I was down there last night too. The activity level on a Wednesday was pretty remarkable. It tells me that a quality riverside nightlife district is always a winner. And I must say, it draws some of the most stunning women! ;)

I was there last night also!  That was no woman, that was my wife.

I was there last night also!  That was no woman, that was my wife.

 

Yikes.  What are you trying to say about your wife?

Some sights we urbanists might all agree are stunning! Seen from GCRTA's #55 bus on the Shoreway....

 

 

 

Video preview of PBS from cleveland.com

^^ The river actually looks blue in that last pic!

^^ The river actually looks blue in that last pic!

 

 

 

:clap: :clap:  :-D :-D  :clap: :clap:

 

 

Not open until tomorrow but a soft opening tonight

This is just the portion on W. 11th St, the "lodge" is around the corner (all in all pretty huge)

 

 

 

 

 

FlipSide open !!

^Shut the Flip up!  Seriously?

 

 

FlipSide open !!

 

What?! Somebody get a picture ASAP! Haha it didn't even seem close!

All that kvetching, wasted

 

not too long after officially opening.

small and intimate , half "open air" - half w/ 3 walls.

"open air" part will be sealed/heated so that it can be  all-seasonal

 

Went to FlipSide for lunch and it was delicious, and got very crowded very quickly!  The space is small but nicely laid out. I think it's kinda cool how it's wedged in next to the rapid tracks. Also the outside and the patio aren't totally finished.

And a follow up to previous, was at Alley Cat for dinner and the whole east bank was packed and had a great vibe. Lots of boats and activity on the boardwalk. And some BIG money in yachts!

 

^Nice foto

 

today....

^ That's such a dumb name, but Coastal Taco is worse. It just screams "generic."

 

One name I do like is Punch Bowl Social. I took some friends to watch the amazing Browns victory. Overall we had a pretty good time there. It was their first day in business so there was some employee chaos, which is understandable with such a large place. Friendly service, I recommend. Though whoever set up their tv's must have been on acid because most of the angles are not good for viewing.

 

My friends were impressed with the livelihood of the new FEB. They were less impressed with the architecture of the new residential building, even saying that it was much more suitable for Rockside Road (ouch!). Also, they brought up the obvious point that the activity concentrated around the new places made the rest of the Flats feel extra dead. I was very interested in their opinions because they were native Northeast Ohioans who, like most, aren't dialed in to Urban Ohio and just had no notion of the redevelopment going on.

 

And i agree the rest of the FEB and West Bank just felt abandoned. Oh well, these things take time :-)

 

Was at a meeting today where GCRTA CEO Joe Calabrese said the Waterfront Line will be providing employee transportation to Flats East Bank as parking is limited and will remain so even after Phase 3 comes online. And while construction occurs on Phase 3, it will take away parking. So employees who don't take RTA from home can park at the Muny Parking lot and take the Waterfront Line to FEB.

Was at a meeting today where GCRTA CEO Joe Calabrese said the Waterfront Line will be providing employee transportation to Flats East Bank as parking is limited and will remain so even after Phase 3 comes online. And while construction occurs on Phase 3, it will take away parking. So employees who don't take RTA from home can park at the Muny Parking lot and take the Waterfront Line to FEB.

 

How late will the Waterfront line operate?

 

Thanks for reminding me... Calabrese said there's some consideration of running it all night.

And a follow up to previous, was at Alley Cat for dinner and the whole east bank was packed and had a great vibe. Lots of boats and activity on the boardwalk. And some BIG money in yachts!

 

Great picture.  Would look even better if that bridge was lit up the way it's supposed to be

Thanks for reminding me... Calabrese said there's some consideration of running it all night.

 

I'm guessing this has been discussed somewhere on these boards....I'd like to see the Waterfront Line just become a fare-free zone.  It's already a losing-proposition, why not make it convenient for everyone and use it as a loss-leader marketing tool for both RTA and downtown?    They could probably easily sell a corporate sponsorship to underwrite some of the cost (The Sherwin Williams Waterfront line, or the Horseshoe Line....).

 

And a follow up to previous, was at Alley Cat for dinner and the whole east bank was packed and had a great vibe. Lots of boats and activity on the boardwalk. And some BIG money in yachts!

 

Great picture.  Would look even better if that bridge was lit up the way it's supposed to be

 

It actually was partially lit but the lights didn't come on until later. I think they are working on the lights during construction of the water taxi stations, Coastal Taco, etc.

^ That's such a dumb name, but Coastal Taco is worse. It just screams "generic."

 

One name I do like is Punch Bowl Social. I took some friends to watch the amazing Browns victory. Overall we had a pretty good time there. It was their first day in business so there was some employee chaos, which is understandable with such a large place. Friendly service, I recommend. Though whoever set up their tv's must have been on acid because most of the angles are not good for viewing.

 

My friends were impressed with the livelihood of the new FEB. They were less impressed with the architecture of the new residential building, even saying that it was much more suitable for Rockside Road (ouch!). Also, they brought up the obvious point that the activity concentrated around the new places made the rest of the Flats feel extra dead. I was very interested in their opinions because they were native Northeast Ohioans who, like most, aren't dialed in to Urban Ohio and just had no notion of the redevelopment going on.

 

And i agree the rest of the FEB and West Bank just felt abandoned. Oh well, these things take time :-)

 

 

 

does punch bowl social actually serve punch and punch bowls? i ask not just because of the name, but because some cleveland guys have a nice little nautical bar in brooklyn i like called the drink where they specialize in punch and it seems like just slightly a bit too much of a coincidence. my bro has even met the drink guys out and about in cleveland. maybe some consulting hand in it? or maybe nothing? i dk.

http://thedrinkbrooklyn.com/

does punch bowl social actually serve punch and punch bowls? i ask not just because of the name, but because some cleveland guys have a nice little nautical bar in brooklyn i like called the drink where they specialize in punch and it seems like just slightly a bit too much of a coincidence. my bro has even met the drink guys out and about in cleveland. maybe some consulting hand in it? or maybe nothing? i dk.

http://thedrinkbrooklyn.com/

 

They do actually. Punch Bowl is actually a small chain based in Austin TX. But when any bar has a Cleveland connection it does not surprise me.

 

The Drink huh, well I'll be in Brooklyn in a few weeks I just may check it out.

Thanks for reminding me... Calabrese said there's some consideration of running it all night.

 

I'm guessing this has been discussed somewhere on these boards....I'd like to see the Waterfront Line just become a fare-free zone.  It's already a losing-proposition, why not make it convenient for everyone and use it as a loss-leader marketing tool for both RTA and downtown?    They could probably easily sell a corporate sponsorship to underwrite some of the cost (The Sherwin Williams Waterfront line, or the Horseshoe Line....).

 

Not a bad idea.  It would be great for one of the major corporations to buy into the WFL like some due other high-profile bus lines and bus/trolley routes RTA likes to promote... So far both the public and RTA tend to treat the WFL like the ugly duckling of the system despite the fact that, obviously for FEB, it could/should be seen as a valuable tool to move traffic in and out of this dense development.

Thanks for reminding me... Calabrese said there's some consideration of running it all night.

 

I'm guessing this has been discussed somewhere on these boards....I'd like to see the Waterfront Line just become a fare-free zone.  It's already a losing-proposition, why not make it convenient for everyone and use it as a loss-leader marketing tool for both RTA and downtown?    They could probably easily sell a corporate sponsorship to underwrite some of the cost (The Sherwin Williams Waterfront line, or the Horseshoe Line....).

 

Not a bad idea.  It would be great for one of the major corporations to buy into the WFL like some due other high-profile bus lines and bus/trolley routes RTA likes to promote... So far both the public and RTA tend to treat the WFL like the ugly duckling of the system despite the fact that, obviously for FEB, it could/should be seen as a valuable tool to move traffic in and out of this dense development.

 

And the timing is ripe for the RNC.....

mrclifton88, your night photo is incredible. Looks like a rendering!

 

Thanks for reminding me... Calabrese said there's some consideration of running it all night.

 

I'm guessing this has been discussed somewhere on these boards....I'd like to see the Waterfront Line just become a fare-free zone.  It's already a losing-proposition, why not make it convenient for everyone and use it as a loss-leader marketing tool for both RTA and downtown?    They could probably easily sell a corporate sponsorship to underwrite some of the cost (The Sherwin Williams Waterfront line, or the Horseshoe Line....).

 

This was discussed in an RTA thread earlier this year: http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,4504.10465.html  Unfortunately, it would be hard to implement without other, bigger changes to the Light Rail payment routines.

mrclifton88, your night photo is incredible. Looks like a rendering!

 

Thanks for reminding me... Calabrese said there's some consideration of running it all night.

 

I'm guessing this has been discussed somewhere on these boards....I'd like to see the Waterfront Line just become a fare-free zone.  It's already a losing-proposition, why not make it convenient for everyone and use it as a loss-leader marketing tool for both RTA and downtown?    They could probably easily sell a corporate sponsorship to underwrite some of the cost (The Sherwin Williams Waterfront line, or the Horseshoe Line....).

 

This was discussed in an RTA thread earlier this year: http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,4504.10465.html  Unfortunately, it would be hard to implement without other, bigger changes to the Light Rail payment routines.

 

Despite the challenges of changing the WFL to a free zone, I do love the idea of finding a sponsor for the line itself.  The money from the sponsorship can fund improvements / ongoing maintenance at the stations (at times a problem), extended service hours on weekends, and maybe even help with the cost of future rail car replacement, which I think someone mentioned will be needed within the next 10 or so years. 

Despite the challenges of changing the WFL to a free zone, I do love the idea of finding a sponsor for the line itself.  The money from the sponsorship can fund improvements / ongoing maintenance at the stations (at times a problem), extended service hours on weekends, and maybe even help with the cost of future rail car replacement, which I think someone mentioned will be needed within the next 10 or so years. 

 

The corporate sponsorships don't bring in THAT much money. The biggest sponsorships are in the neighborhood of $1 million spread over several years. That doesn't go very far. A sponsorship of that scale might be enough to run the line fare-free -- if it were run as a stand-alone operation. Otherwise as a run-through service from the Blue-Green Lines, the Waterfront Line as a fare-free service is problematic operationally.

 

Anyway -- I mention this only as a discussion item as it relates to Flats East Bank development -- namely with the parking constraints of this district that will get worse when construction for Phase 3 gets underway. It's becoming obvious the Flats East Bank is going to be a huge nightlife draw next summer. Those of us over the age of 35 remember the gridlock of the old Flats East Bank prior to 2000, when traffic backed up on Huron and St. Clair to Ontario, trying to get into the Flats. And the traffic inched its way through the Flats.

 

Here's a few I snapped from a convertible as we cruised through the Flats East Bank on Friday night (plus one from up in the Warehouse District):

 

FlatsEastBank-092515-1 by Ken Prendergast, on Flickr

 

FlatsEastBank-092515-2 by Ken Prendergast, on Flickr

 

FlatsEastBank-092515-3 by Ken Prendergast, on Flickr

 

WarehouseDistrict-092515 by Ken Prendergast, on Flickr

^I was definitely thinking the sponsorship would bring more than $1M to cover those expenses.  Thanks for the dose of reality...  :cry:

mrclifton88, your night photo is incredible. Looks like a rendering!

 

Thanks for reminding me... Calabrese said there's some consideration of running it all night.

 

I'm guessing this has been discussed somewhere on these boards....I'd like to see the Waterfront Line just become a fare-free zone.  It's already a losing-proposition, why not make it convenient for everyone and use it as a loss-leader marketing tool for both RTA and downtown?    They could probably easily sell a corporate sponsorship to underwrite some of the cost (The Sherwin Williams Waterfront line, or the Horseshoe Line....).

 

This was discussed in an RTA thread earlier this year: http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,4504.10465.html  Unfortunately, it would be hard to implement without other, bigger changes to the Light Rail payment routines.

 

Despite the challenges of changing the WFL to a free zone, I do love the idea of finding a sponsor for the line itself.  The money from the sponsorship can fund improvements / ongoing maintenance at the stations (at times a problem), extended service hours on weekends, and maybe even help with the cost of future rail car replacement, which I think someone mentioned will be needed within the next 10 or so years. 

 

There has to be some way to overcome the fare free zone challenge?

 

I would wonder what the RTA data is on trips that originate on the Waterfront Line and continue east of Tower City?  I suppose it would have to be somewhat of an honor system, and those who choose to ride farther would have to present a proof of payment if asked further down the line?  And for trips continuing west of Tower City, well it's fare-free anyway.....

There has to be some way to overcome the fare free zone challenge?

 

Probably. It's a discussion best left to the GCRTA thread.

 

I would wonder what the RTA data is on trips that originate on the Waterfront Line and continue east of Tower City?  I suppose it would have to be somewhat of an honor system, and those who choose to ride farther would have to present a proof of payment if asked further down the line?  And for trips continuing west of Tower City, well it's fare-free anyway.....

 

RTA has tried to play keep-away when it comes to Waterfront Line ridership data. Probably because it's not very good. I didn't want this to get into a discussion on WFL operations. I wanted to mention that it is being considered as a means to cope with the parking shortages now and especially after Phase 3 gets going -- whenever that is.

Isn't there a ton of public surface parking just on the other side of W 9th Street, on the old rail station site?

Isn't there a ton of public surface parking just on the other side of W 9th Street, on the old rail station site?

 

You mean 'the pit?'

 

http://deadspin.com/things-did-not-end-well-for-this-daring-browns-fan-1733357800

Sometimes you just gotta repost a comment:

 

ffs Mets

Tom Ley

9/28/15 11:36am

Now that I see it in action, I’m on board with Trump building a wall to separate the rest of us from the Browns.

Isn't there a ton of public surface parking just on the other side of W 9th Street, on the old rail station site?

 

There is, and I did some people parking there on Friday night. But...

#1. I wonder how many know it's there? And

#2. how many are willing to walk that distance?

 

As always, there's usually a few solutions required to address one problem.

I'm very glad Calabrese is considering expanding WFL service for the construction workers once the central parking area is closed for Phase III... I just wish he would also have that same forward-thinking approach toward expanded services for patrons and residents of FEB.  People aren't using it much now, but an ad campaign by RTA to increase it's visibility would help.  FEB should be one of Cleveland's finest examples of TOD... actually it already is, it's just that FEB patrons, residents and businesses and employees don't see it that way.  Sometimes the public needs an education re such things.

^^That's fair. I do certainly hope the WFL gets used more, but "the pit" (didn't know it was called that) is literally adjacent to existing FEB parking (with a possible at grade connection, below the W 9th Street bridge), so I'm wondering how much of a parking crunch there's really going to be in the area. I guess it depends in part how much the operator of "the pit" lot charges. Could still make sense for FEB employees to take the WFL if, say, Fairmount/Wolstein gives them monthly passes. 

 

Also, on this topic, the city needs to be prepared for possible demo requests from owners of property along Old River Road looking to make a quick buck. Not sure how much of a risk there is given current ownership, but would be terrible to see a new parking moat take hold.

I'm very glad Calabrese is considering expanding WFL service for the construction workers once the central parking area is closed for Phase III... I just wish he would also have that same forward-thinking approach toward expanded services for patrons and residents of FEB.  People aren't using it much now, but an ad campaign by RTA to increase it's visibility would help.  FEB should be one of Cleveland's finest examples of TOD... actually it already is, it's just that FEB patrons, residents and businesses and employees don't see it that way.  Sometimes the public needs an education re such things.

 

I didn't mean to make it sound like construction workers only need the parking. The construction for Phase III will take away the surface lot between Phases I and II, which is what will worsen the parking crunch for EVERYONE. And the parking deck to be added as part of Phase III doesn't appear as though it will have enough parking to satisfy all existing AND future parking needs for office, restaurant and theater workers and patrons.

 

Also, on this topic, the city needs to be prepared for possible demo requests from owners of property along Old River Road looking to make a quick buck. Not sure how much of a risk there is given current ownership, but would be terrible to see a new parking moat take hold.

 

Good point. Considering who owns much of the property south of Main, I could certainly see that guy seeking to demo those buildings -- be it through benign neglect or in response to an accidental fire.

 

 

I'm very glad Calabrese is considering expanding WFL service for the construction workers once the central parking area is closed for Phase III... I just wish he would also have that same forward-thinking approach toward expanded services for patrons and residents of FEB.  People aren't using it much now, but an ad campaign by RTA to increase it's visibility would help.  FEB should be one of Cleveland's finest examples of TOD... actually it already is, it's just that FEB patrons, residents and businesses and employees don't see it that way.  Sometimes the public needs an education re such things.

 

I didn't mean to make it sound like construction workers only need the parking. The construction for Phase III will take away the surface lot between Phases I and II, which is what will worsen the parking crunch for EVERYONE. And the parking deck to be added as part of Phase III doesn't appear as though it will have enough parking to satisfy all existing AND future parking needs for office, restaurant and theater workers and patrons.

 

 

Good news, indeed...

Cleveland to celebrate revival of east bank of The Flats

POSTED 5:48 PM, SEPTEMBER 25, 2015, BY BRITTANY HARRIS

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio – If you take a look around the east bank of The Flats, you’re sure to see a lot of new businesses.

 

Bars and restaurants are popping up everywhere, and this is just the beginning of what's to come.

 

"So everywhere you see a parking lot, we see a development site,” said Adam Fishman, Developer and Principal of Fairmount Properties.

 

MORE:

http://fox8.com/2015/09/25/cleveland-to-celebrate-revival-of-east-bank-of-the-flats/

Michelle J. McFee ‏mjarboe[/member] 5m5 minutes ago

 

There is going to be a phase 3 and a phase 4 and a phase 5, Scott Wolstein says re: Flats East Bank project on #CLE riverfront.

1 retweet 1 favorite

 

I wish Phase 3 would be rehabbing Old River Road and putting energy back into that street.

I wish Phase 3 would be rehabbing Old River Road and putting energy back into that street.

 

It will happen.  The cost of rehabbing the buildings currently doesn't align with the corresponding rents.  But trust that developers and building owners and real estate brokers are talking and crunching numbers

Haven't seen this anywhere yet but WEWS is reporting that FEB has signed an LOI with a major retailer at the Toby Keith spot. Expect announcement in next couple of weeks.

^ Ooh this is intriguing.

"Major retailer"? If this is accurate, and it's not an entertainment or food spot, it is especially intriguing.

WKYC is speculating that it will be a margaritaville.

Oh god no...