DSCDO is doing a great job.  One of the best CDC's in Cleveland, I think.  But it needs to be stated that they aren't unique in their existence- every Cleveland neighborhood is served by a CDC with broadly similar objectives and capacities.  What does make them unique is that they seem to have a particularly talented staff and leadership that are willing to try unconventional ideas and brand and market them to the sort of niches that appreciate urban living- The Ecovillage, The Gordon Square Theater District.  There is also an element of right time, right place here-Ohio City/Tremont are getting pricier thus sending people out to the "next" neighborhood, the Shoreway being turned into a Boulevard is opening up a new niche market.

^ Absolutely true ... Cleveland is full of exceptional CDCs. In addition to what you stated above, I would also point out that DSCDO also seems to be more aggressive with filling retail vacancies in and around Detroit & W. 65th than most CDCs. That's not a discredit to other CDCs ... in large part, DSCDO is able to encourage retail development based on increasing market attention in the neighborhood, as well as the resources they've captured by having one of the city's 6 Strategic Investment Initiatives.

 

We do have a citywide storefront renovation program, but I would love to see citywide efforts to assist entrepreneurs themselves and to develop retail niches in a number of retail districts across the city.

does anyone know what's going on with the Detroit-Superior Lofts?

Last I heard, it was going to the city's Landmark Commission for review ... the project's in the Ohio City neighborhood, and there was some discussion of it in the Ohio City thread recently: http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=9289.msg234368#msg234368.

does anyone know what's going on with the Detroit-Superior Lofts?

 

Search function!  :-)  Specific thread devoted to the project.

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php?topic=5948.0

I was also in the Gordon Sq area this wknd.  We went Sunday and really enjoyed the new shops (even bought something at Room Service).  Only downer was that we went planning to grab a bite to eat and then hit the new stores.  Unfortunately, Cheddar's was closed (as was the PR place Rincon ______).  Lat 41 was open, but they were still serving a pretty limited brunch menu at 1 pm and we were pretty much ready for lunch (also hardly a soul in there, although there were a few more people when we drove by later).  The City Grill was open, but it's pretty much a bar and not really friendly for our 15-month old!  In the end, we ended up running back over to Heck's in OC.

 

In any case, this is becoming a great neighborhood...  Has a more urban feel to me than OC or Tremont b/c of the height of the bldgs and the narrowness of the street.  Seems to have blossomed all of a sudden in the last year.

^Gypsy has great lunch and breakfast food... a pretty impressive menu for a cafe... and they make everything in-house!  That's where we went after the shops on Friday.  Can't go wrong with some hot chai and a couple fresh tasty muffins on a cold day!

I blame gypsy beans for my winter weight.  thank you very much saturday morning muffin run.  and pastry.  and mocha.  sigh.  at least I walk there.

Didn't realize Gyspsy Beans served more than muffins and such.  Oh well - next time. 

 

BTW, one other note: when we went into Kitsch City the owner shared that he was sort of glad that business was a bit slower on that day (Sunday) as it gave him some time to restock as the weekend had been really busy.  Good to hear people were coming out to this area to shop.  Article in the PD re:DuoHome & Room Service couldn't have hurt.

Hello - this is to share more information about the show "Convergence" which was originally posted by 8ShadesofGray on November 21st, 2007 -

 

--

 

"Convergence"

November 23 - January 4

6706 Detroit Avenue

Cleveland, Ohio 44102

 

--

 

Our concept:

 

to create a harmony within a local network of musicians, and artists, who are inspiring a change for a wider community to blossom

by utilizing what nooks Cleveland, Ohio has within it to create a positive example for artists and great minds

with a great deal of thanks to the DSCDO and CPAC for support and generosity

 

--

 

Cleveland is a city that is blindly seen by its onlookers in many ways as “the

poorest city in the United States”. However, its occupants know better. Cleveland

harbors many very “Rich” artists and strong minds. Each individual’s voice

resonates within the city’s walls to the core of the foundation but is seldom heard.

 

--

 

"Convergence" outlines two very talented artists with completely different

approaches to expressing their perception of the world and community. Long time

friends, John G, illustrator, and Billy Delfs, photographer, epitomize the foundation

of which this effort stands. Convergence is musicians, artists, friends, onlookers

and occupants within this city coming together to meet at a common ground.

 

--

 

John G, local comic, illustrator and flyer artist is seen in multiple arenas in Cleveland, Ohio. Some of his clients include Free Times, Scene and various flyers throughout the city representing local and nationally recognized musicians for local venues. He is inspired by "the effort of bringing heavy levels of reconciled honesty, and trying to conjure ideas that push themselves into the property of the weird and unreal while still being grounded in the province of relatability". His work represents the core of which Cleveland offers: texture, imperfection touching on perfection, all encompassed with an honest, raw approach. -  http://ninepanelgrid.blogspot.com

 

--

 

Billy Delfs is photographer raised and based in Cleveland, Ohio specializing in portraiture and environmental studies. He began as a BMX photographer, allowing early exploration and discovery, and later to document his stories for international publications and for personal exploration. Some of his clients include publications like ESPN, Redbook, and US Airways, to name just a few. Exploring this city at such a young age, has influenced Billy to become who he is now. - www.billydelfs.com

 

--

 

We invite you to stop by from noon to 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays leading up to the closing reception (TBA) or for an appointment call 216 220 0667.

 

--

 

Here are some pics of the space which the DSCDO has donated until January 4th - Cheers!

 

 

 

the space looks great from the street lit up.  congratulations on a job well done.  I will try and stop in over the weekend.  is there a possibility of shows there in the future?

You guys did a great job with the space and the show! I was really glad to attend.

That south side of Detroit has come a long long way. My mom used to own an Italian gift shop from 1986 to 2004 in the space currently occupied by Kitsch City. And I'll admit...as a young boy walking back to her shop from Mt. Carmel after school...I would intentially slow down to peek in the nudie magazine store next door. That was a long time ago though. :-o

I just had brunch at Latitude 41n -- it was FANTASTIC!  It is definitely worth a visit...

I am new to this forum, but it seems like there is a lot of discussion about the new shops on Detroit.  I live in the hood and am REALLY excited to see these new shops opening.  While Room Service, Kitsch City and Detroit Studio are all great, I have to take issue with some of the comments about Duohome.  I spent almost an hour there with my boyfriend on their opening day, which was really busy and the store is terrific.  I met the owners Scott and Jim, and they are friendly and hilarious...  The store is sophisticated, yes, but AJ (my BF) and I found a lot of things we could afford (Xmas ornaments, vases, candles).  I'm going back to do some more Xmas shopping.  C'mon support these guys and the street.  :clap:

Welcome urbangirl!

Thanks KJP -- I am excited to be a member here.  This blog/forum/whatever you call it is fun and seems to really focus in on specific neighborhoods.  I am looking forward to learning even more about my hood...

I spent a few hours this afternoon at Gypsy Beans at 65th and Detroit. They were doing a very brisk business. All the tables were occupied about 50% of the time. From what I overheard, it is a place to hang out before catching a show at Cleveland Public Theater. Of course that makes sense to all of us, but I was overhearing that from Twinsburgh and Mantua people.

 

 

Urbangirl, welcome!

Thanks for the "welcome" 3231.  Gypsy is terrific -- I get a muffin and/or a cookie there at least 2-3 times week.  I'm not really a big coffee drinker but my BF is...  I really like the whole vibe taking shape at W 65 & Detroit.  I used to live in Chicago and for the first time ever since I moved back to Cleveland, I feel like I am living in a "big city" again.  Coventry and Shaker Square are OK, but they feel a bit like strip malls to me.  With the new stores opening and Gypsy hanging in, I am getting really excited about my little block of urban turf.

I was overhearing that from Twinsburgh and Mantua people.

 

Okay I've been gone a long time but where in the hell is Mantua?

Middle of nowhere in Portage County - east of Aurora.

My wife, baby, brother, & I went to Latitude on Saturday for brunch and I will agree wholeheartedly with urbangirl.  The menu was good and the food was delicious, but what impressed me most was the decor.  Lots of brick, nice comfy couches and chairs, booths and tables.  The one side is laid out like a lounge, complete with a book shelf and coffee table; while the other has a more traditional restaurant layout - booths along the walls and tables down the middle.  There were about 6 other tables there while we were and people coming and going, albeit not as busy as say, Lucky's would be on a Saturday morning.  Regardless... very nice!  We'll be going back. 

For the love of the mother of all that's holy - the next person to comment about their visit to Latitude (or any other worthwhile sounding place) without getting a website or at least hours of operation gets a week off.

Man MayDay, you've been crabby today.  Get this guy a website......NOW!!!!  And you better not go off topic.

I am NOT crabby... the proper term is "ill-tempered". :-D

 

Anyhoo, if the place was easily Googled (or gee, they actually put up a site and advertise it), we wouldn't have this problem.

Okay, I just called Latitude and asked if they had a website again (also asked about a month and a half ago) and they still do not have one.  In fact, she strated to give me an e-mail address when I asked for the website.  I asked her to let Kathy know that there were a lot of folks out here on the internet that wanted to learn more about her resturant and would certainly be a good business move.  The number is 216-961-0000.  If enough of us call and ask about a website, maybe they'll eventually listen?  Anyway, I did manage to retrieve the hours:

 

8am-10pm M-Sat

8am-2pm Sunday

 

Breakfast served till 11am everyday except Sunday which is till 2pm.

Mayday, they don't have a website yet. I asked a few weeks ago and the owner said that they are working on it.

THANK you, both! :clap:

 

I know I'm a broken record, but honestly - that is one of the easiest ways to promote your business. More to the point, it's the easiest way for happy customers to spread the word. It doesn't need to be anything fancy, just a blurb about who you are, location, hours of operation and the menu.

I hear you. Having a web page these days (menu please!!) is about as rudimentary expectation as a telephone.

Last night, AJ and I were a both stir-crazy sitting at the apartment, so we walked to Gypsy and grabbed dinner.  The food was really good -- I always forget they have a whole "real food" menu, too...  After, he got a big coffee/I had a mocha and we walked down Detroit Avenue and peeked in the new shops.  Room Service looks like it has gotten more new stuff -- that lady there was moving things around.  The guys at Duo Home were cleaning up -- one was vacuuming, but still smiled and waved as we looked in the windows.  The windows at Kitsch City look so sweet at night.  I LOVE Rudolph, so that display brings a smile to my face.  For a minute, I really missed Chicago, but then reminded myself I was happy that this little block of "big city" is here in Cleveland...  I'm glad to have it.  PS -- I love snow.

Let's see: you love cities AND snow? Anytime AJ starts to bore you, drop me a note!!  :-D

Well KJP, it could be AJ Colby who has all the scoop for her on the snow.  Okay, back on topic. 

Does anyone know the status of the movie theater being restored/renovated in The Gordon Square Arcade?  I keep hearing it should be open by this time next year but that doesn't seeem possible.  How great will that be?  Fun shops, great coffee and theaters (live and motion) all within like two blocks...  BTW, my AJ is NOT a weatherman -- LOL!  He is an architect. 

Well, I doubt that the theater will be open in a year. Construction projects neve finish on time. From everything I hear, its a go.

^ Anyone know what is going on with the historic tax credit?  I know the first round of those were released not too long ago.  I have also heard that it would be open within a year and that was with starting work in March 08-- I found that hard to believe and esp so if all the funding isn't in place now.

 

Anyone hear anything about the streetscaping project?  And the last bit from your article, when the heck is Stone Mad opening?  :lol:

I heard today that the Gund Foundation just awarded $1.2 million to the Gordon Square Arts District. This is for the whole district -- the Capitol, Near West's new theater, and renovations to Cleveland Public Theatre. They have been making major strides with fundraising in the last year or so! I wonder how close they are to hitting their overall ~$20million target.

Blinker, do you know if the $20 million total includes the preservation tax credit that Detroit Shoreway is seeking from the state?

Yes. The $20MM is their overall capital campaign. And to answer a question posed elsewhere, I don't know where their state tax credit request stands, but I would guess they're pretty safe to get it.

They have 18 applicants ahead of them ... with any luck, they'll be toward the tail-end of the next pool of reviewed applications, which looks like it's going to occur sometime in January. If their qualified rehab expenses are accurate, and if they're approved, they'd receive a credit in excess of $1 million. Excited for them!

well, it seems my new friends in the Gordon Square Arts District (the guys at Duo Home taught me that -- LOL!) are socially-responsible as well...  here is a link to the website that describes a shopping event my favorite shops are doing this coming weekend: Detroit Studio, Duo Home, Room Service, Kitsch City, Gypsy and Latitude 41n.  AJ and I grabbed a sandwich at Latitude tonight, and the owner mentioned this event this weekend. I wish I was better with online "stuff" -- I would just post it here. but anyhow, here is the link -- check it out:

 

http://thedetroitstudio.com/centeremail/

 

sounds like a good way to spend money (like I ever need a reason...) gosh, I LOVE LOVE LOVE all these shops. please support them - who knows, maybe we could even get some MORE on Detroit. wouldn't it be great if we never had to go to a mall?

I'd like to suggest some kind of merger of this thread with the Gordon Square thread... Or to keep discussion of the Arts District in the latter thread, with miscellaneous Detroit Shoreway stuff in this one. Lots of redundancy at present.

^Agreed.   I say just merge the Gordon Square & DS threads.  I think it would be fine to discuss about the GSAD in the broader Detroit Shoreway thread. 

I posted a blurb about this Saturday's goings on at:

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/westsidesunnews/

wow -- is there a difference between the Detroit Shoreway and the Gordon Square Arts District?  I guess I thought they were kinda all one and the same.  (but they DO have two separate names -- hmmmm...)  seems to me that West 65th and Detroit is like the epicenter of the Detroit Shoreway, but I haven't been here all that long, so maybe I am wrong...  regardless, I LOVE what is happening here.  now if it would only SNOW this weekend so I could really get into the holiday mood...  :-D

^ Yeah, GSAD is part of DS, kinda in the same way that the Market Square District is part of Ohio City.

Well, since you're all looking for "cool" things in the area, I suggest stopping in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel church during the holiday season and checking out one of the most beautifully decorated churches in the city (biased opinion). A lot of work goes into setting up the display and I can assure you that the trees are not light. There's still some work to do, but anyone heading to DS for the Saturday shopping event might want to stop in and check it out.

This area is really starting to come around!  wonderful!

AJ and I went to Cleveland Public Theater and saw "The Santa Land Diaries" over the weekend -- what a howl!  That play was so funny...  Plus, it SNOWED -- yeah!!!  It was a perfect weekend for me...  I can't wait till all the theaters are opened in our neighborhood; that will be awesome... 

Is anyone familiar with these? http://dornlofts.com/index.htm

 

They sound interesting.

Interesting, indeed!  This would extend the Gordon Square arts & retail hub nicely, connecting the fast food drive-thru district to the traditional pedestrian retail district.  FYI, the empty (beautiful) school house that has been mentioned here before is just off the image's bottom left corner at W. 74th Street.

 

I like Chicken Parking!