Wow, interesting!  And when are these two slated to open?

Wow, interesting!  And when are these two slated to open?

 

Zocalo is supposed to be ready for May 5th and Strada is slated for June.

Right, Cinco de Mayo...I'm so out of touch!  Zocalo certainly doesn't look like it's a month from opening!  What about Theresa's?

I believe Theresa's Pizza is also June.  They are listed as Spring 2007.

i cant wait for these to open and to get rid of those boarded up planks that face the street...their an eye sore especially to tourist (final 4) who do not no about the new restaurants

i cant wait for these to open and to get rid of those boarded up planks that face the street...their an eye sore especially to tourist (final 4) who do not no about the new restaurants

 

Definitely.  This really detracts from a really exciting, up-'n-coming little district.  At the other end, that goofy RTA Euclid ECP/BRT never-ending construction also casts a dingy pall on E. 4th street.  Nothing like coming from a fun eve of bowling, or eats at, say, Pickwick & Frolic of Lola's, only to be confronted by orange cones, plank sidewalks and port-a-potty's... it's typical Cleveland with its shirttail hanging out.  We never quite get the tourist thing here.

How exactly are they to reconstruct Euclid, then?

Yeah, cut 'em some slack! Think whimsy!

 

When I was little, it was my DREAM to run a backhoe and get into the dirt. To me, it signifies progress. Better than a crappy ass street.

Maybe RTA can wave a magic wand so it can complete a complicated 7 mile reconstruction project in a blink of an eye.

i cant wait for these to open and to get rid of those boarded up planks that face the street...their an eye sore especially to tourist (final 4) who do not no about the new restaurants

 

Definitely.  This really detracts from a really exciting, up-'n-coming little district.  At the other end, that goofy RTA Euclid ECP/BRT never-ending construction also casts a dingy pall on E. 4th street.  Nothing like coming from a fun eve of bowling, or eats at, say, Pickwick & Frolic of Lola's, only to be confronted by orange cones, plank sidewalks and port-a-potty's... it's typical Cleveland with its shirttail hanging out.  We never quite get the tourist thing here.

 

again with the negatives....ugh.

^Try and focus just a tad and not blind cheerlead, just for one moment, please... No one's saying there should be no construction and progress.  The issue is it might be nice if RTA would post some signs, with some glossy 'after' artist's renderings and some kind of timetable for ECP.  It is not just me, but there were a number of complaints last weekend when there were thousands of guests in town... Euclid was an embarassment for the Women's Final 4 visitors, and it didn't have to be that way.  And for a city that's constantly desperate for some positive press against so much negative -- much of that being unfair -- it's inexcusable for that condition to exist.

^Try and focus just a tad and not blind cheerlead, just for one moment, please... No one's saying there should be no construction and progress.  The issue is it might be nice if RTA would post some signs, with some glossy 'after' artist's renderings and some kind of timetable for ECP.  It is not just me, but there were a number of complaints last weekend when there were thousands of guests in town... Euclid was an embarassment for the Women's Final 4 visitors, and it didn't have to be that way.  And for a city that's constantly desperate for some positive press against so much negative -- much of that being unfair -- it's inexcusable for that condition to exist.

 

See when you say things THE SECOND time and explain yourself it doesn't come of alike a PD article.  Im not being a blind cheerleader, but man, its not what you say, it how you say it. look at the difference in both post.  so now, did you take pics and send your comments to Joe?  the city?  the county?

^ It might be time for me to write a letter to RTA!

I whole-heartedly agree with the need of some sort of signage for the everyday passer-byers (especially for the consistently negative Cleveland folk who still may not have any idea what is going on), but to tourists, CONSTRUCTION=PROGRESS.   I would guess a majority did not have cars, thus did not have to deal with the "burden" many Clevelanders go through everyday.

 

I personally talked with a lot of the Final Four fans over the long weekend, and I am happy to announce a large number were greatly enjoying themselves (especially E. 4th and W. 6th many seemed to mention).  Besides their overall approval, I happened to ask a few their opinion on all the construction.  The responses were all honestly consistent "Cleveland looks like they have a lot going from them in the near future" and "I can tell this area is getting nicer and nicer" and "it's great to see so much progress."  Two were even confused by the question (but they may have also been drunk at the time...).  Although RTA seems to be going at a snails pace for the good of the city, most tourists didn’t seem to notice.

 

Bottom line: to Clevelanders, signage is needed to help reduce the negativity and increase awareness.  To tourists, not so much (but I'm sure it wouldn't hurt too much).

I also dealt with alot of the tourists.  None complained about the construction.  Any comments I was given regarding the city were positive- not that I would expect them to insult their hosts.

I also dealt with alot of the tourists.  None complained about the construction.  Any comments I was given regarding the city were positive- not that I would expect them to insult their hosts.

 

apparently you've never been downtown when the Bengals are in town.

This one line caught my attention from last month's e4 newsletter. (located here: http://www.east4thstreet.com/media/assets/Newsletter_2007_03.pdf). 

 

Teresa's Pizza, serving up its unique home-style pizza in the Cleveland area

since 1969, will integrate its already renowned pizza and pasta concept into a

bistro style setting with an old world Italian flare. Sit down dining, along with

beer and wine will enhance the experience. The concept also includes full service

lunches and downtown lunch delivery. The new Euclid Avenue location, next to

Jimmy John's Sub Shop, will be Teresa's Pizza twelfth location as well as serve as

its flagship store. Teresa's Pizza is slated to open in Spring of this year.

 

Especially for a Flagship store, I really hope they are not saying that Lunch is their main emphasis for this prime location.  For a neighborhood that is quickly rising in population and getting closer to a 24 hr feel, this would be a sin if they closed by 10 or even midnight.  Besides that fact, they could make a killing by selling pizza by the slice for those of us walking between E. 4th and W. 6th (I know I would stop in a buy a slice or two fairly regularly if I were in a drunken and/or possibly sober state) or even just anyone who goes to or lives in e4 (or downtown for that matter). 

 

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

 

EDIT:  After going to their website, I think I must have misinterpreted their write up and jumped the gun.  Most of their other locations stay open until at least 10 and some until midnight.  http://www.teresaspizza.net/locations.html  On that note, I still hope they keep this one open until 2-3 am for the late night crowds.

^They might stay open that late on weekends, but probably not on weeknights for a while. There just isn't the population yet to support it.

yeah, and almost all of the jimmy johns are late night spots...except for the one on euclid.  it is good that they stay open until 7, but that is still very early for a dinner and certainly no late night crowd.  they also are closed on the weekend.

I'm no economist, but I'm willing they make 85% of their revenue between 11am and 130pm, so why should they stay open later, for the time being it will clearly be diminishing returns.

I walked by Teresa's today; it's still a white box. I haven't seen any noticeable work going on in there for months. Can they really open by the end of spring?

 

Meanwhile, I did see some workers inside the old Cafe 56, across from Corner Alley. I wonder what the plans are for that space?

and i don't think zocola has any chance for a may 5 opening. 

 

they were roughing in the hvac system today, but there still isn't any electrical or drywall started, not to mention all the final details of carpeting, ceilings, tables, etc.

Meanwhile, I did see some workers inside the old Cafe 56, across from Corner Alley. I wonder what the plans are for that space?

 

Yesterday I asked some onsite workers what was happening with the space.  They said "bar and grille" but seemed uncertain.  But, keeping my fingers crossed, there might be something happening there soon.

^Awesome, that's such a high-profile spot - I still can't understand why Cafe 56 closed there, they were always packed.

Personally, I would have loved to see a little bodega go in there. Perhaps the population in the nabe isn't quite there yet to support one.

When is something other than a restaurant or bar going to open in this area.  Just curious if there are any plans for a retailer.  

What about the HOB gift shop?

 

Seriously, though, I'd love to see some retail, but the neighborhood still has a long way to go till it can support retail on its own, and suburbanites don't seem interested in coming downtown to shop, just to eat and drink.  And bowl.

How is the Arcade doing with retail lately....any of the arcades?

How is the Arcade doing with retail lately....any of the arcades?

 

Not very well as far as I can see.  The food courts are doing ok and a few of the old stalwarts are still hanging on, but nothing new is moving in and they have a lot of vacancy.

"The Arcade" arcade does not have a lot of vacancy.  I can only think of one or two store fronts which are empty.

 

 

EDIT:

Does anyone know when the 70 residental units in the three buildings above the Corner Alley will go on sale?

what's up with cafe 56 it looks ready why hasn't it opened yet?

 

any new news on zocola , theresa's , or la strada??

 

hopefully these storefront will be looking good come summer

Haven't heard. I checked the East 4th website, but didn't see any updates since February.

 

There's a cool slideshow on there, though...

 

http://www.east4thstreet.com/neighborhood.php

 

 

what's up with cafe 56 it looks ready why hasn't it opened yet?

 

cafe 56 is closed.  It closed a few years ago, and the space has been waiting for a new tenant.

EDIT:

Does anyone know when the 70 residental units in the three buildings above the Corner Alley will go on sale?

 

I found out today that the 70 residental units above the Corner Alley are still 2 years away.  Kinda frustrating this residental project as well is also taking so much time (....or purposely delaying??  I hope not)  Seriously, is it because of strategic planning or a lack of current demand? 

and another thing...why are there no eff-ing signage on the coming restarants and Jazz club....like "Wonder Bar coming soon...Jazz Music, food, drinks" or  "La Strada World Cafe..." or "Zocalo Catina coming soon"etc.  It would look a hell of a lot better and let people know of there soon to be arrival (very very cheap advertising.  Hell, I'd print off a damn sign for them for free if they asked...)

 

The only reason I am saying this is because I took a buddy of mine to the Cavs playoff game and 4th Street Bar and Grill.  As we were walking down E.4, he goes "Man, sure looks like a lot of places are going out of business here," refering to the empty and plywood storefronts.

I found out today that the 70 residental units above the Corner Alley are still 2 years away.  Kinda frustrating this residental project as well is also taking so much time (....or purposely delaying??  I hope not)  Seriously, is it because of strategic planning or a lack of current demand?  

 

i think that they work with a core construction team for all of the work.  so they work on the restaurants, then move to bang and clatter space, then move to the apartments, etc.  but 2 years is a long time, especially with new restaurants opening.   it may also be a risk averse strategy.  east 4th is looking nice, but it has taken 13 years to get to this point and there are still empty storefronts.

 

as for signage, i completely agree.  what a lost opportunity, and not necessarily a lot of cost.  paint the boards black, slap a temporary banner or paint the name on the plywood. 

 

this seems to be a cleveland thing though.  we are good at lots of signage for potential projects and projects that never happen, but don't market the ones that are actually being built.

Zocalo Cantina -- Anyone know if they're going to hit there goal of a May 5th opening??  When I took pictures last month, it sure didn't look like it.  Just wondering if anyone has seen or heard anything from any viable sources.

 

I was really looking forward to a Dos XX downtown on Friday...

it looks maybe another month away

anyone know whats going on at the colonial marketplace on the prospect side?

anyone know whats going on at the colonial marketplace on the prospect side?

 

vault reconstruction.

Well, I live here, but I don't think I'll ever figure out how things are done.  Here's a little progress report from what I've seen whilst sauntering about the neighborhood:

 

Zocolo's is coming along, but will probably not be open till June, at least.

 

Theresa's is "paused" as of the drywall going in.

 

I saw workers at the site of the new theater, but this is the first time I've seen them there in a while.  I don't know if it is on schedule or not.

 

La Strada has seen no work done to it, not even demo.  I've been told that they are waiting to finish Zocolos before they even begin La Strada.

 

Workers are doing clean out and interior demo at the old Cafe 56 site.  They said that there was some sort of "Bar and Grille" going in.

 

The Sincere Building space is seeing a little bit of work done here and there.  I quizzed a worker and he said something about the people who did the bowling alley doing something there as well.

 

Lady Blue is closing down.

 

The space between Lady Blue and City Blue is seeing interior demo.  I don't know anything more about it, though.

 

Edit:

Wonder Bar is coming along.  I saw workers in there today.

 

Flannery's has added a second patio along Prospect.  HOB is going to have their patio out as of tomorrow

 

There is new, really cool artwork in the vacant storefronts, courtesy of Exhibit Cleveland.

no, not lady blue! where will i buy my fenced goods?

no, not lady blue! where will i buy my fenced goods?

 

Randall Park Mall.

no, not lady blue! where will i buy my fenced goods?

 

Randall Park Mall.

 

Don't you mean cracker park? :-D

There was some work going on in Wonder Bar today...the workers said late July or early August for the opening.

Did they say anything about the lofts upstairs?  It looked like they were taking out debris from the upper floors as well.

^there is a sign for the upcoming lofts, so I bet it is safe to assume they are also working on the lofts as well...but I didn't ask.

 

Very interesting today...all the work that is going on in the old cafe in the NW corner has now expanded into the Old Lady Blue and other empty store front, into one big location of all there old store fronts.  A worker inside told me a mediterrianian restuarant was going in...could this be La Strada instead of that other bar and grill??  I know this was the location I was orignally told for La Strada, but the E. 4th newsletter had the picture of the building where no work is going on next to the upcoming Jazz bar.  It makes the most sense that the NW location will become La Strada since it looks like it could be completed by late July (which is close to the orignal projected June opening).  With the retail space that large, I sure hope it is La Strada.

You beat me to the news!  I would have had it if my internet connection was working earlier today, though.  I'm excited to see some real progress going on there, and it would be great if this space is going to be La Strada, as a "bar and grille" doesn't really get me very excited.

 

As for the sign for the lofts above Wonder Bar, that's been up forever, though it recently moved down to the first floor.  I don't know if that means anything, though.

I was in Wonder Bar the other day... It looks really nice. I asked about the condos, and the guy said they've starting working on the second floor. I have no idea about the timeframe though.

free times had a blurb that zocola won't open until late summer.