Flee2theCleve

No cones about it

From this month's cle mag: After owning the Agora Theatre and the surrounding property for more than 25 years, you’d think Henry “Hank” LoConti’s decision to hand the cherished concert club over to MidTown Cleveland would be a heart-wrenching one. But to hear LoConti tell it, donating the property, which is valued at $6 million, to the neighborhood development corporation is his way to ensure the Euclid Avenue landmark has a future. “We let it go because I’m very close to what is happening at MidTown,” LoConti says. “I see all the changes, and this area where the Agora [is located] is just sitting there. Talking to [MidTown Cleveland executive director Jim Haviland], I got an idea for what the plans are, and donating the Agora and the offices to them works better for both of us.” In 1985, LoConti bought the one-time home of the Metropolitan Theatre as the new spot for his Agora Theatre, after the original location was damaged in a fire. With the property’s large main theater and smaller ballroom, the Agora continued its tradition as a hot spot for live music. Indie rockers the Strokes, rap icon Jay-Z and classic rocker David Bowie are just a few of the big names that played the club during its run. But after the House of Blues opened downtown in 2004, the Agora didn’t attract the same level of talent, and it ultimately faded from the concert circuit. LoConti is convinced that with upcoming renovations such as new floors and the reopening of the Euclid Avenue entrance, the Agora can again be a vital live-music venue. He says he’ll be involved in overseeing the renovations and hiring someone to book bands. Plus, the people behind the Umami Moto food truck have just opened a new restaurant called The Hipp in the building to serve the neighborhood’s lunch crowd. (See page 68 for our interview with The Hipp owner Jae Stulock.) “By fall, we’ll come back strong in terms of booking shows,” LoConti says. “I want to get more shows into the theater. I hope most of the renovations are done by the time the building turns 100 years old in March of next year. I don’t know of too many theaters that are 100 years old and still standing, especially with the history of this place.”

My understanding from chatting with them a couple times was that ADA compliance was a major hindrance to any plans for basement expansion. Their position seemed to be that they weren't worried about special events down there (like Made in the 216) but that their understanding was that a retail presence down there would require elevator installation, something that wasn't financially feasible for them at present. Do they really need elevators? Couldn't they put in one of those lifts that RTA uses?

That corridor from PHS to Reserve is wrought with peril....hopefully once CSU moves in that will help, as would more well lit terrain

The IX Center makes a killing off charging for parking, wouldn't be surprisedbif there was some clause preventing bus service/access

In order to recoup as much of their failed investment as possible, they need to wait for the immediate visinity to rebound, huntingdon, schofield, John hartness brown, etc

"magnificent" location in mayfield hts? I call bullish*t. He wants a shorter drive home

For what I wonder

Chagrin and Warrensville Center = approximately 20,000 vehicles a day Prospect and Ontario = approximately 6,000 vehicles a day I doubt the number will triple (source: NOACA) Expected attendance is 10,000-20,000 per day. His number may not be that far off.

http://www.legacy-village.com/WhatsNew/2012/2/2/LegacyVillageWelcomesNewRetailers.html

Hells yeah

Not looking good at halftime

Did anyone see the news about the partnership / collaboration between Akron u and Akron city schools?

Amazing views of downtown skyline would be such an awesome corner office

Whole Foods tweeted a few hours ago that they were just awarded permits for a new cleveland location....any ideas?

Think he was being sarcastic. I always envisioned this area as a nice potential area for a park with greater access to the river.

^do you mean the crosswalks or the entire street will be brick?

train tracks?

I just wish we'd get some $ to help pave Madison....the street needs it badly.

Even if they win out, they would still need to make it to the horizon league tourney final to have a shot at an at large. What helps is that it is a down year for some historically multi bid leagues, most notably pac12

Feds also owned the airlines

Isnt the expression, nip it in the bud?

I'll just stick with census data

Anyone watching this game against Bobcats? Cavs look good, esp the two rookies

Post of the year