advocates and champions." "This is a celebration of the city—a celebration of the neighborhoods—and all are welcome," adds CNP's director of neighborhood marketing Jeff Kipp. "Obviously, community development stakeholders will be there, but this is part of our efforts to build up the core base of ambassadors and advocates and champions of city living. So anyone who has any role in that, from a resident to a store owner to a corporate executive, we want them to feel welcome to attend." Response to the event has been brisk. "We are very pleased that over 400 people have registered so far," says Kipp, adding that the capacity of the venue is 500. While the recipient of the Morton L. Mandel award, which recognizes an individual who has had a profound impact in the community development field, will be announced at the ceremony, here is a synopsis of the six other community development awards and the associated finalists. The three finalists for the Neighborhood Branding and Marketing Award include the Downtown Cleveland Alliance for its “You and Downtown” video, the Historic Gateway Neighborhood Corporation for the Take a Hike Tour offering and Tremont West Development Corporation for its Gay Games 9 Neighborhood Marketing campaign. Finalists for the Community Collaboration Award include Kamm’s Corners Development Corporation and Bellaire Puritas Development Corporation for their efforts on the One West Park Visioning Study; the Ohio City, Inc., Tremont West Development Corporation and Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization; for their collaboration on the Near West Recreation effort; the Campus District Inc. for its Banner Up! project; and the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization/Gordon Square Arts District for its innovative collaboration with Cleveland Public Theatre and Near West Theatre and an associated capital campaign. The Burten Bell Carr Development for the Market Café and Community Kitchen, the Historic Warehouse District Development Corporation for its Small Box Retail campaign, the Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation for its Intergenerational Housing initiative and Slavic Village Development for its Slavic Village Recovery project are all finalists for the Community Development Corporation Catalytic Project/Program Award. Those vying for the Corporate Partner Award include Fairview Hospital for its sustained commitment to the West Park neighborhood, Heinen’s Grocery Store for its successful efforts to realize a full service grocery Downtown at The 9 and Third Federal Savings for its continued partnership and investment in Slavic Village. For his work in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood, Mike DeCesare of Case Development is a finalist for the Developer Award, as are Keith Sutton and Dave Territo of Sutton Builders for their efforts to revitalize Tremont, Mark Jablonski of CenterMark Development for his work at Lakeview Road and Superior Avenue and Sustainable Communities Associates partners Ben Ezinga, Josh Rosen and Naomi Sabel for completing the Fairmont Creamery development. Finalists for the Urban Realtor Award include co-owners Keith Brown and Dave Sharkey of Progressive Urban Real Estate for their continued committed to Cleveland neighborhoods and Mark Lastition of the Howard Hanna Ohio City branch for his willingness to partner with developers on new construction and community events. The Vibrant City Awards Lunch is open to the public. Tickets can be purchased via this link. For questions and comments, contact Jeff Kipp at 216.453.1453, or via email.

A new face for 128-year-old house in Jones Home Historic District TUESDAY, APRIL 07, 2015

Tucked away at 3105 Woodbridge Avenue in the Clark-Fulton neighborhood sits a little house with a long history. Built in 1887 by Lewis Herman, the three-bedroom, 1,375square-foot home remained in the Herman family for nearly 120 years. 120 years! The last Herman, Lois Herman-Mitrovich, moved from the property in 2005 to an assisted living facility. After that, hard times fell on 3105. "The house became vacant," says Anthony Bango, housing development coordinator for the Stockyard, Clark-Fulton & Brooklyn Centre (SCFBC) Community Development Office. "It got vandalized. There were a lot of people going in there doing illegal activities." The residents of the surrounding Jones Home Historic District weren't having it. A grassroots effort ensued courtesy of those highly engaged residents, the SCFBC Office and Ward 14 Councilman Brian Cummins. "We got together and cleaned out the house," says Bango, adding that they also secured the property and added it to the Single Family Rehabilitation Program (SFRP), which, save for the efforts of community development employees like Bango, is privately funded. Then came the process of untangling the legal and financial trouble surrounding 3105. "A big part of what I do is work with banks to get them to release liens on properties," says Bango. "I essentially make an appeal to the bank that holding onto this property is damaging to the community and that they'll never get the mortgage back." After he convinces the bank, the property owner can donate it to the land bank. "The land bank works with the county to make sure it's lien free." When the property is financially clean, he goes to work vetting potential buyers and contractors. So it went with 3105 and in October 2014, John Pasternak and Audrey Schnell, whom Bango describes as community-minded people that enjoy historic rehabilitation projects, took ownership of the property and began the arduous task of bringing it back to life. "This property was missing its windows. There was a giant hole in the foundation. There wasn’t a scrap of paint left on the thing," says Bango. "Today, there is a new garage. The foundation's been repaired and the house is painted with a historically accurate color palate. John made a point to keep all of the historic woodwork on the exterior of the property. He's done a tremendous amount of work." Completed in February, the restoration was funded by private dollars and a Heritage Home Loan from the Cleveland Restoration Society, which is made possible via a partnership with Key Bank and First Federal of Lakewood. Pasternak and Schnell plan to sell the home, but may lease it first. But does one loving restoration make a difference? Since 2011, the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization (of which SCFBC is a division) has assisted in the rehabilitation of 176 formerly vacant and abandoned homes as part of the SFRP. The total estimated investment stands at $6.8 million—about $68,500 per home. Considering an average demolition costs $10,000; that adds up to an estimated $1.7 million in savings to the City of Cleveland. "Rehabbed homes stabilize the community," notes Bango, "Last year alone, our office did 27 rehabs and 11 went to owner occupants. "We would like to do more of these homes—as many as possible." On Friday, April 10 at 12 p.m., the Stockyard, Clark-Fulton & Brooklyn Centre Community Development Office will host a ribbon cutting at 3105 Woodbridge Avenue to introduce the newly renovated home to the community. This free event is open to the public and will feature speakers, refreshments and property tours.

New $26.5 million high school set for St. Clair Superior neighborhood MONDAY, APRIL 06, 2015

In 2003, the founders of Saint Martin De Porres High School took a risk on a beloved and beleaguered Cleveland neighborhood and established their fledgling school in the old St. Vitus Elementary School, 6111 Lausche Avenue, which was built in 1912. "We weren’t all that sure it would work," says St. Martin's president Rich Clark, adding that student employment is part of the school model. "Would area businesses hire students? We didn't want to build anything or get ourselves into anything long-term." Part of the Cristo Rey Network, whose mission is to offer under-served urban youth a rigorous college preparatory education, St. Martin opened its doors in 2004 and forged onward. Fifteen years later, with the Great Recession still a bruising memory for the area, St. Martin boasts more than 420 students and partnerships with some 130 companies. That rousing success has resulted in some growing pains. "We knew if we were going to grow past 375 students, we would eventually have to add on to this or buy out the lease or do something," says Clark. That "something" has translated into a staggering project for the St. Clair Superior neighborhood. The school has purchased approximately 1.5 acres of land at the corner of Norwood Road and St. Clair Avenue on which it will build a new 65,000square-foot building that will reflect old and new. Freed from the rigid space of narrow hallways and square classrooms in the old building, the new learning spaces will include common areas, study spaces and malleable classrooms that will accommodate 30, 60 or even 150 kids. "Everything is usable space," Clark says. "It's very flexible." He estimates the total project cost, which is being funded by private donations, foundations and (hopefully) a federal new market tax credit, at $26.5 million. The new entrance to the school will, ironically, be even older than the existing school. The architectural team of studioTECHNE and Fielding Nair International have incorporated the gorgeous frontage of the 1909 Kausek Brothers Building, which features two copper domes and ornate brickwork. The structure is known simply as "the coppertop building" to many of the neighbors and stakeholders. "The neighbors are proud of it," says Clark. "It’s a cool building. We're going to keep about a third of it and incorporate that into our design." Groundbreaking will be this June or July with a tentative opening date for the new school, which Clark aims to fill with as many as 525 students, slated for the start of the 2016/2017 school year. However, St. Martin is in the first year of a five-year lease for the existing building, allowing for some flexibility in the construction schedule. "We're not compelled to have everything done on first day of school," says Clark. "There's a certain leeway in how this gets built." The Albert M. Higley Company is the construction manager on the project. Perhaps most inspiring is the underlying ideology of the project. Clark notes that a Cristo Rey school should be woven in a neighborhood and "not a fortress with a moat." To that end, the school values other longtime St. Clair inhabitants such as Sterle's Country House, St. Vitus Church, Sheliga Drug/True Value the Slovenian National Home. "We worked together with those groups," says Clark. "They use our space," he adds of the neighborhood at large. "The hope is that this will bring hope to the neighborhood -- not gentrification, but a vibrancy that has kind of died away a little bit. It's really an investment in this neighborhood. That's kind of our principle. We want to just blend in here." Above all, the project is about area students and families, many of which are struggling, but still find a way to get their kids to school despite the challenge of working more than one job. "We are not here because we are going to 'help these people,'" says Clark. "We've got to partner here. That's our mission: to help kids that wouldn't have an opportunity. To give them an opportunity, enable them, and let them run with it all the way to college and succeed. "Some have already come back and are working at the school, which is fantastic. We're hiring our alumni."

Restore Cold Pressed organic juice and superfood smoothie bar coming to Gateway District MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015

In as little at five weeks, the Historic Gateway District will be home to Restore Cold Press, a fresh juice bar that will also feature small bites catering to vegans, paleos and just about anyone wanting a fresh and nutritious pick-me-up. Christie Pritt and Adam Wright are the force behind the effort. Both Northeast Ohio natives have boomeranged back to the 216 after relocating to New York City for professional reasons in 2008. "In Manhattan there's a juice bar on just about every corner," says Wright. "That's where it really started to grow on us." While in the Big Apple, the couple kept Cleveland on their radar by watching our renaissance from afar. Earlier this year, they decided to fulfill the longstanding desire to launch their own venture. "We decided to take the leap and start a business of our own," says Pritt. Located at 1001 Huron Road, the 1,500-square-foot facility previously housed the American Institute of Architects Cleveland Division. "We opted for a much larger space than the typical juice bar would have because we want to incorporate that community feel into our place," says Wright, noting the 18-foot ceilings and copious windows. He hopes the inviting space will attract book clubs, running clubs and even yoga events. "We'll have comfortable seating, communal tables and some local artwork," adds Pritt. "Definitely a welcoming atmosphere is what we want to project -- somewhere you feel comfortable staying a while." Monarch Construction is at work on the buildout and Vocon Partners are the lead architects. The space will seat approximately 23. In addition to cold pressed juices and smoothies, Restore will also offer salads and build-your-own bowls of oatmeal and açaí. Açaí? "They're actually Brazilian," says Pritt of the exotic berries' origin. "Basically, they do really well when you mush them up, which sounds weird, but it creates a really nice texture, with almost a chocolatey taste. From there, you can add grains, coconut flakes … whatever toppings you want." Tentative hours will be Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The couple expects to announce a grand opening date within a month; dependent on how quickly Monarch can finish up. The privately funded project has been in the works for almost a year. The couple signed the lease late last fall and construction started earlier this month. So why Cleveland? Why now? "Just seeing how much growth potential there is in the area, it seemed like the perfect fit for us," says Pritt. "The momentum is in the right direction and we decided now is the time to jump on that trend." "There is so much going on in downtown Cleveland right now," adds Wright. "There's a great vibe and a good energy. It was kind of a no-brainer to come back." Restore Cold Pressed is hiring all positions, full- and part-time, with flexible hours. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Adam Wright at [email protected] or 330-806-3893.

One magnificent bench to unite Clevelanders east and west on April 4th MONDAY, MARCH 16, 2015

So, what are you? East sider or West sider? Clevelanders have fielded the glib question since, well, anyone can remember. The classic geographical divide in the 216 dates back to the 1830's and a dubious brawl on the first Columbus Road Bridge. Yet even today, the side of the river from which one hails still seems to matter in this town. "You're asked to self identify," says Michele Kilroy, a native Clevelander who's decided to take on the the embedded split. "I understand that everyone has pride in their respective neighborhoods, but we're all Cleveland." While she admits the classic Cleveland question isn't going away any time soon, about a year ago, an idea bloomed that would meld our industrial history, art and technology all while aiming to close west/east divide. The concept is about to come to fruition in a way that will make any Clevelander's face split into a toothy grin. Cleveland Bench is 12-feet long, two-and-a-half-feet high and nearly as deep. It's constructed of 1,000 pounds of reclaimed Rust Belt steel and, perhaps best of all, its permanent home will be smack dab in the middle of the Terminal Tower's main entrance. "The objective is to get a west sider and east sider on that bench, take a photo and upload it to Instagram or Twitter or Facebook," says Kilroy, noting that the project is part public art, part function and part social experiment. She imagines photos ranging from east/west marriage proposals to east/west college reunions. "Wouldn't it be hilarious to have a West Side grandma and an East Side grandbaby?" The bench will face Public Square from the center arch of the main Terminal Tower entrance. The door in that arch does not open; a post office blocks it from the inside. Kilroy commissioned Kevin Busta to create the unique sculpture, which will be constructed from industrial hoppers, angle iron, structural bridge rivets and flat stock steel. A long-time admirer of his industrial aesthetic, she was also compelled to his work because Busta creates it from repurposed metals plucked from our hulking past. That was important to Kilroy, who is a specialist for the Cleveland Climate Action Fund by day. "I'm a tree hugger," says Kilroy. Private parties are funding Busta's commission and ongoing maintenance, which Kilroy will manage. Financial details are confidential, but Clevelanders will get a peek beneath the mysterious veil on April 4 at 11 a.m, which is the bench's coming out party, so to speak. At that time, the financial supporters will be revealed via a small plaque. For the curious, Kilroy, a lifelong Clevelander, has pitched her tent on both sides of the Cuyahoga. She's lived in Lakewood and currently calls North Collinwood home. "I'm not afraid to cross the river," she quips. That ideology is symbolically represented in one of the bench's more subtle details. "The way the back is oriented, the W is on the east side of the bench and the E is on the west side," says Kilroy. "We're already asking people to flip their mentality a little bit."

Old Brooklyn is 'poised to pop' with launch of new business plan competition WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 2015

Thanks to the success of Gordon Square, 5th Street Arcades and other communities, business plan competitions are all the rage these days. Now the Old Brooklyn and St. Clair-Superior communities in Cleveland and the city of Shaker Heights are launching individual programs to help existing businesses and attract new businesses. The programs are being funded through the Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI), which received a $30,000 grant from a fund seeded by Huntington Bank at the Ohio Capital Income Corporation. The three communities were chosen by Huntington. “The grant was given to support these three neighborhoods,” says Eric Diamond, ECDI executive vice president of lending. “We went to these neighborhoods and asked, ‘What would you find most helpful?’” Each community came up with its own idea for encouraging economic development. Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation (OBCDC) is hosting a business plan competition that offers applicants a chance to win training and grant funding to launch their businesses. The goal is to fill vacant storefronts along the area's main streets, redevelop former garage and service facilities, and fill up office space. All eligible applicants will receive "business canvas plan training" from ECDI. A canvas plan is essentially a basic business plan. Eight finalists will then be chosen to receive more advanced business training from ECDI before pitching their businesses to a panel of judges in June. The finalists will be eligible for a chance to win up to $10,000 in grant money, additional training and financial incentives. “We could select all of them, or we could select a small batch of them,” says Jason Powers, OBCDC director of marketing and development. "We hope to come out of this with some funded businesses, all of them trained, and considering Old Brooklyn as a place to grow their businesses.” All types of businesses, from new concepts to existing companies, will be considered, says Powers. The once-sleepy neighborhood is on the rise and its accessible location in Cleveland makes it a prime draw for new restaurants, bars and retail shops. “Old Brooklyn is just poised to pop,” he says. “Everyone’s just really, really ready. We’re looking for those next things.” Interested business owners have until April 24th to apply. Meanwhile, St. Clair-Superior plans to focus on assisting existing businesses in the neighborhood. Experts from ECDI and Business Advisers of Cleveland will assess participating companies in everything from their sales to social media to financing. The companies will then get training and support in the area where they need help. The program should launch next week, according to Diamond. Shaker Heights is also considering a business competition similar to the Old Brooklyn model, but the details are not cemented yet. The Shaker program should launch later this year.

E. 34th Street rapid station slated for a $6.8m makeover TUESDAY, MARCH 10, 2015

After nearly a year-long campaign by members of the Campus District community, the E. 34th Street rapid station will be renovated to make it more accessible, ADA compliant and less isolated. The RTA Board of Trustees voted on February 17th to move ahead with plans to design and build a new station. The E. 34th Street station serves all three Rapid lines, but it’s not a popular stop right now. “The only people who use that station now are the people who really need it,” explains Campus District Inc. director Bobbi Reichtell. “It’s kind of secluded, the lighting is poor and you just feel isolated.” But members of the Campus District community began arguing last May that the station is needed in the neighborhood, with places like Judge Nancy McDonnell Center and Oriana House, the Women's Reintegration Center, CMHA and the main branch of the Cleveland U.S. Post Office all within range of the stop, as well as a high population of residents who depend on public transportation to get to school and work. “And there is $330 million in investment going into the Campus District and Cleveland State University within a mile of the 34th Street station,” adds Reichtell. “There’s a huge amount of investment underway and planned, and there are people who need access.” Plans for the new station include better visibility, lighting, parking and an ADA compliant ramp down to the platform. Advocates argued that making the station more accessible and attractive will increase ridership. Reichtell said they also cited the W. 65th Street and Lorain Avenue rapid station in the EcoVillage community of the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood as a success story that could be mirrored at E. 34th. “It used to be even worse than 34th Street,” Reichtell says of the W. 65th station. “The community lobbied that if you can create a better shelter more people would use it. And that’s exactly what happened.” RTA’s deputy general manager of engineering and project management Mike Schipper said the construction phase of the project will cost $6.8 million. Requests for design proposals will begin in April. The design phase will most likely take a year, says Schipper, with construction bids starting in late 2016 and construction beginning in early 2017. A study phase has already been completed. “I’m glad we have gotten through the study phase so we can get going,” says Schipper. “Whatever we do there will be an improvement over what’s there now. We got a lot of great input from that neighborhood, and we expect them to provide good input when we get to the design phase.”

Charter school purchases iconic Hugo Boss building, plans expansion MONDAY, MARCH 09, 2015

Last week, the Menlo Park Academy (MPA) announced that it had acquired the Joseph & Feiss Cloth Craft Building on West 53rd Street just south of Interstate 90. The nearly seven-acre property houses two structures that were formerly a warehouse and administrative building, approximately 80,000- and 25,000-square-feet respectively. Hugo Boss acquired Joseph & Feiss in 1989, along with the notable site, which is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. In recent years the warehouse building has attracted numerous graffiti artists, including one whose advice to "READ MORE BOOKS" may soon be taken by MPA students. Preliminary plans include using the larger building with the iconic water tower for the school and mothballing the smaller building in a way that respects the historical integrity. "By doing some innovative things for an innovative (student) population, I think we're taking the history of that property to the next step," says Fraser Hamilton, who sits on the school's board and is spearheading the facility expansion committee. Two of his children attend MPA and one is a graduate. "It's not unlike what Joseph and Feiss did when they developed the property originally." Currently located at 14440 Triskett Road, MPA focuses on gifted children in kindergarten through eighth grade. The charter school has two classes for grades K through seven and one for eighth. Founded in 2007, the MPA has 363 students. "We're maxed out," says Hamilton of the leased space, adding that the school hopes to expand to three classes in each grade and a student population of more than 600. While that growth is expected to span three to five years, the organization aims to begin the 2016-2017 school year in the new facility. The design team includes Herman Gibans Fodor, Inc. and Robert Maschke Architects. The site's significant green spaces will be transformed into play areas and learning gardens. "We take a holistic model to the education of our children," says Hamilton. "It's more than just sitting in the classroom and learning from books. We encourage a lot of experiential learning." During the due diligence process, the MPA team enlisted the services of the Mannik Smith Group to work with state and federal Environmental Protection Agencies and evaluate the site's brownfield status and any required remediation. "The bulk of the environmental work that has to happen out there is asbestos abatement," says Hamilton. "There's a small area of contaminated soil that we'll cover with asphalt and concrete to make sure no one gets to it." The group is also assessing whether or not there is an indoor air issue. A $250,000 grant from the federal Environmental Protection Agency (obtained via Cuyahoga County) will fund the remediation work. Due diligence also included tabulating crime data for the new location as well as the existing Triskett location. Both areas had low overall numbers for 2011 through 2014 and crimes against property in the West 53rd Street neighborhood were 45 percent lower than for the Triskett location. Funding for the renovation will include traditional bank financing and any awarded federal and state historic tax credits and market tax credits. The organization also hopes to garner support from the community via donations and philanthropic participation. "We'll be kicking off a capital campaign shortly," says Hamilton. "Those details are still being hammered out." Of the $275,000 purchase price for the building, he adds, "Let's just say it was a bargain on the Cleveland real estate landscape." The expansion includes the lofty goal of seeking out a diverse range of gifted children, particularly those who are under-served and low-income in order to "ensure that every child who is gifted gets the opportunity they deserve." says Hamilton, adding that a unique educational facility can also act as welcome community anchor. "We will be a catalyst for that neighborhood."

Once-dazzling Variety Theatre set for rebirth as new Lorain Avenue anchor WEDNESDAY, MARCH 04, 2015

The Variety Theatre opened Thanksgiving Day 1927 with Clara Bow starring in "Hula." Over the years, vaudeville acts, movies and a host of heavy metal bands have boomed in the 20,000-square-foot main stage and theatre area. It's been dark since the late 1980s. Due to the efforts of the Friends of the Historic Variety Theatre, however, previously stalled efforts to bring the vacant space back to life have renewed energy. "The building is in pretty remarkable condition," says Rose Zitiello, executive director at Westown Community Development Corporation, which is a stalwart partner in the project. The building is much more than a theatre. It also houses eight storefronts ranging from 1,000- to 1,200-square feet, and 13 second-story 600-square-foot apartments, all of which front on Lorain Avenue and have one bedroom. "It literally is one city block," says Zitiello of the fascinating structure, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Current construction plans, which were put together about a year ago, call for extensive plumbing work and renovation. The apartments are to remain as such and the 300-seat balcony is slated to become a venue for a large-screen theatre. Specific plans for the orchestra pit, main stage and theatre space are pending. The characterization of the reborn Variety, however, will be one friendly to original musicians and grassroots music production. While the project was turned down for a 2014 historic tax credit from the State of Ohio, Zitiello is optimistic that the forthcoming application, which the Friends group will file next month, will be successful. She pins the hopes on the fact that the building is vacant and that the group has secured an anchor, the George Group, which intends to occupy one storefront and part of the lobby with a sports bar. "We do have other local businesses that would like to go in there that are already in the neighborhood," adds Zitiello, but she was mum on further details. Thus far, the $12 million project has some construction financing in place, various grants and backing from the George Group, which is headed by local entrepreneur and restaurateur Tony George. Details are confidential, but Zitiello isn't shy about her hopes for the historic tax credit dollars, both state and federal. "We have been sharpening our pencils for the last year and we feel our proposal will be much more competitive," she says. The Friends group, spearheaded by American Tank and Manufacturing's CEO Michael Ripich, purchased the Variety in 2009 for nearly $1.1 million. Ripich is also donating structural work on the project including steel framework from which to hang signage. First Energy funded electrical work and Wagner Sign, which Zitiello designates as a "major supporter of the project," is fabricating a new historically accurate marquee and blade sign. The Variety Theatre Restoration will be the centerpiece of Variety Village Streetscape Plan, which is a key feature of the Lorain Avenue Master Plan that covers territory from West 110th to West 123rd Streets and has feet in Cleveland's Cudell, Jefferson and West Boulevard neighborhoods. Zitiello brings a unique perspective to the overall vision: "If you go to the far west side of Lorain at Kamm's Corners you see the transformation; the city has made a huge investment there. At the other end of Lorain is Ohio City," she says, noting that neighborhood's much-celebrated renaissance. "You have both ends of Lorain anchored, but you have nothing in the middle," she says. "The Variety is smack dab in the middle. This is a viable strip. It holds up the middle." Hard to argue with that logic, but Zitiello notes yet another geographical absolute that further supports the realization of the project. "There are five major retail banks within a mile of me," she says of Westown's Lorain Avenue offices. "That's a phenomenal show of financial strength. To allow Lorain Avenue to deteriorate? It's just not going to be acceptable." Curious shutterbugs and history buffs will have an opportunity to poke around inside the Variety on April 11 and 12 when Abandoned America will hold The Variety Theatre: An After the Final Curtain Photography Workshop in the space. Ticket purchase and registration details are available in the link.

Heinen's quiet message: you are worthy of this divine space MONDAY, MARCH 02, 2015

The buzz surrounding Heinen's grand opening last Wednesday included the predictable photos and fawning. Stories were written; tweets were twittered. Local dignitaries narrated the ribbon cutting with wholly earned praise for one of the area's most highly anticipated projects. Amid all the hubbub, one challenge in a Facebook post from Cleveland Yelp guru Cara Lageson caught Fresh Water's attention. Question: How do you explain the entire population of Cleveland losing their minds over a grocery store to your colleagues from cities around the world? Answer: You can't. Actually, Cara, we're going to try. Simply put, the downtown Heinen's has elevated the universal act of dropping a can of corn or a box of cereal into a shopping cart to divine heights. And no, that is not hyperbole. Where else can you order a pound of bologna under an arching Tiffany-style stained glass rotunda, or dither over single- or double-ply before the watchful eye of Francis Millet's Ohio settlers? We have become so accustomed to stepping into unattractive and cheaply built big box stores that the idea of shopping as anything other than drudgery has all but vanished. They want our money; we need their stuff. Transaction complete Not so at the new Heinen's. This family is glad you're here. These people respect you before you've spent a single dime. They know you are worthy of this beautiful space and so is their grocery business. After all, they spent $10 million to deliver it unto Cleveland in all of its stunning glory. To celebrate that lofty assertion, Heinen's wine merchandiser Ed Thompkins offered up samples of Moet Champagne at the opening for the pauper's price of 25 cents each. That's saying something considering the regular price per bottle is $68.99. Let them drink wine, indeed, and to that end, plenty of people were toasting the dazzling endeavor, but not exclusively with bubbly. "For preservationists today," remarked Cleveland Landmarks Commission chair Jennifer Coleman, "it's a Mardi Gras-style holiday. I wish there were beads that we could throw." Heinen's Joe Boscarello from the produce department didn't have any beads to toss amid the crowd, but he did have a suggestion on what to eat. "Try a sumo orange. It's a nice big orange, easy to peel. They're the sweetest oranges, very juicy." But are they fresh? "We get deliveries five days a week. We do whatever we can to get the freshest stuff possible." Local foodie and Edible Cleveland publisher Noelle Celeste found more than just oranges to laud. "When you have a family business not only in Cleveland--but in the center of Cleveland--contributing to the food community here, it is just spectacular," she said. "What I love about Heinen's is that community isn't an afterthought for them." The same goes for meat manager Scott Boggs. Afterthoughts have no place in his corner of the 27,000-square-foot store. "We cut everything fresh daily," said Boggs from behind the bountiful counter. But how well does he know those whose sole commentary was "moo" not so long ago? "These cows? I could tell you about their parents, their grandparents. We go to the farms. We know that much about our products." Judging by the lines that formed at the checkout, the Heinen family knows a thing or two about the grocery business. And it's a good bet, Cara, that they would welcome any of your international colleagues to walk amid the rows of peanut butter and toothpaste and bask in this most unique Cleveland cathedral. They will be in good company, just ask Ward 3 councilman Joe Cimperman. "Look at this room," he said at the opening. "I've got residents from public housing here. I've got residents who own half million-dollar condos here. You've got the mayor. You've got the county executive. "This is one Cleveland, right here. We are no longer invisible, we're indivisible."

Single-family homes, nature center and container park eyed for Kinsman/Colfax neighborhood WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2015

The team at Burten, Bell, Carr Development, Inc. (BBCD), which focuses on restoring the residential components of the Central, Kinsman, and Garden Valley neighborhoods, is crossing its collective fingers over whether or not state dollars will move the ambitious Colfax Family Homes project forward. The proposal will populate the Colfax corridor between East 79th Street to just west of East 69th Street with 40 single-family residential units ranging from 1,850to 2740-square feet. The structures will range from single-story ADA accessible units to three-story homes with a basement. "It's a very innovative project," says Tim Tramble, BBCD's executive director. "The design is a different look. It's not what we've typically seen in Cleveland." BBCD has agreements in place with area land banks for acquisition of some of the associated properties, with deals in the works on 10 additional lots. Funding is ongoing. "We applied for state funding through the Ohio Housing Finance Agency," says Tramble. "If we get it, we move forward." He sees the Colfax Family Home project as a complement to two other unique Kinsman neighborhood projects: a nature center and a container park, both of which are outlined in the pending Kinsman Master Plan, which was updated just last month. The nature center will be in the green space known as Kingsbury Run, an area characterized by dense vegetation and wildlife such as deer, rabbit and a hawk that nests there every year. "It's about 500 feet from Kinsman Road," says Tramble, "but when you're there you feel so far removed because it's entrenched in a valley. It's amazing how close it is to the hustle and bustle of urban life." BBCD eventually hopes to partner with the MetroParks on the project. "We have had initial conversations with them," says Tramble, adding that the MetroParks would be the ideal entity to own and operate the property. He sees the development of the Kingsbury Run green space as building on the "health and wellness/urban agriculture/sustainability theme that we've established on Kinsman." Further east down the Kinsman corridor, the proposed container park centers around an idea that has been gaining popularity. Tramble explains: "It's taking shipping containers and converting them to small retail spaces," which in turn can be used by individuals in the community with goods to sell, but no means to lease a traditional retail store. This "commercial node of containers" will be on the north side of Kinsman Road between East 81st and 79th Streets. BBCD expects to finalize a report on the master plan late next month. All of this activity will need a narrator, and the BBCD team has an app for that -- or more accurately, a radio station, for which the organization has already obtained a license. Possible locations for the studio include the offices of BBCD, 7201 Kinsman Road, and Arbor Park Place at East 40th Street and Community College Avenue. The community radio station will be operated by locals with the intent to bridge the disconnect between generations, give groups the opportunity to have their own radio shows and reinforce positive messaging. "Sometimes we feel that we don't really have the vehicle to do that," says Tramble. "It's going to be a wonderful innovative way to engage people where they are."

fairfax update: 400 housing units in preliminary planning TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2015

Last year, the Fairfax neighborhood welcomed the opening of Griot Village, the area's first intergenerational housing project. In just a few short months, the project's success has mushroomed. To qualify for residency, a person 55 years of age or older must have custody of a minor. All 40 units are occupied and bustling with approximately 80 children. Most of the units are single-family households, many of which are headed by women, the oldest of which is 84. "We did it because we kept getting more and more requests for this type of housing," says Denise VanLeer, assistant executive director of the Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation (FRDC). "It is a market niche that’s badly underserved and strained by circumstance. They need a lot of support." So much so that there is a waiting list to get into Griot and queries from urban planners have come from Akron, New York and even as far as Japan to learn from the model. On the heels of that success, the FRDC is unfolding its wings, so to speak, with an array of tentative projects. The first is a large-scale mixed income community between East 101st and 105th Streets, which is currently inundated with vacancy. "We don't know the exact number," says VanLeer, "but we're toying with 400-plus units." Still in the "very preliminary planning stages," the FRDC team has been in communication with the Cleveland Land Bank and Cuyahoga Land Bank. "We are in the process of land acquisition," says VanLeer. While still off on the horizon, VanLeer believes the project will come to fruition as a dovetail to commercial development in the area. Of the Cedar Road corridor, she says she hopes the Cleveland Clinic's Global Cardiovascular Innovation Center, 10000 Cedar Avenue, will act as a commercial development catalyst of sorts, but she words it in a much more charming way. "We envision that project to have some babies or cousins." Also of interest is the East 83rd Street corridor, which garnered a significant anchor in 2013 when Rumi's Market launched at 8225 Carnegie Avenue in 2013. The brightly lit Middle Eastern supermarket and café has been doing a brisk business. Per VanLeer, the PNC Fairfax Connection, a community resource center, is another entity that makes East 83rd "a major thoroughfare" and to further strengthen it, FRDC has trained it's sights on East 83rd and Cedar. "We're working with a church and private investors to bring that corner back." Details are preliminary and confidential. The last project harkens back to the days when Fairfax populated with grand Victorian homes. The East 89th Street Housing Project includes eight apartment buildings constructed to emulate the style of days gone by. While the FRDC has talked to developers and worked with the city architect on a vision, the project has unfortunately stalled. "Right now the numbers don't work," says VanLeer. VanLeer encourages any developer interested in learning more about the project to call Debra Wilson at 216.361.8400 for more information. When asked why she believes the project will eventually come to fruition, VanLeer responds, "There's a market for it," she says, noting the project's proximity to the Cleveland Clinic. "This would be ideal for all nurses and people who work there, especially the residents who come for three years and then they're gone. "They could actually walk to work."

study shows slavic village emerging as model community TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2015

"We've turned the corner here in Slavic Village." However simple that assertion from Chris Alvarado, executive director of Slavic Village Development (SVD), may be, longtime locals might eye it with some amount of skepticism. But the impact of a number of innovative programs is starting to turn the tide in this pocket of the city and a study published last month evidences that. Greater Ohio Policy Center (GOPC) compiled the study, which was more than a year in the making. And the results of Documenting the Slavic Village Recovery Project are enough to hearten the grouchiest Cleveland naysayer. The Slavic Village Recovery Project (SVRP) project is a collaborative program that targets homes for renovation, typically with a $40,000 investment, and puts them on the market in hopes of selling them to buyers with traditional funding: long-term mortgages. SVRP is a partnership between Forest City Enterprises, RIK Enterprises, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and SVD. Forest City and RIK contributed $225,000 each to the project and SVD and CNP both kicked in $25,000. The organization sold its first home in December 2013 and sold 20 homes in 2014. "Each of these homes sell," says Alvarado. "They aren’t staying on the market terribly long. We have a waiting list of buyers." The goal is to have between 40 and 50 homes on the market this year. Eight are currently being renovated and should be ready to sell in a couple of months. Alvarado cites this quote from the study: "The sale price of the initial homes reached the target amount of approximately $60,000, received an appraisal value above the sale price, and sold quickly." "That's really important: being able to have the appraisal at or above the sale price," says Alvarado. "It means we're able to work with folks and get conventional mortgages. It's a big win." It's also a massive shift for the area, in which home prices fell so low after the 2007 foreclosure crisis that most transactions were between family members out of obligation or after a bank foreclosure. "Folks are buying homes because they want to move into neighborhood." Alvarado also notes this takeaway from the study: "Based on research and experience with markets throughout the state, it is GOPC's estimation that many aspects of this project could be adapted to other neighborhoods in other cities." So what is the secret behind the successful project that has transformed the beleaguered Slavic Village into a model for urban renewal? Alvarado cites three components a community must have to replicate SVRP: a strong community development corporation with a staff seasoned in property acquisition and stabilization; stalwart housing stock in an area that has enduring occupancy and does not suffer severe displacement; and patient project partners that see the long-term benefit of the project. The success of SVRP dovetails with the Trailside Homes project, which features new construction, to give buyers more options. But increasing the number of attractive homes is only one part of the equation. To that end, SVD's efforts to enforce codes and selectively demolish have put an impressive dent in the number of open/vacant/vandalized properties. "Ten months ago," says Alvarado, "we had 172 (such properties). We're down to 64 throughout these five square miles." Those undesirable properties can scare traditional buyers away from nearby nicer homes. As their numbers dwindle, families, young couples and retirees are coming back to the historic neighborhood from the suburbs or outside the region. "It tells us people are excited about what's happening in Slavic Village."

homegrown chef to open lee road eatery MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2015

Clevelanders will be soon be faced with a difficult choice. Will it be the OMG Philly sammie (made with chicken and shrimp), the Hibachi Burger (topped with yum yum mayo and sautéed shrimp) or a Cleveland Polish Boy? Those tempting items along with a host of other delectables will soon be available at Black Box Fix, the latest effort from Cleveland chef Eric Rogers. Rogers, who left a lucrative career in healthcare finance in 2011 to cook professionally full time, will be opening the new venture in the space formerly occupied by Sweetie Fry at 2307 Lee Road. The nearly 1,500-square-foot space (300 of which houses the kitchen) will feature seating for 19 or 20, counter service and cuisine Rogers describes as fast gourmet. "We do out-of-the box cuisine. Everything's fresh and we try to use local," says Rogers. "All of our breads are made locally. This concept will focus on gourmet sandwiches that we've done at Nevaeh and several other things that we'll add to the roster." Patrons of the popular Nevaeh, Rogers' South Euclid eatery that closed last November, will be able to get their fix at Black Box Fix, including Nevaeh favorites such as the Creole Soul Roll, which is stuffed with Andouille Sausage, collard greens and smoked turkey. Ending up on Lee Road wasn't exactly what Rogers had planned. "I wasn't looking for this location," says Rogers. "It just kind of fell in my lap though a friend of mine. It had what my first location couldn't give me, which was diversity." The foot traffic and eclectic surrounding communities sealed the deal for the self-taught chef. In anticipation of a mid-March opening for Black Box Fix, which will serve lunch and dinner, Rogers is frantically refurbishing the cozy new space, largely by himself. "I do have another handy man and my father's been helping out a lot," says Rogers. "Having been through this before, I know kind of what to expect." Judging from his more than 22,500 followers on Instagram and Facebook, he can also expect to garner his share of business. Roger's will be offering promotions and direct ordering via those venues, to which he credits much of his success. He plans to employ 10 to 15 people at Black Box Fix, some of whom may also work for the catering side of the business, which Rogers hopes to expand after he opens the new eatery. Other Black Box Fix franchises are another future possibility. Until then, Rogers will be enjoying a bit of celebrity. The Cleveland native taped an episode of Guy Fieri's Guy's Grocery Games last November that's scheduled to air in April. While mums the word on the outcome of the program, Rogers' energy is palpable. "I have a high passion for what I'm doing."

$9m foundry project adds to transformation of flats into recreation hub MONDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2015

A unique property along the Cuyahoga River, featuring 80,000 square feet of space across 12 buildings, is set to be transformed into a youth and collegiate boathouse, fitness center and public park. The $9 million project, called The Foundry after its historic use, is located on Columbus Road across from Rivergate Park and will offer 500 feet of riverfront dock space for young rowers. The Foundry is being developed by MCPc Family Charities, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, as well as by Mike and Gina Trebilcock. MCPc, Inc. is a technology integrator and consultancy located in downtown Cleveland. The Trebilcocks have three children, all of whom were rowers, and the nonprofit has long supported rowing in Cleveland. Plans for the property include a new public park and multipurpose trail that will connect with Rivergate Park; offices, study rooms and other areas for young people and coaches; at least two "rowing tanks" where rowers can practice in water during the off-season; a large boathouse where boats can be stored and repaired; and possibly a second-level observation areas where parents can watch young people row. The new owners say that Phase I will be open by September. The property is a stunning slice of riverfront beauty, offering views of downtown, Irishtown Bend, the Columbus Road bridge and the Lorain Carnegie bridge. "We want local rowers to see there's a future for rowing here," said Matt Previts, Higher Education Vertical Manager at MCPc, during a recent tour of the sprawling property. Previts is an avid rower who coached at St. Ignatius for a decade. He is also director of rowing with the Cleveland Youth Rowing Association, the group that helps students whose schools do not have affiliated programs -- like Cleveland Municipal School District -- gain access to the sport. CYRA and various school-based programs will be the property's main occupants and users. Currently, these groups share space with the Cleveland Rowing Foundation, which is crammed into the boathouse at Rivergate Park. The move will create a separate space that youth and collegiate rowing programs will be able to grow into, while freeing up valuable space at the current boathouse. Previts stated that MCPc Charities plans to donate the majority of the funding necessary to renovate the complex, which is partially occupied. The property has been owned by Pipeline Development for 50 years, and a for-profit entity owned by the Trebilcocks just purchased it for $3 million. During an initial five-year period, that for-profit entity will hold the property. After that period, the Trebilcocks intend to donate it to a nonprofit that would manage it as a youth rowing center. The complex of brick buildings includes high ceilings and two ton cranes that were once used to move heavy equipment around. The buildings will soon prove to be perfect spaces for young rowers who see the working , industrial Cuyahoga River as a vibrant recreational playground. "You can't make this stuff anymore," said Previts of the old brick walls and barn doors, which will be preserved. "The renovation will honor the heritage that is here. It just feels industrial and cool." Kirk Lang, Executive Director of the Cleveland Rowing Foundation, released a statement in the wake of the Foundry announcement: "The announcement of plans for a second boathouse indicate that the sport is indeed on the rise here. The Trebilcock family’s investment is also, as our partners at Cleveland Metroparks have noted, another vote of confidence in the future of the Cuyahoga River as a regional destination for recreation. We will collaborate with all users on rules to ensure continued safety on the river. This announcement will not affect our plans to push forward with improvements to the current CRF boathouse that will enable us to better serve the adult, collegiate and scholastic programs that have and will continue to flourish there." Land stated in a followup email that some youth and collegiate rowing programs will continue to operate out of the CRF boathouse. The Foundry project will also displace a few tenants, perhaps most notably the Cleveland Museum of Art's Community Arts Program. This is the spot where CMA's Community Arts Director Robin Van Lear and her cohorts store and create puppets and props for Parade the Circle. Previts stressed that the transition will be gradual so that existing tenants can find a place to land. Previts believes the building's new use will not cause a conflict with existing property owners, despite everpresent concerns in the Flats -- and particularly around Rivergate Park -- about parking and traffic. Plans for the buildings will accommodate enough parking spaces for visitors, he stated. A few of the nonhistoric buildings will be knocked down to create additional parking spaces, and many of the youth coaches drive their rowers in buses down to the river.

rising star announces plans to open 'coffee lab' in hildebrandt building RISING STAR COFFEE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

Rising Star Coffee Roasters, the artisanal coffee company that currently has locations in Ohio City and Little Italy, is moving its roasting operations to the Hildebrandt Building at 3617 Walton Avenue on Cleveland's west side. The owners say the move is about expanding the company's roasting operation, continuing to experiment and innovate when it comes to local coffee and helping revitalize an older building that's coming back to life. “Our history at Rising Star has been to try and breathe new life into properties that are currently underutilized,” said partner Kim Jenkins in a release. “That is what is exciting about our move to Hildebrandt. We feel like it is a great place for us to grow together.” The Hildebrandt Building is the former home of Hildebrandt Provisions Company, a meat-packing operation. Currently, the historic building houses an array of businesses including artists, furniture makers and craft food companies. Rising Star will take over a large portion of the building's former electrical plant. The building boasts high ceilings, large windows and loads of natural light. Here, the firm will "roast all the beans for their wholesale and online clients, as well as the beans for their retail cafes," according to the release. "The wholesale division will use this space to expand operations and offer additional products to wholesale clients -- things like cups, purocaffe and equipment." Rising Star is also planning a retail location. “We are calling it a coffee lab,” said Robert Stockham, General Manager of Rising Star Coffee Roasters. “We want to use this retail location to try out new brewing methods, recipes and equipment. There will be things at the lab before we roll them out to the existing cafes. We want to make our coffee lab a destination location. We will offer tours, cupping events, training classes and more." The move should be finished next month, with the coffee lab open this summer.

red-hot rental market ignites conversion of garfield building into downtown apartments TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2015

A deal more than a year in the making has finally come to a close, and as a result, another of Downtown's grand spaces is about to undergo a stunning transformation. The historic Garfield Building, 1965 East 6th Street, is slated to become apartments. The West Coast-based Westcore Properties, which purchased the building for $8 million in 2008, has sold the 11-story, 160,000square-foot structure to the Millennia Companies for $6 million. Westcore, however, did not lose money. "On the surface, you could say we paid $8 million and sold it for $6 million, so we lost $2 million," summarizes Don Ankeny, president and CEO of Westcore Properties. "But along the way, we probably got 15 percent unlevered return on our capital. We enjoyed six years of very attractive cash flow." Originally built in 1893, the refurbished building will be renamed the Corning Place. Preliminary plans call for 125 one- and two-bedroom apartments ranging from 540- to 1,325-square-feet with estimated rents from $1.70 to $1.90 per square foot. The first floor, which includes the breathtaking column-lined lobby, houses between 35,000- and 40,000-square feet of retail opportunity, none of which has been locked into tenants. Permits for the $40 million project, which received a $5 million historic tax credit, are pending and should be in hand within 30 to 60 days, well ahead of a construction start date in June. Units are expected to be ready for rental 18 to 24 months after that. Sandvick Architects are the designers on the job and the general contractor is American Preservation Builders. Both firms are based in Cleveland. Westcore's sole tenant for the building was PNC, whose lease expired in December. The Garfield Building was the real estate acquisitions firm's only Cleveland holding. "We had a good experience in Cleveland," says Ankeny, "and with the right opportunity we would come back."

"climb zion" gym, unique community center, coming to historic tremont church MONDAY, FEBRUARY 09, 2015

Imagine vertically climbing past a 130-yearold stained glass window through a working bell tower, settling into the Downward Facing Dog pose in a vintage auditorium, or scaling a bouldering wall in a holy sanctuary. Sound like heaven? Try Tremont. The notion is soon to become a reality when local entrepreneurs Niki Zmij and Chick Holtkamp bring their love of climbing to the north coast by way of a unique project. "We both have strong ties to Cleveland," says Holtkamp, a seasoned climber and real estate investor whose family has been handcrafting pipe organs here for more than 150 years. "There's always an opportunity to move somewhere else. We want to bring some of what we learned out there back here." "Out there" refers to more than 50 climbing gyms in 12 states the couple toured in order to shape their vision of "Climb Zion," the transformation of the Zion United Church of Christ, 2716 West 14th Street, into a 40,000-square-foot community center that will feature climbing, yoga, community activities, a café, lounge areas and even a sauna. While the facility will cater to advanced climbers, the larger intent is to be all-inclusive. "We want to build a place that has stuff to challenge the really hard core climbers," says Zmij, "but also has stuff that's achievable and fun for someone who walks in off the street." To that end, it's not hard to imagine a chaperoning parent or uncle sipping coffee, watching climbers scale the array of walls and thinking: looks fun … I could do that ... The result when they take the plunge? "People surprise themselves and blow expectations out of the water," says Zmij. Plans include building a large addition in the rear of the property that will house the main climbing gym and connect to the existing buildings, which include the church proper and a schoolhouse. The area between those buildings would become an atrium that will echo the Ames Family Atrium at the Cleveland Museum of Art. "We were really inspired by what they did," says Zmij, noting how the CMA atrium turned beautiful exterior walls into beautiful interior walls. "All of these stained glass windows will be inside the atrium between these two gothic style buildings. It's like being in a European village." One aspect of the project that separates it from the handful of other renovated church/climbing gyms across the country is that the parishioners of Zion United Church of Christ will still convene in the main sanctuary on Sundays, just like they have since 1885 when the church was dedicated (the congregation is older still, dating back to 1867). Once numbering in the thousands, there are now less than 20 church members. "As you can imagine," says Zmij, "the upkeep of these buildings has become difficult." But the prospect of the climbing gym has put some pep in parishioners' steps. "I think they're excited about more people coming to this place," she says, adding that the exposure may translate to more members. "How cool would it be to stay after your Sunday church service and climb for a couple of hours?" The couple expects to close on the purchase of the property, details of which are confidential, this summer. They are also negotiating with the Ohio Department of Transportation regarding an adjacent vacant property, which would facilitate parking for 80 to 90 vehicles. Access will be public, with membership plans for the committed and day passes for the curious. As for total renovation costs, "It depends on how you do it," says Holtkamp. "If we phase it in, then our renovation budget is in the order of $2.5 million. If we do it all at once, it's more like $4 million." Optimistic scheduling includes a late summer/early fall 2015 groundbreaking and early 2016 opening. "We think it's definitely possible," says Zmij. "It would be great to be open for the Republican National Convention." Traditional financing, private investors and (hopefully) an historic preservation tax credit, for which the couple will apply next month, will fund the project. "We're committed to making this happen whether it's with the tax credits or without," says Zmij. "We have some dollars locked in." While both are part of the hardcore climbing scene, Holtkamp recalls when the sport was mainly practiced outdoors by men in their twenties. "Indoor climbing has grown up. We know how to do things really well now," he says of the niche industry that produces climbing wall equipment. "It's a good time to start doing this." The demographic has changed as well, with about a 50/50 split between men and women and an age range that has expanded on both ends. "Four-year-olds climb and 90-year-olds climb," says Holtkamp. "The gym will be built to accommodate all of these people."

small box cle announces newest tenant, blue edge, a gift and beauty products boutique HISTORIC WAREHOUSE DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 05, 2015

Small Box, the innovative shipping container retail project in the Historic Warehouse District, has announced its newest tenant. Blue Edge is a collaboration between Edge Hair Studio and Blue Envelope that will offer "eco-conscious and high-end gift and beauty products." Edge Hair Studio and Blue Envelope are both located in downtown Willoughby. According to a news release issued by the Historic Warehouse District Development Corporation, "Edge Hair Studio is a full-service, eco-conscious hair and nail salon ... Edge is the only studio on the east side of Cleveland to carry the full line of exclusive Davines products. These products, handmade by a dedicated, passionate family in Parma, Italy, have a cult-following for the luxury they provide in a beauty routine. Every item is handwrapped by an in-house artist." Blue Envelope is a three-year-old stationery studio that's known for designing stationery for weddings and other special events. The firm sells "exclusive and some locally-designed stationery and gift brands" at their Willoughby location. Both tenants have been active in growing the downtown Willoughby business scene. The release notes, "Historic Warehouse District Development Corp. welcomes with excitement Blue Edge as this group of creative and communityminded business owners make their first foray into Downtown Cleveland." For more information, visit the Small Box CLE website.

new flats home for efficiency consultants dazzles TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2015

Earlier this month, TPI Efficiency Consulting moved into newly renovated offices at 2020 Center Street in the Flats. The energy efficiency consultants previously occupied a 3,700-square-foot space at 1250 River Road above the space that once housed the storied Watermark restaurant, which closed more than 10 years ago. With natural light pouring in from a glass atrium roof insert and vintage floor-toceiling windows framing stunning views of the surrounding historic neighborhood, TPI's new office is a dazzler. "It's a fantastic bright place to work," says Lenny Carlsen, TPI's director of client services. Ironically, the company was obliged to forego a cutting-edge energy efficiency plan during the build out. "With historical buildings," says TPI president and founder Roger Zona, "LEED certification goes pretty much goes out the window." Hence, Zona did as much as he could, outfitting the offices with LED lighting and a robust air circulation system. Depending on how comfortable the space is in the summer, he may opt to have 3M Industrial film installed on the atrium glass to fend off the blazing sun, but it's a pricey prospect. Thus far, TPI has invested $100,000 in the remodel, a figure that could double courtesy of the 3M window treatment. While Zona acted as his own general contractor, he hired Harrington Electric to upgrade the lighting and wiring. HSB Architects and Engineers helped with the interior design. "Renovations started in late October on the day we closed," he says. Per Zona, the handsome brick structure was originally built as a metal forgery in the late 1800's. Most recently home to a queue of defunct restaurants, the 13,000square-foot space works beautifully as a two-story office with an airy floor plan and room for expansion, unlike the Old River Road location. Buoyed by a municipal economic incentive grant of $45,000, Zona purchased the Center Street building for $416,500. "They really held our hand walking through it and made it as seamless and painless as possible," he says of Councilman Joe Cimperman and Kevin Schmotzer of Cleveland's Economic Development Department during the grant application process. "They really helped us get it approved very quickly." To be sure: TPI closed the deal less than 60 days after they found the property. The grant will be forgiven if TPI hires three to seven employees over the next three years. To Zona, the prospect is not problematic. "We're anticipating getting a lot bigger than that," says Zona, adding that he anticipates having more than 40 employees in the Cleveland office by then. The company currently employs about 22. Zona is also eyeing expansions into Pittsburgh, Chicago and Columbus over the next three to five years. He credits TPI's growth to an old-school business creed: you have to give clients face time. "There's a value in physically walking out and shaking hands and meeting the people you work with," says Zona. As he watches demand for energy consumption consultation rise, he's confident that he'll have to hire more people to continue providing the level of service his customers expect. "We're not going to have call center in another state." Clients include entities such as the Ashtabula YMCA, the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown and Hattie Larlham. TPI advises them on how to efficiently consume an array of resources, from electricity to refuse services. "This is my first place on the West Side—the west bank of the river," quips Zona, who lives in a townhome on West 10th. He estimates the walk between the new office and his front door at five to seven minutes. Zona founded TPI in 2009 out of a West 9th Street apartment, where he also lived. He moved the company to the Warwick Communications Building, 2806 Payne Avenue, in 2011 and then to the Old River Road location in 2012. While he laments the loss of the river view, Zona enjoys the "old world" feel of the Center Street neighborhood. "I like the flats," he says. "I like the history of it." TPI's new offices are populated by several large-scale sculptures by Artur Vasilevich, many of which are for sale. The one featured in the above slideshow has a secret: her mouth is actually the deck of a commercial pizza oven, which is also for sale.

developer forsakes chicago for the 216, snaps up vintage space in campus district MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2015

Twenty-year development veteran Chris Matan is buying into Cleveland in more ways than one. Not only did he leave the Windy City -- his hometown -- to marry wife Ivana three and a half years ago, he closed just last month on a 25,000-square-foot building at 2104 Superior Avenue. Matan sees nothing but possibilities in the long-vacant space. "It's raw, open, undeveloped loft space," says Matan, "basically gutted out to the brick." The building features four floors with 12- to 14-foot ceilings and a basement. Only the first floor has lighting, although the entire building is outfitted with sprinklers. Matan believes the building dates to the early 1900's. It previously housed a chrome plating company and other tenants. He paid $185,000 for the property, which is his first foray into commercial development. Matan envisions residential space for the upper floors and a new food concept that would "bridge the gap between food trucks and traditional brick and mortar restaurants," on the first floor. "I want to be able to give the food entrepreneur the opportunity to get into a food space for themselves at a relatively low cost entry," says Matan. "I don't think it is being done right now." He stresses that the plans are highly tentative. "There are no commitments or anything like that. We're just putting feelers out there," he says. "We're not swinging a hammer tomorrow." Matan joins a growing list of non-Clevelanders coming to the 216 and finding a city in renaissance instead of a crumbling industrial ruin. "You're starting to see foreigners (for lack of a better word) come in and look at some of this real estate and start snapping it up," he says. "When you've got eyes coming from other cities, be it New York City or Chicago, it's a positive for the area." His recollection of coming to Cleveland and discovering the grid of streets that make up the Campus District stands in contrast to that of many natives. "When I first moved here, I'd drive around the area and it shocked me -- the product that was here, the warehouse buildings so close to downtown. Nothing was happening," he says. "I kind of saw the future in some of these buildings." So did his neighbors at Lake Affect Studios and 2044 Euclid Avenue, which are all part of the collective rebirth of the burgeoning campus area and Cleveland at large. "I've seen over the last three years what's going on in the Campus District, on the West Side, Downtown, the development that's happening," muses Matan. "People in Cleveland should take notice: this is happening before their eyes."

unique vinyl record mastering engineer moves into 78th street studios MONDAY, JANUARY 19, 2015

Considering only about 30 people across the nation do what Clint Holley does, Cleveland is very lucky to have him and his small business Well Made Music. "I'm the guy who takes your audio and transfers it to a record for the first time," says the vinyl mastering engineer. "I make an acetate or a lacquer." He heretofore operated out of his home, but will be moving into 78th Street Studios next month. He's been sprucing up the 1,200-square-foot space since July, along with digital mastering engineer Adam Boose of Cauliflower Audio. While the two will share the space and often collaborate on projects, their businesses are separate entities. Vinyl is an odd business. While sales are soaring (some eight million vinyl records were sold last year, up nearly 50 percent from 2013 according to the Wall Street Journal), the machinery used in their production is as rare as the people who know how to operate it. This is doubly true for Holley as he owns two mastering lathes. "I got in before the vinyl craze started and got really lucky with my first machine. I paid around $28,000 for it five years ago. Now they're $50,000 to $60,000," says Holley. "Nobody knows how many are still in existence. It's very difficult to get into this business now." The lathes Holley uses were produced between the 1950's and 1980's. There were only about 500 made and their use is mandatory in the vinyl record making process. Holley's models were manufactured by the legendary Georg Neumann company in Germany and he uses them to machine the first record, which becomes a template of sorts. "I make the first one," says Holley. "Every one after that is an exact copy of what I make. The pieces that I make become the stampers." When he's finished with them, Holley's stampers go to a studio such as Gotta Groove Records and are used in special presses, rare in their own right, to stamp record after record. The boom in vinyl was one impetus for Holley's move to 78th Street, but it wasn't the only one. "It's kind of a solitary job. You work by yourself," and when you work from home you end up spending a great deal of time there. "You start to feel a little crazy after a while," says Holley. "I thought it would be good to get around some creative people." He also sees his operation as part of a loftier goal for Cleveland, the creation of a music production infrastructure, which goes far beyond good musicians and hip concert venues. "In cities like Nashville or New York or Los Angeles, they have an infrastructure to get people to produce music. They have studios and production facilities. Cleveland is starting to build that infrastructure," he says, tagging his business, Gotta Groove and area studios. "We're looking for a way to bring all these people together and put us on the map."

new york developer bets on both sides of the 216: east and west WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2015

A New York based developer has taken note of the renaissance illuminating the 216 and has decided to get in on the action on both the east and west sides of town. Community, Preservation & Restoration (CPR) Properties has purchased apartment buildings at 13450 Cedar Road in Cleveland Heights and 3199 West 14th Street in Tremont. CPR partners Noah Smith and Ted Haber are naming the buildings Canterbury House and The Edison respectively. "We're not in Cleveland by accident," says Smith, who has been in development for 25 years. "We're only in markets that we feel are exploding." CPR purchased Canterbury House for $475,000 in 2013 and subsequently sunk $300,000 into renovations. The 20,000-square-foot building houses studio apartments and one-bedrooms with approximate square footages ranging between 400 and 650, and rents from $575 to $675. Currently, the building is at 50 percent capacity with eight units available to lease, which Smith believes will be filled by spring or early summer. He hopes to attract mostly eclectic "characters," which he defines as working people who are interesting. "You build a certain type of mouse trap," says Smith, "you get a certain type of mouse." He hopes to nurture his investment and help bolster the entire community: "Our work over the years has showed us that when you renovate a building and bring in good people you increase the desirability of the neighborhood. In turn, they make your property more desirable and the value of the building goes up." Canterbury House also has two vacant retail spots, both of which are approximately 800-square-feet. Smith hopes to attract start up businesses to fill the spaces by offering them at "a very low price." To that end, he's been in contact with Cleveland Heights Economic Development Department. Renovations for The Edison on the other side of town have not yet begun, but are slated to commence as early as next month or March. CPR paid $400,000 for the 28,000-square-foot building, which houses 35 units and is at 50 percent capacity. Of the evocative names, says Smith, "Part of what we do is brand buildings to create a unified image. It helps to create a sense of place." In keeping with that concept, CPR's vision for The Edison is sure to attract a certain demographic. "We're going to refashion the apartments in sort of a steampunk style," says Smith. Both projects are a perfect fit for CPR. "We're always looking for good deals in parts of town where we can take things that are outliers and make them really nice so we can attract good people. Slowly by degrees, that's how places get better," says Smith. "You won't find a single building in our portfolio that isn't a beautiful historic building. Part of our passion is preserving things for generations to come." Above all, however, he credits people for recreating places. "Those tenants that come in are the greatest asset to any neighborhood revival," says Smith. "They become an ambassador, to the area and the businesses."

habitat for humanity set to open second restore in north randall TUESDAY, JANUARY 13, 2015

Fortified with grants of $25,000 and $75,000, respectively from the Gund and Cleveland Foundations, Habitat for Humanity will be opening the area's second ReStore location this spring at 4601 Northfield Road. Similar to the existing ReStore at 2110 West 110th Street, the North Randall location will sell a mix of new and used furniture, appliances, housewares and construction materials. The new location is adjacent to a number of discount retail outlets as well as a Salvation Army thrift store, but ReStore director Matt Haren feels confident that the venture will add a new dimension to the existing competition. "I think we're bringing in that uniqueness of furniture and building materials and household wares," he says. The new 22,000-square-foot space requires some updates. The work is being financed by the grant money and will include flooring repair, new restrooms, a delivery door and a new employee/volunteer lunchroom to accommodate the planned staff of five and diverse volunteer pool. ReStore attracts volunteers through organizations that cater to the disabled, low-income and disadvantaged such as Bridges Rehabilitation Services, Towards Employment and LEAP. The new site, which formerly housed a Unique Thrift outlet, will feature a 16,000square-foot showroom and the same policies, product mix and layout as the successful West Side store, which turns around its inventory in a brisk 90 days. "We're going to try and mimic the same philosophy and culture we have here and transport it over to the east side," says Haren. One of the reasons the formula works is that it's a win-win-win, for customers, workers and even the folks supplying all the merchandise. "The donor population sees us as being able to move stuff into the community in both a recycling aspect and repurposing aspect," says Haran, "but also in taking those proceeds and applying them to our mission of putting families into homes." The grand opening is tentatively scheduled for April 2. Haren hopes the day marks a new partnership between Habitat for Humanity and the North Randall community, as well as that entire southeast quadrant of the county. "From our perspective," he says, "it's a community center. The community will shape what we're going to be all about."

indian street food, international sports bar coming to campus district MONDAY, JANUARY 12, 2015

If the student can't get to Mumbai, Mumbai shall come to the student … and teacher, and regular Cleveland joe and anyone else who's interested in a plate of vada pav or pani puri. Those dishes, along with an entire menu of classic Indian street food will be available at the new eatery Bombay Chaat, 2044 Euclid Avenue, as early as March 1st. Entrepreneurs Hetal Patel and her husband Nehal are putting forth the venture. "They wanted to do something interesting and unique," says building owner Richard Bole. "This is the first dedicated Indian street food concept in Cleveland." Bole is leasing the entire first floor of his building, 8,000-square-feet, to the Patels. Half of the space is under construction, including the kitchen, restrooms and seating for 60. The space will also feature a mural by local artist Erin Mazza. Work on the other half of the project, an international sports bar, is slated for later this year. Plans for the bar include a limited late night menu and showings of international sporting events such as Premiere League games and cricket matches from countries afar (think India versus Pakistan) in an effort to attract international students. "That's kind of the niche they're looking for," says Bole. The couple also manages a convenience store at 1900 Euclid Avenue Lofts and some Subway franchises. Tentative future plans include bringing an actual street food stall from India and nestling it right on Euclid Avenue, from whence hungry passers-by will purchase exotic paper-wrapped snack foods. "I think it could be very popular and I think it has a lot of appeal to the younger demographic on campus," says Bole. "Everything they're doing is trying to authenticate what you would see in India." Bole purchased the 66,000-square-foot building in 2007. "When I bought it," he says, "it was a 70 percent vacant, Class C office building." He went to work converting much of the space into apartments. The 22 units range from 720- to 2,000-square feet with monthly rents from $800 to $1,950. Plans for five more units are in the works, with construction slated to begin once the restaurant is complete. The existing units are fully leased, with 80 on the waiting list. The building also houses 8,000-square feet of office space. Tenants include Donley's Construction and Dorcherty Talent and Modeling. Most of the work on the project, which Bole characterizes as "long and difficult," was completed last year. Doty & Miller were the general architects; however, Mahler & Associates were the architects for the restaurant. Investment details for the project are confidential. Bole muses on the meteoric rise of Downtown's residential scene. "As recently as 2003," he notes, "the population on our block was pretty much zero and now it's got to be three or four hundred." The impetus for Bole's development effort was born during a stint living in New York City. "I thought we had the same architectural bones as some of those neighborhoods and the potential to do something similar," he says. "I'm kind of a crazy dreamer like anyone else in this business."

portside distillery and brewery opens tasting room in warehouse district WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2015

This week, Portside Distillery and Brewery officially opened the doors to its new tasting room, a spot that boasts inspiring views of freewheeling gulls circling an ice-covered Lake Erie and the Port of Cleveland. Portside has the honor of being among the very first new distilleries in Ohio since Prohibition. Brewmaster Dan Malz has created some the most interesting, unique beers in Cleveland, adding to the area's growing scene. "There was a day in Cleveland when breweries were everywhere," offers Portside's Keith Sutton, who owns the company along with Malz, Matt Zappernick and John Marek. "Cleveland was known as brewery town; they were all over the place. We’re kind of becoming a beer town again, which is great." In addition to flagship beers like the 216, a very drinkable, dry hopped pale ale with 5.7 percent alcohol, Portside has also won awards for its silver rum. When the venue's liquor license is delivered later this month, Portside will be able to start serving liquor in its tasting room. But for now, it's mostly just beer and light, tasty snacks, which are served up through a partnership with Willeyville. Oh, but what beer it is ... from the Rusalka Vanilla Stout, which promises "a kiss of vanilla with a clean finish" and surely delivers, to the Pop Smoke Rauchbier, a smoked beer nicknamed "The Bacon Beer" for good reason, these fine brews are some of the most interesting in town. They certainly add to the brew mecca that has sprung up in the area, including newcomers Brick and Barrel and Platform. The venue itself is worth checking out. The spacious interior feels like a secret basement bar where you could happily while away a Saturday afternoon. It has wide-planked hardwood floors, a beautiful square bar in the middle, and two private rooms available for a cozy drink and rentals. Photographs of historic Cleveland scenes burned onto planks of wood by local artist Jim Lanza adorn the walls, and pretty soon, the owners plan to install Portside barrel tops, too. Although Portside's owners once planned to open a restaurant, they nixed that plan when retail sales rose faster than production and the Flats East project took longer than anticipated. So last year, they purchased a full bottling line and have now begun selling six-packs of the 216 and other beers to local establishments, with plans in the works to introduce several of their beers in Heinen's by March. Some fun facts about Portside: the distillery used to create the rum was designed and fabricated by Sutton with the aid of a metal shop in Tremont. Several of the beers you can quaff at the tasting room are served directly from giant metal tanks in the brewhouse (now that's fresh). The building itself dates back to 1870, having done stints as a brass foundry and a place where church pipe organs were made. Portside, which is located on Front Street just up the hill from Flats East, will be open from approximately 4-8 pm Tuesday through Thursday, and will open at 1 pm on Saturdays. The plans are to stay open until at least 11 pm on weekends. GM Matt Zappernick says as long as there are customers, they won't close. In addition to the unique flavors and styles that can be found on the draft beer list, Zappernick says that Portside customers can count on the fact that nothing is more than three weeks old. "That's unbelievably fresh beer," he says.

tremont athletic club opens in the newly-renovated fairmont creamery building WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2014

On Dec. 8, the much-anticipated Tremont Athletic Club, 2306 West 17th Street in the Fairmont Creamery building, opened with little fanfare. "We simply walked to the front door at 5 a.m. and unlocked it," says managing member and majority owner Nick White. "That was the grand opening." Considering the club already had 300 members courtesy of pre-opening sales drives (and now nearly 400), the move underscores White's approach to the business of running a fitness center. "We're not interested in the slick marketing and the hype of getting people in the door," he says. "We're trying to be straightforward. So often the deals you see in this industry are anything but. You always end up paying on the back end whether it be in fees or parking tickets, somehow they get their pound of flesh." Qhite vows not to charge surprise fees and offers a simple membership plan: $60 per month with a one-year commitment. A one-month pass can be had for $75 and a day pass for $20, but White adds that special deals may be available for those interested in trying out the gym prior to securing a membership. Members can always bring a guest for free. Amenities in the 14,000-square-foot facility include two full strength circuits, 35 cardio machines, a functional training area, a free weight room, a large class area, towel service, saunas and multi-use lockers that do not require a lock and are reset with every use. Most classes are free with membership and include offerings such as Kettle Bell Happy Hour, Cardio Blast, Three Sisters Yoga and Butts & Guts. Hot yoga will be offered shortly. "We're trying to get a nice varied collection of classes," says White. Members can look forward to possible rooftop offerings such as sunrise yoga as well, although that space is not yet built out. The club, which has been under construction for about a year, is the anchor tenant in the Fairmont Creamery building. The architect on the job was (ARC)form LLC. The building is also home to 30 apartments, all of which have been leased, and businesses such as Twist Creative and the soon-to-open Good to Go Café, which will no doubt be a favorite fueling spot for gym-goers. "We'll have the best juice bar of any gym I've ever known," says White of Good to Go Café proprietor Anna Harouvis's natural and health-conscious concoctions. Club hours are 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday. Saturday and Sunday hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The space is commercially cleaned after hours three times a week. What's to love most about the Tremont Athletic Club? White enumerates: "It's an old creamery. It's an industrial space. It's got tons of natural light. It's got all brand new equipment and we keep it spotless." He also touts stunning views of the city for those who choose window gazing over the televisions aboard each treadmill. Mostly, however, White sees the venture as a much-needed service in the Tremont neighborhood. "We really understand that this area has no fitness center," he says. "People here need a place to exercise."

ilthy makes a local move, looks to national stage MONDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2014

Coming off a successful stint in Gordon Square, the edgy Cleveland-based clothing and accessory shop iLTHY has moved to a new location at 15613 Detroit Road in Lakewood. Founded in 2009 by artist Glen Infante, the popular brand is stretching out, so to speak. The previous shop at 6602 Detroit was 800-square-feet, just a fraction of the roomy 3,600-square-feet in the new space. "Last year, we were handling online orders, manufacturing, and customer service at our warehouse in North Royalton while retail, management, and design was handled in our Gordon Square space," says iLTHY co-owner Kumar Arora, who joined the operation in 2011. "We were constantly having to shuffle between two locations to get things done. Now we're able to bridge two distinct parts of our business." Renovations on the new location started in July and included new flooring, plumbing and electrical work. Features include an expansive showroom and large storefront windows to attract the high foot traffic generated courtesy of neighboring hotspots such as Jammy Buggars, Lakewood Public Library's main branch and the Merry Arts Pub and Grille. The shop held its grand opening in October. "Being right on Detroit in Lakewood provides opportunities for us," says Arora. "We felt that a move to Lakewood better aligned with our long term goals," which include elevating the brand to the national stage. The shop's street-smart offerings include items such as the Cyclops Snapback hat, which features an unusual interpretation of a usual local suspect, ladies' swimwear, a host of accessories and prints that blend funk, doughnuts and fine art. High profile fans of iLTHY merch include LeBron James, Joe Haden and Machine Gun Kelly. That celebrity exposure has contributed to the brand's unprecedented growth, which Arora estimates at 30 percent annually. Other factors he cites include ongoing product development, the buzzing local sports scene and Cleveland's overall renaissance. "It doesn't look like it's stopping any time soon," says an optimistic Arora of iLTHY's success. The former Case Weatherhead School of Management student's business acumen does not stop at the threshold of iLTHY (an acronym gleaned from I Love The Hype). He is also the founder of the innovative Rogue Eyewear. Moreover, his website enumerates his litany of eclectic ventures, which range from entertainment management to nanochemicals. Arora's energetic entrepreneurial style is a perfect fit for iLTHY as well as Northeast Ohio. "I like to think that all of us can create change or make something to make a name for Cleveland. Cleveland was known for certain things in the past but what's to say we can't be known for fashion or streetwear? Who says that we can't do it? Who says that we don't have the resources?" "That's kind of my belief."

st. ignatius teams up with st. vincent to brighten up a slice of lorain avenue TUESDAY, DECEMBER 09, 2014

A vacant building is getting a major facelift and some new tenants thanks to a collaborative effort between St. Ignatius High School and St. Vincent Charity Medical Center. "This is a building we purchased a year and a half or two years ago," says Richard Klingshirn, vice president and chief financial officer for St. Ignatius, of the property at 2905 Lorain Avenue. "We didn't really have any plans at that point in time." The school purchased the building, the previous incarnation of which Klingshirn describes as "multi-purpose commercial," mostly because of it's proximity to the St. Ignatius campus. During a subsequent discussion between Fr. William Murphy, the school's president, and St. Vincent's president and CEO, Dr. David Perse, the idea to put the 3,600-square-foot space to use as a doctor's office was launched. The two entities eventually agreed to a five-year lease. Klingshirn notes that convenience was a factor, with St. Vincent's main campus at 2351 East 22nd Street being just over two miles from the new building, which is also on RTA's popular 22 route. "For patients," says Klingshirn, "it's much better public transportation service with the number 22 and other buses right there." Four doctors will be moving into the space: Dr. Joy Marshall, family practice; Dr. Jeremy Perse, podiatry; Dr. George Friedhoff, sports medicine; and Dr. Muhammad Zahra, cardiology. The doctors are expected to start seeing patients in the new location on Jan. 6, with a community open house to follow. A date for the open house has not been set; however, St. Vincent's Wendy Hoke, vice president of marketing and communications, expects it to be sometime in January. "St. Vincent's and St. Ignatius are basically splitting the cost of renovating the building," says Klingshirn. " I won't give specifics," he adds, "but the total cost of project is in excess of one million dollars." Westlake Reed Leskosky is the architectural team on the project. The building required a complete renovation, including all new electrical and plumbing. "The four walls and the roof were there," says Klingshirn, "everything else was redone." But the best part, says Klingshirn, is the improvement to this tiny slice of Lorain Avenue. He describes the structure as previously looking like a "building you would build out of Legos—a very blocky looking building." The addition of expansive windows and a smart façade have changed that. "(The architects) took a really basic building and turned it into something very attractive," says Klingshirn. "Compared to what it was, it really spruces up Lorain Avenue nicely. It just dresses up that little 80- to 100-feet of frontage."

amasa stone house to be reborn as stonebrook montessori WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 03, 2014

Built in 1930, the Amasa Stone House at 975 East Boulevard was a "home for aged women" with a history dating back to 1877. Ironically, this place designed for people near the end of life is transforming into a place for little people just starting out in life, the Stonebrook Montessori Charter School. Renovations on the 40,000-square-foot structure in the historic East Boulevard neighborhood began in summer 2014 after Montessori Development Partnerships (MDP) purchased the building. MDP president Debbie Guren hopes to welcome as many as 20 three- and four-year-olds to the school this winter for a pilot program. "We have interest from over 30 families," says Guren. The school will formally open in fall of 2015 with slots for 100 three- to seven-year-olds, and then add a grade per year to eventually cater to 300 kids up to age 15 by 2020. Guren estimates the facility will have 30 to 40 employees by then. The three-phase construction schedule reflects the enrollment plan. The Krueger Group is proceeding with the work and has completed what project manager Daniel Krueger calls "disassembly," a process by which they peel back what exists to expose the "bones" of a facility. "It was kind of like a hotel," says Krueger, noting the long halls with individual rooms and private baths. There were even suites outfitted with small kitchens. "We gutted the interior to the walls." The crew kept architectural points of interest such as fireplaces intact. "It's built like a tank," adds Guren, noting that Samuel Mather oversaw the original construction on the structure and named it after his father-in-law, Amasa Stone. "It's so well built and so well designed—just as the Mathers would build something. To have that history is amazing." Phase one, currently underway, focuses on the main floor. The upper level will be completed in phase two, and phase three will unfold on the lower level. The first part of phase one, a kitchen and a community room, will be complete this winter for the pilot program. The entire project is slated for completion in 2016, although progress depends on funding. Thus far, MDP has raised more than $3 million of their $6.23 million goal, which has facilitated the purchase of the building, renovation, furnishings and operational funding for the first five years. "We're almost halfway to our goal in less than a year," says an optimistic Guren. While charter certification from the state and municipal entities is pending, the Buckeye Community Hope Foundation formally agreed to act as the school's sponsor, a mandatory and important step in the process. Enrollment will be open first to Cleveland residents, then inner-ring suburbs, then other Ohio residents. "We're pretty sure we'll be able to fill up," says Guren. Long-time senior living advocates McGregor last operated the facility, which went dark in 2002. McGregor eventually gifted it to the Northeast Neighborhood Development Corporation, with loans for maintenance and expenses. The property transferred to the Famicos Foundation when NNDC closed. Montessori Development Partnerships purchased the structure for $550,000, a substantial reduction on the property's valuation of $1 million. McGregor forgave interest on the outstanding loans to enable Famicos to sell at the reduced price. The Krueger Group has worked on several projects at area Montessori schools such as Ruffing (Rocky River), Hudson, Cleveland and the high school at University Circle. "We enjoy these projects and we enjoy just how tangible they are," says Krueger, adding that he and three of his siblings are former Ruffing Montessori students. There are more than 4,000 Montessori schools in North America, notes Guren, while only 10 percent of them are public. "It's very important to me that we bring this to Cleveland and offer a free option for a complete Montessori program that's the top of the line."

metroparks plans $14m of improvements to lakefront parks, including edgewater beach house WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 03, 2014

The Cleveland Metroparks is rapidly approaching its 100 year anniversary in 2017, and the park system is currently working on improvements aimed at honoring the founders' vision and propelling the parks into the next century. This week, the Metroparks unveiled $14 million of planned improvements to the lakefront parks. They include a two-level beach house at Edgewater Park, a boardwalk that would extend over the water at Whiskey island, a rebuilt pier at Euclid Beach, a pedestrian bridge crossing Euclid Creek and connecting Euclid Beach to Wildwood, and upgraded facilities at the East 55th Marina. "The Metroparks has made major changes at the lakefront parks in the past 18 months," stated a video about the lakefront plan, reminding participants of the enhancements implemented since the Metroparkstook over management of the parks from the State of Ohio. "Imagine what it can look like in 20 years."

In a brief presentation at a community meeting held Tuesday at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Metroparks officials stated that the agency's priorities are to foster clean, safe parks, connect people with the waterfront and strengthen the surrounding communities. They also stressed that the plans unveiled this week are the result of nearly two years of meetings with residents and stakeholders. Chief Planning and Design Officer Sean McDermott went into some detail about the proposed Edgewater Park beach house, which will transform what is now a small, benign concessions area and uninspired, bunker-like pavilion into a community hub that will no doubt draw residents and tourists alike. "We envision this to be a hub of activity in lower Edgewater," McDermott stated at the meeting. "It's an iconic, exciting structure that's still in the early stages of design. This will be a $4 million investment, and we'll only have one opportunity to do this. We really want to make it shine as the centerpiece of the park." The proposed beach house will have two levels. The second level will consist of a gathering area where visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch, meet friends or just take in the great views. The 9,200 square foot facility will have an expanded concessions area and retail store on the first level. A bridge will connect the second level directly with the entrance to the West 76th Street bike-ped tunnel. Some of these projects, like the beach house and roundabout at Lower Edgewater, are slated to be completed within the next few years. Others are longer-term improvements and have no clear timeline at this point. However, Metroparks officials stated that the $14m to be spent stems from funds provided by the state when management of the parks was transferred. Officials did not provide a list of which improvements are already slated to be completed as part of the $14m. Want to weigh in on planned improvements? Visit the Metroparks' website or attend one of the community meetings planned for this week. Park officials stated that renderings will be available on their website by Thursday. Here's a list of some of the improvements unveiled at Tuesday's meeting. Lower Edgewater - A new roundabout will be built to alleviate traffic problems - Arrival plaza with play features, fire/water features, outdoor dining area - Improved trail system throughout the park - Expanded, improved parking area with loop drives and dropoff areas - Improved concession area with deck/stage - Expanded/enhanced fishing pier - Terraced seating along the waterfront - Seatwalls and columns at the beach - Barriers to help keep the sand off of the bike-pedestrian path - New lakefront bikeway that traverses the entire park and Whiskey Island Upper Edgewater - Grand staircase leading to water with upper/lower terraces and trail connections - New shelter and themed play area - Upgraded restrooms - Improved access to Perkins Beach - Great lawn for large groups, pick up sports and picnicking - New gazebo near Wagner statue - Improved trails throughout, including to Perkins Beach - New scenic overlook with downtown vista - Reorganized parking layout with reduced pavement - Rebuilt/improved piers at Perkins Beach Whiskey Island - Improved restrooms and concession building - Boardwalk trail link along waterfront - Grassy play area to be dubbed "The Arena" - Connections to water taxi to be housed near Main Ave. bridge - Overlook Plaza where pedestrian bridge ends - Improved access to beach areas - Picnic area and event space We'll continue to follow and report on planned improvements to the lakefront park system. Next up, we'll delve into what's in store for the east side parks.

long-awaited makeover of mlk jr. drive and 'suicide circle' now open TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 2014

The much-maligned traffic circle at East 105th and MLK Jr. Drive has been completely redeveloped and is now open to vehicle traffic. Fresh Water first reported on these planned improvements two and a half years ago. "This traffic circle has one of the highest rates of vehicular accidents in the region -they're mostly fender benders, because people are just confused by it," Chris Bongorno, Director of Planning with University Circle Incorporated (UCI), said at the time. "The new configuration will definitely be more pedestrian and bike friendly, and will also help to connect people to Rockefeller Park and University Circle." According to a press release from Cuyahoga County, which spearheaded the project in partnership with the City of Cleveland, the $7.2 million infrastructure project "modified an existing roadway network at East 105th Street, MLK Boulevard, Mt. Sinai Drive, East Boulevard, and Jeptha Drive. An existing roundabout was eliminated and the remaining roadways geometrically realigned." The project complete overhauled the existing infrastructure. Mt. Sinai was moved south of its previous location, while Jeptha Drive was moved north. East 105th Street was widened and now includes turning lanes. Finally, MLK Jr. Boulevard has been widened and realigned, and East Boulevard has been extended. Additional improvements include new sidewalks, paths and the reconstruction of the Cancer Survivor Plaza. A new bio swale will have over 4,000 shrubs and perennials, apparently. The pedestrian- and bike-friendly components of the project, a major priority for the University Circle area, join a host of similar initiatives in the area, including bike lanes on Euclid Avenue and two new Red Line rapid stations. A pedestrian boardwalk will serve to connect East 105th Street to MLK Jr. Blvd. There are still a few items to be ticked off the completion list, including installation of the shrubs and perennials, permanent pavement markings and permanent traffic signals, but the project is largely done in time for the holidays.

old brooklyn community cafe to be developed at cleveland library branch MONDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2014

Despite being home to over 30,000 residents, Old Brooklyn lacks a vibrant main street full of local businesses. And while its neighbors in Tremont and Ohio City enjoy a surfeit of options when it comes to cool cafes, including Rising Star and Civilization, Old Brooklyn residents unfortunately can't say the same. That's going to change soon thanks to a bold new project that's been initiated by the Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation in partnership with Cleveland Public Library. Their plan to build a new community cafe in the South Brooklyn branch of CPL was recenty awarded $30,000 from Cleveland Neighborhood Progress (CNP) as part of its Neighborhood Solutions awards. The plan for the cafe dovetails with existing plans to leverage and redevelop the historic streetscape along Pearl Road in the heart of Old Brooklyn. The half-mile stretch of Pearl is close to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and other amenities, and there are also about 1,500 employees in the immediate area. "This café will reimagine a community asset that has been a keystone for 35 years," Old Brooklyn CDC stated in its proposal to CNP. "Now the asset can be repurposed as a 21st century gathering space to anchor economic development and connect to the community through opportunities for programming and engagement. The café will be built not only as a public-partnership with the library but also as a physical part of the structure, creating opportunities for both entities to support the other through programming and shared customers." Old Brooklyn CDC and CPL plan to renovate a portion of the library and create a new storefront where there's currently a blank exterior wall. This new, glassfronted storefront will be attached to the library. It will have a separate entrance, seating area and a patio, but will also be accessible from inside the branch. Visitors will be able to grab a cup of coffee and browse the collection. Old Brooklyn expects to select a private operator through an RFP process. The branch is located at State and Pearl Roads, a high-traffic location in the city. It will join Drink Bar and Grill and Cake Royale as new, expanding businesses within the area, and leaders expect the new cafe to create about five full-time jobs. The CDC still must raise additional funds to turn this innovative idea into a reality. The $30,000 grant award represents only about 25 percent of the total costs to "white box" the library space so that it can be offered to a private operator. Additionally, the following three programs or projects were chosen as Neighborhood Solutions Awards grantees, according to a release: "Union-Miles Development Corporation will receive $35,000 to expand UMag, a program that supports entrepreneurship development specifically for the landscaping market through training, job referrals, networking opportunities and community volunteerism. Northeast Shores Development Corporation will receive $30,000 for the Collinwood Renter Equity Program which combines the rehab of low demand rental buildings into facilities that offer low-income artists both living and work space. In addition, a component to build equity for the artist tenants is integrated into the program. St. Clair Superior Development Corporation will receive $30,000 for Hatch St Clair that will 'grow' new businesses for the neighborhood by providing a pool of funds and support available exclusively to home- based start-ups and existing businesses located in the SCSDC service area." CNP stated in the release that it expects all of these projects to be up and running within about 12 months.

78th street studios welcomes four tenants on new ramp level, anticipates arrival of artneo TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2014

Third Friday at 78th Street Studios is always a unique event, but this month's installment will include the grand opening of the new 20,000-square-foot "ramp level." Four galleries have already moved into the new space and will be ready to dazzle attendees this Friday. In spaces that range from 1,000 to 1,500 square feet, the new tenants include The Nine 5 Gallery, an industrial art space; the Byzantine, which features eclectic home goods; Northcoast Promotions, an artisan craft market; and the second location for Hartshorn Studios, which has been at its Tremont storefront, 2334 Professor Avenue, since 2007. "We absolutely love Tremont," says Hartshorn artist and gallery manager Lila Kole, "but we also wanted to be in a place where we have close access to lots of other peoples' ideas and artwork and kind of be working together in a hive." "We want to sort of connect these growing areas," adds gallery owner and principal artist Rob Hartshorn of Cleveland's expanding art scene. Dan Bush purchased the 170,000-square-foot complex on W. 78th Street in 2001. The Gordon Square Arts District building was once home to the creative studios of American Greetings. With the four new tenants, the studios now boast nearly 50 businesses. The newly opened ramp level features two suites, with an event venue and plenty of room for additional studios. "We've got a ton of demand," says Bush of the space, which opened up when longtime tenant Grossman Inc. vacated in February of this year. "We hope to have at least another 15 businesses in the building by the end of 2015." ARTneo, formerly the Cleveland Artist Foundation, will be occupying 2,500 square feet on the ramp level in early 2015 and will be programming an adjacent 5,000-square-foot gallery part of the year, while the rest of the building will direct shows and content for the balance. ARTneo is moving from their longstanding home at the Beck Center for the Arts. "They've outgrown us; we've outgrown them," says Bush, who is also an ARTneo board member. "It's all a very good serendipity." The ramp level grand opening will go one hour beyond the usual 5 – 9 p.m. Third Friday time slot, with festivities extending to 10 p.m. and including strolling accordion player Ralph Szubski, guitarist Victor Samalot, the ever-fabulous Lounge Kitty and a yet-to-be-announced neighborhood pub selling nibbles. The Nov. 21 happening will also feature the opening reception for A Great Joy: The Women's Art Club of Cleveland 1912-2006. ARTneo and Dr. Lawrence Waldman are co-curating the show, which will be held in Suite 215, the site's popup shop on the second floor through Jan 17.

years in the making, crooked river skate park brings world-class facility to the flats WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2014

It’s not too late to get out and skate Crooked River, before the snow starts to fall. On Friday at 4 p.m. rain, snow or shine, join Mayor Frank Jackson and Councilman Joe Cimperman in cutting the ribbon and officially welcoming Crooked River Skate Park to the community. The project is aimed at pumping life back into the Flats around Rivergate Park, joining Ohio City Bicyle Co-op, the Cleveland Rowing Foundation and others. In 2012, the city issued a $758,000 contract to Seattle-based design and construction crew Grindline. They also garnered a $25,000 Tony Hawk Foundation Grant, which enabled the park to add on the kidney bowl and additionally resulted in increased national publicity for the park.

Vince Frantz, director of the Public Square Group, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting skateboarding, spearheaded the project. Since skate parks are typically located in the suburbs and rarely in the city proper, he believes that Crooked River will provide a unique draw to the city. “We think that ultimately this skate park will be a way to engage with the community and become a way for kids to create a strong tie to the community,” says Frantz. Frantz also helped to spearhead construction of the Lakewood Skate Park and teaches skate lessons at the Bay Village Skate & Bike Park. He views skateboarding as a lesson in resilience and creativity. “Skating is a shared experience of pushing your skills to the very edge and repeating them. It’s an entrepreneurial spirit not taught in school but taught on a toy,” he says. “It’s a skill in improvisation — like seeing jazz performed.” Although the park officially opens Friday, the skate portion was completed before Halloween and has already entertained about 50-60 people on an average day since its completion. Before Crooked River opened, Clevelanders had to travel at least two hours in order to skate something of equal caliber. “We brought the passion,” Frantz says. “There’s a rich history of skateboarding in Cleveland and there are a lot of talented skaters that we have lost to the West Coast. “ The park also features a public art installation that will serve as a shelter for shade. “It’s a good use of the public art budget to get something iconic but also functional,” Frantz says. “During the summer it’ll provide shade; it’s sort of derivative of a shipping container and it’s fitting for the riverfront." The park’s construction hit a major roadblock in March 2013, when preliminary digging revealed that the dredging soil from the river was too unstable to create a solid base for the park. They relocated the site directly north of the original site and brought in several tons of concrete to use as a solid base. “Part of the goal was to build a skate park that draws the continuum of generations of skaters together,” Frantz said. The final design chosen was the “Snake Run” concept featuring an iconic snake run and deep kidney bowl along with various street/flow elements and double ledge lines around the edge. It features a mix of concrete, brick, granite and pool coping. Frantz calls the park a "sculpture" that can be "interpreted on wheels" by skaters. Another unique component of the project was that the construction crew, which consisted of about eight experts, included five local skaters. A total of 35 local skaters and supporters also volunteered in landscaping the park. Crooked River Skate Park is planning a grand opening in the spring which Frantz hopes will include skateboard demos from local and national skaters and live music. “We can’t rule out a visit from Tony Hawk — but it’s not official yet,” he said. Editor's note: For an in-depth look at skateboarding in the CLE, check out this article by Fresh Water writer Lee Chilcote that appeared in Scene in May 2012.

cuyahoga county now the 'gold standard' for abandoned property reclamation TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2014

Some of the most significant strides in Cleveland's renaissance come from the quietest corners, where people with rolled sleeves toil behind desks, taking on daunting challenges. While their accomplishments aren't often regaled with flashy grand openings and popping champagne corks, their impact is unmistakable. Hence, when the Cuyahoga County Land Reutilization Corp (or more commonly, the Cuyahoga Land Bank) quietly celebrated the passage of Senate Bill 172 earlier this month, few noticed. The legislation, which was authored by Douglas Sawyer, special projects and policy counsel for the Cuyahoga Land Bank and Gus Frangos, the organization's president and general council, is an important link in an ongoing effort that has catapulted Cuyahoga County from the infamous "ground zero" of the foreclosure crisis to a nationally recognized pioneer in expediting and processing vacant and abandoned property. "Cuyahoga County is considered the gold standard," says Sawyer of the county's reputation as a leader in the area of abandoned property reclamation. "It's really a credit to the city and county. All of the different players realized how big the problem was here and have come together to try and tackle these problems." SB 172 improves and streamlines processes previously established in House Bill 294 (2006). That legislation included a nationally groundbreaking alternative to the traditional judicial tax foreclosure process for abandoned properties: the administrative tax foreclosure hearing. The administrative process, performed by the Cuyahoga County Board of Revision, takes between six and 12 months, whereas the customary judicial process can go on for one or two years. Once a property is foreclosed, it is essentially cleansed of delinquent taxes and other financial encumbrances, and can make its way into "someone's hands that can do some thing good with it" by way of the land bank, says Sawyer. The original 2006 legislation, however, allowed for any number of entities such as lien holders or banks to "move to dismiss"—essentially putting the kibosh on an administrative foreclosure—and sending the case back to the judicial system completely anew. "That's not good," says Sawyer, noting that the county invests much preparation, due diligence and funding (approximately $1,500) into each administrative foreclosure case. SB 172 saves all of that, allowing the case to remain intact and simply transfer into the court system along with all the associated documentation. Sawyer describes another thing he likes about SB 172. The legislation removes the obligation for a local municipality, county or county land bank to obtain permission from owners of properties that have been forfeited to the state--who are often difficult (if not impossible) to find--in order to assess those properties. He cites the tiny Village of Glenwillow. "Glenwillow is getting onto a property that was forfeited to the state," says Sawyer. "They're doing some environmental testing and as long as there's not something really really bad on it, they'll pull it from the forfeiture list through our land bank and they're going to do some good things on the property." Without SB 172, he adds, "they wouldn't have any ability to do that." Since its inception in 2009, the Cuyahoga Lank Bank has transacted 4,600 properties, demolished 2,960 and facilitated the renovations of 980. It currently holds title to 1,330 properties. A founder of the land bank, former County Treasurer Jim Rokakis, went on to create the Thriving Communities Institute, a region-wide effort to help revitalize urban centers by transforming vacant properties. "We are really one of the leaders," says Sawyer. "If you want to be doing this kind of work, this is a great place to be doing it. This is the cutting edge."

storefront renovation fills bruno casiano gallery with new light WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 05, 2014

Longtime Detroit Shoreway fixture the Bruno Casiano Gallery has finally opened its eyes, so to speak, courtesy of a storefront renovation. The gallery, which is located at 5304 Detroit Avenue, is filled with natural light after more than 50 years without front windows. The two new windows, which were installed last week, occupy spaces that were bricked up at an unknown point in the building's past. "It used to be a speakeasy, this place," says owner Bruno Casiano, adding that the structure dates back to the 1930s and also housed a boat business for many years during the mid- to late-1900s. The $22,000 renovation included removal of the brick, installation of two eight-foot by eight-foot windows, new awnings and improvements to the front stoop, including new tiling. The project will be part of the city's Storefront Renovation Program, by which up to 40 percent of costs are reimbursed, with a maximum of $25,000 for an exterior upgrade, after the work is complete and the bills are paid. "That's a big investment for a small company like me," says Casiano of the $22,000 tab. "To get something back? It really helps. It's a really good program." Casiano purchased the 2,500-square-foot building in 2001. "It had been abandoned for so long. It was a mess. It took me two years of sweat equity. I really worked." He installed new floors, bathrooms and dry wall before opening the gallery and subsequently leasing the space. Tenants included a music recording and photography studio and Wall Eye Gallery before Casiano reopened the space as Bruno Casiano Gallery in 2013. He occasionally displays his own work, but it's mostly the work of others that adorns the 1,500 square feet of display space. Born in Gary, Indiana, in 1960, Casiano and his family moved to his family's hometown of Juana Diaz, Puerto Rico when he was nine. He studied art in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic before coming to Cleveland in 1994 to earn his bachelor of arts in illustration at the Cleveland Institute of Art. His work, which has been described as "strongly Puerto Rican in essence," has been displayed at dozens of shows across Northeast Ohio, as well as in Puerto Rico and Chicago. He has also been commissioned by the Cleveland Museum of Art, the Fort Wayne Museum of Art and the Hispanic Business Association. Casiano began working with the city and the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization in April to bring the project to fruition. He expects the finishing details to be complete in time for the gallery's 2014 Christmas Show, which debuts on November 14 with a reception from 6 to 10 p.m. Casiano is looking forward to showing off the space's transformation at that time. "The artists will be around. We'll have hors d'oeuvres. It will be fun."

long-time area construction firm to move into flats MONDAY, NOVEMBER 03, 2014

Nestled between the old Superior Viaduct and the Center Street swing bridge in the Flats sits a building that once housed a foundry for the White Sewing Machine Company. The squat, one story brick structure dates back to the late 1800's. Vacant for 15 years, the space is now in the final stages of a major update as the John G. Johnson Construction Company (JGJ) gets ready to move into their new digs at 1284 Riverbed Street. The company is scheduled to move into the space on November 10th. "Being in construction, we like to see renovation/adaptive-reuse projects," says JGJ's business development manager Matt Large. "We're doing that right now; we're turning a steel foundry for sewing machines into construction offices for the modern era." The transformed 7,500-foot space will feature an open office/industrial warehouse layout designed to facilitate collaboration between employees. Cleveland-based architects Herman Gibans Fodor, Inc, completed the design work. Cost for the project is confidential, but county records show that the previous owner, Riverside Construction, sold the building to M&M Companies LLC for $530,000. It transferred in February. The space is approximately twice as large as the firm's current facility, which is housed -- believe it or not -- in a house at 8360 East Washington Street in Chagrin Falls. The company has been there for 27 years. "We feel the employees are really going to like it," says Large of the new space, "and that it will really make them excel at their work." Founded in 1928 and incorporated in 1943, JGJ specializes in construction management, commercial and general contracting. Their portfolio is mostly dedicated to houses of worship, educational and governmental buildings. Examples of their work include the Euclid Public Library, the Cuyahoga Heights Elementary School, the Chabad Jewish Center of Solon and a number of structures for the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland. "We just want to have a greater Cleveland presence," says Large on the impetus of the move. "We feel that moving to Cleveland is a great thing for us to do right now. A lot of our work is in Cleveland and the surrounding counties. Things are booming." The company is currently at work on projects such as an east side maintenance facility for the city of Cleveland, renovations to Judson Park in the University Circle neighborhood, and a renovation of Hotel Breakers at Cedar Point. Business for JGJ has nearly doubled in recent years. The company is hiring and expects to have about 15 employees in the new offices. He cites the popularity of Merwin's Wharf, the anticipated opening of Brick and Barrel Brewery and activity along Columbus and Elm Streets as harbingers of good things for the area. "We're getting caught up in that little area of the Flats, caught up in the potential growth. We feel like it’s a great area to be a part of and we plan to be there for a long time."

land studio workshop highlights proliferation of public art THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2014

When the nonprofit LAND Studio announced a workshop for artists who want to get into public art projects, enrollment quickly reached capacity. That's just one example of how interest in public art and creative placemaking has ramped up in communities across Cleveland. "As the creative placemaking movement gains momentum throughout Cleveland's neighborhoods, there are ever-increasing opportunities for artists to impact the community," stated LAND Studio's marketing materials for the event. "Northeast Ohio has a growing body of talented artists, many interested in creating public art, but uncertain of how or where to enter the arena." The workshop promised to "demystify" the public art process through a keynote address by Seattle-based artists Laura Haddad and Tom Drugan; education on artist portfolios, calls for artists and developing competitive applications; and a closer look at artist presentations and how selection committees deliberate. In her opening address, LAND Studio Project Director Tiffany Graham stated that public art is growing in Cleveland. Increasingly, developers see the value of integrating public art into projects, and community development officials, planners and public officials want to see public art and creative placemaking built into public projects. Public art can inspire further neighborhood investments. Graham cited numerous examples such as the West 28th Street bridge mural, the Edgewater Hill bluebirds, Perk Park and the Warehouse District Anthology. Haddad and Drugan gave an in-depth presentation on their public art installations in Seattle and across the country. They addressed such issues as conducting research, completing site-specific designs, working with contractors, tackling unforeseen technical issues, dealing with hidden costs and completing accurate estimates on complex projects. A few samples of their work are included below.



larchmere-based DIY paint studio expands to second location in rocky river TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2014

The popular DIY paint studio Metheny Weir has opened a new Rocky River studio to better serve west side customers. The new location, which opened in late summer, is housed in a storefront at 20254 Detroit Road, near the Old River shopping area and the soon-to-open Whole Foods store. The move was driven by demand for the Chalk Paint by Annie Sloan line as well as painting classes, say co-owners Kim Metheny and Sue Weir. “We have a bunch of customers who make the trek over to Shaker from Lakewood, Rocky River, Westlake and Avon, so we think there’s a great opportunity to grow here,” said Metheny in a news release. “We’ve spent 15 years learning how to create great custom finishes and worked in hundreds of fine homes around Cleveland,” added Weir. “Now we’re sharing the secrets we’ve learned and teaching folks how they can reinvent furniture, kitchen cabinets or almost anything all by themselves.” Metheny Weir’s eastside studio has long been a destination for DIY’ers. The Larchmere shop is at once a paint store, working studio and classroom, and visitors love the funky, easygoing vibe of the entire district. The House Warmings, a home décor business that is co-located in Metheny Weir’s Larchmere studio, will also offer its furniture and collectibles in the new Rocky River location. Metheny and Weir are Shaker Heights moms who met in 1998. At first, the startup was housed in a basement, but soon it outgrew that space and expanded into a storefront. The Rocky River store represents the next leg of their expansion. Both locations are open Tuesday-Thursday from 10 am until 6 pm, and Friday and Saturday from 10 am until 3 pm.

floating downtown offices ready to set sail following $1.5m renovation MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2014

Talk about waterfront property: one of Cleveland's coolest offices -- and perhaps the only one that not only has views of Lake Erie, but actually floats on the water -- is moving to a whole new level. With $1.5 million in renovations all but complete, software studio LeanDog and Arras Keathley Advertising (AKA) are ready to debut renovations to the Kearsage, which was built in 1892 and has served as a transit ship, barge and restaurant. The North Coast Harbor fixture has a new wind in her proverbial sales. Gone are the vinyl-clad booths and dank coolers from the ship's days as Hornblowers Barge and Grill. The new and revamped office areas are swank on the inside and lined with new windows—a lot of new windows—that offer stunning views of the lake and downtown. "One of the challenges of renovating a boat is that it has such great views," says Jon Stahl, President of leandog. "Every time we cut a hole it was like … cut another one … cut another one ... We kept adding windows. The good news is: we ended up with a lot of windows. The bad news is: we spent a lot more money than we anticipated." The team, spearheaded by Stahl and AKA president Jim Hickey, had originally budgeted $1.2 million. The two-phase renovation started in 2010 and hit a ninemonth snafu courtesy of Hurricane Sandy in 2012. Now the race is on to get everything shipshape for the Oct. 23 christening and gala, but the finish line is in plain sight. Improvements include an airy kitchen space in the center of the boat, a new 1,700square-foot rooftop deck outfitted with open-air fireplaces and a 60-inch weatherproof television, and a dock where you'll find LeanDog's 27-foot fishing boat, AKA's 27-foot pleasure boat, paddleboards, kayaks and two jet skies. "I love the water," says Stahl from the helm of the zooming fishing boat (no name yet). "Finally having access to water was a big deal for us because we had this underutilized waterfront that we all wanted to be a part of." And now they are, with the fishing boat serving as an impromptu meeting spot; employees opting for a little lunchtime exercise courtesy of the kayaks and paddleboards; and the rooftop deck, with its giant television, as host to any number of gatherings, from business reviews to tailgate parties. "Part of what we teach is innovation, so we wanted to have a really innovative place to work," says Stahl. "Creative people need creative environments." The boat includes 9,219 square feet of office space, 1,700 of which is new. It also has 4,178 square feet of finished decking and a 2,036 square foot dock. The improvements came to fruition with the help of a $180,000 vacant loan grant and $95,000 low interest loan (since repaid), both from the city. No. 225 LLC (formed by Stahl and Hickey in 2012 to purchase the boat) financed the remainder of the funds through Huntington Bank. Combined, LeanDog and AKA employ 50 fulltime employees and 27 full-time subcontractors. With a few finishing touches still yet to complete, Stahl can't help but look to the future. He mentions tentative plans for more decking and a concert stage on the roof with the possibility of renting the space for venues and parties. "If you saw it before … ," muses Stahl of the storied Kearsage as he gazes out over the lake from the rooftop deck. "You couldn't get to the water. The windows didn't even open." "We brought it back to life."

as orange barrels fade, new businesses bloom on waterloo TUESDAY, OCTOBER 07, 2014

Last week, Collinwood's Waterloo neighborhood exhaled a collective sigh of relief when the barrage of orange barrels that defined a maze of closures, one-way paths and detours for more than a year was finally removed, marking the completion of a $5.5 million streetscape and repaving project. Area residents and businesses celebrated the milestone during the neighborhood's Oct. 3rd Walk All Over Waterloo, which is held on the first Friday of every month. In addition to showcasing a clear street, Cyclops Tattoo Studio, 16006 Waterloo Road, held their grand opening, while Waterloo Brew, 15335 Waterloo Road in the Slovenian Workmen's Home, opened its doors for a soft opening. "Waterloo brew is the oldest school possible kind of beer joint. It’s an old school nationality hall bar," says Brew Owner and Cleveland entrepreneur Alan Glazen, noting that two-thirds of his inaugural customers were from the neighborhood -and they drank every drop of the pub's signature Waterloo Brew. "We sold out on the first night." A grand opened is scheduled for Oct. 10th. Those notable openings are flanked by a flurry of other economic activity in the quirky arts district. Loren Naji's funky new Satellite Gallery received an occupancy permit, perhaps fittingly, on Oct. 3rd, just hours before the Waterloo Brew would begin to flow. Construction is ongoing at Brick, a ceramics co-op at 421 East 161st Street, which is adjacent to the future Bright Coffee Bar, 16021 Waterloo Road, also under construction. Both are slated to open in spring 2015. "We've got a lot of things in the works," says Northeast Shore's Development Corporation's business development specialist Alenka Banco. "The big celebration will happen in the spring." By then, Zygote Press's Ink House, 423 East 156th Street will also be open. "They have their drawings and pulled all their permits," says Banco, as will the Millard Fillmore Presidential Library, 15617 Waterloo Road, wherein patrons may or may not find books, but are sure to find wood-fired pizza. The Fillmore (for short) is slated to open next month. Other projects in the works include an ice cream shop and two eateries, one for which details are forthcoming and one at the former Key Bank Building, 15619 Waterloo Road, that will be under the wing of the Luchita's Mexican Restaurant owners. The Reverend Albert Wagner Museum of Art got one step closer to fruition by getting a nonprofit status through the Case Western Reserve University, which paves the way for fundraising. "We want longevity. We want the arts to be sustainable," says Banco, noting that many of the new ventures, including the Satellite, Ink House and Brick, are unique in that the artist/proprietors own the associated property. "That kind of anchor in a neighborhood is unprecedented." "It's like using art and culture as economic development tools, as engines," says Glazen. And you've got to support those artists, asserts Banco, who got a tattoo earlier this month from Cyclops that features a quote from Shakespeare along her arm: Journeys end in lovers meetings. "It's absolutely beautiful," she says.

keybank donates $4m towards revitalization of public square, bringing project closer to its goal TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

The KeyBank Foundation has announced a $4 million donation towards the revitalization of Public Square, bringing this long-sought project one step closer to a fall groundbreaking and completion in 2016. The gift is the project's first corporate donation, and the single largest gift in the KeyBank Foundation's history. In recognition, Group Plan Commission leaders spearheading the project have pledged that the new pathway that will ring Public Square will be called the KeyBank Promenade. “The redevelopment of Public Square will be one of the most significant projects in the city’s history, and we are proud to be able to play a part in making it happen,” said KeyCorp Chairman and CEO Beth Mooney in a press release. “It will provide the kind of public space that acts as a magnet for residents and visitors. Years from now, Clevelanders will regard this project as one of the essential elements in the city’s revitalization.” KeyBank's gift also meets the requirements of a $1 million challenge grant from the Cleveland Foundation. The gift includes $500,000 for long-term maintenance. Check out Fresh Water's past coverage of Public Square's revitalization here and here.

craft sandwich and beer bistro planned for gordon square will offer delivery service MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2014

It seems there's a new venue with reclaimed wood and industrial furnishings opening up every day on the near west side of Cleveland. Yet Jon Mavrakis, who is opening up the new craft sandwich and beer bistro Local West in Gordon Square with his dad and brother, says his new eatery will fill a gap in the marketplace. Every sandwich will be locally sourced, and they'll be priced between $8 and $14. Local West also plans to offer delivery service, something that is not widely available. "We'll be able to deliver craft sandwiches and a six pack of craft beer right to your doorstep, if that's what you want," says Mavrakis, a real estate broker who owns CitiRoc, a real estate sales and marketing firm focused on the urban market. Local West, which will be located in the former Niko's Greek Grille at 7400 Detroit, is expected to open by January. Mavrakis says they will source all of their meats, poultry and produce from Ohio, and will make their burgers from scratch with grass fed beef. Orlando Baking Company will supply locally made bread. The menu will feature burgers, Cuban and pressed sandwiches and poutine. "We'll have homemade sides and exotic things like octopus sandwiches or a beef tongue sandwich," he says. "We'll have an Italian double dip sandwich with prime cuts in it. It's not going to be a Subway by any stretch of the imagination." The bistro is considered family-friendly and will be open from 11 a.m. until about 11 p.m. The owners have applied for a full liquor license but only plan to serve craft beer and wine. Most of the selections will be from Ohio, and they'll only serve bottles. Mavrakis says he's excited that Banter is opening up next door. The building seats about 35 people inside and fits another 18 on the front patio. The venue will be very casual and will only offer counter service. Mavrakis says they're only sprucing up the exterior, but the interior will be "dramatically different." "We'll have reclaimed wood with wrapping around it, and all our furniture will made from recycled wood and steel we had fabricated," he says. "We'll have vintage chandeliers and lighting. It’s basically going to be a walkup open kitchen where you’re going to order from the chef." Local West benefited from several incentives from the City of Cleveland, says Mavrakis, including a Neighborhood Retail Assistance Grant for new job creation. With the addition of Banter and Local West, the Gordon Square Arts District is now seeing development activity spread further west along Detroit Avenue.

ohio city-based urban orchid opens second location in renovated little italy church THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

Urban Orchid, a floral boutique that opened in Ohio City in 2011, recently celebrated the opening of a second location at 2062 Murray Hill Road in Little Italy. The new shop is located inside an elegant, historic church converted to retail space. With business booming, the owners needed an east side workspace for arrangements and deliveries on the other side of town. Larger arrangements for weddings and other events are still being done in Ohio City. "We wanted to keep it in the city, but we wanted to be in another neighborhood with a similar feel to Ohio City," says Jeffrey Zelmer, who owns Urban Orchid with Brandon Seitler, a floral designer. "We thought Little Italy was a good opportunity." Zelmer describes the new space as possessing "amazing" architecture; it offers soaring ceilings, hardwood floors and many other historic features. The owners worked with local contractors John Paul Costello and Alex Loos to custom-build furnishings and work stations using reclaimed materials. "We tried to enhance the architecture of the space, and not mask it off," says Zelmer of the build-out. The new location boasts a choir loft that allows visitors to get a bird's eye view of the space. Zelmer and Seitler are considering hosting pop-up shops there. The company already has 75 weddings booked for this year and additional staff has been brought on to keep up with demand. "Brandon’s design capabilities and floral style are exceptional and people really respond to it," says Zelmer. "The word of mouth spead like wildfire. We also carry a really interesting line of locally made merchandise that can’t be found in other places. People are attuned to wanting to shop local, and we are a local business that carries local artists."

newly-unveiled flats plan prioritizes projects, sets stage for additional development THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2014

The 2014 Flats Forward Framework Plan, which is being unveiled today at a public meeting at the Music Box Supper Club on the West Bank, offers a roadmap for the area's future. Some of the key priorities identified in the plan include preserving the area's history as an industrial corridor, further developing recreation and riverfront access opportunities, investing in infrastructure and wayfinding signage, and designating land uses to clear the way for additional development. "The Flats are a critical part of Cleveland's history and demonstrate immense opportunity for future growth," the report states, citing the $4.5 billion in new development that has occurred downtown since 2010, 95 percent apartment occupancy rates, and the growth of Ohio City, Tremont and Gordon Square as reasons for optimism. The report divides the core of the Flats into six different areas -- the Old River Channel, East Bank, West Bank, Columbus Peninsula, Scranton Peninsula and Irishtown Bend. Some of the challenges identified in the report include confusing entryways into the Flats and the lack of wayfinding signage, the underused riverfront, crumbling infrastructure and poor public transit access. So what's the future look like? The Flats Forward plan shows a network of green spaces (Whiskey Island, Canal Basin Park, Scranton Flats, Rivergate Park) connected by trails (Lake Link Trail, proposed River Walk Trail, Towpath Trail). It calls for a maintenance plan to improve the condition of streets and sidewalks and make the area more bike- and pedestrian-friendly. It calls for wayfinding signage, better waterfront access, and improved public transit links. The plan also develops a roadway typology, suggesting that certain streets should be designated for primarily industrial uses.This could reduce the conflicts that currently exist between industrial concerns and other users in the Flats. Other immediate next steps including identifying and applying for funding for planning efforts, hiring a marketing and branding firm, and determining market demand and potential land uses through a detailed economic study. Although this plan represents a long-term vision, new economic activity is already being generated in the Flats. The shipping channel is very active, Rivergate Park is a recreation hub, the Columbus Peninsula is seeing redevelopment and both the East and West Banks are adding new businesses. This report suggests that this activity will increase -- and provides a roadmap to help guide it along.

flats-based brick and barrel brewery to open before end of october WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014

Brick and Barrel, a new brewery, winery and taproom at 1844 Columbus Road in the Flats, is finally set to open its doors after months of delays. The tentative opening date is Tuesday, October 21st, the same day the new Columbus Road bridge is expected to open to traffic. Partner Jason Henkel promises that at the very least, the venue will roll up its garage doors and start pouring pints by the end of the month. That's good news for Cleveland beer fans, who will soon be able to quench their thirst at yet another new brewery. The venue will no doubt prove popular, with a new taproom that is airy and comfortable, a location offering views of iconic bridges and the downtown skyline, and easy access to Rivergate Park. The squat, one-story building was a machine shop and coal processing plant in its former life. It was "a complete mess," says Henkel, when he and co-founders Mike Dagiasis and Karl Spiesman leased it from owner Mid-State Restoration. The partners have renovated it from top to bottom and installed a 3.5-barrel brewing system, a seven-barrel fermenter and a seven-barrel conditioning tank. There will be a new front patio. The minimalist interior furnishings are made from reclaimed materials that were procured from Old School Architectural Salvage. A church pew and 19th century barn wood were used to build the bar, and the bartop is made from an old chalkboard. Tables were constructed using old warehouse carriages once used by industrial businesses in the Flats. The taproom seats about 35, but can hold up to 150, and patrons have great views of the beer and wine production areas. "We wanted to give people a feel for the neighborhood, and bring some of the outside inside," says Henkel of the decision to use reclaimed materials. Spiesman says that Brick and Barrel will offer traditional styles such as German Kolsch and English ales. There will be no pasteurization or flavoring. Brick and Barrel will sell kegs to individuals and distribute them to restaurants and bars. The brewer eschews some of the eclectic, ultra-hoppy beers that are popular these days, preferring simpler styles and doing a few things well. "There are other people doing beer and doing it well," says Henkel simply. "We want to be another one doing it, and make the rising tide lift all boats." The winemaking operation is still in the works, but the partners already have experience with importing grapes and making their own wine. The rear of the facility will house a wine press and crush that will be used to produce whites and reds. Brick and Barrel expects to sell wine onsite by the glass and bottle. Phase II of the brewery will involve a beer garden out back. The owners have to work out plenty of details with the city, including purchasing a vacated alley, but Henkel envisions a group of picnic tables with a cool outdoor chandelier hanging overhead. The location offers views of Rivergate Park.

mayor jackson's goodtime tour touts long-awaited action on waterfront development THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2014

Five years ago, Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson talked about plans for Cleveland’s lakefront and riverfront. These days, he’s talking about putting those plans into action. As he recently stated, “The only good plan you have is one you’re doing. Everything else is just a good conversation.” Jackson recently conducted a waterfront tour called “Back to the Future II” on the Goodtime III to highlight progress in lakefront and riverfront development. Jackson, along with Chief of Regional Development Ed Rybka and Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman, narrated a plan that’s coming to life. The Mayor introduced the tour by saying, “Cleveland is one of the few American cities with both a riverfront and a lakefront. The waterfront helped build the city and is a vital part of Cleveland’s future -- the important thing going forward is that we do it right.” With that, Jackson highlighted his goals for the waterfront: conservation, economic development and recreation. Those goals are being achieved through projects such as a pedestrian bridge and redevelopment of North Coast Harbor as well as multi-purpose trails like the Lake Link Trail and Towpath Trail. The tour kicked off with an overview of plans for North Coast Harbor. Rybka and Zimmerman touted the 200 market-rate apartments and 80,000 square feet of office space planned for Phase I. “Phases Two and Three will become a walkable, mixed-use maritime development, including housing, retail and a school site,” explained Rybka. As the tour continued up the river, residents, media and public officials caught a great view of the new Flats East project, where Phase II currently is under construction, and the recently opened Music Box Supper Club on the west bank. Zimmerman pointed out Rivergate Park, which offers riverfront dining at the newly opened Merwin’s Wharf. He also highlighted the new Crooked River Skate Park, which is employing “the best practices in skate park construction.” Overall, the tour showcased how far Cleveland has come in the past five years. “We’re using the investments to rebuild the city, connecting people to the lakefront,” said Rybka. “We’re placing value on what created Cleveland in the first place. We’re positioning Cleveland as one of the great waterfront cities.” Jackson said he’s pleased development is moving ahead along Cleveland’s shore. “A plan is a plan until you do something about it,” he said. “It’s timing. We’re in a position now where things are just lined up right.” Photos Bob Perkoski

twist creative to relocate, expand in new fairmont creamery offices THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2014

Twist Creative, a small design firm that was founded in Ohio City 15 years ago, is expanding into a larger, custom-designed space at the Fairmont Creamery in Tremont. In part, the move was prompted by the need to consolidate its space, which is spread out over four floors in a building at West 28th and Lorain. Yet the firm also wanted room to grow, as revenues have doubled in recent years and there are plans to hire additional staff. "We definitely wanted to stay downtown or in the surrounding neighborhoods," says founder and design director Connie Ozan. "We have employees and clients on both sides of town. There's a lot of energy here that contributes to our culture." Ozan and her team landed at the Fairmont Creamery thanks to the opportunity to custom build space and be part of a larger project. "We're at the beginning of the revitalization of this area, a new phase of Tremont development," says Ozan. Twist's new offices will be located on one floor, and the space is designed to be more open and collaborative. The interior will have new mechanicals and finishes as well as improved technology features. The design blends old and new, with high ceilings, cement flooring and traditional architectural features like columns. The Creamery's new rooftop garden and deck will be an added bonus. Ozan and her coworkers are looking forward to relaxing with views of downtown Cleveland, and also entertaining clients there. The presence of the Tremont Athletic Club also is a plus as Twist encourages a healthy work-life balance. The entire Fairmont Creamery project is slated to be complete by November. Twist Creative anticipates moving into its new offices sometime in October.

container store: small box cleveland announces first tenants MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 08, 2014

Small Box Cleveland, an effort to lure more retailers downtown by converting used shipping containers into small storefronts, will open its first shop on Sunday, September 14th. The Cleveland Browns have signed on to the project, with the team opening a merchandise store just in time for football season. In a few weeks, two additional independent stores, the Banyan Tree and the Wandering Wardrobe, also will open new ventures inside refurbished containers. "This is an exciting time for the city with the growth of downtown, and it's important for us to be part of that," says Brent Stehlik, Executive Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer for the Browns. "We see this as an opportunity for us to reach fans with a different approach. It's a way to reach new audiences." Small Box is a project of the Historic Warehouse District Development Corporation (HWDDC). The new stores will be located on a parking lot at West 6th and St. Clair owned by Weston Inc., a development company that donated nine parking spaces for the project. Small Box is intended to be a creative solution to the retail conundrum in downtown Cleveland -- that is, residents, visitors and office workers say they want more retail options, yet many retailers are not ready to take the plunge until there's proven demand. On top of that, many downtown spaces are larger or more expensive than retailers want. Tom Starinsky, Associate Director of HWDDC, says that he developed the small box idea after learning about a similar project in Brooklyn. He saw it as a way to seed the viability of new downtown retail, and also to test how feasible it would be to redevelop surface parking lots for new mixed-used development. After a successful crowdfunding campaign -- more than 100 individuals donated a total of $20,000 to the project -- and additional fundraising, Small Box was ready to go. Each container store costs $20,000 to build. Cleveland Container Structures, Wolf Maison Architects and 44 Steel designed and fabricated the structures. Tenants are being charged modest rents that help cover HWDDC's costs to run the project. HWDDC also plans to create a small park at the corner of West 6th and St. Clair using recycled materials to build out the space. The concrete will be painted green to imitate grass, benches will be made from pallets upholstered with AstroTurf, and fencing will be made from pieces of shipping containers. It will have a "front lawn feel" with an urban vibe, says Starinsky. The 8’ x 20’ shipping containers front the sidewalk. The contractor cut holes in the fronts of them and installed custom-built storefront window systems. The interiors will have electricity to power lighting, heat and air conditioning. The spaces are insulated with OSB board but have no plumbing. Tenants have the ability to paint their own boxes and add creative signage. Starinsky says the aim was to attract established independent tenants that would add to the downtown area without poaching from other retail districts. He couldn't be happier. "The tenant mix is pretty perfect," he says. "We have a national business, an established small business and an entrepreneurial business." Small Box is hosting special events this fall and during the holiday season, and additional retailers will be invited to special outdoor markets. The shops will be open five days a week initially, and weekends-only during the holidays. Leases run through March 2015, at which point tenants will have the option to renew. Starinsky wants to grow the project and add more container stores to the mix. If the site gets developed by Weston or another investor, the shipping containers can be relocated to another site to seed the next wave of downtown development. Small Box is making it possible for the two smaller retailers to try out new shops downtown. Christie Murdoch of the Banyan Tree says she's thrilled to be opening Banyan Box, a small gift, art and apparel store that will function as a cozier, more selective version of her Tremont location, which has been successful for the past 13 years. "This is such a cool concept, and I'm excited to be part of a surge of retail to go into downtown Cleveland," she says. "There are plenty of great restaurants downtown, but retail is just something that completes a town." Additional support for the Small Box project was provided by Weston Inc., Downtown Cleveland Alliance, Sherwin Williams, Sign-Lite, Enterprise Community Partners, Ohio Savings Bank and Cleveland Neighborhood Progress.

new owners transform winchester music hall into the bevy with live music and food THURSDAY, AUGUST 28, 2014

The Winchester Music Hall, a classic Lakewood venue that closed late last year after a decades-long run, will soon enjoy a new lease on life as The Bevy in Birdtown, a restaurant and music venue set to open next month. New owners Patty Lim and Beth Scebbi of New Century Builders have completely refreshed the space. The bar area has new flooring, a new ceiling, fresh paint and custom-designed lighting crafted from old wine bottles. There are eight draft beer lines, and a new kitchen will allow for a full-service menu that is scheduled to start sometime in October. "We felt that Madison Avenue is really going to be taking over," says Lim. "Detroit Avenue is at its peak, and this is the next phase of development in Lakewood." County records show that Dially's Investment Group LLC purchased the building for $150,000 in July from previous owner James Mileti. The building needed to be updated, and the new owners are not only renovating the space, but also adding some new touches that will likely make the Bevy a popular destination spot. Lim and Sceibbi have cleaned up the historic sandstone and brick exterior, and they're adding a prominent sign featuring The Bevy's logo (a martini glass with birds flying around it -- how cool is that?). They're also adding a large sidewalk patio to take advantage of the building's deep sidewalk. Next year, they plan to transform a lovely brick nook alongside the building into a second patio area. The Bevy will feature a full lineup of entertainment scheduled to start later this year. Lim plans to hire not only bands playing rock, blues, jazz and other styles, but also comedians. She's not worried about competition from The Music Box, Vosh, Mahall's 20 Lanes or other nearby venues, saying "the more the merrier." The music hall, which is located in a former bowling alley, will become a bit cozier thanks to the addition of a private party room and offices in the rear. The party room will be nicknamed The Winchester, and the owners plan to keep the historic logo that's painted on the wall. The new hall will feature a section with hardwood floors for dancing, upgraded seating, high-top tables and a standing area. Lim, who got her start as manager with Cleveland PM restaurant in Valleyview, is glad to be back in the restaurant and bar business. She sees great opportunity in Lakewood, and points to the businesses that are moving to Lakewood and the renovated Madison Avenue streetscape as signs of the area's revival.

residences at 1717 offer high-rise apartment living in the heart of cleveland TUESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2014

Downtown Cleveland's residential population has reached 12,500 people, and apartment occupancy rates consistently hover in the 95-98 percent range. As a real estate broker once told me, "That's not really a vacancy rate, that's more like a turnover rate." Most buildings have waiting lists, and new properties continue to come online each year. Still, downtown doesn't have many high-rise apartment or condo buildings like you'd find in New York or Chicago, where you can perch above it all and look down at the vibrant, busy city swarming below. Yet that's changing with the addition of The 9, which Fresh Water profiled last month, and the Residences at 1717, which we recently had a chance to tour. These units are under construction, with floors 2 through 5 now occupied and a new floor being unveiled every couple of weeks. Although the first residents have barely moved into the building, it's already 65 percent leased. The entire project, which features 223 units on 21 floors, is expected to be complete by March 2015. There are two commercial spaces on the first floor of the property, which, by the way, is the former East Ohio Gas building at East 9th and Superior. One of these spaces will be occupied by Al's Deli, which is relocating from the Galleria. The other space is not yet officially leased, but K&D, the developer behind the project, is purportedly in talks with various potential tenants. The Residences at 1717 features a handsome marble lobby built for the previous owner. The sales office is located in the Gas Light Theatre, a neat space with terrazzo floors where East Ohio Gas used to teach workers how to light pilots. The building was gutted from floor to ceiling, with the exception of key historic elements. The exterior wasn't altered, since the developers obtained historic tax credits. Large windows on all sides, the positioning of the building on a corner, and the small floor plate have made for an excellent residential conversion. The real show is reserved for the spaces themselves. The elegant floor plans and high-quality amenities illustrate how far downtown living has evolved. The 1- and 2-bedroom suites feature granite countertops, ceramic tile floors, hardwood cabinets, walk-in closets, washer-dryer sets, stainless steel appliances, LED lighting and energy-efficient windows. One bedrooms start under $1,000, two bedrooms at about $1,700. The units are priced at about $1.25 per square foot, which is consistent with other downtown apartments but less than what the owners hope to get at The 9. The Residences at 1717 boast a surprising amount of square footage and expansive windows with premium views. Our tour guide was not able to take us above the fifth floor, yet we caught glimpses of northern views to the lake, western views towards the heart of Public Square, southern views towards Euclid Avenue and eastern views towards Cleveland State University. The two-bedrooms are positioned on the corners of the building with windows on both sides. The onebedrooms also get plenty of natural light and offer views. The building's tinted windows offer privacy and shading while affording residents great views. Storm windows installed from the inside have created a quiet, cozy building. The entire place is certified LEED silver, which residents will appreciate because it makes the building not only greener, but more comfortable and affordable. K&D is offering a guaranteed rate increase of two percent per year for the first three years as long as you renew your lease within the expiration date. There's little space wasted in this thoughtfully designed building. Leasing agents say the units could be leased by the end of the year, and you get the sense it's not just hype. There's a shortage of move-in ready apartments downtown -- with many of the suites coming online, residents have to wait until they're finished. The Residences at 1717 is a $65 million project. It won federal and state tax credits for historic preservation and also is using federal New Markets Tax Credits. These credits are layered on top of construction financing from Huntington Bank, equity from the developer and funding from the city and county. K&D recently purchased the Leader building and is looking to its next project.

restored league park set to reopen following $6m renovation THURSDAY, AUGUST 21, 2014

League Park, the historic Hough ballfield where baseball legend Babe Ruth hit his 500th home run over the outfield wall in 1929, is set to reopen this weekend following a complete renovation. The reopening, in the works for years, will not only house the Baseball Heritage Museum, but also a replica of the original ticketing facility, a community room and a huge, new ballfield. It mimics the original down to the fact that home plate is set in the same spot as when Babe Ruth stood there. Councilman T. J. Dow hopes that the project will spark reinvestment in the Hough neighborhood. "We love the fact that we have a recreational park in the community, but it will also serve as an economic development piece," he says. "Many of the new homeowners moved here with the expectation that League Park would be rebuilt. We believe that it will serve as an anchor." Dow also believes that the park will serve as a tourist attraction, drawing baseball and history lovers from Greater Cleveland and beyond. The park has a special significance for the African-American community, since many black teams played here and the Buckeyes won the Negro World Series at League Park in 1920. The restored League Park will also serve as home field for many Cleveland Municipal School District teams, a special privilege since the park is quite large and has brand-new astroturf. Outside organizations can rent the field for a fee, and the money earned will go back into maintaining the park. The ticketing office and museum will be open for regular hours during the week and on weekends. "We have Hough residents who are starting up baseball clubs," says Dow, touting ways in which enhanced recreational opportunities will help the neighborhood. "They could play on the League Park field during the championship games." Although there is no active community development corporation in Hough and redevelopment plans stalled out in the recession, that could change. Dow is currently in the process of kicking off a neighborhood planning process, and envisions new housing built on tracts of vacant land around League Park. League Park is located at East 66th Street and Lexington Avenue. A grand opening party is set for Saturday, August 23rd at 1 p.m., and will feature the unveiling of the Fannie M. Lewis sculpture, an appearance by the Cleveland Blues vintage baseball team, a Home Run Derby and other activities.

rta introduces ohio city connector, making it easier to travel between downtown and ohio city TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2014

More than 200 buses run between downtown Cleveland and Ohio City every day. At the same time, both areas have become increasingly popular places to work, live, shop, eat and play. So why not better market, brand and highlight the connections that exist between the two neighborhoods as part of a larger effort to encourage more people to use transit when traveling in and around downtown? That's exactly what RTA has done with the introduction of the new Ohio City Connector, a branding, signage and marketing program that highlights how easy it is to get back and forth between Ohio City and downtown. With rebranded bus stops located at the corner of West 25th Street and Lorain Avenue and West 3rd Street and Superior Avenue, representatives say that the program will facilitate connections between the two neighborhoods and encourage new riders to hop on the bus. "Connecting neighborhoods is the critical part," says Steve Bitto, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications with RTA. "We're also recognizing the opportunity that transit has with an emerging market like the Millennials. There are a lot of people who live downtown and in Ohio City that fall into that category. It's not all about getting into the car and driving. If it works, they’re going to take it." Bitto says the service is akin to the popular trolley service that already exists downtown. The trolley service is free, yet RTA does not have funding to expand it. You have to pay bus fare to ride the Ohio City Connector, but officials tout the service as easy and convenient, a way to get from door to door in a few minutes. Given the parking crunch that now exists in Ohio City and downtown, this service will no doubt prove popular, as drivers grow weary of fighting for a spot.

downtown cleveland alliance launches crowdfunding campaign for new flats dog park THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2014

An economic development professor at the Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University once told our class that he knew downtown Cleveland was coming back when he saw the occasional pile of dog waste on the sidewalk. Yes, owners should pick up after their pooches, but the mere presence of pets downtown is a good indicator that the neighborhood is walkable and safe. But now, downtown Cleveland is really going to the dogs. The neighborhood has become so vibrant and liveable in the past few years that there are now more people and pets than ever. With more than 12,500 residents, apartment occupancy rates at 98 percent and more than 1,000 registered dogs, the area is in need of a dog park. That's why Downtown Cleveland Alliance is launching a crowdfunding campaign to create a new dog park at Settlers Landing in the Flats. The campaign aims to raise $10,000, which DCA will match dollar for dollar. The park is slated to open this fall. According to a release from DCA, the park will be located in an "open area adjacent to the RTA rapid station on the eastern bank of the Cuyahoga River. Equipped with pea gravel, fencing, a gated entrance, and benches for their human friends, dogs will have the ability to socialize and play right in the city they call home." The crowdfunding campaign, which runs for four weeks on the Cleveland-based Tackk site, will offer rewards such as retractable leashes and t-shirts. It will be open for four weeks. Sponsors at the $500 level will be recognized with plaques along the fence of the dog park. Various contests throughout the campaign will be announced on DCA's Facebook page, so look out for some cool prizes.

popular cleveland heights barbershop and spa to expand into adjacent property ALEX QUITANA THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2014

Alex Quintana grew up in Cleveland Heights, went to Heights High, and claims to have gone to college at the Tavern Company on Lee Road. (He was a bartender at that popular watering hole for five years.) Now, the Heights resident, who opened Quintana's Barber and Dream Spa with his wife Dawn 11 years ago, is expanding his footprint in the CedarTaylor area. Quintana has purchased a building at 2190 South Taylor Road, immediately next door to the Colonial home where his business is located. They are now renovating the former beauty salon from top to bottom, inside and out. When the project is complete, the facade will be handsomely refreshed with new awnings, the interior will feature contemporary, brushed aluminum finishes and the entire place will be handicap-accessible. "Nothing had been done to the interior since about 1984," says Quintana. "It had an interior like Mrs. Roper's beauty salon. We're making it more spa-like and modern." Quintana's is unique, he says, because of the relationship between the two businesses, which are distinct yet complementary. The first-floor barbershop offers a "third place" for men outside of work and home, a kind of communal, comfortable man cave. The spa, which currently is housed on the upper floors, is a place where women can get massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and more. The renovation project will allow the spa to take over the former beauty salon, while the barbershop will gradually expand into the rest of the house. Quintana says the Cedar-Taylor commercial district is becoming more vibrant. Not only are there fewer vacant storefronts than there were a few years ago, but the newly formed Cedar-Taylor Merchants Association is working on creating a new streetscape plan with public art and also forming a Special Improvement District. All in all, Quintana is glad to be working in the Heights. "Cleveland Heights is a very unique community," he says. "Residents here are very passionate about where they choose to live. It's a pleasure to service this community."

long-planned mason's creamery approaching its ohio city debut TUESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2014

For the past 60 years or so, the squat cinderblock building at W. 44th and Bridge has been home to an ice cream shop. Many locals will remember it as Dari Delite, the homey soft-serve joint that was here for years. Most recently, the space housed Ohio City Ice Cream. By the end of this month, the building will welcome its newest tenant in the form of Mason's Creamery, a small batch ice cream shop that will both continue this lengthy tradition and radically update it. The building was boarded up like a veritable fortress for decades, with just two small walk-up windows in the façade of the building. Entrepreneurs Helen Qin and Jesse Mason have uncovered the painted plywood and restored the expansive windows on the front and side of the building. Known for crafting eclectic flavors like grapefruit sorbet, fig balsamic and strawberry pink peppercorn (they also serve chocolate and vanilla), Qin and Mason have taken an equally unconventional approach to the building, cladding the exterior in dark-stained wood siding, uncovering and polishing the concrete floors, building a brand-new zinc countertop and adding vibrant splashes of color. Perhaps the best feature of Mason's Creamery will be a sort of hidden "ice cream garden" on the side of the building. The new owners discovered they owned a 60foot lot west of the building. They plan to clean it up, landscape it and use it for outdoor seating, impromptu picnics and twice-a-month movie nights. "It's a sea of asphalt right now," says Mason. "This place really needs greening." The couple also is adding a large patio area bordered by planters and a "living wall" on the side of the building, where herbs like lavender and mint will be grown. There's no drive-through, of course, but there will be a new walk-up window on the east wall. "That way, people with dogs don't have to go inside," Qin says. Renovating the building has been a challenge, admit the young owners, who are doing much of the work themselves. Mason found himself cutting the front door off of its hinges, because it hadn't been opened in about 40 years and was rusted shut. The interior was crammed with ice cream equipment, much of which has been cleaned up and will be reused. In addition to the countertop and tables, the shop area will feature a chalkboard wall and French cleats on the walls where art can be hung. Qin's favorite part is the AstroTurf -- added at the last minute to cover up a mistake in the wood paneling -- a creative solution that she says kids will enjoy touching and playing with. Qin and Mason are transplants from L.A. who fell in love with Cleveland after moving here and decided to start a business. Ice cream has been a great conversation starter. "When we moved here, we didn't know anyone," says Qin, who is originally from Houston. "It's been nice to get to know our customers personally. This has been a great way of getting to know the community."

lakewood again enjoying fresh wave of new business development TUESDAY, JULY 29, 2014

Fresh Water has been on top of the dramatic new business development currently taking place in Lakewood, covering it here, here and here. The west side 'burb has seen an explosion of new shops, pubs and eateries in recent years, thanks in large part to a pedestrian-friendly Detroit Avenue streetscape that was completed in 2012. Now the city is poised for another wave of growth, with several new businesses set to open this year. In a recent chat with Planning Director Dru Siley, we learned about Cleveland Vegan, which is set to open a storefront catering operation in the next 45 days (13611 Detroit), with a planned eatery to follow; Brown Sugar Thai, which will open its fourth location in a 2,600-square-foot space in the Bailey Building at Detroit and Warren; Birdtown Restaurant and Brewing, a project from restaurateur Tom Leneghan, will open next year in the old St. Gregory's Church on Madison; The Bevy, a new restaurant and music venue that will open in the old Winchester Music Hall; and The Stache, a hip new speakeasy set to open in the former Johnny Malloys/Gepettos space (17103 Detroit Ave.). These are just a few of the new businesses flocking to Lakewood, which has seen impressive business growth along its Detroit and Madison commercial corridors. "Part of what we've noticed is that Lakewood is a great place to open a first business, such as Beat Cycles, but it's also a good place for a business to do a second location," says Siley. "We're seeing that as a bit of a trend. Business owners are doing some intentional planning, and they're looking at Lakewood." Although Lakewood is chock-full of independents, plenty of chains are getting in on the action, too. Another new addition to Lakewood is Bob Evan's, which opened up a surprisingly contemporary-looking eatery in downtown Lakewood. "It's the busiest 4:30 dinner spot in the entire world right now," jokes Siley.

reimagining cle tour highlights benefits of citywide grant program MONDAY, JULY 28, 2014

Cleveland Neighborhood Progress recently offered a tour of its Reimagining Cleveland projects to showcase its successes and solicit ideas for the future of the program, which funds projects that reutilize vacant land for gardens, orchards, parks and yard expansions. CNP is currently completing an evaluation of Reimagining Cleveland, which has awarded three rounds of funding in five years. Leaders say that these small-scale greening projects are critical to Cleveland's future because they fight blight, grow local food and even create jobs. "We saw that there was a proliferation of vacant land and knew that we needed to have a response, to look at it as an asset rather than a liability," said Linda Warren, Senior Vice President of Placemaking with CNP, guiding a Lolly the Trolley bus. "Now the city is seen as a model for others around the country." To date, Reimagining Cleveland has fostered 144 projects on 248 parcels of land. Warren admits that this is a drop in the bucket compared to Cleveland's vacant land problem -- there are more than 12,000 parcels in the city land bank, and an estimated 29,000 vacant parcels citywide. But she adds that already the program has made a significant impact in beautifying neighborhoods, increasing access to fresh, wholesome food, creating passive green space and stimulating local food startups. For example, market gardeners in the program are banding together to launch a website to market their produce to restaurants. This is just one example of concepts that are being brought to scale thanks to Reimagining. "This is about seeding -- pun intended -- entrepreneurs and concepts for what they can do with vacant land around them," said Warren. "It's also about seeding our own thinking. We want to figure out what's replicable and what's not." Here are some of the highlights featured on the Reimagining Cleveland tour. Watterson-Lake Learning Garden. Special education teacher and Detroit Shoreway resident Michelle deBock helped create a school garden on W. 75th Street. Prior to receiving funding from Reimagining Cleveland, there was a vacant lot here, and before that, an empty house that was the target of arsonists. The narrow lot culminates in an arbor and picnic area that feels like a natural oasis. League Park Garden. Community gardens may be small, but they can have a big impact. Veronica Walton, an urban farmer in Glenville, created League Park Garden and named it to honor her father, who loved baseball. Her market garden uses harvested rainwater and contains hoop houses that allow farmers to grow crops 10 months a year. Walton sells produce at farmers markets in University Circle. Chateau Hough. Easily the most colorful project funded by Reimagining Cleveland is Hough resident Mansfield Frazier's vineyard, which is now yielding its first grapes. The ex-con-turned-social-entrepreneur recently bottled his first vintage of wine, which he says is not only good, he can't make enough. Frazier said that he was able to produce 1,000 bottles from his first vintage. He can't sell them yet, because the State of Ohio has not yet issued a liquor license. He claimed that demand is so high he could sell that amount five times over. "When I applied to Reimagining Cleveland, I asked for the largest amount of money, and they said, 'What do you know about wine?'" Frazier said. "I told them I was an expert at taking the cork out of the bottle. That's all I know. But the vineyard is turning out great, and I've got the wine to prove it." Frazier detailed the process he underwent to ensure success, including planting cold-hardy varietals and ensuring that the soil drained properly. The wine is made using a 60/40 blend -- 60 percent of the grapes are from his vineyard, 40 percent are from California. "People ask me, 'Why'd you do grapes?'" he said. "Because if I'd done bell papers, all you fine people wouldn't be standing here." The entrepreneur says that he's employed 26 people so far, mostly young men who live in Hough and have been incarcerated or in trouble with the law. He's helped many of them find jobs. His next project, the world's first biocellar, is now under construction atop the foundation of an old house. Frazier expects to begin planting shitake mushrooms this fall, when the new League Park opens. What's next. Warren said that the success of Reimagining projects has often hinged on having an individual champion or group of champions. Yet how do leaders sustain these greening projects over a long period of time? In the most recent round of funding, the focus turned towards side yard expansions, because this is a simple, impactful way of reclaiming green space. Warren said that to continue the program, CNP must identify new funding sources, and that the focus will turn to making sure projects are sustainable and leveraging them for impact.

preview of aha festival, an interactive arts fest to take place during gay games THURSDAY, JULY 24, 2014

Cleveland's star is burning pretty brightly these days, thanks in no small part to a string of good news regarding a certain political party’s national convention and a certain sports figure’s return. But it's about to get a little brighter. A new downtown festival will bring in nationally renowned artists during the Gay Games to create interactive light/video installations on the downtown malls. The AHA! Festival is "a multi-day festival of lights celebrating Cleveland's recent development boom and will 'illuminate' changes to our urban landscape," according to the website. The event is scheduled to take place August 7-9. Public events will take place to engage Clevelanders and energize the city. This week, Fresh Water caught up with several AHA! artists to preview the fest. Public Auditorium 3D mapping: The artist collective Obscura Digital "will present a giant, digital light show on the outer walls of Public Auditorium using 3D video mapping," according to the website. The San Francisco-based studio uses unique software that allows artists to create animations and send them to one of several video projectors, covering the entire facade of a building. "What we're trying to do is capture the essence of Cleveland in a poetic fashion," says Marc Melzer, Director of Media and Art with Obscura. "We wanted to capture the arts and culture and revitalization happening in the city." The video installation will represent the metaphoric evolution of Cleveland by displaying the changing of the seasons from winter to spring, Melzer says. The team created the installation by visiting the site, selecting the building and then obtaining the architectural drawings. They recreated the building in a 3D virtual program and simulated their projections before creating the media. Eight projectors will tie together in order to create one seamless image on the facade of the building. The projected image will be approximately 150 feet wide! The Pool: Artist Jen Lewin's interactive work, which has been displayed all over the world, is coming to Cleveland. This large-scale installation "is an environment of giant, concentric circles created from interactive circular pads," according to the AHA! website. "By entering the pool, you enter a world where community play and collaborative movement create swirling effects of light and color. Imagine a giant canvas where you can paint and splash light collaboratively." The Pool consists of 240 interactive platforms, each one three feet in diameter, which create unique patterns of color when you dance and move on them. Lewin refers to the platforms as being "like LED hula hoops." The installation requires over 30,000 interactive, controllable RGB LED pixels over 5,000 square feet. "My work is usually very large and interactive, and it enables large groups of people to interact with art and themselves," says Lewin. "This creates a really active and engaged community experience around the artwork. This piece is twice as large as what we normally install, and we're testing a lot of new interaction control." "What's amazing about the sculpture is that you can put it in any kind of public space," she adds. "It changes it. If you put it in a park that otherwise no one would go to, it changes it completely. It's extremely popular with kids and families." Lewin builds every piece of her installations by hand in her studio in Boulder, Colorado. From Cleveland, Lewin's piece will travel all over the world, including the Burning Man Festival, Portugal, Czech Republic and the United Kingdom. Global Rainbow: This installation by artist Yvette Mattern "consists of seven parallel beams of laser light, representing the spectrum of the traditional seven colors of the rainbow, and is designed to be projected across large open sites," according to the website. "The Global Rainbow will be projecting the light beams from the Great Lakes Science Center over Mall B, into the sky. This spectacular rainbow will have the capacity to be seen from up to 36 miles away on a clear night! The colorful installation will be a dramatic and thought-provoking piece." Mattern has noted that the Global Rainbow symbolizes hope and encompasses social and geographical diversity. Drawing Lines: Artist Ivan Juarez's installation in the Eastman Reading Garden will also be featured during AHA! Public events throughout the festival include Pecha Kucha, a large-scale yoga event called Believe in CLE, and the East Meets West Glow Ride.

sneak peek of the 9, cleveland's 'game-changing' downtown development LEE CHILCOTE MONDAY, JULY 21, 2014

When it comes to The 9 in downtown Cleveland, there's no shortage of hyperboles. The $250-million project, which has transformed Marcel Breuer's long-neglected modernist tower into a 156-room high-end hotel and 194 luxury apartments, is being touted as a "game changer," the city's "first truly mixed-used building," a "best-in-class" property and the first-ever "truly luxury" residential building. Of course, developers are known more for their sales pitches than their subtlety. So Fresh Water toured the ambitious project to get a sneak peek of the building, which is set to debut in September, to find out what all the hype is about. The Historic Rotunda The Cleveland Trust rotunda has been completely restored and is awaiting construction of a new Heinen's grocery store, which is set to open in 2015. (Following our tour, one insider quipped that Cleveland hasn't gotten enough urbanist cred for opening a grocery store without attached parking. "When it opens, we will," counseled another.) Our Metropolitan tour guide informed us that conservative estimates place the value of the Tiffany-style stained-glass dome at a cool $20 million. The guy who designed the murals, Frances David Millet, surprised his wife with a trip on the Titanic shortly after completing them. They didn't survive, apparently, but Millet's glorious murals continue to shine. The Vaults Residents, hotel guests and invited friends soon will be able to party in the basement vaults where Mark Hanna and other famous Clevelanders stowed their fortunes. There are four vaults in the lower level, each with the same impossibly large, circular steel-and-glass doors. Back in the day, if one got broken into, there was a special mechanism that sealed off the other three from intruders. Now you can get access to all of them -- if you're lucky enough to score an invitation. Imagine sitting in a plush armchair and sipping a Manhattan with friends in the safe deposit box rooms that once secured the treasures of famous industrialists. Never mind the two-drink minimum; our guide explains that guests who don't spend at least $50 on their first visit will not be welcome back. (Side note: The safe deposit boxes themselves apparently are being repurposed into an artsy chandelier. It's nice to see the building's original treasures getting second lives!) The Restaurants Although the restaurants still are under construction, from the looks of things, they're going to be very nice. First, there's a lot of natural beauty to work with -- the marble-lined interior of the original bank lobby has soaring ceilings that draw the eye upwards. This space soon will be home to Adega, the main restaurant, which will have a 2,000-square-foot patio. The other spaces will be similarly impressive; for example, the 350-seat Mint Ballroom in the lower level boasts stunning recessed chandeliers. The 9 will add five new establishments to the downtown scene. Beyond the Vault and Adega, there's The Ledger, a smaller, second-floor bar; Azure, the rooftop restaurant and nightclub (finally, Cleveland scores a new one); and the Alex Theater, a 70-seater that will open for special screenings, comedy shows and the like. The Hotel We didn't get a tour of the hotel rooms, but we were told that they're quite spacious -- in some cases, twice as large as typical suites. Rates are not cheap for downtown, hovering in the mid-$200s per night according to a web search (spokespeople won't officially comment on pricing yet). Hotel guests will have access to the same amenities as apartment dwellers, including 24/7 concierge services. Already, there are five weddings booked for November, and the place hasn't even opened yet. The Apartments Apartment marketing often is where hyperbole goes overboard, and The 9 is no exception. Promotional materials promise "spa-inspired bathing facilities," "full custom-designed kitchens" and an environment where "the line between everyday living and escape becomes blurred." (We're ready to move in right now, thanks.) These units, which are commanding high prices of $1.75 to $2 per square foot, already are 80 percent leased, according to sales staff. The adjacent 1010 Euclid building, which is less high-end, is reportedly 60 percent leased. In addition to the high-end kitchens and baths, suites have granite countertops, bathrooms with double sinks, dimmable lighting, zebra wood cabinetry, 100-inch electric fireplaces, 55-inch flatscreen TVs, wet bars, Thermador appliances with gas stoves, Bosch washer-dryers, walk-in closets and cork floors. So what are prices like? Apartments in the two adjacent buildings, ranging from 500 to 3,000 square feet, start at about $1,000 and climb to about $6,000 per month. Cha-ching. Top units are called Sky Suites and enjoy panoramic views of downtown from all sides. At this point we're simply hoping to make friends with residents in the building. Other Fun Facts Did you know that The 9 also will be home to the city's swankiest indoor dog park? Yes, you heard that right. Apparently there's special technology for flushing. We didn't ask for specifics. There are 2,500 people presently working in three shifts on this project. It's one of the most complex real estate transactions in the city's history, with 140 documents recorded sequentially in the County Recorder's office. By now, it should be apparent why this project is so impressive. For residents, it literally will be akin to living in a hotel, because, well, they actually are in a hotel. Hotel guests, on the other hand, will have access to the city's finest amenities courtesy of the residences. Given that The 9 will soon be "the place to see and be seen," we expect to catch a sighting of LeBron (or at least his cavalcade) on a Saturday night here sometime soon.

cle's first shipping container-based eatery to debut at north coast harbor FRIDAY, JULY 18, 2014

Remember the skate park built for the Dew Games held at North Coast Harbor in 2008? Well, it's been dismantled, but the concrete slab remains, surrounded by a metal-flame fence. Very soon the space will be home to the city's first shipping containerbased restaurant, Blazing Bistro, which is scheduled to open in late July, adding to the amenities on downtown's lakefront. "We've recognized for a while that one of the missing amenities on the lakefront is a gathering place for people while they're at the Rock Hall etc.," says Michael Deemer, Vice President of Business Development and Legal Services at Downtown Cleveland Alliance. "We worked with the city and with Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry to build off the success of Cleveland's food truck renaissance." Blazing Bistro will take up residence in a recycled shipping container repurposed by Cleveland Custom Trucks. Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry (LMM), which operates the successful Manna food truck and employs formerly incarcerated and homeless individuals, was awarded the contract after responding to an RFP from DCA. The days and hours of operation are not set in stone, but likely will be lunch Wednesday through Sunday with some evening hours added as well. The shipping container idea grew out of the Small Box Initiative, a program of the Historic Warehouse District Development Corporation to develop retail in parking lots on West 9th Street. As the new lakefront development takes off, Blazing Bistro can be picked up and moved to other locations, either in the harbor or other parts of downtown. Blazing Bistro also will be open during various events taking place at North Coast Harbor, including the new Anchors and Ales event, held August 22-23 and September 13-14 in conjunction with Cleveland Browns home games. Deemer says the seasonal restaurant is a win-win-win for the city, residents and visitors. "It's not enough to have a park on the lakefront; we have to actively drive people there with events and amenities," he says. "We've seen food truck owners open up brick and mortar stores with great success. This is a new wrinkle."

group plan commission announces details, first major grant for new park WEDNESDAY, JULY 16, 2014

Internationally renowned landscape architect James Corner recently unveiled his plans for Cleveland’s Public Square at the City Club. The square’s four quadrants will be connected via swaths of green space and a pathway, closing Ontario and limiting Superior to buses. It will include a water feature that will allow visitors to dip their toes in the cooling waters, sloped seating embedded in a hillside for concerts or movies, a café and natural landscaping. Now, thanks to an $8 million gift from the Cleveland Foundation, the long-planned changes are one step closer to reality. LAND Studio, a local nonprofit that helps to design vibrant public spaces, will receive grant funding to help implement the Group Plan Commission’s design. The award is part of a special series of grants the foundation is making to celebrate its centennial. The south plaza of the park will be named “Cleveland Foundation Centennial Plaza.” "This is important because it's the Cleveland Foundation taking a leadership role and saying this transformation is critical for the city’s future," says Jeremy Paris, Executive Director of the Group Plan Commission. "It's a way for them to impact the city for this generation and generations to come, and a validation of the work we’re trying to do. In addition, the gift itself is catalytic for our funding goals." Paris says the goal is still to break ground on the project this year, and to complete the Public Square redesign by 2016, in time for major events occurring that year. In his City Club presentation, Corner outlined the importance of public space in an economy where cities are competing for tourism and residents: “Cities are reinvesting, in a bid to retain a competitive edge, in the public realm.” With the recently renovated mall atop the convention center, Cleveland now has an opportunity to create signature public spaces connected to the lake. Corner presented key aspects of the design. The northern half of the mall will feature a manmade hill with seating seamlessly cut into it. It will also include additional foliage and gardens, with trees positioned to avoid interrupting views yet also to keep the park visible from the surrounding streets. The new water feature will be a reflective pool, yet it will also have jets. As in many other cities, Cleveland will soon have a fountain where kids can play on hot summer days. When the next Polar Vortex returns, this area can be transitioned into an ice skating rink so that Clevelanders can take advantage of winter activities on Public Square. The cafe will be located on the south side of the park. The concept and operator have not yet been chosen, but it will likely be a fast-casual sandwich and coffee shop. The Sailors and Soldiers monument will be well preserved and improved as part of the project. New lighting will highlight the historic monument and the design will open up the space around it to provide uninterrupted views. In his talk, Corner called attention to the importance of simply populating parks, as well as offering creative, interactive programming. “People love to simply lounge, to be with other people and see others,” he explained. Closing Ontario and limiting Superior to buses remains somewhat controversial, with some wanting not to close the streets and others wanting to close Superior entirely. Corner noted that Superior could be closed occasionally and lined with tents for farmers markets or festivals in the summer months. Design elements will help make crossing Superior a pedestrian-friendly experience. “Our traffic engineers are nationally renowned for traffic planning, and in their estimation, what we’re doing is a good thing in terms of how traffic works in Cleveland,” Corner stated. Finally, Corner noted how public space can generate economic development in cities. James Corner Field Operations previously had worked on the High Line in New York City. This revolutionary park transformed an abandoned elevated rail line that was once seen as a blemish in the neighborhoods through which it ran. It was about to be torn down until a neighborhood group had the visionary idea to turn it into a park. The High Line is now the second most visited tourist attraction in New York City, attracting 4.5 million people in 2012. It has spurred $2 billion in economic development and 12,000 new jobs in neighborhoods flanking the park. “These are significant investments that aren’t only beautifying, aren’t only socially enriching and enhancing, but also will boost the economy of the city if not the region," Corner stated.

waterloo arts district announces launch of new businesses, including bright coffee bar TUESDAY, JULY 15, 2014

Every great neighborhood has a great coffee shop. Yet the evolving Waterloo Arts District, home to the Beachland Ballroom and a bevy of art galleries and record stores, currently lacks one. That's going to change soon, as Kimberly Homan, originator of Beachland's popular Sunday brunch, is planning to open Bright Coffee Bar on Waterloo's east end. "I'm pretty invested, having put a lot of time in on Waterloo," says Homan, who has worked on the street for more than eight years. "I love the atmosphere and attitude. It's still a work in progress but we're all kind of growing together." Bright is just one of several new businesses that will open on Waterloo later this year or early next year as part of Operation Light Switch. Waterloo Brew, the new neighborhood-inspired craft beer that will be brewed in the reworked Slovenian Workmen's Home, will hold a launch party on Friday, October 3rd. Restauranteur Tom Bell of the Flying Monkey Pub in Tremont has announced that his newest project, in the former Harbor Inn, will be called the Millard Fillmore Presidential Library. And Satellite Gallery and Ink House are under construction on E. 156th Street. With the new streetscape set to be unveiled this fall, Waterloo is ready to celebrate and welcome these new businesses, which will only add to the street's revitalization. Other new launches either under construction or soon to break ground include the fiber and textile studio Praxis, the ceramic studio and gallery Brick, and the longawaited restaurant Crop Rocks, led by well-known chef Steve Schimoler. Bright Coffee Bar might not open until next year -- the construction schedule is still fluid -- but Homan says it will add a much-needed piece to the Waterloo development puzzle. Regular amenities such as coffee shops and restaurants will help to drive more consistent traffic on the street. Homan, who originally is from Collinwood and lives in the neighborhood, couldn't be more excited about returning to the street as the proprietor of a new business. Bright will be small and cozy, a community hub with excellent coffee and baked goods. The entire building is being renovated inside and out by Northeast Shores Development Corporation. Homan plans to incorporate healthy, seasonal and local food, and will purchase her coffee from Solstice Roasters in Midtown. "They do wonderful things with coffee," she says. "They really bring out the flavor profile of the beans they roast, which are done in small batches. They focus on medium roasts, not the Starbucks culture where they're all burnt. They're flavorful, bright coffees." Bright also will feature baked goods from Goody Two Shoes Bakery, including vegan and gluten free options. Homan also plans to offer vegan hot chocolate. The space will have large bay windows with seating. There will also be seating at the coffee bar and a few tables in the front room. In the back room, there will be a lounge area with chairs and couches. The entire place will seat 24-30 people. It will be connected to Brick ceramic studio and gallery, which is opening in the same property. Homan has launched a Kickstarter campaign to help get Bright brewing.

bloom & clover wax studio extends lorain ave's westward retail march DANIELLE FULLER TUESDAY, JULY 08, 2014

Some might say that the opening of a waxing studio in the former home of the Speak in Tongues music club signals a seismic shift in the Ohio City neighborhood it calls home. To owner Danielle Fuller, it simply fills a need for those looking to get pretty. On Tuesday, July 8, Fuller opened the doors to Bloom & Clover Wax Studio at 4309 Lorain Avenue, the former home of the infamous rock club Speak in Tongues, which closed in 2001. It has remained vacant ever since. “You wouldn’t believe the random stuff we found in this place,” says Fuller. Walk in there today and you’ll find a hip, contemporary space with three employees eager to depilate clients in style and comfort. The former S.I.T. space was divided into two 1,000-square-foot properties. “The space is a little industrial, mid-century modern mixed with hard edges,” says Fuller. “It has its rough edges, but with pretty pieces -- just like me.” Fuller, who lives in Ohio City and has a child who attends Campus International, is a skilled aesthetician with years in the business. But all of those years have been spent in suburbs, where all of the salons and studios tend to be located. “The problem is that there isn’t anywhere for girls -- and guys too -- to go in the city for these services,” she says. “All the salons are in the suburbs. With all the young professionals moving into the neighborhood and downtown, it seemed like the perfect timing to open.” In addition to making customers baby-smooth, Bloom & Clover will also offer spray tans. “We want to keep people out of the sun and healthy,” she adds. In addition to old cassette tapes, Fuller unearthed the old bowling alley addition in the back, which doubled as “home away from home” for many touring musicians. That old lumber was turned into furniture. As for the name, Fuller says she was just looking for something “fun and quirky, not all new-agey.”

daily press juice bar to open this summer in gordon square arts district JODI RAE SANTOSUOSSO TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2014

Jodi Rae Santosuosso grew up in the restaurant business, working in her parents' Italian restaurant. She later moved to California for 10 years, where she grew enamored of the healthy living movement and got into cold-pressed juices. When she returned to Cleveland to join the revitalization of her hometown, she discovered that there weren’t many juice bars in the city, so she decided to launch her own. If all goes as planned, Daily Press, a juice bar and vegan café, will open next month in the Gordon Square Arts District (6604 Detroit Ave.). The cafe will serve cold-pressed juices and vegan menu items that include raw sandwiches, soups and salads. Daily Press will open at 7 a.m., with evening hours yet to be determined. "I want to help people be healthy and feel good, and to make it easy and convenient for people to do that," says Santosuosso. "This is new to Cleveland, but the market is here; people are just not aware of the benefits of juicing this way." Cold-press juicing is different from tossing fruit in a blender and grinding it up, she explains. The heat from a centrifugal juicer can destroy natural enzymes in the drink, making it less nutritious. There are two steps in the cold-pressing process: First, you turn the produce into pulp so that the vitamins and other good stuff stays intact. Second, you put the pulp into a bag and place it in a hydraulic press, where 2,000 pounds of pressure releases all that sweet goodness. "The result is delicious juice that has all kinds of good things for your body," she says. Some of Daily Press's offerings will include the Johnny Apple Manziel (apple, ginger and lemon), Greenest Cleanse (kale, spinach, chard, parsley, cucumber, ginger and turmeric) and Water You Doing? (watermelon). A 16-ounce juice in a glass jar will sell for $7-9. If you bring back the jar, you get $1 off your next juice. The 800-square-foot storefront will have a bar that seats five to six people, additional window seating and some outside tables. There will be Wi-Fi access for anyone who wants to work at the cafe. Santosuosso is looking forward to joining the neighborhood. "I love the neighborhood and the arts district, and Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization was really excited about having me come to this space," she says. "It helped that the neighborhood wants me here." If you're interested in checking out Daily Press before the cafe opens, Santosuosso will be at the Gordon Square Farmers Market for the next few weeks, and she invites you to come by and learn more about juicing.

blazing saddle cycle to open second location in little italy, across from new rising star coffee FRIDAY, JUNE 13, 2014

Wondering why there are no bike shops between Ohio City and Cleveland Heights, despite the rise in bike commuting in and around University Circle? Well, soon there will be. Blazing Saddle Cycle, the edgy bike shop that opened a few years ago in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood, has inked a deal to open a second location in Little Italy. This newest outpost will be at the intersection of Murray Hill and Edgehill roads, across from the new Rising Star coffee. Both of these hotspots are set to open later this year. Co-owner Travis Peebles, who founded the bike shop with fellow bike guru James Rychak, says the seed was planted in his head when Greenhouse Tavern chef Jonathon Sawyer stopped by the west side shop and complained about the lack of bike shops in University Circle. The next day, Peebles took a ride over there and discovered a "For Rent" sign during his first pass through the neighborhood. He knew instantly that the location was a winner. "We knew two years ago that this neighborhood needed a bike shop, but at that time, we were just getting settled into the west side," says Peebles. "People would bring it up to us, and we'd often fantasize about it. Then, when Sawyer planted the seed, we said, 'Let’s go see what we can find.'" "There’s so much potential over here, I'm almost a little bit nervous," he says, adding that the duo has taken on a third partner to keep up with their double-digit growth. "I'm not sure I can wrap my head around how busy we could possibly be when however many thousands of students come back in August. The corner of Edgehill and Murray Hill is the busiest bike intersection in the city." Despite his trepidations about being able to handle the business that might walk through the door when Blazing Saddle opens on August 1, Peebles is psyched about the space. It's 700 square feet and has "as much character" as the west side shop, he says, which in its former life was a 100-year-old hardware store with beat-up wood floors and a vintage facade. The owners are doing the build-out themselves, using many finishes and furnishings salvaged from the former Theresa's restaurant across the street, which is where Rising Star will open. "The neighborhood is great," Peebles says. "People are so, so positive about us moving into the area. We can't work for 15 minutes without someone coming by." The new location (2190 Murray Hill Rd.) will carry the same types of bikes as the original, but the owners might add some new lines as well. They'll continue to do "custom restorations of quality used bikes," bringing sturdy classics from the ‘70s back to life. And repairs will remain a staple, too. "We want to make sure we cater to everybody." Recently, the neighborhood has seen investment in bike infrastructure, including new bike lanes on Edgehill Road. Peebles and Rychak are banking on the growth of the cycling community in University Circle, Cleveland Heights and points beyond. Although Peebles acknowledges the need for outside help to manage his company's growth, the partners have built their entire business pretty much on their own with no bank loans. "The fewer institutions we can involve, the better," he quips.

eastman reading garden installation prompts reflection on urban environment THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014

Cleveland Public Library's Eastman Reading Garden once again will be transformed with public art this summer, as Mexican artist Ivan Juarez has recently completed the fifth temporary installation of the See Also program. The work, entitled Drawing Lines, features custom-built steel shapes threaded together with rope. The pieces are intended to be functional spaces in which visitors can sit and read, have lunch or talk, but they also are intended to inspire reflection on our relationship with the urban environment. "I am an architect who combines architecture with other disciplines, in this case landscape and art," Juarez explained during a recent visit to the garden. "I wanted visitors to be able to go inside and see different views and layers of the city." According to the website of LAND Studio, the organization that coordinates the program, "Juárez brings a global perspective and a new interpretation of the space that imaginatively frames views of the garden’s natural beauty." The site explains the meaning behind the installation: "A continuous thread moves across new and existing elements in the garden to filter the natural light and create new passages and spaces to gather and reflect. At the same time, the installation’s architecture is being broken apart. Its walls are transparent. Anyone can explore the installation, discovering new spaces, shadows, and frames. Similarly, Cleveland Public Library strives for greater openness and access for all, keeping its place as a community anchor with engaged learning and diverse programming." About 20,000 feet of rope was used to create the installation, along with custombuilt frames. The rope was provided by Samsel Supply in the Flats. Drawing Lines will be illuminated during AHA!, a festival of lights that will take place August 8-10 during the Gay Games. The purpose of the festival is to highlight the transformation of downtown, local artists and public artwork. See more images here.

developer purchases southworth building, plans 18 new downtown apts WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11, 2014

Developer Rich Cicerchi of Cicerchi Development Company was scouting for an investment opportunity downtown when he met Matt Howells, owner of the Park Building and the Southworth Building. The two developers stayed in touch, and Cicerchi later purchased the vacant Southworth building from Howells. Now he plans to convert it to 18 high-end apartments that will add to downtown's rental housing boom. Cicerchi's interest in downtown goes back to when he was a kid. "I remember going downtown with my dad,” he says. “I'd grab his big hand in my two little hands and he'd swing me from one sidewalk line to the next, having a good old time. He was twice my height, and I'd look past him at all the big buildings, all the activity and people. That's what got me enamored with downtown." Cicerchi, who is primarily a residential developer, watched downtown's decline and resurgence and decided that he wanted to be a part of the efforts to improve Cleveland's urban core. In 2006, he purchased the Krouse building on East Fourth Street and converted it to apartments. The Southworth Building is located at 2013 Ontario, across from Tower City and the casino. Built in 1850, the four-story building will be converted to nine onebedroom and nine two-bedroom apartments. The plans call for an atrium to be constructed in the center of the building to bring in natural light, Cicerchi says. On the lower level, there are two retail spaces that house a Subway and an Indian restaurant. Parking will be a short distance away in the May Company garage. Perhaps the coolest feature, other than the suites themselves, will be the roof deck overlooking Public Square and downtown. Cicerchi plans to preserve the building's historic features wherever he can, including refinishing existing wood floors that can be salvaged. High-end features likely will include granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. The suites will have a lofted look, with exposed spiral ductwork and high ceilings. One bedrooms will be about 750 square feet, two bedrooms about 1,100 square feet. The building also will boast many green, energy-efficient features. Tri-State Capital will soon provide financing for the $4 million project. The first suites should be completed by early 2015, the developer says. "I always look at properties with the eyes of potential," says Cicerchi. "I saw a great way to add more downtown living and integrate it with the downtown community."

downtown westin hotel opens with dazzling display of local artwork THURSDAY, JUNE 05, 2014

The new Westin Hotel in downtown Cleveland, which opened a few weeks ago, has transformed a formerly dreary concrete monolith into a showcase of modern design and local artwork, both inside and out. The contemporary facade includes a carefully screened parking garage and glassy facade that angles out towards the street to greet visitors as they approach. Inside the lobby, the warm, dark wood interior features chandeliers and a large art installation called "Cellular," a head fashioned from wooden mosaic tiles that was designed by local artist Olga Ziemska. The exterior of the hotel also features a 30 foot tall mural of the Cuyahoga River Valley, a work of public art that can be enjoyed by both visitors and passersby. Scattered throughout the hotel are more than 1,500 works by local artists, including Sarah Kabot, Liz Maugans, Michael Loderstedt, Dana Oldfather, Jen Craun and Anne Kibbe, to name a few. The operators of the hotel, Sage Hospitality, worked with the nonprofit group LAND Studio to select and feature artists in the lobby, public spaces and 400-plus guest rooms. (Check out this slideshow of the art here) "This is kind of an incredible investment for a group from outside of Cleveland to make, and they did it because this was a way to make this project truly local," says Greg Peckham, Executive Director of LAND Studio. "It generates a tremendous amount of goodwill, but also a true investment in the local arts economy. This project put a job on the table for three local framers for a year. There's a lot of spinoff effect and benefit of this one small aspect of a $68 million project. It also feels distinctively Cleveland; it's not something you could find in another city." For Peckham, Ziemska's striking sculpture is one example of the high-quality artwork found throughout the hotel. The work illustrates how humans are a part of nature, visually representing the correlations between the human body and natural world. It also highlights Cleveland's growing reputation as a sustainable city. The figure's eyes are closed, as if enjoying a restful night's sleep after an eventful day. "I work a lot with natural materials," says Ziemska. "My work bridges the gap between humans and nature, to help us better understand our place in the world." Ziemska is a Cleveland native who left Northeast Ohio after high school. When she returned for family reasons, she discovered a vibrant artistic community and began putting down roots. She has won several major awards and commissions since moving back to Cleveland, including twice being selected for an individual artist fellowship through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture. "That grant has literally kept me here," she says. "I feel like there's such support for artists in Cleveland." Peckham says that the artwork, which was handpicked by Sage executives, reflects several guiding themes, including connections between the manmade and natural environments and Cleveland's history as a place where people make things with their hands. Much of the artwork has been reproduced from originals in order to keep the overall project costs economical. The original artwork is largely hung on the 22nd and 23rd floors of the hotel, in the higher-end executive suites. "The owners wanted to create a real streetscape -- they wanted people to come in, for it to be a living room for the city," explains Peckham. "People are invited and encouraged to come in regardless of whether or not they’re staying there." Other features of the 484-room hotel include the farm-to-table steakhouse Urban Farmer, a 3,000-square-foot workout studio and 20,000 square feet of meeting rooms. The new Westin, which has undergone a complete renovation into a LEED-certified green building, is located at 777 St. Clair Avenue.

entrepreneur rides cycling obsession all the way to his very own lakewood bike shop LEE CHILCOTE TUESDAY, JUNE 03, 2014

Growing up in Akron, Ryan Sheldon landed his first job in a bike shop after applying for one approximately 20 times and hanging around the shop like a groupie. At the time, he was 17 years old and working as a bagger in the grocery store next door. Eventually, the owners hired him, seeing a spark of passion that was worth nurturing. He worked there for 15 years. Now, the 33-year-old bike lover has struck out on his own with Beat Cycles, which recently opened in a long-vacant storefront in Lakewood (15608 Detroit Avenue). Sheldon renovated the place himself from the studs up over the course of five and half grueling months -- opening just in time for good cycling weather. "I saw the opportunity to bring a really cool shop with a unique vibe to Lakewood," says Sheldon, who says he has a particular passion for working with all levels of cyclists and getting new folks interested in cycling. "My approach is really open; I'm passionate about what I do, and I love getting kids on bikes." Sheldon says that Lakewood, a dense city of 52,000 residents, is a great place for biking. He says there's room for another bike shop even though there are at least four (Spin, Century Cycles, Blazing Saddles and Joy Machines) within a few miles. Sheldon may be new to the whole entrepreneurship gig, but he's pretty much always been into bikes. "It’s that first sense of freedom you get," he says. "As a kid, you can get away from your parents on a bike... and they can’t quite catch you." Sheldon was bit by the entrepreneurship bug after rising to the level of regional manager at his previous job. He saw opening his own store as "the ultimate level of creativity." First, he had to identify the right spot and pull together financing. He had savings but not enough, and no bank wanted to touch the deal. They wanted him to be able to show some profit before they'd loan him money. Then he contacted the Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI), a nonprofit community-oriented lender that was eager to help him get started. After a lot of ups and downs, the loan finally closed and he was on his way. Beat Cycles features warm, refinished hardwood floors and walls wrapped in reclaimed wood. The colors are bright and eye-catching. Sheldon and his coworkers removed a drop ceiling and replaced electric and other mechanicals. "It's fun to walk in the store and really see your vision in finished form," he says. He couldn't be more excited about being an entrepreneur. "From a young age, I thought it would be cool to have a job that you loved. I carried that mentality and mindset up to ripe old age of 33. It doesn’t feel like work if you enjoy it."

b. a. sweetie candy to open new $3.5m superstore in old brooklyn TUESDAY, JUNE 03, 2014

Tom Scheiman believes in doing things the old-fashioned way. Some things are just better that way. Take candy, for instance: His store, B. A. Sweetie Candy, also known as Sweeties, is the largest candy store in America. Shoppers will find things there that are available nowhere else, like candy cigarettes, which, while not politically correct, are a top seller. Last year, Sweeties attracted over 250,000 customers to its store. On any given day, the venue has $2 million worth of candy inventory on store shelves. And now, after multiple expansions to his original space at 7480 Brook Park Road in Brooklyn, Scheiman is constructing an all new, 40,000-square-foot candy emporium in Old Brooklyn -- the old-fashioned way: no debt, no grants, no incentives. Just his own cash that he's socked away for years selling candy. The $3.5-million project will feature a 36-hole mini-golf course called Sweeties Golfland (18 holes already are open). In the coming years, Scheiman also has plans to build another 18 holes -- Candyland-themed, of course -- and an ice cream shop. He purchased the five-acre property from an estate in 2012. A highly visible sign featuring a 40-foot lollipop soon will rise along I-480, where approximately 135,000 cars pass by on a daily basis. Talk about a great marketing opportunity. "I've been in the candy business since I was 15 years old," says Scheiman, who purchased Sweeties in 1982 and has seen it grow by about 10 percent each year. The company employs about 40 people. "I don't know how to do anything else." If you've been to Sweeties, you know it offers good deals in a warehouse-style environment. The new store, which Scheiman says is 90 percent complete and is expected to open later this year, will continue in that tradition. "I’m not about being a hootie tootie, frilly, wood floor, beautiful lighting type of store," he quips. "I’m about volume, and I’m value priced. It’s my business philosophy. I'd rather have a little dust on my shelves and sell you a candy bar at 67 cents than offer you the same bar at $1.29 because I've got a wood floor and halogen lighting." Sweeties is known for its incredible selection and variety, including throwback items available at few other places. The new, larger store will offer even more display space. One prominent feature will be a 30-foot-long, 12-foot-tall Jelly Belly display that reportedly holds $100,000 worth of jelly beans. At the entrance, visitors will be greeted by a restored '32 Ford truck once used to deliver candy. The company is unusual because it sells both wholesale and retail. Yet its directto-consumer approach keeps prices down at the store, which has become a family destination. As Scheiman puts it, "There is no middle man. I am the middle man." Thinking about securing a five-finger discount on any of those sweets? Don't. Scheiman is installing 32 cameras throughout his new showroom. "We've been doing this a few weeks," he says. Scheiman predicts that about 400,000 people will visit his store next year. The new Sweeties Candy and Golfland will be located at 6770 Brook Park Road, on site of the old Brookpark Fun and Games. Golfland is now open Sunday through Thursday from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m.

landmark detroit shoreway building will be reborn as 30-unit apartment building WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2014

The Templin Bradley Company building, the stout brick frame of which has served as a gateway to the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood for the past 100 years, once housed the nation's largest seed and bulb company. Templin Bradley gave away literally hundreds of thousands of seeds and bulbs during the Depression, and was a leader in helping citizens start victory gardens during World War II. Yet this landmark property at 5700 Detroit has been vacant and boarded up for over 10 years, collecting weeds and trash. Plans to remake it into loft condos floundered during the recession. But now that property will be reborn as a 30-unit apartment building, slated to open next spring. Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization (DSCDO) and its partners have worked doggedly over the past few years to assemble the development plans and financing to get this long-sought project off the ground. "It's been a major eyesore along Detroit Avenue, and really remains the largest problem property there," says Matt Lasko, Assistant Director of DSCDO. "It's really important for us as a CDC to be able to preserve its history and story." The project will consist of 15 affordable apartments and 15 market-rate units. The redevelopment will return the building to its original 1916 look, which includes the reinstallation of fabric awnings on the first floor, the re-creation of a master stairwell on the front of the building, and the restoration of a seed bed along Detroit that Templin Bradley once used to test and advertise its products. The front of the building also will feature a prominent public art installation and a quasi-public space with benches that can be enjoyed by residents and the public. The building will offer secure indoor parking on the first floor and unique living spaces above. There will be four artist live-work spaces with lower levels designed for painting, sculpting and other artistic endeavors. The units will have concrete floors, high ceilings, exposed ductwork and expansive windows. Prices will range from $630 to $840 per month for one-bedroom units and $750 to $950 per month for two-bedroom suites. Construction will begin next month, and DSCDO is hosting a groundbreaking event on Thursday, May 29 at 10 a.m. The project is being developed by DSCDO in partnership with the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing, Ohio Development Services Agency, Huntington Bank, City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, The National Endowment for the Arts, Vintage Development and Marous brothers construction.

camino, a new mexican restaurant, has opened in the warehouse district THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014

Camino, a new Mexican restaurant and "tequileria," has opened on West Ninth Street in the heart of the Warehouse District. Eddy Galindo, the restaurateur behind Luchita’s, opened the venue to provide a casual, everyday option for downtown’s growing residential base. Camino aims to capture the neighborhood’s “up-and-coming and increasingly residential community,” explains manager Lindsey Henderson. The venue, which is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, serves tacos, wings, burgers, empanadas, salsas and guacamole. On the drinks side is a sizeable selection of tequilas, craft beer and margaritas. The menu features small plates priced from $3 to $5, including flank steak, mango-chicken, and chicken tacos. Margarita flavors include cucumber and pineapple-chili, but mojitos also are a big crowd pleaser. Camino's tasty food and drinks are accompanied by a modern, unique dining room. A long communal table sits in the middle of the room, providing guests with the option to dine family style. Spacious tables and a large bar provide plenty of additional seating. Patio seating also is available; Camino is in the process of obtaining a license so that guests can enjoy their margaritas outside. The owners plan to honor regulars and neighbors by implementing a rewards card system that would give benefits and discounts to those who stop by frequently.

entrepreneur to open women's clothing boutique on lorain avenue this summer LEE CHILCOTE WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014

Ohio City is chock full of restaurants, breweries and culinary delights, yet one thing it lacks is shopping. Room Service, Salty Not Sweet and others have added some much welcome spice to the mix, but where's a girl to go for shoes? Have no fear: Thanks to the addition of Blackbird Fly, a women's clothing boutique set to open this summer at W. 28th and Lorain, consider the problem solved. "We'll be a true Cleveland clothing boutique," says Angelina Rodriguez Pata, a Detroit Shoreway native who finally has realized her dream of opening a store. "We're bringing in some really well made national brands, and we're also in talks with local artisans. The whole mantra we're going for is, 'As American-made as we can do it.' We're aiming for at least 75 percent American-made and locally made." Pata is a metalsmithing artist who has stayed home with her four kids for the past few years. Now that they're older, she wanted to get back into the workforce. "I was never going to be happy doing anything unless it was creative. I said, 'I can do this, I have great taste in shoes and clothing, and they're dying for it over there.'" Her goal was to create an approachable boutique where both locals and visitors could shop. She plans to carry items that will appeal to women in their 20s through 50s, and her price points won't be sky-high. "It won't be $350 for a pair of shoes," she says. "I'd say our price points will be $60 to $150 on average." The charming storefront, which last housed Councilman Cimperman's campaign office, likely will go through the city's Storefront Renovation Program. That will mean a spruced-up exterior and new signage. The interior currently is divided into two spaces, but will be opened up into a single 1,100-square-foot shop. Pata plans to add tables and chairs to the front so visitors can hang out. The name comes from Pata's favorite Beatles song, of course. "My mom was a hippie and my dad was a greaser," she says. "They were both very musical and in bands growing up. We always had music playing in our house, particularly the Beatles. I just love that song because it's about struggle, and that's life." How did Pata land the prime retail space? She admits to stalking the landlord after he failed to return her calls. The last message she left is worth repeating, she notes. "This is Angelina, I know you know who I am because I’ve called you like 15 times. Here’s the deal, I’m really interested in your space, but for goodness sake, if it's not available tell me and I’ll stop hunting you down ... Call me back!" Soon enough, her phone rang and it was the landlord. Turns out, he'd simply been preoccupied with a homebuilding project. She signed the lease soon thereafter. Pata, who plans to open by mid-August and have hours from Tuesday to Sunday, will carry prominent lines such as Blank NYC, Agave and Seychelles. She's excited to be in the middle of everything, steps from the West Side Market. "I will promise one thing, it won't be a snobby, uncomfortable, boutique," she says. "You'll walk in and feel like you’ve grown up with me and known me forever."

west side community house to become cleveland's first bikefriendly apartment building LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, MAY 08, 2014

Damon Taseff, a principal with Allegro Realty who along with partners is undertaking the renovation of the historic West Side Community House in Ohio City into market-rate apartments, recently showed Fresh Water around. He also announced details of what he says will be "Cleveland's first bicycle-friendly apartment building." The building is being redeveloped into 19 apartments, 4,000 square feet of office space and a Phoenix Coffee shop. It will feature not only a communal bike rack but also individual bike racks in each suite built from salvaged lumber. There will be a bike lounge in the basement where tools and other resources will be available, and membership with the nonprofit Bike Cleveland will be part of the amenity package that comes with signing a lease. Bike Cleveland also is coming on board to coordinate at least one community cycling event at the building each year. The building will feature a bike-share program managed by Phoenix (there will be bikes in the basement that residents and visitors can borrow). Finally, Taseff is in talks with Joy Machines Bike Shop and the Ohio City Bike Co-op about bringing them in as partners, as well. All in all, Taseff says he wants to set a standard for Cleveland and beyond when it comes to creating bike-friendly apartment buildings. "This is ground zero in the neighborhood -- you're dead center in the middle of everything," he says of the property at 3000 Bridge Avenue. "If you look at the national landscape, this is an emerging trend. When people talk about bike-friendly buildings, it's usually just a place to park your bike, but we really wanted to take it to the next level." According to the City of Cleveland's recently announced plan, Bridge Avenue will be redeveloped as a bike route, making the area even more bike-friendly. The building's parking lot does not have enough spaces for every resident to park a car, so Taseff is hoping the bike-friendly nature of the building will encourage some tenants to go car-free. Taseff says it's very possible to live without a car in Cleveland, and he wants his project to help facilitate that lifestyle. "I did not have a car when I lived in Chicago," he says. "Let's design neighborhoods around people, not cars." Other highlights include the custom finishes that are being incorporated into each suite, including hexagonal tile in the bathrooms and butcher block and steel kitchen islands courtesy of Rust Belt Welding and Soulcraft Woodshop. The West Side Community House building is lined with windows on every side (all of which are relatively new and can be opened), affording views of the surrounding neighborhood, downtown and the West Side Market. Plans already are in the works for a roof deck, but nothing has been finalized yet. Phoenix will open in August, the offices in September and the apartments in October. Pre-leasing for the apartments will begin soon, though prices have yet to be announced.

organic, locally sourced grocery store to open this summer in ohio city LEE CHILCOTE MONDAY, MAY 05, 2014

Rachel Kingsbury, a young, first-time entrepreneur who previously worked as a restaurant manager at Town Hall and Liquid Planet, has signed a lease to open The Grocery in a long-vacant building at 3815 Lorain Avenue. The 1,000-square-foot neighborhood market will offer everything from produce to meat to dairy, much of it sourced from local farmers. "In addition to having thriving entertainment districts, other cities have essentials like grocery stores, bread shops and butchers," she says. "That's what spawned my desire to open a grocery store in Ohio City. This is something I felt was necessary for the development of Cleveland and the development of the neighborhood. I decided to focus more on organic-style products because people are becoming more conscious eaters. They're very aware of where their food comes from." The owners are restoring the exterior through the City of Cleveland's Storefront Renovation Program. They will bring back the original transom windows, adding more natural light to the store, which has 12-foot ceilings on the main floor. Kingsbury says she was attracted to the location because of other new businesses in the area, such as Jackflaps, which often has a line out the door during weekend brunch, she says, Platform Beer Company and Buck Buck Studio and Gallery. She says that she wants her store to serve the entire community, and she's looking into accepting EBT and WIC. "This is the kind of place you go to shop every couple days and bump into your neighbor there. We want to be an integral part of building a very strong community." In addition to local produce and pasture-raised meats, The Grocery will feature value-added products created by area food entrepreneurs. Kingsbury is partnering with the Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI), a microlender with offices in the Midtown neighborhood, and Cleveland Culinary Launch to stock her shelves with products they're helping bring to market. The Grocery will be open seven days a week: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Kingston is keeping the buildout simple, and has applied for permits and licenses through the City of Cleveland. She also is pursuing an equipment loan from ECDI. She plans to open in July.

Source: Rachel Kingsbury Writer: Lee Chilcote

tremont developer goes vertical with new starkweather place townhomes KEITH SUTTON THURSDAY, MAY 01, 2014

Talk about hot in Cleveland: The housing market in Tremont is so tight right now that buyers and real estate agents often can be heard complaining there's nothing for sale. Some of that pressure should be alleviated with the rise of new units at Starkweather Place, a 31-unit development that began in 2006, slowed down quite a bit in the recession, and recently revved back up again. Keith Sutton of Sutton Builders, one of Tremont's original developers, who 25 years ago began building homes here, recently broke ground on six new units. With five already sold, the project is entering the home stretch. He's gearing up for a groundbreaking on the last six units and expects the project to wrap up next year. "We got hit hard in the recession, but 2013 was a great year for us, especially considering the last five," he says. "This year, there's definitely been an uptick." The 1,700-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath townhomes start at $250,000 and go up from there. Amenities include contemporary design, granite countertops and a deck overlooking the neighborhood. The units are green-built and include a 15-year, 100-percent tax abatement. "There seems to be kind of a pent-up demand now, so we've even been able to raise our prices a little bit," Sutton says. "With the cost of building going up, we had to." Why such demand? "I'm told we have a rare commodity. There's just not a whole lot of stuff available in the neighborhood, and we're well suited for that niche." Sutton also is a partner in Portside Distilling, which just sold out of its first run of canned craft beer. He runs his development company out of a renovated building at East 23rd and Hamilton. He calls it a "business incubator" that has so far lured a flooring company and a plastering company to move into the city from the 'burbs. Sutton contributes his recent success to the neighborhood's ever-improving dynamics. "It's never been better," he says of Tremont. "Part of why commercial businesses are thriving here is because of the residential component. But people are coming from everywhere. This is truly a destination place."

upcycling parts shop will open storefront this june in st. clair superior LEE CHILCOTE TUESDAY, APRIL 29, 2014

Creative reuse artist Nicole McGee says she feels just like the crocuses and daffodils; it's spring and she's ready to pop her head out of the ground. A project she's been working on for over a year has entered a critical stage -- the new Upcycle Parts Shop is set to open in a vacant St. Clair Superior storefront in June. The shop, which is part of the larger Upcycle St. Clair project, will offer trash-to-treasure art supplies for crafters, parents, teachers and anybody else who wants to get his or her craft on. "We'll provide a supplement to the common arts supply store," says McGee. "You don't have to buy new to buy something that’s useful. Economically, it's a good idea because our prices are affordable. But we also want to inspire people." McGee has become well known over the years for her upcycling pop-up shops, but this one is different, because it offers supplies and is intended to be permanent. The 900-square-foot storefront at 6419 St. Clair Avenue is owned by the Slovenian National Home, a neighborhood anchor for the past century. The current plan is to offer art supplies for sale at the front of the store, build a "craft bar" where adults and kids can make stuff in the rear, and use the basement to sort materials. Items such as wallpaper castoffs and beautiful pieces of knotted wood from A Piece of Cleveland will be available for purchase. "You can pick up materials that are sort of unique and purposefully chosen," says McGee. "It will be a curated, interesting experience that will inspire people to work with new materials." McGee and her team plan to offer at least two workshops per month for adults, plus regular classes for families and kids. One example might be a workshop that teaches people how to transform plastic bottles into artistic flowers. The group is also reaching out to local residents and youth to involve them in the storefront. "The benefit to companies that have a waste stream is that they can donate stuff to us and have a feel-good alternative to throwing it away," says McGee. "We want to make it easy for them. They also can get a tax-exempt donation letter from us." McGee is beyond excited about the signage, which was donated by Johnsonite Flooring and created using a laser cutter by an avid supporter. The neon art installation by Dana Depew, which spells out "Thrive" in the window, will remain after the shop opens. McGee expects the Upcyle Parts Shop to open in June. Upcycle St. Clair also is ready to announce an Upcycle Fellows program. Leaders of the initiative will accept applications from interested individuals who want to be a part of the project's community engagement strategy in the coming months. Other members of the Upcycle St. Clair team include Devon Fegen-Herdman and Peter Meehan. The group received a $375,000 grant from ArtPlace America, and St. Clair Superior Development Corporation is the coordinating agency.

Source: Nicole McGee Writer: Lee Chilcote

developers ink deal for ultra-highspeed internet for residents, businesses at fairmount creamery LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2014

Sustainable Community Associates and Everstream have announced that ultra-high-speed, fiber-based broadband network services will soon come to the Fairmount Creamery building, a 100,000square-foot property that is under redevelopment in Tremont. The high-speed Internet services will be available to both residential and commercial tenants. Everstream is a project of OneCommunity, which has spent more than a decade building the most advanced fiber-optic network in Northeast Ohio. Everstream was created to bring high-speed Internet to private businesses. "We are really excited to be working with Everstream to bring the fastest residential Internet service to the Creamery," said Josh Rosen, one of the three partners in Sustainable Community Associates, in a release. "The Everstream network will be a significant asset for both our residents and businesses." The Internet service will be 10 to 20 times faster than traditional networks. Rosen hopes the project will help create a "fiberhood" in Tremont that proves attractive to businesses, especially tech-based enterprises and startups. LaunchHouse is planning to open a new office here when the building opens in late 2014. “The Creamery project is a perfect example of how developers and managers of mixed-use properties gain a competitive advantage by providing best-in-class service,” said Brett Lindsey, President of Everstream.

Source: Josh Rosen Writer: Lee Chilcote

community group rolls out clean and green trailer to help with neighborhood beautification projects LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2014

Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and CharterOne Foundation have announced the creation of a Clean&Green Cleveland program, which offers a fully stocked trailer to assist neighborhood residents with beautification projects. The trailer comes equipped with all the tools and equipment necessary to clean up vacant lots, maintain community gardens, tackle neighborhood improvement projects, and more. The nonprofit introduced the trailer as part of its ongoing efforts to beautify and reimagine vacant properties in Cleveland. The trailer is available on a "first come, first reserved" basis, according to the website. Applications, use forms, waivers and other information all can be found online, and groups are encouraged to apply. The trailer is for use in the City of Cleveland only. In a release, CNP stated that the Clean&Green program will offer opportunities not only for beautification, but also for community building among neighbors.

Source: Cleveland Neighborhood Progress Writer: Lee Chilcote

music settlement's big plans for bop stop include summer bash, ensemble lessons, concerts... LEE CHILCOTE MONDAY, APRIL 07, 2014

The Music Settlement took possession of the Bop Stop jazz club in early January, but the institution wasted little time in setting up meetings with community stakeholders to plan use of the facility. Having recently hired music veteran Matt Cahill as Event Sales Manager, the organization is moving ahead with programming. The Settlement will host a preview party this week, and then open the space to the community this summer with a public party. That party, which will feature concerts spilling into Dogbone Park, the narrow slice of green space between Detroit Avenue and the Shoreway, should be a fitting beginning to the Settlement's highly anticipated Ohio City debut. The group will soon begin offering event rentals, with ensemble music instruction, regular concerts and a state-of-the-art recording facility to follow later this year. The Settlement will retain the Bop Stop name and leave the beautifully designed space largely as is. Publicly accessible concerts will begin as soon as this fall. That's just the beginning, says Charlie Lawrence, President of the Settlement. The group is looking for a space to hold individual music lessons, and a music-themed preschool also is in the works, similar to the popular University Circle program. In the meantime, the Settlement will partner with local schools and nonprofits to offer music therapy and other programs. All offerings will be accessible to low-income families, as well, in keeping with the institution's mission. "As much as we can, we want to offer programs for young families," says Lawrence. "We're excited by the demographics that show young families are a big part of the area." "We don't want to go into Ohio City with just a toe in the water," adds Lynn Johnson, Marketing Director for the Settlement. "We want to create a comprehensive program." Other programs will pop up in collaboration with the Transformer Station and area businesses and nonprofits. Hingetown is quickly emerging as the west side cultural district, and businesses could stand to benefit as parents need places to grab coffee or view art while their kids are nearby taking lessons. "There's a chance to build a cooperative cultural experience in northern Ohio City," says Lawrence. "That's the whole picture. And everything is within walking distance."

Source: Charlie Lawrence, Lynn Johnson Writer: Lee Chilcote

perspectus architecture completes merger, doubles office footprint at shaker square LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, APRIL 03, 2014

Perspectus Architecture recently completed a merger with HFP/Ambuske Architects, bringing five jobs from Beachwood to Cleveland. Perspectus will remain in its second floor offices on the southeast quadrant of Shaker Square, where it has doubled its office space and is in the process of remodeling. "Our focus is firmly based in healthcare," says Perspectus principal Larry Fischer of both companies. "We saw a lot of advantages in getting together." Staying and growing at Shaker Square seemed like a no-brainer, he adds. "When we were looking for space, we wanted a venue or neighborhood that had a certain cool factor to it," says Fischer, who has expanded from a single 900-square-foot office to 10,000 square feet on the entire second floor of his building in the past 14 years. "We probably couldn’t afford being downtown in the primary core. There's a lot happening at Shaker Square." The new offices are just as cool. There are now a total of 36 staffers in the redesigned space. "Being a contemporary firm, we wanted the space to really represent the work we're doing," says Fischer. "We kept a lot of the mahogany moldings and doors, then contrasted them with clean, light walls and contemporary light fixtures. At two ends, we actually exposed the old wood structure. There’s a contradiction of styles that works pretty well for us." One big change is that Perspectus' new offices now reflect the movement towards open, connected spaces. "That was a big deal to us," Fischer says. "We didn’t want to be in an old, stodgy environment. We also reorganized the studio -- all or our architects worked in teams, but they weren’t sitting in teams. Now they're more organized and have more space. We really wanted to create a space that supported how we work, and that encouraged mentoring, interaction and collaboration." That open environment goes for the bosses, too. "There are some people that wish I had my own office," Fischer adds wryly. "But I'm out in the open, too." Fischer praised the Coral Company for its willingness to work closely with the firm to customize the layout. Perspectus employees continue to enjoy "problemsolving walks" around the Square, taking inspiration from the architecture. Prospectus is headquartered in Cleveland, but also has offices in Columbus and Charleston, West Virginia.

Source: Larry Fischer Writer: Lee Chilcote

platform beer co. to begin brewing this month, new home announced for cle brew shop LEE CHILCOTE WEDNESDAY, APRIL 02, 2014

The Platform Beer Company project, which was announced last year, just keeps getting better and better. The partners behind the project will soon begin brewing beer -- all they're waiting for is the arrival of their new three-barrel pilot system -- and the 99-seat tap room is dry-walled and ready for the finishing touches. The current plan is to open in early June with 24 taps, about half of which will eventually feature Platform beers. On top of that, founding partner Paul Benner just announced that the Cleveland Brew Shop, his homebrew supply store that he opened in Tremont two years ago, is relocating to a storefront on Lorain Avenue, directly across from Platform. Benner is moving the shop to the former Rain nightclub building, which has been vacant for years. Platform co-founder Justin Carson recently purchased the property, and the partners quickly realized there was an opportunity for synergy. The 5,000-square-foot brewhouse at W. 41st and Lorain could help revitalize a long-neglected part of Ohio City. The former Czech social hall features a handsome brick exterior, big storefront windows and a prominent sign. In the rear of the property, the partners have installed roll-up garage doors and poured a concrete patio for a beer garden. Visitors will be able to sit outside and order food from The Plum, a casual eatery expected to open later this year in the building next door. The Platform guys also have tapped their first brewmaster, Shaun Yasaki, who previously worked for Fathead's in North Olmsted. Benner already had a relationship with Yasaki because he regularly visited the Brew Shop, and Benner knew that he would be able to brew a wide variety of interesting beers. "Brewpub guys are the guys that do all the stuff, including the interesting one-offs," says Benner. "Fortunately, he was very excited about it, and we even brought him on as a minority partner." Platform also has signed up the first participant in its 12-week brewery incubator, a free program that will train homebrewers on how to take their skills to the next level. Kyle Roth of Ferndock Brewing will start in the fall. Benner says that he's gotten tons of inquiries from homebrewers, and does not think it will be a problem to fill the spots. The program requires a one-day-a-week commitment and includes modules on brewing, branding and business management. The goal, says Benner, is to fill the taps with as many interesting beers as possible. The free incubator program will be partially supported by sales of the beer made by incubator participants -- at any one time, several of the beers on tap could be made by local brewers-in-training. Beyond that, Benner says, the partners will be "very picky and have as many Ohio beers as we can -- stuff that people who are really into beer would like to drink. We're not going to have Bud Light on tap." The initial beer lineup will include a Berliner Weisse, an Imperial pale ale and a saison, Benner says. Platform will sell its beer in kegs right away, and there's a plan in the works to start canning and distributing beer locally very soon. The taphouse interior features hardwood floors, exposed brick walls and creative touches like old-school bowling machines (a nod to the Czech social hall's original bowling alley, whose floors were unearthed during the renovation process). "It may sound hokey, but we want to provide an opportunity for someone that they may not get anywhere else, ever," says Benner of the incubator. "If we’re able to help someone else go pro, that's exciting, that’s what we get our rocks off on."

Source: Paul Benner By Lee Chilcote

state of downtown is strong, but greater connectivity between amenities is needed, say leaders LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014

Downtown Cleveland was named one of the top cities for millenials to live by The Atlantic, with more than 1,000 new housing units coming online, and major projects like Flats East helping to reenergize formerly moribund parts of downtown. These are just a few of the successes listed in Downtown Cleveland Alliance's 2013 annual report, and touted at this week's State of Downtown forum at the City Club. Yet more needs to be done to connect downtown's assets, including public realm improvements, pedestrian- and bike-friendly amenities, and especially lakefront connections. These were the messages conveyed by leaders at the forum. "We're no longer in the 'big box' phase," said Joe Marinucci, President and CEO of DCA. "Now our challenge is, how we can incrementally connect the investments." Marinucci pointed to Perk Park, a revamped green space at East 12th and Chester, as an example of a successful strategy for creating public improvements. Now DCA has launched Step Up Downtown, an initiative to engage residents and stakeholders in envisioning the future of downtown. With abundant plans in place, the goal is to prioritize which enhancements to focus on first, garner feedback from residents, and drill down to the implementation phase. "This initiative recognizes that we've made a lot of investments downtown, but in many ways haven't connected the investments as well as we should," said Marinucci. "We need to make the public realm as attractive as the destinations." Attendees posed questions about connecting to the waterfront, making downtown accessible to all income levels, and prioritizing educational opportunities for families. Marinucci cited lakefront development plans, the incorporation of affordable housing into downtown projects and DCA's work with Campus International School and the Cleveland Municipal School District as signs of progress.

Source: Joe Marinucci By Lee Chilcote

old brooklyn poised for growth with new leadership, key projects in place LEE CHILCOTE WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26, 2014

Old Brooklyn has long been considered a quiet, family-friendly neighborhood. It has nice, modest homes and plenty of local businesses, but has never had much nightlife. It's gained a reputation as a popular neighborhood for city workers, and strong school choices have kept families from fleeing. However, a neighborhood can't stand still if it wants to remain relevant, and leaders here know that. Yet now, the neighborhood could be on the cusp of its next identity. The board of the Old Brookyn Community Development Corporation has hired Jeffrey T. Verespej, who is currently serving as Director of Operations and Advocacy for Ohio City Inc., as its new Executive Director. Key projects are falling into place that could help move the neighborhood from sleepy to chic in the next few years. "The reality is that Old Brooklyn already has assets that many places in Cleveland are trying desperately to build," says Verespej, who has fond memories of growing up in the community until he was seven. "It has a very solid and stable housing stock that is attractive to all different types of people. It's probably Cleveland's most family-friendly and liveable neighborhood and has been for decades. There are good schools and direct access to the Metroparks and Zoo. We have really intact commercial corridors, there aren’t missing teeth. As an Old Brooklyn resident, you can walk down the street and find something you’re proud of." What's missing, he says, is development that builds upon those existing assets and a strong marketing campaign. "Look at downtown Old Brooklyn, at Pearl, Broadview and State," he says. "When you have millions of visitors going through your downtown each year [to the zoo], there are tremendous opportunities." Two recent wins should help spur redevelopment. The CDC was recently awarded funding from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) for design and engineering of the Pearl Road streetscape, which would put the wide boulevard on a road diet and add broader sidewalks, bike lanes and other amenities. This project could start as early as 2016, but there's still a lot of work to be done. The second win is the acquisition of the so-called "Heninger" site -- a multi-acre property that was used as a landfill and has been vacant for over a decade -- by the Western Reserve Land Conservancy. Although the property is still under contract and WRLC has due diligence work to complete, the goal is to transform it into a park setting with some kind of public use. There might be a commercial component that fronts Pearl Road, but passive recreation, urban farming and a trail that leads to the Metroparks will likely be part of the mix, says Verespej. The Heninger site is located directly across from the zoo entrance on Pearl Road. Old Brooklyn has also seen some recent investments along Pearl Road. Drink Bar and Grill recently celebrated its one year anniversary, and the West Side Market vendor Cake Royale has just moved its headquarters to the neighborhood. "We have a challenge and an opportunity," says Verespej, who starts his new job in just a few weeks. "There are so many neighborhoods in Cleveland seeing an infusion of energy and investment. Old Brooklyn generally isn't a part of that conversation. That's the job of the CDC. For all the people investing in Cleveland right now, we want to let them know we're open for business."

Source: Jeff Verespej Writer: Lee Chilcote

brewnuts selected as winner of tremont storefront incubator program, will open in april LEE CHILCOTE TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2014

It's self-evident that there's a craft beer explosion in Cleveland, with several new breweries set to open this year alone. Now the beer boom is also spurring offshoot businesses, such as the playful, delicious Brewnuts. According to the company's Facebook page, it combines two of Cleveland's favorite things into "one epic treat: a craft beer based donut." Brewnuts, which has been steadily growing for the past year and has occupied space at Cleveland Culinary Launch and Kitchen, is expanding into a storefront on Professor Avenue in Tremont. The firm was recently selected to participate in the competitive Tremont Storefront Incubator Program. Owners Shelley Fasulko and John Pippin will test the waters for a new retail location while enjoying three months of free rent and seven months of reduced rent. After that time period, they'll hopefully make the leap to a permanent storefront in the city. In a release, Tremont West Development Corporation, which owns and manages the space, stated that the Brewnuts application was "very strong" and will add vibrancy and a new type of business to the neighborhood. The hours will be Tuesday through Saturday, with morning pick-ups available during the week and evening hours that cater to hungry Tremont bar-hoppers and local residents. "We chose Brewnuts because they were the applicant that could most effectively use the space, and the one that had the most potential to move on to a bricks-andmortar space," says Cory Riordan, Executive Director of Tremont West. "It's a good fit within Tremont, because of the food businesses that are here." The company creates delicious donuts that reflect the season. Currently "on tap" are the Doughboy, a cinnamon roll style 'nut made with Wells Sticky Toffee Pudding Ale; the Symon, a chocolate peanut butter donut made with Willoughby Brewing Company's Peanut Butter Coffee Porter; and the Bernie, a lager-based donut made with Great Lakes Brewing Company's Dortmunder Gold. Tremont West Development Corporation collaborated with the Hispanic Business Center to select Brewnuts to participate in the Storefront Incubator Program. Brewnuts plans to open its shop at 2406 Professor on Tuesday, April 29th.

Source: Tremont West Development Corporation Writer: Lee Chilcote

developer breaks ground on second phase of flats east, adding office building to mix LEE CHILCOTE TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2014

Flats East Development LLC, the partners behind the multi-phase Flats East development, have broken ground on Phase II. The project is expected to be complete in time for residents, visitors and office workers to enjoy the 1,200-foot riverfront boardwalk by summer of 2015. The ambitious project contains a few surprises, including a new office building that's been added to the mix. "Currently, we've broken ground on Building 4, which is the large residential building with 243 apartments above a parking deck and retail podium," says Brice Hamill, Director of Design with Fairmount Properties. "With Building 4 being the largest of the buildings [in Phase II], we needed to kick it off now to complete it on schedule. We just finished up the auger piles and deep foundation, and now we're coming out of the ground and casting columns for the first floor retail." The apartment building will feature high-end units with floor-to-ceiling windows, granite countertops and other luxury finishes. Although lease rates have not yet been announced, you can bet that they'll push the envelope. Residents here will be able to enjoy suites featuring hardwood floors, 10-foot loft-style ceilings and a balcony on every unit so they can watch the action go by. There's also a second floor common rooftop deck over the retail area, and the penthouse suites will have access to their own private rooftop decks. "We think we have the best residential site in Cleveland given the views and activity on the water – from planes to trains to boats, and we did a lot to capture that," says Hamill. Retail concepts include Toby Keith's Bar and Grill, BBR, Beer Cellars, The Big Bang dueling piano bar, Flip Side, FWD, Panini's Bar and Grill, Crop Kitchen and Vine and Cropicana. Hamill says the one he gets the most reactions to is Toby Keith's. "Everyone wants to know about Toby Keith's," he says with a laugh. "There's an insanely high county music listenership here, with no venue for them." Another design element that will be sure to surprise and delight Clevelanders is the fact that the entire waterfront area can be closed to vehicles and turned into a pedestrian-oriented district for festivals, summer events, pig roasts and the like. "From an urban planning standpoint, that's one of the coolest things we're doing down there," says Hamill. There's also a 3.5-acre park that will be owned by the developers yet publicly accessible. The 1,200-foot boardwalk will be maintained by the Metroparks, Hamill says. The developers also have broken ground on Flip Side, a gourmet burger bar with a large selection of regional craft beers, on a lot adjacent to Phase I. The new office building will be much smaller than the Ernst and Young Tower, totaling about 150 to 200,000 square feet with additional retail. It was born out of the surplus demand for space in the tower, which is now nearly 95 percent leased. "It will be large floor plates, and we look at that as a cool possibility for a company... to get branded power in a downtown building," says Hamill. Hamill promises that more local restaurants and establishments will be announced soon, including an ice cream venue, countering concerns that Flats East Phase II will consist largely of chain restaurants. "We're going to bring in not just a fine dining concept, but places for everyone: young, old, married, not married, kids or no kids," says Hamill. Surface parking lots will surround the development for now, but over the long term, those could become future phases for additional development.

Source: Brice Hamill Writer: Lee Chilcote

group plan commission hires director, set to break ground this year on public square revitalization LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, MARCH 13, 2014

Jeremy Paris, the recently hired Executive Director of the Group Plan Commission, wants to help Clevelanders reconnect with their iconic downtown public spaces. The Group Plan Commission is expected to break ground later this year on the reconfiguration of Public Square, new amenities for the downtown malls, and a bike-ped bridge that will link the mall overlook with North Coast Harbor. If you're skeptical that these big picture projects, which have been dreamed about for years with no action, will get done, well, don't worry; Paris will convince you otherwise. "Cleveland deserves these world class public spaces," he says fervently. "We’ve done an unbelievable job of establishing downtown amenities, and our neighborhoods are increasingly thriving and exciting. Our job is to build the connective tissue, to have public spaces that can weave together these amenities and be gathering places for the city. We’re building on the wave of downtown investment, and I think the city will look and feel different when we get this job done." Paris attended Yale and Harvard and lived in Washington D.C. for a dozen years. After returning to Cleveland with his wife -- a Cleveland transplant -- he interviewed with County Executive Ed FitzGerald and landed a job in his office. After working on the Group Plan project on behalf of the county, he applied for and was selected as the Group Plan Commission's first director. "I wanted to be civically involved, and to plug in in terms of what’s going on with economic development and downtown development," he says. "I wanted to work at the hub of the political community, business community and the public realm, and try to get things done for the city. That’s where I feel like I’ve landed." Although specifics of the Group Plan Commission's work are still being ironed out -- nationally-known architect James Corner, who designed the High Line in New York City, has been tapped for the project -- Paris says that $30 million has been assembled from the city, county and other sources and designs are being finalized. A public meeting at the City Club is being planned, probably sometime in April, to reveal specifics of these designs and garner additional public feedback. Yet the basic concepts discussed for several years remain the same. The Public Square re-do will involve closing Ontario and reconnecting the four quadrants of Public Square; the mall improvements are geared towards making it a thriving, peoplefilled public space by adding public art, seating, stages, reflecting pools and the like; and the bridge will better connect downtown to the lakefront. "We want people to use these public spaces, to turn them into activated spaces and not just pretty vistas," says Paris. "Watching people discover these public spaces, even in their current form, I've already seen a change. People look down and say, 'Oh, there’s the lake.' It's like they're seeing it for the first time."

Source: Jeremy Paris Writer: Lee Chilcote

music box supper club in the flats set to break ground, open in august LEE CHILCOTE MONDAY, MARCH 10, 2014

The development partnership behind the Music Box, a forthcoming supper club on the west bank of the Flats that will offer live music on two stages, will break ground this week. A demolition permit has been issued by the city, and the club will hold a soft opening in August and have a full concert lineup by September. "The best part has been the breadth of support from around Cleveland," says Mike Miller, a boomerang who returned from Chicago with his wife, Colleen Miller, an experienced concert promoter. "People saw this as an important development for Cleveland, a new concept right on the river. While Cleveland has some great rock clubs spread out across the city, there isn't a downtown concert venue except for the House of Blues. If we’re going to have the Rock Hall and be the city that discovered rock, we should have another venue, and one that’s centrally located." To pull off the project, Mike and Colleen Miller assembled a team of over 20 investors, including the Jacobs Group, owner of the former Club Coconuts space where the Music Box will be located. They also obtained financing from Key Bank and funding from the City of Cleveland's Vacant Property Initiative. Krill Construction will handle the build-out. The architect is Dave Krebbs from AODK and the interior designer is Scott Richardson of the Richardson Group. The basic architecture of the space, which has huge windows overlooking the Cuyahoga River, Flats East Bank and downtown, will remain the same. Construction will add new flooring and finishes, mechanicals, restrooms, two stages and an outdoor deck where guests can enjoy dinner and drinks overlooking the city. Miller highlighted the support of the Jacobs Group and their vision for the west bank. Jacobs has already begun repositioning the Nautica complex as major event space to capitalize on the tourism wave that's hitting downtown Cleveland. Currently, the developer is working on a new master plan for the area. The Music Box is located directly across from the new Flats East development, and plans are in the works to revive the water taxi service to better link the two areas.

Source: Mike Miller Writer: Lee Chilcote

tremont leaders seek to reconfigure w. 14th street for bikes, pedestrians, growth LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, MARCH 06, 2014

Tremont West Development Corporation is pushing a plan to reconfigure W. 14th Street, which for decades has been a busy thoroughfare for residents and commuters, into a more pedestrian- and bike-friendly street that will spur business growth. Under the proposal, the current configuration of two lanes in each direction (plus parking in some places) would be reconfigured to one lane in each direction plus a turning lane. This would create a dedicated parking lane and bike lane. According to Cory Riordan, Executive Director of Tremont West, the proposal was warmly received by residents and stakeholders at a recent community forum. The next steps are to further refine the plan, respond to feedback and seek funding. Riordan wants to see the project done before the I-90 ramp reopens in 2016. "Now's the time," he says. "There's an opportunity to reconfigure the street prior to the opening, have traffic calming measures in place and create a new experience." W. 14th is an uncharacteristically wide street for Tremont. Additionally, it serves as a gateway to the community, yet the majority of businesses are located along Professor Avenue or other side streets. Finally, the street can be both confusing for drivers and hazardous for pedestrians. Riordan believes there's a win-win-win opportunity for drivers, cyclists, pedestrians and businesses. "We have a crosswalk at St. Augustine Church, but when people drive 50 miles per hour down the road, it's not a very safe crosswalk," he quips. "The bike community has expressed how dangerous they feel W. 14th is." Depending on the final plan and available funding, there might be opportunities for streetscape enhancements including public art, decorative crosswalks, curb bump-outs and reconfiguration of the Steelyard Commons roundabout. The good news is that Tremont has seen a transformation of W. 14th Street in recent years from a place considered hard to do business in to a sought-after location. As Professor Avenue storefronts have filled up, W. 14th storefronts have become more valuable. Riordan believes that's a sign of things to come and sees the potential for even more commercial growth along that street.

Source: Cory Riordan Writer: Lee Chilcote

shaker resident launches effort to rebuild footbridge spanning historic doan brook LEE CHILCOTE TUESDAY, MARCH 04, 2014

Brian Cook, a real estate developer who lives in Shaker Heights, has always had a passion for Doan Brook. It's a little slice of wilderness that cuts through the otherwise urban environments of Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights and Cleveland, and nowhere is that respite from the concrete world more apparent than on the western part of North Park Boulevard. Here, the brook cascades down the hill from the Heights, while informal pathways allow residents and visitors to take a stroll and escape into nature. One day, Cook was hiking with his son, talking about big dreams and plans. They stopped by the falls to take a rest and enjoy the view. Wouldn't it be neat, Cook wondered aloud, if they could somehow rebuild the historic footbridge that once spanned the gorge, linking the three cities of Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights and Cleveland? That was Father's Day of last year, but Cook didn't focus on that dream until his son approached him two weeks later. "He says, 'How is that bridge coming, Dad?'" Cook recounts with a laugh. "I said, 'Oh, I’m actually going to have to do this.'" Since then, Cook has talked with officials from all three cities, met with nonprofit leaders such as Victoria Mills of the Doan Brook Watershed Partners, and begun to recruit a committee of a dozen or so volunteers. The next step is to develop a conceptual proposal for the new footbridge, including an estimated budget, and begin the process of seeking funding, partnerships and approvals. "Everyone we've talked to is very interested," says Cook. "This is a legacy project." The original bridge was torn down in the late 1950s or early 1960s after it fell into disrepair. The footers are still in Doan Brook, causing occasional problems when it floods. Cook's proposal is not to build on the existing footers or recreate the original; rather, he wants to find a cost-effective means of spanning the gorge to allow cyclists and walkers to easily travel between North Park and Fairhill. "People from Cleveland Heights tell me they'd go to Shaker Square more often if there was an easier way to get there," he says, citing the fact that Coventry is the nearest cut-through street. "There are many ways this would benefit the area." The footbridge also would create a recreational amenity for walkers, runners and cyclists, and offer a picturesque point for photos. Cook had his holiday photo taken here, and many people couldn't believe the falls were in Cleveland. The bridge also could offer opportunities for environmental education, and history markers could educate visitors about the legacy of the Doan Brook. Cost estimates are not yet available, but an earlier proposal developed as part of the Lakes-to-Lake Trail study suggested that a new footbridge could cost $1.5 million. Cook is hosting the first meeting of the footbridge committee this week, and hopes to use the meeting as a springboard to further develop the proposal. If you're interested in getting involved, email Brian Cook here.

Source: Brian Cook Writer: Lee Chilcote

phoenix coffee divulges location of planned ohio city cafe LEE CHILCOTE MONDAY, MARCH 03, 2014

Phoenix Coffee, a popular independent brand known for advancing coffee culture in Northeast Ohio over the past few decades, is opening a cafe in Ohio City. The new Phoenix will be housed at 3000 Bridge Avenue, in the former West Side Community House, which is being renovated into 21 apartments. Coffee Director Christopher Feran says the location appealed to Phoenix because of the vibrancy of Ohio City, the area's artisan food culture and the developers' vision for the property. Ohio City resident Damon Taseff and Bluewater Capital Partners are renovating the building into a showcase of bike-friendly living. "We've been pretty involved in the bike community, and it's in our mission to promote sustainability and sustainable causes," says Feran. Additionally, the firm's owners liked the idea of having a coffee shop that is nestled within a community, slightly off the main commercial district on W. 25th Street. The 1,000-square-foot shop, which Feran hopes will open this summer, will have about 35 seats and a dedicated patio. The entrance will be located on Bridge, and bike and car parking will be available in an adjacent lot and on the street. The cafe will focus on artisan coffee and tea and offer pastries from Bonbon Cafe. Although details are still being worked out, Feran says the new Phoenix will have its own distinct feel. "We’ve intentionally made it so that each one of our cafes has a little bit of a different vibe. It will have a warmer, more inviting atmosphere. We've created a concept that's pretty special, that will transport people out of their daily lives, into a space that makes them feel more present in the moment." Feran is especially excited about the momentum that's building behind Cleveland's coffee culture. "We’ve been trying to build coffee culture in Cleveland for a long time," he says. "It's starting to feel like it’s alive, like it’s here. There are whispers in the industry that Cleveland is an up and coming town for coffee. We're excited to show that you can have two roasters within a mile and thrive." The other Ohio City roaster that Feran is referring to is Rising Star, which recently announced plans to open an east side location in Little Italy.

Source: Christopher Feran Writer: Lee Chilcote

slavic village native son returns home to champion neighborhood redevelopment LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2014

Anthony Trzaska was born and raised in Slavic Village, where his family owns Fortuna Funeral Home. He left Cleveland to go to college, then returned home and settled in Lakewood. Exploring the city as a young twentysomething, he became actively involved in efforts to improve Slavic Village. He watched as areas like Ohio City boomed with new development, and yet his beloved neighborhood continued to slide downhill. "Every year, it was a much different neighborhood," says Trzaska, describing the foreclosure epidemic that devastated the streets where he'd once played as a kid. "I graduated from law school in the worst economy since the Great Recession, and that was layered on top of what was happening with the neighborhood." Today, Trzaska is a business attorney who has reinvested in Slavic Village. He serves on the board of the Slovenian National Home (The Nash) and purchased a building on Fleet Avenue that he plans to fix up for a new commercial tenant. He doesn't believe that Slavic Village needs to be Ohio City, but rather, "the new wave of the Old World," where the past is respected yet change is embraced. "I look at what's happening with the regentrification of historic neighborhoods, and I think that makes what I'm doing more probable and even likely," he says. Trzaska's efforts to open up the Nash to more people and make it a joint that welcomes everybody from hipsters to longtime regulars recently was detailed in Scene. The Nash's Facebook "likes" jumped by 42 percent thanks to that article, Trzaska says. He's expecting a good crowd at Friday's Open Bowl, where $10 buys you shoe rental and all-you-can-bowl for three hours. There's a cash bar, good tunes and Lebowski on the television. Trzaska himself has introduced Nash Nosh, updated versions of classic Slovenian food like stuffed and fried pierogis. Trzaska also is heavily involved in revitalizing Fleet Avenue, which he views as one of Slavic Village's best shots at renewal. The city soon will spend about $8 million to transform Fleet into its first complete-and-green street, including bike infrastructure and green infrastructure, and there's already been some new investment in the area, he says, in the form of properties changing hands. Fleet Avenue already is home to classic ethnic delis like Seven Roses and butcher shops like Krusinski's. Trzaska sees an opportunity to add newer businesses to the mix, including an updated, younger version of the butcher shop. His building at 5014-16 Fleet Avenue will house the construction crew during the streetscape rebuilding. Once it's been completed, Trzaska will bring in a new tenant. While there are many challenges to redeveloping Fleet Avenue, including convincing existing owners that change is needed, Trzaska sees the area as one with potential. With projects like Slavic Village Recovery underway, he believes that he can leverage neighborhood activity to achieve a new vision for the area.

Source: Anthony Trzaska Writer: Lee Chilcote

bistro to open this spring in longvacant slavic village bank building LEE CHILCOTE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014

Christian Ostenson says that he wants to do for Slavic Village what Sam McNulty did for Ohio City. He's emulating that successful entrepreneur by opening Thee Six5 Bistro, a 5,000-square-foot restaurant in a renovated, historic bank building in the Warszawa District on E. 65th. And while Slavic Village isn't Ohio City -- and isn't necessarily striving to be -- the new venue seems destined to add to the area's hidden charm. Ostenson says Six5 will be an affordable, all-American bistro with frequent Polish and Slovenian specials in a nod to the area's rich ethnic heritage. It will have an open floor plan, large push-open windows and a rooftop deck and bar. Situated directly across from St. Stanislaus Church in the heart of the historic district, the building offers great views in an area with plenty of foot traffic. "We want to make Slavic Village a destination, to bring people back to see what the area has to offer," says Ostenson, who steered clear of pricier real estate in Tremont or Ohio City because he wanted a spot where he could be a "pioneer." Ostenson, a custom home builder who also runs Best of Both Worlds catering, purchased the building a few years ago with his wife Sarah for just $31,000, according to county auditor records. The second floor ceiling had caved in, and the roof dated back to the 1930s. "The building had seen better days," he notes. But the builder has completely renovated the place from top to bottom, blowing through his $15,000 plumbing budget and spending more than four times that amount instead. But he's not complaining -- this is a project of passion as much as profit, he says. "I plan on being here awhile, so I don't need to make it all in a minute." While he won't yet reveal the name of the chef on the project, he promises fresh, upscale cuisine at affordable prices. "We don't even have a freezer in the restaurant." Ostenson will launch a Kickstarter campaign to help fund his pizza ovens before Thee Six5 Bistro opens in April. He promises that the rewards will be stellar. This spring, the City of Cleveland will spend nearly $9 million rehabilitating nearby Fleet Avenue as one of the city's first complete-and-green streets. Thee SixFive Bistro was financed by Key Bank, the City of Cleveland Storefront Renovation Program and the Economic and Community Development Institute.

Source: Christian Ostenson Writer: Lee Chilcote

city of cleveland installs 40 recycling bins downtown as part of 'year of zero waste' initiative LEE CHILCOTE TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2014

The City of Cleveland has installed 40 recycling bins downtown as part of its "ongoing efforts to increase recycling bins and materials diverted from landfills," according to a press release from the Office of Sustainability. The bins, which are being funded by Cleveland’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, are being rolled out as part of the Year of Zero Waste, which is part of Mayor Jackson's Sustainable Cleveland initiative. “The presence of recycling bins downtown is a visible way for residents, employees and tourists to understand that Cleveland is committed to sustainability and to do their part by recycling,” said Jenita McGowan, Chief of Sustainability, in a release. “These bins not only provide opportunities for the public to recycle in high traffic areas downtown, but also increase the City’s recycling rates. We look forward to collecting metric information from these bins to inform future expansion of recycling in public spaces.” The blue-lidded recycle bins have been placed next to existing waste receptacles. They are located between West 9th Street and East 12th Street from Lakeside Avenue to Prospect Avenue, and there are also some locations on Euclid Avenue near Playhouse Square and Cleveland State University. For more information on the Year of Zero Waste, click here.

Source: Jenita McGowan Writer: Lee Chilcote

'rooms to let' to transform vacant slavic village homes into pop-up art galleries LEE CHILCOTE MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2014

An innovative art installation that transformed empty homes in Columbus into day-long art galleries is coming to Slavic Village. Rooms to Let: CLE will take place Saturday, May 17 on Forman Avenue. The event promises not only temporary art installations that transform vacant homes into interpretive displays, but also a block party and street tour featuring live music on porches and activities for the whole family. Ben Campbell, Commercial Development Officer with Slavic Village Development, says he got inspired to bring Rooms to Let to Cleveland after seeing the impact it made in Columbus. He also loves the idea of hiring mostly local artists to help transform the houses. So he partnered with other SVD staff, Zygote Press and Rooms to Let: Columbus to bring the project to vacancy-pocked Slavic Village. Rooms to Let isn't just an art show in an empty house; the project transforms the house itself into an art installation, transforming telltale signs of abandonment like broken drywall into symbols of fortitude, loss and renewal. "Among the 11 installations created by 28 artists, visitors will find fabric pushing out of holes in walls, kitchen images painted on the walls of a demolished kitchen and a giant hole in a floor exposing a message on floor joists," Jim Weiker wrote last year in a Columbus Dispatch article. "Structural issues that would have been major flaws in a gallery have been seized upon as artistic opportunities." Several curators -- Westleigh Harper and Michael Horton of MAKER design studio, Barbara Bachtell of Broadway School of Music & the Arts and artist Scott Pickering -- will select specific artists interested in transforming the abandoned and foreclosed homes. The houses are located in the area surrounding the Slavic Village Recovery project, and they're all slated for eventual rehabilitation. "Given the larger context of Slavic Village’s unique history and the national attention received in the wake of the American foreclosure crisis, Rooms to Let: Cleveland creates an opportunity to see one of Cleveland’s most historic neighborhoods in new light," touts the project's Facebook page. Rooms to Let: CLE is supported by a Cuyahoga Arts and Culture project grant.

Source: Ben Campbell Writer: Lee Chilcote

rising star coffee to open second location in long-vacant building in little italy LEE CHILCOTE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2014

Cleveland has enjoyed a strong artisanal coffee scene for some time now, but Rising Star Coffee raised the bar to new heights when it opened its Ohio City coffee shop and roaster two years ago. Since then, the company has seen significant growth in its retail and wholesale business, while attracting other tenants to its Hingetown neighborhood. Now, Rising Star is planning to open a second location in Little Italy, in the first floor of a long-vacant building at the corner of Murray Hill and Edgehill Roads. The new cafe will be about 1,500 square feet, says GM Erika Durham, roughly three times larger than the current spot. It will be strictly a coffee shop, she adds, featuring plenty of seating and other design elements that will allow for multiple uses. "We've been playing around with the idea for a long time, because we get a lot of people who come to our Ohio City shop from the East Side," says Durham. "Like Hingetown, we think this area is seeing revitalization, and we'd like to add a new flavor." The basic offerings will be the same, with made-to-order coffee drinks and light finger foods and pastries. Yet the space will be different than anything else in the Cleveland market, Durham promises. "It will be similar to larger, Third Wave coffee shops like Intelligentsia, Blue Bottle Coffee… ones that are a little more progressive," she says. "We'll have our own unique take on it." The new location in the historic Piscopo building will feature cement floors and lots of natural light. The space, vacant for 20 years and last occupied by Theresa's Italian Restaurant, is being gutted and renovated by new owners Murray Hill Partners. Durham says the owners are dividing the space and seeking more tenants. The location, one of the most heavily traveled for east side cyclists, is sure to be a hit. Durham says the area is underserved when it comes to good coffee, with only Starbucks, Algebra Tea House and the Coffee House in University Circle by way of competition. Initially, the new Rising Star will be open from 6:30 a.m. til 6 p.m. on weekdays, and 8 a.m. til 6 p.m. on weekends. Hours will be adjusted based on customer demand, and Durham says that adding evening hours is a definite possibility in the future. Rising Star founder Kim Jenkins left a job overseeing 110 people at Lockheed Martin to start a coffee roaster. Rising Star directly sources its coffee from farmers all over the world, aspires towards the highest form of culinary appreciation of coffee, and uses preparation methods such as pour-over, aeropress and vacuum pot. "We've grown significantly since we started, and that speaks to what we're doing in a really strong way," notes Durham. "We have the people of Cleveland to thank for that."

Source: Erika Durham Writer: Lee Chilcote

tremont climbers propose renovating historic church into indoor climbing gym LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2014

A pair of Tremont-based rock climbers, Niki Zmij and Chick Holtkamp, has developed a proposal to transform the historic Fifth Church of Christ Scientist into a state-of-the-art rock climbing facility. They argue such a project would save and restore a dilapidated landmark, contribute to the Edgewater neighborhood, and add a sought-after urban amenity to Cleveland's growing portfolio of attractions. Yet there are questions over the feasibility of the project, which Councilman Matt Zone calls "sexy and provocative" but difficult to pull off given the cost of renovations. He praises Zmij's and Holtkamp's ambition, yet says, "Two months ago it was a pipe dream; today it is more of a 99 yard Hail Mary." Fifth Church is abutted by a now-vacant retail site owned by Carnegie Companies of Solon. The firm has proposed building a two-story Giant Eagle Market Express at the corner of Clifton Boulevard and W. 117th Street as part of a multi-tenant development. The development also calls for the church, which is owned by the City of Cleveland, to be demolished to make way for additional parking. The church requires millions in repairs and has been waiting on a savior since Giant Eagle donated it to the city in 2002. During recent community meetings, the city has proposed a land swap that would allow Carnegie to take over a portion of the cleared site, while also allowing new townhomes to be built along Lake Ave. (Carnegie would not develop the townhomes; the city would issue an RFP.) Yet Holtkamp and Zmij, who are meeting this month with Councilman Matt Zone, the developer and other stakeholders to discuss their proposal, say the demolition would be a tragic waste of a landmark. The church dates back to the 1920s and has an octagonal stone exterior, ceramic tile domed roof, and soaring interior hall unlike any other in Northeast Ohio. Holtkamp, a developer who helped kickstart Tremont's revitalization 30 years ago, says it could be renovated to historic standards and a new interior climbing facility could be built for $2.3 million. His estimates come from Sandvick Architects, an expert in historic rehabilitation, and Jera Construction, which renovated the once-dilapidated Gospel Press building. "We can do this," says Holtkamp, who stresses that a climbing facility is the right use because it would preserve the church while creating a destination amenity. "There's a growing market for climbing, and new facilities are popping up all over the U.S.," says Zmij, a visual artist and adjunct professor in the College of Business at Cleveland State University. "Climbing is a way to bring health and wellness into your life, and there's a great community that surrounds the sport." Zone would like to see the church preserved, yet also doesn't want this proposal to hold up the retail development, which he says has signed major tenants and is ready to go. He questions whether Holtkamp's and Zmij's numbers are accurate, citing an engineering study that showed the cost of stabilizing the building alone at $3 million. "I'm a practical person," he says. "It's a long shot at this point." Holtkamp and Zmij remain convinced that their proposal is feasible, and say they are committed to finding another location if the church doesn't work out. Indoor climbing is becoming a sought-after amenity for all ages, from kids to empty nesters, yet Cleveland's existing facilities are dated. "Everyone in the climbing community here is always talking about the need, but we took the next step and started doing market research and planning," says Holtkamp, who often climbs with friends on a building he owns at Professor and Fairfield in Tremont. Holtkamp quickly dispatches concerns about the viability of a new climbing gym. Although it's expensive to build, he says the demand is there -- and could be grown -- to support it. Newer climbing facilities have kid-friendly options, smaller elements for "bouldering" (low-to-the-ground climbing without harnesses), and higher walls for more challenging climbs. Safety features are built into the facility, he adds. The pair also would add other fitness activities, including aerial silks, yoga and fitness workouts, and they are exploring a cafe and co-working space. Zmij and Holtkamp say they will seek a mix of bank loans and private investment for their project, which they are calling The Sanctuary. If all goes well, it will open by the end of 2015, turn a profit within the first year, and employ about 30 people. Carnegie Companies and Cudell Improvement Inc. were asked to comment for this story, but declined to respond. Holtkamp and Zmij would like to present their plan to the community after getting feedback from Councilman Matt Zone, the city and the developer. Ultimately, the city will decide the fate of Fifth Church as its owner, and the Landmark Commission must approve a request for demolition. Zone says there are two options moving forward -- either the retail project will be redesigned to incorporate the church if a viable developer can be found, or the church will be deconstructed. He is meeting with stakeholders to find a solution. Although the idea may seem outlandish, one must look no farther than Urban Krag Climbing Center, an indoor climbing facility retrofitted into an abandoned church in the historic Oregon District of downtown Dayton. Imagine climbing beneath the historic dome 55 feet in the air -- and if you're good enough, potentially ascending up into the dome itself. Now that would be a rush, maintains Holtkamp, who has climbed for nearly 40 years and has traveled throughout the U.S. and to China and Mexico to feed his climbing fix. Zmij says a climbing gym in a historic church would be a tourist destination. "We hope that people would visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and then go climb."

Source: Niki Zmij, Chick Holtkamp Writer: Lee Chilcote

jonathon sawyer launches kickstarter campaign to help fund new university circle restaurant LEE CHILCOTE MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2014

Jonathon Sawyer, the award-winning chef behind Greenhouse Tavern and Noodlecat, is opening a new restaurant with his wife Amelia. The venue, to be called Trentina, will feature cuisine from the Trento region of northern Italy, where Amelia's family is from. It will open in the former Sergio's space in University Circle in the coming months. Sawyer describes Trentina as a "passion project" that will allow him to pay tribute to his wife's heritage while introducing the cuisine of Northern Italy to a wider audience. "I always had an affinity with 'the Boot,' as it were," he says. "When I started Bar Cento, it was really a Roman restaurant in the style of the street mongers of Rome. I didn’t want to repeat that, but I knew my wife’s family had tie-ins with Trento." He traveled there and fell in love. "We subsequently returned -- more than 100 days in past four years, in fact. The thing I keep coming back to is how similar the growing seasons are in Trento and the Cuyahoga Valley. The indigenous people are very similar to the ethnic backgrounds of a lot of Clevelanders; there's Austrian, Swiss, Slovenian… so much more so than just straight-up Italian." To help fund the restaurant and pay for some extras like a pasta extruder, woodburning grill and double-sided hearth, Sawyer launched a Kickstarter campaign. The original goal was $21,999, but the project already has exceeded that amount by nearly $10,000 with 18 days still left to go. So Sawyer set a new, loftier goal: "We want to be the most-funded hospitality Kickstarter campaign in Ohio, whatever that is," he jokes. Sawyer certainly has earned his fan club, but the campaign rewards also don't hurt. For $100, you can take a cooking class that normally would cost $150. Three hundred bucks buys a cocktail named after you, while $600 gets you meals shipped to your home for six months. The list goes on and on, all the way up to dinner at your house for 20 of "your foodiest friends and family," cooked by the chef himself ($500). Trentina will offer fine dining with showy tableside service like polenta seared over burning embers. Sawyer says, "For us, it will be the first time we'll be able to accurately portray cuisine with ingredients from just outside our back door."

Source: Jonathon Sawyer Writer: Lee Chilcote

brownflynn set to relocate from suburbs to historic van sweringen offices in terminal tower LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 06, 2014

The historic Terminal Tower offices of the Van Sweringen brothers, the duo that built the iconic skyscraper and the streetcar suburb of Shaker Heights, will soon be occupied by a women-owned consulting firm that helps businesses and organizations embrace a more sustainable future. BrownFlynn is relocating from Highland Heights to the tower's 36th floor. The firm, which provides sustainability consulting, communications and training, needs more space. The 7,000-square-foot office, boasting panoramic views of the city and located a few flights below the Observation Deck, will be completely renovated by the end of April. "Clearly, we're committed to the city and want to be part of its vibrancy," says principal Margie Flynn. "We're committed to sustainability and want to make sure we're walking the talk in what we're doing. And the essence of sustainability is really historic preservation." Flynn says her employees, many of whom live in the city, are very excited about being downtown. The office gives BrownFlynn room to grow, and the firm can welcome out-of-town guests via RTA's Red Line, which stops in Tower City. "The space has a tremendous amount of natural light," Flynn comments. "We're going to adapt the space as a very open, collaborative work environment." Vocon is helping to design the space, while Forest City, which owns the Terminal Tower and has been a major player in corporate sustainability nationwide, will facilitate renovations. Instead of reusing the massive corner offices as private suites, as the Vans once did, the principals plan to convert these spaces into open offices to encourage collaboration and stimulate creative thinking. "The most important thing is to have a very open inviting environment for our team," says Flynn, adding that BrownFlynn could grow from 14 to 21 employees in the coming years to keep up with growing demand for its services. BrownFlynn secured a job creation grant from the City of Cleveland to help facilitate the move.

Source: Margie Flynn Writer: Lee Chilcote

bruell's kafeteria in former bp building expands downtown dining options, tastefully LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 2014

Zack Bruell's Kafeteria, located on the third floor of 200 Public Square, is the latest to take advantage of the growing trend of chefowned fast-casual restaurants. These venues manage to feed the masses quality food at reasonable price points, while creating economies of scale for multi-unit operators. Kafeteria, which opened earlier this month, is an ideal spot to enjoy lunch on a frigid January day. The light-filled atrium, with its attractive gardens and fountains, is restful, and the spacious dining room offers views of downtown from a cozy perch. Bruell has opened four eateries in the past five years, and this is his seventh restaurant within city limits. At 8,500 square feet, the cafeteria is designed to accommodate not only the 2,400 employees who work in the building, but also diners from across downtown and the city. With lofty ceilings and sleek, modern signage, the cafeteria space is divided into stations featuring a wide range of items. Nonetheless, Bruell was not at all convinced that opening a cafeteria was a good idea. "I was looking for a space to do weddings and events," he says. "The realtor brought us in and dangled this cafeteria idea and I said, 'No way, that's not what I do, leave me alone.' And here I am." What ultimately persuaded him was the fact that the building had thousands of employees with no dining options. The space, with its marble and granite walls, also inspired him. "People inside the building are ecstatic," Bruell says of his reception. "I've opened restaurants where people said thank you, but this is different. They had no food here." Kafeteria already is serving between 500 and 600 customers per day, and that's only the beginning, says Bruell. Just as he does at all of his new restaurants, Bruell is working the line while working closely with the 30-plus staff members to get the details right. "I don't do mediocre," he says. Options include soup, salad bar, hot and cold sandwiches made to order, sushi, noodle station, braised dishes and fresh-baked pizzas. There's both a juice bar and an espresso bar. Dishes range from coffee-braised pork and cheese quesadillas to falafel-stuffed pitas and a Reuben-style burger, to name a few. Most items are priced from $6.50 to $9, yet this is no boring corporate cafeteria. The dining room can accommodate up to 300 guests at breakfast and lunch, and will be used for corporate events, weddings and other functions. In the long term, 200 Public Square owners Harbor Group International plans to renovate the building's atrium area, where there currently are some empty storefronts. That should bring even more life to this downtown landmark, and Bruell Events, the chef's catering company, plans to utilize that space as well. 200 Public Square, a Class A downtown office building that is just 30 years old, has been overlooked by the city for too long, says Bruell. "People are rediscovering the building, which has a great location," he says. "We've only touched what we're going to do."

Source: Zack Bruell Writer: Lee Chilcote

mitchell's offers writer a peek into ohio city ice cream factory, set to open in march LEE CHILCOTE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2014

The new Mitchell's Ice Cream in Ohio City is like Cleveland's version of Willy Wonka's chocolate factory in Roald Dahl's famous 1964 children's novel. There are no Oompa Loompas or glass elevator, but there is a giant factory floor where ice cream, sauces and roasted nuts are made, and huge glass walls that will allow visitors to watch the entire delicious process unfold. The combination store, ice cream factory and HQ has been nearly three years in the making. Founders Mike and Pete Mitchell will open in March, and when they do, you can be sure that Clevelanders will descend upon the place with a frenzy as there's simply little else like it in the region. Start with the building: the historic Rialto Theatre was built in 1919 as one of the West Side's largest vaudeville venues. It has served a variety of uses over the years, most recently as Club Moda, which was shut down in 2006 because of illegal activity. When the Mitchells bought the building in 2011, there were empty drinks on the bars, everything was painted black and the roof was leaking. Using historic tax credits, the brothers have restored the building's two-story terracottaand-brick facade and gutted and renovated the interior. The historic theatre, complete with new skylights and exposed trusses, is now the factory floor -- fitting for a company that has elevated ice cream to something of an art form. "I thought, 'What would I want this place to be if I was a kid?'" says Mike Mitchell, who has taken the lead on the project. "I designed it for the kid I was... still am." The building has been sustainably renovated. It features solar panels on the roof, interior lights that automatically dim when natural light is sufficient, and a harvesting system that will reuse rainwater as a source for non-potable water. Similar in design to the Rocky River shop, the interior is rectangular and features a giant electric train that will wind overhead, delighting the kid in all of us. Mike Mitchell is particularly gleeful when he talks about the old theatre marquee, which now bears a prominent company sign. Light boxes will be placed alongside the entryway that highlight the farmers with whom Mitchell's works. "The light boxes will provide the same feeling as if you're entering a theatre," adds Mike. "It will animate the front. But our performance is ice cream." Outside will feature a large side patio along Gould Court, which officially has been closed off to traffic by the city. The original bricks will remain exposed, and the space will feature prominent public art. Mike says the goal is to make it a gathering place for the neighborhood, not just customers. The ice cream shop will be a proving ground for new flavors and desserts, though Mitchell's is keeping mum on all the details. Mike describes the process as "a way for us to have fun." Guests will be able to take factory tours that include tastings. Two separate rooms, upstairs and downstairs, will function as community spaces that can be used for youth activities, birthday parties and neighborhood events. Mitchell is excited about being a part of the Ohio City community, which he describes as having "great neighbors and local businesses [and] a lot of family life." Additional partnerships are planned with local businesses like Great Lakes Brewing Co. (what could possibly be better than beer and ice cream?). The new headquarters will vastly expand Mitchell's production space, a major improvement from the cramped kitchen at the Rocky River store, where they currently make ice cream around the clock. The Ohio City store represents Mitchell's eighth location. "This has been one of the thrills of my life, my relationship to this building," says Mike Mitchell. "Ice cream has a place in people's lives and the life of the community that's pretty special."

Source: Mike Mitchell Writer: Lee Chilcote

western reserve historical society sets date for historic euclid beach carousel unveiling LEE CHILCOTE TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2014

The hand-carved carousel that entertained the masses at historic Euclid Beach Park, though hasn't operated in decades, is getting a makeover. The newly restored gem is set for a November unveiling at the Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS) in University Circle. When the restored 1910 Euclid Beach Grand Carousel opens in the Glass Pavilion of the History Center, it will be one of the few working carousels in town. Visitors will be able to purchase a ticket to ride what was deemed "the finest carousel ever made" when it first debuted over a century ago. "This project has been 13 or 14 years in the making," says Alyssa Purvis, Communications Assistant with WRHS. "We still have people coming in and saying, 'I have a picture of my mom standing next to that horse. It's in my wallet.'" The carousel also introduces a major new amenity to University Circle, providing yet another reason to visit WRHS. This nonprofit institution has undergone major renovations to its Crawford Auto Aviation Room to help reach a new audience and recently garnered a "Building the Circle" award from University Circle Inc. The restoration of the historic carousel was undertaken in collaboration with the Cleveland Carousel Society, which helped recover the carousel from a park in Maine. The carousel operated in the Collinwood neighborhood of Cleveland from 1910 to 1969, when Euclid Beach Park, a major attraction for generations of Clevelanders, shut down. The colossal structure is remarkable, and it's housed in a stunning, light-filled room. The horses, which are some of the largest wooden carousel horses in the country, according to Purvis, are captured in dynamic running and jumping poses. Surrounding the horses are hand-painted chariots that also have been recently refurbished. The carousel is being restored by Carousel Works in Mansfield, Ohio. It will also feature a massive automated music box that soon will crank back to life. "The park was a real landmark in Northeast Ohio," says Purvis. "We felt that it was important to keep the carousel here in Cleveland and to make it run again." WRHS has announced that the carousel will be ready to ride on November 22nd.

Source: Alyssa Purvis Writer: Lee Chilcote

heinen's ceo divulges plans for new downtown grocery, acknowledges challenges LEE CHILCOTE MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2014

Although Heinen's is still mapping out the details of its planned grocery store in downtown Cleveland, co-owner Jeff Heinen recently shared with Fresh Water conceptual plans, while acknowledging that opening a 33,000-square-foot grocery downtown is anything but a slam dunk and will require fine tuning to reach the right market. Last year, Heinen's announced plans to bring a long-sought-after, full-service grocery to downtown Cleveland. Later this year, that store will open at the historic Cleveland Trust rotunda at East 9th and Euclid, which first opened in 1908. The shopping experience promises to be unlike any other, with customers selecting produce beneath a glorious stained glass dome. Heinen's is conducting plenty of research to ensure the store fits local market dynamics, Heinen explains. "We're taking a space that's not a traditional grocery store and creating a grocery store offering," he says. "We're spending time making sure that we're not bringing a suburban store to an urban location." The downtown location will be about half the size of the typical Heinen's, which poses challenges. "There's a reason why grocery stores are diverse and carry 40,000 items. Our challenge is to find items that please the highest percentage of people." Heinen also acknowledges that "based on traditional metrics, there are not enough downtown residents to open a grocery store." Yet he was convinced to plunge into the market to help settle the classic chicken-and-egg quandary ("Which comes first, residents or retail?") after witnessing soaring demand for downtown living. "This is a unique location," he notes. "East 9th and Euclid used to be the center of downtown Cleveland. They don't make 'em like this anymore. If you add the residential living momentum happening downtown, this project makes sense." He adds, "We're ahead of the curve, but hopefully not too far." While Heinen's likely will lose money in its first few years -- every new store does - the owner believes the concept will catch on and he'll be able to tap into the growing base of downtown residents and office workers living and working downtown. "Even now, there's plenty of competition," he admits, citing Dave's, the West Side Market, Constantino's and others. "The vast majority of downtown residents have cars, so it's not like you have a captive audience. We'll have to earn our business." Heinen's will do that by offering a customized product mix catered to urban residents, including the kind of organic, local and fresh produce it's known for. The company also will try and make shopping downtown as convenient as possible, while acknowledging that shoppers will not enjoy suburban-style parking. A parking garage that will serve Heinen's and The 9 is located about a block away, though the store will have curbside pickup along Euclid for shoppers to have their groceries loaded. There will be valet parking as well. Heinen's also will sell and promote the old-school two-wheeled carts common at the West Side Market and urban grocery stores in other cities. "The average suburban person wants to drive up close," Heinen says. "But we also know that people in urban environments get the fact that the parking won't be next door." To be successful, however, the store must pull from surrounding neighborhoods and not just rely on downtown apartment dwellers, who now number close to 14,000. "If people won't drive here, we'll lose a lot of money," he says. Of course, shoppers also can utilize public transportation, such as the RTA's free and popular downtown trolley service. Heinen plans to request a stop outside his front door. For those who want to learn more about how the store will be configured and what it will offer, details will be released in a few months. "It will be very similar to shopping in our Hudson store," he says of that efficiently designed concept. "We'll make downtown as much of a full line store as we can make it. The reality is, it's half the size of most of our stores, so there will be trade-offs. We may not have a 24-pack of Charmin, because downtown dwellers don't want a 24-pack." "We think people will be able to do a full week's shopping here," he adds. "We know who grows most of our product, and we know how it was grown. The woman with six kids and the single person -- we want to serve everyone."

Source: Jeff Heinen Writer: Lee Chilcote

cleveland neighborhood progress makes key hire to lead citywide advocacy efforts LEE CHILCOTE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 2014

On the heels of a successful merger that brought together under one roof three nonprofit community development organizations, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress (CNP) has made a key hire to lead its policy and advocacy efforts. Alesha Washington, a Glenville native who most recently served as Director of Executive Administration and Government Relations at the Centers for Family and Children, recently joined CNP as its Senior Director of Advocacy, Policy and Research. Washington will lead strategic policy initiatives at the city, county, state and federal levels and identify and use academic research to inform community development strategies. "Trying to create a shared advocacy platform for the CDC community is what attracted me to the role," says Washington. "There's a need and a longing for a very coordinated and aligned system. The goal is to work together to improve Cleveland's neighborhoods for all people." "It's about connecting the dots," adds Joel Ratner, President of CNP. "The needs we're identifying at the neighborhood level should be articulated clearly, strongly and strategically to officials who are setting policy and government budgets." In recent years, Ratner says, no such coordinated effort has existed. Policy priorities might include strategies and funding to address vacant and abandoned properties, maintaining and enhancing tax credit programs that lend to neighborhood development, and influencing the state budget.

Source: Alesha Washington, Joel Ratner Writer: Lee Chilcote

duck island poised for redevelopment with completion of draft neighborhood plan LEE CHILCOTE TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 2014

Duck Island, a pocket neighborhood between Ohio City and Tremont that has long been inexplicably walled off from the revitalization that surrounds it, might be poised to see a surge of development -on its own terms -- if a new plan has anything to say about it. Tremont West Development Corporation, with support from Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, hired the KSU Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative to conduct a community planning charrette last month. A draft plan is now complete. It will be presented at a community meeting in Tremont this month, and once finalized approval will be sought from the Cleveland Planning Commission. With major development projects already in the works, the plan could potentially influence how these projects unfold, and could help shape the area as one of Cleveland's next hot neighborhoods. "Although the Duck Island neighborhood has a relatively low profile compared with other Cleveland neighborhoods, it is well positioned to become one of the city's most walkable, transit-oriented neighborhoods," states the plan, noting that at least three major housing developments currently are in the planning stages there. This pocket neighborhood might be small, but its potential to influence development on the near west side is huge. That's because it has a big repository of vacant land, much of which is privately owned, that makes the area akin to Tremont in the 1980s, when the development boom there first started. "We could potentially double the number of housing units that are in the area now," says Cory Riordan, Executive Director of Tremont West, citing capacity for 200-plus units. Most of these units would be located north of Lorain, with additional scattered sites and townhome units south of Lorain. Duck Island is an area located near the intersection of Abbey Road and Lorain Avenue. It is surrounded on three sides by hillsides that slope down to the industrial Cuyahoga Valley. It is reputed to have earned its name because criminals would "duck" in here to escape the cops back in the day. The new Duck Island plan calls for taking advantage of the area's close proximity to transit, urban amenities, trail linkages and stunning views of downtown. It proposes two main ideas: first, creating a "linked network of open space" that takes advantage of adjacent hillsides leading to the industrial Cuyahoga Valley, and second, developing Abbey Avenue as a "small-scale mixed-use corridor" that serves local residents and visitors and acts as a gateway to the community. The plan calls for guiding new housing development so it's appropriately scaled, with denser projects on main streets and single-family projects on side streets; enhancing Abbey Park; maintaining public access to bluffs where views of downtown Cleveland are possible; creating a new streetscape with gateway treatments along Abbey; and taking advantage of hillsides to create walking trails and open space. Some of the other innovative ideas in the plan include building steps so that slopes can be accessed, including railings that allow bikes to be rolled uphill; perennial plantings alongside the Abbey bridge; using plants to remediate pollution in formerly industrial land; and even possibly restoring a wetland. Riordan says near term steps might include redeveloping Abbey Park, creating permanent public green space overlooking the city's skyline on W. 17th Street, and redeveloping Abbey Road with small-scale commercial space. The greening of the now-overgrown hillsides will likely take longer to come to fruition, he says. Above all, residents here want to retain the off-the-beaten-path character that has defined Duck Island for decades. They do not want another W. 25th Street or Professor Avenue, however successful those streets might be. Instead, residents have opted to support new development, but to define it on their own terms.

Source: Tremont West Development Corporation Writer: Lee Chilcote

cleveland neighborhood progress awards funds for urban green space improvements LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JANUARY 09, 2014

Cleveland Neighborhood Progress has awarded $340,000 to nine community development corporations for green space improvements in Cleveland neighborhoods. The funds, which stem from the WellsFargo CityLIFT program as part of a multimillion dollar national settlement, will be used to fund side yards, pocket parks, pathway parks and street-edge improvements across the city. "We feel this is very impactful," says Joel Ratner, President of Cleveland Neighborhood Progress. "Every day there are more vacant lots in Cleveland. The vast majority of them are scattered sites. How do we repurpose them in a way that supports neighborhoods? Urban agriculture is great, but you usually need larger pieces of land. This is a way of supporting the people that live on these streets." Through a competitive process, CNP awarded funds to a pocket park adjacent to the E. 79th Street rapid station in Central, a pathway park in Tremont, and side yards in Stockyards, Brooklyn Centre and Clark-Fulton, among others. The work will be completed on these lots in the spring and summer of 2014, with all improvements slated to be completed by November 2014. "This is about the psychology of the neighborhood on some basic level," says Ratner. "It shows people their neighborhoods have not been forgotten. There may be many development opportunities in the medium or long-term future, but in the meantime, we want to keep the streets as strong as possible." The grants were awarded as part of ReImagining Cleveland 3.0, a program whose earlier rounds fostered urban agriculture and greening projects across Cleveland. Cleveland has been recognized nationally as a leader in urban agriculture and neighborhood greening as a response to population loss and the foreclosure crisis.

Source: Joel Ratner Writer: Lee Chilcote

music settlement will open campus in former bop stop jazz club in ohio city LEE CHILCOTE TUESDAY, JANUARY 07, 2014

Yet another University Circle institution is opening in Ohio City in an effort to grab new audiences, bolster programming and join this revitalized neighborhood. This time it's The Music Settlement, a 101-year-old organization that bills itself as "the most beautiful place to learn music in Cleveland" and whose facility includes a historic 1910 mansion. TMS is opening a second campus in the former Bop Stop in Ohio City. Last month, The Music Settlement President Charlie Lawrence received a letter from Anita Nonneman and Ron Busch, the owners of the state-of-the-art, custombuilt Bop Stop jazz club, which closed a few years ago. They offered to donate the property to TMS. Lawrence says he was "stunned" by the heartfelt offer to donate the property, and after touring the facility, immediately agreed it was a fit. "It's once in an organization's lifetime that you get a facility donated, and it's in pristine shape," says Lawrence. "We are a regional arts organization, and we're excited to have a footprint on the west side. This neighborhood embraces the arts and sees the arts as a way to move the community forward." The Bop Stop facility will not only allow TMS to offer classes on the west side, but also fits other organizational needs. It was built as a performance space, something TMS currently lacks. Additionally, because the Bop Stop has nearperfect acoustics for music, TMS will also set up a recording facility here. "We have a very strong jazz program, and the Bop Stop was built for jazz," says Lawrence, adding that the facility will initially be used for ensemble instruction and performances. At some point in the future, TMS also hopes to incorporate individual instruction, music therapy and preschool education -- all key components of the organization's mission -- into its new campus. TMS also plans to lease the space for private events. With ample scholarship funding available, many programs can be offered for free or reduced cost to lowincome families, Lawrence stresses. He adds that TMS views the Bop Stop as the "lead gift" in a fundraising campaign to revamp the organization's facilities. Details are still being worked out, but Lawrence expects TMS will host at least one event in the facility before the end of March, with additional programming to follow. The Bop Stop is a 4,100 square foot, one-story building that seats about 120 people. A recent appraisal valued the property at about $800,000. The Music Settlement joins the Cleveland Museum of Art, which partnered with Fred and Lawrence Bidwell to open the Transformer Station last year, as well as the Cleveland Orchestra, which has brought musical performances to the Happy Dog. Ohio City Inc. Executive Director Eric Wobser says the new TMS campus is part of an ongoing exchange between University Circle and the near west side. "We're seeing cultural institutions, many based in University Circle, wanting to see impact beyond their traditional walls," he says. "They enjoy the youthfulness and participation of the near west side community. You're also seeing University Circle become redeveloped with businesses like ABC Tavern and the Happy Dog." Wobser adds that Detroit Avenue is seeing a strong growth spurt, and that there's additional development opportunity all the way from Public Square to Lakewood. The Bop Stop is located at 2920 Detroit, directly across from the Hingetown development and the Mariner's Watch apartments, which are under construction. Former Bop Stop owners Anita Nonneman and Ron Busch say that the Music Settlement is the perfect fit for continuing the jazz club's mission, which was to build and celebrate Cleveland's music culture and to support budding musicians. "We could have sold it, but I didn't want to drive by every day and see that the building wasn't being used as intended," says Busch, who previously tried to sell the building but says he was unable to find the right tenant to continue the Bop Stop's legacy as a performance space. "There's too much heart and soul in it." "The Settlement is about helping people of all ages to realize their goals," says Nonneman. "For us to be able to further those goals, that's a real honor."

Source: Anita Nonneman, Ron Busch, Eric Wobser, Charlie Lawrence Writer: Lee Chilcote

downtown dialogues sparks talk on retail and amenities needed to grow downtown LEE CHILCOTE MONDAY, JANUARY 06, 2014

The biggest gripe from downtown Cleveland residents (and, really, downtown dwellers in most non-coastal cities) is that their city center lacks the retail and amenities they need. Being a downtown resident often means regular car trips to the 'burbs -- or somewhere that's not within walking distance -- for shopping. Yet that's slowly beginning to change. As any commercial broker will tell you, retail follows rooftops. As downtown Cleveland gains thousands of new residents, retailers are finding a market here. The 5th Street Arcades are nearly 100 percent full, and Heinen's is planning to open a new grocery store downtown. The topic of retail and amenities will be in the spotlight this week as Downtown Cleveland Alliance (DCA) and the City Club of Cleveland kick off a new event series. "Civic Drinks: Downtown Dialogues" will bring together developers and nonprofit leaders to discuss what downtown Cleveland needs to thrive. The kickoff takes place on Wednesday, January 8th at 4 p.m. in the former Cleveland Trust Rotunda (future home of Heinen's Fine Foods) at East 9th and Euclid Ave. The kickoff event will feature a panel discussion with DCA President and CEO Joe Marinucci, developer Fred Geis and Tom Heinen of Heinen's Fine Foods. “Our Downtown Dialogue events are designed to give people who are invested in the future of downtown Cleveland an opportunity to discuss what’s next for our city," said Marinucci in a release. "Each talk will feature experts in a particular area that is crucial for moving downtown forward, and will offer opportunities for small group dialogue and sharing ideas.” Future events will tackle green space and connectivity (April 4th), livability (July 2nd) and downtown's vision plan (September 3rd).

Source: Downtown Cleveland Alliance Writer: Lee Chilcote

south euclid 'idea house' stimulates fresh thinking about inner ring burb LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

What's the big idea behind the South Euclid Idea House? Housing Manager Sally Martin says the goal of the energy-efficient, 1,800square-foot home, which was completed this fall, is to stimulate new thinking about the future of this built-out, inner ring 'burb. That future now includes seven new-construction homes scattered throughout the community, five community gardens and three pocket parks. These projects rose like a phoenix from the ashes of the foreclosure crisis -- South Euclid has now demolished 56 homes, with more to come. The city also has inspired at least one private builder, Weathervane Homes, to build homes in the community. "We built the Idea House to show that you can live big on a small lot," says Martin. "The 'big idea' is that infill development is a great possibility for the private sector, and that houses can be built here in a modern way that modern buyers will like." In the past, Martin says, many builders looked past South Euclid to the exurbs. The modest silver lining in the housing crisis, which resulted in many vacant homes, is that infill lots are beginning to open up. One South Euclid, a new community development group, now offers these lots for development. The Idea House features an open floor plan, upscale finishes, first-floor master bedroom or den, and energy-efficient design. The house, which was built using Neighborhood Stabilization Program funding, is under contract for $162,000. Martin says the new homes, coupled with green space initiatives, aggressive code enforcement, nuisance abatement and offering of lots to private developers, have spurred the beginnings of a renaissance. "We've planted the seeds, and it's taken off from there. We've seen a small increase in the housing market. There's hope."

Source: Sally Martin Writer: Lee Chilcote

north collinwood residents launch effort to attract quality intergenerational school LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2013

UPDATE: The boards of The Intergenerational School and Near West Intergenerational School endorsed the Collinwood Intergenerational School project this week and voted to form a new board. Brian Friedman is tired of watching families move out of North Collinwood in search of better schools. He's even witnessed one house north of Lakeshore Boulevard change hands three times in nine years -- each time, the story is the same. So Friedman, who is Executive Director of the Northeast Shores Community Development Corporation, decided to do something about it. "Throughout the years we’ve had families that were 'double income no kids,' and they buy houses, move in, have kids, and when their kid comes of school age, they leave," he says. "They're either unaware of the options to have their kid attend a quality CMSD school or charter school in another neighborhood, or they choose not to participate in parochial education because it's not for everybody. They do the easy thing: pick up and move to a suburb with a safe, quality educational system." To counter this trend, Friedman and a group of residents are organizing to attract a high-quality school to their neighborhood. Currently, they have their sights set on The Intergenerational School (TIS), which currently operates two schools in Cleveland and is considering opening a third location within North Collinwood. Lyman Millard, Communications Director for Breakthrough Schools, a coalition of high-performing charter schools that includes TIS, says that a decision has not yet been made on whether to open a school in that neighborhood. Currently, TIS and Breakthrough are gauging community demand and searching for a suitable facility. Friedman believes that demand exists. If all goes as planned, TIS could be on track to open a Collinwood location by the start of the 2014 school year. To rally resident support, Northeast Shores has hosted a schools fair at the Collinwood Recreation Center, and TIS developed an online survey being used to gauge resident interest.

Source: Brian Friedman Writer: Lee Chilcote

historic euclid avenue church deconstructed, elements to be repurposed LEE CHILCOTE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2013

Developer Rick Foran has made a career out of saving buildings, yet his latest project involves repurposing elements of one structure that was beyond repair. Foran was hired by the Episcopal Diocese of Northeast Ohio two years ago to evaluate the condition of the long-vacant Emmanuel Church at 8614 Euclid. After discovering that the building needed structural repairs, the diocese marketed the property, but no buyers were willing to reinvest in it. When the Cleveland Clinic bought it, approval for demolition was granted with the condition that some parts be preserved. Today, Foran's crew is carefully disassembling the stone facade, numbering, photographing and cataloguing each piece, and palletizing, shrink wrapping and storing them for later use. The goal is to reconstruct the narthex facade at another location to be determined. Additionally, the Skinner organ, woodwork, baptismal font, French floor tiles and historic light fixtures also are being salvaged. "Nobody likes to tear down a landmark church, but if the decision has been made, I'm pleased that we can repurpose artifacts of the church and give them a new life," says Foran. "By the time the demo occurs, many of the more distinctive features will have been salvaged and relocated. There's also been an effort to keep them in a religious environment, or to keep them in the city of Cleveland." The baptismal font, French floor tiles and stained glass window have been relocated to St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Mentor. Light fixtures are being dispersed among various churches in Cleveland. The hand-carved lectern and bible stand are being added to the Cleveland Museum of Art's collection. The Clinic plans to build a hotel on the site that will provide families a place to stay while a loved one is in the hospital. The Clinic's previous guest house was displaced by the new medical school building recently developed in partnership with Case Western Reserve University. Groundbreaking on the new hotel is expected to occur next year.

Source: Rick Foran Writer: Lee Chilcote

girl's best trend boutique adds to madison ave's ongoing renaissance LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2013

Have you ever walked into a sweet li'l shop with a bevy of well-displayed merchandise and thought, Wouldn't it be fun to do something like this? That's exactly what artists Jen Buchanan and Colleen Bridegum always thought -- and they decided to act on it by launching Girl's Best Trend boutique this fall. Girl's Best Trend, located at 17007 Madison Avenue, offers "art and accessories for you and your home," according to the tagline. The selection includes art, candles, glassware, pillows, clocks, frames, handbags, jewelry, scarves and perfume, all made by local artists and craftspeople. "Colleen and I have known each other for 20 years, and we're both just really creative people," explains Buchanan. "We always thought on our own, 'Boy, I'd like to do something else.' We were talking one day, and both realized we were thinking about the same thing. Then we found the space, and boom, it all happened really quickly." Buchanan works as an interior designer during the day, while Bridegum works as a home health care professional in the evenings, so they run split-shifts at the shop. Buchanan makes handbags and Bridegum is a painter. They hope to eventually offer interior design services out of the shop, as well. Girl's Best Trend is about 600 square feet currently, but will expand to 1,200 square feet early next year when the space is fully renovated. Next door, a new pottery workshop is going in, and there are other galleries in the area. "They're building up Madison now," says Buchanan of Lakewood's increased focus on that commercial strip. "There's a new Madison Arts District group that's going to start doing art walks in the summer."

Source: Jen Buchanan Writer: Lee Chilcote

wolfs gallery on larchmere to relocate to historic building undergoing renovation LEE CHILCOTE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2013

An east-side developer has purchased the historic streetcar power station on Larchmere Boulevard. Once home to the American Crafts Gallery, which is thought to be the oldest gallery of its kind in Cleveland, and which is now housed within the Dancing Sheep boutique down the road, the property has been vacant for years. Ilene Greenblatt, who has developed properties in Chicago before moving back to Cleveland to be near family, bought the building and expects to wrap up renovations by March. "It's a very handsome building and I've always loved it," says Greenblatt. "When I saw it was for sale and the price was reasonable, I jumped in and bought it." Renovating the building has not been quite as reasonable. Shortly after the purchase, the back wall caved in and the roof collapsed. Greenblatt soldiered on, fixing a leaky basement, cleaning out an old tunnel leading to the street that was stuffed with trash, and rebuilding a mezzanine that was too dangerous to stand on. The property, which has soaring 30-foot ceilings, brick walls and large windows, will soon house Wolfs Gallery, a long-running fixture on the Cleveland art scene that opened a gallery on Larchmere a few years ago. Owner Michael Wolf plans to relocate to the 6,000-square-foot space in spring, a dramatic expansion from his current storefront. "I love the people in the area, they're wonderful," says Greenblatt. "The building was neglected for so long, it needed a lot of money and a lot of work. But it will be here for at least another hundred years, easily."

Source: Ilene Greenblatt Writer: Lee Chilcote

cleveland neighborhood progress launches city life tours to highlight urban vibrancy LEE CHILCOTE TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013

Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, a nonprofit community development organization, has begun offering Cleveland City Life tours to expose suburbanites, millenials, empty-nesters, boomerangs and newcomers to town to all the city has to offer. CNP Director of Marketing Jeff Kipp says the tours really are about helping Clevelanders see for themselves the positive change taking place in the city. "We'll do the proverbial handholding and take you into the neighborhoods," he says. "You see the positive headlines and positive trends, but a big chunk of our population doesn't have firsthand experience with the city. This is about removing that intimidation factor and bridging the gap." Tours starts in Ohio City and include stops in Detroit Shoreway, the lakefront, University Circle, Little Italy, Midtown, downtown and Tremont. Along the way, it also touches on neighborhoods such as Cudell, Glenville and Fairfax. Each lasts two hours, costs $12 and comes with a free Live!Cleveland/City Life T-shirt. "As we drive through University Circle, we can reference the excitement that's happening in North Shore Collinwood," Kipp explains, adding that while the tours can't feasibly cover the whole city, they will highlight all city neighborhoods. The tours are being marketed through CNP's website and partner organizations such as Global Cleveland and the Downtown Cleveland Alliance. There currently are tours scheduled between Christmas and New Year's and around the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend. "This is a way to roll out the red carpet and give a reintroduction to your Cleveland neighbors," Kipp adds. Source: Jeff Kipp Writer: Lee Chilcote

city of lakewood says madison avenue is next frontier for urban development LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 05, 2013

The City of Lakewood has issued 44 certificates of occupancy on Madison Avenue this year, and nine businesses are participating in the city's storefront renovation program. Planning and Development Director Dru Siley says these numbers show how much business interest there is along this traditional yet funky strip, which is seeing a wave of redevelopment activity spurred in part by Detroit Avenue's success. "We want to reproduce the success we've had on Detroit, recognizing that Madison has unique character and flavor that make it distinct," he says. "Madison is a small business corridor. Of 300 businesses here, 95 percent of them are locally owned." Siley says that Madison is home to independent restaurants and entertainment spots, professional services and service-oriented retail. Current vacancy rates hover around 14 percent, down from over 20 percent a few years ago. Lakewood is developing a new streetscape along Madison that will break ground fall of 2014. The city also is committing storefront renovation dollars to help attract businesses and redevelop properties. Examples of new businesses attracted to Madison recently include Mahall's, a historic old-school bowling alley that has new ownership and added music, food and entertainment, and Barrio, a Mexican eatery. The streetscape project not only will resurface the street, but also reduce Madison to two lanes with a center turning lane to make it safer and accommodate bike lanes. No parking will be lost. The City of Lakewood and LakewoodAlive hosted a forum entitled "Madison on the Move" on Wednesday, December 4th at Harrison Elementary School in Lakewood.

Source: Dru Siley Writer: Lee Chilcote

artist quits her day job to open art gallery in 5th street arcades LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 05, 2013

Cleveland artist Jessica Newell recently quit her job teaching Psychology at Cleveland State University to open a gallery in the 5th Street Arcades. Jessica's Gallery, as it's called, functions as a studio, a gallery for the artist's work and a showcase for rotating local artists. "I love to paint," Newell explains. "I began receiving a lot of commissions from friends and family, and pretty soon I began to realize, 'I can make a business out of this.' I inquired about a place in the 5th Street Arcades and discovered that there was retail space available. With its walkable traffic, I figured I'd make a go of it." Newell opened two months ago, and she says she's been thrilled with the traffic so far. Downtown apartment dwellers and condo owners are a great market for unique, local artwork, she says. She enjoys painting in her studio during the weekday lunch hour, because that draws customers to come in and look around. Newell's paintings feature abstract representations of the Cleveland Metroparks and images of the city that "capture what the city could be." Currently, Jessica's Gallery also features the work of local landscape artist Michael Greenwald. "It's amazing how this place has turned around," she says of the 5th Street Arcades, which are nearly 100 percent leased now. "Between Small Business Saturday and Winterfest, an incredible amount of people came in. It was packed." Newell has also completed several murals around town, most recently for Piccadilly's Artisan Yogurt on Lorain Avenue in Ohio City, which just opened.

Source: Jessica Newell Writer: Lee Chilcote

ohio city, detroit shoreway propose region's first protected bike lanes along lorain avenue LEE CHILCOTE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2013

Ohio City and Detroit Shoreway might become the first communities in Cleveland -indeed, Northeast Ohio -- to develop protected bike lanes. Such bike lanes are located in the road yet provide a barrier such as a raised curb to separate bikes and cars. While protected bike lanes have been implemented in other cities, they're only now beginning to enter the lexicon of Northeast Ohio planning agencies. They're being proposed as part of a new streetscape plan for Lorain Avenue that runs between W. 25th and W. 85th streets. The plan also includes a new median between W. 28th and W. 32nd -- the area by St. Ignatius campus -- to calm traffic and make crossing easier. Curb bump-outs might be built on the south side of the street to shorten crossing distances and make the area more pedestrian-friendly. Ohio City Inc. Director Eric Wobser says the new streetscape would capitalize on growing interest in cycling on the near west side and throughout Cleveland and build off momentum generated by the new Lorain-Carnegie bridge bike path. It also would make the area safer for pedestrians and attract new businesses. "Protected bike lanes have been shown to be a best practice that keep cyclists safer," says Wobser. "We also see this creating a more vibrant Lorain; the cyclists could slow down and potentially stop at a business on Lorain." Currently, Lorain functions as a two-lane road with two parking lanes for 20 hours a day, and a four-lane road with no on-street parking during rush hour. The plan eliminates parking on the north side of the street and makes Lorain a two-lane street. It also establishes a center turn lane at Fulton and other intersections. The new streetscape would also feature permeable paving in the parking lane and additional landscaping and trees on both sides of the street. Wobser says that the plan can be accomplished by removing parking on the south side of the street except between W. 24th and W. 26th Streets. In this area, a recommendation for how to accommodate cyclists will be made during the design phase. While eliminating parking often is controversial, Wobser believes there is adequate parking in the plan and says it was the first choice of the streetscape steering committee, which consists of residents, business owners and institutions. Jacob VanSickle of Bike Cleveland says there is demand for protected bike lanes, which could help get more bike commuters on the roads: "The bike counts for Detroit and West 25th are one of the highest in the region. Looking at NOACA's numbers shows there is indeed an increase in people biking. The most recent report by the League of American Cyclists shows a 385% increase in bike commuters in Cleveland from 1990-2010 (that is higher than Seattle during the same time period)." The next step is to present the plan at a public meeting, which will take place on Tuesday, December 10th at 6 p.m. at Franklin Circle Church, and garner feedback. Ohio City Inc. and Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization then intend to seek approval from the City Planning Commission. Wobser says the city has committed $1 million of its capital budget to the project, and Councilman Joe Cimperman has committed $100,000. The total project cost is about $17 million, and the groups will apply for funding from the State of Ohio, NOACA and other sources. Lorain Avenue has seen increased development in recent years, and new projects currently underway include Hansa House, Platform Brewing Company and JC Beertech, and Jack Flaps Urban Breakfast Shoppe. Sponsors of the Launch Lorain effort include Ohio Savings Bank, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, Saint Ignatius High School and Councilmen Cimperman and Matt Zone. Bike Cleveland has also been a partner in the project.

Source: Eric Wobser Writer: Lee Chilcote

hofbrauhaus cleveland breaks ground on new restaurant, brewery in playhouse square LEE CHILCOTE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2013

This week, Brauhaus Cleveland LLC broke ground on the new Hofbrauhaus Cleveland in PlayhouseSquare in the most apropos fashion -- with a German oom-pah band, sausages and huge steins of beer. Project developers aim to complete the new restaurant and brewery by the end of 2014. "Everything started in 1589 when the Bavarian kings decided the beer wasn't good enough for them, so they created their own brewery," extolled Maximilian Erlmeier, a former Hofbrauhaus Munich executive and chairman of Cincinnati Restaurant Group. "Now, every year two million people come to the Hofbrauhaus to enjoy food and great beer, and six million come to Oktoberfest. We thought, 'We should export this.'" Hofbrauhaus Cleveland will become the latest franchise in the growing empire, which includes locations in Cincinnati, Chicago and Las Vegas. The Cleveland site will incorporate the Hermit Club and feature 24,000 square feet of space, including nearly 600 indoor seats and more than 1,000 outdoor seats in the beer garden. The famous Hofbrau beer will be brewed on site, and Bavarian dishes will be served. The project is a huge win for PlayhouseSquare, which has in recent years developed a vibrant restaurant scene. The Hofbrauhaus project is one of the first development deals to push PlayhouseSquare's growth north towards Chester Avenue. "We're really excited because this is one more step in PlayhouseSquare's growth," said Art Falco, President of PlayhouseSquare. "This is an incredible destination, but we want to see more young people here. With an outdoor beer garden right by CSU and PlayhouseSquare, we think this is a home run."

Source: Art Falco, Maximilian Erlmeier Writer: Lee Chilcote

happy dog to open east side location in iconic euclid tavern in university circle LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2013

The Happy Dog in the Gordon Square Arts District is famous for tasty hot dogs with crazy toppings, live music and adventurous cultural fare, including members of the Cleveland Orchestra recording an album live in front of the racetrack bar. Now the successful venue is heading east; in the ultimate win-win, the owners are opening their first east side location inside the nowshuttered Euclid Tavern. "We've been approached many times, and there are a lot of things we could have done," says Sean Watterson, co-owner of the Happy Dog. "To be a part of bringing the Euclid Tavern back to life was the thing that made us go, 'OK, maybe we could do another one of these, and this is the place to do it.'" The Happy Dog signed a lease on the space this week with University Circle Inc., which bought the building last year from the previous owners. The Euclid Tavern operated continuously as a bar from 1909 until 2001, making it the second longest-running bar site in Cleveland, according to UCI Director Chris Ronayne. New owners re-opened it in 2008 and stuck with it until 2013. UCI began renovating the space and looking for a new operator earlier this year. "We were searching for the right tenant to live up to the iconic reputation of the Euclid Tavern as a music venue," says Ronayne. "We were in courtship with the guys from the Happy Dog for a while -- they know food, music and programming." The Euclid Tavern has hosted national acts Chrissie Hynde, Pavement and Green Day, and also served as home base for legendary local acts like Mr. Stress. The tavern was also featured in the 1987 film Light of Day starring Michael J. Fox and Joan Jett. Although plans are still being shaped, Watterson says the new venue will operate as the Happy Dog at the Euclid Tavern. A similar menu will be available, but some hot dog toppings will only be available at the east side location, and vice versa. The owners also plan more cultural programming through partnerships with area institutions such as the Cleveland Institute of Music and Institute of Art. The same partnership that owns the west side Happy Dog, including Watterson, Sean Kilbane and chef Eric Williams, will open the Euclid Tavern location.

Source: Sean Watterson, Chris Ronayne Writer: Lee Chilcote

new grant program funds business incubator, other innovative community projects LEE CHILCOTE WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2013

A new grant program launched by Neighborhood Progress Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides funding and technical assistance to community development corporations in Cleveland, recently awarded $200,000 to five projects. The recipients include a new business incubation program in North Collinwood, youth programming in Ohio City and surrounding neighborhoods, an effort in Central to teach fourth graders about healthy, local food, arts-based development in St. Clair Superior, and a community engagement effort in Tremont. "The program came to be when we, as an organization, made a decision to develop a program that all CDCs had access to," says Colleen Gilson, Vice President of CDC Services for NPI, of the Neighborhood Solutions grant program. "The idea was, let's not be prescriptive. Let's let CDCs tell us what their solution to a neighborhood problem is or a cool project in their service area." The awards break down as follows: NPI awarded $45,000 to ActiVacant, a program to recruit entrepreneurs to vacant retail spaces on E. 185th; $45,000 to Near West Recreation to expand its network of youth programming, including baseball, soccer, softball, basketball and bowling; $45,000 to St. Clair Superior for its Urban Upcycle project; $45,000 to Burton Bell Carr for its Urban Farm Diet Program; and $20,000 to Tremont West for its efforts to engage residents in creating a community-based development plan around MetroHealth. Gilson says the projects reflect "deep collaboration" and non-traditional approaches towards community development. For instance, Near West Recreation is an effort to engage and retain families in six neighborhoods on the near west side -- Ohio City, Tremont, Stockyards, Clark-Fulton and Detroit Shoreway -- and build "intergenerational mixed-income neighborhoods." ActiVacant, spearheaded by Northeast Shores, is a "new take on the American dream" and a "business incubation project on steroids" that will entice young retailers to fill empty spaces on E. 185th by offering them free or reduced rent for a period of time, access to mentors and other support, and incentives for meeting benchmarks. "The process was pretty amazing," says Gilson, describing a Shark Tank-esque format in which finalists presented in front of a panel of community development leaders, who then ranked and voted on winners. "We invited other CDCs to come watch and learn from their peers, and it was a really good opportunity to learn."

Source: Colleen Gilson Writer: Lee Chilcote

collective upcycle to debut in st. clair superior with slovenianthemed bash LEE CHILCOTE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

Collective Upcycle, the creative reuse boutique that's been popping up around town for the past few years, is opening a bricks-and-mortar store in the St. Clair Superior neighborhood. The shop, located at 6202 St. Clair Avenue -- aka the "coppertop building" -- will hold a grand opening party this Friday, November 22 from 5-8 p.m. Friday's big bash will feature Slovenian beer and a Slovenian band in honor of the St. Clair Superior neighborhood's rich heritage as a hub for the ethnic community. The store will feature the work of 35plus Cleveland upcycle artists and designers and is being spearheaded by Lauren Krueger as part of the Upcycle St. Clair effort. "The shop is a celebration of innovation that's locally and regionally sourced," says Nicole McGee of Plenty Underfoot, who founded Collective Upcycle in 2011 and is a partner in Upcycle St. Clair, a larger effort to revitalize the entire retail district. Some of the upcycled items offered at Collective Upcycle include roof slates turned into picture frames, plastic soda bottles made into sculptural flower bouquets, and vinyl LPs melted down into jewelry and serving bowls. Collective Upcycle will be open Thursdays through Sundays during the holiday season. Then the store will close for a few weeks and reopen in January. Although the copper top building will eventually be taken over by St. Martin DePorres School, the shop will reopen in another location on St. Clair in the spring. McGee says the store is proof positive that the strategy behind Upcycle St. Clair is working. "One of the goals was to bring in new businesses," she says. "We're celebrating what's already existing while also creating new opportunity."

Source: Nicole McGee Writer: Lee Chilcote

cleveland public library to launch high-tech maker space downtown LEE CHILCOTE TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2013

What are the kids into these days? Learning to sew, if you can believe it. The Lorain branch of the Cleveland Public Library recently purchased sewing machines and began offering classes, and apparently they're a hit with young adults, who are interested in crafting, learning to make and repair their own clothes, and upcycling older materials into something new. "They absolutely loved it," says branch manager Olivia Hoge of the classes that debuted this fall. "It's something old that's coming back. The idea of 'making' is becoming very prevalent in libraries." The Lorain branch is offering additional classes in December, and Hoge says that youth involved in the effort might also hold a fashion show as part of Cleveland Fashion Week. Sewing classes are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how CPL is tapping into the maker movement, however. In January, a new high-tech Maker Space will open downtown, complementing the already-diverse offerings available there. Housed in TechCentral, a technology and learning center in the lower level of the Stokes Wing, the MakerLab will feature the latest cutting-edge tech, including graphic design software, audiovisual recording equipment, vinyl cutter, laser cutter, 3D scanner, high-definition video camera and smartboard. "It's pretty cool," says C.J. Lynce, manager of TechCentral. "We've invested in equipment, tools and software that are high-level and professional." "TechCentral and the MakerLab fit into our strategic priority of 'Forming Communities of Learning,'" adds Cathy Poilpre, Assistant Marketing Director with CPL. "Collectively, all the services offered in the MakerLab make CPL the center of learning for our whole community. Most people have a place they live, a place they work, and this is like a third place -- to play, engage and learn." The TechCentral MakerLab is slated to open January 11th in the main library.

Source: Olivia Hoge, C.J. Lynce Writer: Lee Chilcote

tremont developer will reopen harbor pub on waterloo as part of operation light switch LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

Operation Light Switch on Waterloo is an effort to add critical mass to the area by "turning on" multiple new bars and restaurants as the streetscape project wraps up next year. The project recently scored another little win: restaurateur Alan Glazen sold the Harbor Pub to Tremont developer Tom Bell, who will reopen it. Although it's too early to announce the concept, operator or even the name, Bell says he's excited about the opportunity to help revitalize Waterloo. "I'm trying to help Alan get the right mix," he says. "The area has kind of a rock-and-roll vibe -it's really blue-collar Cleveland. I want to have a place with great food and great atmosphere. It won't necessarily be a step down, it will be a step over." The Harbor Pub building features a historic bar that runs the length of the building. Although the exterior of the building has been redone, Bell will finish out the interior himself. The property features about 2,000 square feet on each of the two floors, and Bell plans to use all of it with a two-story bar and restaurant. He's also toying with the idea of creating outdoor seating along the driveway area or in the back. Bell, who perhaps is best known as the creator of the Flying Monkey Pub in Tremont, says that he was intrigued by Glazen's salesmanship and vision for the area. "Alan browbeat me for months. He's a good drumbeater who creates excitement and gets people to think about new ideas. I can see the potential -- the CDC is re-seeding the area with artists and non-absentee property owners." Bell plans to open next summer along with Steve Schimoler's Crop Rocks. He is toying with the idea of a coal-fired pizza concept and is looking for an operator to run it.

Source: Tom Bell Writer: Lee Chilcote

neighbors try to shape future of duck island as developers stockpile land for new housing LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2013

The Duck Island neighborhood, which is situated off Abbey Road between Ohio City and Tremont, got its name because characters used to "duck" in here to escape cops during Prohibition. At least that's the legend that local residents like to offer. Somehow, despite the sea-change development that's occurred in Tremont and Ohio City over the years, Duck Island has kept its tucked-away identity. Some new projects were built here, but others were stymied over the years by local residents opposed to density. But that may change over the next few years. As developers like Andrew Brickman, Knez Homes and Sam McNulty buy up land in Duck Island, the Tremont West Development Corporation is leading a process to engage residents and stakeholders in shaping the future of Duck Island. And that future will likely involve new development, in some fashion or another. "There's a lot of development being discussed in Duck Island, and the goal is to get the neighborhood on board with what's coming and create win-wins," says Cory Riordan, Director of Tremont West. "We want to have the conversation in advance and be proactive about how the development interacts with the community." To that end, Tremont West is hosting a community design "charette" December 57 at St. Wendelyn's Church. Kent State University's Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative will lead the process, which will result in a new development plan for the area, encompassing everything from housing to infrastructure to home repair. "People rise to the bar that's set for them," says Riordan. "The planning process won't just focus on development -- we want to look at improving Abbey Park and giving seniors the ability to fix their homes -- but new developments are driving the need for it. The result will be a community vision for moving forward." Currently, there are only six new for-sale housing units officially proposed in Duck Island, a townhouse project being developed by Knez. Yet Riordan confirmed that developable land in Duck Island could result in dozens of new units in the coming years. For example, developer Andrew Brickman owns the former Bridgeview Cafe on Lorain Avenue, and that site alone could hold a large development. In other Tremont news, the Professor Avenue streetscape project is nearly done. Artist Olga Ziemska has created "Dendrite," a public art piece that will function as seating and a gathering place, at the plaza at the corner of W. 10th, Fairfield and Professor. She intends to install it by the end of November, weather permitting.

Source: Cory Riordan, Olga Ziemska Writer: Lee Chilcote

pop-up shaker launches winter market for handcrafted food and crafts in van aken district LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 07, 2013

Shaker Heights perhaps is better known for its handsome residential districts than its commercial areas. However, a new pop-up event aims to highlight local businesses in the Van Aken District, invite a few new ones to participate, and offer a new kind of winter market where people can shop close to home. Pop Up Shaker will bring a range of local food and craft purveyors into Juma Gallery and Lucy's Sweet Surrender for a two-week run beginning Saturday, November 30th and going through Sunday, December 15th. Upcycle St. Clair's innovative Shop the Window event will brighten the windows of the vacant storefront between them. "The goal is to encourage residents and others to look at Shaker as a great place to do business," says Katharyne Starinsky, an Economic Development Specialist with the City of Shaker Heights. "Construction on the Van Aken streetscape is starting next year. We want people to think about how great the future of the area will be." Cleveland Culinary Launch and Kitchen will turn Juma Cafe into a marketplace for tantalizing foods; Cleveland Craft Connection will host a handmade market and teach crafting classes at Lucy's; and Shop the Window will allow visitors to purchase upcycled crafts simply by scanning the QR code with their smartphones. "You can immediately purchase the gifts right then and there, and then they'll be available for pickup at Upcycle St. Clair, or they can be shipped," says Starinsky. So far, everyone loves the idea, which has never before been tried in the City of Shaker Heights. "People are excited to be able to shop in their own community."

Source: Katharyne Starinsky Writer: Lee Chilcote

kai's kultured mushrooms launches local mushroom farm in buckeyeshaker LEE CHILCOTE WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 06, 2013

Shaker Heights entrepreneur Kai Wingo recently launched the Buckeye Mushroom Farm on a vacant lot on E. 127th Street off Buckeye Road. Wingo is growing oyster and garden giant mushrooms on beds and racks there. She also teaches classes and sells mushrooms under the moniker Kai's Kultured Mushrooms at the Coit Road Farmers Market. "I'm a mushroom ambassador," she says. "I want people to know about benefits we get from mushrooms. I'm the only one I know of who's doing it at this scale." Wingo began growing mushrooms four years ago, and launched her business when she got laid off from her job with the Cleveland Municipal School District. By then, she'd outgrown her home garden, so she applied for a vacant lot through the land bank. Recently, she also built a hoop house there to extend the growing season. "Mushrooms are a powerhouse of nutrition," she explains. "The gardens also benefit because of the compost they provide. They're just a grand recycler." Wingo says there is great untapped demand for local mushrooms, which are a high-value crop, and that her business and classes are taking off. "There's a long waiting list of farmers markets that would love to have mushrooms there, but there aren't any people to fill the niche, so that's why I'm teaching people." Hough entrepreneur Mansfield Frazier also has tapped Wingo to grow 'shrooms at his new biocellar project. She can be reached via Facebook or by phone at 216561-3200.

Source: Kai Wingo Writer: Lee Chilcote

entrepreneurs show off evolving plans for ohio city's new platform brewing company LEE CHILCOTE MONDAY, NOVEMBER 04, 2013

Predictably, Paul Benner and Justin Carson came up with their idea to launch a brewing incubator over a couple of strong pints at a local alehouse. Benner owns the Cleveland Brew Shop, a homebrew supply store in Tremont, and Carson runs JC Beertech, a company that installs and cleans draft beer lines. Two weeks ago, JC Beertech moved its 40-person office from Medina to a renovated building in Ohio City. The company occupies the second floor of the Tomasch building at 4125 Lorain Avenue, which was built 100 years ago as a Czech social hall. Benner and Carson are now hard at work on renovations to the first floor, which by next spring will be home to Platform Brewing Company. JC Beertech's new offices feature gleaming hardwood floors, the original bar from the Czech social hall, solar tubes that introduce natural light and windows that overlook Lorain. The stout brick building's exterior has been completely renovated with new storefront windows, and signage will be added when the project is completed. Platform, a microbrewery and brewing incubator, will occupy 5,000 square feet on the first floor. The space, part of which was a former bowling alley for the Czech hall, has slender planked hardwood floors that are being restored. A 20-foot-tall garage door will open to a spacious new beer garden. The Plum, a cafe and sandwich shop opening next door, will provide food from a shared kitchen. Platform will brew beer for consumption on premises and sale to restaurants, offer contract brewing services for restaurants that want to brew their own beer, and hold classes and other instructional programs for homebrewers who want to break into the industry. Benner says it's the only brewing incubator he's aware of in the country. "We're excited about creating a new district in Ohio City," Benner says of Lorain Avenue between W. 45th and Fulton, which is considered part of SoLo (South of Lorain). "We'll have people here from seven in the morning until ten at night." In spring, Benner will plant hops vines that will grow over trellises in the rear of the building and along the alleyway next to the building so that they're visible from the street.

Source: Paul Benner Writer: Lee Chilcote

new tremont animal clinic will give near-west side pet lovers new option for care LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2013

Among Tremont residents, it's a running joke that the area has almost as many dogs and cats as people. Now this pet-friendly neighborhood will gain another asset in the form of the Tremont Animal Clinic, which is set to open on W. 14th Street by the end of the year. "We grew up in Cleveland, born and bred," says Katie McCoy, who is opening the clinic with fellow veterinarians Sara Tippins and Bob Litkovitz (known as "Dr. Bob" to all who frequent Gateway Animal Clinic, where he and Litkovitz has worked for years). "We looked at Independence, Hinckley, but always came back to wanting to be a part of the city. We walk down the street and see people we know. Tremont is a nice, small, supportive community, and we love that." Tremont Animal Clinic will be a full-service clinic that offers appointment times and segregated examination rooms. The vets decided to open the clinic to offer an alternative to Gateway, which is walk-in only and has large, open rooms. The facility will be open Monday through Saturday, and will be open until 7:30 p.m. at least one evening per week. The building, located at 3148 W. 14th Street, is the former home of the Rodeo Bar, a nuisance that Tremont residents have complained about for years. Local entrepreneur and Treehouse owner Tom Leneghan is completely renovating the place, having gutted it down to the studs. A hair and nail salon is located next door, and a barbeque joint called Nana's BBQ is slated to go in on the other side. "People were so happy to see us go in here because the Rodeo had been a problem for years," says McCoy, who is aiming for a soft opening before Christmas.

Source: Katie McCoy Writer: Lee Chilcote

eclectic eccentric boutique adds to the vintage-modern mix on larchmere boulevard LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2013

The new kid on the block on historic Larchmere Boulevard sells everything from vintage longhorn antlers and Tory Burch sandals to designer jeans and mid-century modern Herman Miller chairs. That's just how Eclectic Eccentric rolls, which is a perfect fit for a street that is nothing if not both of those things. Long considered the East Side's premier antiques district, the street still contains remnants of that, but now also houses a yarn shop, bookstore, soul food joint, bistro, barber shops, galleries and much more within a few short, walkable blocks. A new streetscape project, set to kick off next year, will make that walk even more pleasant when it wraps up in 2015. Eclectic Eccentric owner Tracey Hilbert says that she got her start in retail at the tender age of 14, working in her father's drugstore. Last year, the Shaker Heights mom returned to her roots and opened a small store above Conservation Studios. Emboldened by its success, she pounced on a vacant storefront that became available earlier this year. "I wanted the combination of a vintage store and new merchandise that's modern," she says. "People have always said I have a good eye, and I like the juxtaposition." Hilbert, who is partnering with several other designers and clothing makers to turn Eclectic Eccentric into "more of a co-op space," says that she's tapping into a resurgence of interest in all things vintage and green. "There's a trend with people around the country taking what they like and incorporating a variety of different things into design," she states. "There aren't as many set rules any more." Eclectic Eccentric is located at 13005 Larchmere Boulevard.

Source: Tracey Hilbert Writer: Lee Chilcote

hotcards to match fiery growth with flaming guinness world record-setting attempt LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013

Earlier this year, Hotcards CEO John Gadd moved the local printing and marketing company's headquarters to the former Futon Factory at 2400 Superior Ave., expanding from 14,000 to 22,000 square feet and giving the company the opportunity to do a ground-up renovation of new offices. "We were able to do it from scratch, the way that we wanted, in order to reflect the culture we're trying to build," says Gadd, who has injected new life into Hotcards since he bought the company a few years ago. The new space features 15-foot ceilings, expansive windows and walls adorned with tons of Cleveland artwork. Eleven people work in the Cleveland office. The company also has offices in other parts of Ohio as well as a Columbus manufacturing facility. Gadd says the company's growth can be attributed to its "customer-obsessed" culture, which "takes care of people we serve" with utmost attention to detail. Now Gadd aims to make the company burn even hotter -- and seek some thrills and raise money for worthwhile charities in the process -- by setting 20 people ablaze along the banks of the Cuyahoga River in a Guinness World Recordssetting attempt. "It's a magical spectacle to watch -- people lit on fire look like an art display," he says. "Because we’re Cleveland, we'll turn a negative [burning river thing] into a positive. We'll also raise a bunch of money for charity and make some news." Gadd has brought in stunt expert Ted Batchelor of Chagrin Falls to manage the event. He says it's so safe it almost takes the excitement out of it. The current record is 17 people set on fire at one time, a feat that Batchelor himself pulled off in 2009. The event will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 19, at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River, with spectators invited to watch from Shooters (tickets start at $15). The fire department and Coast Guard will be on hand in case of emergency. Local YouTube superstar Madi Lee will sing the national anthem before the big burn. Gadd isn't sure how much money he'll raise for charity, since the event costs about $50,000 to produce. But any additional proceeds will go to the Cleveland Foodbank and Brick by Brick, a nonprofit group that builds schoolhouses in South Africa.

Source: John Gadd Writer: Lee Chilcote

phoenix coffee opens roomy new cafe on coventry road LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013

Phoenix Coffee, known for setting the standard for Cleveland coffee culture throughout the past two decades, recently moved into a airy new digs on Coventry Road. The roomy, contemporary storefront boasts large windows and a design that incorporates reclaimed materials. Coffee Director Christopher Feran says that Phoenix's goal was to relocate from its unworkable space down the block to a storefront that it could completely customize, adding to the renaissance of local businesses near the northern end of Coventry. With help from a low-interest storefront renovation loan from the City of Cleveland Heights, Phoenix completely renovated the space, which formerly housed C. Jones Coffee and Tea. The design incorporates reclaimed materials such as Mason jar lanterns, old subway tile, a wood planking design accent with Phoenix Coffee logo and a cream station made from an old cog from Bethlehem Steel. AODK, Rust Belt Welding and the Foundry Project all helped with the project. The new Phoenix coffee shop also has a pour-over bar, where customers can sit and watch coffee being made to order by the cup, a growing trend in artisan coffee over the past several years. Next up: Phoenix is scouting for a fourth location with commissary space, a central kitchen where food and coffee can be prepared in an open and viewable space. Ideal locations include the near west side, including Ohio City.

Source: Christopher Feran Writer: Lee Chilcote

bike composting biz among those competing in idea challenge LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2013

The Enterprise Nurture an Idea Crowdrise Challenge offers entrepreneurs the opportunity to win $10,000 by competing to raise the most money online. Eleven innovative ideas in Cleveland are competing between now and November 8th for that big grand prize. Ideas include a bike composting business in Gordon Square, an initiative to open retail startups in former shipping containers in downtown parking lots, a healthy corner store in Tremont, and a food cooperative distribution center in St. Clair Superior. Daniel Brown of Rust Belt Gardens studied successful operations in other cities before setting his sights on launching a bike composting business. He says that such a business not only can be profitable, but also can help homeowners divert waste from landfills, create green-collar jobs and improve soil at community gardens. "We need to buy specialized bikes and trailers, get the website up and running, and start to educate people about what is compostable and not compostable," Brown says of his startup. His partners in the challenge are Detroit Shoreway Community Development, Bike Cleveland and Groundz Recycling. Cleveland Bike Composting would charge $10 to $25 per month to pick up fivegallon compost buckets from a home or business, depending on how often it is scheduled. "At our community garden, we can't compost enough," says Brown of the demand. "Purchasing compost is expensive, but the process to make it is fairly easy if you know what you're doing. People in Cleveland are really buying into the local foods movement, and that lends itself to there being demand for a composting service." Currently, there is no business in Cleveland that helps individual homeowners to compost, much less that does so by bike, which raises the sustainability to a new level of green.

Source: Daniel Brown Writer: Lee Chilcote

music-themed bar in ohio city aims to create 'jukebox for the city' LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013

It's no easy feat to win unanimous approval from the City of Cleveland's Board of Zoning Appeals (BOZA) for a variance to open a new bar in Ohio City. With parking scarce in the densely built neighborhood, such a prized variance typically is required for opening any kind of new establishment. Yet Jukebox, a new bar set to open in the Hingetown area of that neighborhood early next year, earned that approval from BOZA this week, and owner Alex Budin is set to begin the build-out process. "I want people in Ohio City and Cleveland to embrace this as their jukebox for the city," says Budin, a 29-year-old who is in the process of relocating to Cleveland from Chicago. Budin has purchased a 100-CD jukebox that he will fill with a mixture of rock and roll classics, music by artists who are coming through town, local artists, obscure picks and even crowd-sourced suggestions from social media and other sources. The music selection will change frequently and the jukebox will be free or "pay what you like," akin to how Radiohead has released recent albums. To ensure that tipsy patrons don't program six Michael Jackson songs in a row, Budin is planning to establish some tongue-in-cheek jukebox rules. He also will create a "juke-book" that will help familiarize patrons with less familiar artists, albums, and tracks. "You're not going to see Katy Perry in the jukebox, but you'll see familiar artists," he says. Aside from the music, the cozy 1,300-square-foot tavern will feature six to 10 draft beers (many of them local), cocktails, wine and a limited food menu that includes flatbread pizzas. Just don't say the phrase "sports bar." There will be TVs, he allows, but that's not going to be the focus. "Ohio City has become such a vibrant place -- it's really a destination," Budin says. "As Hingetown evolves, my hope is this becomes more of a neighborhood spot for local residents. There are 200-plus new apartments set to open here. I'm hoping it's a walkable place, and that people can get their coffee at Rising Star in the morning, then grab a beer and light food at Jukebox in the evening." Jukebox will be located in the Striebinger Block at the corner of W. 29th and Detroit.

Source: Alex Budin Writer: Lee Chilcote

city repair cleveland takes urban placemaking to the streets LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013

A grassroots urban placemaking movement that started in Portland has made its way to Cleveland, and a few weeks ago, residents from three Cleveland neighborhoods came together to remove blight with community-led art. City Repair, which started in Portland as a guerilla movement to add splashes of color to city streets, is so new here that the City of Cleveland denied a permit request at the last minute, forcing organizers to scramble to adapt their project. The original idea was to paint city intersections, and Cleveland officials now acknowledge that they need a new policy to deal with these requests. In the end, City Repair Cleveland created three successful projects and built a greater sense of community in the process, says Adele DiMarco-Kious, consultant to the effort. "This is about neighbors getting to know one another and taking shared action about things important to them in their neighborhood," she adds. "You get people to come together, take ownership of the public realm and start taking action and it has a multiplier effect. People build trust, take action and build a sense of power." In Buckeye-Shaker Square, residents created a vision for a mural that they hope will be painted on a bridge over the RTA tracks that historically has divided their two neighborhoods; Clark-Fulton residents beautified the long-neglected Newark Court alley by painting a mural of the river that once ran through the community; and Stockyard residents covered up a blighted retaining wall with colorful designs. DiMarco-Kious says the impact goes far beyond the physical projects themselves, as neighbors work shoulder-to-shoulder and families come out of their houses to help paint. City Repair Cleveland was supported by Neighborhood Connections, a small grants and community building program affiliated with the Cleveland Foundation.

Source: Adele DiMarco-Kious Writer: Lee Chilcote

opportunity corridor could be missed opportunity without better planning, advocates say LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2013

Opponents and proponents of the Opportunity Corridor, a 3.5-mile planned roadway that would connect I-490 with University Circle, don’t agree on much. Opponents say that the road is a glorified highway that will encourage drivers to bypass east side neighborhoods without providing much local community benefit. Proponents say the roadway will connect low-income communities with transportation networks and jobs while spurring new development. “We think this is an example of outdated planning,” said Angie Schmitt of Clevelanders for Transportation Equity at a forum on the Opportunity Corridor, held at the Cleveland Museum of Art. “For decades, we’ve built a highway system and been told that prosperity would follow. A lot of times, this has been way oversold.” Schmitt believes that the Opportunity Corridor could “entrench auto-dependency” and hurt neighborhoods, and says younger workers want pedestrian-friendly development. Yet Vicki Eaton-Johnson of Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation says that the Opportunity Corridor is a true opportunity if done right. “Our neighborhood has planned with anticipation of this roadway for 10 years,” she said, pointing to the proposed New Economy Neighborhood on E. 105th Street as a benefit. “Fairfax’s responsibility is to leverage what happens for community benefit,” she added, arguing that the medical and technology businesses that the Opportunity Corridor is expected to attract will provide some jobs to community residents. However, there is increased consensus that the Opportunity Corridor must be better designed or it will be a missed opportunity. Panelists said it should be a truly multi-modal roadway that not only maximizes development opportunities, but also works for cyclists and pedestrians while making the area more attractive and vibrant. “I am a proponent of getting this right, and we need to create complete neighborhoods and complete streets,” said Chris Ronayne, President of University Circle Incorporated. Schmitt criticized a proposed 10-foot-wide, multipurpose path on the south side of the roadway as a “bone” that was thrown to cyclists in order to pacify some vocal critics. The car lanes are 12-13 feet wide like a highway, which will encourage speeding, she argued. She also said the intersections are not designed to be pedestrian-friendly. Moreover, Schmitt argued that there aren’t enough intersections (13 are planned). Although Opportunity Corridor proponents refuted Schmitt’s notion that the roadway represents dated thinking, some agree that more planning is needed to get it right. “Angie is right that we’ve got to plan this thing at the intersection level,” Ronayne commented, lamenting a short timeline and lack of funding for alternative plans. Architect Jennifer Coleman commented that the City of Cleveland needs to develop a form-based zoning plan for the area in order to foster the kind of development that will lead to community revitalization. “We can do better,” she said in response to drawings showing single-story, office-park development on the vacant land around the roadway. Moderator Steve Litt called on panelists to lead a community-based planning process and present an alternative plan to the Ohio Department of Transportation, which has awarded $331 million to the corridor. The project is expected to start in fall of 2014.

Source: Angie Schmitt, Chris Ronayne, Vicki Eaton-Johnson, Steve Litt Writer: Lee Chilcote

developer breaks ground on custom home project in the flats LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 03, 2013

A veteran urban developer has broken ground on a three-unit, single-family development on Columbus Road in the Flats. Phase I of the project is sold out, and the owner is planning three additional high-end, custom-built homes on an adjacent parcel. David Sharkey of Progressive Urban Real Estate, who is both the sales agent and a developer of the Columbus Hill project, says the development is unlike anything else currently on the market. The homes mesh with the topography of the Columbus Road hillside to offer outstanding views of downtown, the Cuyahoga River and the Flats. "It's a very unique spot down there," says Sharkey. "It's in the middle of nowhere and the middle of everything at the same time. The amount of development will be limited because there isn't much land, but you can walk to West 25th Street." The homes, just up the hill from Hoopples bar and the Columbus Road bridge, feature living rooms with 12-foot ceilings, 3 or 4 bedrooms, attached garages and massive roof decks. They are selling in the upper $300,000s. Tremont-based developer Civic Builders is spearheading Columbus Hill. Asked if Cleveland's high-end new construction market is on the rise, Sharkey says, "Absolutely. The biggest thing holding it back right now is appraisals. We had a hard time getting the first unit appraised... I hear that other developers are holding back because of that. Right now, the market's topping out at 400." The buyers primarily are empty-nesters from out of town who wish to customize their finishes and are willing to wait 9 to 12 months for the new homes to be built. Source: David Sharkey Writer: Lee Chilcote

city of euclid celebrates opening of park, pier along revitalized waterfront LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 03, 2013

The City of Euclid recently completed Phase I of its ambitious Waterfront Improvements Plan, creating an expanded fishing pier, a new multi-purpose trail and an accessible switchback ramp to the lakefront. Euclid Mayor Bill Cervenik says the $1.7 million project is part of a larger, $30 million push to expand Euclid's waterfront with a new, three-quarter mile beachfront and marina that he hopes will become a regional draw. "We want to re-establish the historic beaches along the shoreline and make sure they're accessible, as Cleveland and the Metroparks are trying to do," he says. Phase I of the waterfront plan was funded by $1.4 million from the City of Euclid and $355,000 from the State of Ohio. The city will seek additional aid to support future phases of the plan. "We'll be stopped dead in our tracks if we don't have assistance from the federal, state and county governments," Cervenik says. Euclid now owns the majority of the three-quarter mile stretch of lakefront thanks to a donation from the K&D Group, a large apartment developer that owns lakefront property. Over the long-term, Cervenik envisions a paved multi-purpose path along the entire stretch of cobble beach, which would include restored natural habitat. He also envisions sailing and kayak lessons and boating at the new marina once built. For now, Euclid residents and visitors can enjoy the revitalized Sims Park, which Cervenik says complements nearly $14 million of recent development downtown.

Source: Bill Cervenik Writer: Lee Chilcote

hildebrandt artist collective to open studios, art gallery in historic warehouse LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2013

The Hildebrandt Artist Collective is set to open studio and gallery space in the historic Hildebrandt building, a gigantic warehouse located on Walton Avenue on Cleveland's near west side, sometime next month. The group joins existing tenants Rust Belt Welding, Soulcraft Woodshop and Wake Robin Fermented Foods in the sprawling complex, which was built a century ago as a meat packing company but has evolved into a hub for local food and art. Fiber artist Katie Simmons says that she launched the space with about 10 other artists to provide affordable, collaborative workspace for young, emerging artists. "A lot of these artists have just graduated from college, and they don't have a lot of extra funds, yet being an artist is difficult if you don't have space," she says. "By having a shared space, everybody brings something to the table and we can collaborate with one another, and yet we each have our own space, too." The group also plans to open a gallery called The Lunchroom, and the entire building will be open for a First Friday art walk beginning in December. The collective consists of Katie Simmons (fiber artist), Diane Zizka (painter), Stephanie Streeter (painter), Loren Shumaker-Chupp (graphic designer), Andrea Howell (fashion designer), Lauren Vandevier (painter), Ryan Ramer (classical composer and mobiles), Lauren Ballasch (jewelry designer), Julian Severyn (painter) and Avery Bailey (comic book artist. "The building is always evolving," says Simmons, who also works at Great Lakes Brewing Company. "There are more artists moving in here."

Source: Katie Simmons Writer: Lee Chilcote

noaca director touts bikes, multimodal transportation in annual address LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2013

Speaking last week at the annual meeting of the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA), the regional transportation planning agency for Northeast Ohio, Executive Director Grace Gallucci promised a more strategic distribution of money for projects and greater emphasis on multi-modal transportation options. "We want more choices; that's what freedom -- being an American -- is about," she said. "NOACA is not trying to vilify the automobile; we're trying to attract the best and the brightest. Bicycling is increasingly popular, and more communities are integrating bike plans. Americans are driving less for the first time in a generation, and that trend is clearly led by the Millenial generation." NOACA also has launched a far-reaching plan to assemble information on the condition of every highway, road and street in five counties, and use this information to make objective decisions about transportation spending. "Making decisions in an objective, data-driven way is more important now than ever. If there ever was a time to make decisions make economic sense, the time is now." Gallucci touted NOACA's new Regional Bicycle Transportation Plan, a $15 million investment in the City of Cleveland's W. 73rd Street Extension Project and the Clifton Boulevard streetscape project among NOACA's recent, big ticket investments. Peter Rogoff, Federal Transit Administrator, gave the keynote address. He argued that transit-oriented development projects can spark urban revitalization if done right, citing Cleveland's bus-rapid transit along the Euclid Corridor as one example of success. Cleveland is a "national model for doing" with the Euclid Corridor project, Rogoff stated, because the project cost a lot less than light rail but resulted in big ridership gains and major economic development along the corridor. Other cities are studying how Cleveland did it and replicating our success, he added.

Source: Grace Gallucci, Peter Rogoff Writer: Lee Chilcote

piccadilly artisan yogurt to open design-focused shop in ohio city, clifton up next LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2013

The entrepreneurs behind Piccadilly Artisan Yogurt, who opened their first location in the old Grog Shop space on Coventry Road less than a year ago, will open their second location in Ohio City this fall. Adrian and Cosmin Bota, Romanian-born brothers who grew up in Parma, have also signed a letter of intent on a retail space at West 117th and Clifton. The Ohio City location is a slender, 1,100-square-foot storefront that's sandwiched between Crop and Bonbon Cafe in the 2500 block of Lorain Avenue. Adrian Bota says the location, which will offer the same organic, locally-sourced frozen yogurt that's available in the Coventry store, is perfect for the urban-oriented company. "Our whole focus was not to be in the suburbs, and to focus on urban areas we’re both interested in and want to promote," says Bota. "We were looking for areas in Cleveland that had same vibe [as Coventry Village] and that we could be a part of. Ohio City was our top choice for expansion. It's a great place because people are moving back and they're really interested in reviving that neighborhood." Bota says the new store will feature unique, creative design with an urban flair. Ariel and Otelia Vergez of design firm Vergez Inc. helped design the interior, which will feature refinished plywood design accents, tables made from reclaimed wood, and a lounge area that might feature a porch swing (the Botas haven't made up their minds yet). Local architect John Williams developed the interior plans. Bota says the Coventry location has been successful enough that they were able to use some of their profits to launch additional stores. Construction is underway on a third location next to Melt in the Short North district of Columbus. He is talking with representatives of Downtown Cleveland Alliance about a downtown shop. The Bota brothers, who worked at the West Side Market as teenagers, intend to source as many ingredients as possible from the market and other local vendors.

Source: Adrian Bota Writer: Lee Chilcote

cleveland cyclewerks to open first exclusive dealership in gordon square warehouse LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2013

Cleveland Cyclewerks (CCW), a startup that manufactures and sells its own motorcycles, is set to open the first Cyclewerks-exclusive dealership at its warehouse in the Gordon Square Arts District. The owners will host a party on Saturday, October 5th with food trucks, kegs of free beer and tours of the shop, which sells accessories and also repairs bikes. "A year ago, this place was a mess," says general manager Jon Dale. "We cleaned it out, pressure washed everything and built a new plywood floor. We wanted to keep the old building feel, though, with the brick walls and the concrete floors." The shop at Herman and W. 65th Street will be open Monday through Friday from 9 to 5, and will soon be open on Saturdays, as well. The repair shop specializes in vintage British and Japanese bikes, and the staff can custom-build CCW bikes based on a customer's preferences. All of the company's models, including the soon-to-be-released ACE, will be on display in the store. Owners Scott Colosimo and Jered Streng created CCW after getting laid off from their industrial design jobs in 2009. The lightweight bikes have 250cc engines, are inexpensive to maintain, and get 100 miles to the gallon. They've been described as having a "retro-futuristic" look and are priced at only $3,295. Dale says that Colosimo and local architect Robert Maschke purchased the vacant, 70,000-square-foot warehouse, which was last home to a rubber stamping plant but built as a meat packing plant, for a small sum. They are slowly refurbishing portions of it and leasing it out to small companies or using it for CCW's operations. CCW has grown tremendously over the past few years, and now sells bikes at 40 dealerships in the U.S. and 15 countries throughout the world. Dale, a Cleveland native, says that the company has allowed him to stay in the city and do what he loves. "Not only is my passion my job, but I get to help revive the city," he says.

Source: Jon Dale Writer: Lee Chilcote

downtown cleveland alliance hosts first all-ohio BID conference LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

As millenials, empty nesters and other demographic groups flock to downtowns across Ohio, business improvement districts -- or BIDs -- are playing an important role in ensuring that these areas are clean and safe and that residents, office workers and property owners have the amenities they need to thrive. A business improvement district is a defined area within which property owners pay an additional tax to fund projects and services that enhance the area. Downtown Cleveland has a BID, and the organization provides basic "clean and safe" services, organizes events and markets downtown to prospective residents, visitors and businesses. This week, Downtown Cleveland Alliance, which manages the downtown BID, organized the first all-Ohio BID conference, bringing together BID leaders from across the state to network and learn about issues they share in common. "It came from the idea that there's not a unifying organization or conference for BIDs," says Anna Beyerle with DCA. "We can learn a lot from other BIDs across Ohio. The idea was to get in the same room and throw out ideas and best practices." Topics included food truck legislation, downtown transportation, farmers markets, placemaking, and office and retail recruitment strategies. Participants also enjoyed several tours of downtown Cleveland and the surrounding area and had a chance to learn from Cleveland's redevelopment. Beyerle says the conference will help BIDs, such as the one in downtown Cleveland, to become more effective. "We're up for renewal in a couple years, and we're looking at how we can improve."

Source: Anna Beyerle Writer: Lee Chilcote

renovated shoreway building will offer 45 loft apartments with stunning lake, city views LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

There are very few properties in Cleveland where a resident can don a pair sandals and stroll straight to the beach from one's front door. But when it comes online next summer, the Shoreway Building will join that small and privileged group. The building at 1260 W. 76th Street, once home to the Globe Machine and Stamping Company, has been used for years as a storage facility by the Catan family (of Pat Catan's Craft Centers). With the reopening of the pedestrian tunnel at W. 76th Street -- a few feet from the building -- the Catans recognized that it was time to reenergize the building as a hub for city living. Using a combination of state and federal historic tax credits and other financing sources, the Catans are renovating the empty building into 45 market-rate loft apartments with indoor and outdoor parking, huge windows and a common roof deck boasting matchless lake and downtown views. The building also will feature an indoor fitness center and a small street-level retail space that could become home to a future cafe. "These are true loft-style units," says Michael Augoustidis, an architect with Domokur Architects who helped design the project. "They have exposed brick walls, really big industrial-style windows, exposed concrete ceilings and concrete floors." Augoustidis says the level of quality will set the building apart. All units will have gourmet kitchens featuring Corian countertops, hardwood cabinets, and boast an "urban feel." There isn't a bad view in the building. The structure's orientation allows for stunning treetop views looking out over Edgewater Park and Lake Erie, or dramatic urban views looking out over the lake, Battery Park and downtown. Your choice. Units will be between 900 and 1,400 square feet and will lease for $1,000-1,900 per month. Augoustidis says that units will be ready starting in May or June of next year, and that some of the old wood plank floors will be upcycled into common area design elements.

Source: Michael Augoustidis Writer: Lee Chilcote

5th street arcades adds several new retailers, nears 100 percent occupancy LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2013

The historic Colonial and Euclid Arcades in downtown Cleveland suffered from 40 percent vacancy last year, yet this year they added a slew of new shops and have gone from half-empty to nearly completely full. Renamed the 5th Street Arcades, the oncemoribund properties have been turned around by Dick Pace of Cumberland Development, who has breathed new life into the spaces by luring entrepreneurial tenants with fresh concepts and excitement about downtown. "Step by step, we're getting there," says Pace, who has focused on locally themed retail that serves downtown residents and office workers. "Each month, there's something new going on. Our tenants cross-market and help each other." Last year, a retail grant competition netted Soulcraft Furniture Gallery, which opened earlier this year, and Pour Cleveland, which will open by November 1st. Several of the businesses in the 5th Street Arcades will soon add outdoor seating, including Pour, Sushi 86 and a yet unnamed food tenant that Pace is working with. Additional businesses that will open this fall include Herron Starr Apparel (a shoe store), The Tea Lab (a tea shop run by Bob Holcepl of City Roast), The Olive and the Grape, and a take-out vendor called C'mon Let's Eat (CLE). Finally, Sushi 86 is expanding to create space for banquets and cooking classes, and Alphonso's, a men's and women's accessories shop, will open later this year. "Tenants are drawn here because this is becoming known as a retail area, an area for shopping," Pace says. "That says a lot about downtown and what's happening."

Source: Dick Pace Writer: Lee Chilcote

lutheran metropolitan ministry celebrates grand opening of new hq, central kitchen, metal shop LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2013

Next week, Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry (LMM) celebrates the grand opening of its new headquarters in a former textile manufacturing shop at E. 45th Street and Superior Avenue. The redeveloped office not only makes LMM more efficient, sustainable and accessible, it also contains a 2,400-square-foot central kitchen and 6,000-square-foot metal shop that allows the group to advance its social enterprise branch. Michael Sering, Vice President at LMM, says that the organization is able to churn out hundreds of bike racks a year using the new metal shop. Recently, LMM inked a contract with the Cleveland Clinic to build and install an additional 136 racks. LMM employs individuals from 2100 Lakeside, a men's shelter, to make the racks. The new, spacious central kitchen will allow LMM to continue its work to employ individuals reentering society after time in prison. LMM already prepares about 1,500 meals per day for area homeless shelters and other social service facilities. LMM is preparing to break ground on a new community garden adjacent to 2100 Lakeside. Sering hopes to build a custom fence for the garden in the metal shop. LMM's new administrative headquarters are named after Richard Sering, Michael Sering's father and LMM's former director. Richard Sering died of cancer 10 years ago.

Source: Michael Sering Writer: Lee Chilcote

high-end linen shop joins 20 new businesses in and around downtown lakewood LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2013

Cotton, a high-end linen store recently launched by Plantation Home owner David Stein, joins an impressive list of new businesses opening in Lakewood. The store sells mid- to high-end sheets, duvets, tablecloths and linens. It also offers tableware and "one-of-a-kind" ladies handbags, according to Stein. Cotton opened in the ornate stone building where Kucinich once maintained a district office. The rehabbed storefront at 14400 Detroit Avenue boasts new landscaping and signage. The interior features a dramatic, high-ceilinged layout. The new business appears to be in good company. According to Dru Siley, Director of Planning for the City of Lakewood, at least 20 new businesses have opened or are breaking ground this year in and around the downtown Lakewood core. New downtown businesses include Humble Wine Bar, World of Beer, Avalon Exchange, Pizza Bogo, Falafel Express, Get Go, and Bob Evans (which is breaking ground this year and will open in 2014). Additionally, Paisley Monkey recently doubled in size and Eddie n' Eddie rebranded as Cerino's Casual Italian. Outside of the downtown district, new businesses include El Carnicero, Barrio, Discount Drug Mart, Vosh, That's Nutz, G.V. Art and Design, Stem Handmade Soap, Cleveland Pickle (opening in November), Crossfit Birdtown and Sushi Raxu.

Source: Dru Siley, David Stein Writer: Lee Chilcote

new collinwood bakeshop fears' confections promises 'sweets to die for' LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, AUGUST 08, 2013

You can add one more to the list of artisan businesses choosing North Collinwood as the place to launch and grow. Fears' Confections, a sweet shop specializing in scratch-made brownies and candies, has opened in the former Arabica space at 818 E. 185th Street. The business, launched by Cassandra and Jeremy Fear, uses "sweets to die for" as its tagline. The bakery and confectionery offers "thick, fudgy, decadent creations made from scratch using only the freshest ingredients," its Facebook page says. The Fears launched their business in January 2009 when Cassandra was laid off from her engineering job. What started as a part-time obsession has blossomed into a real business, even though she has since found gainful employment again. This is Fears' Confections first brick-and-mortar location (they also do catering). Brownies became their specialty when they discovered that there was less competition in this space than in the ever-trendy cupcake and cookie category. The range of flavors includes dark chocolate orange, raspberry, peanut butter and jelly, lavender and pumpkin blondies. The candies take an hour to cook and are all hand-cut and hand-dipped. Fears' Confections opens at 6:30 a.m. and serves Troubador Coffee out of Fairview Park. The space is shared by Simply Sweet Cupcakes, also based in Fairview Park.

Source: Fears Confections Writer: Lee Chilcote

welcome weekend draws a dozen artists ready to sign leases, move here LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, AUGUST 08, 2013

Welcome to Cleveland, an artists' visitation weekend hosted by Northeast Shores CDC and the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture, drew about a dozen artists to Cleveland, many of whom have signed leases and are expected to move here. "The weekend exceeded our expectations by far," says Brian Friedman, Executive Director of Northeast Shores. "We didn't know they'd be so ready to go." The artists were impressed not only by Cleveland's affordability but also by the accessibility of the rich arts scene here, Friedman says. "For them it was really the connectedness -- there's a much stronger ability for artists to network and connect here than in many of the communities where they're from." The artists came from Brooklyn, Boston and Atlanta, among other locations. They were responsible for getting to Cleveland, but the nonprofit partners put them up in a hotel and covered most of their costs once they got here. The group spent the weekend on a whirlwind tour of North Collinwood, Slavic Village, St. Clair Superior, Ohio City, Tremont and Detroit Shoreway. Activities included a visit to the Cleveland Museum of Art and brunch at the Beachland Ballroom. Northeast Shores and CPAC marketed to 12,000 artists nationally for the Artist-inResidence program. Friedman says that since launching the effort a few years ago, he's seen 83 artists move to Cleveland, open a business, or do a project here. Some of the artists who responded to the visitation weekend weren't sure if it was real. "They weren't sure if we would try to sell them a timeshare," says Friedman. "We told them, 'Really, just come. We want you to come be creative in Cleveland.'" Once the artists move here, the nonprofit partners will help connect them to arts organizations and community efforts in their new neighborhoods. "We'll make sure that they get connected to the fabric of what's going on," says Friedman. "We anticipate that's the beginning of developing deeper roots in Cleveland."

Source: Brian Friedman Writer: Lee Chilcote

collinwood couple launches new gallery for emerging artists on waterloo LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, AUGUST 01, 2013

John Farina and Adam Tully have been collecting art for years, and like many collectors, they've always wanted to open a gallery to showcase work of artists they love. That idea will become a reality next month as The Maria Neil Art Project opens up on Waterloo. "There are a lot of artists in Cleveland who are either unrepresented or underrepresented," says Farina, who also recently bought a home in North Collinwood with Tully. "This work should be known. Having a space with low overhead, we can show off emerging artists that haven't been shown off before." The cozy gallery at 15813 Waterloo will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday starting September 6th. The first exhibition will feature artist Michaelangelo Lovelace, known for his gritty, whimsical portraits of street life in the city. Frameworks in Bedford, a framing shop, will offer framing in the space. Farina says that the Waterloo Arts District is definitely becoming known as a good community for artists, with multiple galleries now located on the street, artists buying houses in the neighborhood and arts groups setting up shop here.

Source: John Farina Writer: Lee Chilcote

campbell's sweets set to open new store in lakewood, plotting more expansion LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, AUGUST 01, 2013

Campbell's Sweets, a homegrown business that has three stands at the West Side Market and a store on W. 25th Street, is set to explode across Cleveland, with an additional shop in Lakewood, a production facility in Slavic Village and an east side store in the works. "It's been two years this August since we opened the W. 25th Street store, and it's gone really well," says owner Jeff Campbell. "We predicted that we'd steal business from our market stands, but that hasn't happened. Last year, we grew 40 percent from 2011 to 2012. This year, we're headed to do that again." In Lakewood, Campbell's will soon occupy a corner storefront at Detroit and Warren Roads. The 2,000-square-foot store will feature a tin ceiling, clay brick display wall, open production area and upcycled doors. The exterior will feature eye-catching new awnings with pictures of popcorn and cupcakes. Big storefront windows will allow passersby to see into the facility. Campbell intends to open the store this fall. Although he's put a possible University Circle location on hold until he proves out the Lakewood store, he's actively looking for a production facility on Fleet Avenue in Slavic Village. "We're outgrowing our W. 25th space and it's challenging to keep up," he says. "We can still double our production, but we're headed to five to six times our production in the next 12 to 18 months. Fleet Avenue has us very intrigued because of the redevelopment happening there in 2014 [with the streetscape]." Campbell's also now sells its popcorn in seven Giant Eagle stores, where it's visibly displayed in the fruit and produce area. Yet the Market District of Ohio City always will remain home. "Ohio City is the nucleus and we grow out," he says. "We're not going to go way out [into the suburbs] until we've saturated our market here."

Source: Jeff Campbell Writer: Lee Chilcote

slavic village recovery aims to remake section of city with no public subsidy LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

Slavic Village Recovery, an ambitious effort to provide an extreme neighborhood makeover to a 530-acre chunk of the east side, has begun the process of purchasing 40 homes that will be rehabbed. Two of these properties already have been put on the market with new mechanicals and other finishes for a mere $60,000, says Marie Kittredge, Executive Director of Slavic Village Development, a partner in the project along with Forest City Enterprises and Safeguard Properties. "The model is: If my kids are 20-somethings buying their first house, what would that first house look like and what would be attractive to them?" explains Kittredge. "We have to build demand by telling the story. We believe our demographic is people who are already familiar with the neighborhood and ready to buy." Slavic Village Recovery's innovative model focuses on renovating a majority of the vacant homes on a multi-block area around Mound Avenue and E. 54th Street, where 20- to 30-percent vacancy rates prevail. The homes are acquired from lenders and rehabbed using a model that includes all major items but does not include reconfiguring floor plans, adding bedrooms or other expensive options. Kittredge says that the rehab costs will likely range from $40,000 to $50,000, allowing the partners to earn a small profit they can reinvest in the initiative. "The key innovation is that there's no public subsidy," she says. "It's not possible to get the subsidy you'd need for a 25 to 50 home model. If you did just one [house], people would say that's scary. If you say, 'Hey, we're doing 20 to 25 and we have Forest City involved and major grants from Wells Fargo,' then that's different." Kittredge expects additional homes to hit the market this fall. Last week, a group of volunteers from Forest City cleaned up 60 properties in the area. Some homes are being secured using SecureView, a new product that looks like glass but is far more durable, allowing houses to be secured without using ugly plywood boards.

Source: Marie Kittredge Writer: Lee Chilcote

hemingway development and geis companies open third building of midtown tech park campus LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

Hemingway Development and Geis Companies have completed the third building of the MidTown Tech Park campus at 6555 Carnegie Avenue. The $9 million project brings the campus to a total of 242,000 square feet of new office space. "When we arrived in MidTown, we wanted to develop one building a year, and we have exceeded that with the opening of this building,” said Fred Geis, a Hemingway principal, in a press release. "With the growth of the MidTown Tech Park campus, we have been able to create a real community where our tenants can interact and grow their businesses." Radio One, a national urban media company with four radio stations in Northeast Ohio, is one of the first new tenants. Regional Vice President Jeffrey Wilson says the developer's experience and the area's redevelopment attracted the firm. "When I first looked at it, you might have thought I'd lost my mind, but we put our trust in Fred Geis," says Wilson of the building, which was raw prior to completion. "Now it's one of the most exciting spaces in all of Radio One." The company will occupy 12,000 square feet on the first floor, including four main broadcast studios, production studios, a mix studio and a talk studio. Geis worked with Radio One to construct a 180-foot tower alongside the building, which will make it easier to transmit audio to the company's transmitter locations. "To partake in the rebirth of the MidTown area really fulfills our creed," says Wilson. "We take a sense of pride in contributing to the rebirth of the area." Talis Clinical, a Cleveland Clinic spinoff, is also leasing office space in the building. Geis says that the building will support 150 jobs and generate $300,000 in annual payroll taxes. The City of Cleveland provided $4.5 million in low-interest loans.

Source: Jeffrey Wilson, Fred Geis Writer: Lee Chilcote

regional planning initiative says status quo is not sustainable, wants residents to imagine future LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JULY 25, 2013

The Northeast Ohio Sustainable Communities Consortium (NEOSCC) has mapped out what our region's future looks like if we stay on the same, urban-sprawllovin' course. Spoiler alert: It ain't good. The group's "Business as Usual" scenario attempts to answer the question, "What will happen over the next 27 years if Northeast Ohio just keeps doing what it has been doing?" using sophisticated mapping. NEOSCC's predictions include 2.4 percent growth in population and 6.2 percent growth in employment across 12 counties. Yet given our current land use patterns, about 92,500 acres will be used for new development and 77,100 acres will be abandoned. That means Northeast Ohio is "on pace to abandon 10.5 percent of its housing units by 2040" or "18 units abandoned per day," according to the NEOSCC. Although NEOSCC will not reveal its recommendations at this point, staff will present four scenarios to the public at open houses in the coming weeks. These scenarios include "business as usual" (sprawl with limited growth), "doing things differently" (more sustainable development with limited growth), "grow the same" (sprawl with growth at a higher level than is occurring now) and "grow differently" (more sustainable development with greater growth). After receiving input from residents, NEOSCC will recommend a scenario to the four metropolitan planning organizations that help divvy up transportation dollars for the region and create long-term land use plans. Jeff Anderle of NEOSCC says that the group must create a "shared vision" to be successful with its efforts. "We're not a governing organization; we don't have implementation power," he says. "It's been tricky, but we've gotten great participation from elected officials throughout the region. There's a lot of 'Let's see how and where this comes out.'" To participate in the process, Northeast Ohio residents can attend one of the upcoming open houses or check out the Imagine My NEO tool on the website.

Source: Jeff Anderle Writer: Lee Chilcote

high-profile merger will help community development efforts across city, leaders say LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

Three prominent community development groups in Cleveland have merged, and staffers say the resulting alliance will help strengthen community revitalization efforts across the city, foster more unified advocacy, and allow for greater efficiency in citywide efforts. Neighborhood Progress Inc. (NPI), a community development intermediary that provides grants and technical assistance to community development corporations (CDCs), has merged with Cleveland Neighborhood Development Coalition (CNDC) and LiveCleveland. CNDC is a trade association of CDCs; LiveCleveland helps to market city neighborhoods. That might sound like a mouthful of acronyms to the average city resident, but Joel Ratner, President of NPI, says the collaboration really is about improving Cleveland's neighborhoods. "We'll have a greater ability to coordinate the marketing of neighborhoods along with advocacy, capacity building and all the other things we've traditionally done," he says. "This is really about uniting the strands of community development across the city in a way that's integrated and strategic rather than separate." For example, says Ratner, CDCs will be able to have a stronger voice in education reform and other efforts that affect the entire city, residents will see an increased marketing presence, and CDC employees will benefit from shared services like healthcare. It adds up to more effective efforts to improve all of Cleveland. "Our mission is to foster communities of choice and opportunity throughout Cleveland," says Ratner, who acknowledges that NPI will still only have resources to provide core operating support to a subset of city neighborhoods. "There are lots of ways we can play a role in lifting up all CDCs and neighborhoods." CNDC Director Colleen Gilson says that while the merger idea was far from popular among CDCs at first -- they feared losing their independence -- individual leaders saw the value in fostering a citywide community development network that provides more effective services to all neighborhoods, not just a select few. The merger will be publicly rolled out in September, with NPI moving into its new offices in the Saint Luke's project at Shaker Boulevard and E. 116th by January.

Source: Joel Ratner Writer: Lee Chilcote

the cleveland shop takes over former duohome space in gordon square LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2013

The Cleveland Shop, a 34-year old vintage clothing and costume rental store, has relocated from Detroit and W. 117th to the Gordon Square Arts District, adding to a growing fashion presence in this burgeoning near west side neighborhood. The shop, which opened July 11th, took over the former duoHOME space at 6511 Detroit Avenue. It is open Tuesday through Thursday from 12-6 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 12-9 p.m. and closed Sunday and Monday. It joins Turnstyle Clothing and Yellowcake in a mini fashion hub in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood. "I think the space chose me," says store owner Jane Joseph, who had been looking since last year for a retail location with more foot traffic and greater synergy with other businesses. "We kind of have two personalities within one store, and this space is large enough that it allows us to have room for both sections." "The Cleveland Shop's funky, eclectic brand of retail nicely complements the existing commercial businesses in Gordon Square," says Councilman Matt Zone. "Jane kind of rounds out the diverse blend of high quality fashion in [the area]." The Cleveland Shop sells vintage merchandise "from as early as the roaring 1920s era through the funky fashions of the 1970s," proclaims its website. It also rents period costumes and carries vintage reproduction items like platform shoes. So if you're looking for that perfect set of go-go boots or a sharkskin suit to add to your vintage collection, look no further. The Cleveland Shop has got you covered - fashionably.

Source: The Cleveland Shop Writer: Lee Chilcote

welcome to willeyville: fine dining reinvented in heart of the flats LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

The Willeyville is named after John Willey, the first mayor of Cleveland, who reputedly demolished a portion of the first bridge to Ohio City to keep a steady stream of business pouring into the Flats. In those bygone days, the area actually was nicknamed "Willeyville" because of the mayor's practice of protecting it. The new restaurant, which opened at W. 10th and Front streets in the Flats, is a bridge to the city's past and future. With elegant, creative fare served in a lovely setting, Willeyville reminds one why he or she came to the Flats in the first place. It aims to raise the bar on the city's food scene without breaking bank accounts along the way. "The concept has always been old-school cocktails and everything from scratch," says Christopher DiLisi, a restaurant veteran who has worked at the Baricelli Inn and Flour and waited two years to open Willeyville with his wife, Kristi. "I don't want to be a special occasion place; I want to be a place you go all the time. It's just more fun. Fine dining's not dead -- this is fine dining. It's just changed." Willeyville, which seats 86 inside and 32 on its corner patio, is a beautiful space with concrete floors, large windows and a lofty ceiling. Homey touches like wood tables crafted from reclaimed lumber by A Piece of Cleveland and comfy benches upholstered in faux leather add warmth. The walls are painted an attractive shade of orange and the open kitchen thrusts into the dining room like a theatrical stage. A few menu standouts include the "duck mic muffin" (duck sausage and an overeasy egg in a homemade muffin); the adobo shrimp in house-made tortillas (made of whole grain corn soaked in lime); and the Ohio-raised, grass-fed hangar steak. DiLisi already has been doing 110 covers per lunch, he reports -- and that's despite the challenging parking situation. Options currently include a dozen free spaces, a paid lot or the Aloft Hotel garage. DiLisi hopes to work out more options down the road. He is confident about Flats East, which will celebrate the opening of Lago restaurant next week. "This will always be a restaurant-bar, not just a bar that serves food. The Flats used to be party central, but now the developers are focused on getting a great mix." As for the name, he's second-guessing it. "In retrospect, after paying for the sign, I wish it didn't have so many letters," DiLisi quips. "Maybe it should have been 'W.'"

Source: Christopher DiLisi Writer: Lee Chilcote

w. 76th street underpass opens next week, boasting striking new public art LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

For Gordon Square residents and Edgewater Park visitors, the long wait finally is over. The bike-ped underpass at W. 76th Street that connects the west side to Edgewater reopens next week -albeit a few years late and millions over budget. Public officials plan to celebrate on Tuesday, July 2nd at 5 pm with a ribbon cutting at Battery Park Wine Bar. Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) spokesperson Amanda Lee says the delays were caused by environmental issues that required a new retaining wall design. High water content in the soil forced them back to the drawing board. Essentially two connected tunnels, it goes under tracks and the Shoreway. Not only is the underpass cleaner, better illuminated and more accessible, it also boasts a striking new work of public art, "Cold Front," designed by Cleveland artist Mark Reigelman. The piece plays off the natural history of the area, whose bluffs were carved out by glaciers -- known as pathmakers -- eons ago. "This is what you see when you come out of the tunnel: Cleveland's best natural feature, Lake Erie, as well as the history of the lake and how it's been formed," says Riegelman, whose artwork at the entrance was built out of cast concrete by Great Lakes Construction. The work, which consists of hexagonal shapes in shades of blue designed to mimic the water molecules in glaciers, was built so that it will be visible to all who pass. "From the neighborhood you see the crest of the glacier; trains can see a luminescent blue quality; and people can see it from their boats on the water." LAND Studio coordinated the selection process for the public artwork, which was completed with funds from the State of Ohio, City and Cuyahoga Arts and Culture. The underpass will better connect residents to Edgewater Park at a time when the Metroparks has just assumed management. Users report that the Metroparks already has made improvements, with staff picking up litter and combing the beach and long-awaited recycling bins set to be installed next week.

Source: Mark Reigelman Writer: Lee Chilcote

nighttown opens two new patios in time for summer event season LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JUNE 27, 2013

The jazz institution Nighttown has opened two new patios -- one for people and the other for people accompanied by their fourlegged friends -- at its home on Cedar Road in Cleveland Heights. They're not what you might expect: Unlike the traditional look of the restaurant's interior, the patios are very contemporary. "The whole back of the building is basically a patio complex," says owner Brendan Ring. "We created two side-by-side patios, one enclosed with stone from Missouri, and kind of wrapped the whole back of the building in a modern metal material. They will remind you of being in SoHo or maybe some cool place in Tremont." The enclosed, 1,400-square-foot patio for people has a heated, stamped concrete floor that's built to resemble wood planks, bioethanol fireplaces and a small bar. Sliding glass panels will ensure that it can be used year-round. The 900-squarefoot dog-friendly patio is where the singles like to hang out, Ring says. "Especially in Cleveland Heights, everyone has a dog. Young people have a martini or smoke there. 'I've got a dog, you got a dog, we've got something to talk about.'" The impetus for the patios came last year when Ring looked at the books and realized that his existing outdoor space was booked every Friday and Saturday night for months on end. "I kind of went, 'Holy shit, we have no place to seat regular people on weekends.' We got an architect, designed it and got it up." Ring says he also built the patios to stand out and compete within Cleveland's increasingly vibrant foodie scene -- and of course, having a killer patio helps. "Audiences have gotten bigger in this town, but there are more stages, too."

Source: Brendan Ring Writer: Lee Chilcote

first-ever cleveland waldorf school set to open in cleveland heights LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

A determined group of Heights parents who have long sought a creative educational experience for their kids are opening Cleveland's first-ever Waldorf school. It is expected to open this fall in the former Coventry Elementary School in Cleveland Heights. "This is a great thing for Cleveland Heights," says Amy Marquit-Renwald, a Shaker Heights resident who grew up in Cleveland Heights and helped to create the new Urban Oak School. "We're going to see families move here for the Waldorf school, and families stay because of this." Urban Oak will initially offer preschool, kindergarten and a combined first and second grade class. After the first year, the school will offer additional grades. "We had people lining up to support the school," says Marquit-Renwald of the process to seek approval from the city and the Cleveland Heights-University Heights school board. "People are dying to have Coventry be a school again." The school will be private because Ohio's charter laws were deemed too difficult to navigate for an alternative, Waldorf-style school. It will seek accreditation as a Waldorf school, a rigorous process, over the course of its first seven years. "The model is really about helping kids develop all aspects of themselves," says Marquit-Renwald of the 100-year-old Waldorf model, a contemporary of Montessori education. "It offers more free time to develop creativity, deeper foundational work -- including delayed introduction of purely academic work -- in the early years to better prepare for critical thinking and complex thought in later years, and use of personal interaction as the main vehicle for learning and fostering empathy, as opposed to interacting with technology." Urban Oak School is hosting information sessions in the coming weeks for interested parents.

Source: Amy Marquit-Renwald Writer: Lee Chilcote

edgehill repaved with bike lanes, sharrows to aid east side commuters LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2013

The gradually expanding network of bikefriendly streets in Cleveland and the surrounding suburbs just got a little wider with the addition of a bike lane and sharrows on Edgehill Road from Overlook Road down to Little Italy. The route, one of the most heavily-trafficked for east side bike commuters, was just freshly paved and restriped. "This is part of the Circle-Heights Bicycle Plan," says Chris Bongorno, Director of Planning with University Circle Inc., which helped to shepherd the project through in collaboration with the City of Cleveland and the City of Cleveland Heights. "We did a study that showed that 25 percent of the University Circle workforce lives within a five mile bike commute. The idea is that there would be more people choosing to bike if we give them facilities that they're comfortable using." The Circle-Heights Bicycle Plan was funded by the Northeast Ohio Coordinating Agency (NOACA), the regional body that is responsible for divvying up federal transportation funds and helping to establish regional planning priorities. The Edgehill Road project is actually the first aspect of the plan to be completed. The project was carefully engineered to maximize safety and functionality for cars and bikes. In addition to the five-foot-wide bike lane, there is a four-foot "bike buffer" that adds greater separation between motorists and cyclists. The downhill lane on Edgehill has sharrows, signaling to drivers that bicyclists "share" the road. The reasoning is that bikes travel nearly as fast as cars down the hill (25 mph speed limit). The plan preserves on-street parking on one side of the street. Other bike infrastructure amenities in the area that will be completed in the next few years include an off-street trail along Cedar Glen Parkway from Cleveland Heights to University Circle. Cleveland is building its portion of the trail this year, and Cleveland Heights expects to complete its portion by 2014 or early 2015. Coupled with the Lake-to-Lakes Trail and Euclid Avenue bike lanes, the infrastructure is slowly being added to connect the Heights to University Circle and beyond via bicycle. That's one reason why Cleveland was recently awarded a Bronze-level certification as a bike-friendly community from the American League of Bicyclists.

Source: Chris Bongorno, Richard Wong Writer: Lee Chilcote

toledo-based pub 'bar 145' on track to open ohio city spot by early 2014 LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

Bar 145, a popular gastropub with locations in Toledo, Kent and soon Columbus, will open its fourth location in the former Grind space on W. 25th Street south of Lorain in Ohio City. The tagline "burgers, bands and bourbon" sums up the pub's concept. Owner Jeremy Fitzgerald has signed a letter of intent with owner MRN Ltd. and intends to execute a lease and start construction this summer. Bar 145, specializing in chef-driven, foodie fare accented by regular live music, could open sometime early next year. "Ohio City is so into the food end, but there's not much on the entertainment end," says Fitzgerald. "We make everything from scratch and knew the food concept was perfect. We knew that this would add another dimension to Ohio City." The 4,100-square-foot venue will feature a full stage with lighting and a professional sound system. The bands will be local as well as regional. Bar 145 also will have a 2,000-square-foot rooftop patio facing the downtown skyline and another 1,000-square-foot patio on the main level along the side of the building. Live bands will be featured Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, but Fitzgerald promises five days of entertainment that will include jazz nights and acoustic talent. Bar 145's menu promises to be in keeping with the neighborhood's local food ethos. "We don't even have a freezer in the restaurant," Fitzgerald says. "All our sauces are from scratch and the mac and cheese and truffle fries are all made to order."

Source: Jeremy Fitzgerald Writer: Lee Chilcote

guide to kulchur opens in gordon square to promote local, national zine scene LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

Rafeeq Washington and Lyz Bly opened Guide to Kulchur in the Gordon Square Arts District with a distinctly anachronistic mission: The store is an homage to print, from stapled zines to books. Somewhat improbably, the new store flourishes next to an independent record store and the three-screen independent Capitol Theater. But don't call it a throwback. The couple intends to not only sell hard-to-find books and older zines, but also to serve as a center for independent bookmaking culture. "We want to be a place for things that are happening right now," says Washington. "We'll collect zines and let young scholars know before they get into the archives." A zine is a self-published work of original or appropriated text and images. Usually reproduced by a photocopier and stapled together, they have a circulation under 1,000. Some zines even rose to national prominence in the 1990s. Although the Internet has changed zine culture, Washington says that it's still going strong. "We view the bookstore as a way to provide texts we don't always see," he says. "People are throwing out zines because of the Internet, but it's not true that no one reads them anymore. One of our main thrusts is to have them all together." In addition to everything from Foucalt to trashy mystery novels, Guide to Kulchur will offer a zine archive and co-op for makers. Beginning July 1st, anyone can schedule a time to use the desktop letterpress, copier or mimeograph. "They can make them here, get them printed, bring them back and put them in the archive," Washington says, who collects zines as far back as 1981. Washington and Bly saw the storefront while driving one day and knew it had to be theirs. "It was a no-brainer. We knew this was it -- right next to the theater."

Source: Rafeeq Washington Writer: Lee Chilcote

next city leaders ask if cle, other cities can diversify beyond the 'cupcake economy' LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2013

Young urbanist leaders who were in Cleveland this week for Next City's annual Vanguard conference were asked a provocative question about this city's future. With new development activity happening in neighborhoods across a city that still is devastatingly poor, how can we do a better job of ensuring that these projects will benefit our poorest residents? "I'm a little concerned that as we build projects, we're creating a city for yuppies and a city for everyone else," commented Ari Maron of MRN Ltd. in a presentation to 40 leaders from across the U.S. and Canada engaged in fields such as urban planning, entrepreneurship and sustainability. "How many cupcake and yogurt shops can a city sustain?" Heads nodded and attendees laughed as Maron admitted the challenge was as much to himself as others, since MRN owns three of the city's most prominent new developments, E. Fourth Street in downtown Cleveland, Uptown in University Circle and property along W. 25th in Ohio City. Several attendees noted that they were surprised by how few of the city's larger developments have translated into prosperity for surrounding neighborhoods. Sitting in the newly-built Museum of Contemporary Art at University Circle, leaders asked how that area's success could benefit its low-income neighbors. Maron cited the Greater University Circle Initiative and local hiring and procuring efforts by University Hospitals and others. MRN has committed to hiring local residents for its projects, and the company now employs 285 city residents. "When people from the neighborhood work here, they take ownership of the project because it's their neighborhood," he said, citing DoubleTree Hotel as one example of a University Circle project that employees many local residents. An attendee from Chicago noted that Cleveland appears to be behind in adding bike-friendly infrastructure. He cited the recent addition of separated bicycle lanes to Surmac Avenue in Chicago as a game-changing project for his city. "Cleveland needs to do one really good pilot project," said the attendee. Next City is a national nonprofit media organization that organizes the Vanguard conference to highlight best urban practices and develop young urban leaders. Updates from the conference are being posted on Next City's daily blog.

Source: Next City, Ari Maron Writer: Lee Chilcote Photo: Frank Lanza

200-plus apartments set to hit downtown market with reserve square renovation LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JUNE 06, 2013

The latest wave of downtown apartments is hitting the market this summer as the K&D Group, currently the largest developer of downtown housing, gradually converts the former Embassy Suites at Reserve Square into new market-rate apartments. K&D is releasing units floor by floor, with the first set having come online in May. The renovations include granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. There will eventually be 218 suites released; 120 of these will be corporate housing and 98 will be market-rate apartments. The corporate suites include furnishings, highspeed Internet, cable with HBO and light housekeeping with the rent. K&D is calling the new apartments Reserve Square West (Reserve Square has over 900 units). Lease rates for market-rate apartments range from $785 to $1,800 per month; corporate housing rates range from $1,350 to $2,350. "There are panoramic views from the building," says Cheri Ashcraft of K&D, who notes that one upper floor suite is called "The Laker" because of its lake views. "My phone is ringing off the hook; the first corporate housing units were preleased. People are coming into town for projects or they're being transferred here." Downtown apartment occupancy rates continue to hover around 96 percent. Ashcraft says the new Reserve Square West units appeal to a discerning buyer who wants the amenities of new construction in a rental product. "It's like moving into a brand new house," she says. "You are the first one to be in that suite."

Source: Cheri Ashcraft Writer: Lee Chilcote

hough entrepreneur set to break ground on first-ever biocellar LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JUNE 06, 2013

Mansfield Frazier, the entrepreneurial mastermind behind the improbable Chateau Hough vineyard at E. 66th and Hough, says he will break ground on the world's first biocellar this year. He's raised more than half of the $100,000 needed to complete the experimental, innovative project. "This is about growing crops in the wintertime," says Frazier. The biocellar, which has been described as a passive solar greenhouse, will consist of a glass structure built on top of the basement of a demolished home. "We plan to grow mushrooms because they're $12 a pound, an acre yield higher than anything else. This is about renewing neighborhoods, reusing buildings and creating wealth in the inner city." "The biocellar is based on two concepts," Frazier explains of the glass-topped structure developed by permaculture designer Jean Loria. "One is a root cellar, which has been around thousands of years, and the other is a greenhouse. It's basically taking a greenhouse structure and putting it on top of a root cellar." Frazier says that he hopes to break ground in July so that the biocellar will be completed by fall. The two- to three-month build-out will be handled by Don Lasker of ALL Construction, and Frazier will also employ a lot of neighborhood residents and guys from a local halfway house. The biocellar was designed by Arkinetics. Funding sources include local councilpeople, stormwater management funding from the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District and a local angel investor. "We're budgeting $100,000 for the first one, but hopefully the cost will go down once we know what we're doing," says Frazier. "We know the science is there."

Source: Mansfield Frazier Writer: Lee Chilcote

urban upcycle wins $375k grant to establish first-ever creative reuse center in st. clair superior LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

The St. Clair Superior neighborhood has seen some success in the past year with its efforts to fill empty storefronts. Several new businesses, including a bakery, are either planned or already have opened their doors on St. Clair Avenue in the East 60s. Now the nonprofit will build off that success with a $375,000 grant from ArtPlace America, a collaboration of national foundations, banks and agencies dedicated to furthering creative placemaking efforts. The grant will allow the group to infuse an arts-based strategy into its efforts to attract more entrepreneurs and small businesses to the commercial district. "This is a methodology for neighborhood revitalization," says Nicole McGee of Plenty Underfoot, an arts-based business that repurposes discarded materials into artwork, jewelry and home decor and a partner in the project. "The goal is to create more of an economy around upcycling. We will open a creative reuse center, offer classes for residents, and have retail opportunities for small businesses." Michael Fleming, Executive Director of St. Clair Superior, says the Urban Upcycle project dovetails perfectly with existing retail recruitment efforts. Grant funds will help create artist studios and galleries, establish fellowships for upcycling artists, open the reuse center, create a Community Design Lab, rehab artist live/work houses, and establish a first-of-its-kind online marketplace for upcycled products. Although the project is just getting off the ground, McGee already has identified a space for the creative reuse center just west of Empress Taytu restaurant. She envisions a "creative thrift shop," where crafters can shop bins full of discarded wine corks, vinyl flooring samples and other trash-to-treasure. "We're taking materials that others haven’t assigned value to, looking at them and deciding what could be done differently," says McGee. "Then we're transforming them into something bigger and better. We want to do that whole process on a neighborhood level." Other projects will include affordable incubator space for retail pioneers and a storefront for Collective Upcycle, the artists' collective that McGee founded with artist Lauren Krueger. McGee is working closely with Stephanie Sheldon, a fellow maker and entrepreneur who is managing the new monthly Cleveland Flea event. Sheldon plans to renovate the historic "coppertop" building at 6202 St. Clair Ave. with the help of St. Clair Superior's Retail Ready program. She intends to create what she is calling the "Indie Foundry creative clubhouse" -- an incubator and coworking space wrapped into one. Creative small businesses will be able to set up shop here and get help on things like marketing, branding, web design and more. The intention of the Urban Upcycle initiative is not only to help attract new businesses, but also to lift up the residents of this low-income community. "We'll be revitalizing the downtown strip of this neighborhood in ways that create new learning and skills in residents," says McGee. "We’ll be inviting them in."

Source: Nicole McGee, Michael Fleming Writer: Lee Chilcote

third federal breaks ground on trailside at morgana run project LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

Banks typically lend money to projects; developing them typically is left to homebuilders. Yet Third Federal, which started in a Slavic Village storefront 75 years ago, has taken the unusual step of assembling land and breaking ground on a huge community here. Construction is underway at Trailside at Morgana Run, a 95-home development that will feature affordably-priced homes within a completely new urban subdivision with access to green space and a rail-trail. The project is located at Aetna and E. 71st Street next to the bank headquarters. "Slavic Village really is the phoenix rising up in the city," says Jennifer Rosa, Public Relations Manager with Third Federal. "It's not that we couldn't find a developer; it's that the project is so important to us, we want to hold it to our standards and control it. We wanted to provide additional funding to keep Slavic Village going." The project has taken over a decade to get to this point. Third Federal acquired land from individual owners and cleaned it up using Clean Ohio funds and other sources. The bank formed a public-private partnership with the City of Cleveland, Slavic Village Development and Zaremba Homes and designed the project. Then the recession came along and walloped any plans to break ground until now. Homes at Trailside at Morgana Run will be priced from $126,000-$132,000 and feature two to three bedrooms and a single-floor master suite option. With down payment assistance, monthly payments fall well below rental rates for similar units. Rosa says the timing couldn't be better. "We're seeing more jobs being created, more people living in the city. This is a place where people can afford a home." The first 10 homes are under construction and nearly to the point of being framed. A model home will be available to walk through in July. Although none of the homes are sold yet, Rosa says that buyer interest has been strong. The urban pioneers who live here will be greeted by a "prairie-like feel," Rosa says. "There will be lots of green space with native Ohio plants and grasses."

Source: Jennifer Rosa Writer: Lee Chilcote

community composting facility could become reality thanks to sustainability grant LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2013

San Francisco and Austin offer residential curbside composting, but such forwardthinking green ideas have yet to become a reality in Cleveland. A recently-awarded grant from Enterprise Community Partners, however, will help the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization think through how to develop a community composting facility for restaurants in the Cleveland EcoVillage. Although citywide composting may not be in the cards right now, the pilot project could demonstrate ways to scale up composting in a range of city neighborhoods. A similar $40,000 grant was also awarded to Burton Bell Carr Inc. to develop a safer streetscape plan for the Kinsman EcoDistrict. Forty percent of area residents do not have a car, and a recent multi-car accident here injured five people. BBC will develop a plan to improve the ability to safely bike and walk on Kinsman. "Cleveland was the only city in the nation that got two projects funded through this program, which is pretty exciting," says Michelle Mulcahy with Enterprise Community Partners. "These projects are neighborhood-scale sustainability approaches that support the area's ongoing community development work." Once the plans are finalized, these projects also could become national test cases for how to green cities, furthering Cleveland's reputation as a leader in this area. Enterprise also recently issued a Request for Proposals to provide funding for a neighborhood-based climate action plan that would become part of a citywide plan.

Source: Michelle Mulcahy, Mark McDermott Writer: Lee Chilcote

town hall cafe, bar and restaurant set to debut in ohio city this month LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

Town Hall will be the newest addition to Ohio City's growing list of food- and beercentric establishments when it opens later this month. The bar and restaurant boasts a swanky interior with polished concrete floors and colorful wood tables imported from Indonesia. The venue also features a lengthy wooden bar and an open, airy feel thanks to garage doors up front. But Town Hall is more than just another taphouse on a street that's now full of them, promise its owners. It aims to bring a new fast-casual dining concept to the street. "There are a lot of good restaurants on the street, but we offer something different," says Christa Fitch, manager of Town Hall, which is owned by Fabio Salerno (Gusto, Lago), Bobby George (Barley House) and Sean Heineman (Ballantine, Willoughby Brewing Co.). "This is a place where you can grab soup, salad and a glass of wine or have a meal in the restaurant. We think it's the best of both worlds." The space, which was gutted down to the studs and rebuilt, last housed Alaturka and Villa y Zapata. The new owners cut an opening between the two storefronts to create two connected businesses: a cafe and bar-restaurant. The cafe side will feature a juice bar and menu items including flatbread pizzas and gluten-free salads. Comfortable chairs and a well stocked magazine rack invite lounging. The cafe, which is counter service-only, will be open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The restaurant will feature mostly fast-casual fare along with "supper plates" like grass-fed steak and scallop tacos. A good portion of the food will be locally grown and organic. The bar will feature 25 rotating taps of beer, many of them local. Town Hall features both a front and a rear patio, the latter with a beautiful wooden gazebo that echoes the natural wooden decor found throughout the interior. Fitch says she already has hired 35 people, many from the near-west side neighborhoods, and will likely hire more as the venue gets up and running. The opening is presently set for May 27, with a grand opening weekend planned for June 20.

Source: Christa Fitch Writer: Lee Chilcote

benjamin rose set to open 6,000 s/f training center overlooking downtown LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, MAY 16, 2013

The Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging, a nationally-recognized research organization, service provider and policy advocate that works with older adults and caregivers, is set to open a new 6,000-square-foot administrative headquarters and training center. "What's new about the facility is that we intend to broaden the scope of our training to a couple of new audiences," says CEO Richard Browdie of the building at Fairhill Road and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive. "There are many professions that interface with older people and their families on a routine basis but may or may not have any training available to them." The building also provides Benjamin Rose with the first permanent home for its training programs. Traditionally, such programs had been conducted at off-site locations. Browdie finds it poetic that the organization is building its home in the Shaker-Buckeye neighborhood of Cleveland where they've been for many years. "The board just really came back to the conclusion that, no matter what they did, they wanted to remain here in the city," he says. "We have replications of our evidence-based practices all over the country, but our home is in Cleveland." The building cost about $7.5 million and the project cost $11.4 million. Funds came from the sale of another facility to Kindred Hospital, New Markets Tax Credits and other sources. Browdie says the facility will also be available for rent for retreats and other events hosted by nonprofits organizations with compatible missions. The hilltop location offers sweeping views of downtown Cleveland. Benjamin Rose will celebrate with a free afternoon celebration on Sunday, May 19th from 2-4 p.m. The new BRIA training center is located at 11890 Fairhill.

Source: Richard Browdie Writer: Lee Chilcote

shaker heights renovates two blighted homes near launchhouse to create 'tech village' LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, MAY 09, 2013

Building off the buzz created by Shaker LaunchHouse, an entrepreneurial incubator, the City of Shaker Heights has partnered with LaunchHouse, Cuyahoga County and Neighborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland to renovate two homes on Chelton Road into affordable housing for entrepreneurs. The homes at 3553 and 3599 Chelton Road, directly behind Shaker Launchhouse in the South Moreland neighborhood, were vacant before the city acquired them. Shaker renovated the homes using $250,000 of Neighborhood Stabilization Funds, and is now in the process of transferring the properties to Neighborhood Housing Services. The agency, which specializes in affordable housing, will own and manage them. The houses feature a total of nine "units" (a bedroom in a shared house with ample common space) that can be rented for $395 apiece. Amenities include high-speed Internet, free utilities, a comfortable green home with air conditioning, hardwood floors, free laundry and a ceiling projector hook-up in the living room for presentations. The homes are part of a multi-million dollar investment the city has made in the South Moreland community. "We already have more applicants than we have units," reports Kamla Lewis, Director of Neighborhood Revitalization with the City of Shaker Heights. "We wanted to create a concentrated, collaborative community -- an environment for startups in the neighborhood, but a place where they could afford to live, as well." Lewis says the first tenants will move into the completed homes as early as this week, and she expects all nine units to be fully occupied by June 1. Applicants must be entrepreneurs at Shaker LaunchHouse. Its accelerator program begins this summer and has attracted entrepreneurs from outside of Northeast Ohio, who move here while engaged in starting their companies. Lewis says the project is the first of its kind that she is aware of, and that the city's investment in South Moreland has already attracted further private investment, including several new businesses and a new $5 million apartment complex.

Source: Kamla Lewis Writer: Lee Chilcote

cle school board set to vote on using funds from building sale to help fund downtown school LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, MAY 09, 2013

A Cleveland School Board member who has helped revitalize Ohio City and turn it into a destination for young families has proposed using funds from the sale of the district's headquarters to create a new school downtown -- and believes he's got the votes to do it. Eric Wobser, an Ohio City resident and parent who is Director of Ohio City Inc., wants to reinvest $4.5 million from the sale of the district's headquarters into serving the growing base of young families in downtown and near-downtown neighborhoods. "Downtown is growing quickly and so is the number of families," he says. "Campus International has a 70-person waiting list in a 400-seat school, and they'll outgrow their current facility by the end of next year. Because downtown is accessible to all parts of the city via public transportation, a school could serve the entire city." The resolution that Wobser is introducing, which will be voted on at the board's May 14th meeting, will direct the HQ sale proceeds to be used towards a new downtown school. However, it does not stipulate what kind of school or where it would be located. Instead, if it passes, board and district officials will work with downtown stakeholders to create a decision-making process with public input. Funds could be used to help existing schools expand or create a new school. Although Wobser introduced the proposal, he says he's got the support of school board chair Denise Link and believes others will back him. He acknowledges that the issue has been controversial, with some public opposition at meetings. Although Wobser sees an opportunity to serve a diverse set of families and keep them in the city, critics have called it elitist. "They say you're doing this for rich kids who don't exist yet, and I think those arguments fall short of what's possible. How do we turn five-year residents of the city into 50-year residents? If you want to build a complete community downtown, you can't do that without a school." The school would serve the entire city, he says. "Downtown has the ability to reach a broad community of families in the city." As evidence, Wobser cites the fact that the number of young families in Ohio City has grown within the past 10 years, but contrary to popular perception, they're not all young professionals. "Some are relocating from other parts of the city to these areas for perceived opportunity or access to employment," he says. Wobser cites an increase of 4,000 new 25-34 year olds in downtown and near-downtown neighborhoods compared to 10 years ago, and a bump in hispanic and black families. "Where will they go?" Although Cleveland's population declined 17 percent and the city lost 30 percent of its school-age population from 2000 to 2010, Ohio City experienced a onepercent bump in the number of families. Families downtown rose 25 percent to 539. Wobser also argues that a downtown school will leverage state matching dollars and be catalytic for downtown, whose property taxes help fund the schools. Yet the main point, he says, is to serve Cleveland families and keep them in the city. "We know the flight exists," says Wobser. "The idea is to stop the flight."

Source: Eric Wobser Writer: Lee Chilcote

growing construction firm builds dream home in nine-twelve district LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, MAY 09, 2013

Project and Construction Services provides owner's representation and design-build services to clients, so it's appropriate that the growing 53-person firm custom built its new offices. Now that it's settling into its new space in the Erieview Tower, executives are experiencing their Goldilocks moment: Just right. "We decided to right-size our space for our present needs, forecasting into the future," says CEO Bob Strickland, who downsized from 12,500 to 10,300 square feet -- despite adding staff -- by designing the space efficiently. "We have staff that come in from the East Side, West Side and Akron, so we've found downtown serves our needs the best, and we enjoy the vibrant downtown atmosphere." The new 21st floor headquarters offers views of the lakefront and a kitchen outfitted with pendant lights from Ohio City-based Glass Bubble Project. Strickland and his wife recently moved to Tremont after living for 28 years in Mentor, and they've become big fans of the eclectic glass blowing studio behind the West Side Market. PCS right-sized its offices by reducing conference rooms and support areas, creating a "huddle space" in the lobby that can be used as a meeting space, and reducing the number of storage, IT and work rooms. The office includes open work stations to accommodate future growth. Strickland says designing offices more efficiently has become a major trend in 21st century workplace design. PCS looked at a number of spaces downtown but selected Erieview because of the potential to customize the space within an existing shell. The firm worked with owner Werner Minshall and HSB Architects on the design and buildout. Strickland says that being in the NineTwelve District is a plus, as the area has recently gained new restaurants and employees enjoy the food trucks on Walnut Wednesdays. The company is working on a number of projects in Cleveland currently, including the Victory Building, W. 25th Street Lofts and Residence Inn. The company has offices in Wheeling and Charleston, West Virginia, with 26 staff downtown.

Source: Bob Strickland Writer: Lee Chilcote

11 new businesses will serve growing base of downtown residents and workers LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, MAY 02, 2013

With downtown Cleveland's office vacancy rate three percent lower than it was two years ago and vacancy rates hovering around four percent for apartments, new retailers are leasing empty storefronts in the area. Eleven new retailers will open this year, bringing fresh concepts to the local scene. New offerings include Cleveland Chop in the former Cleveland Chophouse location on St. Clair, Mirch Masada, Red the Steakhouse, four new shops in the Fifth Street Arcades, Walk in the Park Cafe, Table 9 Martini Lounge and Market Creations Cafe. Michael Deemer, Vice President of Business Development and Legal Services for Downtown Cleveland Alliance (DCA), cites Walk in the Park and Table 9 as two examples of downtown's resurgence. "We're seeing the area around Perk Park in the NineTwelve District attract new investment in long-dormant retail spaces formerly occupied by One Walnut and the Atlanta Bread Company," he says. Although Red the Steakhouse isn't slated to open until late summer or early fall, Walk in the Park and Table 9 could open within the next month, Deemer says. It's a sign of the market's health that empty spaces are being filled. "Cleveland Chop is being reopened by the original owner of Rock Bottom Brewery," he says. "It really does speak volumes that as places like Cleveland Chophouse and Bricco close and are in need of freshening the concept, they're reopening right away." "There was a lot of concern initially when Cleveland Chophouse closed, but we knew... that there were literally dozens of inquiries as soon as the news hit." Although office vacancy increased slightly in Q1 2013, Deemer says this is because of Eaton's departure. "We've had 25 new businesses move into downtown committing over 4,000 new jobs in the last two years," he says. "Retailers are responding exactly how we would expect them to, following where the people are."

Source: Michael Deemer Writer: Lee Chilcote

playhousesquare breaks ground on star plaza renovations, first phase of $16m transformation LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, MAY 02, 2013

PlayhouseSquare already is a gem in the crown of downtown Cleveland, yet its sparking renaissance will become even more breathtaking with the addition of a 20-foot-tall LED "chandelier spectacular" at E. 14th and Euclid in the theatre district. That chandelier, boasting over 4,600 crystals and hoisted 40 feet in the air, is the centerpiece of a $16 million transformation that will bring the beauty found inside PlayhouseSquare's historic theatres out onto the streets of the district. The project will also feature new electronic signage and lighting, gateway entry points to define the neighborhood, and the addition of a full-service cafe and stateof-the-art outdoor stage to the Star Plaza outdoor space. The district will gain some of the drama found in Times Square in New York City and Millenium Park in Chicago while retaining the elegant, historic character that's uniquely Cleveland. "We believe this will be transformational," says Art Falco, President and CEO of PlayhouseSquare. "It's not just a district anymore, it's a neighborhood. We see it as an economic development project as well as a physical enhancement project. It will draw more office tenants and spur more residential and retail development." The project was designed by the experiential design firm The Barycz Group, which has completed similar projects in Chicago, Las Vegas and Dubai. PlayhouseSquare has not yet raised all of the funds necessary to complete the project, but Falco expressed confidence in the project's success. Star Plaza is already under construction and work will be completed in time for a slew of summer events. The remainder of the project will be completed in 2014. Publicprivate partnership, naming rights and philanthropic contributions will fund it. "We feel we're going to set a very high level of design standard," he says. "I think that others who follow us will be compared to us."

Source: Art Falco Writer: Lee Chilcote

ground breaking takes place on ambitious hansa house redevelopment in ohio city LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

Even in Ohio City's Market District, where monthly announcements of new businesses opening are not uncommon, this one is noteworthy. Boris Music, the Slovenian-born owner of the Hansa Import Haus at West 28th and Lorain, is set to break ground on a multi-million-dollar expansion that will transform a dated store into a restaurant and microbrewery. For years, Hansa Import Haus has been a favorite of locals and those in-the-know -- its faded, faux-German exterior concealing the treasures of European chocolates, cheeses, meats and beer within. To outsiders, it was like: "That place? Is it even open?" Yet Music, who owned eight other businesses in Cleveland but has shut them all down to start this project, says that the Ohio City neighborhood has finally been redeveloped to the point where he can jump in and pursue his dream project. "The building was built as a fortress 30 years ago because we had to keep the vandals out," says the 56-year-old. "Now we're moving in the opposite direction. It will be much friendlier, with lots of windows that let the natural light in." Although Music will roll out his new business in stages, the new Hansa House will hold an exclusive license to brew Pivovarna Lasko beer, Slovenia's largest beer producer, and also feature a European-style restaurant that offers lunch and dinner service. Later, Music plans to add a wine cellar and offer breakfast. Designs for the new venue show the defensively-designed exterior opened up with large storefront-style windows and a new addition on the current parking lot. The design looks a bit like an Austrian ski lodge crossed with an ethnic beer garden. As for the menu, Music says that he'll serve simple, high-quality food priced well. "Good ingredients, good quality," he says. "If you put something good in the pot, you get something good out. If you put garbage in the pot, you get garbage out." More specifically, Music plans to bring in rotating chefs from Europe to deliver a menu that will focus on cuisine from a specific region for several months at a time. Cuisine from Hungary, Italy and Slovenia are likely options. Music says it's a concept he's seen work well in New York City that he wants to import here. The Hansa Haus will also have a full bottling line. "This is nothing bombastic, it's not Great Lakes Brewery," he says. "We'll still be a microbrewery, and we want to help local breweries be more effective by offering them a cost-effective service." Music intends to begin brewing beer in July and open the brewpub by October.

Source: Boris Music Writer: Lee Chilcote

barroco brings latin american street food to the warehouse district LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

Barroco, a Colombian and Latin American restaurant with another location is in Lakewood, recently opened a small cafe on W. 6th Street to bring its signature Latin American street food to the Warehouse District. The new eatery, which can seat about 40 inside and outside on its patio, offers the popular arepa -- thick corn tortillas that are split like English muffins and filled with a variety of meat and veggies -- as well as other favorites such as a Cuban sandwich, Colombian chicken and Barroco burger. The joint truly will be jumping when the W. 6th Streetscape project wraps up later this summer, allowing Barroco's patio to flourish. Co-owner Juan David Vergara says the clientele includes downtown office workers, residents and late-night revelers. "This is a faster version of our restaurant," he says. "We still specialize in arepas, but we're also throwing in a couple of new items such as a loaded baked potato." Vergara is working on some new concepts, including collaborating with Bank Street Wine and Spirits next door to allow BYOB, adding a larger chef's menu for dinner, and displaying what he calls "Barroco TV" (viewers can watch their food being prepared). Barroco is open until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. "Latin American street food is pretty much drinking food, bar food," he says. "People go out and stop by the street carts early or late. That's our concept." Barroco makes its own arepas by hand, a three-day process that Vergara says is "like the ancients" -- they use hominy corn, not corn flour. The restaurant has been getting attention for its food and just won Best Latin Restaurant in Scene. "So far it's been phenomenal," he says. "We're getting office people for lunch, people who live around here for dinner, and drunk people after the clubs let out."

Source: Juan David Vergara Writer: Lee Chilcote

w. 6th street to get $1m facelift with new streetscape, public art LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

Construction work has begun on a $1 million facelift to W. 6th Street, which will soon be transformed into a more attractive pedestrian-friendly environment that will include wider sidewalks, larger outdoor cafes, new public art and a branding campaign. Thomas Starinsky of the Historic Warehouse District Development Corporation says that the impetus for the project came when officials realized that most of the buildings in the area had been restored, and that neighborhood leaders now needed to focus their attention on improving the "space between buildings." "As the Global Center for Health Innovation, Convention Center and Ernst and Young Tower became a reality, we realized we needed to kick it up a notch," he says. "We pushed the City of Cleveland to make sure this project would be completed before the Global Center and the Convention Center open." The project, which should be completed July 18th, is being funded through federal transportation enhancement dollars combined with a 20 percent city match. New banners and flower baskets are being paid for by sponsorships and memberships. The downside is that businesses along W. 6th Street will sacrifice their patios this spring. "They're excited, but not about four months of construction," says Starinsky. "But we're taking it off like a band-aid and getting it done fast." Although W. 6th perhaps is best known for its (occasionally infamous) clubs, Starinsky says the district's identity is not only diverse -- he cites a range of excellent ethnic cuisine in a few compact blocks -- but also quickly evolving. "We have 3,000 residents and employees today, and we're adding 2,000 more employees with the Ernst and Young Tower," he says. "We recognize there will be a different type of person walking around here from the Convention Center and Global Center. We look at this as an opportunity to step up the Warehouse District." Starinsky cites Take 5 jazz club as an example of the kind of new business that he hopes will add to the Warehouse District's ever-blossoming entertainment and dining scene. "There needs to be more diversity of food and entertainment." The project also will include public art that tells the story of the Warehouse District. The 11-foot tall displays, which will be installed in the streetscape on W. 6th Street and eventually throughout the district, are designed by artist Corrie Slawson and authored by Warehouse District Director Tom Yablonsky.

Source: Thomas Starinsky Writer: Lee Chilcote

k & d banking on downtown resurgence with 500-plus apartments coming online LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

Downtown Cleveland's apartment occupancy rate currently is 96.2 percent, and there are waiting lists at many buildings. The leading downtown developer is K&D Group, a Willoughby-based company that has made downtown a centerpiece of its investments. K&D currently has 540 downtown apartment units either under construction or in the pipeline -- more than half of the 1,165 units underway in the area. Although the firm was not able to provide exact numbers regarding the scope of its investment, the total likely exceeds $100 million. K&D's latest project is the Residences at Hanna, a former office building the firm purchased from PlayhouseSquare and is converting into 102 apartments on eight floors. The one- and two-bedroom units have new kitchens with stainless steel appliances, granite counters and tile floors, a washer/dryer in every suite, and large windows with great views. Square footage ranges from 525 to 1,400, and monthly rents from $750 to $1,750. "I have leases in hand sight unseen -- 25-plus already," says Cheri Ashcraft, K&D Director of Corporate Outreach. "When a client calls me and says 'I need a one bedroom' -- I've answered three calls today alone -- I tell them 'If you can’t give me a reservation right now, I can’t guarantee it will be available this afternoon.'" The Residences at Hanna, located at E. 14th and Prospect, will welcome its first residents in July. The building has an attached garage and will have a secondfloor fitness center. Service-oriented retail is being planned for the first floor storefronts. On a recent tour, Ashcraft showed off large windows, a spacious kitchen, walk-in closets and stackable washer-dryer. One corner two bedroom under construction has dramatic wrap-around windows that fill the suite with natural light. On the upper floors, Ashcraft says, you can see the Flats, downtown and Lake Erie. Parking is available for $80 per month in the open lot across the street, and for $115 in the attached covered garage. The building also has 11 suites reserved for short-term corporate housing, a unit type Ashcraft says is in demand right now. "Many of my clients are bringing back intern groups, trainees and transferees who are coming to the city. Cleveland is once again on an economic upswing. K&D wants to be able to respond to that." K&D is also working on two other projects: the conversion of the Embassy Suites at Reserve Square into 200-plus apartments and the renovation of the East Ohio Gas building into luxury apartments. Reserve Square is under construction and set to come online this summer; the East Ohio Gas building will be done in 2014.

Source: Cheri Ashcraft Writer: Lee Chilcote

romanian-born brothers open organic frozen yogurt shop in coventry village LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2013

The journey that led Adrian and Cosmin Bota to open an organic, self-serve frozen yogurt shop on Coventry was a long, winding one that included illegally trekking across the Romanian border with their family to escape their tumultuous homeland. The Bota brothers, who recall traveling miles at a time at night with their parents and three siblings, were just kids then. Eventually, the family made its way to the U.S. and was granted asylum. The family moved to Parma, where the boys grew up. After stints living in New York and Florida, Adrian (who works for Cleveland Clinic Innovations) and Cosmin (a real estate entrepreneur) decided to pursue their dream of opening a small business. After studying the market, they landed on an organic, self-serve "fro-yo" concept and targeted the Coventry neighborhood. Piccadilly Artisan Yogurt, located at 1767 Coventry Road, is the result. The shop, which sells yogurt and assorted toppings for $0.57 per ounce (yielding a healthy portion for a few bucks), is well-lit with big storefront windows, colorful tables, high ceilings and furniture built of reclaimed wood and other materials. The fro-yo is touted as "full of healthy probiotics, vitamin D, calcium, protein and yummy goodness" while free of "high fructose corn syrup, hormones, artificial flavors, colors and preservatives." Toppings include fresh fruit sourced from the West Side Market. It's tasty stuff -- this writer can vouch for that. "We wanted to couple health-conscious, quality-conscious food with a walkable, urban location," says Adrian Bota. "Places like Menchie's tend to go in malls. We went away from the franchise model from the beginning. We wanted it to be local." Although the Botas have not yet been able to obtain local dairy, they're working on that. Meanwhile, many other products are sourced locally. Coventry denizens will hardly recognize the former Grog Shop space, which has been vacant for 10 years. Landlord Michael Montlack apparently has been waiting for just the right tenant. He seems to have found it. The design-savvy duo transformed the club's front door into a table, keeping the sticker-laden graffiti on its underside. The Botas are working with Cleveland Institute of Art students to program local artwork on the walls and hold regular openings. They envision the space as a community hub. Next up, they're dreaming of expanding to Ohio City.

Source: Adrian and Cosmin Bota Writer: Lee Chilcote

crowdfunding campaign behind quest to open downtown coffee shop LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

Charles Eisenstat thought he wanted to be a lawyer, but after living in Chicago and D.C. and experiencing their "advanced coffee culture," he realized his true passion lies in brewing the perfect cup of java. Now, after spending countless hours studying the finer points of law as well as watching baristas make coffee in some of the best coffee shops in the world, the would-be entrepreneur plans to open POUR Cleveland. This new coffee shop in the 5th Street Arcades will offer handcrafted beverages including pour-over-style coffee. "We won't feature any batch coffee, it will be strictly handbrew or pour-over, individually by the cup," explains Eisenstat, who started his quest by creating a coffee bar at home several years ago. He'd craft the perfect cup before heading off to work at a bank. "We'll be the first shop downtown to feature coffee that way. This is taking a culinary approach to it -- the way people do wine and beer." POUR was recently named a finalist in the 5th Street Arcades Retail Development Grant Competition, a collaboration between Downtown Cleveland Alliance, Charter One's Growing Communities Initiative and Cumberland Development, the lease-holder for the 5th Street Arcades. Eisenstat has launched a crowdfunding campaign; Charter One will match up to $1,000 of whatever he raises. In addition to brewing single-origin and estate coffees that would be hard to find in other Cleveland coffee shops, Eisenstat wants POUR to become a center for coffee culture. "We want people to geek out with us and get excited about coffee," he says in his Indiegogo campaign message. He promises "passionate baristas" and low countertops so customers can see how their coffee is being made. He also aims to create a place for coffee education, so classes and workshops will be offered. Unlike Rising Star in Ohio City, an artisan venue that has a devout following but remains largely a roaster with little seating space, POUR aims to be a comfortable space where office workers and residents can hang out. If all goes as planned, Eisenstat hopes to open POUR in a retail space with street frontage in July. He plans to buy his coffee from Counterculture in Durham, North Carolina, and the average cup will cost range from $2 to $3. He will launch the operation with little help, but plans to eventually hire six to 10 people.

Source: Charles Eisenstat Writer: Lee Chilcote

cle furniture designers collaborate on soulcraft gallery in 5th street arcade LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

A group of Cleveland furniture makers who have earned national attention for their work plan to open a gallery in the 5th Street Arcades in downtown Cleveland in order to showcase their work. They believe a downtown gallery can be successful by co-locating with other likeminded retailers, serving the growing base of downtown residents and hosting shows to attract crowds. Thus far, 12 Cleveland furniture designers have signed up to take part. Soulcraft Gallery was recently named a finalist in the 5th Street Arcades Retail Development Grant Competition, a program that will award grant funding, favorable lease terms and discounted space to five startup retailers. The other finalists are Bliss Books (indie bookseller), Bright Green Gift Store (organic gifts and home wares), POUR (coffee shop) and Sushi 86 (restaurant). All of the finalists have launched crowdfunding campaigns on Indiegogo to leverage the funding they've been awarded by Charter One Growing Communities. Downtown Cleveland Alliance and Cumberland Development, which is the master lease-holder for the 5th Street Arcades, are also partners in the unique effort. "The furniture scene is really growing here," says Peter Debelack of Soulcraft Woodshop, a cooperative woodshop that is located in the Hildebrandt Building in the Clark-Fulton neighborhood. "Cleveland is a good fit for this in part because of how decimated it's been. We have so much amazing industrial space that Joe Schmoe can get for a really low cost. Then there's the wealth of reclaimed materials like industrial salvage. For pure designers, we're also in close proximity to the Amish, who are some of the finest furniture makers in the world." The 900-square-foot gallery will feature 40 feet of window space on the corridor. It will function as a gallery with regular hours, but will also host special events and openings. Debelack plans to run it along with designer Shelley Mendenhall. Other furniture makers include A Piece of Cleveland, 44 Steel and Rust Belt Welding. Debelack says the store will contribute to the revitalization of Cleveland and downtown while growing the furniture making scene here. He also wants to nourish the burgeoning maker movement, calling Soulcraft an "open source gallery" where talented amateurs will also be able to proffer their work. Although no date is set, Debelack expects Soulcraft Gallery to open this summer.

Source: Peter Debelack Writer: Lee Chilcote

first-ever pay-as-you-go commercial kitchen set to open its doors on euclid avenue LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, APRIL 11, 2013

The final inspections for Cleveland Culinary Launch and Kitchen take place this week, and a customer is planning to come in the next day. The organizers behind Cleveland's first-ever shared commercial kitchen hope that's a sign of good things to come. The kitchen's goal is to help local food entrepreneurs bring products to market. With so many food truck owners, caterers, urban gardeners and budding chefs making their products in cramped home quarters or church kitchens that aren't always available, the group behind the venture hopes to fill a growing need. "We're a food launchhouse," says Carolyn Priemer, whose family-owned real estate company is a partner in the project, along with Tim Skaryd of Hospitality Marketing and Sales and the Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI). "Ours is the only facility in Cleveland that you can pay as you use." The facility allows entrepreneurs to lease time for $18-24 per hour. The kitchen, which was built by Cleveland State University before it moved to the new student center, has stations for baking, catering, canning, thermal processing and dry packing. The venue also has dry storage and walk-in coolers and freezers. ECDI is available to offer loans to food entrepreneurs, and the partners plan to offer classes as well. Hospitality Sales and Marketing is a food brokerage, and Skaryd says he will help customers with small-scale canning and labeling. So far, prospective customers that have expressed interest include food truck operators, an ice cream maker, tea maker and granola bar maker, among others. Priemer says that she's gotten inquiries with only word-of-mouth marketing. The facility is available for use 24/7, and has its own security system and key card access. Users do not have to sign a lease, but must sign a basic user agreement. Will it be profitable? Priemer says that will depend on the amount of usage, and right now it could go either way. However, she hopes entrepreneurs will see the value not only in the space, but in networking opportunities with other startups. "There is no food hub for businesses," she says. "This seems to connect a lot of areas of the food industry here. We're planning to hold networking events to bolster the local food community, including bringing in some guest chefs." Cleveland Culinary Launch and Kitchen is located at 2800 Euclid Avenue.

Source: Carolyn Priemer Writer: Lee Chilcote

new korean-fusion eatery set to open in playhousesquare LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, APRIL 04, 2013

PlayhouseSquare will soon add another delicious restaurant to the district, adding fuel to its quest to become a 24/7 neighborhood that encourages theater patrons to stick around long after the shows end. Entrepreneurs Jiyoung and John Sung will open Sung's House next month, adding a Korean and Japanese restaurant to the downtown scene. "It's not traditional Korean food -- it's fusion style," says Jiyoung Sung, who moved from Michigan to be close to family. "We're also building a sushi bar." John Sung worked as a sushi chef for 13 years before moving to Cleveland. The venue is a big leap for the couple. "We're happy and nervous at the same time. We're excited about having our own place, but it's kind of frightening, too." The price range for lunch will be $8-10, while dinner items will be around $15, keeping the menu affordable for CSU students and downtown office workers. "We think those who live, work and visit here will appreciate having yet another great choice of where to eat," says Cindi Szymanski of PlayhouseSquare, which owns the building. "The planned Korean and Japanese menu choices, including sushi, will bring a currently unrepresented style of cuisine to PlayhouseSquare." Why did the couple choose PlayhouseSquare? "My uncle is a professor at CSU, and he knows the area very well," says Jiyoung Sung. "He recommended it to us." The restaurant will be located at 1507 Euclid Avenue, in the former China Sea Express space. It is expected to open in May.

Source: Jiyoung Sung Writer: Lee Chilcote

mcnulty divulges plans for market culinary building in ohio city LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, APRIL 04, 2013

Sam McNulty has the best kind of problem an owner can have; he's selling so much beer at Market Garden Brewery and NanoBrew in Ohio City that he can hardly keep up with demand. Selling kegs to patrons or restaurants that want to carry popular varieties like Pearl Street Wheat or CitroMax IPA is out of the question. McNulty and his partners expect to solve their space crunch by early next year with the redevelopment of the Market Culinary Building, a 43,000-square-foot warehouse at W. 24th Street and Bridge Avenue. McNulty has taken to calling the place the "palace of fermentation." After purchasing the building last year for $800,000, McNulty, brewmaster Andy Tveekram and partners Mike Foran and Mark Priemer will spend an undisclosed sum rehabbing it into a hub for beermaking, cheesemaking, charcuterie, distilling, kombucha and other types of fermentation. They'll offer classes and tours from beermaking to sausage making to butchering whole, pasture-raised animals. "Bar Cento was the first restaurant in the state to serve farm-raised venison," explains McNulty. "We had a big coming-out party for venison. We had a whole deer sitting on the bartop, and Chef Lambert did a demonstration of how to break down a whole animal. That event sold out within two hours of listing tickets for sale." "People are very interested in artisanal food, who’s making it," he adds. "They want to know it’s local, fresh, and the animals are raised, harvested humanely." The building, which sits on an acre of land, will solve the beermaking problem and then some -- the large space offers room to grow. McNulty says the foursome also plans to open a retail shop sometime next year to sell homemade products. "We'll sell charcuterie, cheese, fresh eggs," he says. "Everything we put out will be on a very boutique level. We'll pick out four to six recipes we've perfected at Market Garden and then make them to distribute to restaurants in the area." The point is to complement the West Side Market, which McNulty wholeheartedly supports but feels needs to boost local products and update its hours. "At one point we considered buying a stand, but we didn't want to limit ourselves to the impractical hours the market keeps. We'll be open on days the market isn't."

Source: Sam McNulty Writer: Lee Chilcote

downtown jazz club debuts with unusual blessing from church pastor LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

"Jazz is like the kind of man you wouldn't want your daughter to associate with." That might sound like a curious quote for a pastor to use in blessing a jazz bar, yet these were Mark Giuliano's words at the opening of the new Take 5 Jazz Club in downtown Cleveland. The quote comes from jazz legend Duke Ellington. "We know how important live music is for gathering people; we're for that kind of community building," explains Giuliano, Pastor of Old Stone Church on Public Square and President of the Downtown Residents Association. "We want a place where you can have great food and a couple drinks, listen to live music, be able to visit and have a sense of community. What [the owners] have done is take an old, divey bar and brought new life to it." Giuliano believes Take 5 will fill a gap in the Warehouse District entertainment scene by offering music that's geared towards an older, multicultural crowd. "There are an awful lot of empty-nesters like my wife and I [downtown]," he says. "We're not really going to be doing the club scene over on W. 6th at two in the morning. This is a place where everybody feels welcome and has a place." Take 5, which opened on March 21, offers live jazz, R&B and blues from Thursday through Sunday nights. It is located at 740 Superior Avenue, in the former House of Cues and Prime Rib Steakhouse location in the Warehouse District. The venue also offers an extensive tapas menu prepared by executive chef Jeremy Rolen. Owners Brian Gresham and Claude Carson have renovated the once-shabby House of Cues into an upscale jazz venue that caters to a professional crowd. Gresham says he saw an opening in the scene due to all the development taking place downtown. "With the casino, med mart and Flats being revitalized, we wanted to fill a niche," he says. "We more or less took concepts from places that were once in the area that did very well -- The Bop Stop, Wilberts and Sixth Street Down Under." The owners renovated the interior with new lighting and other improvements. A black ceiling makes it "feel like you're in a true musical venue," Gresham says. Take 5 welcomed trumpet player and vocalist Skip Martin for its opening weekend, and Gresham is currently working to bring Sean Jones to town, as well. The venue's performers will include a mix of regional and national acts.

Source: Mark Giuliano, Brian Gresham Writer: Lee Chilcote

more bike boxes are coming to a cleveland neighborhood near you LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

Some creative, outside-the-box thinking by the city's leading urban design and cycling advocates has led to the creation of four additional "bike boxes," which are to be installed this spring in various Cleveland neighborhoods. The newest wave of bike boxes are modeled after a successful pilot project at Nano Brew in Ohio City. That installation transformed a steel shipping container into a colorful curbside bike garage for two-wheeled visitors. By offering secure, covered parking in a bike corral that also functions as dynamic, placemaking public art, the Bridge Avenue bike box does more than simply provide practical parking: It brands the city as a place that prioritizes cycling. "It's really a center of gravity," says Greg Peckham, Managing Director of LAND Studio, the nonprofit that spearheaded the project with Bike Cleveland. "It's as much about a safe, convenient, protected place to park your bike as it is about making a statement that cycling is an important mode of transportation in the city." Peckham says that Ohio City's bike box is very well used on days when the West Side Market is open and in the evening when riders coast in for dinner or a drink. With the street's bike racks often at capacity, the bike box was critical, he says. The new bike boxes will be installed in time for Bike Month in May. The locations are Gordon Square (a barn-red beauty outside Happy Dog), Tremont (two "half loaves," as Peckham calls them, outside South Side and Tremont Tap House), St. Clair Superior (location TBD) and a final, undetermined community. The bike boxes are being custom-fabricated by Rust Belt Welding, which is an entrepreneurial duo that has made creative bike parking a calling card for their work. Each of the boxes is being designed with neighborhood input -- hence Tremont's half-boxes, which amount to a shipping container split in two. The project is being supported by Charter One Growing Communities, which has also funded retail attraction efforts in Ohio City, downtown and St. Clair Superior. Peckham says the new designs accommodate more bikes and use lighter colors. Users can expect more innovations in the future -- LAND Studio is working to secure funding so that green roofs and solar panels can be added to the boxes. The bike boxes are being maintained through partnerships with neighboring businesses, which agree to maintain, clean and keep secure the facilities.

Source: Greg Peckham Writer: Lee Chilcote

shoppes on clifton project inching forward in spite of opposition, says developer LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013

The Carnegie Companies, a Cleveland developer, has been around since the 1930s. The firm takes a long-term view on its properties -- very long-term. That may help to explain why, after more than a decade of planning and two co-developers that left them standing at the altar, the property at W. 117th and Clifton Boulevard still is undeveloped. Nonetheless, the firm finally is preparing to move forward with the Shoppes on Clifton project, according to a representative who spoke on condition of anonymity. Carnegie Companies is aggressively courting a lead anchor tenant -- a small grocer store or market -- as well as other food or restaurant tenants. "Our timeline is as soon as we can get something done," says the representative, citing the need to secure an anchor tenant to seek approvals and break ground. "We're pursuing a grocery or market very actively. I can tell you if we can put together the anchors we're talking to, we have oversubscribed interest for the smaller spaces up front. We're looking at restaurants, specialty food retailers." The developer would not comment on a site plan that was leaked to the media by Neighbors in Action, a group of residents opposed to the demolition of the historic Fifth Church on the site. Neighbors in Action wants the developer to reuse the church and develop buildings close to the street with the parking in back. The developer did confirm that the site plan was being actively considered, though he stated it is not necessarily the final plan. Developed by architect Brian Fabo, the plan shows three structures of 16,000, 10,500 and 6,000 square feet plus a parking lot at the corner of W. 117th and Clifton. One building would be close to the street on Clifton; the other two would be set back to maximize visibility. The developer says that the City of Cleveland, which owns Fifth Church, asked the Carnegie Companies several years ago to consider incorporating the church site into their project. Councilman Jay Westbrook has previously stated that the city will pursue demolition of the church, which many consider structurally unsound and beyond saving. Neighbors in Action believes the church should be rehabilitated. "It would be an incredible undertaking to try to reuse the church," the developer says. "It looks like it's been bombed out because of water infiltration and other issues." The developer adds the unfortunate reality is that the church site is useless unless parking is placed in front. No major retailer would consider leasing a space in the development without maximum visibility. If buildings were constructed along Clifton to the corner, it would obscure the church site in the northwest corner. "In today’s world, they prefer, if at all possible, to have parking in front," he says. "It maximizes visibility and reduces liability for the retailers. If parking is hidden from traffic sources... Things happen in hidden parking lots. It's been an issue in the past." Neighbors in Action commented in a press release: "The Shoppes on Clifton plan, being developed by Carnegie Companies, is nothing more than a suburban style retail strip center ill placed in a historic district deserving of quality, character and good urban design, and is a far cry from actual shops on Clifton Boulevard." Prior to groundbreaking, the Carnegie Companies must seek approval from the city's Design Review and Planning Commissions, which may push for a project that retains the traditional urban character of buildings that are close to the street. Developers in Cleveland and other cities have built new retail or mixed-use projects with little setback (Uptown in University Circle is one example). The developer says they will pursue the project with or without the church property, but the new proposal involves salvaging and incorporating major elements of the church. Specifically, the main entrance along Lake Avenue could be incorporated into pedestrian-friendly entrance to the new development. Neighbors in Action stated in a press release that a "source" had informed the group that Giant Eagle Express, Chipotle and a dollar store were being considered as lead tenants in the project. The Carnegie Companies would not discuss tenant negotiations, saying that it was premature since leases have not been secured. There is no specific timeline for the project, but the developer stresses that Carnegie Companies is ready to pull the trigger as soon as it lands an anchor. "We think that it is a very positive project for all stakeholders."

Source: The Carnegie Companies Writer: Lee Chilcote

deagan's owner to open humble wine bar in downtown lakewood LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2013

The once-dumpy strip mall in downtown Lakewood known as "Drug Mart Plaza" will no longer be boring. Dan Deagan, owner of the popular Deagan's Kitchen and Bar, plans to open a wine bar in the renovated plaza sometime this summer. "Lakewood doesn't have any wine bars, and we sell a lot of wine here," says Deagan. "Lakewood has been good to us; I wanted to do something close." Since Deagan named his first venue after himself, he said that he decided to go with a more modest name this time around. Thus, the new place will be called Humble Wine Bar. The name also is a nod to the kind of venue he wants to create -- one in which wine snobbery is left at the door and anyone can learn about and enjoy good wine. "A lot of people are intimidated by wine bars, and honestly, I'm one of them," he says. "I walk in and they hand me a War and Peace-size wine list, and it's overwhelming. We want it to be approachable and affordable." Creating the right atmosphere is less about the size of the wine list than having a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere and a knowledgeable staff that can educate customers about wine and make suggestions. "It won't be cold and stuffy," promises Deagan. The 60- to 70-seat venue, which will employ 15 to 20 people, will have a full liquor license and also sell craft beers. A "simple but very good" cocktail list will also be available. Humble Wine Bar's roll-up glass garage doors and new patio on Detroit will help transform the long-dumpy plaza into yet another pleasant outdoor venue in Lakewood. Deagan says the open kitchen will offer thin, Neapolitan-style pizzas, antipasti, cheeses, cured meats and other small plates. He's shooting for a June opening. Deagan is opening Humble Wine Bar with his wife Erika, business partner and soon-to-be sommelier Amanda Bernot, and business partner Dan Stroup. Humble Wine Bar will be located at 15412 Detroit Avenue.

Source: Dan Deagan Writer: Lee Chilcote

cleveland brew shop owner to convert vacant tremont lot into hop farm LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2013

This summer, the Tremont neighborhood will have a new gateway welcoming people to the neighborhood: Cleveland's first dedicated hop farm. Boasting 16-foot tall posts laden with vines, the parcel on W. 14th Street, just south of the I-490 bridge, will not only create a dramatic entranceway into the area, it will also be used to grow three to four different varieties of fresh hops. "Shortly after opening, Cory Riordan [Director of Tremont West Development Corporation], came into the shop. He actually signed up for a beer-making class," says Paul Benner, owner of the Cleveland Brew Shop in Tremont and creator of the hop farm. "He mentioned they had a piece of land controlled by ODOT down the street. He asked, 'Is there anything you can do to help make it productive?'" "It actually makes sense to grow hops there," says Benner, who got excited and soon struck a partnership with Tremont West. He will share the unused parcel of land with a group of Tremont gardeners who have raised crops there for years. Benner's purpose is twofold: to sell wet fresh hops to homebrewers at harvest time, and to partner with local breweries to create a new, locally-sourced beer. Fresh hops are not often available to homebrewers, who typically rely on dried hops that can be used year-round. Benner believes there is unmet demand. "If you can get hops immediately off the vine and use them in your beer, the flavor and aroma will be so much higher than if you buy something dried online," he says." A lot of times you can’t purchase fresh wet hops, or you can get them, but not to brew the same day. This is like picking a strawberry and eating it right off the vine." Benner estimates that the plot will yield 20 to 25 pounds of hops, enough for about 50 five-gallon batches of beer (or 2,500 12-ounce beers). He has already gotten a strong response from the homebrewing community and volunteers. Because he is planting mature, three-year-old vines, he's anticipating a harvest this August. The locally-sourced beer will come later. Benner will employ volunteers to help cultivate the site and will offer workshops on growing hops. Great Lakes Brewing Company, Market Garden Brewery and Nano Brew already use fresh hops from Ohio City Farm, but his plot will be the only farm dedicated to growing hops. "This will be another great thing to see when you're coming into Tremont," he says.

Source: Paul Benner Writer: Lee Chilcote

bad racket continues to expand homegrown recording studio in ohio city warehouse LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2013

Although it wasn't obvious to Thomas Fox at the time, losing his job at Go Media several years ago may have been the best thing that ever happened to him. It led him to create Bad Racket Recording Studio with partners James Kananen and Adam Wagner. Since launching the studio in 2010, the group has expanded its presence in the music scene. Last year, they took on additional space, bolstered sound panels to create a better recording experience, and began hosting additional live concerts. "January was our busiest month ever -- we were booked almost every day," says Fox, who handles marketing and operations for Bad Racket. "We're building a community of people that we're working with. Our customers have come from as far away as Philly and West Virginia, but right now it's mostly Cleveland bands." What's different about Bad Racket, which occupies a warehouse space at W. 45th and Lorain (below Go Media's offices), is that it has created a recording space that feels like a cross between a living room and a comfortable stage. "We're not a clean, polished space, but our emphasis is on creating a space for performance," says Fox. "All you do is show up, play your songs at your best and the rest is taken care of. People prefer live recordings -- although we do both." Bad Racket, which charges $45 per hour for studio time, also handles video production. The recording space doubles as a stage used for live concerts. Fox and his cohorts self-financed the studio and have reinvested profits back into the space. They've built walls from rockwall insulation and acoustic panels from "rolls of bike helmet padding from Zero Waste Landfill and whatever is cheapest at JoAnn Fabric." The result? A 1,200-square-foot space with great acoustics. It's a labor of love that's paying off. "When there's a project we really, really want to do, budget is not an issue. Everyone here just wants to make great music. Most of us have separate jobs, but if anyone asks us what we do, we'd say Bad Racket." Fox is also a leading force behind Brite Winter Fest (he books the music), which recently attracted 20,000 people to Ohio City on a cold, snowy February evening.

Source: Thomas Fox Writer: Lee Chilcote

landmark detroit shoreway building saved from wrecking ball by out-of-town investor LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 2013

Captain Jeff Sanders has spent the past few decades training ship captains. He operates a training school in Seattle, where he lives full time. Yet the Cleveland native has always wanted a place to stay when he comes back to Cleveland, which he does frequently to visit his 95-year-old mother in a nursing home. Recently, Sanders completed renovations on a historic four-unit property that seemed destined for the wrecking ball until Detroit Shoreway Community Development Corporation (DSCDO) steered it into the hands of the right owner. The Trenton sits at 7418 Franklin Boulevard (at the corner of W. 75th Street). The unique property features Italianate architectural details, a two-story front porch and an interior courtyard that lets additional light into the apartments. Sanders, who converted the home into a three-unit, just received a community improvement award from DSCDO for his efforts. The project received special financing from the Cleveland Restoration Society's Heritage Home Program. The renovation was a gut job. Sanders tore off the vinyl siding and restored the exterior with a handsome olive and red color scheme, redesigned the interior and installed all new mechanicals. The property includes many sustainable features. Sanders combined two units into a townhouse-style apartment. "We blew out the dining room and created a cool interior staircase," he says. "We retained the old fireplaces." One surprise was the floors. Initially, Sanders did not believe the old, three-inch pine floors were salvageable, but once sanded down, they refinished quite nicely. Sanders plans to rent out two of the units -- including the 2,000-square-foot townhome for $1,400 per month -- while keeping one apartment for himself.

Source: Jeff Sanders Writer: Lee Chilcote

landmark fifth church likely to be razed to make way for shoppes on clifton project LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, MARCH 07, 2013

Fifth Church of Christ Scientist, built in 1927 at W. 117th and Clifton, has sat vacant for over two decades with little in the way of maintenance or repairs. In that time, it has suffered from major structural deterioration that would cost millions to fix. Giant Eagle donated the property to the City of Cleveland in 2002, but it was in severe disrepair even then. The city has been unable to find any developers willing or able to repurpose it. The building is landlocked and has no available parking. Although a neighborhood group has formed in the hopes of saving it, Anitz Brindza of Cudell Improvement Inc., which has tried for years to find a buyer or tenant for the historic site, says it is likely a fait accomplis that the building will come down. "A lot of people that [organizer] Jeon Francis of Save Fifth Church has whipped into a frenzy are under the impression that the church is in a salvageable condition," says Brindza. "It is not. It is so deteriorated from neglect and abuse that a $10 million price tag would probably only scratch the surface. The dome is supported by steel infrastructure that really could come down at any time." Francis disagrees. "Preserving the building truly could be a fantastic catalyst for the economic and social revitalization of this neighborhood. We want to work with the councilperson and the CDC to champion repurposing of this historic building." The Save Fifth Church group has initiated a petition drive to collect signatures in support of the church's preservation, is pressuring Councilman Jay Westbrook to support saving the church, and is trying to help find a donor, buyer or developer. The City of Cleveland has not formally stated its intention to pursue demolition of the building, and Westbrook did not return a call seeking comment for this story. Brindza says that after years of delays, the Shoppes on Clifton project at W. 117th and Clifton adjacent to the church could move forward soon. The developer, The Carnegie Companies, is in active negotiations with a major anchor tenant. Although the developer is not at liberty to name that prospective tenant, Brindza says that the neighborhood has always expressed a desire for a grocery store at this spot, and Carnegie has pursued major grocery tenants. Any future development plans would be presented to the community before being submitted for city approvals. Brindza hopes for a pedestrian-friendly project. "This is one of the most highly-coveted corners in Cleveland," Brindza says. "It has tremendous traffic counts. But the beauty of it is that it's a pedestrian area too. Whatever is designed needs to be an urban center to serve both pedestrians and commuters." Major architectural elements of Fifth Church could be repurposed into the retail project or made into public art in other areas of the community.

Source: Anita Brindza, Jeon Francis Writer: Lee Chilcote

club centrum brings weekend dance club to historic coventry village theatre LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, MARCH 07, 2013

An entertainment industry veteran who watched the rise and fall of the Flats has opened a nightclub inside the historic Centrum Theatre in Coventry Village. He believes it can add to entertainment options in the community and help bring the venue back to life. Mike Mercer, who ran Club Coconuts and Howl at the Moon on the West Bank, among other properties, recently opened Club Centrum inside the theatre. The property is owned by TRK LLC, a development company based in Columbus. The owners have put $3.5 million into the property since they purchased it in 2007. "Thursday is 18 and over college ID night, and that has been tremendously successful with Case, John Carroll and Notre Dame students," says Mercer, who opened the venue in mid-February. "We're making use of the 50 by 50 theatre screen and bringing that back to life. We put in a brand-new DJ booth and probably have $100,000 in light and sound -- it's pretty spectacular." The video dance club is open Thursday to Saturday from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. There is a large dance floor and raised areas for the exhibitionists. The screen offers an added element of fun (think dancing in front of a 50-foot Diana Ross). "I'm happy to be coming home to an area like Coventry Village, where there's so much fun to be had," says Mercer, a Cleveland Heights native. "We saw this as a missing element that would help to take the area to another level." The property previously housed a Johnny Malloy's that closed after several years. Fracas, a white-tablecloth restaurant, attempted to make a go of it but closed after six months. Mercer claims that he will avoid the pitfalls that beset so many other clubs by maintaining a strict attitude towards security and a proactive stance with the Cleveland Heights police. "I meet with the chief's office every single week." The developers have also brought back to life the Centrum Theatre marquee, investing $10,000 -- $5,000 in light bulbs alone -- in its restoration.

Source: Mike Mercer Writer: Lee Chilcote

community development leader says city's population can be stabilized, all neighborhoods can succeed LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, MARCH 07, 2013

During a recent address at the City Club of Cleveland, Joel Ratner of Neighborhood Progress Inc. touted recent success stories that the nonprofit has invested in, including a new home for The Intergenerational School underway at the Saint Luke's campus. Ratner believes that even though Cleveland has been hard hit by the foreclosure crisis, the city can stabilize its population and begin to grow again through promoting thoughtful, equitable, synergistic development that helps everyone succeed. "For a long time, there was a debate over whether it makes sense to invest in people or place," said Ratner. "However, we believe it should be people and place." Ratner cited Pittsburgh as an example of a city whose population has been rightsized and has even begun to grow again in recent years. As examples of why community development matters, Ratner presented statistics showing that neighborhoods where NPI invested heavily over the past decade not only fell less steeply in the recession, but are also coming back more quickly than others. He also believes that every Cleveland neighborhood can be successful. Ratner touted the recently-announced Slavic Village Reclaim Project, which leverages private investment by Safeco Properties and Forest City to help rehab 2,000+ properties on 440 acres, as one example of innovative best practices. He also cited NPI's partnership with the Key Bank Financial Education Center to help low-income residents build wealth through savings and investment programs. Through a possible merger with Cleveland Neighborhood Development Coalition and LiveCleveland, Ratner hopes to begin serving additional neighborhoods.

Source: Joel Ratner Writer: Lee Chilcote

duohome boutique set to move from gordon square to cleveland heights LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

"I don't know exactly how long gentrification is supposed to take, but after five years I now clearly understand it's a much longer process than I thought it was. It's just not happening fast enough for us." That's Tim Kempf, co-owner of the design and home furnishings boutique duoHome, on the recent decision to uproot his homegrown business from the ever-evolving Gordon Square Arts District to a new home at Fairmount and Taylor in Cleveland Heights. Kempf and partner Scott Suscowicz were lured by the appeal of a "dedicated design district" alongside Paul Hamlin Interiors, Paysage and others in the quaint district known as The Shoppes of Fairmount. Less than stellar sales prompted a citywide search. "The particular retail term is gravity," says Kempf. "Our district has marketed itself as an arts and entertainment district. The councilman and CDC have worked hard to attract new businesses. There just isn't enough retail gravity there yet." Although Gordon Square has made amazing strides in the past five years, Kempf says the area needs more like-minded retailers to be viable for design businesses. Asked if there are lessons to be learned, he elaborates, "I don't think you'd ever say to your wife, 'Hey honey, let's go get a drink and dinner, then look at home furnishings, then go to the ballet.' People don't buy a sofa every other week." In other words, destination retailers like duoHome fare best when located next to complementary stores. "It's a whole lifestyle block," he says of Taylor-Fairmount. The decision wasn't made lightly or easily. Kempf received recruitment calls from nearly every corner of the city once word was out. "We looked at all different neighborhoods in Cleveland, east and west. Even the 'burbs, God forbid." Kempf has mixed feelings about leaving Detroit Shoreway because he loves the area. "It's sort of like when you're a child and have to go to a new school," he says. "Scott and I walk into Gypsy and they know what we want so they just make it." Although Gordon Square is now losing duoHome, it is also celebrating the success of other soon-to-open, new retailers, including Yellowcake and Honeycomb Salon. Nick Fedor, Economic Development Director for the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization, stated in an email, "DSCDO wishes duoHOME the best of luck at their new location and thanks them for their contributions to the Gordon Square Arts District over the past five plus years. We are proud that Gordon Square served as an incubator to launch their business, and others as well." He added, "We have a number of interested potential tenants for the space and look forward to making an announcement when a lease agreement has been reached." duoHome will continue to emphasize well-priced home decor and home furnishings with an eye toward midcentury design. The duo behind duoHome also plan to ramp up interior design services, a growing part of their repertoire. duoHome's new, 1,200 foot store at 3479 Fairmount Boulevard will open April 1st. "April Fool's Day," says Kempf with a laugh. "We hope that it's a good day for us."

Source: Tim Kempf Writer: Lee Chilcote

near west partners kick off planning process to reimagine lorain avenue LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

This week, Ohio City Incorporated and Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization launched an unprecedented joint process to develop a streetscape plan for long-suffering Lorain Avenue. The street, which runs through the heart of Cleveland's west side, was historically a bustling neighborhood retail corridor. Although it fell on hard times beginning in the 70s, it has recently drawn investment by entrepreneurs like Ian P.E. of Palookaville Chili and David Ellison of D.H. Ellison Architects. The street's classic, character-filled architecture as well as investment by major players like St. Ignatius High School and Urban Community School have made it an attractive breeding ground for up-and-coming members of the creative class. If this week's public meeting was any indication, neighborhood residents, businesses and stakeholders will have plenty of passionate opinions about the future of this main street. They won't hold back in sharing them, either. A capacity crowd that showed up to the meeting at Urban Community School voiced concerns about on-street parking, bike lanes, retaining the mixed-use character of the street and ensuring that low-income residents are engaged. Behnke Associates and Michael Baker Jr. Inc. have been hired to help develop a plan that will include "traffic analysis, utility and signage recommendations as well as cycling analysis, green infrastructure and complete streetscape treatments," according to a handout provided by OCI, DSCDO and the City of Cleveland. Early signs indicate that the plan will be quite different from those developed for Detroit Avenue and West 25th Street. For one thing, Lorain Avenue is narrower than those streets, which will make it tougher to widen sidewalks and create dedicated bike lanes. Secondly, the street's tenants range from antique shops to manufacturing businesses, making it a distinct challenge to serve all of them. Nonetheless, representatives of the city and both CDC's pledged to create an inclusive plan that could serve as a model for "complete and green streets" that incorporate all modes of transportation and minimize environmental impacts. Want to voice your vision for Lorain? A survey will be available beginning March 11th on the OCI and DSCDO websites, and a workshop is scheduled for May 28th.

Source: OCI, DSCDO, City of Cleveland Writer: Lee Chilcote

entrepreneur builds fish hatchery in tyler village, sells fresh catch to locals LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2013

Former high school biology teacher Mark Lyons quit his job to open a 5,000 square foot urban fish hatchery in Tyler Village in St. Clair Superior. Now the founder wants to teach the neighborhood -- indeed, the whole city -- how to fish, as well. Cleveland Urban Aquaculture launched six months ago and is now selling 2,000 fish per month to Asian markets and restaurants. Market patrons can order tilapia from the tank where they're swimming and have them filleted by hand, knowing they're raised just blocks away. Now Lyons plans to expand to the West Side Market and start selling whole systems. "Most fish come from outside the region, and Lake Erie has suffered from historic overfishing as well as contamination," says Lyons. "Most tilapia you buy at grocery stores or the West Side Market come from Ecuador, Vietnam, Thailand or China." Lyons, who bought a used aquaculture system a year ago and was raising fish in his backyard in Maple Heights, knew there was a better way. With winter coming, he had to find an indoor location for 10,000-15,000 African tilapia -- and fast. "The folks at Tyler Village were really willing to work with me on my timeline," he says. "Most brokers wouldn't take my call when they found out I only wanted 5,000-8,000 square feet. Some were concerned about the volume of water." Yet with the rise of the local foods movement and few purveyors of locally-raised fish in Cleveland, Lyons knew that the time was right to launch his new business. Cleveland Urban Aquaculture has five PVC-coated steel tanks inside of its Tyler Village warehouse. Each of them are 20 feet long by seven feet wide and four feet deep. Lyons also has a filtration system and several pools for moving water around. He breeds his fish in a 24-hour hatchery in his basement. The aquaculture system, which Lyons was fortunate to purchase second-hand, cost him about $50,000. That's roughly half of the cost of a new one, he boasts. It takes about eight months to grow tilapia until they are 1.5 pounds, a marketable size. Lyons will soon ramp up his capacity and begin selling 5,000 fish per month. Future plans include adding an aquaponics system (growing veggies using LED lights and the nutrients from water filled with fish, believe it or not) and training others to raise fish. His goal is to create a stronger market for locally-raised fish. "You can buy them at the Asian markets for $4.99 a pound," says Lyons. "They pull them out, dispatch them, gut them, clean them and scale them -- whatever you want them to do. They're fresher, they taste better and you can see the fish."

Source: Mark Lyons Writer: Lee Chilcote

green-street projects could further cement west side's reputation as bike-friendly LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013

As the number of cyclists and pedestrians on the near west side grows and car traffic remains relatively flat, urban planners are giving several streets a "road diet" to make them friendlier for bikers and walkers while still accessible to drivers. The result will be some of the city's first model green streets. "We're starting to create all this connectivity," says Ward 15 Councilman Matt Zone, who has helped push green initiatives through city hall, including the "complete and green streets" legislation that passed last year. "The city is realizing they have to accept and build out and incorporate all modes of transportation." So what does a "road diet" look like? The recently-completed plan for W. 65th Street between Denison Avenue and the lakefront shows curb bumpouts with additional landscaping, striped sharrows for road riders, and a 10-foot-wide multimodal path for peds and cyclists who prefer not to ride in the street. If the pretty pictures become a reality -- a process that will take several years and require an application to the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency for millions in federal dollars -- it could result in a "healthier" street that better connects the investments happening in near west side neighborhoods. "This is the main north-south thoroughfare between West Boulevard and W. 25th," says Zone. "We can build off the momentum we've created here. You'll eventually be able to bike from Edgewater Beach to the zoo via W. 65th." Among the assets in the area, Zone cited the Gordon Square Arts District, the new Max Hayes High School scheduled to break ground this year, the EcoVillage, major employers and eight schools. The W. 65th project will cost about $6 million. Most importantly, Zone says, streetscape projects like the W. 65th Street re-do make roads safer for kids who walk to school and families without access to a car. Other green-street projects on the near west side include bike lanes on Detroit Avenue (which will be striped this spring), the planned Train Avenue corridor greenway, the creation of bike lanes on W. 41st and 44th streets in Ohio City (to be completed this year), a new streetscape for Denison Avenue (a few years away) and a planning process for Lorain Avenue (launching this month). The West 65th Street corridor study was completed by Environmental Design Group, which has offices in both Cleveland and Akron.

Source: Matt Zone Writer: Lee Chilcote

ohio city developer launches several new projects, including long-stalled jay hotel LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013

The Ohio City developer who successfully turned around the long-struggling block of buildings on W. 25th Street north of Bridge Avenue is turning his attention to two big new real estate projects. Tom Gillespie, who also owns Gillespie Environmental Technologies, is starting work this month on turning the gutted former Jay Hotel into market-rate apartments. He also recently purchased the shuttered building at 2030 W. 25th Street south of Lorain Avenue that once housed Club Argos. The Jay Hotel, which was slated to be turned into condos by developer Gordon Priemer before the recession took him out of the game, will benefit from state and federal historic tax credits, funding from the City of Cleveland's vacant properties initiative, and a loan from nonprofit lender Village Capital Corporation. Gillespie says it will house eight apartments and 6,000 square feet of commercial space. "I want to see it done by the end of 2014," he says. "We bought the mortgage three or four years ago, and it went through foreclosure. It took a long time. The weather started to affect the building, so we also had to do some stabilization." Suffice it to say that the building will be in tip-top shape by the time renters move in sometime next year. The total leveraged investment will be about $2.6 million. Gillespie also recently finished renovating the old Near West Woodworks building on W. 25th and Jay into three commercial spaces. The once-blockaded front of the building has been opened up with welcoming storefront windows. Elegansia moved there last year, and a high-end salon will move in later this year. The bullish developer says he plans to restore 2030 W. 25th using Cleveland's Storefront Renovation Program. He's trying to attract another high-quality food retailer -- possibly a donut shop -- or "anyone who's a good fit." Gillespie promises "something that's market-driven" and fits in with the street's redevelopment. The developments will fill some of the few remaining empty spaces on the West 25th checkerboard, which now has an occupancy rate of nearly 100 percent.

Source: Tom Gillespie Writer: Lee Chilcote

gordon square residential developer taps into less-is-more movement LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2013

When we last checked in with real estate developer Howard Grandon, he was kicking off renovations of a 9,000-square-foot Detroit Shoreway building into four apartments and five retail spaces. The structure, which had housed an illicit nightclub called "Cheerios," sat vacant for seven-plus years before he bought it. That was then, this is now. Although it's taken him longer than he anticipated, two and a half years later the results are plain. Grandon's building offers some of the most creatively-designed small apartments in Cleveland, a trend that's catching on in major cities. "Because we were working with green, repurposed materials, we had to fabricate everything. It was more expensive than we anticipated," he says. "That happens in real estate." It was worth the wait. Grandon himself moved into the building, occupying one of the light-filled apartments overlooking the Gordon Square streetscape. His suite includes a clever nook for his bed, spacious walk-in closet, huge kitchen with a countertop built for entertaining, and exposed spiral ductwork that hugs the ceiling. He has a bathroom straight out of Dwell magazine, including a European-style toilet with hidden plumbing and a glass-walled shower with subway tile. The apartments, which are all similarly designed, rent for about $850 per month. The rates are about 25 percent cheaper than downtown, and two of the four are occupied. Grandon has completed a third, and the fourth will be ready this year. Grandon's project also features many green, sustainable features. The wood floors in the units are built from an old parquet floor reclaimed from a gym. Come spring, he'll create unique planters out of old chemistry lab sinks he bought on Lorain Ave. Grandon says that he's tapping into a small-is-beautiful movement that's popular in our post-recession world. "People are interested in having less possessions and living more efficiently," he says, pointing to huge kitchen counters that make dining room tables redundant and murphy beds that drop from the walls. Perhaps the most radical feature of Grandon's units is that there are no walls except for the closets and bathrooms. It makes 800 square feet feel entirely liveable. Grandon's next step is to begin renovating the storefronts. To do that, however, he needs to find willing entrepreneurs who are also bankable. Stay tuned for the next installment in our series covering this creative entrepreneur's endeavors.

Source: Howard Grandon Writer: Lee Chilcote

new west park club paddyrock presents live music in concert setting LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

Two Cleveland families with deep Irish roots have teamed up to open an Irish bar and concert venue in Kamm's Corners. They say that Paddyrock Superpub will live up to its name, offering a range of live music, live sporting events on big-screen TVs and a full menu. "What we're doing is original for a neighborhood bar on the west side, because there are no other concert-type venues like this one," says Sheila Sheehan, who opened Paddyrock with her husband Jimmy and West Park native Danny Riley and his family. "We love Irish music. We're excited to showcase the music." But it won't just be Irish music, says Sheehan, who describes the style of bands as "just fun." They include country, lounge, and, soon, polka. Paddyrock is a large venue with two levels, including a sizeable bar area and a stage for live music. Other amenities include a 15-foot high-definition superscreen for games, and an upper level with pool tables, dart boards and a balcony overlooking the stage. Sheehan, who has owned two other West Park bars and lived in the neighborhood for over two decades before recently moving to North Ridgeville, says there's no interesting story behind the location. "They offered it to me and I said yes," she says of the former Stir Niteclub space. Yet she lights up when talking about the Wolf Tones, an Irish band that is stopping by on Sunday night as part of their American tour. "They're legendary," says Sheehan excitedly. "We've been getting great crowds for the music." Sheehan is also excited about the direction West Park is taking. "When I first moved here forever ago, the community businesses were good but they were closing up," she says. "Recently, it's become more of an entertainment district." "This is one of the last communities where families really know each other," she continues. "It's all non-corporate businesses, actual mom-and-pops. There are deep community roots here, and we all stick together and help each other out." If you stop by, there's a good chance you'll bump into a member of the Riley or Sheehan family -- many of them work here. It's a West Park tradition, after all. Paddyrock Superpub is located at 16700 Lorain Avenue.

Source: Sheila Sheehan Writer: Lee Chilcote

fairmont creamery developers aim to bridge gap between tremont and ohio city LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

The trio of Oberlin developers written up in the New York Times for the perseverance and creativity behind their successful East College Street project have selected the long-vacant Fairmont Creamery in Tremont as the site of their next real estate deal. Sustainable Community Associates, which marries for-profit development with a community development philosophy, aims to bridge the gap between Tremont and Ohio City by filling it with an interesting, sustainably-built apartment, retail and office project. "People want to live here, to be close to downtown and the West Side Market," says Josh Rosen, a principal of SCA with Naomi Sabel and Ben Ezinga. "There's an opportunity because of the work other groups have done to get to this point." "Tremont and Ohio City are thriving neighborhoods, and the creamery sits at the intersection," adds Sabel. "This is the logical flow for the two neighborhoods to meet." The developers hope to use a combination of equity, conventional financing, state and federal historic tax credits, New Markets Tax Credits and other incentives to redevelop the 1930s brick building into dozens of new apartments. They're also hoping to add office space for entrepreneurs, a full-size gym and rooftop deck. The building, perched on the edge of the industrial Flats, has downtown views. SCA currently has a two-year option on the 100,000-square-foot property at 1720 Willey Avenue. It is empty but for a nickel-plating business operated in the basement by 75-year-old owner Donald Dickson, who is eager to sell. The developers aim to start construction by November and finish by late 2014. They hope to lease units as they renovate the building, meaning that the first tenants could move into the property as soon as next year if all goes well. Although some might view the property as isolated and disconnected from the bustling heart of Tremont and Ohio City, these developers have a different vision. They see a well-kept, underutilized neighborhood that could be so much more. "When we developed the East College Street project, they said people wouldn't walk that far," says Rosen, whose fully-leased project in downtown Oberlin includes a coffee shop, ice cream shop and other retailers. "Yet once you add bike paths and other amenities, people get an expanded sense of where to go." This is perhaps the most ambitious aspect of SCA's $13 million project -- beyond the long-vacant building. The developers understand the need to not simply redevelop a building, but leverage that investment for the neighborhood. "If you can successfully put together financing, what you end up seeing is a project that not only changes the built environment but also the local economy," says Rosen. "We want to use the project to help entrepreneurs open businesses." "Cleveland doesn't just need more development, but the right kind of development," Rosen adds. "We hope to be able to bring that about."

Source: Ben Ezinga, Josh Rosen, Naomi Sabel Writer: Lee Chilcote

design firm relocates offices from burbs to st. clair superior's tyler village LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2013

Rene Polin founded his design consulting firm, Balance Inc., in Chagrin Falls. Yet as he grew, he felt cut off from creative opportunities in Cleveland. In October, he moved his eight-person, nine-year-old firm to 5,500 square feet of open, custombuilt office space in the Tyler Village complex in St. Clair Superior. "Tyler was the most interesting space we found," he says. "It had great character, an incredibly open floor plan and high ceilings. There was the opportunity to build the space exactly our way as well as to build a physical workshop for prototyping." "Our offices in Chagrin Falls were a little formal, and we're really pretty informal," he adds. "This space is great because it allows us to run around a little more freely." Polin has also enjoyed the opportunity to get to know his neighbors at Tyler Village, a place he describes as having the amenities of an industrial park, but "so much cooler." It's also a perk that food trucks regularly show up at chow time. "The Tyler folks are genuinely interested in bringing forward-thinking companies into the space," he says. "They reach out to companies that are bringing something new. There's a certain vibe and energy you can’t find a lot of other places." Balance Inc. is one of those forward-thinking companies. Polin, an East Cleveland native, majored in Industrial Design at the Cleveland Institute of Art. Balance works on products like Dirt Devil vacuum cleaners and Ninja kitchen gear. When the work gets boring -- which we imagine rarely happens -- employees can now find inspiration simply in staring out the window. "We have a straight shot to the north, so we get some pretty incredible sky views. It's a pretty good vista."

Source: Rene Polin Writer: Lee Chilcote

thai elephant adds to growing foodie scene in kamm's corners LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2013

Within the past five years, the Kamm's Corners commercial district at Lorain Avenue and Rocky River Drive has transformed itself. This once-faded stretch of Irish bars and half-empty storefronts has become a diverse foodie destination, where you can as easily order a gourmet burrito as a pint o' Guinness. The presence of restaurants like the recently opened Thai Elephant have created a buzzed-about cuisine scene that's a far cry from the West Park of recent memory. "It's really an exciting time to be a part of the Kamm's Corners commercial area," says Cindy Janis, Commercial Development Manager with Kamm's Corners Development Corporation. "I get calls quite frequently from businesses looking for new space in the area." Thai Elephant, which opened in January, is the latest addition. Sirima Krabnoic, the Thailand native who also owns Thai Chili restaurant in Avon Lake, renovated a long-empty former Chinese restaurant at 16610 Lorain into a comfortable, colorful eatery with beautiful hand-woven Thai tapestries on the walls. "We wanted to expand our business, and we thought that Kamm's Corners was not a bad area for a second location," says Krabnoic. "It's authentic Thai food." Thai Elephant is open for lunch and dinner seven days per week. Most dishes range from $6 to $13, and the menu has an extensive list of traditional dishes. Soon, the restaurant will be installing a striking new sign -- hint: It has an elephant in it -- with the help of the City of Cleveland's Storefront Renovation Program. "They're a wonderful new addition to the neighborhood," adds Janis. Among other new or recent openings on Lorain, Janis cites the Jasmine Bakery, Olive and Grape, Kamm's Closet and Cafe Falafel (slated to open in two weeks).

Source: Cindy Janis Writer: Lee Chilcote

blitz barbeque adds late-night eats to expanding scene on waterloo LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 07, 2013

While spending his weekends crafting sauces and perfecting slow-smoked pulled pork, Bill Madansky used to joke around with his friends about quitting his day job to open a barbeque restaurant. Five years after looking at an empty storefront on Waterloo Road, he's finally done it. Madansky has leased a space from Northeast Shores Development Corporation, which renovated a dilapidated building across from the Beachland Ballroom and Tavern, and recently opened Blitz Barbeque. Madansky's journey from grocery store employee to chef and small business owner was complicated by the recession (banks weren't lending to restaurants; or at least not his) as well as the renovation of the building, which was a gut job. "I was tired of working for people, so I decided to go out on my own and give it a shot," says Medansky of his decision to lauch Blitz. Of the restaurant, he adds, "Everything is made from high-quality ingredients. I go the extra mile." Extra mile indeed. Madansky preps all of his meats at least a full day in advance, giving his pork and other meats a chance to really soak up the sauces and spices. "There's a lot of prep," he says. "Mine stands out above everyone else's." Although Madansky jokes that he must be the most patient man in Cleveland, he's also among the hardest-working. Blitz is open from 11 a.m. until 1 a.m. seven days a week in order to serve concertgoers and other late-night revelers on Waterloo. Blitz is mostly a takeout joint but has a counter, stools and a side bar with a flat screen and four chairs. Prices range from $6 Polish Boys to $13 half slab rib dinners and a $16 dinner for two that includes "two pieces of everything." Madansky, who has been buying restaurant equipment for years, is happy to finally be open. As for the name, it's got a rock and roll connection: Madansky's brother John was 'Johnny Blitz' of the well-known punk band The Dead Boys.

Source: Bill Medansky Writer: Lee Chilcote

lofts at rosetta will be first new downtown apartment building to come online in 2013 LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2013

Wannabe downtown Cleveland residents who are on waiting lists for the hottest apartment buildings can expect some relief soon. MRN Ltd. plans to open the Lofts at Rosetta Center, an 85-unit building at 629 Euclid Avenue, within just a few short months. The units, which start at $715 per month for a studio and climb to $1,600 for a spacious two bedroom, began pre-leasing on January 15. MRN already has accepted deposits on several units, and the first residents are expected to move in around March 29. During a recent preview tour with Leasing Manager Tammy Oliver, Fresh Water observed drywalled units with sleek white kitchens, open loft-style living spaces, walk-in closets and large windows offering views of Euclid Avenue and Lake Erie. The building also has an on-site fitness center and game room, laundry available on every floor, and a tucked-away breakfast and lunch spot called Sammy's. "We used Stanley Saitowitz, a San Francisco architect with Natoma Architects, who also designed the units in our Uptown project," explains Oliver. "It's a historic renovation project with super modern interiors and really efficient living spaces." Indeed, the sales pitch holds true. There's little wasted space in these units, which feel roomy even when the square footage says otherwise. The lack of interior hallways and the presence of big, beautiful windows add to the airy, light-flooded feel. In addition to studios, one bedrooms and two bedrooms, the building also contains loft-style units with semi-open bedrooms (a floor-to-ceiling wall offers separation). The most heartening trend Oliver has seen is that prospective tenants are coming from outside of downtown, not MRN's other buildings. She's received calls from apartment-seekers from Chagrin Falls, Strongsville, Columbus and other cities. "We were a little afraid of doing the downtown shuffle, where our residents move to a newer building," she says. "But we're not poaching from other buildings." Opening new buildings should also make the market more competitive. "The rents were being raised on existing stock faster than the Cleveland employment market could keep up," she says. "We want to offer units students can afford without breaking the bank, and give professionals options so they can move up." Interested in checking out the latest in downtown living? MRN and Downtown Cleveland Alliance are hosting an open house on Tuesday, Feb. 5 from 5-7 p.m. (NOTE: This event is now sold out, according to the event organizers.)

Source: Tammy Oliver Writer: Lee Chilcote

transformer station set to energize near-west side's booming art scene LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2013

Nationally-known art collectors and Akron residents Fred and Laura Bidwell were attracted to Ohio City by its industrial architecture and edgy arts scene. Now they've launched an ambitious new project to help power the neighborhood's continued revival. This weekend, the Bidwells are inviting Clevelanders to celebrate the opening of their dream project -- an 8,000-square-foot museum in a building that once housed the power station for the west side's trolley cars. The Transformer Station will showcase contemporary art from around the world. "Although there are great things happening in University Circle, the east side is no longer seen as the hub for culture," says Fred Bidwell of their decision to open an arts outpost west of the Cuyahoga River. "There's a bit of the center of gravity moving to the west side. That's where the younger, hotter contemporary art is." The Transformer Station was developed by the Bidwell Foundation. It will be jointly curated by the Bidwells and the Cleveland Museum of Art, which is seeking to gain a toehold on the west side and expand its reach into contemporary art. The stunning building, which includes an addition designed by architect John Williams, features soaring ceilings, clerestory windows and a weighty dangling crane once used to move the transformer into place. And then there's the artwork. The recently installed show "Light of Day" features work from the Bidwells' long-buried collection (it has been in storage for years), including work by internationally-known artists Hiroshi Sugomoto and Adam Fuss as well as relative newcomers like Lydia Anne McCarthy and Matthew Brandt. "It's a very high-level overview of our collection as well as a personal statement on where contemporary photo-based art is today," says Bidwell. "There's a lot of visual diversity, and some of the photographs almost read as paintings." The second show, "Bridging Cleveland," features photographs of Cleveland bridges taken with handmade pinhole cameras by Youngstown native Vaughn Wascovich. The photos look a bit like grainy old postcards touched up by Jackson Pollock. "We didn't want this to be a look at old-timey bridges," says Bidwell. "It's a statement on where we are today and where we're going as a city." The celebration of this $3 million project and new arts treasure begins this Friday, when the doors will be open from noon until 9 p.m. with live electronic music from 6-9 p.m. The festivities continue through the weekend. Rising Star Coffee across the street will also be open late, and Touch Supper Club's food truck will be there. The Transformer Station is located at West 29th Street and Church Avenue.

Source: Fred Bidwell Writer: Lee Chilcote

5th street arcades launches retail grant competition to attract nextgen urban retail LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JANUARY 31, 2013

Call it a small business grant competition with a twist. The Downtown Cleveland Alliance 5th Street Arcades Retail Development Grant Competition will award $1,500 to $20,000 to startup businesses. Along with free and reduced rent for the first year, tenants will also have a chance to win matching funds and garner community support through online crowdfunding. Downtown Cleveland Alliance and developer Dick Pace are hoping that the recently launched program, which is being funded by Charter One Growing Communities, will help kickstart new downtown retail and fill up long-vacant spaces in the 5th Street Arcades (formerly the Colonial Arcade). "I already have people calling me," says Pace, who has added several new shops since taking over a master lease for the arcades, including Curious Cleaveland, Chocolate 76 and Different Things Gallery. "We need more than one single shop, but a group of retailers that feed off each other and create that synergy." The crowdfunding campaigns, which will take place after winners are selected, will give retailers a chance to raise funds and generate buzz. "They get capital support from DCA, and support from crowdfunding. It's a pretty powerful combination." Carrie Carpenter of Charter One Growing Communities says that providing gap funding to new urban retailers has been so successful that the program is being rolled out in other cities outside of Northeast Ohio. "When you look at it from a small business perspective, we have tons of entrepreneurs in Cleveland, tons of great ideas," she says. "The challenge is that they simply lack funding to make it happen. Growing Communities is about helping neighborhoods succeed." The competition began Tuesday, January 29 and runs through Friday, March 1, 2013. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on March 1 to be eligible. Finalists will be notified on or before March 20, 2013. Grant applications will be judged on their merits by a selection committee. Finalists will run crowdfunding campaigns from March 25 to April 24. Winners and grant amounts are scheduled to be announced the week of April 29.

Source: Carrie Carpenter, Dick Pace Writer: Lee Chilcote

miller schneider gallery opens in waterloo arts district LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

In another example of a fleeting pop-up becoming permanent, local artists Dott Schneider and Bryon Miller recently opened the Miller Schneider Gallery on Waterloo Road in North Collinwood to showcase seldom-seen artists and add to the district's growing visual arts scene. In recent years, there's been a rotating gallery at 16008 Waterloo Road. When the landlord approached Miller about opening a space, he soon reeled in Schneider. The first show features Cincinnati tattoo artist Meghan Dietz, whose flash line paintings are influenced by American-style tattooing. As Schneider says, "What we have on the walls right now is some pretty risque bondage flash line work." Expect more unusual offerings from this duo, who have plenty of experience. "What's exciting is that we're both professional artists and have been doing this a long time," says Schneider. "We want to foster good, honest relationships with the artists we represent. It's our responsibility to mentor up-and-coming artists." Schneider is a mixed-media artist who has been creating and exhibiting work since 1996, while Miller is a photographer with 15 years of experience. Upcoming shows may feature folk artists from Columbus and a printmaker from France, she says. The gallery will stay open later on nights when there is an "interesting" show at the Beachland Ballroom and Tavern, says Schneider, who is enthused about the arts district. "We're looking forward to growing with the neighborhood," she says. The gallery has regular weekend hours. It will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays starting in February and will be open late for Walk All Over Waterloo on Feb. 1st.

Source: Dott Schneider Writer: Lee Chilcote

from hillbilly to highbrow, the cleveland flea aims to launch a new saturday tradition LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

The St. Clair Superior Development Corporation and artist-entrepreneur Stephanie Sheldon are hoping to start a new tradition in Cleveland come spring -- an urban flea market that celebrates Cleveland's maker community and helps locals turn trash into treasure. The Cleveland Flea will take place on the second Saturday of the month at E. 64th and St. Clair Avenue beginning in April. It will feature a mix of artisans, food trucks, pop-up and bricks-and-mortar retail, and educational demonstrations. "It will be a look at the maker community in Cleveland combined with traditional flea aspects," says Sheldon, the energetic driver behind the startup businesses Parfait, Indie Foundry and Kiss and Bite. "It will be a mix of a curated selection of Cleveland artisans and a treasure hunt. It won't be all hillbilly or all highbrow." While the Flea itself will take place outdoors, it dovetails with St. Clair Superior's Retail Ready project, which has lured new businesses to the area by working with local landlords to offer cheap rent, buildout funding and marketing assistance. Sheldon says the idea came in part from her realization that Cleveland's artisan community could use a home. "I hear rumblings from people who ask, 'How do people find me in the oversaturated Etsy market? It's become really ineffective." In addition to makers and locals selling their stuff, ideas for the CLE Flea include a pop-up restaurant for food trucks, educational programs on bike repair and starting a business, and a partnership with the Cleveland Salon. Sheldon hopes the idea will catch on and grow quickly. A soft launch will take place on Saturday, February 23rd at the first-ever Cleveland Kurentovanje, a traditional Slovenian rite of spring that is coming to the area.

Source: Stephanie Sheldon Writer: Lee Chilcote

nonprofit enrichment program open doors academy expands into new offices LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013

Open Doors Academy, which started in 2002 as an after-school program for at-risk youth at St. Paul's Church in Cleveland Heights, now works with over 330 adolescents at eight school sites each year. Nearly 100 percent of Open Doors' participants attend college or a post-secondary program. To accommodate its growth, Open Doors recently moved into a newly renovated, 5,700-square-foot office at 3311 Perkins Avenue. Executive Director Annemarie Grassi says that the organization has come out of the closet -- quite literally. "We started in a space in the Heights Medical Building in Cleveland Heights that was maybe 400 square feet, and that was a huge upgrade from our office before, which was located in a St. Pauls Church closet," says Grassi. "Then we moved to 1,800 square feet, but everytime you turned around there was more growth." The new office, which was completely raw before the landlord built it out, features open space with pods for various work teams and hoteling spaces for field workers who only come into the office occasionally. The project was paid for by a grant from the Ames Foundation and a donation from a generous individual. Grassi says that Open Doors is effective because it offers a comprehensive support program for at-risk youth, involving families, teachers and school support staff in efforts to bolster student achievement and leadership. Unique features include required service work as close as Cleveland and as far away as Honduras. "We combine high-quality programming with strong outcomes," says Grassi. "When a kid sees that their parent is invested in the program, then they're more likely to be invested, too. We focus on creating the whole child." Grassi says that Open Doors, whose hallmark is engaging youth every school day from 6th-12th grade, is replicable. "We want to be in every high school in Cleveland and the inner ring suburbs 20 years from now," she says.

Source: Annemarie Grassi Writer: Lee Chilcote

heights library to convert old ymca gym into knowledge and innovation center LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2013

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Library is transforming a 4,000-square-foot former YMCA gym connected to its Lee Road branch into a high-tech community classroom and home for the Cuyahoga County Small Business Development Center. The renovation, which broke ground in December and will be completed in June, is aimed at better serving the community while also supporting small business entrepreneurship in the Heights communities. The new Heights Knowledge and Innovation Center (HKIC) will be free and open to the public. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will be operated by the Monte Ahuja College of Business at Cleveland State University. "There are a number of things about this project that are very innovative, and one of them is that an SBDC has never been in a library," says Library Director Nancy Levin. "We want to publish our results and try to make it an example for others." Libraries have been evolving for some time into hubs for small business, and many now offer meeting rooms and workrooms. The project fulfills a vision identified in 2006 during community meetings, Levin says. The six workrooms currently available at the main library are nearly always completely full, she adds. Other features of the project include a new computer lab with 26 work stations, expanded wireless access in the HKIC lounge area, additional study rooms, iPad rental, a production work area with office supplies, and a digital multimedia lab. The $485,000 project is being paid for by the Heights Libraries Building and Repair Fund. It was designed by studioTECHNE and the contractor is Sterling Professional Group.

Source: Nancy Levin Writer: Lee Chilcote

long-in-the-works toast wine bar set to finally open in gordon square LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013

Small plates. Classic cocktails. A wine list curated by a well-traveled owner with a zest for local food. Shared tables made from old flour bins and lots of cozy nooks for hanging out with friends or snuggling up to a date. A menu filled with items like gnudi and braised lamb. These are just a few of the wonderful things Fresh Water uncovered during a recent tour of Toast Wine Bar, which is set to open next month in the Gordon Square Arts District after six long years of planning. Local resident and attorney Jillian Davis first purchased the building in 2006, with plans to open a place where she could share her love of great wine and locavore cuisine with others. The building, which had been vacant for years, is a former bakery and residence that came with cool window seats and built-in cabinets. Then came a nasty spat with the church next door, which first opposed her liquor license but later came around. After her plans were approved a year ago, Davis started construction with the aid of contractor and furniture designer John Arthur. Toast is now drywalled out and Davis says that she plans to open in February. We know: We'll believe it when we see it. But trust us, folks, it's pretty darn close. "The space was filled with stuff we could reuse; everything is just kind of getting recycled, which is cool," says Davis, pointing out the empty spot where the bar, which is being built from old doors and will have a zinc top, will be installed. Davis is very excited about her cocktail list, boasting such colorful names as Vieux Carre, Widow's Kiss, Hanky Panky and Sir Alex. "I'm really into the cocktail renaissance," she says. "If you come here, you'll be able to have liquor, but only what I want you to have." Yes ma'am. And at 13 bucks a pop, we bet they'll be good and strong, too. The opening of Toast is expected to create eight new full-time jobs in the city of Cleveland. Davis wouldn't disclose her total investment amount, simply saying that she's "doing it on the cheap" with some help from the City of Cleveland's Neighborhood Retail Assistance Program, a commercial bank loan and equity. Davis, who has traveled the world drinking and eating, is excited about the launch. "When I'm not at work, I read about food and wine, cook and eat. It's my passion."

Source: Jillian Davis Writer: Lee Chilcote

design-focused green garage studio opens in tremont LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013

Angela Ben-Kiki, the artist and designer behind Green Garage Studio, has come full circle by opening a new studio and showroom in a two-family rental that she owns on W. 11th Street in Tremont. Ben-Kiki was one of the first entrepreneurs to open a design-focused store in Tremont when she owned the shop Go Modern. She eventually closed the store to focus on being a mom. Now that her daughter is older, she has returned with new energy to the place where it all began. "I produce well-crafted gear for everyday -- commuting, travel and leisure," she explains. "It is sustainably produced and one-of-a-kind. Many of my products have multiple uses, and we choose distinctive fabrics made in America." Among Green Garage's signature products are denim bags for men and women. She purchases material from American Denim Growers in Littlefield, Texas. Despite the prevalence of denim in clothing, relatively few bags are made out of it. "I bought a remnant of denim years ago, and that got me started," she says. "I made an everyday errand bag, and people said, 'Hey, where did you get that?'" While Ben-Kiki's studio in Tremont recalls her history in the neighborhood, she's branching out in new directions, she says. Her newest products include aprons, pouches and a men's mesh bag. She also plans to get more into bicycling gear. "I have a passion for design and usefulness. That comes from vintage times. To produce something that is meant to last for years -- I find it very gratifying."

Source: Angela Ben-Kiki Writer: Lee Chilcote

museum of natural history officially kicks off campaign for ambitious expansion LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History (CMNH) has launched an ambitious $125 million campaign to renovate and expand its campus in University Circle. Dr. Evalyn Gates, the particle physicist who has led the museum since 2010, wants the new structure to become a hands-on learning lab for green building, science education and environmental stewardship. "Our role is to give kids a taste of real science with real scientists in a hands-on, minds-on kind of way," says Gates. "We can do things in a museum that can't be done in every classroom. Natural history is about our understanding of the world around us. We can help people better understand our place in the natural world." CMNH will demolish a portion of its older, 1950s-style building and renovate the rest of it. The museum also will add two light-filled wings, a glassy lobby, and 300space parking garage. The re-do will bring activity that now takes place in the bowels of the building -- such as paleontology work -- into a more publicly accessible space where people can more easily see it. CMNH has long sought to expand, but its plans were put on hold when the recession hit a few years ago. Gates believes that the philanthropic appetite exists to fund CMNH's expansion and it can be completed within the next several years. CMNH has already begun to reinvent itself since she assumed the role of director. One example is the SmartHome, Gates says, which was a draw because it was hands-on. As examples of science education, Gates cited programs like the junior med camp and vet camp, school field trips to the planetarium and a partnership with the Cleveland schools that allows every second grader to visit CMNH for free.

Source: Evalyn Gates Writer: Lee Chilcote

food truck chef to bring authentic cajun fare to tremont LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2012

"I don't cook like any of those other guys on the block, I'll tell you that right now," promises Cajun chef Johnny Schulze, tossing out the names of celebrity chefs Michael Symon and Rocco Whalen, both of whom have Tremont restaurants. "I pull from what I learned growing up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The reason I'm doing this restaurant is I want to cook what I'm really good at." Schulze is talking about his planned restaurant and watering hole Bourbon Street Barrel Room, which was recently approved by the local Tremont block club, a major feat given the propensity of skiddish neighbors to blackball new liquor licenses. The 100-seat restaurant, which will be located on Professor Avenue between Fahnrenheit and Edison's, is expected to open by next summer. Bourbon Street will serve authentic, reasonably-priced Cajun cuisine, something that Schulze says doesn't exist in Northeast Ohio. "The way I see it, they live off the land, these Cajuns," he says. "They make do with inexpensive ingredients. It's seafood-heavy. It's about building flavors -- like a jambalaya, it looks very simple when it's served, but when you taste it, you're diving into multiple flavors." Schulze and co-owners Justin and Barry Clemens know that such rich, spicy flavors pair perfectly with craft beer. So, in addition to traditional Cajun dishes such as gumbo and shrimp creole, Bourbon Street will offer plenty of beer selections, wine and liquor. "You might even be able to order a hurricane," hints Schulze. When he was recruited by the owners, the veteran chef had been operating the Zydeco Bistro food truck with no plans to open a restaurant. "I built a food truck to retire -- I didn't want to work for anyone ever again," Schulze says with a laugh. "I tried to say no at first. But Tremont has the right atmosphere; it's culturally diverse and feels like you're outside the French quarter. I can pull this off."

Source: Johnny Schulze Writer: Lee Chilcote

yellowcake inks deal to open brick-and-mortar store in gordon square LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

Valerie Mayen is both nervous and excited as she talks about taking Yellowcake, the independent clothing company she built from the ground up, from pop-up to permanent. In March, the 31-year-old Texas native, who came to Cleveland to study at the Cleveland Institute of Art and appeared on Season 8 of "Project Runway," will double her current retail space at W. 65th Street and Detroit Avenue in the Gordon Square Arts District. Yellowcake's new 1,500-square-foot space will offer expanded clothing lines, more menswear and additional kids' clothing. Mayen also will teach classes and offer shared workspace. D-day will be in January when Mayen punches through the wall of the former podiatry office next door. When the dust settles, she'll outfit her shop with new lighting, flooring, paint, sewing equipment and shared work stations. "We've been here for 18 months as a pop-up store, and we decided to stick it out because we love the neighborhood," says Mayen. Although sales of her higherend, locally-made women's dresses, coats and clothing haven't been what she hoped, she inked a three-year lease out of confidence in the area's upswing. "We're working our asses off to make this corner spot look amazing," she says. Mayen also benefited from a $10,000 grant from Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization's inaugural Best Business Plan Competition. She will receive free rent during the buildout followed by a graduated payment schedule. The competition was funded by Councilman Matt Zone and Charter One Bank. Mayen's long-planned co-working space for entrepreneurs in the fashion industry, Buzz and Growl, will take up residence in Yellowcake's new headquarters. She will sell a handful of memberships initially and plans to offer classes and tours as well. Mayen urged her fellow Clevelanders to shop local and independent businesses during the holiday season -- and beyond. "People are conditioned to think that Forever21 and H&M prices are the norm. I recognize that $98 for a cotton dress is a lot. Honestly, our prices should be about 20 percent higher. We don't put them higher because I understand that there's a price people are willing to pay." While she's excited about her new permanent store, the ambitious designer, who has built Yellowcake with her own sweat equity and hard cash, is not one to rest. "I'm happy with who we are, what we are and where we're at... ish," she says.

Source: Valerie Mayen Writer: Lee Chilcote

ohio city residents oppose mcdonald's development for local, global reasons LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2012

Belying a recent assertion by Plain Dealer columnist Mark Naymik that some Ohio City residents who oppose a new McDonald's at Lorain Avenue and Fulton Road are "a bit snobby" and part of the "$6-a-beer crowd," hundreds gathered at Franklin Circle Church on Tuesday to express their fears that it would be detrimental to the entire community. "There is a misperception that it's white, middle-class people who don't want this," explains Krissie Wells, who has garnered over 700 signatures on a change.org petition opposing the McDonald's. "That couldn't be further from the truth. There are people from all backgrounds who support this [petition effort]. There are other affordable food options in the neighborhood, though not as many as I'd like." McDonald's has proposed relocating its restaurant from Detroit Avenue and W. 70th Street to the site of the former Hollywood Video, which has been vacant for several years. The proposed McDonald's would sit close to the street, have an outdoor patio, and a two-lane drive-through in the rear of the property. Despite efforts by McDonald's to incorporate feedback from the neighborhood and adhere to design review guidelines in the Lorain Historic District, the majority of residents at the meeting opposed it because they fear that it will bring traffic, trash and noise to the area. They would prefer to see development occur here that better fits with the area's historic character. Many residents also believe that McDonald's food is unhealthy and contributes to our nation's obesity problem. Mike Fiala, a resident of W. 38th who lives adjacent to the site, argues that Lorain and Fulton is not the right location for a McDonald's. "The pedestrian retail overlay district here is all about promoting... pedestrian-oriented density," he said. "We need a building with greater massing. This will be a sea of concrete and asphalt." McDonald's representatives and Larsen Architects presented an extensive proposal that showed how the restaurant would help activate a dead corner of long-struggling Lorain, but attendees remained largely unconvinced. "I don't think this is the right spot for this use, based on one simple thing: Would you want a drive-through next to your home?" asks Councilman Joe Cimperman, an Ohio City resident whose ward includes the site at Lorain and Fulton. "To people who say something is better than nothing, I'd remind them that before W. 25th was W. 25th Street, there were proposals for a state liquor store and check cashing place [that were ultimately rejected]." McDonald's has said that it will continue to pursue approvals through the City of Cleveland's Design Review, Landmarks and Planning Commissions. The project may also require variances from the Board of Zoning Appeals. At this time, it remains unclear what power residents have to stop the project. If they do, the future of the site also remains unclear, as no alternative use has been identified. An affordable housing development was proposed here earlier this year, but it was not awarded the necessary funding from the Ohio Housing Finance Agency.

Source: Krissie Wells, Mike Fiala, Joe Cimperman, McDonald's, Larsen Architects Writer: Lee Chilcote

st. clair superior celebrates new retailers, upcoming public art project LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, DECEMBER 06, 2012

This summer, the St. Clair Superior Development Corporation launched an initiative called "Retail Ready" with the objective of filling a slew of vacant storefronts along St. Clair Avenue. In partnership with local landlords, they offered enticements such as reduced rent, free buildout and marketing support. The goal was to create a "big bang" effect in which a number of shops opened simultaneously, bringing new life to this historic street. Although the project has taken longer than anticipated, it has sparked a lot of fresh interest in the area, says St. Clair Superior Executive Director Michael Fleming. The faded strip also recently celebrated a new tenant, Nx Dance Studio, which opened its doors on Sunday with a room full of line dancers and music spilling out into the street. Three additional retailers are expected to open early next year. Now, thanks to a $25,375 grant awarded by Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, St. Clair Superior is gearing up for a major public art project this summer that will beautify the street between E. 62nd and Addison. "Hope-Sketch: St. Clair Avenue Reimagined" will create large-scale public art with community input. "We've always known that a major component to the 'pop-up neighborhood' would be public art," Fleming says. "Hope-Sketch will involve neighborhood residents and businesses in working with an artist to put together ideas as to what their hopes are for the neighborhood. Then they'll create a temporary art installation for one weekend and the whole street will come alive. Afterwards, a professional design firm, Agnes Studio, will distill the concepts into permanent public art." Hope-Sketch will be completed in summer of 2013. In February, St. Clair Superior is also planning to celebrate kurentovanje, a Slovenian carnival event that is based on Pagan tradition. By then, Fleming hopes that new retailers such as an art gallery, coffeeshop and bakery will be open, with more on the way.

Source: Michael Fleming Writer: Lee Chilcote

heck's revival, hip vintage decor store, opens in cudell neighborhood LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012

Caley Coleff first began collecting vintage furniture from flea markets with her grandfather when she was a little girl. Once the furniture was home, she'd watch her grandfather refinish it, absorbing his techniques even when he thought she wasn't paying attention. This month, Coleff unveiled a vintage store that pays tribute to those early experiences while adding her own unique twist. Located at 11102 Detroit Avenue in Cudell, Heck's Revival is named after her grandfather, whose last name was Heck. "I started doing stuff from my home because you can't afford nice, well-made furniture anymore," she explains. "If you buy something it's the cheapo [stuff] that falls apart. I had a lot, so I started doing custom orders and selling to friends. I never realized I was actually good at it, I was just making stuff that I liked." Then Coleff met her business partner, Jill Krznaric ("It's Croatian, even though I'm not"), and a business idea was born. Krznaric is into retro items like old barstools, while Coleff likes to take French Provincial furniture and paint it with cool designs. Together, they found a space with hardwood floors that they liked and signed a lease. "A lot of our stuff comes out of the trash," says Coleff, who is 26 years old and also tends bar. "It's beat up and broken and people think it's out of style. We stain it, prime it and put it back together. Then I paint it with cool colors and designs." The most expensive item in Heck's Revival is a $400 dresser that Coleff painted with a white background and a black outline of Marilyn Monroe's face. The least expensive items are old retro kitchen stuff that sell for a buck apiece. "As new as we are, I thought it would have taken a lot longer to pick up. We've been doing really, really well," effuses Coleff, who aims to create a younger, more accessible kind of vintage retailer. "People like it enough to tell their friends." Heck's Revival, which opened in mid-November, has regular hours on Mondays from 12-7 p.m., Wednesdays-Fridays from 12-5 p.m. and Saturdays from 12-4 p.m.

Source: Caley Coleff Writer: Lee Chilcote

glazen's operation light switch picking up juice in collinwood LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2012

Alan Glazen admits that opening a bar on Waterloo Road in North Collinwood might sound crazy. After all, others have tried and failed before him. He also admits that it doesn't make apparent business sense to recruit his own competition, something he's also trying to do. Still, he insists he's not crazy. Here's why. Glazen's ambitious Operation Light Switch project aims to simultaneously open a host of new bars and restaurants on Waterloo Road, building on the area's artsy, gritty authenticity while ensuring critical mass from the get-go. It's a risky idea, but he's willing to try it. And while no formal announcements have yet been made, others too apparently are. (There's a rumor that Steve Schimoler of Crop and other chefs are close to inking deals.) As he works to recruit other restauranteurs to join him, Glazen is acquiring, fixing up and repositioning properties on Waterloo, a street that already is home to the Beachland Ballroom and other indie shops. Glazen bought the old Fotina's Diner, offering six months free rent to a new hand-picked proprietor. A few weeks in, owner Mary Kean's Chloe's Kitchen Diner already is doing twice the business of the old place -- and still offering $2.99 breakfasts all day. Befitting its old-school-meets-new-school reputation, Chloe's tagline is "Wi-Fi and pie." Glazen also currently is renovating the shuttered Harbor Pub -- which needs a serious facelift -- into a rock-and-roll bar. He also just signed a lease for the bar and bocce courts at the Slovenian Workmen's Hall. "This is the real deal; it's absolutely authentic," he says of the courts, which apparently are lined with a surface of crushed oyster shells. "We're going to do what we do: polish it, rather than change it." Translation: Glazen will remove the ugly, glass block windows on the outside of the building and replace them with glass, dig up the old, cracked tile floor and replace it, and make other needed repairs. Of the bocce, Glazen explains, "It'll be on the honor system. You'll put your 50 cents in a box, get your beer and go play." Glazen ancipates opening the Slovenian Workmen's Home in April. He also is expecting that 2013 will be the year that all the lights come up on Waterloo. He's talking to other top name chefs in Cleveland about empty spots along the strip. "This is way more of a give back than a take away; we're not going to make much money for a while," he says. "But my dad grew up in this neighborhood. We love our neighborhoods. This is the last best opportunity in Cleveland, in my view."

Source: Alan Glazen Writer: Lee Chilcote

'our cle' group forms to oppose casino skywalk, but faces an uphill battle LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2012

Downtown resident (and Fresh Water contributor) Joe Baur doesn't have a lot of experience as a community organizer, but he jumped into the political fray after learning that Rock Gaming, owner of the Horseshoe Casino, intends to build a skywalk to the historic Higbee building. "Skywalks are vibrancy-killers," Baur says of the proposed glass-and-steel bridge, which would traverse diagonally the intersection of Ontario and Prospect, providing a direct link between garage and casino. "Rock Gaming said they'd mesh their enterprise into the existing fabric of downtown Cleveland. This mars a historic building. We're not in a position to risk what street life we have." Councilman Joe Cimperman, who represents downtown Cleveland, supports the skywalk, arguing that it will ensure pedestrian safety while continuing to foster economic development. "Am I part of the pro-skywalk lobby? Do I wear a button supporting it? No. But I support this one," says Cimperman. "The historic aspect is worthy of debate, but these are debates that growing cities are going to have. The question is, how do you preserve the best of what you have while also creating opportunities?" The simmering debate over the proposed skywalk raises the question of how urban casinos can best be woven into the fabric of cities while maximizing spinoff to other local businesses. Casino owners have long sought to keep their patrons inside their venues -- many casinos don't even have windows -- yet Cleveland's casino is notably different. Situated in the historic Higbee building, the developers went to pains to carefully restore the long-vacant structure. Cimperman says that nearby restaurant owners have reported spikes in traffic as a result of the casino, while Baur maintains that the skywalk will kill off hopes of revitalizing the vacant storefronts in lower Prospect Avenue. The debate -- which is far from finished -- is garnering buzz on Facebook and social media. To fight the proposed skywalk, Baur has formed a social media group called Our CLE and launched a petition drive aimed at Cimperman and Mayor Frank Jackson, who has also expressed support for the project. So far, the group has garnered over 100 signatures and attracted attention from local TV media. Rock Gaming has said that the skywalk is necessary to provide casino-goers the comfort, security and convenience they've come to expect. Yet Baur cites urban planning studies showing that skywalks discourage pedestrian traffic and deaden street life. They also feed into the perception that downtown is unsafe and discourage visitors from patronizing other businesses, he maintains. "How are we going to fight the perception that downtown isn't safe if we're going to placate to that perception by building a skywalk?" he asks. "If Rock Gaming really believes that their visitors will feel unsafe and cold with that grueling 270-foot walk, then the shuttle that runs 24 hours per day should be sufficient." Jennifer Kulczycki, a spokesperson for Rock Gaming, says that ensuring comfort for casino-goers is the primary motivation behind the skywalk -- not perceived criminal activity downtown. "Many of our customers are elderly, and people have been asking us for assistance getting back and forth," she says. "The whole effect of putting the casino in the Higbee building has been rejuvenating that area. We wouldn't build the skywalk if we didn't believe the street would remain active." The skywalk would shave 100 feet off the trek from garage to casino, Baur says, reducing it to 170 feet. The venue began offering a 24-hour shuttle earlier this year, yet Rock Gaming has continued to pursue plans for the skywalk. For the skywalk to be built, the city must review technical construction documents and issue a building permit. It could not deny the skywalk for design reasons, since it was approved by the Planning Commission last year. Currently, the developers are fighting a ruling by the National Park Service that would threaten millions of dollars in historic tax credits claimed by building owner Forest City Enterprises. This week, an appeal filed by Rock Gaming will be heard by the Chief Appeals Officer of the National Register of Historic Places in Washington D.C. In essence, the park service has said that the skywalk is not in keeping with the historic character of the building, and Rock Gaming is contesting that decision. Yet even if Rock Gaming loses its appeal, the project could go ahead, says Thomas Starinsky, Associate Director of Historic Gateway Neighborhood Corporation. Forest City has only a few years until its tax credit period expires -meaning it could go ahead and add the skywalk now, forgoing a prorated amount of the credits, or wait until the period is over and do so without incurring a loss. The developers also believe that the skywalk is necessary for Phase II, a $600million project slated to be built behind Tower City Center overlooking the Cuyahoga River. The two phases will be connected via Tower City. According to projections that were deemed conservative when it opened, the city is expected to earn about $20 million per year in tax revenue from the casino. Yet Baur says that the decision by Cimperman and Jackson to support the project is short-sighted. It does not take into account the long-term negative effects of the skywalk on the historic integrity of downtown and viability of area businesses. "The City of Minneapolis won't allow skywalks in historic districts -- they realize that because of the ones built in the '60s, they're struggling to get their retail back," he says. "Some cities, like Baltimore, are demolishing skywalks." Cimperman vehemently disagrees. "The casino is employing 1,800 people," he says. "The key is balancing economic development with good design. We had the same debate about the Medical Mart because it's located on the Malls designed by Daniel Burnham. We ended up creating something that people are really proud of." Kulczycki says Rock Gaming and its architects have carefully designed a skywalk that fits into the streetscape. Yet Baur maintains that there's no way to dress up the skywalk -- it is what it is. "You can't make it work [at the Higbee Building]." The skywalk, which was first proposed last year, may seem like an about-face from the pro-urban approach that Rock Gaming promised when its leaders launched efforts to legalize gambling in Ohio in 2009. Yet Cimperman cites multiple public meetings that were held to allow input. "This is not something that was done behind closed doors," he says. "It was part of the original proposal." If the skywalk project moves forward, it won't be the first time that Rock Gaming has developed a controversial project in the face of organized community opposition. Last year, the corporation successfully purchased and demolished the historic Columbia building on Prospect Avenue to build a parking garage. The casino skywalk is also not the only one that's being considered right now in downtown Cleveland. The developers of the Westin Hotel on St. Clair Avenue across from the Medical Mart and Convention Center have also proposed a new skywalk. Many preservationists deem that skywalk, which would link the hotel to Public Auditorium, as being even more injurious to the city's historic fabric.

Source: Joe Baur Writer: Lee Chilcote

fire's doug katz to turn historic diner cars into cafe, catering kitchen LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2012

Doug Katz, chef-owner of the popular Fire Food and Drink at Shaker Square, has purchased the vacant diner cars on Lee Road in Cleveland Heights, planning to use them as home base for a farm-to-table deli and his growing catering operation. "It's a perfect catering kitchen," says Katz of the 3,000-square-foot kitchen in the rear of the diner cars. "In one of the diner cars, I'm going to create a Fire-quality diner that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. In the other one, I'm going to create a space people can use for a catered function." Katz, who lives in Cleveland Heights, fell in love with the diners 10 years ago when one of his neighbors, Big Fun owner Steve Presser, purchased and relocated them from out of state. He later opened Dottie's Diner and Sweet City Diner. Since those closed, a string of short-lived eateries followed. Katz hopes to realize some of Presser's original vision. "We want to do something that the neighborhood really could use," he says. "The location is just sort of sleeping right now. The Bottlehouse is there. We're going to create a little district for ourselves and extend the Cedar-Lee District north." The yet-to-be-named diner will offer egg dishes, locally roasted coffee, housemade baked goods that may include sticky buns and donuts, and classic diner items like hot and cold sandwiches, soups and salads that can be enjoyed in or taken to go. "This will not be the $1.99, blue plate special diner," he says, citing prices in the $10-15 range for main dishes. "It's going to be all about supporting local farmers and offering people the kind of diner experience I can be proud of." Katz will also offer deli trays for parties. "We're going to do it in a really awesome house-made way," he says. "If we do a club sandwich, we'll make our own bacon." Katz is shooting for a March opening.

Source: Doug Katz Writer: Lee Chilcote

pace gets to work on adding locally themed retail to colonial marketplace LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2012

Many people probably would look at the half-empty retail spaces inside downtown's Colonial and Euclid Arcades and see small, dated spaces from another era. When developer Dick Pace looks at them, however, he sees nothing but unmet potential. "We don't hit the formulas of the national brands, but instead of wringing our hands and giving up, we can take a different approach," he says. "This could be a unique place to shop where you can get local brands. This is a chance to provide the kind of product that you just can't get at Crocker Park." Pace recently signed a master lease to manage 70,000 square feet of retail space at the two arcades. He will also move his offices there. He envisions a future in which food vendors, merchandise retailers and services exist side by side. "We have some good food vendors in Sushi 86, Vincenza's and others, but what's missing is the merchandising side -- clothes, books, gifts," he says. "We're also looking at services such as concierge dry cleaning, shoe repair and tailoring." Pace generated original concepts for the shops with the aid of downtown residents at a recent party. Ideas included a fresh fruit market, an extended gift shop for Cleveland institutions like the Cleveland Museum of Art and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a collective shop for Cleveland fashion designers, a gallery filled with work by local artists, and a showcase for Cleveland Institute of Art students. Pace already has recruited two new tenants -- the downtown farmer's market, which needed a winter home, and the Collective Upcycle pop-up shop. He also has rebranded the complex as the "Fifth Street Arcades," thus retaining the historic name while highlighting its position between E. 4th and PlayhouseSquare. Pace is not worried about the recent closure of Dredger's Union on E. 4th. "It was the only merchandise on a street filled with restaurants, and it was a higher price point than most residents were looking for," he says of the venture, which lasted one year. "The feedback was, 'If we want to go to Saks or Nordstrom, we know where to go.' We're looking at cost-effective local retail, not jeans for $120." Allen Wiant of PlayhouseSquare Real Estate Services, who helped broker the deal, believes that Pace will be successful. "This is a prime location close to rich capital assets, yet it had no relationship with those assets," he says. "I believe that it can be repositioned if you look at doing something thematic in nature." The Colonial and Euclid Arcades, now known as the Colonial Marketplace, sit below a 175-room Residence Inn Hotel -- but there has never been an attentive focus on repositioning these retail assets. That's something Pace aims to change.

Source: Dick Pace, Allen Wiant Writer: Lee Chilcote

as part of green neighborhoods initiative, south euclid builds 'idea house' LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 08, 2012

With the housing market finally picking up, the City of South Euclid has sold five rehabbed bungalows and recently built a green "Idea Home" on a vacant lot as part of its Green Neighborhoods Initiative, an effort to rebrand itself as a green, innovative community. "We're attracting the kind of resident that thinks green, that's concerned with liveability," says Keith Benjamin, Director of Community Services for the city. "It's been promising and inspiring to see these green rehabs sell for more than the homes around them," adds Sally Martin, the city's Housing Manager, who cites sales prices that often more than double the value of area homes. "It really speaks to the value of green and modern design as things that buyers are looking for." The Idea Home features a 1,500-square-foot open floorplan with a first floor bedroom and granite countertops on a corner lot. It also has an attached garage and plentiful outdoor space. It meets Enterprise Green Community standards. Although South Euclid historically has not had a reputation of being a place that attracts young people, the city's new image has begun to attract a new type of homebuyer, Martin says. "The demographic is getting younger and younger." The Green Neighborhoods Initiative also has spawned a flurry of other green projects, including five community gardens and three pocket parks thus far. Recently, South Euclid also created a nonprofit organization called One South Euclid that will function as the community development corporation for the suburb. It is led by an independent board of residents and business owners. "We wanted to take a grassroots approach to revitalization," says Martin. Some of the projects the CDC may take on include rehabbing additional homes, assisting target streets with improving the curb appeal of their homes, improving the streetscape in business districts, and branding individual neighborhoods. To spur more greening activities, the city has begun offering lots for sale to individuals for yard expansion or home construction. Designs developed by the city can be used for free, and a five-year, 75-percent tax abatement is offered. "We wanted to show what's possible in an inner-ring community," says Martin. "We're the number one destination for grad students looking to rent houses," adds Benjamin. "We wanted to make our community attractive so they purchase their first home here, then keep them here after they buy their first starter home." The Idea Home, which recently entertained its first offer, is for sale for $150,000. The house is located at 4088 Linnell Avenue, which is off of Miramar Boulevard.

Source: Sally Martin, Keith Benjamin Writer: Lee Chilcote

flats forward will champion redevelopment of cleveland's birthplace LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 08, 2012

Last summer, leaders of the Flats Forward initiative assembled a diverse group of area stakeholders and sent them in a boat down the Cuyahoga River to talk about how they could solve their problems together. If ever a vivid metaphor was needed, the experience provided one. "It was the first time that people from Cargill Salt were able to talk to people from the bike community in a real, honest, transparent way," says Dan Moulthrop of the Civic Commons, which helped to facilitate the event. "This was not a meeting up on the 24th floor somewhere." The boat ride was part of an inclusive process designed to spur the revitalization of the Flats Corridor. For years, Cleveland's historic birthplace lacked an effective advocate. Now, after more than a year of work, a new group has formed. Flats Forward Inc., Cleveland's newest community development corporation, will oversee the redevelopment of the Flats District. The group has a diverse board of stakeholders and a search is underway for an Executive Director. The group is currently housed within the offices of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga Port Authority. At a recent meeting, Flats Forward representatives touted the East Bank project, the Port Authority's stewardship of the lake and river, the steadily advancing Towpath Trail and Rivergate Park as signs of positive progress in the area. "When I got here, I was immediately drawn to the Flats and the industrial river valley, and I knew that the Port would get involved," said William Friedman, CEO of the Port Authority, of his organization's commitment to the Flats. "This is one of the most unique maritime environments in the world, and we can tap into that."

Source: Dan Moulthrop, William Friedman Writer: Lee Chilcote

iconic sammy's slated for encore at new playhousesquare restaurant LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 08, 2012

The iconic Sammy's Restaurant reigned over the Flats during the entertainment district's erstwhile heyday from 1980 through 2000. Now the venue is making a comeback in a new, transformed location at PlayhouseSquare that is set to open in December. "We've always been restauranteurs at heart, and we wanted to get back to our roots," says Dena DiOrio of Sammy's, which has focused on catering and facility management for the past decade. "We're excited to bring more energy to a neighborhood that's really thriving." The opportunity presented itself when the previous tenant, Star Restaurant, closed earlier this year. Sammy's is the caterer for PlayhouseSquare, so the choice was a logical one. The restaurant is being completely redesigned, DiOrio says. "It will be a completely different storefront," she says. "You'll be able to see through the restaurant to the back wall, which was previously closed in. We're replacing it with a glass wall so visitors can see into the Ohio Theatre lobby." The restaurant also will have a new entrance off Euclid Avenue, as well as a new layout with a "salon" in the front, bar in the middle and seating area in the back. DiOrio says that Sammy's aim is to capitalize on PlayhouseSquare's identity as a 24/7 neighborhood and entertainment district whose vitality is fueled by its historic theatres. "We want to make it a destination restaurant." Sammy's owner Denise Marie Fugo, who is DiOrio's mother, says that the new restaurant will perfectly blend the family's trifecta of experience in restaurants, catering and event management. "Most customers want us to do some kind of concession and banquet management. But we're restaurant people first." The menu will feature modern American cuisine -- a mixture of small plates, classic Sammy's entrees and new signature entrees. Drink offerings include artisanal wines, microbrews, handcrafted spirits and signature cocktails. Sammy's at PlayhouseSquare will be located at 1515 Euclid Avenue.

Source: Dena DiOrio Writer: Lee Chilcote

detroit-superior bridge open to public use through permit process LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 01, 2012

Anyone who's ever visited the catacombslike lower level of the Detroit-Superior Bridge -- which offers amazing views of downtown Cleveland, the Flats and the Cuyahoga River from a setting that feels like the industrial bowels of Cleveland -has probably asked themselves, "Why isn't this open more often?" In response to public demand, Cuyahoga County has made the bridge more accessible. The Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative (CUDC) and other partners hosted events here this summer, the Cleveland Design Competition hosted its awards ceremony here last week, and the bridge even had its first wedding. "My husband and I were looking for a place that was outdoors, public and covered," says Carla Kurtz, who recently got married on the bridge. "One of our friends heard you could use the space for events like this. It was fairly easy." That's a change from previous administrations, says Terry Schwarz, Director of the CUDC, who is helping to lead the planning process for the bridge's future. "Bonnie Teeuwen, the Director of Public Works, her philosophy has been if James [Levin] and I can borrow the bridge, she should make it available to everybody," says Schwarz. "There's a process, a permit form and a fee. You describe how you'll use it. I genuinely feel the way we figure out how to use the bridge is by using it." The biggest challenge, Schwarz says, is that anyone planning an event must hire security. The bridge span is nearly a mile long, and there are plenty of dark, craggy places. It requires seven county deputies to keep it fully open. Schwarz is now examining design alternatives for keeping the bridge open during regular hours, a process that was funded by the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA). The focus is on making the bridge a connection between downtown Cleveland and Ohio City for cyclists and pedestrians. "We're looking at a dedicated path for fast-moving cyclists, because commuters have said they'd use the lower level as a quick cross over the river," says Schwarz. "We're also looking at another multi-purpose path for pedestrians and bikes." The CUDC is also examining possibilities for anchor development -- market-rate housing is the most likely option - at either end of the bridge. Such development could treat the bridge as a nearby amenity, generating a critical mass of users. "The development might generate enough of revenue to pay for patrols," she says. Another option would be to have the bridge open for limited hours. For instance, it could be open from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays for cyclists crossing the river. That connection would be especially valuable in inclement weather or during winter. "The idea isn't that the lower level is replacing the upper level, which is already bike-friendly, but that it provides an alternative," says Schwarz. "Detroit Avenue is emerging as the main east-west arterial for bikes, and this is a connection." The CUDC expects to wrap up the planning process early next year and present a final proposal to Cuyahoga County and NOACA. From there, the management entities would need to seek funding to transform that plan into a reality.

Source: Terry Schwarz Writer: Lee Chilcote

developer announces plans for 72 new market-rate apartments in ohio city LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 01, 2012

The Cleveland-based developer The Foran Group has announced plans to convert a pair of historic buildings on W. 25th Street in Ohio City into 70 market-rate apartments. The game-changing project, in the works for several years, is the first big new housing project to get off the ground here since the Great Recession. Positioned between the success of Ohio City's Market District and the popular Stonebridge apartment, office and condo complex, the new West 25th Street Lofts will bring fresh life and vibrancy to a critical dead zone in the heart of Ohio City. "There is huge demand; we estimate that occupancy will be 93 to 97 percent," says Rick Foran of The Foran Group, who has partnered with developer Christopher Smythe to complete the project. "We're closing the gap between the established Ohio City area, Stonebridge and the Warehouse District." The project, located at the corner of West 25th and Church, incorporates both the historic Baehr Brewing Company building and the former Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority on Church. It will include first floor garage parking, an interior courtyard that offers outdoor space, and 9,000 square feet of commercial space. The Baehr Brewing Company, a two-story brick building that dates back to the 1870s -- and once housed horse stables, a powerhouse and a saloon -- will be completely restored on the exterior to federal historic standards. Inside the buildings, existing historic features will be reincorporated into the apartments. For instance, the former CMHA building features a wood ceiling and iron girders, and these elements will soon become design accents in the suites. Getting to this point wasn't easy. The project has complex, layer-cake financing from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), state and federal historic tax credits, and Cleveland's Vacant Property Initiative. Foran expects to close on his HUD financing early next year, start construction immediately afterwards, and begin moving renters into suites by May 2014. Foran hopes the project will prove catalytic for the neighborhood. Over the long term, a major new park is being planned on the hillside that slopes down to the Cuyahoga River from W. 25th -- an amenity for residents and the entire city.

Source: Rick Foran Writer: Lee Chilcote

design-inspired helvetica juice bar and cafe opens in lakewood LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2012

Friends and colleagues Juan Vergara and Edward Padilla have opened Helvetica Juice Bar and Café in Lakewood, which offers authentic Latin American juices and cuisine with a Latin twist. The team hopes the space will become a gathering place for Cleveland’s graphic designers and creative class. The café, which is named after a popular font used by designers, is located at 11823 Detroit Avenue across from Virginia Marti College of Art and Design. “We’ve run out of food twice already,” says Vergara, who also co-owns Barroco Grill, a popular Columbian restaurant on Madison Avenue in Lakewood, with his father Carlos. “We got a huge turnout when we first opened. Now we know better!” The café’s signature juices are made from pulp imported from Latin America. Other items include a plantain sandwich with beef and a vegan zucchini salad. “What I did was take every juice from my childhood, very popular drinks in South America, that are different and people haven’t heard of up here,” says Vergara. “I put them all on the menu. We make them from ice, pulp, water and sugar. We also use agave syrup and soy milk. We make them so they’re almost like smoothies.” Vergara and Padilla are both artists and graphic designers, so they designed the place as a hangout for creative types. “There’s really no place in Cleveland that’s designated for graphic designers,” says Vergara, who offers a library of graphic design books in the café and showcases successful local businesses on the walls. Of the location near the Cleveland border, Vergara says, “The eastern end of Lakewood needs some love right now. With downtown becoming redeveloped, it is working its way out from the inside. So I thought, what better way to start?”

Source: Juan Vergara Writer: Lee Chilcote

ohio business machines relocates offices, 50 staffers to downtown digs LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2012

A Cleveland company that has its roots downtown but moved to the suburbs 12 years ago has relocated its headquarters back to the place where it all started. Ohio Business Machines, a company that offers the latest Sharp office technology to customers in Northern Ohio and Southeast Michigan, recently signed a lease on 8,000 square feet at 1111 Superior. OBM was located in downtown Cleveland for 25 years before it moved out of the city. With billions in new development either planned or underway and renewed vibrancy downtown, the company's executives believed that the time was right. The company has 42 employees and plans to grow its sales department. OBM, which also has an office in Toledo, is known for its excellent customer service.

Source: Ohio Business Machines Writer: Lee Chilcote

new community woodshop to serve 'growing maker movement' LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 04, 2012

Peter Debelak was a frustrated lawyer with a passion for woodworking when he stumbled on a soon-to-be-available woodshop space in a former meat processing plant on Cleveland's near west side. "There was a woodworker who had been in there for 30 years, and his space opened up," says Debelak, who fell in love with the medium of wood 12 years ago and has worked with it ever since. "The opportunity was hard to pass up." Still, starting the woodshop was a leap of faith. "I realized it was now or never," he adds. "I could get into the inertia of my next job and it would stay an idea, or I could just do it." This past July, Debelak opened Soulcraft Woodshop, an artistic space for his own furniture making and a hub for woodworking lessons and workshops. He partnered on the project with fellow woodworkers Jim Doyle and Jim McNaughton. "There's definitely an existing and growing 'maker' movement among people in their 20s and 30s and retirees," says Debelak. "It's about going back and working with your hands, making your own things and having a connection to objects." Unless you have a woodworking shop in your basement, there is a dearth of spaces to explore this field, he adds. "Shop class has been eliminated in just about every curriculum in public and private schools. There's a hole in terms of market need." Soulcraft Woodshop currently offers classes on an ad hoc basis based on inquiries. However, the owners will soon roll out regular classes such as "Introduction to Furniture Making" or "How to Build an Adirondack Chair in a Weekend." Budding woodworkers can also purchase a monthly membership pass for $120 or a pay-as-you-go pass to complete an individual project for as little as $50 to $80. Soulcraft Woodshop is located in the Hildebrandt Building at 3610 Walton Avenue.

Source: Peter Debelak Writer: Lee Chilcote

the intergenerational school will move to renovated space on saint luke's campus LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 04, 2012

The Intergenerational School, a highperforming charter school that is part of the Breakthrough Schools network, recently signed on to become part of the redeveloped Saint Luke's Hospital campus at Shaker Boulevard and E. 116th Street. The highly-rated school, which has operated out of the nearby Fairhill Center for the past decade, will have the opportunity to grow within the Buckeye-Shaker Square community, customize classroom space to meet their unique needs and engage the seniors living at Saint Luke's. "It's a great school and this will be a catalytic project for the community," says Joel Ratner, President of Neighborhood Progress Incorporated (NPI), the nonprofit developer of the Saint Luke's project. "Their model is to create intergenerational learning opportunities for kids, and now they'll be able to physically do that." TIS is part of Phase III of the Saint Luke's project, says Ratner. Phases I and II are low-income senior housing. This final phase will complete the redevelopment of the historic, red brick hospital, which has been badly vandalized since it closed over a decade ago. Ratner also expects the Boys and Girls Club to open a small space in the building, and NPI will move its office headquarters there, as well. NPI is now in a frantic push to complete the project by July 1, 2013 so that TIS can move in before the start of the 2013-2014 school year. The organization must raise another $3 million by May of next year in order to make that happen. So far, the Cleveland Foundation, Saint Luke's Foundation and several private individuals have contributed to the project, which will cost a total of $6 million. "We've already ordered the windows," says Ratner. "That alone was half a million dollars, including installation, because there are literally hundreds of custom windows. We're doing this project because it's the right thing to do." Ratner also hopes the presence of TIS will help improve Harvey Rice School, a newly built K-8 school that is not performing well. "We'd like to get mentors there like they have at TIS, and potentially do programming together," says Ratner. "The Cleveland schools say they're open to it. This will be a huge lift."

Source: Joel Ratner Writer: Lee Chilcote

juma gallery and boutique to open in shaker heights LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

The Van Aken mixed-use retail district in the City of Shaker Heights has once again become the focus of redevelopment. Juma Gallery and Boutique will soon move into the building at Chagrin Boulevard and Farnsleigh Road following a $195,000 facelift. Juma's new space, which will offer shared artist and retail space as well as a place where people can meet for coffee or tea, is located adjacent to Lucy's Sweet Surrender, Opus Restaurant and Bicycle Boulevard, among others. The gallery is a second location for artist and businesswoman Erica Weiss, who opened Juma in Little Italy 10 years ago. She was attracted to Shaker Heights by the city's aggressive approach to economic development and the public investment that will take place in the reconfiguraton of the Chagrin/Van Aken intersection. "We're just doin' it," says Weiss of taking the plunge in a still-shaky economy. "Shaker has so much to offer, and we want this area to become the city's downtown. We want people to believe Shaker can be funky and cool, too." The building at 20100-20106 Chagrin Boulevard is owned by David Weiss, Erica's husband. He had originally planned to develop it into live-work housing, but the downturn soured that idea. Yet in some ways, the original dream of supporting artists lives on in Juma's new approach -- which will welcome small businesses such as Housewarmings, operated by Shaker Heights resident Carina Reimers. Juma Gallery and Boutique received a $40,000 job creation grant from the city's Economic Development and Housing Reserve Fund. Weiss is also taking out a $15,000 micro-finance "Ignition" loan from the City of Shaker Heights.

Source: Juma Gallery and Boutique Writer: Lee Chilcote

sculptor opens new gallery and artist-representation firm in historic carnegie building LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2012

Giancarlo Calicchia, the Italian-born sculptor and artist who has been a fixture in the Cleveland art scene for decades, is opening a new gallery and offices in a historic, restored building at 4600 Carnegie Avenue in the Midtown neighborhood. Calicchia still owns a large building at 6550 Carnegie Avenue, where his studio is currently located. However, he may be selling it to Fred Geis, who is developing space for high-tech and biomedical companies along the Health-Tech Corridor. The building at 4600 Carnegie will soon become home to Artisan Direct, a company that represents over 1,000 artists from around the world. Artisan Direct helps artists to market, show and sell their original work to a diverse audience. Previously, the company was headquartered in Rochester, New York. "One of my dreams has been to establish Cleveland as an international center for the arts," says Calicchia, who adds that Cleveland's artistic community and central location make it a natural fit for Artisan Direct's headquarters. "Cleveland is already a mix of ethnicities, so we just have to revitalize what's already here." Artisan Direct helps artists to gain access to valuable new markets. "We give artists exposure to shows and galleries they might not otherwise experience, and we also publish our own magazine and marketing materials," says Calicchia. The new Artisan Direct gallery will officially open for business on October 26th.

Source: Giancarlo Calicchia Writer: Lee Chilcote

entrepreneur will open the cleveland brew shop in tremont LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2012

Drawn by a craft beer scene that he considers to be among the top five in the Midwest, Cleveland native Paul Benner has moved back to town to open the Cleveland Brew Shop. His aim is to help customers make craft beer and premium wine at home. "When I brewed my first beer, I knew that one way or another I'd do something with this," says Benner, who graduated from Baldwin Wallace University with a degree in Entrepreneurship. "I tagged Cleveland as a market in need of a shop." The Cleveland Brew Shop will be located at 2681 West 14th Street in Tremont. The 1,200-square-foot storefront has new hardwood floors and plenty of natural light. In addition to selling ingredients and equipment, Benner plans to offer classes in homebrewing. Although the shop does not currently have a license that allows consumption or sale of alcohol, tastings will be offered through a partnership with Bac, a restaurant that is located next door. A three-hour homebrewing class will cost about $10. Benner says that he plans to host a soft opening for the shop around November 1st. His goal is to have the shop fully functional before the end of the year.

Source: A. Paul Benner Writer: Lee Chilcote

former meat processing facility transformed into west side arts enclave LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 2012

The Hildebrandt Company, a sprawling, 115,000-square-foot complex on Walton Avenue on Cleveland's west side, was built as a meat processing facility. From 1885 until 1971, Hildebrandt made sausages and smoked meats that were sold throughout the city. More recently, the building has been reinvented as a creative hub and artist enclave. Space in the building is occupied by artisan welders and metalsmiths, custom woodworkers and other craftsman entrepreneurs. Lake Erie Creamery, an artisan cheesemaker, is also planning to move into the Hildebrandt building. "Our tenants believe in what they're doing and have a network of professional support," says Bill Hildebrandt, who adds that the building has always been in the family's name. "My joy is that the building is going back to its original roots." Hildebrandt is referring not only to the entrepreneurs in the building, but also to the fact that he wants to transform the first floor into a commercial kitchen and incubator for food-based businesses. Although the idea is in its nascent stages, the building is well-suited for it. Hildebrandt hopes the project will come to fruition and help urban farmers and other food-based businesses grow and succeed. One of the building's tenants is Rust Belt Welding, which has become well-known for its artistic bike racks. Currently, Rust Belt is working to transform a big blue shipping container into The Bike Box, a custom-made bike corral that will reside in Ohio City. The complex's many historic features include a towering smokestack, massive coolers, glazed yellow brick interior walls and an ancient, bricked-over stable facing Clark Avenue (the hitching post where the beef was hung is still intact). Hildebrandt plans to restore the stable and create a store for artisan goods.

Source: Bill Hildebrandt Writer: Lee Chilcote

makeover readies 150-year-old st. john's parish hall for possible future tenant LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

St. John's Episcopal Church in Ohio City has a rich and illustrious history. Industrialist and U.S. Senator Marcus Hanna married there in the late 19th century, and at one time the church was one of the very last stops on the Underground Railroad. More recently, Cleveland-born rappers Bone Thugs-n-Harmony recorded their first album in a part of the parish hall rented out to a recording studio in the '90s. Unfortunately, the parish dissolved and the church closed several years ago. Yet the Episcopal Diocese of Northeast Ohio recently hired developer Rick Foran to restore the vintage, board-and-batten exterior. Prior to the rehabilitation, the exterior paint was badly peeling and boards were rotting and coming loose. "It was painted dark brown and the siding was splitting," says Foran of the 8,000square-foot hall, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because it is considered to be the oldest consecrated building in Cuyahoga County. "We took the siding off, turned it over, primed and painted it and reinstalled it." The Foran Group also added much-needed insulation (because there wasn't any) as well as sheathing and an energy-efficient vapor barrier. Finally, the developer replaced the rotten batten strips with custom-made cedar wood pieces. The redevelopment preserves a piece of Ohio City's architectural heritage. Wellto-do families living in mansions on Franklin Boulevard built St. John's, whose foundation is built from pieces of stone from the Cuyahoga River, says Foran. He hopes the area's redevelopment will give the property a second life. The repair will allow the Episcopal Diocese to begin marketing the church and parish hall to a new occupant. "With the growth of the whole Ohio City area, they believe that they can find another church that would occupy it," says Foran.

Source: Rick Foran Writer: Lee Chilcote Photo: The Cleveland Kid

can multiple pop-ups turn around blighted strip in st. clair superior? LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, AUGUST 16, 2012

Pop-up shops, business-plan competitions and storefront incubators have been successful at attracting new stores to trendy neighborhoods like Detroit Shoreway and Tremont. But can they turn around a blighted retail district and help sprout small businesses in a down-at-the-heels east side neighborhood? That's the question Michael Fleming, Executive Director of the St. Clair Superior Development Corporation (SCSDC), is determined to answer in the affirmative. Fleming and several other partners recently launched Retail Ready, an initiative that aims to attract as many as 10 new businesses to St. Clair Avenue between E. 61st Street and Addison Avenue. The program offers tenants free rent for the first six months, business development services, marketing and security. Fleming was inspired by an article he read about Popuphood, an effort in Oakland, Calif., that attracted several fleeting pop-up shops to co-locate in a single retail strip that had suffered a surfeit of vacancies. Why not here? Fleming wondered. But Fleming doesn't want the businesses to leave. His long-term goal is to seed the St. Clair Superior neighborhood with new retail that restores a long-blighted strip. "If we position it right, we could have a nice complete neighborhood within a few blocks," says Fleming, who envisions a coffee shop, art gallery, restaurant and bakery in the mix. He stresses that SCSDC wants a diverse mix of existing and startup businesses. "We have 10,000 residents south of St. Clair Avenue and 10,000 employees who work north of St. Clair. They could support this." The key to success, Fleming believes, is properly vetting the businesses to ensure they're ready and by offering the right mix of support services -- including marketing, storefront redesign and security -- to help them flourish. "Just having new stores won't do it," says Fleming, who is working with the Urban League to vet businesses and the Cleveland Neighborhood Development Coalition (CNDC) and LAND Studio to hire artists that will artistically redesign drab storefronts. SCSDC is also planning to hire a private security force to patrol the street. St. Clair Superior is plagued by retail vacancies, yet this stretch of St. Clair is home to Empress Taytu (an Ethiopian restaurant), the Slovenian National Home, several existing businesses and historic buildings. The assets are there, says Fleming -- now he just needs savvy entrepreneurs (and customers). "We think there are people there to support it. It's a matter of changing people's opinions."

Source: Michael Fleming Writer: Lee Chilcote

fairview hospital expansion will serve growing patient base in era of health care reform LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, AUGUST 09, 2012

The emergency room at Fairview Hospital was built to serve 35,000 patients, but it likely will see 76,000 before the end of 2012, says President Jan Murphy. That's a testament not only to the fact that a growing number of uninsured or underinsured families are too often waiting until they're forced to seek care, Murphy says, but also to the rising number of baby boomers who are growing older and in need of care. To address the space crunch, Fairview broke ground on a 135,000-square-foot, $83-million expansion project last year that will be completed in early 2013. The expansion will add a state of the art emergency room to the hospital, which is a Level II Trauma Center and also serves both high-risk mothers and infants. "At a time when the economics were a little bit against us, we're replacing a dated facility with a state-of-the-art intensive care unit," says Murphy. "We're committed to the Kamm's Corners neighborhood, and this project is bringing the Cleveland Clinic standard of world-class care into the neighborhood." Fairview Hospital's addition is being built on the former site of the physicians' parking lot, which is being moved into a newly expanded parking deck. The project also includes the renovation of 25,000 square feet of existing hospital space.

Source: Jan Murphy Writer: Lee Chilcote

after $3m makeover, zone rec center reopens to the public this saturday LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, AUGUST 02, 2012

Cleveland's near west side will gain another signature community park when the redeveloped outdoor space at Zone Recreation Center, which is comprised of 22 acres of land south of Lorain Avenue between W. 53rd and W. 65th streets, reopens this Saturday. A public ribbon cutting ceremony will take place on Saturday at 11 a.m. The celebration will include a farmers market, food trucks, kickball, skateboarding, three-on-three basketball tournament and dog park dedication. Residents and visitors are encouraged to bring their dogs. The multifaceted park is one of the largest in Cleveland. Features include new tennis courts, resurfaced basketball courts, new water-spray park and playground, new ballfields and a new dog park. The new Zone Rec also includes water-saving features and sustainable landscaping that reaffirm the City's commitment to weaving sustainable design into its community parks. "The City administration really wants to move forward on low impact development that respects the tag line, 'Green city on a blue lake,'" says Ward 15 Councilman Matt Zone, whose father fought the State of Ohio's proposal to build a highway here 50 years ago, ultimately leading to the development of the recreation center that bears his name. "We want to build it and design it from not only a functionality standpoint, but also lessening our carbon footprint." Last year, the City of Cleveland opened the new Collinwood Recreation Center in a former Big Lots store along Lakeshore Boulevard. The building is a creative reuse of an existing space that includes many energy-efficient and sustainable features. The new Zone Recreation Center demonstrates similar outside-the-box thinking. Zone Recreation Center is located in the Cleveland EcoVillage, an area dedicated to sustainable living within the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood. The EcoVillage features a green-built rapid station, large community garden, many eco-friendly homes, a new garden store and a slew of gardens and green spaces. Residents here have long struggled with blight along Lorain Avenue, and many hope that the new Zone Rec will help catalyze other, similar improvements to the faded corridor. The multipurpose pathway that weaves its way through the new Zone Rec green space will eventually connect with the Towpath Trail via Walworth Run, and to Edgewater Park and Lake Erie via bike lanes planned for W. 65th Street.

Source: Matt Zone Writer: Lee Chilcote

enjoying 20-percent annual growth, voss is renovating ohio city headquarters LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

Voss Industries, an employee-owned aerospace and industrial applications company on West 25th Street in Ohio City, is replacing all the windows on its century-old building -- all 650 of 'em. The investment will help the company to make key improvements to its headquarters on Cleveland's near west side, where it has been since 1957. "It's been a rather long project," says Voss President and CEO Dan Sedor with a chuckle. "It's a 100-year-old building, so we're refacing it. What's going on in Ohio City is definitely a renaissance, and our company wants to play a small part in it." "Small" is not the word that accurately describes the outsized ambitions of this half-century-old company that occupies 240,000 square feet in Ohio City, however. Voss has experienced 20-percent growth annually for the past several years, and has hired 80 workers in the last two years alone. The progress, says Sedor, is due to the improving economy and Voss's competitiveness in the marketplace. "We're a metal manipulator -- we bend it, roll it, stamp it and machine it," says Sedor. "We've been steadily gaining market share by diversifying the markets we serve and also by providing engineering solutions to many of our customers." Voss has more than 330 employees. Sedor says he likes Ohio City because it offers a convenient, centralized location for employees, who live throughout the region.

Source: Dan Sedor Writer: Lee Chilcote

kamm's attracts 15 new businesses thanks to $12m streetscape project LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JULY 26, 2012

The Kamm's Corners neighborhood, chock full of Irish pubs, small shops and dive bars, doesn't set out to lure chain restaurants. Yet it's a nice complement, nonetheless, when those companies decide the area has the right demographics to make it desirable to set up shop. Recently, Chipotle decided to open a new restaurant in a former Kentucky Fried Chicken at 16729 Lorain Avenue. The building had become a bit of an eyesore since closing. Chipotle will renovate the structure, eliminate the drive-through and replace the asphalt front driveway with a landscaped patio that faces Lorain. "A lot of new businesses have come into Kamm's Corners since the City of Cleveland completed a $12 million streetscape project three years ago," says Steve Lorenz, Executive Director of Kamm's Corners Development Corporation. He cites at least 15 new businesses as well as multiple storefront renovations in that time. The streetscape project has made the heart of Kamm's Corners -- near the intersection of Lorain and Rocky River Drive -- significantly more attractive and pedestrian-friendly. The re-do spurred additional traffic and investment by restaurant and shop owners. Additionally, residents, business owners and the development corporation have now partnered to put on the Hooley, an annual festival. "It's nice to see that Chipotle feels we have the target demographics to support their business," says Lorenz. Construction is expected to start this summer.

Source: Steve Lorenz Writer: Lee Chilcote

cellar door launches cleveland only record store, performance space LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2012

The grassroots, pro-Cleveland music collective Cellar Door is launching a new performance space, Cleveland-only record store and office space in the Loftworks building at East 40th and Superior. The creative space, which features antique wood floors, high ceilings and large windows, is intended to not only foster a "community among listeners" among local music fans, but also to reach people who are unaware of Cleveland's distinctive music scene. "Local bands like Herzog are taking off nationally, but once you step outside of the in-the-know crowd, a lot of people have no idea," says founder Justin Markert, who has operated Cellar Door as a record label for years with his partner, Rick Fike. "We want to bring not-so-well-known artists to a bigger audience." Markert says that Cellar Door will also be an eclectic, anything-goes art space featuring films, fiction readings, art shows and candid, behind-the-scenes conversations with emerging bands or artists. Cellar Door also manages a blog that curates the best of the local music scene. A launch party featuring local bands is slated for Friday, July 27th at 7 p.m. at 1667 E. 40th Street, Suite 2G.

Source: Justin Markert Writer: Lee Chilcote

ohio technical college expands, removes blighted buildings from neighborhood LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2012

Ohio Technical College, an automotive technology school at East 51st and St. Clair, has grown its student population in recent years. As it has done so, OTC has continued to invest in the St. Clair Superior neighborhood where its main campus is located. Recently, OTC purchased two corner bars that had been considered a nuisance by neighborhood residents. OTC also leased or purchased several other buildings, including the former City Desk, which is slated to house classrooms, offices and a visitor center. These efforts have removed blighted buildings from the area. OTC's growth has been fueled in part by the innovative partnerships it has formed with automotive companies. In April, the school celebrated the opening of the new Edelbrock Academy, a partnership with Edelbrock Performance Products, one of the world's leading manufacturers of high performance, aftermarket auto parts. OTC has also formed a similar partnership with Jasper Engines and Transmissions in Jasper, Indiana, which is one of the country's leading producers of engines and transmissions. For both Jasper and Edelstein, this kind of partnership is beneficial because the companies need mechanics who are familiar with their products. Through these partnership, OTC is helping to educate the next generation of mechanics in the heart of Cleveland. Currently, enrollment is 1,200 at the main campus on East 51st and 300 at the Power Sports Institute in North Randall. Ohio Technical College offers "a wide array of technician training programs in automotive, motorcycle, diesel equipment, collision repair and refinishing, classic car restoration, high performance and racing, alternative fuel vehicles, power generator systems, and BMW," according to the institution's website.

Source: Ohio Technical College Writer: Lee Chilcote

ohio city plan aims to rebuild neighborhood around multimodal transportation LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JULY 19, 2012

Ohio City attracts over three million visitors per year and has several thriving anchor institutions. Its population grew from 2000 to 2010 and the neighborhood has added 35plus new businesses and 300 jobs in recent years. All of this sounds pretty good, yet popularity inevitably comes with a price. This near west side neighborhood is now suffering the growing pains of any successful urban neighborhood that must balance the needs of residents, workers and visitors. In short, it's got a parking problem. To address this problem, Ohio City is adopting a Multimodal Transportation Plan that places an emphasis on traffic calming, bike lanes, pedestrian friendly streets and public transportation. In acknowledgement of the fact that most of the area's visitors still arrive by car, the plan also offers remedies for the parking crunch. The plan includes an emphasis on Complete Streets (bike lanes and traffic calming for pedestrians); transit oriented development (potential mixed-use housing adjacent to the West 25th rapid station); a comprehensive wayfinding system; parking solutions that include valet parking for visitors and employees, plus consolidation and paid parking in the West Side Market lot; a future structured parking garage; residential permit parking; and additional parking meters. West Side Market tenants have expressed concerns about the notion of charging for parking in the market lot, yet Ohio City Inc. leaders are pushing for it. Free parking would be available in 90 minute increments for market shoppers. Right now, some people park in the market lot even when they aren't shopping there. "The goal of the Plan is to provide as many transportation options as possible so that the community is not too dependent on surface parking as the only option for visitors," the plan states. "Increasing access to safe bike and pedestrian infrastructure will increase the number of trips to Ohio City by foot or by bike." Discussions are ongoing, and vendors are pushing for two hours of free parking (the city prefers 90 minutes). The city would like to see the new parking system in place by spring of next year, but the vendors have the power to block the deal. "We believe the plan provides smart solutions to eliminating parking congestion and will lead to a more easily navigable and safer neighborhood for all of our visitors," says Eric Wobser, Executive Director of Ohio City Inc. He adds that he hopes that an agreement with vendors will be hammered out this month.

Source: Ohio City Inc. Writer: Lee Chilcote

former medusa cement building will be converted into 120-person call center LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JULY 12, 2012

With the aid of a $500,000 economic development loan from the city, a former cement company's headquarters in Cleveland Heights will soon be converted into a 120-person call center. The Medusa Cement Company occupied the building on Monticello until the late 1990s. Founded 120 years ago, the company was originally called the Portland Sandusky Cement Company. It was later renamed after Medusa, the fearsome Greek gorgon whose gaze turned men to stone. Medusa thrived in the post-war building boom. It moved its headquarters to Houston in 1999 after a merger. Medusa Holdings, LLC applied for a loan through the city's commercial revolving loan fund program. In exchange for receiving favorable, below market terms, the developer committed to creating 120 full-time jobs. At least 51 percent of those jobs must be made available to or held by low- to moderate-income individuals. Two-thirds of the $500,000 loan will carry a 3.5% annual interest rate and a 10year repayment term following a one-year deferral. Up to $200,000 of the loan may be forgiven at a rate of $50,000 per year for every year during which 100 full-time equivalent jobs are maintained at the call center prior to 2018. "This is an exciting opportunity for the Medusa building to be rejuvenated into a call center," says Suzanna Niermann O'Neill, Acting City Manager for the City of Cleveland Heights. "The whole area between the community center and the Rockefeller building has been refreshed with new restaurants and new businesses." Nierman-O'Neill noted that this kind of economic development will bring revenue to the city's coffers and that the call center will serve nonprofit organizations.

Source: Suzanna Nierman-O'Neill Writer: Lee Chilcote

historic downtown buildings will be transformed into apartments using tax credits LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JULY 05, 2012

The State of Ohio has awarded $35.8 million in tax credits to 18 owners who are planning to rehabilitate 44 historic buildings across the state. Two of the projects, the Vincent building and the Truman building, are located in downtown Cleveland. The Truman building, located on Euclid Avenue between E. 9th and 12th streets, will be renovated to include retail storefronts, office space, 18 market rate apartments and parking. Construction is expected to create at least 50 jobs. The Vincent Tower, whose upper floors were refurbished for the digital marketing agency Rosetta, will be rehabbed to include 85 market rate apartments. The building, which is located at 629 Euclid Avenue, will receive a $7 million investment. The project will retain 400-plus jobs and create at least 50 construction jobs. Both projects will feed the strong demand for apartments downtown. Currently, occupancy rates are at about 96 percent and many buildings have waiting lists.

Source: Ohio Department of Development Writer: Lee Chilcote

cleveland velodrome set to open this month in slavic village LEE CHILCOTE THURSDAY, JULY 05, 2012

An Olympic-style cycling track is being assembled by a group of dedicated volunteers on a patch of scruffy, vacant land in Slavic Village where St. Michael's Hospital stood until it was demolished years ago. The Cleveland Velodrome met its initial $300,000 fundraising goal for the 166meter, wood and steel banked track thanks in part to a $50,000 grant from the Cleveland Foundation and generous lead donors. Later this month, cyclists should be able to go for a spin on the velodrome, which is the only one of its kind between the East Coast and Chicago. Backers of the project hope to eventually construct a multipurpose domed athletic center that will allow avid Cleveland cyclists and area youth to ride during the winter months, as well. “After many years of hard work, we are thrilled to bring a velodrome track to Cleveland,” said Brett Davis, Board President or Fast Track Cycling, in a release. “Phase I allows Fast Track to implement youth and adult programming and will serve as a tool to raise additional funds to enclose the track for year-round use. While we are very pleased to reach the Phase I target, fund-raising will continue towards the ultimate goal of an enclosed, year-round track and sports center.” “This is a terrific opportunity for Broadway Slavic Village,” said Marie Kittredge, Executive Director of Slavic Village Development. “The velodrome is a perfect fit for us, because of our central location, and our community’s commitment to active lifestyles and physical fitness. The velodrome will complement the gymnastics programming at the adjacent Sokol Czech Cultural Center, the community’s two new athletic fields, the First Tee Golf Course, and the Morgana Bike Trail.” Fast Track Cycling is leasing the 8.4 acre site from the City of Cleveland for $1 per year. The Cleveland Velodrome is located on Broadway Ave. near Pershing Ave.

Source: Brett Davis, Marie Kittredge Writer: Lee Chilcote

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