December 23, 201014 yr I wish this street had more diversity. Its really just becoming a large outdoor food court. A really nice food court though..
December 23, 201014 yr ^^^Took my mom to Lola's for dinner a couple of weeks ago (her first time at 4th Street location). In her day she was a big downtown power shopper...almost once a week (she use to drag me along and promise me lunch at Halle's or Higbee's if I was good). Took the bus down...high heels, gloves (that is the way women dressed to go shopping downtown in those days). She obviously does not get downtown much now due to her age and had not seen 4th street lately. When we were parking she said "where are all the wig shops".
December 23, 201014 yr Any other reactions from her? "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
December 23, 201014 yr ^Loved Lola's but that is not hard. She was actually very tense because it was the day after the storm and we had a tough time getting downtown from the near east side. Traffic lights were still (or maybe again) out all the way from University Circle to downtown including at major intersections (only saw one cop directing traffic...at Ninth and Prospect) and drivers did not remember their traffic school rules. She was worried we were going to be late for the theater (made it in plenty of time) and even wanted to cancel dinner. I spent much of the time trying to calm her down.
December 23, 201014 yr Wanted to mention something about Room Service which has been discussed in this thread (possible store on E. 4th). I first learned of it on this board and it seemed like an interesting store (gifts for my sisters) so I checked out their website to find out, among other things, their location on West 25th. I got the address but probably should have done a map quest because when I drove over I could not find the store and addresses were hard to locate because it was dark. Anyway I did not want to give up so the next few days I keep calling the store to find out their exact location so I could return. I called for three days straight at different times of the day (at least 8 times) and always got voice mail (I did get a live person the week before when I was trying to determine their hours). I did not want to leave a voice mail message as I am hard to get in touch with. Anyway I still don't know where they are located on 25th and basically just gave up. They lost a very substantial gift card sale. I know they are probably a small store and perhaps under staffed during this time of the year, but if you are going to remain in business for long you have to try and answer your phone in the middle of the day. I probably put more effort into locating them them most people would. Some what troubling.
December 23, 201014 yr They lost a very substantial gift card sale. I know they are probably a small store and perhaps under staffed during this time of the year, but if you are going to remain in business for long you have to try and answer your phone in the middle of the day. I probably put more effort into locating them them most people would. Some what troubling. They're about a block south of the West 25th/Lorain intersection on the west side of the street. Sorry to hear that that was your experience. I've always found them to be really helpful. They have a vertical blade banner up now, so that should make finding it a bit easier. You're right, they are a small staff, which is made even more difficult by the fact that it's a relatively large store (big storefront and big back office), probably three times the size of what they had in Gordon Square. From when I was over there last Saturday, I think they've also been getting slammed by holiday shopping; there was quite a line-up. Definitely recommend trying again sometime; despite that circumstance, they're good people ... And I give them a lot of credit for the recent uptick in hipster-y boutiques opening.
January 2, 201114 yr By the way, construction on the Bike Station at the end of 4th should begin on Monday... Did this ever happen?? This is the most current article I can find on the new station: http://www.freshwatercleveland.com/devnews/thebikerack11112010.aspx
January 2, 201114 yr Construction definitely started. I've seen it as I've walked to Cavs games during the season. It appears that progress has been slow though; I didn't notice much of a difference the other day from the last time I went to a game a few weeks back.
January 2, 201114 yr I saw it was under construction in mid-November (also while walking to a Cavs game). I was pleasantly surprised to see construction underway. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
January 3, 201114 yr According to Crain's, Maron just bought the Volk's Jewelry and Loan Building on Prospect. The reporter could not get a comment from Ari Maron or the owner of Volks but suggested that improvements must be on the way because financing in excess of the purchase price has been lined up as evidenced by two mortgages which were recorded on the same day the purchase closed.
January 3, 201114 yr ^Interesting! Makes sense...looks as though the building's been on the market for a while: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=41.498347,-81.689666&spn=0,0.00327&t=h&z=19&layer=c&cbll=41.498363,-81.68956&panoid=KPj73lZwKQvlfVhzInC2CA&cbp=12,349.85,,0,-3.05 My crystal ball predicts more bars/restaurants and some snazzy blade signs. Which would be a nice improvement over its current state.
January 3, 201114 yr Prospect is sad. I hope they fix that building up and make it something nice! Whatever happened to the row of buildings on prospect where the family sportswear and goldfish store(i know they didnt sell goldfish) where/are? The prospect side of the May Company could use some work too.
January 3, 201114 yr Heres a link to the crains article http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20110103/FREE/110109976
January 3, 201114 yr And now they have the spot in the middle of the street open(if something isn't already planned), the bodies exhibit is now gone I believe so that gives you a spot in the windsor building and in the old city blue location, actually i think you can get 4 store fronts out of the body exhibit space. And now we will see what they do with the volks building. The Teresa Pizza location is also open too. Hopefully those storefronts can get some life into them, it could be a really interesting opportunity.
January 3, 201114 yr "Prospect is sad"...how old are you? Do you recall what it looked like pre-Gateway in the eighties?
January 3, 201114 yr I know it is a lot better by far. But it still has a lot of potential. There is a fair amount of empty storefronts and the parking lot is a killer.
January 3, 201114 yr the space in the middle of the street (the 4th street entrance of the mcrory's building) is spoken for as was discussed here months ago. The theresa's space is spoken for, as was already mentioned as a spot an existing restauranteur in the nabe is taking over (;)). So really the only known vacancy in the controlled buildings is the exhibit space in the windsor building. It will be interesting to see what happens with volk's.
January 4, 201114 yr Its my opinion that for this area to advance in success, further than what it has already accomplished, they need more residential. This area is emerging and thriving, however its still somewhat isolated from the "heart" of downtown cleveland foot traffic. More 668 is the key to success here
January 4, 201114 yr "blade signs" = ???? Snazzy ones, yet. Wish Maron or someone else would purchase and take over the bldg. on south side of Prospect with the ultra-schlock, purple-suit clothing store? They've had several closing sales over the years and are still amuck - distracting from generally tasteful atmosphere of surroundings.
January 4, 201114 yr <ClevelandOhio> wrote: "Whatever happened to the row of buildings on prospect where the family sportswear and goldfish store(i know they didnt sell goldfish) where/are?" Has anyone mentioned what this row of three (four?) buildings has in store? Seems as though the Volks building would be just as appealing if not less so than the dark building on the SouthWestern corner of 4th and Prospect. And with the small adjacent parking lot facing the entrance to E4 one would imagine the development possibilities being pretty amazing. (Sorry if this has been covered before)
January 4, 201114 yr IIRC, the buildings you're asking about are owned by a California parking company. They applied for a demolition permit for the easternmost building in that row a while back, but it was denied. I know MRN has tried to acquire all of those buildings, but they weren't able to.
January 4, 201114 yr IIRC, the buildings you're asking about are owned by a California parking company. They applied for a demolition permit for the easternmost building in that row a while back, but it was denied. I know MRN has tried to acquire all of those buildings, but they weren't able to. Maybe they have a better chance now that the California parking company got denied of there plans.
January 4, 201114 yr Don't be surprised if they suddenly catch fire. :evil: If I recall correctly, the same thing happened to the building on the SW corner of Prospect and East 4th about 20 years ago. I believe the owner was denied a demolition permit so he could have a parking lot there. Then the building caught fire.... "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
January 4, 201114 yr Don't be surprised if they suddenly catch fire. :evil: If I recall correctly, the same thing happened to the building on the SW corner of Prospect and East 4th about 20 years ago. I believe the owner was denied a demolition permit so he could have a parking lot there. Then the building caught fire.... Dont scare me like that
January 5, 201114 yr I hope the bldg. with the dark mirrored glass, between the lot where the building with the fire had been, remains. It's got possibilities. I hope MRN restores/renovates the bldg. with Volks - it's good terra cotta and could be spectacular. Too bad the Bonfoey Bldg.'s terra cotta facade was recently painted. At least I think it's terra cotta.
January 13, 201114 yr By the way, construction on the Bike Station at the end of 4th should begin on Monday... Did this ever happen?? This is the most current article I can find on the new station: http://www.freshwatercleveland.com/devnews/thebikerack11112010.aspx It looks like it's on pace to open this spring: Cleveland gears up for new bike parking facility Thursday, January 13, 2011 No brakes are being applied now on the new Bike Rack parking station in Downtown Cleveland. The City of Cleveland is overseeing the transformation of a city-owned parking garage at East 4th Street and Huron Road, expected to be completed this spring. More than just a place to park your two-wheeler, the Bike Rack will offer lockers, bicycle repair services, bike rental and an information center. The garage will be open 24/7 and will have room for at least 50 bikes, according to Josh Taylor, marketing and public relations manager for DCA. If this first venture into bike parking is as successful as experts predict, other stations will likely open around the city in the future, Taylor adds. http://www.freshwatercleveland.com/innovationnews/bikerackupdate011311.aspx
January 16, 201114 yr Designer, retailer plan Dredgers Union store on East 4th Street in downtown Cleveland Published: Saturday, January 15, 2011, 8:00 PM By Michelle Jarboe, The Plain Dealer Gus Chan, The PDPedestrians on East Fourth Street pass the future home of Dredgers Union, an apparel and home goods store set to open in June. The street, which has attracted chefs, residents and entertainers, could be a proving ground for new retail in downtown Cleveland, which has struggled to attract stores. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In a city built around the Cuyahoga River, the word "dredging" is synonymous with hauling up muck and opening the waterways to maritime traffic. But to Danielle DeBoe, dredging means clearing a path for retail in downtown Cleveland. Sean Bilovecky sees it as digging back to a tradition of designing, making and selling things close to home. When the pair opens Dredgers Union, a 4,500-square-foot store on East Fourth Street, in June, it will be downtown Cleveland's first new shopping destination in years. The apparel and home goods store could be a bellwether for retail in the center city, where once-lively storefronts sit empty. http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2011/01/designer_retailer_plan_dredger.html
January 16, 201114 yr ^ Edit that. Here is the link http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2011/01/designer_retailer_plan_dredger.html And awesome news!
January 16, 201114 yr This will be pretty cutting edge, and hopefully will set the stage for much more. DeBoe and Bilovecky are very dynamic people, so together I think they can accomplish great things. I was a bit shocked about Wrath Arcane though. An example of a Cleveland success story (designed and some made in Cleveland), but I thought was pretty pricey and somewhat nichy (sold in a store near me in DC), but it sounds like the new brand may appeal to a broader crowd.
January 16, 201114 yr Great news.. We all need to have some pent up demand by the time June rolls around.
January 16, 201114 yr Oh and Jborger did have it right all along! so if room service is moving to W25th, then what is going into the space on e4th? I'm still sticking with my story that I said back in August: that Danielle (the owner of Room Service) is opening a retail store in that location on East 4th -- in addition to the one she's moving to West 25th.
January 16, 201114 yr ^ Yes he did! It's Room Service. I have sources close to the situation that tell me Room Service (www.roomservicecleveland.com) is moving from Gordon Square to this new space on East 4th Street. Note that they're MOVING, not adding a second location. Also joining Room Service at this location will be Wrath Arcane (www.wratharcane.com) -- a men's clothing designer. I think it's going to be one entrance and then once you're inside, half will be Room Service and half will be Wrath Arcane. But this is just speculation on my part. Interesting note that the August 7 Room Service blog article (http://blog.roomservicecleveland.com/?p=2973) mentions Wrath Arcane and the fact that they'll be joining together to form a new blog called Dredgers Union. So how will this do on East 4th? Room Service is pretty upscale. It's not cheap. So maybe moving downtown, they're trying to reach people living and working downtown. And obviously they're hoping to take advantage of the popular restaurants/bars on the street. But unlike Gordon Square, it's tough for people to find free parking for East 4th Street. People probably won't be making trips JUST to go to Room Service... So 8ShadesofGray wins a cupie doll for being the first person on this forum to guess Room Service. :) I think it's a loss for Gordon Square/Detroit Shoreway but a gain for downtown.
January 18, 201114 yr I know someone who works in the Volks building and he has been hearing that the city may be interested in purchasing the building. Anyone else heard about a potential project involving this building and its surroundings?
January 19, 201114 yr NOTE: quick aside for a Metromix Q&A with Danielle DeBoe back in June before her current plans for Dredgers Union on E. 4th ... her passion for Cleveland is palpable. Wish her great success; wish there were more like her... Danielle DeBoe. The name sounds familiar, right? Well, she's the owner of the art-centric lifestyle boutique, Room Service, located in the Gordon Arts District. She's also the brainchild behind the bi-annual event, Made in the 216. And ... she's been profiled as one of most interesting people in Cleveland as well as hosts the "Dinner with Strangers" social event. Basically, she's one of Cleveland's biggest cheerleaders. http://cleveland.metromix.com/events/article/q-and-a-danielle/1980701/content ... back to E. 4th development news...
January 19, 201114 yr ^thanks. Here's a video on the new store and owner as well: http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/entertainment/around_town/new-retail-shop-dredgers-union-opening-downtown-on-east-4th-street
January 19, 201114 yr ^Cool. I'm assuming the construction space in that video is the new store? Looks awesome- I really dig the old mezzanine railing. Also from that video- miller lite banners strung along one of the bar patios? Not so attractive. Is that Wonder Bar?
January 20, 201114 yr ^ Sounds like one floor for starters with a possible expansion to a lower level
February 4, 201114 yr This was posted in the Playhouse Square thread, too, but for COSE/GCP ... this is Sports Commission and Positively Cleveland. Interesting. Greater Cleveland Partnership will move to PlayhouseSquare; Positively Cleveland heads to East Fourth By Michelle Jarboe, The Plain Dealer Thursday, February 03, 2011 CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Displaced by the planned casino, Greater Cleveland's chamber of commerce and its visitors bureau are betting their chips on other downtown locations ... ... Positively Cleveland, which subleases from the partnership on the first floor of the Higbee Building, chose the western corner of East Fourth Street and Euclid Avenue. The visitors bureau and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission will occupy 17,500 square feet on two floors. "It's an exciting development and a great location for a visitors bureau. It's the hub of all the visitors right now," said Terry Coyne, a Grubb & Ellis broker who represented Positively Cleveland in the deal. The first-floor space, which recently housed an exhibit of preserved human bodies, will be renovated for a visitors' center. About 1,800 square feet at the corner will be used for an unidentified Cleveland-centric store or restaurant ... More available at http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2011/02/greater_cleveland_partnership.html
February 4, 201114 yr Isn't most of the second floor in the building their moving to residences? I could see them using the second floor of the old City Blue building, but that doesnt seem like it would have a great deal of space. Should be interesting to see what "Cleveland-centric" store ends up right on the corner though.
Create an account or sign in to comment