MayDay

There may well be an increase but I think it has more to do with this forum being an effective vehicle for raising awareness. The PD isn't going to report on a single demolition - they'd likely lump it together with another topic. Demolitions have to go through a permit process but how strictly that's enforced is anyone's guess.

I think you made a good choice - and as you can see on the clevelandnights.com reviews, the troll from the cleveland.com food forum posted their review word for word (the 1/1/07 review). Again - any place like that that allows anonymous reviews without any sort of filter isn't going to be the best source for info.

"And for those of you who say North Coast weather precludes a year-round market" I agree that sometimes the "weather" excuse is over-used but there is a factor that affects Cleveland more than some other colder-climate cities - the wind. Cold temps are one thing and plenty of cities manage to prosper in spite of them. However, combine those cold temps with some often horrific downdrafts, and a quick lunch/errand walk can be downright unbearable - and even though I'm a freezebaby, I *always* go out during lunch. The wind frequently comes in from the west and north, and because of downtown's location on the Lake - there is absolutely nothing to dissipate the air currents. That's why during some recent storms, there were windows knocked out of the lakefront buildings (Galleria, Federal Building, Penton, etc.) and planes damaged at Burke. Try walking to Key Tower from the Arcade along Superior on a day like today - that 20something with flurries becomes @ss-freezing while being pelted in the face :-( I'm not saying a market environment couldn't happen but if nominal relief from winter winds would be feasible, you'd probably have a better chance at success.

"Did you, or anyone else, hear if they are keeping the elephant relief (see below) that is on the outside of the current building? If not, what will be done with it?" I can almost 99.99999% assure you that the elephant relief will be preserved in one form or another. As you probably know, it was designed by Viktor Schrekengost, one of Cleveland's most well known artists - it likely has some form of protected status.

^He's the one who showed up at Bob Stark's presentation at the CSU forum with a completely baited and out-of-left-field question about the Port and Whiskey Island. Stark promptly shot him down and called him on it. As you said, it's great that someone acts as a watchdog - after all, Cleveland's civic leaders (elected or otherwise) haven't always demonstrated that they have the best intentions. However, when the watchdogs take the kneejerk/Roldo stance that ANYthing coming from ANYone in power is automatically bad and and an attempt to screw taxpayers - how do these watchdogs ever expect any kind of constructive dialogue to happen?

"Though the reviews online I have read about Lola weren't very encouraging.." I'm curious what reviews you've read. As with everything, you need to consider the source. For example, the cleveland.com Food and Wine forum is both a great resource and a flamefest. It's one of the most successful forums at cleveland.com and has truly helped give the local foodie scene a common place to express their views. Unfortunately, they don't have any kind of local moderation, nor do they have any way to permanently ban trolls. For example, they recently had someone post about a supposedly awful experience at Lola during NYE, claiming they were ripped off, etc. However, because of the details in the post, Lola staffers (who are regulars on the forum) recalled that the person in question was a drunken belligerent idiot who by night's end, shoved one of the staff and had to be thrown out. He even said something to the effect of "the Food Forum's gonna hear about this!". As with anything on the internet, you're gonna have people with an agenda, particularly when it involves someone with the visibility that Symon has. Fortunately, Michael Symon - for all his accomplishments is really one of the most down-to-earth and gracious restauranteurs I've ever met. I think one thing that willyboy alluded to is a factor - people in Cleveland aren't always open to change. From what I gather, people flipped out when they heard that the "mac and cheese" dish wasn't available - but given Lolita's Mediterranean slant, that dish didn't really fit. So people go to Lolita expecting the former Lola, and they go to Lola expecting the same dishes from the previous location, with the same price, but in a different setting. When they don't get the sameness they were expecting, dishes become "less impressive". When they see the same dish they used to get being a few dollars more, the prices become "unreasonable".

I really don't see this as a replication of the Warehouse District. The Warehouse District is simply geared toward a different style/level of entertainment. It's either restaurants or nightclubs/bars - whereas East 4th (with HOB, Pickwick, and Corner Alley) offers more in the way of "destination" entertainment for lack of a better term. There are similiarities to be sure, but I think each neighborhood has a distinct flavor - and with the residential components, I think each will be much more sustainable than say, the Flats.

Great view of downtown, eh? Any chance you have a digital camera? :-D

^Interesting - definitely not my cup of tea, but it would certainly be a good location given the proximity to Gateway.

That's right - keep telling that to yourself :lol:

I don't mind clean-up but bricklaying? I can make sacrifices, but not when it involves my nails! :lol:

What the heck, photo update of Stonebridge Plaza from Jan. 12th:

I've had several good experiences at Fat Cats, Halite, and Lava Lounge (all owned by the same group). Fat Cats is the pricier of the bunch but I've had some fantastic pasta dishes there. Fyi, Grumpy's is now open (on West 14th south of Starkweather) and serving - though I think their late-night hours don't start until next week - dirt-cheap and good food!

I agree that the Crocker Park idea was awful. However, I think the people who are so adamantly sure that the limo-buses were a bad idea should try to coordinate a tour of 20-30 people, during Cleveland's not-always-friendly weather, and relying on RTA's timetables. It's easy to armchair quarterback (or tour guide) but until you've walked or toured a mile in someone's shoes, you have no concept of how difficult it is to pull off. I'm all too familiar with how difficult it is to organize tours, even just between downtown and Ohio City and I can only imagine how hard it is to get everyone on board (visitors and destinations alike) with a tour of this magnitude.

^I agree it's great/wonderful/awesome news, but I think most forumers check the thread and say "woohoo" amongst themselves. On this and other forums, threads like this will get a lot of views but not necessarily posted replies - so people are definitely interested, but maybe they're conserving bandwidth? ???

^Now THAT'S an idea!

^"Love Come Down" and "Dancin' in the Sheets"? I see a pattern... :lol:

"OK...IVE BEEN SCREAMING THAT!! CAN I GET A RETROACTIVE TAX ABATEMENT CREDIT?!!" Oh quit yer b!tching - I never got the chance to enjoy a Riverfest, Halle Brothers, malts at whatever joint that was, a bustling Euclid Avenue, an upscale Tower City, a meal of chicken mush out of a little cardboard toy oven, blah blah blah. You don't hear me asking for a retroactive vibrant city, do ya?!? ;-)

"I'm not a big fan of the fireplace," 1. Fireplace going. 2. Public Square lit up for the holidays. 3. Mulled wine, Mulled cider and/or Christmas Ale flowing freely for your guests. *OR* 1. Fireplace going. Lights off. 2. Public Square lit up for the holidays. 3. Mulled wine, Mulled cider and/or Christmas Ale flowing freely for you and your S.O. 4. Lights off. Tell me again how the fireplace is a bad thing?

Well, I felt the photos deserved their own thread - check 'em out :-) http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=11660.new#new

So I paid a visit to the Park Building's Condo Open House - the Park Building was built in 1904 and is undergoing conversion into 27 condos. It has a primo location, great views and from what I could tell - nice finishes in the units. They're planning to add a top level of glassed penthouse suites in the near future. A little note of trivia - in "A Christmas Story" - it's one of the very first buildings you see. The project already has seven pre-sales, which is pretty impressive since this project has been decidely low-key compared to other condo projects in downtown. I have to give credit to James Howells, son of the building owner for letting me up to the ninth floor to take some pics of the amazing views. The Park Building is on the lower left: The model unit: Stupid blinds! The realtor said that they're operable but also might be removable - I know I'd be ditching them. Looking back toward the entrance: *Love* the built-in corner shelf: Grrrr... blinds! Looking toward the living area - note the bay windows with west and north exposures: Den to the left, dining ahead, tray ceiling above: #@*%# blinds! Love the fireplace! In the den area, looking toward the kitchen: Master bath: Funky light fixture - maybe vintage? Master bedroom, with the Higbee Building outside: Looking from the master to the second bedroom: From the main corridor into the master suite: The main corridor, with what was one of the best food/drink spreads I've ever seen for an open house (other developers take note). What was cool was that almost all the food came from restaurants/eateries that are already in the building (Susy's Soups, Sushi 86, etc.). I love the vintage staircase: Next, up to the 9th floor! This will be the nightlight for the people who buy the penthouse level units: Soldiers and Sailors Monument: Nice view up Ontario: Soon enough, those parking lots might be going away :clap: 75 Public Square (which the realtor mentioned as a prime condo conversion opportunity) and the Old Stone Church: Society for Savings: The Old Federal Building in the foreground, and the new(ish) Federal Building in the background: Society for Savings and the Marriott at Key Center: Cleveland's Lady Liberty ready to take on Key Tower: Rock Hall, Goodtime III, the Lake - what more could you want? The floorplan - the model suite's is on the left: They brought in a band for the opening: I love the old-school mailboxes - they're staying. On my way to catch a bus, I snapped a pic of the Arcade and ran into Mister Good Day as well :-) Good night!

Well the model was terrific and the views were great - from the 2nd floor. However, one of the owner's sons invited me to check out the 9th floor - so I'll be posting some nifty shots this evening :-D

I'll be there (with camera, obviously).

"And, even MayDay (who doesn't like it)" I've never said that I don't like it - I'm not saying it's my favorite but my tastes are not black and white.

I made my first stop in the Souper Market with my S.O. this past weekend - I'm so glad we did. We wanted to grab a light lunch because we had dinner plans later that involved some heavy food, and Souper Market was perfect - tasty filling soups and reasonable prices.