Absolutely - it's easily accessed from Ohio City, Downtown and Detroit-Shoreway, close to some prime transit lines, you name it.  Plus, it's somewhat sheltered if inclement weather pops up. Heck, even though I wouldn't use it, there's adequate parking adjacent. peabody, you're onto something!

doesn't columbus have some type of market in an alley downtown?

 

Yes, it's called the Pearl St. Market or something like that

 

The Pearl Alley Grower's Association operates markets all over the city similar to what North Union does here.  I know that the Cuyahoga Valley Countryside Conservancy has wanted to create a downtown Cleveland market for at least the last couple years.  The City has not necessarily been cooperative though as they've requested that the market be located at Gateway on the site of the old Central Market whereas CVCC would much prefer to be located in an actual neighborhood, preferably the Warehouse District.  There are also some issues of apparent turf wars between North Union and CVCC, which is just plain silliness.

 

North Union Farmers Markets > http://www.lkwdpl.org/farmersmarket/

Pearl Alley Growers Association > http://www.pearlalleygrowers.com/

Cuyahoga Valley Countryside Conservancy > http://www.cvcountryside.org/

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees ceremony. A more vibrant Playhouse square would be the perfect backdrop for a red carpet and one of the theatres would be perfect for the ceremony.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees ceremony. A more vibrant Playhouse square would be the perfect backdrop for a red carpet and one of the theatres would be perfect for the ceremony.

 

It's utterly ridiculous that we can't do this stupid ceremony. Those rock stars come to Cleveland for shows anyway. It'd kill them to come here for that??

 

Then they wonder why the locals don't support the museum more.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees ceremony. A more vibrant Playhouse square would be the perfect backdrop for a red carpet and one of the theatres would be perfect for the ceremony.

 

It's utterly ridiculous that we can't do this stupid ceremony. Those rock stars come to Cleveland for shows anyway. It'd kill them to come here for that??

 

Then they wonder why the locals don't support the museum more.

 

and WHERE are the stars going to stay?  the Holiday Inn?  The Hampton Inn?  The Clarion?   Hell we don't have one urban spa.  We don't have "high end pamperd business" in Cleveland that can cater to self absored stars.  Award shows are all about spending money and being seen.

 

We don't have first class accomodations for that amount of media/entertainment and entourages.

 

We have a decent amount of venues, for preparties, after parties, afinnity group events, but not to house those that would come for such an event.

 

We do support the RRHoF, but - as a local - after you been once, you really don't need to go again for a year or two in order to catch whats new.

 

The museum, at its current age, is really geared towards tourist & first time visitors.

Wasn't that one of your ideas to open an urban spa, MTS?

Wasn't that one of your ideas to open an urban spa, MTS?

Si

ii guess you are right MTS the the best luxury accomodations are The Ritz and The Intercontinental, but as far as all the other luxuries were lacking, but still the damn thing is here so that needs to be a goal. I guess getting a hotel like a 40 story JW marriott or westin or whatever the is luxury. Maybe somthing could go into a new mixed use tower. What else other than hotels do we need? I would assume more upscale eateries and shops.

What else other than hotels do we need? I would assume more upscale eateries and shops.

 

See my first post of this thread!

Oh, so everything huh? :-D

 

I guess Stark is gonna have to come wit it, with the retail element he's planning. Then Tower City, Then Lower Euclid etc,etc

Spa, eh?  Rock-n-Roll.

That Rock Hall.... MAN.... When I drive home via the Shoreway, I watch the people walk from downtown proper across a highway on-ramp over to the museum. That thing is so inaccessible! BAH! They should have stuck it on Euclid.

 

And what's wrong with the Ritz and Intercontinental? Why can't the Rock Hall rent both hotels 100% for the awards and put it on lockdown so the celebs don't have to mingle with us commoners? I'm sorry, but it's bull$h1t that those awards can't be held here. Detroit hosted the Super Bowl, which is a way bigger deal, imho. The Rock Hall awards are on friggin' Vh1! The Super Bowl is on every channel!

 

AND why can't we have a Chipotle or any other good burrito place downtown?!

 

This is ridiculous! This region is so backwards!

 

I'm in a particularly nasty mood tonight!

I'd rather have something like Que Tal?'s build your own burrito concept downtown.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees ceremony. A more vibrant Playhouse square would be the perfect backdrop for a red carpet and one of the theatres would be perfect for the ceremony.

 

It's utterly ridiculous that we can't do this stupid ceremony. Those rock stars come to Cleveland for shows anyway. It'd kill them to come here for that??

 

Then they wonder why the locals don't support the museum more.

 

and WHERE are the stars going to stay?  the Holiday Inn?  The Hampton Inn?  The Clarion?  Hell we don't have one urban spa.  We don't have "high end pamperd business" in Cleveland that can cater to self absored stars.  Award shows are all about spending money and being seen.

 

We don't have first class accomodations for that amount of media/entertainment and entourages.

 

We have a decent amount of venues, for preparties, after parties, afinnity group events, but not to house those that would come for such an event.

 

We do support the RRHoF, but - as a local - after you been once, you really don't need to go again for a year or two in order to catch whats new.

 

The museum, at its current age, is really geared towards tourist & first time visitors.

 

 

Rock Hall CEO Terry Stewart has said numerous times, as well as other RH Foundation types, that Cleveland has enough hotel space and could have the ceremonies every year as long as somebody from here paid for it (the City?).

People (he would not say who) are paying extra to keep it in NYC.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees ceremony. A more vibrant Playhouse square would be the perfect backdrop for a red carpet and one of the theatres would be perfect for the ceremony.

 

It's utterly ridiculous that we can't do this stupid ceremony. Those rock stars come to Cleveland for shows anyway. It'd kill them to come here for that??

 

Then they wonder why the locals don't support the museum more.

 

and WHERE are the stars going to stay?  the Holiday Inn?  The Hampton Inn?  The Clarion?   Hell we don't have one urban spa.  We don't have "high end pamperd business" in Cleveland that can cater to self absored stars.  Award shows are all about spending money and being seen.

 

We don't have first class accommodations for that amount of media/entertainment and entourages.

 

We have a decent amount of venues, for preparties, after parties, afinnity group events, but not to house those that would come for such an event.

 

We do support the RRHoF, but - as a local - after you been once, you really don't need to go again for a year or two in order to catch whats new.

 

The museum, at its current age, is really geared towards tourist & first time visitors.

 

 

Rock Hall CEO Terry Stewart has said numerous times, as well as other RH Foundation types, that Cleveland has enough hotel space and could have the ceremonies every year as long as somebody from here paid for it (the City?).

People (he would not say who) are paying extra to keep it in NYC.

 

Hes posturing.  I give him credit for pumping Cleveland.

 

But again, what star is going to stay at a property other than the ritz or the intercontinental, and i discount them since they are not centrally located.

 

The Renaissance, the Marriott, the Wyndham and the Hyatt are middle of the road properties when comparing what people want to stay in when they go to an event.

 

Hell we don't have a Westin, a W Hotel, a conrad...nor a Sheraton or a Hilton!

 

Having somewhere nice to stay is important

 

Only so many people can get into the Ritz

Hilton Garden Inn on Carnegie? Or is that some off-shoot and not count..

 

AND why can't we have a Chipotle or any other good burrito place downtown?!

 

 

You're a letter writer aren't you? Just tell them how well their peers (i.e. jimmy johns) do at lunch, and they are missing out. I think chipotle's decisions to build are not franchise related.

"Hilton Garden Inn on Carnegie? Or is that some off-shoot and not count.."

 

It's a Hilton, but it's their "lower market" brand (hell, Twinsburg has a Hilton Garden Inn). I'm sure it's quite nice, but I really don't see too many induction attendees chomping at the bit to stay there.

^but a lot of these people stay in crazy places when they tour anyway.  i don't think it is too much to take the intercontinenal and ritz, and have spillover into the marriott or embassy suites, both of which have been redone recently or renaissance. 

 

how many hotel rooms would we be talking anyway?  i can't imagine more than a couple hundred performer types and i'm sure reporters and others can stay just fine in the crown plaze, hilton garden inn, westin, etc.

 

i think the bigger problem is the local funding to make this happen. 

^^ Yer not kidding about a lower brand, huh.. :wink:

 

Cleveland Hilton reports worker case of hepatitis A

Friday, February 02, 2007

Harlan Spector

Plain Dealer Reporter

 

Several hundred guests of the Hilton Garden Inn in downtown Cleveland, where a food-service employee has been diagnosed with hepatitis A, may have been exposed to the viral infection...

 

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/news/1170409395299160.xml&coll=2

 

 

(hell, Twinsburg has a Hilton Garden Inn).

 

Stop dissing Twinsburg!

a few of these are cross posted in the e4 thread:

 

Why Doesn't Downtown Cleveland Have:

 

1. Bike shop.  Photo is from gaslamp in san diego.  rentals, repairs, tours, etc.  it seems that this could work near csu/playhouse, warehouse.  maybe it plays in with the idea of a bikestation at some point, but not sure that this would do rentals or just storage/showers.  Is there space in the RTA station at e9 for something? 

 

 

2. More distinct branding.  The kiosks are nice and very functional, but little touches like the "gaslamp" tag on this rack not only provide another piece of metal to tie a bike to, but also brand downtown areas.  Maybe we could get some metals/art people to weld some of these on to the new ones with "Theater District", "Warehouse District", E4, Gateway, etc.  I'd also like to see our racks painted - at least some of them. 

 

 

3. People on the street.  Shot of 44th and broadway in NYC from recently after the afternoon shows are letting out.  Whoever put the attached parking behind playhouse square really did a disservice to street life.

 

 

OH! You guys are overreacting....

 

hahaha

j/k ;)

I really like the bike shop idea...on a side note, isn't cleveland installing bike racks around the city soon?

I really like the bike shop idea...on a side note, isn't cleveland installing bike racks around the city soon?

 

They've already started.

by the way, welcome to the forum!

That Rock Hall.... MAN.... When I drive home via the Shoreway, I watch the people walk from downtown proper across a highway on-ramp over to the museum. That thing is so inaccessible! BAH! They should have stuck it on Euclid.

 

And what's wrong with the Ritz and Intercontinental? Why can't the Rock Hall rent both hotels 100% for the awards and put it on lockdown so the celebs don't have to mingle with us commoners? I'm sorry, but it's bull$h1t that those awards can't be held here. Detroit hosted the Super Bowl, which is a way bigger deal, imho. The Rock Hall awards are on friggin' Vh1! The Super Bowl is on every channel!

 

AND why can't we have a Chipotle or any other good burrito place downtown?!

 

This is ridiculous! This region is so backwards!

 

I'm in a particularly nasty mood tonight!

 

I work for HBO, we put on events everywhere.  There are certain cities that have "services" need in abundance to host certain events.  Cleveland doesn't have them.

 

You say rent out the Ritz and the Intercontinental.  They are miles apart.  between the three properties there are only about 700 rooms.  When you are putting on a MEDIA EVENT, people want to look good, feel good, be seen.

 

so, those inductees, media execs, celebs, record execs, groupies want posh digs?  The media corps will need to have a broadcast center, where is it in Cleveland? 

 

A few questions....

Immediately name a posh hotel in Cleveland other than the three mentioned?  W; Klimpton; Park Hyatt? Swissotel? Fairmont?  Omni?  Mandarin Oriental?  Four Season?

 

Name well know spa/retreats and places to get pampered?

Bliss?  Aveda?  Red Door?

 

Name a luxury gooes store where you can get caviar at the drop of a dime? (west side market not included)

 

Name a potential sponsor or designer  (Palm, Swarovski, Chanel )with a local store in Cleveland that could help with artist/celeb attendees in loaning items?  Prada (for you MTS!  :wink:) think madison avenue

 

Where is the stylist camp in Cleveland? 

Who is gonna dress the stars and if last minute changes are needed, where cna the stylist go for more clothes?

 

Decorators?  Stores up the anty with stuff like this

Set Designers? 

 

High Profile event planners?  Who gonna make sure every body has a great time on a leve that NYC, London or LA can give?

 

Superstar chef restaurant (other than Lola/Lolita)?

 

Rapid Mass Transit/Good Cab Service?

 

Local places that people want to see.  (Take your UrbanOhio hat off and think how a first time infrequent tourist thinks)

 

Where are the pretty people?

 

Where are the fat cat wallet folks?

 

Is the business community in Cleveland savy enough or do they even care about putting on events and erasing the "rustbelt image" and promoting the cities "swank life"? 

 

What is Clevelands well known, Beverly Hills?  Upper Eastside?  Newton Street?  Georgetown?  Miami Beach?  Buckhead?  Centre City?  Union Square?

 

And events like this have a huge gay presence, where is the gay community? Well known gayborhood with bars, boutiques and boys and STORES?  Is the city closed minded?  How are gays/lesbians treated?

 

And most importantly, who is hot and powerful enough in Cleveland music scene to challenge/sponsor the switch??

 

What are cleveland hip cool restaurants, bars, boutiques within walking distance to the hotels and the venue itself?  The current downtown business would be overwhelmed and it would have a negative impact on business, like the events we do at sundance or aspen.

 

Based on that small summation, not including financials, please make the case as to why the event should be held in Cleveland when you can get all the readily available items in cities such as Vegas, Orlando, New York, LA, Chicago, DC, Miami or San Fran.  Then Cleveland - make that all ohio - still has to compete with Boston, Philly, Atlanta, Dallas, Toronto, Seattle & New Orleans. Cities with luxury goods stores and the prerequisites that go along with that segment of the population.

 

This isn't a sporting event as these two type of event have very little similarity.

Well, it doesn't help my cause that the downtown Hilton Garden Inn is exposing people to Hepatitis, muahaha. ::cringe::

 

I still don't buy it! And I'm getting even more offended by the Rock Hall!

 

What about the Football Hall of Fame? Phil Simms ain't quite Tommy Lee, but I'm sure he and his family are used to getting the best of everything, yet when he or any other NFL player finds out he's going to be in the Hall of Fame, they're going to be on the first flight to Canton. It's supposed to be an HONOR!

 

So, here's my question: Do rock stars respect the Rock Hall? They're not going to play along with the "honor" of entering the Rock Hall if they have to lower themselves to a city like Cleveland?

 

From Heights to Harlem you make some great points, but I still don't agree. The Super Bowl doesn't just attract a bunch of fat football fans -- what about the hordes of media; celebrities; Maxim, Playboy, etc. parties. Detroit went the extra mile to make everyone from regular people to celebrities feel welcome. I believe that if we got the ceremony for the Rock Hall, we'd be able to do "do it up" just as well as anyone else -- even better. How long will the celebs be here? Two or three days  max? If we can't make these people feel welcome and happy for two or three measily days, then, come on, that's just pathetic.

 

If in 2007, the Rock Hall says it's moving the ceremony to Cleveland, would nobody come? If that's the case, then I say 'F' the Rock Hall.

 

edit: But that thought that someone in NYC is giving them big bucks to do the ceremony there makes sense, as it seems to me that Los Angeles would be a better place to set it.

Well, it doesn't help my cause that the downtown Hilton Garden Inn is exposing people to Hepatitis, muahaha. ::cringe::

 

I still don't buy it! And I'm getting even more offended by the Rock Hall!

 

What about the Football Hall of Fame? Phil Simms ain't quite Tommy Lee, but I'm sure he and his family are used to getting the best of everything, yet when he or any other NFL player finds out he's going to be in the Hall of Fame, they're going to be on the first flight to Canton. It's supposed to be an HONOR!

 

So, here's my question: Do rock stars respect the Rock Hall? They're not going to play along with the "honor" of entering the Rock Hall if they have to lower themselves to a city like Cleveland?

 

From Heights to Harlem you make some great points, but I still don't agree. The Super Bowl doesn't just attract a bunch of fat football fans -- what about the hordes of media; celebrities; Maxim, Playboy, etc. parties. Detroit went the extra mile to make everyone from regular people to celebrities feel welcome. I believe that if we got the ceremony for the Rock Hall, we'd be able to do "do it up" just as well as anyone else -- even better. How long will the celebs be here? Two or three days  max? If we can't make these people feel welcome and happy for two or three measily days, then, come on, that's just pathetic.

 

If in 2007, the Rock Hall says it's moving the ceremony to Cleveland, would nobody come? If that's the case, then I say 'F' the Rock Hall.

 

Jamie, its not Detroit doing the work its the NFL, marketing & events division.  So as long as the rock hall foundation does nothing it wont be in cleveland.

 

So again, what is a celeb going to do in Cleveland for 2/3 days?

Also, I need to add, Cleveland has a step child hub operation at the airport.  That will be another check in the negative column.

 

When i was at warner music, the rock hall got serious money.  Its a great museum overall, but where are the local inductees to say move it to cleveland.  There has to be an organized movement to make changes.

Argh! I don't think we're going to find common ground here, haha.

 

If the Rock Hall doesn't have the money, then we can find the money. These are not impossible hurdles. I'm so sick of hearing how inadequate Northeast Ohio is all of the time. We need to stop bitching and start making the changes needed.

 

Just for the sake of this discussion, lets say Cleveland right now is just incapable of supporting celebrity life for more than five minutes. By 2010 when the ECP should be done and storefronts should be filling up and Pesht and the WHD and E.4 are starting to click, then we'll have plenty of things for everyone to do! What you'll need to do is shut down all the downtown destinations and reserve them for the special parties, etc.

 

We can do this. Maybe I'm the only one who thinks we can or something. I guess I'll get my cart and roll back to the pumpkin patch.

 

 

I'd like to see someone with access to a local inducted band, like the O'Jays for example, ask them to lead the cause. Here's another idea... If we don't have the hotel facilities to host major rock stars, then what about hosting them in large homes. I recall the story of a Saudi prince who was going to be at the Cleveland Clinic for at least a month's worth of treatment and testing. So the Saudi prince bought a Hunting Valley mansion, renovated it to his liking and then when he was done with his treatments at the Clinic, he had the mansion put back the way it was. (Your oil $ at work).

 

While that's an extreme case, my point is that I'll bet there's a few wealthy local business people who would be willing to rent out his/her mansion (or downtown penthouse) for a few days to an aging rock star and his/her entourage. Think of the mansions in Brahtenal, Edgewater, Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights etc. or the penthouses at Stonebridge, Pinnacle, Park, Avenue District, Reserve Square, etc etc.

 

Could temporary spas and baths be set up at downtown athletic clubs? And what of the rock stars who like the gritty roots of rock and roll, and might be just as happy with a svitz in Little Italy or, at The Svitz itself?

 

But if we can host Saudi princes for more than a month at a time, why can't we offer at least some amenities to rock stars for just a weekend?

Argh! I don't think we're going to find common ground here, haha.

 

If the Rock Hall doesn't have the money, then we can find the money. These are not impossible hurdles. I'm so sick of hearing how inadequate Northeast Ohio is all of the time. We need to stop bitching and start making the changes needed.

 

Just for the sake of this discussion, lets say Cleveland right now is just incapable of supporting celebrity life for more than five minutes. By 2010 when the ECP should be done and storefronts should be filling up and Pesht and the WHD and E.4 are starting to click, then we'll have plenty of things for everyone to do! What you'll need to do is shut down all the downtown destinations and reserve them for the special parties, etc.

 

We can do this. Maybe I'm the only one who thinks we can or something. I guess I'll get my cart and roll back to the pumpkin patch.

 

 

 

Yes, we have to disagree. Let's be clear about one thing, I'm not coming down on Cleveland, I'm telling you how the city is perceived by those who are planning such events.  When you run down the list of things needed to make a production run smoothly, cleveland has more negatives than positives.  I mean lets be realistic, if the items are not readily available locally, they must be shipped in, raising the production costs.  It more about dollars-n-sense (not cents) then Cleveland being unable to put together a quality event.

 

There are a lot of cities that get axed for various things.  For example, DC, if it wasn't the nations capital, it wouldn't be on the list, but because DC and many of the people/hotels/event planners there are accustomed to putting on high class events (ie state dinners, visiting dignataries, etc.) they make it on the list as a good place to do large scale events.

 

Also, the RRHoFame governing body is the the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation.  Its not that they do not have the money, they don't want to do it anywhere other than NYC.

 

So I've listed the hurdles, what do you suggest be done to remove them?  Those hurdles not only benefit theRRhofame, but other people/businesses interested in doing events in cleveland and allows cleveland to draw on larger events.

 

Alot of trade shows and events like to rotate every 2/3 years and cleveland misses out because the ix center is out by the airport, lack & variety of hotel rooms and other needs as listed above.

Good points, but let me ask how do you think some of the projects announced thus far will help in eliminating at least some of the negatives? I know its a hard to come up with an answer not knowing what kind of retail is going to go into some of the projects but hypothetically speaking. Say The Omni were to build a new hotel to replace the one they dimolished in the late 90's somewhere downtown, The retail along lower euclid was filled in with stores and trendy restaurants and the ECP was complete, the WHD had Neiman Marcus and some of those other top tier retailers like Tiffany's and LV, Armani, tower City had more mid and upscale retailers and on top of that either the Cavs, Indians or Browns were in Playoff contention :roll:  How do you think Cleveland would stack up then? What would we have to improve on?

The CVB or the city, needs better marketing of its services as well as the cities image to host stuff.  when katrina hit New Orleans, Houston, Chicago and Atlanta CVBs called everyone who had an event there to get them to come to houston or atlanta.  what did cleveland do?  The airport will still need better flights, something Cleveland cannot control, Its the airlines decision to fly their planes where they make the most money.

 

But you gotta spend some money to make some money and the city isn't doing that right now.  When I left home I said cleveland is stuck in 1985.  When I came home right after 9/11 I thought the city was stuck in 1989.  Today, I see improvements, but the city is still playing catchup, but hasn't hit the Y2K in my opinion.

 

Just in this thread there are way more a "needs" than "haves".

 

Lastly, the IX center being away from the City hurts hotels and related convention dollars.  its the eight largest center in the world.  If that was downtown it would be amazing, now its a negative as folks can take a flight to hopkins, go to the center, and hop right back on a plane, without spending a dollar in cleveland.

 

You get no money for atleast one hotel night, at least two meals, transportation, or the idea that being in the center of the city a consumer/traveler might decide to catch a show, see a movie or extend a stay to visit another part of the city, shop etc.

 

The gay marketing campaign is a good start, but again, the city is playing catchup.  or copy cat, not being original.

I think we have the hotels to support the Rock Hall induction ceremony.  Detroit, really, has no more hotel space than we; if it does, it's not significant and, actually, I believe we have more hotel rooms downtown (if someone has the Mobil travelguide website, this can be checked)... Yeah, it pisses me off tremendously the ceremony is in New York-- a total slap in the face to Cleveland, esp since most everybody who even glances at a TV or NP associates the R&RHOF with Cleveland.  We are THE Rock 'n Roll city.  And, yes jamiec, we should have all those things you mention, esp retail-wise, but I don't believe the Rock Hall is too isolated; I'm fine with it on the lakefront.  Museums, unlike live theatre, needs more space to 'present' itself; remember, a museum itself is the attraction, not necessarily any attendant program being hosted there... So don't ever buy into the crap that there's not enough to do here, or there's not enough to do.  It does bother me Detroit gets things like the NCAA tourney and, now, 2 Super Bowls... But Detroit leaders pulled together (despite that city's huge urban maladies -- I'd much rather be here than there) to land these big events, unlike our leaders who are often balkanized and engage in turf wars rather than cooperating (which is why I'm encouraged by Mayor Jackson's regional initiative)... I'm not close enough to the situation, but I get the sense that the local group responsible for landing the Rock Hall are a rather timid bunch when it comes to New York... that they/we made a deal with the devil, as in: 'we'll concede the building to you guys if you shut up about ever moving the induction ceremony there.'

 

Unfortunately, it once again puts Cleveland in its usual apologetic, 'excuse me' posture... At this point, as much as the current setup stinks, I don't see a way out of this thicket... One thing I DO KNOW is that building and developing all the things jamiec (and all of us) want for downtown should be built for their own sake and not to lure the Rock induction ceremony b/c, believe me, we could have all the Neiman's, Sak's, Gumps, or you name it, the snobby eastern powers that be are NOT going to change their view of this town and just cede over the ceremony too us... there's got to be a way to embarrass (nationally) and/or smack these guys in the pocketbook, in order to bring the thing here... I'm just not seeing it, now...

True, But I think if Cleveland wants this we are still about 5 years away from being able to say we have 100% what it takes. Right now they can use the lack of retail and possibly hotel space against us but by 2010 I believe we will have stronger footing to demand that it be taken into consideration, moved here, or at the very least alternate between here and NYC. As far as the airport and convention facilities I think the only thing substantial we can talk about now is that They want to lengthen one of the runways and fix up the airport, as well as continental adding a few direct flights.

Cleveland is on the rise and someday soon, Harlem’s words are not going to come close describing this city.  Besides a rapidly growing downtown population; businesses, amenities, and attractions will soon be flourishing sooner than people think.  You’d be surprised in the change of opinion I have heard from people inside and outside of the city just in the last two years.  That’s the biggest start, numbers going back downtown, and ones with creativity and ambition.  Cleveland is on the rise, and more and more people are becoming aware of it—the tell-tale signs are everywhere.

 

Personally, it bothers me that I cannot do more to speed up Cleveland’s rise again to the top, but I'm doing all I can with my current resources and influence.  Recently, a few of my friends and I lobbied to hold our annual regional convention of a professional service organization within the Air Force ROTC program in Cleveland, which would represents cadets from across the entire Midwest—we won. (Ironically, we used the Rock Hall as one of our main draws).  Not only will our organization be spending money in the city, but so will all the out-of-towners in their free time.  Although this will bring in about 120 out-of-town cadets and Air Force officers to the city for 3 days this November, I at least found something so I don’t feel as much of a hypocrite saying “we need this or that or more people.”  That’s all it may take sometimes—little contributions from everyone whatever influence you have (store owner, residents, shoppers, scientists, your name is Zaremba…).  Just like anywhere, it's the people that make the place.  And the good news is, we have been seeing a large increase of everyday contributions. 

I have chosen the Hyatt and I cannot wait to show off the Cleveland arcade built in 1890 to all the out-of-towners--why else in the world is there anything left like that??

Once I finish my Biochemistry degree next Spring, I have four years of service starting as a Lieutenant--but I'll be back, and you can quote me on that.  No youth leaving the city here.

 

Har-

I cannot fathom to see how you can say Cleveland is a copycat...I don’t even know where to start with this one.  If anything, it is the exact opposite!  Besides having its own unique architecture, neighborhoods, culture, diversity, and feel, residents are now taking bigger and bigger steps to remain that way.  (For example) Look at a few of the most modern and recent contributions to downtown: Corner Alley (beginning national chain here), Lola, and Terry Tarantino's La Strada World Cafe....ALL ORIGINAL (and there's more restaurants and attractions on the way—continuing to make the feel of Cleveland unique).  Not as rich and economically superior as other major cities? Yes, but it’s getting there.  Copycat?  No-frikin-way!  Any higher up in Cleveland who thinks there is a need to conform to look or have the feel of another popular city should be shot.  Those destinations didn't copy of anyone, and that's why they're so popular--they were their own city.  Cleveland has come close a few times to trying to copy, but it always gets shot down before anything structural happens.  That's what makes this place so great--its history and originality.  But like I said twice before, Cleveland is on the rise.  As long as it keeps its originality, only good things will continue to happen…including one day hosting the Rock and Roll HOF inductions.

And to stay on topic,

 

Cleveland needs a statue of "Harlem" downtown with his various quotes as the inscription to remind and motivate Clevelanders everyday. Ooo that could be good.

KJP, I agree there should be one! They now have grocers Downtown (arguably Dave's wasn't any farther away than most suburban stores are to peoples homes, but now you can walk to Constantino's if you live in the Warehouse District.) Some fine entrepreneur needs to see this question and take off with it  :clap: 

 

I of course would rather see a real diner like Diana's in Lakewood or The Gold Coast deli. It's one of those supply and demand questions, and historically Downtown would roll up the streets. I remember seeing George Carlin at Playhouse Square a few years ago; unless you wanted to eat in the restaurant next door with a theatre theme, you were out of luck. (It was a bitterly cold night and none of us wanted to walk any farther than around two blocks to find a place, which we did, walk that is, without finding anything open!) Maybe it's different now.....

I agree, we could use some high class shopping Downtown. For me personally (and that doesn't really count lol) the bookstore idea makes me drool even more. I'm old enough to remember Publix - I'm sure this one would be a chain but hey, I'll take anything. KJP I read the 'Stark' info you teased with. Is Stark also the developer that did the redevelopment of Shaker Square?  Mixed use development is something that should take off in Cleveland, it has in other cities; I want to be there when they start discussing TIFs.

 

3C, Shaker Square was redeveloped by CenterPoint Properties (now Fairmount Properties).

Har-

I cannot fathom to see how you can say Cleveland is a copycat...I don’t even know where to start with this one.  If anything, it is the exact opposite!  Besides having its own unique architecture, neighborhoods, culture, diversity, and feel, residents are now taking bigger and bigger steps to remain that way.  (For example) Look at a few of the most modern and recent contributions to downtown: Corner Alley (beginning national chain here), Lola, and Terry Tarantino's La Strada World Cafe....ALL ORIGINAL (and there's more restaurants and attractions on the way—continuing to make the feel of Cleveland unique).  Not as rich and economically superior as other major cities? Yes, but it’s getting there.  Copycat?  No-frikin-way!  Any higher up in Cleveland who thinks there is a need to conform to look or have the feel of another popular city should be shot.  Those destinations didn't copy of anyone, and that's why they're so popular--they were their own city.  Cleveland has come close a few times to trying to copy, but it always gets shot down before anything structural happens.  That's what makes this place so great--its history and originality.  But like I said twice before, Cleveland is on the rise.  As long as it keeps its originality, only good things will continue to happen…including one day hosting the Rock and Roll HOF inductions.

 

welcome to the forum.  I've never once stated that Cleveland was a copy cat.  If I have, please indicate where.  I sincerely think you've miss read what i've posted or misinterpreted my post somehow.  So I will ask you not to put words in my mouth or portray me as someone who is out to down cleveland.

 

Everything that you stated, is a given to the passionate people here on UrbanOhio, you're preaching to the choir.  A city is only as good as its residents.

 

I too hope the city can host the induction ceremony along with other events, however, at this date and time regularly scheduled larger events are not going to heppen.

Along these same lines...I had dinner with a chef friend from Denver last night and he had nothing but good things to say about Cleveland's culinary reputation nationally (all to be had a great price).  Maybe we could extort our love of food into some sort of new national identity?

 

The gay marketing campaign is a good start, but again, the city is playing catchup. or copy cat, not being original.

 

Har, I apologize...but you gotta see where my confusion came from.

 

I just get sick of hearing constant negatives about the city; but, I know that we'll never get anywhere by going around saying how great we are--everything needs criticism sometimes for improvement (maybe cleveland needs a lot). Now back to the topic again,

 

that bike shop is a good idea. funny, I stayed right down the street from that one pictured in SD last year. I actually inquired about a rental-expensive! the bus system is not the greatest there. We have a reat bike shop in OC on Lorain-Fiedrich's (oh boy I butchered that) but I do not think they rent (the bike coop does though). A rental shop downtown with maps (inc rta, b/c you can put them on the racks) and all would be great.

 

The gay marketing campaign is a good start, but again, the city is playing catchup.  or copy cat, not being original.

 

Har, I apologize...but you gotta see where my confusion came from. 

 

I just get sick of hearing constant negatives about the city; but, I know that we'll never get anywhere by going around saying how great we are--everything needs criticism sometimes for improvement  (maybe cleveland needs a lot).  Now back to the topic again,

 

 

No problem.

"Hilton Garden Inn on Carnegie? Or is that some off-shoot and not count.."

 

It's a Hilton, but it's their "lower market" brand (hell, Twinsburg has a Hilton Garden Inn). I'm sure it's quite nice, but I really don't see too many induction attendees chomping at the bit to stay there.

 

Hilton Garden Inns' is a one of Hilton Corps brands , alonw with Conrads, Waldorf=Astorias these are there luxury brands; Hilton, Doubletree, there main brands; hilton garden inns the business brand; hampton Inn the low budget brand; homewood suites the extended stay brand and Embassy Suites the all suites brand.

I'd like to see someone with access to a local inducted band, like the O'Jays for example, ask them to lead the cause. Here's another idea... If we don't have the hotel facilities to host major rock stars, then what about hosting them in large homes. I recall the story of a Saudi prince who was going to be at the Cleveland Clinic for at least a month's worth of treatment and testing. So the Saudi prince bought a Hunting Valley mansion, renovated it to his liking and then when he was done with his treatments at the Clinic, he had the mansion put back the way it was. (Your oil $ at work).

 

While that's an extreme case, my point is that I'll bet there's a few wealthy local business people who would be willing to rent out his/her mansion (or downtown penthouse) for a few days to an aging rock star and his/her entourage. Think of the mansions in Brahtenal, Edgewater, Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights etc. or the penthouses at Stonebridge, Pinnacle, Park, Avenue District, Reserve Square, etc etc.

 

Could temporary spas and baths be set up at downtown athletic clubs? And what of the rock stars who like the gritty roots of rock and roll, and might be just as happy with a svitz in Little Italy or, at The Svitz itself?

 

But if we can host Saudi princes for more than a month at a time, why can't we offer at least some amenities to rock stars for just a weekend?

 

Why should we be doing that instead of developing a hotel?

Until Cleveland has atleast two convention oriented hotels and an additonal luxury brand, LARGE scale events wont be coming here.

 

Those events go to Miami, Orlando, NYC, Chicago, Washington, Los Angeles, San Francisco.

 

I don't included Orlando or Vegas and to a lesser degree NoLa as those cities "industry" is purely tourism or leisure travel.

I understand all the comments about the Rock Hall inductions being different than a Super Bowl, etc., and that Cleveland might lack some amenities that make it pre-marketable when it comes to large events. But we have something that NYC, LA, Chicago, San Fran, etc. lack ... the freakin' Rock Hall!!!

 

Is Cleveland not a palatable location for inductees? Perhaps not. Still, to the best of my knowledge, no power brokers locally have made a play to even get the event. If we honestly want this event here, I think we might want to make a pitch to the RRHof Foundation, the New York-based funding arm that keeps the event in New York, instead of speculating on whatever we THINK might keep the event outside of time. I for one have never heard the rationale for keeping it in New York (at least not from the decision makers themselves). Perhaps it's our lack of downtown amenities. Perhaps it's the lack of local funding tied to the event. Or perhaps it's other reasons altogether.