March 14, 20223 yr On 9/28/2021 at 1:52 PM, eastvillagedon said: after a year this project is finally getting under way. Things move slowly in Painesville 🥴 I'm probably more surprised than anyone that this project is moving at such a rapid pace. A Chagrin Falls-based firm, RSA Architects, is responsible for the design. My only disappointment is that it appears so much of the stone facade has been removed. I don't know if it's at all historically authentic, but it certainly is part of another era (as was indicated, the building was originally a Studebaker showroom, although largely abandoned by the 60's, I think. I never knew what when on in this building-lol) They're planning on a Cinco de Mayo grand opening http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
April 20, 20223 yr It appears the HOLA Hispanic Community Center is nearing completion. The re-design of this former Studebaker showroom (I think that's how long ago it was actually occupied) is getting a lot of positive feedback (e.g. colors and architecture evocative of Mexico, according to one comment). However, I'm less than happy that it appears that possibly two perfectly good old homes (hopefully it's not more), probably dating from no later than 1920 (my guess), to the right of the structure were demolished (the Caterpillar equipment kind of gives it away--lol). I know that this stretch has virtually no public parking (except for the street), but it seems there could have been a way to save these homes (the nearest one flush against the building). I guess it was not to be. http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
April 22, 20223 yr Always looking for ways to revive a mall that's seen better days, about a year ago an artists studio called Headspace opened in the Great Lakes Mall. Each month they've been holding a social event on the fourth Friday. While it would be easy to dismiss this business as nothing more than a haven for dilettantes, the owner, Jason Baumgardner, is a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art (not that having such a credential precludes one from being a dilettante--lol). If nothing else, it looks like a fun way to spend a Friday evening-- "Headspace is a creative co-op studio for artists of all types and mediums. The immersive experience features live art, music and instructional classes as well as an art gallery, and has a market space for other artists to sell their work and more. The 4,600 square foot space will be encompassed with chalk, paint and spray art for guests to view and purchase along with custom painted skateboards and other unique items. Owner Jason Baumgardner hopes that Headspace will become a community of artists while helping to improve his own craft in an amazing new environment." Edited April 22, 20223 yr by eastvillagedon http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
April 28, 20223 yr On 4/20/2022 at 1:47 PM, eastvillagedon said: It appears the HOLA Hispanic Community Center is nearing completion. The re-design of this former Studebaker showroom (I think that's how long ago it was actually occupied) is getting a lot of positive feedback (e.g. colors and architecture evocative of Mexico, according to one comment). However, I'm less than happy that it appears that possibly two perfectly good old homes (hopefully it's not more), probably dating from no later than 1920 (my guess), to the right of the structure were demolished (the Caterpillar equipment kind of gives it away--lol). I know that this stretch has virtually no public parking (except for the street), but it seems there could have been a way to save these homes (the nearest one flush against the building). I guess it was not to be. Apparently included in the soon-to-open HOLA Community Center will be a self-described "commercial kitchen," with two Mexican chefs hired to work in this operation. Despite their culinary credentials, I'm certain they will have nothing on the many excellent taquerias that have been established in town in recent years (one of which, La Cocina de Mamá, is just a few steps from the new facility). But if their presence does result in a competition, my hope is that Gordon Ramsay will referee the festivities 😛-- https://www.facebook.com/HOLAOhio/posts/10158229375100755?__cft__[0]=AZW-Ufbs3JasNpL4wt-Kq2WSJ3VBakAd4IX8EZ3yC3DgYeArN7PUCCAlQDG34Jn8awIP6_jjlRoIIJEVex2Sl3NDP4XJRSEGx5xUEtXKVhJ3L3PUNulc6-xVglo7Kj4SNuHmNyB0rEqM6xsZjoR1Y_jXzR2eVE2Bq7Rj3ARibC54geQ-I68rO1c-O3XcxD2nzWo&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
May 1, 20223 yr The new Signature Health outpatient clinic in Painesville is set to open on May 9th in a refurbished office building, located ironically across the street from the still-vacant seven acre lot where Lake East Hospital (formerly Lake Co. Memorial) stood for a century (replaced by University Hospitals' TriPoint Medical Center a few miles away in the "suburbs" 😉). According to the article, Signature primarily serves "Medicaid, Medicare and uninsured patients," which represents a large chunk of local residents (and walkable for many of them), so I guess it's a good fit (I bet even those well-heeled folks with concierge access might be willing to use it in an emergency! 🤩). If nothing else this facility will bring in a new batch of employees (as well as patients) who will help contribute to downtown's (seemingly ever elusive) revival, however modestly. Edited May 1, 20223 yr by eastvillagedon http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
May 5, 20223 yr the grand opening of the HOLA community center is today. Not sure if the refreshments are free 🤔. It's a non-profit. And Happy Cinco de Mayo! http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
May 6, 20223 yr ^well, lots of fanfare but alas no free tacos (apparently a boxed dinner for $10 was available to go). You would almost suspect that they did that to keep freeloaders (like me) away. A representative from the Mexican consulate in Detroit (it's the nearest one--not one in Ohio) was in attendance, and lots of lively entertainment! What's most surprising is that this old building was never demolished (considering the track record in town), and then transformed in such a stellar fashion. 🇲🇽 Edited May 6, 20223 yr by eastvillagedon http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
June 1, 20223 yr Columbus-based chain Condado Tacos opens Mentor location. Or, you could just go to one of the many nearby taquerias that serve the real thing 🙄 http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
June 1, 20223 yr 6 minutes ago, eastvillagedon said: Columbus-based chain Condado Tacos opens Mentor location. Or, you could just go to one of the many nearby taquerias that serve the real thing 🙄 That’s Mentor for you. I should have never moved here.
June 1, 20223 yr 12 minutes ago, eastvillagedon said: Columbus-based chain Condado Tacos opens Mentor location. Or, you could just go to one of the many nearby taquerias that serve the real thing 🙄 I’m always wanting recommendations for new places. Any for legit Mexican food?
June 1, 20223 yr 2 minutes ago, JB said: I’m always wanting recommendations for new places. Any for legit Mexican food? try any of these. The first two are especially popular (as is El Taco Macho). A couple of these places are off the social media radar for the most part, but get good reviews. (De Leon Bakery is virtually across the street from La Cocina de Mama) La Casita-- http://taquerialacasita.com/ (also an excellent grocery in this location) La Mexicana/El Senor's--https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Mexican-Restaurant/La-Mexicana-Painesville-204180329633414/ (grocery also) Cocina Elvis-- https://www.cocinaelvis.com/ Picante Mexican Grill--https://picantemexicangrillohio.com/ La Cocina de Mama--https://www.facebook.com/lacocina440/ De Leon Bakery--https://de-leon-bakery-llc.business.site/ http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
June 1, 20223 yr 32 minutes ago, eastvillagedon said: try any of these. The first two are especially popular (as is El Taco Macho). A couple of these places are off the social media radar for the most part, but get good reviews. (De Leon Bakery is virtually across the street from La Cocina de Mama) La Casita-- http://taquerialacasita.com/ (also an excellent grocery in this location) La Mexicana/El Senor's--https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Mexican-Restaurant/La-Mexicana-Painesville-204180329633414/ (grocery also) Cocina Elvis-- https://www.cocinaelvis.com/ Picante Mexican Grill--https://picantemexicangrillohio.com/ La Cocina de Mama--https://www.facebook.com/lacocina440/ De Leon Bakery--https://de-leon-bakery-llc.business.site/ I’ve had El Taco Macho, it’s great. I’ll give these other places a try! Thank you.
June 9, 20223 yr The Yard on 3rd food truck park opens today in Willoughby https://clevelandmagazine.com/food-drink/articles/first-look-the-yard-on-3rd-truck-park-opens-this-week-in-downtown-willoughby http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
June 13, 20223 yr If anyone is looking for a Juneteenth event next weekend, Painesville will have two of them. The second one will take place in a park that was the site of my long gone elementary school (Huntington, hence the park name). But unfortunately you won't have the privilege of riding the off-balance, rusty merry-go-round with the peeling orange paint and splintered wooden seats I enjoyed while a student there in the 60's (likewise the creaky swings with the precarious chains holding them in place), though I believe there is some new playground equipment that's a little less treacherous-- Edited June 13, 20223 yr by eastvillagedon http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
June 14, 20223 yr On 2/28/2022 at 1:20 PM, eastvillagedon said: An amphitheater and an entertainment district? this is going to be the Hollywood Bowl and the Vegas Strip combined 🤩 looks like the amphitheater project is a step closer to reality🙂 http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
June 29, 20222 yr for anyone still searching for a 4th of July weekend activity, the one and only Fairport Mardi Gras is finally back in business this year! I couldn't help but notice that the Pie Eating Contest and Axe Throwing are scheduled for about the same time. Perhaps the two are combined? And why are fireworks on the 3rd instead of the 4th?? 😠 http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
June 29, 20222 yr Fireworks on the 3rd instead of the 4th? So that they can be postponed a day in case of rain?
June 29, 20222 yr 29 minutes ago, bjk said: Fireworks on the 3rd instead of the 4th? So that they can be postponed a day in case of rain? I guess that's the sort of practical thinking that characterizes Lake County 🤔 http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
June 29, 20222 yr Mardi Gras? And it's not on a Tuesday??? "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
July 5, 20222 yr a second consecutive opportunity to spend Saturday in beautiful Fairport Harbor ⛵ http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
July 6, 20222 yr Work will soon begin to save a portion of Painesville's Bank St. that's close to collapsing into the Grand River 🤯 A couple of hundred feet from this location is a nice park, developed not that many years ago, called Beaty Landing that's worth a visit. I always liked walking along river next to the cliffs. http://www.lakemetroparks.com/parks-trails/beaty-landing http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
July 12, 20222 yr The Painesville Skateboarding Association (who knew there was one?) is trying to raise a half-millon $$ for a "world class" skatepark via GoFundMe (So far they've raised less than .25% of their goal, but this is not a solicitation!)--another one of those "bread and circuses" projects they're always coming up with (The one pictured in the link is the little one they have now). Can't they just find a decrepit patch of concrete (this shouldn't be hard to do in Painesville) like the one in Tompkins Square Park that's one of NYC's most revered skateboarding destinations? This spot was actually saved from being turned into yuppie tennis courts or something like that with a protest by the skateboarding community. I don't know if government funding is available for this sort of thing. 🛹 https://www.gofundme.com/f/painesville-skateboarding-association http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
August 1, 20222 yr ✅ Vote for Painesville in PetSafe's contest for a grant to develop a dog park, unless you're somehow loyal to Bellville or Marion (two other Ohio cities in competition 🤨) https://barkforyourpark.petsafe.com/locations/65983/ http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
August 12, 20222 yr It looks like the old bank-to-Lake Erie College dorm project has finally started. It seems they're removing the windows. Don't college students occasionally look out of them? https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=420475730112322&set=a.294883109338252 http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
August 12, 20222 yr An attempt at humor? "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
September 28, 20222 yr Lake Erie Food Festival?? Sautéed plankton, anyone? http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
September 29, 20222 yr 18 hours ago, eastvillagedon said: Lake Erie Food Festival?? Sautéed plankton, anyone? I know you’re a Painsville guy. Any reason they haven’t invested in their downtown that surrounds the courts? Could be a cool walkable area.
September 29, 20222 yr 1 hour ago, JB said: I know you’re a Painsville guy. Any reason they haven’t invested in their downtown that surrounds the courts? Could be a cool walkable area. There was a plan to redevelop the Lake East Hospital site 1 block South of the square, and another to build on the now-closed Giant Eagle parking lot that swallowed a whole side of the main street decades ago, but the plans have existed for years, covid would have slowed them down, and property values remain so low in the area that the construction didn't seem profitable. The more recent plan to build hundreds of single family homes across the Grand River on what is now a forest and closed airport had more traction, and although I hate everything about that plan, maybe more population in the area would be enough to push the downtown projects over the last hurdle. If they are even still being pursued?
September 29, 20222 yr 4 hours ago, JB said: I know you’re a Painsville guy. Any reason they haven’t invested in their downtown that surrounds the courts? Could be a cool walkable area. --actually, I thought there's been quite a bit activity around the "Square," as they call it (Back in my day it was simply the "park" or Veterans Park, the correct name). A few years ago the new Lake County Administration Building opened (Unfortunately a small yet historic 2-story building—that used to be a Sears store in the 50's & 60's-- was demolished but what the heck, that's something they still love doing in Painesville!) https://www.amhigley.com/markets/government/lake-county-administration-new-headquarters/ (re What Up--yes, that hospital site has been a sore spot. They had (or still have?) grand plans for it, but nothing seems to happen. I thought maybe a nature preserve might be doable lol) --Also, across the park, and as I've been reporting here lately, Lake Erie College is transforming the old Chase Bank building (originally the Lake County National Bank, and then something else, can't recall) into a dormitory, so that will bring a bunch of students downtown to live (maybe not always the most desirable demographic 😒 ) https://www.lec.edu/new-student-housing-in-painesville/ --Additionally, Victoria Place, originally the New Market Mall, part of a misguided urban renewal scheme and built as a shopping mall in the 70's to combat the popularity of the Great Lakes Mall as stores and shoppers fled Painesville, was purchased by developers a couple of years ago with plans to create a mixed-use project. Presumably there is work being done inside now but I was hoping there would be more progress to report by now. We'll see... --A couple of blocks east of the park at the end of Main St., there are plans for an amphitheater and entertainment district, but still in very early stages http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
December 6, 20222 yr Proof that Lake County is not the culinary wasteland some might suggest 🌭 http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
December 7, 20222 yr Four NE Ohio projects win TMUD credits By Ken Prendergast / December 7, 2022 In the first round of Ohio’s Transformational Mixed Use Development (TMUD) tax credit program, more than half of the major-city credits went to Cleveland. Today, more than half of those credits went to just two projects in Columbus. That left enough TMUD credits to benefit two projects in Cleveland — the Erieview redevelopment in downtown Cleveland and the Circle Square megaproject in University Circle. Unfortunately, that also meant that several other projects in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County were left out. MORE https://neo-trans.blog/2022/12/07/four-ne-ohio-projects-win-tmud-credits/ "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
December 8, 20222 yr well, this announcement certainly has generated a lot of excitement and cynicism on social media in Painesville, not least of it being the description of Victoria Place (shown in picture^-- and originally called the New Market Mall) as "historic" 😼. It's fifty years old and was built to replace a block of mid-19th century buildings that were authentically historic! Supposedly it is now in the process of rehabilitation for uses that so far haven't been made clear by the developer, Renew Partners. Also the claim in the press release that the project would generate 1,200(!) jobs was met with a great deal of skepticism, to say the least. Speculation is that it was a typo lol. But apart from its failure from day one (intended to revive Painesville's rapidly shrinking retail scene which started in the 60's) to its transformation to unappealing office space, I never thought the exterior looked that bad, although now a bit dated 🙄. However, if they could greatly increase the window space and open it up to the park/square (whatever it's called now), I think that would make a big difference. And I can hardly wait to see what the plans for new building (and all the other amenities) by the Grand River will look like. They do realize part of that area is a flood zone, don't they? 🤔 https://www.cleveland.com/metro/2009/03/painesville_will_tear_down_con.html http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
December 8, 20222 yr Structures 50 years or older qualifies for historic tax credits. Even some that are younger but "contribute" to an historic district, such as through a noted architect or style of architecture, may qualify. "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
December 20, 20222 yr I wish I could share this guy's optimism in this mini-informercial about the future of Painesville (they should appoint him city manager😃). Then again I'm not the official real estate agent for the developer of these projects who stands to reap large commissions. From the sound of it, Painesville is destined to be the new Toronto ("boom town," "bustling streets"...or maybe Toronto, OH) 😆 (note to self: stop being so cynical!) http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
December 21, 20222 yr also included in the historic tax credit program is the bank-turned-Lake Erie dorm project-- Lake County National Bank in Painesville Total Project Cost: $17,936,206 Total Tax Credit: $1,544,375 Address: 30 S. Park Place (https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/cuyahoga-county/historic-northeast-ohio-buildings-receive-tax-credit/95-67a48447-396f-4f13-9c64-d2b700539df9) "Only the second project in Painesville to be awarded historic tax credits, the former Lake County National Bank building sits on the city's central square in the downtown historic district. An example of mid-century architecture, the building served as a bank until recently but is now vacant. After the rehabilitation is complete it will hold 65 dormitory-style apartments serving the students of nearby Lake Erie College. The building will also house amenity spaces for students as well as a small commercial space." Edited December 21, 20222 yr by eastvillagedon http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
January 10, 20232 yr Not familiar with this chain, but Noodles & Company opens in Mentor. While it looks like there are several of them around Columbus, this appears to be the first one in the Cleveland area (?). Maybe someone can provide a review--🥴 Edited January 10, 20232 yr by eastvillagedon http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
January 11, 20232 yr 19 hours ago, eastvillagedon said: Not familiar with this chain, but Noodles & Company opens in Mentor. While it looks like there are several of them around Columbus, this appears to be the first one in the Cleveland area (?). Maybe someone can provide a review--🥴 I went there once or twice in Columbus in 2010 or 2011. It was fine, I think. Not great, not bad. I don't remember much about it, which I suppose says something. Granted I don't know what may have changed in the last decade.
January 11, 20232 yr 2 hours ago, gpodawund said: I went there once or twice in Columbus in 2010 or 2011. It was fine, I think. Not great, not bad. I don't remember much about it, which I suppose says something. Granted I don't know what may have changed in the last decade. I checked their Facebook page and judging by the dishes pictured this place looks like Sweetgreen for the Carb Crowd (guilty as charged). One of them stood out--a slice of pepperoni pizza resting atop a bowl of mac & cheese. Not sure if one is supposed to cut up the pizza and combine it with the rest of it or eat them separately. I guess it all depends on regional differences. Incidentally this dish was given a "New York" theme. Best not to even mention what they had for Hawaii. http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
February 14, 20232 yr okay, another report on all the development planned for Painesville. Based on the pictures shown most of it looks so bland and boring I wonder if actual licensed architects were consulted 🤔. (I guess the developers didn't read that big NY Times article a couple of weeks ago on the grim sameness of so much of what's going up these days lol). Not that I expected anything too cutting edge, but hopefully these "designs" will evolve into something more appealing-- http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
February 25, 20232 yr yuuuge development with a "new town center" and over 2,000 residences proposed for Painesville Township-- https://news.yahoo.com/painesville-township-discuss-proposed-development-160100117.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall My favorite quote: "The general consensus from the residents was that there's no sense of place, there's no gathering place, there's no identity to Painesville Township," she said, adding, "To foster a sense of pride in community, the general consensus from the residents was, we needed a gathering space." Huh? You have a "gathering place," and have had one for 200 years: It's called downtown Painesville! As a matter of fact, the reason people live in the Township is that it has no identity--lol. How obnoxious. Edited February 25, 20232 yr by eastvillagedon http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
March 1, 20232 yr here's a real game changer: Sheetz is coming to Painesville (I believe there are already 3 in Lake County). Maybe it will improve the hood. This location is just a hop, skip and a jump from a KFC parking lot at which there was a shooting a couple of weeks ago 🔫 Sheetz to Break Ground on Richmond Street PAINESVILLE, Ohio— A new franchise is coming to Painesville City. Sheetz, Inc. has acquired the land at the corner of Richmond Street and Stage Avenue and plans to start demolition on March 3. The three parcels of land include 461 Richmond Street (Crystal Clean Car Wash), 429 Richmond Street (Lakeview Industries) and 33 Stage Avenue (vacant lot). 439 Richmond Street was rezoned from an M-1 industrial property to a B-2 general business property back in May 2022 at the recommendation of the Painesville Planning Commission and City Council to make this project feasible. Sheetz is an American chain of gas stations and convenience stores offering 24/7 service. The company plans to install six gas pumps at their new Richmond Street location including a convenience store, outdoor seating, made-to-order food service and a 24/7 drive thru service. Customers will be able to enter and exit on both Stage Avenue and Richmond Street. The location will now be the closest gas station to the SR-2 interchange. http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
March 1, 20232 yr Hey @KJPhave you heard anything recently about that Mentor project that got awarded TMUD money? That still has yet to start.
March 1, 20232 yr No, I haven't. Hear anything @zbaris87? "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
March 6, 20232 yr apparently people in Perry Township feel that 150 homes on 93 acres is too dense-- "Tom Liedtke of Lane Road described the proposed housing development as “very disproportionate. “It’s like putting New York City next to Perry Township,” he said." 😂 http://www.mainstreetpainesville.org/
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