Just discovered that the CVB launched a completely new website apparently in relation to Cleveland+. Its a huge improvement from the last one. Much cleaner and more professional. LGBT tourism info has strong presence on redesigned site, and neighborhoods given more emphasis. www.travelcleveland.com

Just discovered that the CVB launched a completely new website apparently in relation to Cleveland+. Its a huge improvement from the last one. Much cleaner and more professional. LGBT tourism info has strong presence on redesigned site, and neighborhoods given more emphasis. www.travelcleveland.com

 

Its still not enough.  The neighborhoods like edgewater, collinwood, AsiaTown/Far East, that need the a larger presence are not represented.

 

However, I was happy to see the LGBT information.  Way to go MayDay!  :wave:

the travelcleveland.com part of the site uses "Flee to the Cleve." HA ha

 

 

I see How they've done things like making links to more info say +more. Good way to incorporate the new marketing scheme. 

Just discovered that the CVB launched a completely new website apparently in relation to Cleveland+. Its a huge improvement from the last one. Much cleaner and more professional. LGBT tourism info has strong presence on redesigned site, and neighborhoods given more emphasis. www.travelcleveland.com

 

Its still not enough.  The neighborhoods like edgewater, collinwood, AsiaTown/Far East, that need the a larger presence are not represented.

 

However, I was happy to see the LGBT information.  Way to go MayDay!  :wave:

 

I think the CVB was trying to distinguish between the obviously visitor-friendly neighborhoods from the "Emerging Neighborhoods". But I totally I agree with you. Cedar Lee, Cedar Fairmount, Detroit-Shoreway, St.Clair-Superior, and Slavic Village should be on the list too - plus they all have pretty nice websites that should be linked. I wish Cuddel Edgewater would put together a nice website to showcase the Clifton Blvd. Strip and the Detroit/W.117th neighborhood.

I think it's much better. I do think this stuff needs to be living and breathing. I'm frustrated that they are so stuck on static Web sites. They should be thinking of ways to make these sites online destinations. If they're stagnant, no one comes back.

If I was in charge of redesigning the CVB's website - I'd have an interactive map on the homepage that shows Downtown, University Circle, West Side neighborhoods (rollover drop down and link to Ohio City, Tremont, Detroit-Shoreway, Kamm's Corners), Midtown (rollover drop down and link to Midtown, St. Clair-Superior, Slavic Village), East Side neighborhoods (rollver drop down and link to Coventry, Cedar-Fairmount, Cedar Lee, and Shaker Square). In addition the map would show major interstates, Rapid transit lines, the Airport, Amtrak station, Metroparks, Edgewater Park, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, and the Lake. I'd also show links and create pages to profile the West Side Suburbs, East Side Suburbs, South Side Suburbs, and beyond Cleveland. I'd also include in the directories what neighborhood each restaurant, hotel, attraction, etc. is located. 

As promised, though overdue, here are my pictures from the Cleveland+ campaign rollout from last Thursday (April 26)....

 

Gathering at the big hangar at NASA Glenn Research Center:

 

Media interviews already underway (if I remember right, the reporter is from WCPN):

 

Heading to the plane outside NASA's hangar:

 

Seats are filling up, with the plane soon to be full:

 

Seconds after take-off, Hopkins Airport terminals pass to my right. One of the region's economic engines:

 

More economic engines -- Interstate 90 and CSX Transportation's sprawing intermodal freight yard in Cleveland's Collinwood neighborhood (Euclid is in the distance):

 

One of the Youngstown TV news stations films a film on Cleveland+, shown aboard the flight:

 

We made two complete circles over Northeast Ohio, above Euclid, Avon, Medina, Akron, Warren, Painesville and back in toward Hopkins. On final approach, we fly over my neighborhood -- the high-density Cleveland-Edgewater and Lakewood-Gold Coast areas:

 

Above Interstate 90 and the Triskett RTA Rapid station:

 

TeamNEO CEO Tom Waltermire getting interviewed by Beth Skilling of Inside Business back at the NASA hangar:

 

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson answers a WKYC Channel 3 reporter's questions:

 

That was it. The economic development organizations, mayors and other officials then had lunch at the hangar while I sped back to the office to get back to work! Hope you enjoyed the photos.

PD:

 

Banner year:

 

The Cleveland+ campaign hopes to go to new heights. Giant banners (50 feet tall, 25 feet wide) could soon be hanging on a bunch of big buildings throughout the city.

 

Staff of the city's Planning Commission recommended against the giant signs saying they would "set a precedent that will have an adverse impact on the appearance of the city." Instead, the campaign should rely on street banners and electronic billboards.

 

However, the commission's design review committee recommended approval, which the commission granted, of the big banners, provided each one is approved individually before being installed.

^That has potential to be one incredible tack-o-rama.

well, if building owners won't wash the side of their dirty brick buildings and no one is actively building on the numerous surface lots downtown, this could be a step in the right direction - provided that they are showcasing assets in large picture form. 

 

i'd like to see a large photo of the CVNP while walking down euclid instead of the side of the 668 building or the Cleveland Athletic Club building, for example.

I think they should put a big, fat picture of downtown Akron on 668 Euclid.

I think they should put a big, fat picture of downtown Akron on 668 Euclid.

 

And I think they should tear the building down and build a Barney's ... but that aint gonna happen either.  A picture of Akron on a building on Cleveland's most storied street..puhleeze.

I think they should put a picture of Euclid Avenue on Akron.

 

:-D

Rally's and all.

They could fit all of downtown Akron in the vacant lot at Euclid and E. 55th. SNAP! Two rips in one post!

 

But, seriously, what I'm saying is, can we actually work on improving things rather than trying to convince people that things are better when they are not yet. Instead of putting tacky banners over buildings, why don't they work on fixing the buildings? The gaping empty windows in 668 Euclid are going to cancel out any happy talk from multi-story banners, especially for visitors. If that's too hard, why can't they hire a "design czar" who could dress up downtown. There is no sense of civic pride being created downtown. I saw an old picture where they used to hang banners across Euclid to promote events. The only place I see any attention to detail is outside the Medical Mutual offices where they have big flower beds on the Huron side. It's like they just want someone else to do everything. I can't go down there and decorate! They'll pull it all down, if I did!

 

Sorry, I guess I'm just generally frustrated by the lack of creativity being employed. There are so many things that could be done, and I'm sick of writing letters to every damn department and non-profit! I have a life, too!!!!

jamiec,

 

i agree.  i think the biggest thing missing in cleveland is "pride".

 

cleaning up in front of your building, painting, eyes on the street, banners, lighting buildings at night, etc.

 

some of this isn't multi-million dollar new construction.  it is basic nuts and bolts details of how successful cities operate.   i walk by so many buildings whose owners or operators obviously have no pride in their space in the city, but instead rely on someone else to "fill in the blank".    i'm not sure when this was lost, but i think it is the biggest thing to fight to get back. 

Exactly! Don't these people go to other cities or watch HGTV or read magazines? Just take those thrifty design ideas and blow them up to "city scale." For example, my apartment needed a little pop, so I painted a wall bright blue and brought some plants home this weekend. That cost me $50. A couple of months ago, I bought a $5 poster frame and put my beat-up NYC subway map inside.

 

I don't mind this Cleveland+ stuff, but they are marketing to the locals all wrong. It's like they used to say in journalism school: Show don't tell. Prove to people this is a great place to live by making it so.

Exactly! Don't these people go to other cities or watch HGTV or read magazines? Just take those thrifty design ideas and blow them up to "city scale." For example, my apartment needed a little pop, so I painted a wall bright blue and brought some plants home this weekend. That cost me $50. A couple of months ago, I bought a $5 poster frame and put my beat-up NYC subway map inside.

 

I don't mind this Cleveland+ stuff, but they are marketing to the locals all wrong. It's like they used to say in journalism school: Show don't tell. Prove to people this is a great place to live by making it so.

 

A Bright Blue wall...ummm?   :?  JamieC I had such high hopes for you! :speech:

 

I agree that there needs to be a city wide PR Strategy!  But don't get me started.

I think we can, and have to, walk and chew gum at the same time on this.  Businesses don't ask if they should do R&D or advertise, they do both.  So must we.  Otherwise I agree with what's being said. 

Well, it's actually dull blue but I like to say it's bright because that makes me sound like I'm a more positive person, lol. You'd have to see it, but it works pretty well because the wall is going into my walk-in closet kitchen, so it's small but is just big enough to give the area a little punch. I could post a picture of it, but the colors are all out of wack, and the blue looks different than in real life....

who owns the smokestack by the Q and tower city?   i think it is the steam production, but it always has a small trickle coming out the top, and it is also always in the "live" shots of downtown during events.

 

i've always wondered why this isn't covered with something - painted with "Cleveland" from top to bottom, or perhaps an advertiser.  or paint it various shades of sky blue or something.  lit at night with multiple colors.  something.

That's a good idea. Maybe you should come up with a proposal to the next rounds of Neighborhood Connections and Cleveland Colectivo. With assistance from Cleveland Public Art and maybe Parkworks, it might have legs. But then you have to deal with the CEI, the owners.

here is a link to a photo of the smokestack (from the Q), not a great photo, but for should suffice for our urban ohio design competition.

 

Here's another pic - from the Innerbelt:

Here's another pic - from the Innerbelt:

 

Thanks for the pictures MayDay!  Too bad an UrbanOhio logo wouldn't show up too well on there.  Oh well, maybe we can get our foot in the door a get one with Cleveland + ;)

 

In regards to the smoke stack....lighting is always the best way to go for almost anything.

^i "think" Lansing, MI does something very similar (lighting that is) to its massive power plant just across the river from downtown, could be wrong though.

One more:

 

 

I can picture beams of light coming up out of the the the two former stack locations.

I stopped by the new vistors center today in the old Higbee's storefront....they will offically be open this thursday, but have their "grand opening" July 22.

? They were open yesterday when I stopped in.

 

And to be honest with you, I loved the Visitors Center - I think it is very well done.  It is simple and easy to understand while still being full of information.  There are great information brochures on every thing you'd want in the area, and I was really really impressed.  I think it's a stop that even life long Clevelanders & UOers should make - you'll learn something or at least stir up some civic pride.

 

On a similar note, I talked to their staff yesterday about volunteering and they are going to send me the information about it.  Right now they will only be open 9-5 during the week and 11-4 on the weekends.  Weekends will stop come Labor Day.  I would love to see a mass of volunteers (maybe from this site) that volunteer some time down their so that the center could stay open on the weekends and nights.

 

If we get enough people, they would hopefully at least consider it.  And who else do we want representing the city?  Donate some time - make a difference!

From the "Cleveland Hotel and Convention Business Thread"

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=11531.msg192176#msg192176

 

 

From Cool Cleveland:

 

Cle Visitors Center Visitors and tourists will now have an official location to ask questions and get information about the area before exploring. The new visitor center opens TODAY, Wed, 6/20 in the first floor of the former Higbee Building on Euclid Avenue. The facility will feature a large map of the area, plenty of travel brochures for attractions around the Cleveland Plus region, three computer kiosks where visitors can plot their travels and staff members to assist with reservations, directions, ticket purchases and other questions. This location will also house the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Greater Cleveland staff and the Greater Cleveland Partnership offices.

 

Renderings located here:

 

http://t.pm0.net/s/c?6i.13d1.29.tb0.1ppf

? They were open yesterday when I stopped in.

 

And to be honest with you, I loved the Visitors Center - I think it is very well done.  It is simple and easy to understand while still being full of information.  There are great information brochures on every thing you'd want in the area, and I was really really impressed.  I think it's a stop that even life long Clevelanders & UOers should make - you'll learn something or at least stir up some civic pride.

 

On a similar note, I talked to their staff yesterday about volunteering and they are going to send me the information about it.  Right now they will only be open 9-5 during the week and 11-4 on the weekends.  Weekends will stop come Labor Day.  I would love to see a mass of volunteers (maybe from this site) that volunteer some time down their so that the center could stay open on the weekends and nights.

 

If we get enough people, they would hopefully at least consider it.  And who else do we want representing the city?  Donate some time - make a difference!

 

According to the security cop, they weren't open yet...but he said people keep stopping by, so they're giving them information and tours.  I agree they did an amazing job: lighting, inviting layout, simple and informative, etc...again, he told me to come back thursday when they'll be in full force.

 

EDIT after reading Musky's post:

 

Only one of the six doors were unlocked...I supposed anyone can go in if they want now!?

From Brewed Fresh Daily:

 

 

 

Here's another city marketing for us?? From the Buffalo News:

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Cleveland's Sites to Behold

Discover a treasure trove of terrific architecture in Cleveland

By Mark Sommer NEWS STAFF REPORTER

Updated: 07/01/07 10:24 AM

 

CLEVELAND – Buffalonians are accustomed to living in an architecturally rich city with a bum rap. But the City on the Lake is hardly the only Rust Belt city with a black eye. Cleveland, its much-maligned neighbor along Lake Erie, 195 miles to the west, also boasts terrific architecture often overshadowed by economic woe.

 

...

 

http://www.buffalonews.com/101/index.html

did you notice they were missing a "link"?

Wow, I'm flattered they referenced my site right with along the CVB's! :-)

Hmmm, and nothing about Breuer.

 

 

The Museum of Art... not the other subject which must not be spoken (typed).

Wow, I'm flattered they referenced my site right with along the CVB's! :-)

MayDay, I've said this to you before and I'm not saying this to blow up your head.

 

You're amazing and passionate about photography.  Whenever I view one of your photo threads, I feel like I'm right there with you.  You do an amazing job of accurately portraying Cleveland - Good, Bad or Ugly.

 

It's about time media outlets picked up talented sources and their sites like you!

 

I hope that stories like this, help you grow your brand/business.

 

They didn't mention UrbanOhio though.  :x

Thank you MTS, I appreciate it. I don't want to jinx anything but some outlets might be interested in working with me but we'll see.

 

As far as mentioning UO in the article, I'm guessing that since the forum deals with the whole state they may have wanted to limit links to Cleveland-specific sites. Just a guess, though.

No problem, Lil Diva, you've earned it!

The new edition of "Downtown Digs" is now out.  I'm not going to cross reference everything with the website (www.downtown-digs.com), but the print edition should be included with the latest issue of Cleveland Magazine.

 

Also, the Living in Cleveland Center, has put out its new "Live Cleveland!" guide to the city.  It has a much more expansive view of the city and its neighborhoods.  The website (livingincleveland.nhlink.net) is to be updated this summer.  Another helpful link on this site that has also produced print issues is the Mortgage Bulletin.  The print edition has info on Cleveland neighborhoods, but also helpful advice about lenders/mortgages/etc. for homebuyers.

This is just ok or good.

 

I just wish the research department would verify that proper websites and that those websites actually work and went directly each desired development. 

 

Example anything marketed by Progressive Urban only takes you to their front page, not the actual development/building you're interested in. From a user stand point, people don't want to make additional "clicks". 

 

The statler arms website is another issue.  It only gives information on the garage, however I know this has to do with the building mgmt. itself.  They do list a contact email.

 

Nothing is worse than having a great "resource" with incorrect information.

 

I also suggest that in the future they include articles from current residents as why they chose to live in their condo/loft building and what they would like to see in downtown to take the area to the next level.

 

I've sent a fax with my suggestions, since they don't list an email.

way to go, MTS!

 

I was just perusing the print edition, so I didn't get into links and what not.

whoa, another positive article from the national media.  Again, Cleveland architecture seems to be the main draw along with the ethnic appeal.  The article does a decent job, but I'll take it (plus they forgot Little Italy!). From CBS news:

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Cleveland Rocks

As A Tourist Destination Or Hometown, This City Has Rebounded From The 'Burning River' Days

By Marianne Goldstein

CLEVELAND, July 27, 2007

 

 

(CBS) Once upon a time, Cleveland was a punch line. That came about because of a nasty fire on — that's right, on — the Cuyahoga River.

 

These days, though, most people associate the phrase "burning river" with a popular local light ale. Cleveland has cleaned up its act and is now considered one of the 100 most livable cities in the world. It's also got enough attractions to qualify it as a popular and worthwhile tourist attraction. That's right — a tourist attraction.

 

Things have certainly come full circle for this Ohio city...

 

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/07/26/earlyshow/series/summer_concerts/main3102561.shtml

 

^^Here's a video link to the story above

 

http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=3104606n

^^Mayday, too bad they did not interview you about the burning river

Nice!!

Regardless... this shot is spectacular:

Thank you - taken from the #246 park-and-ride bus :-)

 

I loved that CBS clip :clap:

it was OK, it was FREE publicity

What is the glass structure shown right after the fountain? I don't recognize it.