brtshrcegr

While on principle I don't like the idea of the administration telling the paper what to cover (it just wreaks of Bush administration-type tactics), if any entity deserves such a talking to it certainly is the PeeDee. When they seem to be so biased one way, I don't think we can blame the city for trying to exert its muscle to get a little positive coverage once and a while.

Not having been there I don't want to put words in FerrariEnzo's mouth, but I got the impression from reading his post that it was more of a "If you only knew this shi* going on" type of eye-roll, not a "Get out of my face" eye-roll. Am I right?

Actually, gay persons in the audience were upset at Beudert proposing a gay-friendly club at the Rialto Theater. They considered it a "front" to get a lounge in the Rialto and said most establishments in Ohio City were already "gay friendly." Well yeah, I think all establishments in Ohio City are pretty much required by law to be "gay friendly." What Beudert seemed to be proposing seemed to be the type of place that I describe as "straight-friendly." :wink: But thanks for the clarification on the Vista HLG/Jason Beudert situation. Interesting. Could you PM me Beudert's email so I could send him the letter that I had originally sent to Greg Costa? OhioCityBob– Your clarification of the neighborhood's position was well said. If anything, I guess I'm encouraged that its more an issue with the landlord, and not the idea of a liquor license in the location itself, that causes so much consternation. I don't think that location should remain dry; West 25th is a commercial district, but one where commercial purposes (restaurants, bars, and yes, responsibly-run lounges/clubs) and residential areas can and should coexist together. See Coventry. And I don't think any reasonable person is suggesting that Ohio City is trying to exclude the gay demographic, and yes, the area does have a few gay establishments. But none are of the level of what Beudert seemed to be proposing. Actually, take a look at this article from this week's Scene to see what I'm talking about: http://www.freetimes.com/stories/15/68/out-behind-the-shed If we are trying to prove to outsiders and locals alike that Cleveland is the progressive, cosmopolitan city that we know it can be, a lively, upscale establishment that attracts 20-40 year old urban professional gay males is elemental. I'm not trying to compare Cleveland to the East Coast or...barf...Miami, but we certainly could sustain one such place.

...and in a strange turn of events, this is the reply I just got back from Mr. Costa. KJP, I got his name from your article in last weeks Sun (http://www.cleveland.com/westsidesun/news/index.ssf?/base/news-0/1218719230313640.xml&coll=4). Am I missing something? Mr. brtshrcegr I have no intention of being involved in this project Not sure where you got my name in this matter. Your statement is well thought out and very positive Again, I am not involved in this matter. Thanks Greg

I hope this doesn't stir-up the pot anymore, but here's an email I just wrote to George Costa, managing director of Vista Hospitality and Logistics, as well as Cimperman and Santiago: Mr. Costa, I've been following the proposals for the Rialto theater ever since Moda closed, as I feel very strongly that the location is a centerpiece of the neighborhood and critical for maintaining and expanding West 25th Street's vitality. While I am certain that almost all are glad that the Heaven & Earth proposal was nixed, I was sorry to hear about the resistance to your proposal for an "Upscale Gay-friendly lounge" in the location. I attended college in Washington, DC, and enjoyed patronizing similar such establishments: Nellie's, Cobalt, and Be Bar to name a few. They added vitality to their respective neighborhoods, were a nice alternative to going to straight-up dance clubs, and most importantly were never the scene of uncontrolled crowds, violence, and other criminal behavior. I am sure you envision the same for your proposal. Some friends of mine from Cleveland that are also in DC and I always remarked how it would be wonderful if such an establishment were to open at home. It truly is an unserved niche, and we've even joked about opening up such an bar/lounge after graduation. While Cleveland's so-called alternative lifestyle community is not as large as Washington's, I'm sure that the community could support at least one such establishment. So, to say the least I was thrilled to see you were planing on doing all the hard work! I understand the reluctance of the neighborhood for another liquor license in that location, and it is truly a shame that the debacle that was Moda may have poisoned the area for the foreseeable future. Having appreciated the type of establishment you are proposing, as well as your excellent M Bistro in Westlake, I am confident that it would only be an asset to the community. With this in mind, and should the Rialto theater location ultimately be untenable, I would encourage you to explore this concept in other parts of the city...Detroit Shoreway, lower Euclid Avenue (empty storefronts in the 515 Euclid garage building perhaps?), or even in the soon-to-be-built Uptown Arts and Retail District in University Circle are a few that come to mind. Wherever you end up, I am confident that such an enterprise would be a success...and would at least be supported by my "community"! Thanks again for your determination and courage in pursuing this project, and I hope to read more positive news about you and your developments in the future. Best, BrtshRceGr

I've lived in some of the world's so called "great" cities (Washington DC, London, heck, even Beijing) and the cultural and entertainment offerings of Cleveland on a weekly basis do not leave me longing. If you think otherwise, I suggest you pick up the Friday Magazine or the Scene, or navigate to Cool Cleveland or the awesome new Spangle websites. Peter...awesome shots and commentary!

Wow, I had NO idea that the original plans were so extensive, nor (seemingly) so far along (i.e. asserting the Neimen Marcus WOULD be an anchor, having the Stouffer expansion designed, etc). Seeing the RRHOF on the edge of the Cuyahoga is really neat, although I do think I prefer it in its current location. Question though: the caption on the photo is hard to read, but does it really say "Pei's 1968 design"?

While I agree that you cannot legislate morality per se, you can demand that public statements only be made by designated representatives. The Police Department certainly has this policy. And, while I did not hear this specific interview, it seems as if this particular officer pressed some of the limits.

^ I think this is an interesting discussion, although one that is perhaps a bit off topic for this thread. I think those who work in the public sector should be held to an even higher standard than the average private-sector employee, not because they are "mere public servants", but because they are PUBLIC SERVANTS who have chosen to admirably serve the tax payers and for the greater public good, as the administrators of this great democracy. On one hand, when an employee of any organization speaks in a public forum, it is important for them to realize that while they may see themselves an individual, their audience views them as the embodiment and representative for said organization. It is not their place to slander, vilify, or otherwise misrepresent, in this case, the city of Cleveland. Now, there's a difference between between the right of a police officer to vent to his buddies and his family about his perspective on Cleveland, and being elevated to a public stage such as the Trivisonno show and being given the air of an authority on city of Cleveland because of their employment as an officer.

I have to say, this is probably the most disappointing aspect of this project of all--even more than the demolition of the Rotunda. The opportunities for "World-class Signage" on the site are bountiful and plenteous, yet K&D has stuck with mediocre, "Regional-standard fencing". Downtown Cleveland will continue to be a joke until our leadership unites under the transformative power of vinyl graphics. ....:wink:

Yea, Tim Doulin actually won the Pulitzer for "Damning with Faint Praise" last year. :wink:

So, I'm not one to usually reminisce about the "good old days" of the Flats--by the time I was of age it's hey day had already past--but I just had to share this story: I'm out in Big Sky, Montana at the moment for a nice long-weekend getaway. For those who don't know, Big Sky is about 40 miles south of Bozeman, and is the largest ski resort in the United States, and only second to Whistler-Blackcomb in North America. At any rate, it's a bit quiet in the summer and a nice place to just get away from it all. Anyway, I'm sitting at the bar in my hotel (the Summit at Big Sky) and got to talking with the local-cum-cowboy sitting next to me at the bar. Think hat, boots, and darn near chaps. As it turns out, he owns a small ranch here and offers horseback expeditions for tourists. BUT, here's the funny part: When I mention that I'm from Cleveland, he responds with "The Flats, eh?" Turns out he's spent his fair share of time partying in the Flats, complete with cowboy hat and boots. Apparently he had fun one night when a group of girls mistook him for Brad Paisley...he considered correcting them, but figured (correctly) that he'd have a lot more fun if he just let them believe he was a country superstar. I didn't have the heart to break it to him that the Flats as he knew it were gone, but I think its fair to say that whatever comes of this newest vision for the Flats, lets hope it'll have cowboys in Southern Montana talking just as Jim was tonight.

That's great to hear about APOC's commission for Fahrenheit, that'll be an excuse to visit again. Planet Green in Rocky River is a great place to check out APOC items, they have a pretty good selection of everything from cutting boards of various sizes to an entire bed. That place is a hoot anyway, Rebecca (the owner) was exceedingly excited to show me some Alpaca dung (locally, erm, "procured" of course!) gift packs they had put together as Father's Day presents.

Man, I could have sworn I had just read something (on these boards) about some special or something going on at Budapest Blue. Must have been a quick close and I'm sorry that I never made it in. But glad to see someone came in quickly and that they seem competent!

Gosh, it's not even worth getting worked up over this one. Clearly uniformed, inaccurate ("University Square" wtf??? And because it's a square does that automatically mean there should be a hootenanny going on at midnight on a Thursday?), and bordering on dishonest in his writing. Harry Buffalo is open till 2:30AM Mon-Sat, and being that it was a game night last night I HIGHLY doubt they had an "early closing", nor would East Fourth be empty at midnight. Let bygones by bygones...I'm sure his opinion is in the vast minority of the visitors in town for this conference. He should stick to...Omaha! :?

I think that's called the Slavic Village aesthetic? ;);) But wow, I'm amazed by 1015! It looks beautiful and largely intact, and it's amazing how such a small (relative) change looks like it could brighten up that entire stretch of Euclid. Cleveland: We create beautiful historic facades on demand.

Man, this Euclid Corridor project is sure proving to be a huge waste of money. We should have used that funding to build a fortified bus route to Mantua or Grafton! Who would ever want to invest money into Cleveland??? :wink: :wink: :wink:

As a side note: Did we lose a couple months of posts from this thread? I'm thinking all the discussion re: Continental's cutbacks at CLE. EDIT: NM, just found the other "Cleveland Hopkins" thread. Mods, any chance of merging the two?

I'm not MayDay, but I'll jump in here. I think the photo above is actually one of the more unflattering views of it, and coming down Huron from Gateway I think it looks a little awkward off on its own like that. However, coming over the Detroit Superior Bridge, or even the West Shoreway, I LOVE LOVE LOVE how it blends in with the architecture of the old Post Office, the Ritz, Skylight Office tower, the Landmark Building, and of course, the Terminal Tower. It's really great vista of buildings spanning 80+ years that all compliment each other really well. Anyone have a pic of this?

I missed what was pruned, so I hope this isn't off topic too... But yes, I think we should all be breathing a sigh of relief. While it's never good news to have service reductions, it really could have been worse. As MTS an AmrampinVA mentioned, a large percentage (half?) of these flights were those announced in the expansion (some of which are literally just starting today/this week), and the rest were flights with insanely low yields (CLE-TUL ~25%) or money losers (Sarasota). And as Ricky Smith mentioned, we lost the fewest seat miles by a large margin compared to EWR and IAH...although we did have significantly fewer to begin with. Status quo ante. AND YET...the PD says "Hopkins Hit Hard". :wtf: While not completely factually inaccurate I suppose, something such as "Hopkins Spared Large Cuts" or "Continental Hub to Remain Strong" or "Continental Eliminating Unprofitable Routes" would be just as factually accurate. It is just astonishing taht the PD continues to frame such announcements with the most negative approach possible. Compare that to the Houston Chronicle (www.chron.com), where they're losing FOUR TIMES the number of seat miles. Just incredible. But the real question of the day: What happens to the grants given by the State for the axed service expansions? Are they able to be deferred?

MTS, I wouldn't have become such a negative-nancy about the whole Indigo concept if it wasn't for a certain skepticism of yours about 15 posts up... :wink: I'm all about tie-ins with Breuer for this project, I had even secretly hoped that it could have been called the "Hotel Breuer" with a restaurant called "Marcel" or something of the sort. I could see Kimpton going for something like this... But yes, point taken on Indigo's ability to individualize, and it is heartening to see that Westlake Reed Leskosky is involved with this. Wait and see indeed!

I have to say, while I was initially excited to see that the Breuer was going to get something unique and boutique-y, the more I've looked at the Indigo website and read about their properties, the more I share MTS' disappointment. Simply put, it doesn't seem that the aesthetic of Indigo really fits the oh-so-chic Brutalism of the Breuer. Their properties seem to be typified by bright colors, open airy designs, and well, as one review put it: "oversize Adirondack chairs and walls painted in shades of blue, peach, and green, while pineapple-shaped chairs line the bar." I would feel much better if it was announced that Kimpton was going to do the hotel, as they really seem to have mastered the ability of fitting their hotels in the context and personality of their environments. And yes, even a W or aloft would seem to be a more natural fit. I guess we'll just have to wait and see how it all turns out, but I hope to God its not the cookie-cutter approach that they seem to have used in most of their other properties.

I've been on hand to witness Mr. Delgado switch from English to Russian to Spanish in about half the time it's taken to write this sentence...he an incredibly driven, astute, and intelligent booster of Cleveland and we are IMMENSELY lucky to have him. As the article mentions, he's had a huge impact on the town in the short time that he's been here, and he's earned the respect of the so-called "movers and shakers." It's sooo frustrating to see such a newbie to Cleveland "get it" while still so many of us clearly don't. While at times its a bit humorous that Clevelanders have such a complex about their hometown, I think this negativism always has potential to drive talented people like Mr. Delgado away. Let's hope he keeps the faith in spite of us.

Yea, I saw that you were referring to the business hotel list after I read your post the second time. Sorry. But it's interesting and too bad that our Ritz fell of the list completely for 2008, and I think the comments on Trip Advisor probably do a pretty good job at illuminating why this happened. Some of it is pretty bush-league stuff. Hopefully, with the arrival of the 1, and to a lesser extent the other recent hotel developments mentioned (Indigo, Doubletree, redo of the Marriott), our Ritz will be forced to indisputably become become one of the chain's best.

Sorry, here's the link to the Travel+Leisure rankings: http://www.travelandleisure.com/tl500/2007/region/us