clvlndr

It's no "debate technique"; and you're the one who's usually "childish" and argumentative. Grow up Htsguy... Maybe if you lived somewhere else and experienced something positive, you'd understand why its so tiresome, and why I get tired of people always tearing what's good about Cleveland down so often.

I think you guys are a little nitpick-y on Zocalo. Are there things it can fix? Sure, but gosh guys, give them a break; they've been open for, what, 2 weeks? I thought the appetizers and Taco soup was pretty good; my SO had a Margarita she really liked. As for the alleged cheap signage on the front: did it ever occur to you they may be mimicking the signage of Mex restaurants and taco stands of the Southwest? I think its kind of funky in its simplistic way, esp given the pastel colors... Also, I love the interior; its beautifully done with the pit/atrium and circular stairway to the lower level. I like the loud colors and chandeliers. Plus we haven't had in downtown Cleveland, the concept of an open slide-back/folding front window addressing the street where people can sit which spills over to an open patio. That, plus the interior sucks people in off the street. Most importantly: its a place where people appear to be having fun. That aspect really draws folks in... OK, I noticed the paper signs for the bathrooms but come on, I'm stunned you guys have got your knickers all twisted in a knot over this... ITS NEW PEOPLE... Give them time to breathe... Can't you, at least appreciate a lively, new fun looking place that's energizing its corner of downown Cleveland? It's so typically Cleveland to get something nice and, then, run it into the ground... isn't that, in part, why the Flats was destroyed? ...anyway... ... Let me add that I like Zocalo's long/late hours. I hope they keep it up. I don't understand why some downtown joints (Cleveland Chophouse) shudder early while places around them, like Zocalo and Flannery's, stay open to a buzzing business.

^Unfortunately, you're right. The PD has, for years, made a living on Cleveland's misfortune. Honestly, I thought the series on crime in the neighborhoods would be enlightening but, really, it was just a series of vignettes from various neighborhoods. It enlightened me little... But then, what would you expect for a big city paper that has won only 2 Pulitzers in its history (the most recent, after over 50 years, was for cartooning)? The Mayor's office has a publicity apparatus but, really, I want a mayor who's getting it done in the day-to-day functions of the City. I wish Frank would sometimes be a bit more forceful because, as I've long said, this City needs a real bastard to kick it in the pants. But he's quietly accomplishing a number of things, particularly more regional cooperation with the burbs... and that's a major start in this balkanized, squabbling region that's hemorrhaging jobs and young talent.

Lansing's an attractive old Midwestern small city in many ways, but lifeless (Old Town, NE of downtown has some activity, but...)... in this sense, Lansing is probably the worst capital city in the upper Midwest. Unfortunately nearby East Lansing, with the huge MSU population, just sucks the entertainment and artistic life out of Lansing... If I'm not mistaken, even the highly-credible Lansing Symphony Orchestra calls MSU's campus home in East Lansing, not Lansing... pretty embarrassing for the seat of a 500,000 metro area.

I remember having to schlep back-'n-forth to college on Greyhound on dirty buses packed with noisy people and crying babies and said NEVER AGAIN!... I'm intrigued by Megabus and will probably try them out sometimes; sounds like the buses are high quality. Shoot, they really catch my eye when I see the big blue, fancy, state-of-the-art things tooling around downtown Cleveland streets ... Until we can get Amtrak's Ohio Hub up and running (pro'ly a decade away, at least), I think Megabus.com has a nice little thing going on, and is worth checking out.

Jerry, here's a suggestion... One of the really GOOD RTA innovations over recent years is the departure signs at major Rapid stations, including the "Next 3 Trains" rolling signs at the really busy stations, like the Airport and Tower City... However, why not extend these signs to outside the stations themselves, and into other parts of the building? ... In Philly, train-leaving signs are in various places in their airport terminal so, even if passengers aren't at the Regional Rail station immediately, they can plan their activities ahead of time so as not to have to rush. I think we should put our siimilar Rapid signs at various locations around Hopkins and Tower City for the same purpose, including some even on the outsides of these buildings... A discreet sign could even go in Tower City's Public Square foyer, but not in any way to harm that gorgeous architectural interior space.

Dead on accurate. (Yep, I too spent some my geeky youth reading about the Rapid and other Cleveland history)... Voters in the 1920s rejected funds for the subway (Boston-style depressed streetcar lines around Public Sq, if I recall) while the Vans moved forward with their Shaker Rapid but, then, approved funds in the 50s for a downtown subway loop, only to be defeated by Albert S. Porter, County Engineer... As KJP notes, the RFC funds were limited and the old CTS built the Rapid on a shoestring budget, hence some of the cheap stations, a few of which still exist. So building a rapid line up Euclid was not an option; it was either build on the Van right-of-way or have no heavy rail Rapid (today's Red Line) at all... I sometimes play the "what if" game, and imagine all the density in our central corridor and all those lost apartment buildings and complexes supplemented by more if a subway; subway/elevated line been built "up the gut" down Euclid... Certainly that amazing "2nd Downtown" -- Doans Corners, at Euclid & E.105 would still be thriving... In a way, the Rapid-influenced Shaker Square was almost a relocation/rebuilding of Doan's Corners to the Southeast side, as the City's wealth and high-density building relocated from the Euclid Corridor to the SE side and Heights along extended Rapid and streetcar lines of the era's real estate entrepreneurs. Funny how history works...

I'm with you X, the current model makes no sense. That north-side Euclid parcel is the center piece of planning; vacant for decades and prime for solid mixed-use street frontage. Hopefully, this model is only a loose concept... ... Once again, it's amazing that, as positive as this news is, it still could collapse if opposition rises (Hessler Rd). This is such a key area at the retail heart what should be Cleveland's pride 'n joy neighborhood. But you've got insular Hessler, on one side, seemingly disinterested and, indeed, historically oppositional to development in protecting it's narrow interest... One another, you have Little Italy, who historically could care less about U. Circle and fought doggedly for decades the logical Rapid station relocation to its doorstep for fear it would bring in "others" (read blacks); then you have disorganized UCI who, for years, was merely in CC and UH's back pocket; there's prestigious yet broke CWRU that shot its wad doing the right thing in building a homey, beautiful new dorm complex on dank, desolate, dreary grounds, ... only to be relentlessly, and foolishly, pounded by the PD's architecture critic who thinks only we unsophisticated boobs in Cleveland would have any liking to CWRU's new dorm architecture... ... and what do you call this mess? ... Classic Cleveland ... where, always, seemingly big-time, positive potential development always stalls and always somehow becomes... "controversial."... Let's hope, after decades and decades of inaction, THIS TIME'S finally the charm... pray for it.

This was just some loose speculation given Mr. Calabrese's strong backing of BRT and seeming contempt of rail. Most realize, in reality, how utterly foolish such a move would be.

My bad, KJP, I was more trying to make sense of (and attacking) FCE more than weighing in on your idea, which I think is a good one and should be presented to Jerry.

^I've noticed, for years, Tower City seems to favor drivers/parkers over Rapid riders; in most Tower City literature, including the last website version I viewed months ago, FCE really played up parking in TC's garage while not even mentioning RTA at all... I think they're playing on the mindset -- shared by way too many people, of course -- that Rapid riders are of a lower economic status than drivers who will be greater shoppers and better customers in TC's stores, esp the few really high-end ones. Also, let's face it, even though fares recently went up to $1.75 for a single rail ride, these fares are already subsidized by taxes and the govt and are a tremendous bargain. So unless you're really poor, such fares at the current level won't be a psychological barrier to most County residents (and others, beyond), esp when you figure in the flat fee of $3.50 for a day's worth of unlimited rides -- a deal that, I believe, is unparalleled in American rail-based transit. Pay parking downtown, on the other hand, is a psychological barrier to most people who, knee-jerk, expect it to be high. Add to that the fact it’s a hassle (for many/most suburbanites and even those in the outer parts of Cleveland proper) to drive downtown through traffic lights (and maybe traffic/ticket cameras) and/or freeway traffic and, then, pay often a substantial fee, even if reduced by purchases as TC does, as opposed to the nearby shopping center or mall where you can park for free -- and no incentive pressure to buy mall products to insure such free parking. And in FCE's defense (oooh, I hate even the sound of that proposition), whether rich or not-so-rich, there's only so much merchandize customers can (comfortably) schlep on the Rapid or bus as opposed to throwing it in the trunk or back seat of a car … esp if that car is an SUV.

Dropped by Bier Markt over Labor Day and workers were steadily working hard on Cento. This will be a nice compliment as Cento really is sharing the same space, as noted. And what a space. The architectural detail of what, apparently, was the old Fries & Schuele dept store lobby is exquisite and well complimented with the old wooden booths... On a more somber note, a few doors down funky OC fixture CITY BUDDHA is closing its doors, consolidating with its Coventry location. Too bad, I really liked this store and it added an offbeat touch to downtown Ohio City. Hopefully some other retail (other than yet another restaurant) can move into this prime space on W. 25 at the crown of Bridge Street. On another somber note, looks like Jay Lofts is still stalled. Nothing appears to have been done since the last time I was over there in late Spring. Is it simply slow presales or something else stalling this project?

Nice editorial. It seems Lorain County gets it more than Cuyahoga County (and certainly more than the Plain Dealer, ... so what else is new?...). The idea of a demo done cheaply is intriguing, even more so with CVSR possibly lending equipment locally ... Perhaps there could be some quid pro quo -- you lend us the equipment, we'll help you extend into Tower City... Also, it would be great if the West Shore demo could work on weekends or holidays for big events -- like Browns Games or the Air Show or 4th of July with 1 or 2 round trips which could attract big (and influential) crowds...

Welcome aboard, Jerry (in stereo)... A thick skin is, indeed, needed. Those who watch the transit boards know I've been one of the tougher critics of RTA, in particular, of your boss. I have not been particularly impressed with his commitment to expansion, esp rail, and it's potential to lead in the smart growth of the city which, while doing better in many ways, has many, many ills (you're not here to discuss crime and the sub-prime/foreclosure debacle that's turning Cleveland into a ghost town, but...), among them, its no-growth sprawl which, I believe, judicious rail growth could arrest. The Lakefront East and the planned West Shore commuter rail proposal, among the ideas which I'd think RTA would embrace... more later... Nevertheless, I'm glad you're here, it should be interesting... but I don't expect to change my position because of it (as recommended, try and wade through the mountains of transit-related threads). Nothing personal on my part, at least I try not to be. But hopefully your presence will correct me (and others) when me/them are in error or out of bounds. Again, welcome.

[just shows to go ya, knucklehead-dom exists even in areas perceived as the most progressive] Group forms to fight light rail Jun 7, 2007 By Seattle Times staff As the campaign season approaches on a transportation ballot measure, an advocacy group called the Washington Traffic Institute has formed to oppose Sound Transit's plans to expand light rail. The group is led by Bill Eager, an engineer; Bruce Nurse, vice president of Bellevue mall developer Kemper Freeman's organization; and Kathryn Serkes, a public-affairs consultant. At its Web site, www.truthabouttraffic.org, the group argues that rail won't solve congestion.'

^Calabrese's cold water is no surprise; continue to expect understated RTA resistance thru him. I'm a little disappointed in the Avon mayor's comments: a freeway interchange over speedy, economic rail transit? ... maybe he's just venting and/or posturing for the interchange $$. Regional cooperation seems in such short supply in this metro area, though, esp regards transit. Sounds like you're leaning back towards funding some sort of demonstration, which I think is a good idea. People around here don't think outside the box so, really, the best bet is to show them. I hope you can raise enough $$ to run it at least for several weeks; maybe months. I know the limited run, before, ran to the North Coast Amtrak station. Would that be feasible, now, or would going to the Red Line West Blvd station? -- yeah, I know it's an old question, but for a demo, the budget will no doubt be more shoestring... I do think, as you mentioned before, you may lose people if they have to transfer to the Rapid as opposed to the one seat ride into downtown but, I'm sure, given the business of that main Lakefront line, extended Demo use of that 3-mile route may be tricky.

Nice catch Edisou, I never knew that. I don't see how such a building should be allowed to be torn down. If built in 1830, I believe it would be the oldest in the WHD. I had thought the little Hilliard office building on W. 9th (1840s, I believe) held the oldest title... apparently not.

Finally, something a little more concrete (literally so, ..soon I hope). A couple Qs: - Why is Wolstein waiting til March to seek CPC approval when it's pretty clear, already, he has a tangible plan in mind? Does CPC approve construction, as is noted in the article, or merely concepts, esp architectural and dimension. Isn't there a construction, building standards or licencing bureau of the city that approves the actual construction? -- Why, even when he does go to CPC in March, might he only seek plans for a few blocks and not the whole parcel within the initial block he controls (or is close to controlling). I recognize he could have to wait for full control before he has plans for it, but then, that didn't seem to stop Wolstein.. -- And while I'm totally thrilled about the plans, doesn't it seem, perhaps, that the size and bulk of his buildings might be a tad domineering for the scale, walkable Warehouse District whose sense of historic architecture and pre-skyscraper genesis is central to its charm? Remember, even though the hideous parking lot Stark is thankfully planning to eliminate with his much-needed development seems like a huge chasm, in context to what he's planning, its really a small area overall.

The hell with the goofy Silver Line. What about the REAL Rapid transit that can get you downtown in 14-15 mins (as opposed to the 25-30 mins planned for ECP), esp if we can get RTA moving on rebuilding/relocating the E. 120 stop, that has only been on the drawing boards about 2 decades?

Awesome, ColDay!

^ I agree, those 'institutional' buildings, though architecturally splendid, do do much for foot traffic -- other than rush hour... I like what's happening in Asia villiage, esp w/ the live-work factory/warehouse conversions.

OK, here's some photos of the real thing I snapped last summer: I recognize Chicago's Chicago and Cleveland's Cleveland... But there are some similarities to the 2 streets. And there is some light buzz along Superiror as it exists, now. Imagine if this were enhanced.

Not me. Park Street South, at least the portion in my mind's eye, has a mix of sterile office buildings and some grand residences leading into Grand Central Terminal... I don't think of Superior at all here. But, call me crazy, but Michigan and Superior are almost carbon copies in the core area -- again, sans the huge shopping throngs of the Windy City.

^I sure hope so, zaceman. CIA's McCullough (?) building and Case's massive dorm expansion of a few years ago, has really pumped in new life to this once moribound section of Euclid. A new Rapid station could further enhance this area as well as the adjacent Triangle. ... if you, or others, have any news on E. 120th's rebuild/relocation, please share.

Superior has long been my favorite downtown street, by far the grandest and most beautiful. I feel the most relaxed strolling this great street (and I stroll rather than hustle the way I do elsewhere downtown, esp on Euclid) with its wide boulevard and gracious sidewalks; love looking at all the landmark architecture old and new. But It constantly surprises me as to how little attention it gets. I know Euclid’s our main commercial thoroughfare, and that will never change. But does it have to be our key shopping district. Even in its heyday, even with the graceful Bonds at East 9th, Mays and other grand stores, Euclid was never the most beautiful street. In fact, it doesn't even rank in my top 5 downtown beauty streets (Superior, E. 9th, St. Clair, Huron, E. 6th, Lakeside, Ontario – and others -- all beat Euclid beauty-wise imho). Superior's width and grandeur echo Chicago's Michigan Avenue – that Magnificent Mile, sans all the shoppers, of course. It’s worth noting that the “pretty” Arcade was kept -- albeit slightly defaced by Hyatt -- as opposed to the homely Art Deco rebuild on the Euclid end. But the potential is there to be a Magnificent Mile, Cleveland style (of course, it's noteworthy that Hyatt picked the wider, more beautiful Superior side to claim as its entrance rather than the busier, less-pretty Euclid side). Superior has historically not been our shopping district, obviously. But if memory serves, neither was Michigan Ave until, what, 40 or so years ago. Wasn't State Street inside the Loop where shopping originally was before stores, shops and hotels began gravitating to North Michigan Ave? (Maybe UO’s Chicago area natives/residents – Jeff? Rob? Andrew?-- can help out on my, perhaps, muddled Chicago history) The core of a Superior-Mag Mile is already in place from Public Square to E. 12th. Avenue District, to the East, and Pesht, to the West, stand to stretch and enhance the Superior Mag Mile. Obviously, the great institutions in my plan – the Federal Reserve and our awesome Library-plus new addition, would stay put and enhance The Mile. There are already a healthy number of hotels along this strip – yes, more would always be welcome – but Superior's not doing bad as is… But obviously, stores would need to beef up the district. Pesht would certainly bring some to the Western end but, of course, the strip will always be bifurcated by Public Square, and that’s OK. But there’s plenty of room for stores, shops and restaurants, esp along the south side of Superior and esp in the modern office buildings like BP, 5-3rd Bank and the recently-purchased vacant East Ohio Gas building at 9th. The nearby lovely though-struggling Galleria could both contribute to and be enhanced by such a Superior Magnificent Mile... Doable?