Really sad. As a note, they are completely folding ... ending both their Akron and Cleveland operations, not just losing this particular location.

 

I'll bet the Positively Demoralizing will portray it as: "the addition of the Cleveland location dragged down the whole operation."

Bang and Clatter theatre closed :-(

 

I hate to say it, but I kinda saw this coming... My girlfriend and I went to Bang and Clatter in Cleveland when it first opened. The performance itself was GREAT but it didn't feel like the business end of it was run very well. Alcohol was free which, while nice for us, couldn't have helped their bottom line. They would also let people in free all the time. Kind of like a "pay what you can" system. Again, that's nice and all, but if you're running a business, don't expect to stay around for long.

 

Another time we won tickets but when we showed up for the performance, they said it was canceled. They didn't even call us to let us know. Many other times we would walk by and it always looked like it was closed. I actually haven't heard about any performances their in months and I'm more plugged into Cleveland's art scene than the average citizen...

 

I hope they find other entertaining, non-bar or restaurant tenant to fill that space.

 

I've had similar thoughts for a while...

The problem with a lot of the businesses here is the inconsistency in their hours. That alone, will be off-putting to patrons. I know that many are run as a second  in life (the small ventures) and they open when they feel they will get the most business....but at some point, someone has to be a bit more pioneering and break this 'close at 4' cycle and at least remain open until 8 for those who cannot get to such places until then. It will be rough at first, but eventually, I see the business picking up at such places.

 

Well, here is another opportunity for a store-front window display... Can someone pass me along the information on a contact of that space?

 

What is really sad...is that in the article...  the moment you scroll down to the comments... Look what the first one says! Then, you will have the fool who somehow blames it all on Kucinich! Well, I couldn't get past the first...

I've never been to the space, so i'm not sure if this suggestion would work, but, could a fine arts cinema move in there? It could show both new (like NYC's Angelica) and old (like CMA's Cinemateque) films. We need a cinema like that downtown.

doubtful... i don't exactly know how to describe the space... but it would be a challenge to retain what's in there for just about anyone and it really wouldn't align itself with cinema very well.

I wish an improv group like Cabaret Dada would move into that space.  I always thought they were better off downtown where they could get spur of the moment, walk-in traffic.  The rent would probably be difficult though.  I know the spot in the Warehouse District was difficult to pay for and then they had that break-in and robbery which was kind of the end for them there.  I still think that would be a great location for improv though.  And if someone did short shows, like a half hour every hour you could do 4-5 shows a night, charge a small ticket price and keep people flowing in and out.  Younger people going out don't want to commit to a whole 2 hour show.  But they might pop in for a quick bit of entertainment, then on to the next place.  Anyway, that's my two cents.

I agree ... I do think improv would do really well right there. That being said, I also think they've done pretty decent at Tower Press ... which is technically still downtown :)

Improv would be great.  For a major coup, they should try to get Second City back.

I think E. 4th can draw Second City now. 

I think E. 4th can draw Second City now.

 

I love that idea!

If not Second City, there are several smaller Second City type theaters in Chicago that do well.  If we can't get Second City, maybe one of those theaters groups.

 

(Sorry, can't remember the names but a bunch of my friends who were trying to get into Second City would try very hard to get into these places)

They appear to be moving full speed ahead at Chinato...

all kinds of things going on in here...

^Cool, thanks!  Would be just terrrrrible if they accidentally destroyed that hideous gateway sculpture thing and those silly vertical lanterns while building out this space...

When is Chinato now supposed to open, approximately?

When is Chinato now supposed to open, approximately?

 

I can't wait for this to open.  I LOVE Table 45 & Parallax and kind of like L'Albatros.

When is Chinato now supposed to open, approximately?

 

I can't wait for this to open. I LOVE Table 45 & Parallax and kind of like L'Albatros.

 

But you dont care for Italian...

 

When is Chinato now supposed to open, approximately?

 

I can't wait for this to open.  I LOVE Table 45 & Parallax and kind of like L'Albatros.

 

But you dont care for Italian...

 

When did I say that?

When is Chinato now supposed to open, approximately?

 

 

I can't wait for this to open.  I LOVE Table 45 & Parallax and kind of like L'Albatros.

 

But you dont care for Italian...

 

When did I say that?

 

 

Maybe Im thinking Little Italy....  (or that you suggest Table 45 when somebody's looking for an Italian restaurant  :laugh:)

When is Chinato now supposed to open, approximately?

 

 

I can't wait for this to open.  I LOVE Table 45 & Parallax and kind of like L'Albatros.

 

But you dont care for Italian...

 

When did I say that?

 

 

Maybe Im thinking Little Italy....  (or that you suggest Table 45 when somebody's looking for an Italian restaurant  :laugh: )

 

HUSH!  he he he I forgot who's anniversary that was.

 

I like Italian foods, I just don't visit Little Italy. 

Hey, I had a meeting this morning at Erie Islands Coffee. If you haven't been there, go! Their coffee is quite good, and the price was right -- they were giving away 16-ounce coffees this AM. I don't know if they still are, but you might want to swing by there for lunch. They also have a few hot breakfast and lunch sandwiches, plus soups and salads.

 

I had the Applewood Omelette Crush...

Two thumbs up!!

 

http://erieislandcoffee.com/

Yeah, I stopped in there on Labor day before heading back to DC.  They were the only place I could find open in the area, and they were a great bunch of girls. 

They even told me to bring my dog in.  I did get a sandwich there which was pretty good, but they only had like 2 left since they had been busy because...... they were the only place open.   

They even told me to bring my dog in.

 

How L.A. of them.  We don't have enough businesses that allow you to bring a pet in (outside of pet stores) like what I saw in SoCal where the dogs went everywhere. 

They even told me to bring my dog in. 

 

How L.A. of them.  We don't have enough businesses that allow you to bring a pet in (outside of pet stores) like what I saw in SoCal where the dogs went everywhere. 

 

Those "lap" dogs annoy me to no end.  I watch a dog take a pee in Barney's.  I was so disgusted.  Of course the owner made every excuse.  The dog just lifted his leg and pee'd on a bunch of accessories. 

They even told me to bring my dog in.

 

How L.A. of them. We don't have enough businesses that allow you to bring a pet in (outside of pet stores) like what I saw in SoCal where the dogs went everywhere.

 

I really don't think animals should be allowed in restaurants, but that's a discussion for another thread.

Defintiely another thread  :)

 

by the way the Litt article in friday magazine about the architecture in cleveland restaurants mentioned that Chinato is shooting for a Christmas opening.

This isn't "really" east 4th street, but interacts with the district, and there isn't really any other place to put it... so... here's a pic of the new awnings of the Chocolate Bar at the Arcade.  And as a bonus a couple quick Arcade pics as they get ready for the holiday season. :)

Well here's some news to brighten up your Tuesday! Demolition permits have been applied for the 310 Prospect Ave. building. Cause, ya know, what that nabe really needs is more surface parking!

 

Start yer emails to Building & Housing (Ed Rybka, [email protected]) and the Planning Commission (Bob Brown, [email protected]).

 

:-)

^Does anybody know what the guidelines are for this area to prevent this?

Which building is this?  The two story building on the southeast corner of prospect and E 2nd?

Which building is this?  The two story building on the southeast corner of prospect and E 2nd?

 

Is that the Goldfish store?

Which building is this?  The two story building on the southeast corner of prospect and E 2nd?

 

Is that the Goldfish store?

 

No, it's the black granite building on the southeast side of the block, next to the surface lot on the corner of Prospect & East 4th (http://tinyurl.com/ydvchoq).  It's adorned with some festive graffiti currently if I'm not mistaken.

 

 

Which building is this?  The two story building on the southeast corner of prospect and E 2nd?

 

Is that the Goldfish store?

 

No, it's the black granite building on the southeast side of the block, next to the surface lot on the corner of Prospect & East 4th (http://tinyurl.com/ydvchoq).  It's adorned with some festive graffiti currently if I'm not mistaken.

 

 

 

across from flannerys and next to a parking lot.  great.  this should be apartments.

 

I wonder what the reason is for the tear down.  ::) ::) ::)

This demo was set in motion last spring when some Californian parking operators bought the place...we expected as much then: http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,7006.270.html

Well here's some news to brighten up your Tuesday! Demolition permits have been applied for the 310 Prospect Ave. building. Cause, ya know, what that nabe really needs is more surface parking!

 

Start yer emails to Building & Housing (Ed Rybka, [email protected]) and the Planning Commission (Bob Brown, [email protected]).

 

:-)

 

Out of curiosity, where did you find this out?  I just checked on the upcoming Landmarks Commission agenda and didn't see it.

This demo was set in motion last spring when some Californian parking operators bought the place...we expected as much then: http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,7006.270.html

 

A few months back we discussed the "Goldfish" block and McCleveland mentioned that they were protected as part of the Historic District, theoretically making demolition much more difficult. 

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,2055.msg408489.html#msg408489

 

Is that designation in effect?  How does that affect this request for demolition?

Here's my letter to Ed Rybka:

 

 

Ed, I am writing because I'm very concerned about the proposed domolition of the building at 310 Prospect.  Hasn't Clevleland lost enough of its heritage? To allow another building to be forever lost would be short-sighted and counterproductive.

 

Sincerely,

 

Scott D.

 

 

 

Here is Ed's response:

 

Scott,

 

Your view is personally shared by me. But, the decision will be made by the Planning Commission.

 

While my Dept condemned the structure, it does not follow that the solution sought is the demolition of the structure. Rehab should usually be the preference.

 

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

 

Ed

 

 

The building is technically condemned.  It was condemned by Building and Housing a number of years ago.  The then owners brought it back into code and explored redevelopment options for it.  And it has been condemned again (October '09, I believe), now under the ownership of a new party.

 

Hope is not lost.  As is mentioned above, B&H is clear that their condemnation is not an indication that they want it demolished, but rather that there are some significant deficiencies in the current structure that they would like to see rectified.  I think that the more letters that are submitted to B&H and, especially, the Planning Commission, the less likely that they would allow a demo of the property. 

Well here's some news to brighten up your Tuesday! Demolition permits have been applied for the 310 Prospect Ave. building. Cause, ya know, what that nabe really needs is more surface parking!

 

Start yer emails to Building & Housing (Ed Rybka, [email protected]) and the Planning Commission (Bob Brown, [email protected]).

 

:-)

 

Out of curiosity, where did you find this out?  I just checked on the upcoming Landmarks Commission agenda and didn't see it.

 

It's not necessarily on the Landmarks Commission agenda yet, and I'm not even 100% sure it would even have to be presented before them.  City Planning is who would need to grant approval. 

 

At any rate, as I said, the property owners have applied to B&H for the demolition permit.  If you are concerned with this, I suggest you get in contact.

Response from Robert Brown, Director of Planning Commission....

 

Thanks for writing.  For the proposed demolition to occur, the application must be reviewed and approved by a vote of the City Planning Commission.  Prior to that, the owner must submit documentation that shows that the it is infeasible to rehabilitate and re-use the building.  None of that has taken place at this time.  The City Planning office is working with the Historic Gateway Development Corporation in considering the proposal and other options. 

 

Cleveland's codes and policies make preservation of historically and architecturally significant buildings a priority.  Although it has sometimes been determined it is not feasible to save a particular building, preservation is always the first choice for such buildings, including the building at 310 Prospect.

 

Robert N. Brown, Director

Cleveland City Planning Commission

601 Lakeside Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44114

[email protected]

 

 

^If the Planning Commission considers the term "feasible" to be synonymous with "possible"... I like that answer.  However, if in this context it is considered more synonymous with "reasonable" then I do not like the response.  Reasonability is too subjective, whereas what is and what is not "possible" has objective limits.

^If the Planning Commission considers the term "feasible" to be synonymous with "possible"... I like that answer.  However, if in this context it is considered more synonymous with "reasonable" then I do not like the response.  Reasonability is too subjective, whereas what is and what is not "possible" has objective limits.

 

I was thinking the same way.  I felt optimistic by the response, but then given the history of demolitions lately, it makes you wonder about their sense of resonable.  But, given that this building was recently up to code, youd think they wouldnt be able to make the case that is infeasable for re-use. 

 

Of course the property owners only see the steady dollar signs of making it a surface lot and could care less about the building. 

 

The ideal situation would have the city making it difficult for the owners and them put it up for sale, with the Maron's buying it and extending the E. 4th momentum.     

I've been pretty tied up lately but did want to add a little to this... This particular building is not in the East 4th Historic District, but it is part of the lower Huron / Prospect Historic District.  The last owners applied for a demolition permit as well... it was denied. HGN is already involved to make sure this application is also denied.

 

An interesting tidbit about the building itself... where the current surface lot is next to this building (once the home to ferris steak house), the building was lost due to fire.  However that building, along with the black granite building in question, and the brick building that house Family Sportswear, were all actually the same building.  The original facade was what is currently on the upper floors of the family sportswear building (which was also in the 60's the home of "Record Rendezvous" where Alan Fried coined the term rock n' roll).  The goal is to get the buildings rehabbed with at least the original facade brought back on the black granite section unifying the building again...

If memory serves me correctly, Ferris was where the Harry Buffalo is now. 

hmmm... now that i think about it I think you are right... but the building where the surface lot is (that was really a part of the larger building) did burn down.

The original facade was what is currently on the upper floors of the family sportswear building (which was also in the 60's the home of "Record Rendezvous" where Alan Fried coined the term rock n' roll).

 

You would think this would give it more historical standing...

Cleveland Foodie's look at Chinato

 

first look at chinato

 

“I’m not going to lie, I’m out of my comfort zone,” explains Zack Bruell, standing amid construction workers and drywall as a crew works to pull together his latest restaurant at the corner of E 4th and Prospect. Chinato, by default, will be Italian (he already has practically every other region covered and is not interested in competing with himself). Italian is cuisine he’s never cooked before in any of his restaurants, past or present.

 

...

 

http://clevelandfoodie.com/2009/12/first-look-at-chinato.html

Found these photos of Chinato on flickr.  Don't think they've been posted before:

Where exactly is this going in?  Which space?

Northeast corner of East 4th and Prospect, first floor of the Sincere Building (across East 4th from Flannerys). It's in the bottom right of this photo: