Just got a notice that there will be a community meeting at the Gordon Square Arcade this week concerning the proposed Near West Theater.  They're apparently looking at a 2011 move-in.

 

Thursday, March 13 at 6 p.m.

 

Hosted by Councilman Matt Zone

 

Atrium of the Gordon Square Arcade, 6516 Detroit Avenue

Where exactly is the new restaurant going to be located?

Luxe will be on the south side of Detroit Ave., just easy Pioneer Savings and Loan. It's being opened in the space that an old bank used to occupy many years ago.

 

And I agree with the Indian food, although I haven't tried Udupi because I was told it was Northern Indian (read: vegetarian) and lord knows I gotta have my Chicken Tikka Masala. I haven't had Boston Indian cuisine, but I'll make an argument for Cincinnati having some great options.

"I want to remove the intimidation factor from dining," explains Kaplan. "Luxe will be affordable, approachable and fun. I'm attempting to recapture the spirit and philosophy of Marlin."

 

This quote is eerily similar to the one that preceeded the opening of the restaurant Erie Bleu, which was right next door to the Harp. I'm still sad that place ended up closing.

I would love to have some good Indian- however if I recall a conversation with a group of SE Asain Indians correctly, immigrants tend to live in the suburbs (particularly S and W ones). Not that non Indians would not support it. I just wonder how authentic it would be. I love all the fancy pizza joints we have (Bar Centro, Lolita etc) , but would also like something that holds up to carry out, delivery, and glutony better. 

hey y'all, I'm back...  I just want to weigh in on everything that is happening in my favorite neighborhood.  I heard luxe is going to open in like two weeks, and that the wine store (old Convenient store) is a done deal.  how great is that?  I am happy that we will have even MORE fun things to do here in the Detroit Shoreway 'hood.  I have been busy trying to support the new stores (duoHOME and Room Service) - that new restaurant luxe should help build street traffic for sure...  I know the guys at duoHOME are looking forward to warm weather to help business, and Daniella at Room Service said she couldn't wait till spring.  warm weather, new restaurants (hey -- when, if ever, is that Irish place gonna' open?) I LOVE IT HERE! 

Save the date for Pop Up Arts District, Wednesday, May 14th, 6 - 10 p.m., in the Gordon Square Arts District. Artists will be taking over the few vacant storefronts and lots that remain in the corridor for a one-night examination of the role artists play in Rust Belt neighborhoods. Should be a lot of fun and the neighborhood should be even more bumping than usual. Great time to come out and explore one of the Cleve's liveliest neighborhoods. More info at http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,15497.0.html.

I take it Stone mad didn't open in time from St. Patty's Day? I didn't hear any reports.

went by there after the parade with fingers crossed... the lights were on, but the bar stools were still upside down.  There's always next year!

I wonder if they're waiting on any sort of liquor permit. How much can one thing be delayed?? Its not like the owner has never opened and run a bar before.

I always find it is tortuous waiting for a place to open-it never seems to happen on schedule. there is always some kind of red tape given you have to deal with several entities be they state or local (health dept, liquor board etc).

The owner just wants everything perfect before it opens.  There is still a floor/artwork that needs to go in downstairs, and a few other things.  It should be open by June, hopefully earlier.

The owner just wants everything perfect before it opens.  There is still a floor/artwork that needs to go in downstairs, and a few other things.  It should be open by June, hopefully earlier.

 

sigh

best grand opening ever!  to be honest, I find the whole thing a little perplexing.  they renovated the building the bar is in, but left the house next to it, to the left.  it looks really silly because it is encompassed by the giant stone walls and the stonehenge/pizza oven thing.  I am picky.

best grand opening ever!  to be honest, I find the whole thing a little perplexing.  they renovated the building the bar is in, but left the house next to it, to the left.  it looks really silly because it is encompassed by the giant stone walls and the stonehenge/pizza oven thing.  I am picky.

 

you are not picky. it is very strange. At least they could have removed the lime green aluminum siding from that house. Punch, do you know the long term plans for that house?

I am not exactly sure.  It will not be part of the business.

I used to work at Treehouse, so each time I go home, I'll swing by and get an update.  When I was home last time, about a month ago, most everything was done, except for the bathroom walls and floor. It will be a mosaic from the same artist who did the mosaic for the bike tunnel between the neighborhood and edgewater.

 

It should be open soon.

and it should be fantastic.  I hope the owner knows how anxious his future customers are to start giving him business!

Anyone notice the PD article today stating that the Shoreway redevelopment wouldn't begin until 2012 at the earliest?

Anyone notice the PD article today stating that the Shoreway redevelopment wouldn't begin until 2012 at the earliest?

 

.......and the PD is reliable, since??  :roll: :-o :roll:

In Boston I had a choice of like 15 different Indian buffets to go to.. come to think of it, maybe that's why I lost 10 pounds when I moved back to Cleveland.

 

Sounds like Central Square in Cambridge...mmmm.

 

I also agree on the lack of Indian; and I think downtown is ripe for Thai food too (Tremont is not downtown).

 

I love Indian food too.  Dowtown had a decent place, Indigo, on Prospect attached to the Colonial Arcade about 3-4 years ago.  We went there during Friday dinner hour, once, and were the only 2 people being served; we knew it wasn't long for this world.  The Gordon Sq area would be ripe for such a place given its diversity.

Room Service and Danielle rock!

I was doing some shopping and browsing today in the DS neighborhood and peeked in the Luxe space. It will be beautiful ! It looks like a little ways to go through. I heard they were waiting on a liquor licence still. I did not see any tables in yet, although it looked like the floors had just been done. This place could be quite the hit. I think the food is good at One Walnut, but the atmosphere is way to stuffy for my taste. Hopefully this will fit into the vibe of the neighborhood- so far it looks great!

Moving to a slightly different topic, what's the deal with that big brick building on the corner of W. 74th and Detroit?  Any plans for that building?

Is this the building you're talking about?

 

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/landmark/listDetail.php?identity=248

 

 

There is this short passage from Page 41 of the following document:

 

http://www.dscdo.org/images/detroit_shoreway_neighborhood_plan.pdf

• Examine redevelopment options for the historic Watterson-Lake School building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a Cleveland landmark.

I love that building. Detroit Shoreway owns it, but it's been abandoned for years.

The school that operates next door is attached, which is weird.  I wonder if there are mysterious old doors in the newer building...

From this month's Plain Press (link here)

---

 

 

Plans unveiled for new Near West Theatre complex

by Chuck Hoven

 

(Plain Press, April 2008) At a March 13th meeting in the atrium of the Gordon Square Arcade, Near West Theatre supporters and Detroit Shoreway residents had the opportunity to take the first public look at plans for the proposed new home for Near West Theatre at W. 67th and Detroit Avenue.

 

An architect from the firm of Richard Fleishman Partners Architects showed plans for the new theatre educational complex which will be located on W. 67th just behind the old Lou’s Furniture building. The new theatre’s plans call for a large lobby, spacious seating, an elevator, air conditioning, heating and will be designed with acoustics appropriate for a theater setting. The concrete block building will be vibrantly painted, have metal paneling and exterior lighting.

 

Plans call for creating a green space on the corner of W. 67th and Detroit that will serve as an entryway to the theatre from Detroit Avenue. The building that now houses SP Leather will be demolished to make way for the green-space. Plans call for Cleveland Public Art to help design the green space on the corner.

 

Funds to pay for the new theatre building are being raised by the Gordon Square Arts District, an economic development partnership formed by Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization, Near West Theatre and Cleveland Public Theatre to raise millions of dollars in capital for major arts projects in the area. Stephanie Morrison Hrbek of Near West Theatre stressed to those attending the importance of the Gordon Square Arts District in raising capital that Near West Theatre could not have raised on its own.

 

Hrbek said operating the new theatre would mean a major increase in operating costs for Near West Theatre. She said that a review of similar sized theatres revealed an operating cost of $150,000 a year. Currently the rent paid for the use of the theatre space at St. Pat’s and the office space in the Gordon Square Arcade runs about $13,000 per year.

 

Detroit Shoreway Executive Director Jeff Ramsey said rents from the first floor commercial space in the former Lou’s Furniture building would be dedicated to Near West Theatre to help defray their operating costs. He estimated that the commercial space would raise between $40,000 to $50,000 per year. He said that green-building techniques used in the theatre will help to reduce the energy costs, thus further lowering the operating costs for the theatre. Hrbek said having its own space would allow the theatre to run plays for a longer time and to have the facility for year round shows, thus increasing revenue.

 

The new theatre will have about 250 seats. The space at St. Patrick’s Church Hall currently allows for 200-230 seats, says Hrbek.

 

While there will be a small parking lot behind the theatre building, additional parking will be available in the Gordon Square Arcade parking lot across the street. Negotiations are also underway to allow use of Pioneer Saving parking lot across Detroit Avenue from the Theatre.

 

Councilman Matt Zone says an effort is underway to create a Business Improvement District along Detroit Avenue in the area around the theatres where businesses will pay a voluntary assessment in order to provide additional amenities for the district such as additional security and lighting. Zone said he believes that the addition of more businesses to the commercial strip have added more eyes on the street at night adding to the increased safety of the neighborhood.

 

Plans call for construction to begin on the new Near West Theatre complex in 2010 and for a completion date sometime in 2011. Hrbek noted that Near West Theatre began planning for a new home in 1999, and the design process began in 2005. She promised additional public meetings as the opening of the new facility approaches.

 

Another major undertaking of the Gordon Square Arts District, the restoration of the Capital Theatre on W. 65th is expected to begin in May of this year and is slated for completion by June of 2009. Plans call for a three-screen movie theatre that will feature art and independent films.

Yeah yeah. I had an article about that months ago.. :)

Man has anybody seen the LUXE banners up.  Looks really chic.really livens up the interaction with the street.  Also you can see all the work going on and it looks like it's really starting to take shape.  I drove down the detroit strip last night and had a feeling of being back in Seattle.    I know I know get a camera and take some pictures.  Also Stonemad has got to be on the verge it looks awesome through the windows.  He's going to have to charge ten bucks a beer to make up for his costs.

The latest date for Stone Mad's opening is April 14th, but that marks probably the umpteenth different date since last summer.

The Studios at West 78th Street will help make Gordon Square Arts District a destination

by Fran Henry / Plain Dealer Reporter

Saturday April 05, 2008

 

No curb appeal or flashy interiors gilded the sprawling brick building perched between West 78th and West 80th streets on Lake Avenue in Cleveland.

 

But Dan Bush couldn't resist the possibilities. Envisioning a warren of arts-related tenants, the Brecksville entrepreneur -- unabashedly "hooked on Cleveland art" -- made the building his first sizable real estate acquisition...

 

For more: http://www.cleveland.com/arts/index.ssf/2008/04/the_studios_at_west_78th_stree.html

Loved the article.  Isn't it great when you read about all this stuff and you know that they could've added even more shops/restaurants to the story?  Cheddars, Happy Dog, Detroit Studio and many more were missed.  Hopefully, people come out to this event and see how much is going on in Gordon Square!

The latest date for Stone Mad's opening is April 14th, but that marks probably the umpteenth different date since last summer.

 

they had the pizza oven burning this weekend.  in the fall the stone seating will be a hit with the smokers. 

 

but I've still got a fiver on it opening in may sometime.  may of 2009, 2010, 2011.   

I walked by stonehengemad yesterday.  they looked to be having an opening party of some sort.  so I guess I owe myself five bucks for betting against it.  I was more than a bit disappointed to see that they tore down a house across the street to make a parking lot.  there is no lack of parking on w. 65th, this seems unneccessary. 

yes, yesterday was opening day at stone mad.  real classy place w/ top notch service, though you do pay for it as draft beers hover in the 4.5-5 range, though it was one of the smoothest pours of guinness i've had in a long long while.  i'm really glad he kept it free of any tv's.  it also appears to be free of any sort of music.  all this, or lack thereof, makes for great conversation!  the giant fireplace on the patio is sure to be a hit > i'm looking forward to a year round beer garden!

 

i too am a bit disappointed for demolishing a house to create a parking lot.  i'm guessing they are basing their parking needs on future development in and around the area.  hopefully it will be designed as well as his current parking lot. that being said, i wonder if the prospect of $5 gas (possible this summer) has been taken into account for all the parking being planned and built in and around detroit shoreway and numerous other developments 

 

i'm also a bit disappointed that there was no bike parking, though i was told that it's on the way.  imo, mandatory bike parking should be city policy for any new or renovated buildings, whether commercial, residential, or industrial.  bike parking costs a few hundred dollars and adds to everyone's transportation options.  perhaps it could offset the need for more car parking?

Is it open open, or was this a preview night?

Guv, (you probably already know this, but others may not) there is a bike parking ordinance going through City Hall right now.  It's geared towards lots and garages, though, and not specific buildings.  So, if a building has a lot, they'll need to provide accommodations for bikes at a rate of one bike space for every 20 car spaces.  This will apply to all new parking permits, while existing lots/garages will have two years to comply.

 

I noticed that house coming down last week across from Stone Mad and wondered what it was all about.  Another one came down the same day on W. 58th, near Detroit.  Not sure the cause of that one.  Not happy about either one!

 

I'm psyched to go check this place out... Do you think they'll have pub trivia???  It seems like the perfect place and I'm looking to join a league!

From what I've heard, the TV and jukebox free environment is not a mistake, nor an aspect of a premature opening. I remember hearing long ago that this would always be the case. Anyone else hear that?

Guv, (you probably already know this, but others may not) there is a bike parking ordinance going through City Hall right now.  It's geared towards lots and garages, though, and not specific buildings.  So, if a building has a lot, they'll need to provide accommodations for bikes at a rate of one bike space for every 20 car spaces.  This will apply to all new parking permits, while existing lots/garages will have two years to comply.

 

I noticed that house coming down last week across from Stone Mad and wondered what it was all about.  Another one came down the same day on W. 58th, near Detroit.  Not sure the cause of that one.  Not happy about either one!

 

I'm psyched to go check this place out... Do you think they'll have pub trivia???  It seems like the perfect place and I'm looking to join a league!

 

I love pub trivia!  I haven't found a place in Cleveland that does it yet, but I haven't looked real hard, either.

From what I've heard, the TV and jukebox free environment is not a mistake, nor an aspect of a premature opening. I remember hearing long ago that this would always be the case. Anyone else hear that?

 

I heard the bit about no TVs from the start, but not the no jukebox bit.  I admire their effort, but I think it is a mistake given the target market.  Clevelanders love their beer....but they love their sports just as much.

in general, I feel a bit early 20th century about bars.  in so much, they should be on every corner, so no one has to drive to them.  then, you don't need parking, because you are going there to have a drink or two anyhow.  a sunday night pub quiz would be pretty fun, an excuse to go to the bar, think and drink.

The middle room of Stone Mad is modeled after the oak room bar at the Plaza Hotel in NY (not sure if 'oak room' is the actual name)  It too does not have music.  I know Eileen wants music in the front pub, not sure if it will happen.

 

About parking, they may be considering the fact that W. 65th is scheduled to be an intersection with the W. Shoreway blvd, which may dry up parking.

I know a way of making music without a juke box. :wink:

I know a way of making music without a juke box. :wink:

 

Play on Playa-Playa!

I went to stone mad last night for a couple pints... F*cking Awesome.

F*cking Awesome.

 

Sounds like an endorsement to me! ;)

About parking, they may be considering the fact that W. 65th is scheduled to be an intersection with the W. Shoreway blvd, which may dry up parking.

 

As far as I know, W 65th is not going to be one of the intersection streets.  What I have heard is W 73rd, W 54th, & W 45th.  The pedestrian at the end of W 65th is supposed to stay and the W 76th tunnel rehabbed (hopefully).

I love all the efforts around battery park and like the idea of these homes; what I yearn for though, as someone who knows lots of people looking for housing, is affordable homes. I just wish there could be new construction under $250,000. Heck, under $200k. Our salaries in Cuyahoga County, even with tax abatement, just don't support tons of $300k homes. Just my thoughts. 

I love all the efforts around battery park and like the idea of these homes; what I yearn for though, as someone who knows lots of people looking for housing, is affordable homes. I just wish there could be new construction under $250,000. Heck, under $200k. Our salaries in Cuyahoga County, even with tax abatement, just don't support tons of $300k homes. Just my thoughts. 

 

You can find homes for under 200k in the Detroit Shoreway area. They might not be new construction. One of the mistakes made in the housing debacle was that there was this notion that everyone should own, no matter their ability to keep up.

 

We should be encouraging those friends of yours who are looking to own not to look at new condo's being built in the various high rent districts, but instead the existing housing stock around those areas, assuming they can afford it.

hi weepinwillow, yes I know about the existing housing no worries (I'm a realtor). I was talking about all the buyer clients I have had. Also talking about the trend we saw in D/S, OC, and Tremont to have $300k be the starting price point for new construction.  It's just my wish that more new construction be at a lower price point. In general, Cleveland area salaries do not match the $300k price point. Stonebridge and Fries and Schuele are in general the hottest sales and that is related to price point.