I live on W. 25th and wouldn't mind getting rid of the building-shaking semis. But where is the alternate route going to go? Pretty much everything goes up 25th and turns onto...Washington?

 

I nominate Columbus Road. It's parallel to the RTA and would divert it away from the 'core' of W. 25th, but won't solve anything for the rest of it. Scranton might make more sense but I can't see how it would work. There's a reason I'm not a civil engineer...

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    - April 21, 2011                                                                                                     

 

Contact:  Virginia Houston                   

Ohio City Incorporated 

216.781.3222 x 104

 

Ohio City Near West Announces Name Change a New Brand for Ohio City

Ohio City, Cleveland’s Artisan Neighborhood

 

CLEVELAND – Ohio City Near West, the community development organization for Ohio City, announced an organizational name change and new look for the neighborhood at the Annual Meeting on April 20, 2011. Starting today, the organization’s name will be changed to Ohio City Incorporated. “This name change reflects the fact that we are in the business of promoting, preserving and developing historic Ohio City,” said Board of Trustees President, Damon Taseff. “Ohio City remains proud to be a part of a trio of neighborhoods including Detroit Shoreway and Tremont on Cleveland’s Near West Side.”

 

Through a rebranding process led by Ohio City design firm TWIST Creative, Ohio City Incorporated will focus on promoting Ohio City as Cleveland’s Artisan Neighborhood. “Ohio City is at the forefront of an economic transformation taking place in Cleveland that is being led by a group of artisan entrepreneurs,” said Ohio City Incorporated Executive Director, Eric Wobser. “Ohio City is home to over 150 small artisan businesses and one of the largest economic incubators in the City of Cleveland, the West Side Market. As an organization we are proud to participate in Ohio City’s revitalization through promoting, preserving and developing Cleveland’s Artisan Neighborhood.” A new website for Ohio City Incorporated and the neighborhood will launch on April 29, 2011 and Ohio City Incorporated’s Annual report is available for download at www.ohiocity.org.

 

Ohio City Incorporated is the community development corporation dedicated to developing, preserving, and promoting Ohio City as a desirable place to live, work, study, and play. For more information contact Virginia Houston, Director of Marketing and Development at 216-781-3222 x104 or [email protected].

 

Cleveland artisans craft their own economic force: Eric Wobser

Published: Saturday, April 23, 2011, 3:30 PM

 

President Barack Obama's February summit on small business demonstrated Cleveland's wise long-term investments in health care and technology. An equally important but often overlooked economic transformation is being led by a group of entrepreneurs who are as handy with a brew kettle or a band saw as they are with a Bluetooth.

 

These entrepreneurs are part of what Portland State University professor Charles Heying describes as the "artisan economy," a movement capitalizing on growing consumer demand for local and unique products -- demand couched in part as a rejection of national chains and globalization. Highly specialized artisan entrepreneurs manufacture, produce and sell products that tell a unique local story and, most importantly, create difficult-to-export local jobs.

 

While Heying describes how artisans have created thousands of jobs in Portland, Ore., a closer look at one small area of Cleveland tells a compelling story of artisans driving economic development locally:

 

• When Great Lakes Brewing Co. opened in Ohio City in 1988, industry consolidation had left no locally-owned breweries in Ohio. Twenty-three years later, Great Lakes distributes its product in more than 10 states, averages 20 percent annual growth, employs 160 and has annual revenues topping $30 million.

 

• Ohio City Pasta, founded by Gary Thomas in 1990, employs 17, retails from several locations and distributes fresh pasta in five states.

 

• Campbell's Popcorn Shop, a mainstay at the West Side Market, will expand into nearby production and retail space with plans to double its current staff of 11 to service new wholesale accounts.

 

• Sam McNulty opened Bier Market, a Belgian beer hall, in 2005. In order to keep pace with demand, McNulty opened Bar Cento and Speakeasy within the same complex in 2007 and 2009, respectively. His latest venture, a $2 million microbrewery named Market Garden, will open across the street this spring, bringing total employment to more than 100.

 

These four businesses have already created more than 300 jobs and are examples of local entrepreneurs generating net regional wealth by exporting their products outside Cleveland.

 

Research by economist Michael Shuman shows that businesses serving an entirely local customer base also grow the economy, with dollars spent at local merchants creating an economic impact up to four times that of a national chain. This impact is obvious in Ohio City, with many merchants living within a short distance of their businesses, several of them directly above their storefronts.

 

Ohio City's merchants are also its neighbors, churchgoers, civic members and eyes on the street. They conjure images of a past world described by Jane Jacobs, where a merchant class anchored walkable middle-class neighborhoods. This economic activity is shared by restaurateurs in Tremont, musicians in Waterloo and performing artists in Gordon Square who are anchoring thriving artisan enclaves of their own.

 

Artisans tend to cluster near one another, creating opportunities for shared knowledge and healthy competition that drive innovation. Many benefit from informal education with one business before striking out on their own.

 

Market Garden's master brewer, Andy Tveekrem, served in the same capacity with Great Lakes Brewing in the 1990s before partnering with McNulty. Johnny Mango, a bohemian restaurant founded by Shelley Underwood in 1996, has given rise to several talented chefs, including Food Network celebrities Eric Williams of Momocho and Matt Fish of Melt Bar and Grilled.

 

Compared to other industries, artisans are unique in their ability to tell a story about Cleveland that reinforces civic pride. Instead of pining over the loss of the Higbee Co., a new generation of Clevelanders is creating memories involving a pint at Great Lakes, a show at the Beachland Ballroom and Tavern, furniture from A Piece of Cleveland, chocolate from Lilly's Handmade Chocolates or a dress from the Yellowcake Shop. Artisans are slowly returning local culture to Northeast Ohio after decades of national chain domination, providing everyday Clevelanders the opportunity to actively participate in their economic renaissance.

 

Ohio City is partnering with the Jackson administration, Neighborhood Progress Inc. and sister neighborhoods such as Detroit Shoreway and Tremont to develop an initiative to nurture artisan businesses. Potential components include providing access to capital, low-cost incubator space, a "shop local" marketing campaign, artisan markets in public spaces and supportive networks offering technical assistance and knowledge-sharing within industries.

 

Artisan entrepreneurs are creating jobs and growing civic pride, providing the additional tools that will accelerate their success and recognize their contributions to the regional economy.

 

Eric Wobser is the executive director of Ohio City Inc., the nonprofit community development group formerly known as Ohio City Near West Development Corp.

 

http://www.cleveland.com/opinion/index.ssf/2011/04/cleveland_artisans_craft_their.html

 

 

Palookaville Chili opens up Tomorrow! On Lorain Rd.

 

from April 26...

 

http://saltynotsweetcraft.wordpress.com/

 

Salty not Sweet to open in Mkt District area sometime in May.

The "secret date" seems to be May 21.

 

http://saltynotsweetcraft.wordpress.com/about/

Such a shame for all the lost posts. If you have not yet seen it, our new website is up and running. http://www.ohiocity.org

 

Salty Not Sweet does in fact open this Saturday May 21st.

 

Also... Cleveland's Ohio City Neighborhood named one of the greatest places in the WORLD to drink beer by USA Today.

http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/10great/story/2011/05/10-great-places-to-bar-hop-round-the-world/47360350/1

 

Additionally the Ohio City Special Improvement District came a step closer passing through City Planning Commission.

We'd like to welcome the best sign in the Neighborhood over at Ohio City Burrito... though in the coming months there is going to be a LOT of competition.

in the coming months there is going to be a LOT of competition.

 

Can't wait!

And right next door, Joy Machines Bike Shop, one of the Charter One Small Business Grant Winners is getting closer to opening. Looking at early to mid June.

That is a sweet sign!!!

You should see it at night!

That poor guy on the sign sure looks hungry! :-D

Ohio City Burrito is hands-down the best place in town to get burritos. I will never step foot inside a Chipotle again!

OCB is one of my favorite places around. Great food; the owners are such down-to-earth, nice people. Went there for lunch today and congratulated them on the new sign. It really looks great, and bet it will be an eye-catcher at night in particular.

 

Boffo,

I couldn't agree more. It took me a while to try one and when I did, it was soo much better than Chipotle! Matter of fact, I'm going tonight. All the OCB talk has made me hungry.

Have the burritos gotten better since they opened?  I remember people say that they were somewhat lacking.

 

I was only there once not long after they opened and certainly enjoyed it, mainly because it was local and the people and place was nice, but I dont know that I remember if the burritos were spectacular, although now Im going to go next time in town. 

Did anyone post about the new chili place that opened down the road from W25th on Lorain?

 

http://palookavillechili.com/

 

http://palookavillechili.com/menu/

First off thanks for the pictures! And the sign looks great.

Have the burritos gotten better since they opened?  I remember people say that they were somewhat lacking.

 

I was only there once not long after they opened and certainly enjoyed it, mainly because it was local and the people and place was nice, but I dont know that I remember if the burritos were spectacular, although now Im going to go next time in town. 

 

I felt the same after they opened. I've been there now about 30 times and I like their burritos better than any others. In fact, I now only eat burritos from OCB. I think they've improved, but I couldn't say exactly how because I don't remember how I wasn't satisfied before. Great place. Great owners.

I'll throw my hat in the OCB Fan Club ring.  My wife and I eat there all the time.  It's the only burrito place we will go to (waayyyyyy better than Chipotle).  I noticed the new sign last Friday when we were there.  When was it put up?

I love OCB. Like I said, the wife and I went there for dinner. The burritos did not disappoint.

I was chatting with the owner at lunch today and mentioned the new sign and how much I liked it. He said "there was a lot of excitement around here yesterday when they put it up." Unless I misunderstood him?

Maybe I'm on drugs and just thought I saw it last Friday, but I could have sworn it was there????  I haven't been by there since Tuesday, so I wouldn't have seen it then either if they just put it up yesterday.  Hmmmm.

It was yesterday. I saw them put it up. They had a sign before that, too.

 

Also, they have pretty good burritos. I've had...at least 10.

Wow, weird.  I guess I was imagining I had seen it when I saw the picture here.  Now I'm excited to actually see it in person.

 

And I must confess, this may be a sin when Burrito is in the name of the place, but I'm a taco guy myself.

 

Also, they have pretty good burritos. I've had...at least 10.

 

 

Stay away from open flames, OK? 

Did anyone post about the new chili place that opened down the road from W25th on Lorain?

 

http://palookavillechili.com/

 

http://palookavillechili.com/menu/

 

I ate there two weekends ago. Great chili - three different varieties. I had the chicken and my friend had the beef. Steady foot traffic in for takeout but we were the only ones their dining in on a Saturday afternoon. It was very rainy though. Excited for more places like this to pop up on Lorain. Great interior murals as well. However it did seem a little pricey for chili considering the size bowls they came in.

Palookaville is BYOB.  So what you overpay for on chili, you can save on by bringing your own alcohol!  :)

 

I don't think the chili is overpriced at all.  Definitely worth it.

A babysitting Co-op in Ohio City decided to take school issues into its own hands:

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2011/06/west_side_cleveland_charter_sc.html

 

Near West Intergenerational charter school to open this year after push from parents

 

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A group of West Side parents agonized as their children approached school age. They were uncertain about the Cleveland schools in their neighborhood, but could not find a convenient alternative that didn't have a waiting list.

 

Their answer? Recruit one.

 

Near West Intergenerational School, a new charter school spun off from a highly regarded Cleveland model, will open in late August or early September with students in kindergarten through second grade. It hopes to add a grade per year until reaching the eighth.

 

The parents who brought Near West to the Ohio City neighborhood came together through a babysitting co-op that formed four years ago and now comprises about 20 families and 35 to 40 children up to age 7. On any given day, someone is taking care of someone else's kids, earning points that can be redeemed for future babysitting.

 

 

A babysitting Co-op in Ohio City decided to take school issues into its own hands:

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2011/06/west_side_cleveland_charter_sc.html

 

Near West Intergenerational charter school to open this year after push from parents

 

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A group of West Side parents agonized as their children approached school age. They were uncertain about the Cleveland schools in their neighborhood, but could not find a convenient alternative that didn't have a waiting list.

 

Their answer? Recruit one.

 

Near West Intergenerational School, a new charter school spun off from a highly regarded Cleveland model, will open in late August or early September with students in kindergarten through second grade. It hopes to add a grade per year until reaching the eighth.

 

The parents who brought Near West to the Ohio City neighborhood came together through a babysitting co-op that formed four years ago and now comprises about 20 families and 35 to 40 children up to age 7. On any given day, someone is taking care of someone else's kids, earning points that can be redeemed for future babysitting.

 

 

 

Lighten up David Quolke!

 

"Cleveland Teachers Union President David Quolke asked the school board to reject Near West's lease. He complained about putting the charter in rooms rewired for New Tech and predicted the school would divide the community."

Joy Machines Bike Shop is about to POP! Opening THIS Friday June 10th at 11am.

and on the crosswalk where Market Avenue intersects West 25th Street... Just a little something to let the cars know this is a people place.

 

 

A small investment with large rewards.

Thanks for all the updates

Awesome decor!!!

Good god you Urban Ohio idiots, don't you see that this sort of news is so much more important for the development of Ohio City and Detroit-Shoreway than some cute signage??    :), but also :(

 

 

A babysitting Co-op in Ohio City decided to take school issues into its own hands:

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2011/06/west_side_cleveland_charter_sc.html

 

Near West Intergenerational charter school to open this year after push from parents

 

 

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A group of West Side parents agonized as their children approached school age. They were uncertain about the Cleveland schools in their neighborhood, but could not find a convenient alternative that didn't have a waiting list.

 

Their answer? Recruit one.

 

Near West Intergenerational School, a new charter school spun off from a highly regarded Cleveland model, will open in late August or early September with students in kindergarten through second grade. It hopes to add a grade per year until reaching the eighth.

 

The parents who brought Near West to the Ohio City neighborhood came together through a babysitting co-op that formed four years ago and now comprises about 20 families and 35 to 40 children up to age 7. On any given day, someone is taking care of someone else's kids, earning points that can be redeemed for future babysitting.

 

 

Awesome news. I can remember my spouse (Ph.D in education) and I (social service background) thought it would be great to start a charter school to keep people in the neighborhood...we never had the guts to do it though-in part b/c we loved the jobs we had.  I know urban community school tended to have a huge wait list. When I worked the near west side I met parents who raved about it...and the kids were so impressive and inquisitive. No matter the background of the family the school seemed to engage everyone.  I have no doubt this school will be a success especially if represents the great diversity of OC,  not just yuppie children.

Awesome news. I can remember my spouse (Ph.D in education) and I (social service background) thought it would be great to start a charter school to keep people in the neighborhood...we never had the guts to do it though-in part b/c we loved the jobs we had.  I know urban community school tended to have a huge wait list. When I worked the near west side I met parents who raved about it...and the kids were so impressive and inquisitive. No matter the background of the family the school seemed to engage everyone.  I have no doubt this school will be a success especially if represents the great diversity of OC,  not just yuppie children.

 

Don't forget to mention the impact that the Campus International School is already having on the near west side, the east side inner burbs and downtown. The signifiant change already happening is altogether lost on the ignorant naysayers.

Good god you Urban Ohio idiots, don't you see that this sort of news is so much more important for the development of Ohio City and Detroit-Shoreway than some cute signage??    :), but also :(

 

 

I'm reserving judgment till I see a rendering of the school's signage.

 

Seriously though, congrats, this is awesome news.  Anything that makes middle class family life more viable is a huge building block.

As of 11am today... Joy Machines is officially open!

 

Also, Valerie Mayen's latest Yellowcake pop-up shop is located directly next door at 1836 West 25th Street, and will be opening at 4pm June 18th to conincide with the Ohio City Run & Crawl. It will be open for approximately 2 months. This is the first occurence where her store will be open daily and not just weekends.

the tipoff column in the PD today mentioned that another new brewery (in addition to market garden) is potentially opening in ohio city, possibly in the old moda space.  info, anyone?

^Wow, thanks for flagging.  Tough to know if this is just arpirational or if something is actually brewing (sorry):

 

Word on West 25th is there's a move to recruit yet another brewery to the district, possibly to the space that used to house the troubled Moda nightclub that has sat empty since legal woes caused its closing.

http://www.cleveland.com/tipoff/index.ssf/2011/06/travel_channels_paranormal_sho.html

The "Tipoff" said that there is a "move to recruit" another brewery to Ohio City.  Doesn't sound too imminent.

^Wow, thanks for flagging.  Tough to know if this is just arpirational or if something is actually brewing (sorry):

 

Word on West 25th is there's a move to recruit yet another brewery to the district, possibly to the space that used to house the troubled Moda nightclub that has sat empty since legal woes caused its closing.

http://www.cleveland.com/tipoff/index.ssf/2011/06/travel_channels_paranormal_sho.html

 

I've heard that there is less than a 50% chance that this thing would be in the OC. More likely it would go in a different city neighborhood.

Is this thing a new brewery?  Or an existing brewery that is relocating?

^^Interesting.  So there is a new brewery proposal out there, but it's just looking for a place to anchor.  If not OC, I hope it lands somewhere cool.

 

[Edit: good question Morning Theft]

Well I heard today the a brewpub is going into the Powerhouse at Battery Park...    Along with the winebar...

Maybe the one they were talking about for MODA?

Wow. Good thing that W. 25th actually has taxis and parking already. Fridays are going to be pretty crazy...

Another new store has opened up on West 25th (west side of street, north of Bridge Ave).  It's called "Yellowcake" & I believe it's run by the girl from Cleveland who was on "Project Runway" (can't confirm cause I don't watch the show).  It's open till 11pm six nights a week (I dig that) & on Sunday afternoons.  With The Angle, OC Burrito, Joy Machine Bike & now this place, this block is starting to look pretty cool!

Thanks for the pictures. I believe thats only supposed to be open for about 2 months or so. Hopefully she does good and decides to keep it open longer.

 

Edit: anyway you can make those pictures bigger? :)