Cleveland among finalists to host DNC in 2012

 

The Democratic National Committee announced Wednesday that Cleveland is one of four finalists for its 2012 convention, putting the city closer than ever to landing a national political gathering.

 

Cleveland will compete with Charlotte, N.C.; Minneapolis; and St. Louis. The party is expected to choose a date by the end of the year.

 

A convention would be an economic boon. Denver officials estimated the 2008 Democratic convention brought the area a $266 million economic benefit.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/nation/index.ssf/2010/06/cleveland_among_finalists_to_h.html

Where would this be held?

^I was thinking the same thing.  If the new convention center isn't ready yet, then does that mean they'd have to hold it in the IX Center?  If that's the case then I can't imagine Cleveland actually being chosen. 

I think this may deserve it's own thread.

Denver had the 2008 DNC at the Pepsi Center which is where their basketball and hockey teams play. According to wikipedia, the capacity at the Pepsi Center for basketball games is 19,309. The Q's is 20,562. So that aspect would probably be okay. I am just worried about the lack of hotel space. I know we have some planned, but they will likely make their decision on what we have right now.

I also immediately thought of the hotels.  My guess is that since they more than likely won't make a decision until the end of the year, there will be time to see how far along some of these hotels are.

 

I would think Minneapolis would be the clear front runner right now.

Even though all 4 can be considered battlegound states, I see Ohio as the only "must win", which may be Cleveland's only advantage.  Minnesota will still most likely lean Democratic, Missouri has a fourth of the population as Ohio, and North Carolina will still lean Republican (although that may be why it could get the nod over Cleveland, since the gap has been narrowing over the years). 

 

Too bad the Flats hotel can't be built fast enough....maybe University Circle will get their two new hotels up-and-running??

I guess I was stating minneapolis as a front runner strictly based on infastructure.

 

Charlotte at quick count it appears has about 7 downtown hotels.  Cleveland has 12.  I stopped counting in Minneapolis as I was getting near 20.  That does not include St. Paul.

I guess I was stating minneapolis as a front runner strictly based on infastructure.

 

Charlotte at quick count it appears has about 7 downtown hotels.  Cleveland has 12.  I stopped counting in Minneapolis as I was getting near 20.  That does not include St. Paul.

 

Agreed.  However, we do have hotels in Independence, Cleveland Clinic/University Circle, and the Airport.  And if you really want to strech it, Beachwood.

 

I'm guessing the Twin Cities still more than out-do us.

This would be a big win for Cleveland.  Coupled with the Sr Games in 2013 and Gay Games in 2014...that's a solid string of national events!

There are also numerous hotels on the west side, but a life-long east-sider wouldn't know about that (except the airport area)! :-D

Hotels will be our Achilles heel once again. 

 

Sorry channeling 327.  If we had hotels people wanted to stay in such as a full service Hilton, Westin, W, Sheraton, and one or two addition luxury brands like a Le Meridien, J W Marriott, Marriott Marquis, St. Regis or Penisula in downtown we'd have a shot.

 

You really can't draw young, hip and fun people with the current catalog of hotels.

 

With all the residential development it's a shame there has been no discussion on a new build hotel.

 

 

Hotels will be our Achilles heel once again.

 

 

You really can't draw young, hip and fun people with the current catalog of hotels.

 

 

 

Young and hip? Democratic convention attendees are members of the NEA and AFSCME

Hotels will be our Achilles heel once again. 

 

 

You really can't draw young, hip and fun people with the current catalog of hotels.

 

 

 

Young and hip? Democratic convention attendees are members of the NEA and AFSCME

 

Well, "hip" is a matter of interpretation and perception.  I know some "hip" people in NYC that ain't lol.

 

But its true that CLE's downtown hotels, while numerous, are also lacking in amenities in most cases.  That's why I'm very surprised that the CC/MM does not include a large full-service hotel.  For something like a political convention, you would need enough hotels that have premium suites.  Don't forget, the Pres. and VP and other senior white house and gov't officials would be in town as it's the Dems that are in power.  Plus, you need hotels that have separate meeting areas for various committees etc.

 

It seems that CLE is ALWAYS a finalist for one or the other conventions every four years but never wins the prize.  Remember Ralph Perk's scheme to bring a cruise ship and dock it to use for rooms?

Hotels will be our Achilles heel once again. 

 

 

You really can't draw young, hip and fun people with the current catalog of hotels.

 

 

 

Young and hip? Democratic convention attendees are members of the NEA and AFSCME

 

Well, "hip" is a matter of interpretation and perception.  I know some "hip" people in NYC that ain't lol.

 

But its true that CLE's downtown hotels, while numerous, are also lacking in amenities in most cases.  That's why I'm very surprised that the CC/MM does not include a large full-service hotel

 

Dont talk about mrnyc like that. He thinks he's hip because he lives in the gayborhood!  ;D :laugh: :D :laugh: :D ;D

 

Hotels will be our Achilles heel once again. 

 

 

You really can't draw young, hip and fun people with the current catalog of hotels.

 

 

 

Young and hip? Democratic convention attendees are members of the NEA and AFSCME

I'm speaking to the overall quality of our hotels to the other continders. 

MPLS has: a Westin, and the Ivy a Luxury Collection property. 

CLT has:  Omni, Westin and a new aloft

STL has:  Omnii, Westin, Sheraton, Hiton and the Dwell.

 

We lack young, cool, hip places that intergrate with the urban fabric.  We're a good 15 years behind in the hotel game.

It seems that CLE is ALWAYS a finalist for one or the other conventions every four years but never wins the prize.  Remember Ralph Perk's scheme to bring a cruise ship and dock it to use for rooms?

 

This idea would be awesome.  Let's dock two! :)

^There HAS to be a hotel which a developer is planning to coincide with the opening of the convention center.  It just makes no sense for there not to be. 

 

And yes, Cleveland is an attractive enough city to host an event such as this... but the lack of hotel space will have the site selection pass over us. 

Hotels will be our Achilles heel once again. 

 

 

You really can't draw young, hip and fun people with the current catalog of hotels.

 

 

 

Young and hip? Democratic convention attendees are members of the NEA and AFSCME

 

Well, "hip" is a matter of interpretation and perception.  I know some "hip" people in NYC that ain't lol.

 

But its true that CLE's downtown hotels, while numerous, are also lacking in amenities in most cases.  That's why I'm very surprised that the CC/MM does not include a large full-service hotel

 

Dont talk about mrnyc like that. He thinks he's hip because he lives in the gayborhood!  ;D :laugh: :D :laugh: :D ;D

 

My bad...., I live in one too lol

 

But it's true that our lack of 4 and 5 stars will kill us

Hotels will be our Achilles heel once again. 

 

 

You really can't draw young, hip and fun people with the current catalog of hotels.

 

 

 

Young and hip? Democratic convention attendees are members of the NEA and AFSCME

 

Well, "hip" is a matter of interpretation and perception.  I know some "hip" people in NYC that ain't lol.

 

But its true that CLE's downtown hotels, while numerous, are also lacking in amenities in most cases.  That's why I'm very surprised that the CC/MM does not include a large full-service hotel

 

Dont talk about mrnyc like that. He thinks he's hip because he lives in the gayborhood!  ;D :laugh: :D :laugh: :D ;D

 

My bad...., I live in one too lol

 

But it's true that our lack of 4 and 5 stars will kill us

 

But he's straight and married to a woman.  You know how they move in after we fix stuff up!

 

Anyway...back to the 2010 DNC 

It seems that CLE is ALWAYS a finalist for one or the other conventions every four years but never wins the prize.  Remember Ralph Perk's scheme to bring a cruise ship and dock it to use for rooms?

 

This idea would be awesome.  Let's dock two! :)

 

Lets not and build a damn convention style hotel where a convention style hotel should be!

 

^There HAS to be a hotel which a developer is planning to coincide with the opening of the convention center.  It just makes no sense for there not to be. 

 

And yes, Cleveland is an attractive enough city to host an event such as this... but the lack of hotel space will have the site selection pass over us. 

 

It should have been mandatory as a part of the CC/MM.

Hotels will be our Achilles heel once again.

 

 

You really can't draw young, hip and fun people with the current catalog of hotels.

 

 

 

Young and hip? Democratic convention attendees are members of the NEA and AFSCME

 

Well, "hip" is a matter of interpretation and perception. I know some "hip" people in NYC that ain't lol.

 

But its true that CLE's downtown hotels, while numerous, are also lacking in amenities in most cases. That's why I'm very surprised that the CC/MM does not include a large full-service hotel

 

Dont talk about mrnyc like that. He thinks he's hip because he lives in the gayborhood!   ;D :laugh: :D :laugh: :D ;D

 

My bad...., I live in one too lol

 

But it's true that our lack of 4 and 5 stars will kill us

 

But he's straight and married to a woman. You know how they move in after we fix stuff up!

 

Anyway...back to the 2010 DNC  

 

Lawd don't i know it.  You should've seen Brooklyn Hts (NY) before I got there lol

 

So what are the chances of landing the convention?  Is there a real possibility that this will happen or is it that the party is just throwing "bones".  MSP had a convention in 2008.  My guess is that the real contest is between CLT and STL do to our lack of good hotels.  What are the odds of of at least 2 good hotels of sufficient size being built?

I'd personally rather see us land something like this in 2016, when many of the planned developments will be complete.  2012 is so close it means the delegates will come Cleveland basically as it is now, lacking many of the things mentioned here, AND with the inconvenience of being largely under construction (MM & CC, casino, FEB, innerbelt bridge).  Ohio will still be an important democratic state in 2016, and while this is probably not a popular view I'd rather see us wait and make a bid when the city is in a better position.  I'd hate to win it in 2012 and leave a bad taste in the delegates mouths.

I'd personally rather see us land something like this in 2016, when many of the planned developments will be complete.  2012 is so close it means the delegates will come Cleveland basically as it is now, lacking many of the things mentioned here, AND with the inconvenience of being largely under construction (MM & CC, casino, FEB, innerbelt bridge).  Ohio will still be an important democratic state in 2016, and while this is probably not a popular view I'd rather see us wait and make a bid when the city is in a better position.  I'd hate to win it in 2012 and leave a bad taste in the delegates mouths.

 

I say spin it.  If they are here during the constuction the city/county gets to show them what they can look forward to in the near future.

 

What sort of "bad taste" are you thinking delegates would have?

I'd personally rather see us land something like this in 2016, when many of the planned developments will be complete. 2012 is so close it means the delegates will come Cleveland basically as it is now, lacking many of the things mentioned here, AND with the inconvenience of being largely under construction (MM & CC, casino, FEB, innerbelt bridge). Ohio will still be an important democratic state in 2016, and while this is probably not a popular view I'd rather see us wait and make a bid when the city is in a better position. I'd hate to win it in 2012 and leave a bad taste in the delegates mouths.

 

I say spin it. If they are here during the constuction the city/county gets to show them what they can look forward to in the near future.

 

What sort of "bad taste" are you thinking delegates would have?

 

Exactly...

 

CLE has a reputation of being a "dying" city...  What better way to check that perception than with the national and world media in a city full of new construction and also importantly renovation of existing buildings.

I was thinking of the inconveniences the construction projects may present logistically, versus hosting the convention when everything is complete and brand new.  That said you're correct in that you could always spin the construction as a positive sign of things to come, and encourage people to come back to see the finished product.

Hotels will be our Achilles heel once again. 

 

 

You really can't draw young, hip and fun people with the current catalog of hotels.

 

 

 

Young and hip? Democratic convention attendees are members of the NEA and AFSCME

 

Here we go again with those buzz words... "young and hip"  How young? and if too young, how many do you know who are actually paying attention to what is going on politically versus the desire to drink and party..... Those spending the most in the economy....35 to 55  this is young and hip enough as far as I am concerned yet an age group largely overlooked imo. If we want to become a town where people spend their party years, then leave..by all means, cater to them only...But if we want to become a more diverse and dynamic place of "choice" where people will want to stay and raise a family after they're done puking........then we cannot have all Jeff Spicoli atmospheres, either. Know what I mean "dude?" Narrrly!

 

 

I would say catering to the 35-55 group is happening on a pretty consistent basis at this point.

I was thinking of the inconveniences the construction projects may present logistically, versus hosting the convention when everything is complete and brand new.  That said you're correct in that you could always spin the construction as a positive sign of things to come, and encourage people to come back to see the finished product.

 

Cities have construction going on at all times.  I dont think this will present  logistical issues.

 

My issues is not having hotel space.

 

I wonder if The East Ohio Gas Building or The NBC building on East Sixth could be convertered in time for 2012?

Hotels will be our Achilles heel once again. 

 

 

You really can't draw young, hip and fun people with the current catalog of hotels.

 

 

 

Young and hip? Democratic convention attendees are members of the NEA and AFSCME

 

Here we go again with those buzz words... "young and hip"  How young? and if too young, how many do you know who are actually paying attention to what is going on politically versus the desire to drink and party..... Those spending the most in the economy....35 to 55  this is young and hip enough as far as I am concerned yet an age group largely overlooked imo. If we want to become a town where people spend their party years, then leave..by all means, cater to them only...But if we want to become a more diverse and dynamic place of "choice" where people will want to stay and raise a family after they're done puking........then we cannot have all Jeff Spicoli atmospheres, either. Know what I mean "dude?" Narrrly!

 

 

 

I think you've missed my point.  I'm speaking about our hotel inventory in general versus other major metropolitan areas.

 

35-55 year olds are ok.  it's the 25-34 year olds and gays that Cleveland is ignoring.

I was thinking of the inconveniences the construction projects may present logistically, versus hosting the convention when everything is complete and brand new.  That said you're correct in that you could always spin the construction as a positive sign of things to come, and encourage people to come back to see the finished product.

 

Cities have construction going on at all times.  I dont think this will present  logistical issues.

 

My issues is not having hotel space.

 

I wonder if The East Ohio Gas Building or The NBC building on East Sixth could be convertered in time for 2012?

 

Sometimes conversions take longer than a new build.  Unless there's a shovel ready hotel project now, I don't think it's a realistic possibility for additional hotel space to be ready for july/august, 2012.  If such a hotel were part of the CC/MM plans, then maybe one could be ready...., but alas

I was thinking of the inconveniences the construction projects may present logistically, versus hosting the convention when everything is complete and brand new.  That said you're correct in that you could always spin the construction as a positive sign of things to come, and encourage people to come back to see the finished product.

 

Cities have construction going on at all times.  I dont think this will present  logistical issues.

 

My issues is not having hotel space.

 

I wonder if The East Ohio Gas Building or The NBC building on East Sixth could be convertered in time for 2012?

 

Sometimes conversions take longer than a new build.  Unless there's a shovel ready hotel project now, I don't think it's a realistic possibility for additional hotel space to be ready for july/august, 2012.  If such a hotel were part of the CC/MM plans, then maybe one could be ready...., but alas

 

I've watched a few conversions flip in 14-16 months I think it's doable.  If started by January of 2011 I think those buildings could be hotels.

Awesome news!  I think we were a finalist for the 2008 Republican Convention.

 

Seeing Charlotte on that list makes me nervous.

Awesome news!  I think we were a finalist for the 2008 Republican Convention.

 

Seeing Charlotte on that list makes me nervous.

 

I don't think Charlotte has got anything on Cleveland.

 

I'm most worried about Charlotte because of North Carolina.  It's one of the few swing states in the south and it will have 15-16 votes for 2012. 

 

2008 Electoral votes:

 

Ohio: 20

North Carolina: 15

Missouri: 11

Minnesota: 10

 

However, I think our number of electoral votes will play a huge role in the city selection.  Ohio will have 19-20 votes in 2012.

 

Lastly, Ohio is the true definition of a swing state, electing 16 of the past 17 Presidents (we selected Nixon over Kennedy in 1960).  North Carolina has only become a swing state recently, since it has historically voted for Republican canidates until this past election where Obama squeaked out a victory.

 

 

35-55 year olds are ok.  it's the 25-34 year olds and gays that Cleveland is ignoring.

 

MTS, I think you hit the nail on the head here. And it's not just a Cleveland problem, it's a general Ohio problem. Toledo certainly suffers from the same thing.

 

Agreed, but I only said Cleveland because it's been something that we've needed to deal with since Hilton pulled it's 20 story "tower on the mall" project and decided not to have to build any new property in Cleveland proper.

 

Awesome news!  I think we were a finalist for the 2008 Republican Convention.

 

Seeing Charlotte on that list makes me nervous.

 

I don't think Charlotte has got anything on Cleveland. Cleveland is a far more impressive city. I'd be most worried about Minneapolis.

 

I'm not so sure MPLS will get the DNC after just hosting the RNC. I see boring ass bland Charlotte as the front runner with Cleveland being the brides maid, once again, as were were to MPLS.

Wait, I was wrong in my last post...NC only had 15 electoral votes in 2008.  So we can expect 15-16 for 2012.

 

SIDE NOTE: I googled "2012 predictions" and didn't type "electoral votes", and all this End of the World sh!t came up.  Damn Mayan calendar...

All has me again wondering.....  Flats East, where are yooouuuuu????

still getting financing as has been talked about in fairly in depth detail in the FEB thread.

 

And back to the Democratic National Convention.

Then I would opt to have this convention at a later date when the city won't be caught with its pants down. No way I would want people to come here and have these projects still not started. Then, for example, go down to the river expecting some pedestrian oriented place to leisure...then see an empty mud field with trash and litter piling up. Great impression it'll leave.

Then I would opt to have this convention at a later date when the city won't be caught with its pants down. No way I would want people to come here and have these projects still not started....then, for example, go down to the river expecting some pedestrian oriented place to leisure...then see an empty mud field with trash and litter piling up. Great impression it'll leave.

 

DISCLAIMER:  THIS IS NOT ARGUING, I WOULD LIKE TO MAKE A POINT

 

 

Every city has development going on, we just happen to be entering a phase where several key project will be in construction at the same time.  Keep in mind we are bidding for 2012 DNC.  By that time the construction should at least be at the ⅓ to ½ point.

 

By 2012 the project will be well underway.  You're rant about an empty field with trash is just useless and adds nothing to the conversation.

 

I would much rather have people come here and see all the construction activity and talk discuss how those projects will help the city as the DNC is free publicity and promotion.  Your rant and thats what it is, is narrow minded and short sighted and plays right into the "non Cleveland believer" MO.  In the eyes of the regular American construction signs and crane means growth and prosperity.  No place deserves to be seen as growing more than Cleveland.

 

If those projects are at a point where people can see inside, take tours and be given 3D tours that alone is worth more than targeted marketing.

 

To me that will/would leave a great impression.  We need step outside the box and be less concerned about others will think as the city transforms.

 

Then I would opt to have this convention at a later date when the city won't be caught with its pants down. No way I would want people to come here and have these projects still not started. Then, for example, go down to the river expecting some pedestrian oriented place to leisure...then see an empty mud field with trash and litter piling up. Great impression it'll leave.

 

And maybe in the process give the Federal government and people around the country an idea of just how serious of a problem the country's older, urban centers are facing.  Although I guess it's easier for those in office to pretend that every city looks like Charlotte.

Charlotte makes my skin crawl. I wouldn't live here if my city looked like Charlotte.

I hope you're right. I hope they are started.... 

 

But, here you go again....    Your rant about "my rant" adds nothing either!

 

Are you now the God that determines what contributes and what does not? I think it adds plenty in deciding whether or not it is the appropriate time to host an event like this and whether or not we'd like to look our best. This does not mean I am saying we should not go after the event. Furthermore, my comment was not a rant. But just in your honor...this one will be.......

 

Nothing I say is about "non-believing" Trust me, if I did not believe, I would not be here as I can live wherever I want. However, the financial environment has been shaky with these projects as we know...and 2012 is not that far, as one poster indicated.

 

Your accusations of my comment being narrow minded is just an example of you exercising a bit of a narrow mind yourself because you seem to refuse to allow any constrictive criticism be directed in this city's direction. Instead, you will throw such comments all into one pool that would mainly describe 95% of the comments on Cleveland Dot Com. That is not fair.

 

Sorry, I won't lower my standards to meet what I sometimes see as slack performance. That's my MO...keeping standards higher than mediocre and stepping on the toes of complacency. I am also tired of justifying shortcomings here with the "Every city" preamble. As a rule of thumb, let's try to be more than the rest whenever possible.

 

Now, with that said....  That adds nothing to the discussion.

Charlotte makes my skin crawl. I wouldn't live here if my city looked like Charlotte.

 

AMEN!  Charlotte, Atlanta, Durham, Jacksonville, Austin, N. Virginia (across from DC), Fort Lauderdale all look the same.  Glass buildings, auto oriented and suburban-esq.

guys... every one relax.  thanks.

MTS and EC - check your PMs. Also, these are your last posts in this thread.

I don't think we need to wait around for a day that may never come.  Let's throw our hat into the ring and hopefully land one of these big events.  This is the second straight election cycle that one of the parties has deemed our fair city as being worthy of being a finalist, so we must be doing something right.  Hopefully this time we get the event, and with or without a bunch of new construction, I think we can emphasize our strengths and put a positive spin on our weaknesses.

Agreed^^ If we don't meet their criteria, they won't select us, and we reapply in 2016.  No need for us to eliminate ourselves for 2012.

I recall that Mayor Jackson and/or some other local political leaders said that we could put up temporary hotel housing if we were to get the RNC in '08.  That seems like the only feasible option as I cant imagine shuttles to suburban and there is no way any developer is going to build a hotel in 12 months. Not in this town.