So while I was in Ohio this past week, I got to spend some time in Cleveland itself. I'm excited by things that are happening there, and I'm even more excited about things to come.

 

1. The Flats: I really think the Flats neighborhoods, both East and West Banks, could become amazing neighborhoods, as long as it is wisely planned. Their position along the river and their uniqueness (mostly previously industrial buildings being converted into various mixed-use purposes) is what excites me the most about this area, and I would love to see these aspects pushed even further. I'm especially interested to see what happens on the East Bank, and I love what is shaping up on the West Bank. It would be fantastic to connect the two with the proposed pedestrian bridge, and I hope this happens at some point. (I mourn the loss of The Odeon, however. Come on, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame city!)

 

2. The Warehouse District: I'm very excited by the increase in pedestrian activity I saw there! WHD has definitely grown into a nice, walkable neighborhood. Though the recent addition of some commercial aspects to the neighborhood are cool, Stark's plan to push this area even further will, I think, transform the WHD into a quality neighborhood that takes walkable environments to the next level in Cleveland (I'm also excited by the appearance of Constantino's, which is a great and welcome addition).

 

3. Tremont: Tremont is probably my favorite neighborhood outside of Ohio City and downtown. I'd never been to Tremont before last week, but I'm excited about what's happening here: the fantastic mix of restaurants and shops that have been popping up in this area over the past few years are what help make this neighborhood unique. Tremont is also an example to me of why Cleveland's older housing stock needs to continue to be preserved: the renovated homes that I saw were beautiful, and many others definitely show potential for preservation. I was disappointed by the amount of what I would deem "urban blight", for lack of a better term, that still seems to overshadow much of the emerging beauty of this neighborhood. I would love to see shabby sidewalks and streets fixed, as I think these important improvements would improve the overall look and help to attract even more residents. A hip mix of people is starting to take place here, but the formerly "working-class" vibe is still definitely there, which I love. Stopped in Lucky's, and it's such a great, cozy shop! I also loved the place with the giant toucan mural (can't remember the name, but I think it's gorgeous). Can't wait to see what continues to happen in this area.

 

4. Detroit-Shoreway: I was surprised by the lack of activity that I found in this area. I mostly stuck to Detroit and W 65th, but I'm excited about the plans for the area, and I think it will become a fantastic hub of activity in the next few years should all the plans go through. Didn't find Battery Park, which made me sad because I really wanted to see it. Hopefully next time.

 

Overall, I wish I could've spent more time in the city. It'll give me something to look forward to on my next visit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Too bad you didn't get a shot of that bus!  :wink:

Hahaha .. indeed. :(

Where's the bldg in the 3rd pic?

In The Flats West Bank. I took it off of Superior Viaduct near Stonebridge and all that stuff.

I wish I were around when the Flats was something special.

 

 

I was. And I was at the perfect age for it when it was at it's peak. I turned 21 in 1988. My experience is that the Flats hit its peak about 1991-1994.

 

Several of us who are about the same age reminisced about our favorite Flats club at:

 

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=13818.0

I think there was an article with Halle Berry not to long ago (maybe to promote that crappy movie with Bruce Willis), and she mentioned how hot the Flats are still. 

 

Maybe it'll be a nice residential area in a few years, but c'mon Halle.  How many Clevelanders are you fooling?

I think there was an article with Halle Berry not to long ago (maybe to promote that crappy movie with Bruce Willis), and she mentioned how hot the Flats are still. 

 

Maybe it'll be a nice residential area in a few years, but c'mon Halle.  How many Clevelanders are you fooling?

 

then how is it "not" hot if you didn't experience the flats in its hey day?  I thought it was fine, not madcap over the top as it was in the late 80s.