Just talked to Gypsy Bean yesterday about doing some catering, no indication of anything.

Just called re: hours today, and they're open to 9. So doesn't appear to be any kind of closure or anything.

Cleveland Public Art has posted updated pics of the Edgewater Hill Blue Birds. They look fantastic!

 

http://www.clevelandpublicart.org/projects/completed/edgewater-hill-blue-birds

Anyone have updates/details about Gypsy Bean? Drove by yesterday and the windows were covered, almost in a "remodeling" fashion, but hadn't heard of any plans.

 

Gypsy was remodeling at the time - I spoke with the owner.

Cleveland Public Art has posted updated pics of the Edgewater Hill Blue Birds. They look fantastic!

 

http://www.clevelandpublicart.org/projects/completed/edgewater-hill-blue-birds

 

Seriously- they look awesome in those photos.  Didn't know they'd be so opalescent.  I also noticed from the photos that shirts seem to be out of fashion among the teenage set in the neighborhoods.

wow, what a great slideshow -- extreme coolness!

I truly believe it's the little things like this that can really inspire pride in the community.

 

Cleveland Public Art has posted updated pics of the Edgewater Hill Blue Birds. They look fantastic!

 

http://www.clevelandpublicart.org/projects/completed/edgewater-hill-blue-birds

^I wholeheartedly agree.  There's been a lot of work in the Edgewater Hill area in recent years to complement the Battery Park development.  These are some of the nicest block in the neighborhood, IMO.

 

I'm excited and intrigued by this storefront move across from Save-a-Lot.  I feel like the closest place to D-S to get a good sandwich from a local deli is Tremont, which has several options.  I'd hit up a good sandwich shop in that Detroit Ave location quite a bit... provided they offer good veggie options!

speaking of this area... they tore down one of the fast food places next to the hot dog stand, only to build what appears to be another fast food place way set back from the street... what a wasted opportunity.

wasted opportunity indeed.  With the newly renovated Capitol theater, fresh Detroit Ave streetscape & proximity to the water, there's about a thousand other things that could've gone in that spot.  What I'd really like to see there would be Burger King relocate into the new spot and redevelop the big lot they have now.  It's all parking which is never used.

 

 

I'm all for the continued development of the Gordon Square Arts District, but that doesn't mean that the neighborhood shouldn't have fast food restaurants.  Maybe a food coop could go into one of the many vacant storefronts.  Remember, most of the residents in this neighborhood are still pretty poor, and it's not for us to condescend to them and take away a cheap and easy food alternative. 

I'm all for the continued development of the Gordon Square Arts District, but that doesn't mean that the neighborhood shouldn't have fast food restaurants. Maybe a food coop could go into one of the many vacant storefronts. Remember, most of the residents in this neighborhood are still pretty poor, and it's not for us to condescend to them and take away a cheap and easy food alternative.

 

for sure, but that doesn't mean it has to be set back so far. for a decently sited fast food (maybe that's an oxymoron) check out the "new" wendy's on 117th.  It's still built out right to the sidewalk with a pedestrian friendly front door.

I'm all for the continued development of the Gordon Square Arts District, but that doesn't mean that the neighborhood shouldn't have fast food restaurants. Maybe a food coop could go into one of the many vacant storefronts. Remember, most of the residents in this neighborhood are still pretty poor, and it's not for us to condescend to them and take away a cheap and easy food alternative.

 

for sure, but that doesn't mean it has to be set back so far. for a decently sited fast food (maybe that's an oxymoron) check out the "new" wendy's on 117th. It's still built out right to the sidewalk with a pedestrian friendly front door.

Those fast food restaurants on Detroit do often seem to have unnecessarily large setbacks  and/or parking lots.  It is kind of surprising that the new building was built in the exact same spot without DSCDO intervention (of course that's presumptive).  Also, thinking about it, it's probably not another Popeye's going in since the previous one was built and torn down in less than 4 years.  Maybe it will be a vegetarian restaurant with a gaudy setback and ambivalence can reign on the forum.

sheesh... didn't know I was going to open such a crap storm by discussing this.  My only point is that use of the building has relatively little to do with it's design.  And good design always has the opportunity to improve a neighborhood.  I've seen some fast food places that fit seemlessly into urban neighborhoods.  Likewise we've all seen the typical autocentric crappy CVS... and yet in Solon of all places is probably the most well sited, attractive CVS's in existence.  It might actually be the only truly authentic urban building in their commercial district.  It can always be done.  I'm just a little surprised that with all the recent investment in this neighborhood and the strides made, that DSCDO didn't push for something to be held to a higher standard...

Back on topic, folks.  And the Great Mother Hen help the next person who mentions chicken bones!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to attend a multi-site conference bisected by a rapidly forming streetscape rehab? Me either, but I got to find out anyway at Rust Belt to Artist Belt II. The event took place in the midst of what I can only say is BY FAR the fastest street work I've ever seen being performed (move over, Warehouse District sidewalk). The rush was on to get done by the streetscape dedication ceremony taking place this Saturday. I was told by folks in the know that we can anticipate seeing 80% of the work completed by Saturday, which means the street will look strikingly different than it did just a week ago. Still to be installed will be the Maschke bus shelters and public art elements by Susie Frazier Mueller, but the vast majority should be ready.

 

Oh, and our group was inside the Capitol Theatre for a couple sessions, and that's definitely shaping up to be a lovely theater. It looked more or less in finished shape while we were there (although we were only downstairs in the main theater).

I hope the quality is not compromised by getting this done so quickly. Any thoughts on that?

In my experience with tradesmen and subcontractors lately, it's just easier to get people to get things done in this economic climate.  I've also noticed more non-emergency infrastructure work going on well into the night if not nearly 24/7.  If you're getting paid less to do the same thing today that you did 1 or 2 years prior you have to get it done faster.

it is remarkable how many people they have out there working on this project, well into the night.  I've been very impressed by this on a daily basis.  It's looking great!

Any pictures to share? Also when will the public art and bus shelters be installed?

A good portion of the streetscape work was done last year when the new conduit for power & traffic signals were buried.  This year has been erecting the poles, pouring the curb & walks & repaving.  I think the after-hrs work everyone is referring to is the Cleveland Power workers removing the old poles & wires and making the switches underground.  This is probably easier to do after hours when businesses are closed and there is less street traffic.

While this streetscape is certainly very nice, I'm anxious to see how many new businesses open up in the area or existing businesses experience a surge in sales.  There are still plenty of vacant storefronts along this strip.

^ And plenty of payday loan....errr....I mean "tax services" companies.  Between the streetscaping and the Capitol, I think things will definitely keep moving in the right direction.

There is a lot of space left, but most of it is already at least tentatively slated for uses, and when you look at the number of storefronts that have been activated in the past 5 years in this area (Detroit Studio, Room Service, Luxe, Kitsch City, DuoHome, a slew of galleries at the W. 78th Building, Latitude41, the Big Egg again, the Happy Dog, RedStone, Stone Mad) ... it's not hard to see an optimistic trajectory for this area. The extra space has also been a boon for holding special events, like Billy Naininger's photography show a couple years back or the wildly successful Made in the 216 event.

Don't know how I got on the mailing list (?? through urbanohio.com membership ??), but I got a nice invite for the opening event today:

 

Please join us this Saturday, September 26, to celebrate the opening of the Detroit Avenue Streetscape in the Detroit Shoreway Neighborhood on Cleveland's West Side! Whether you like to sample tasty treats, check out the latest art or soak up the rays during a sand volleyball match, there is something for everyone in the Detroit Shoreway this weekend. ........

 

http://view.exacttarget.com/?j=fe5316737c62017b7212&m=fefc10737c6605&ls=fdfb17717367077572157277&l=fe8a1678706c04787c&s=fe0215717060067973157171&jb=ffcf14&ju=fe2115797d6706787c1273

While this streetscape is certainly very nice, I'm anxious to see how many new businesses open up in the area or existing businesses experience a surge in sales.  There are still plenty of vacant storefronts along this strip.

 

I'm looking forward to seeing the economic impact of the movie theatre on the neighborhood. I think that will be huge more than any singular thing to date.

While this streetscape is certainly very nice, I'm anxious to see how many new businesses open up in the area or existing businesses experience a surge in sales. There are still plenty of vacant storefronts along this strip.

 

I'm looking forward to seeing the economic impact of the movie theatre on the neighborhood. I think that will be huge more than any singular thing to date.

 

Agreed.  The other stores & shops are more to service the people already in the area.  The theater will bring in alot of people from other parts of the Cleveland area who will be getting a glimpse of the Detroit Shoreway area for the first time.  Hope it's a good first impression.  I think it's also worth noting that there is not enough places to eat & drink before/after the shows at Capitol theater.  Cedar Lee has 8 or 10 great places within a block or two.  The Capitol has about 3 that are that close and none of them have much room to really accomodate a crowd.

 

Anybody been by to see the progress at the Powerhouse in Battery Park?  Come by at night, it looks great with the new exterior lighting.

 

 

 

 

Anybody been by to see the progress at the Powerhouse in Battery Park? Come by at night, it looks great with the new exterior lighting.

 

Drove by last night.  Looks like the salb for the floor got poured over the last few days

I think it's also worth noting that there is not enough places to eat & drink before/after the shows at Capitol theater.  Cedar Lee has 8 or 10 great places within a block or two.  The Capitol has about 3 that are that close and none of them have much room to really accomodate a crowd.

 

Just curious,  what are the eating/drinking places w/ seating you are thinking of around the Capitol that meet your criteria of being within a couple blocks?

ALREADY OPEN

-Gypsy Bean Coffee/Cafe, across the street

-Rincon Criollo, same block

-Luxe Kitchen + Lounge, 2 blocks west

-Stone Mad Tavern, 2-3 blocks north  (seating here is pretty expansive, btw)

-City Grill Bar, 1 block east

NOT YET OPEN

-Wine Bar + Cafe, 1 block north

 

 

Based on the above, what types of places would you recommend?  Thank you for your input.

 

 

La Boca can handle large parties and would be a great before or after show place.

I think it's also worth noting that there is not enough places to eat & drink before/after the shows at Capitol theater.  Cedar Lee has 8 or 10 great places within a block or two.  The Capitol has about 3 that are that close and none of them have much room to really accomodate a crowd.

Just curious,  what are the eating/drinking places w/ seating you are thinking of around the Capitol that meet your criteria of being within a couple blocks?

ALREADY OPEN

-Gypsy Bean Coffee/Cafe, across the street

-Luxe Kitchen + Lounge, 2 blocks west

-Stone Mad Tavern, 2-3 blocks north  (seating here is pretty expansive, btw)

-City Grill Bar, 1 block east

NOT YET OPEN

-Wine Bar + Cafe, 1 block north

 

Based on the above, what types of places would you recommend?  Thank you for your input.

 

Luxe & Stone Mad would be my first recommendations and both will be jam packed for several months after the theater opens.  LaBoca is great, but a bit far to walk.  Reddstone is fun for drinks and a bite, but is def too far to walk to the theater.  Haven't tried City Grill yet.  Gypsy Bean is great for coffee and a snack.

Almost forgot one of my neighborhood favorites, Don's Lighthouse!

Detroit-Shoreway needs a deli/sandwich place.

If you're willing to walk a few blocks, there are plenty of restaurants in Detroit Shoreway. These dozen places all serve food.. 

 

Lattitude 41 (how did everyone forget this one??)

Rincon Criollo (Cuban/Puerto Rican)

Minh Anh (Vietnamese)

Parkview Night Club

Stone Mad

Big Egg

Gypsy Bean

La Boca (Argentinian, South American)

Luxe

City Grill

Reddstone

Happy Dog

 

Plus, there's Subway, Burger King, etc. :P

 

On another note, The Plain Dealer had a cool video of the renovated Capitol Theater today:

http://videos.cleveland.com/plain-dealer/2009/09/more_to_the_story_33.html

 

 

Ate at La Boca a couple nights ago and liked it.....I s'pose it is subjective, but I wouldn't consider that too far to walk at all.

 

Reddstone is a bit far for a single park.

 

The Parkview is our "everyday" place to eat in the neighborhood. Corner bar atmosphere but with food that's better than a corner bar. Plus the bar staff are some of the friendliest folks in town. :)

 

Almost forgot one of my neighborhood favorites, Don's Lighthouse!

 

It's been a couple of years since I have been inside Don's, despite driving past it every day.  Someone said they had a great Happy Hour with free mussels or something....any truth to that?

A bit of self promotion...

For all you green architecture buffs (and fans of Detroit Shoreway), my partner and I have a blog about renovating a Victorian house on West Clinton to meet LEED for Homes standards. Check it ooooouutt -- http://victorianleed.blogspot.com/

Congratulations Blinker, looks like fun (and a lot of hard work!!)!

A bit of self promotion...

For all you green architecture buffs (and fans of Detroit Shoreway), my partner and I have a blog about renovating a Victorian house on West Clinton to meet LEED for Homes standards. Check it ooooouutt -- http://victorianleed.blogspot.com/

 

Congrats. Keep us in the loop! I don't envy you boys living in and working on the house at the same time.

A lot of activity on 69th st, north of Detroit.  A couple of the old homes have been torn down, and the old bakery across from my building has been sold.  From what I hear, someone is opening a studio of sorts.  I just heard from my tenant that he is moving out, he was there a year, and I hate to see him leave.

A bit of self promotion...

For all you green architecture buffs (and fans of Detroit Shoreway), my partner and I have a blog about renovating a Victorian house on West Clinton to meet LEED for Homes standards. Check it ooooouutt -- http://victorianleed.blogspot.com/

 

Congrats. Keep us in the loop! I don't envy you boys living in and working on the house at the same time.

 

They are still in their apartment and won't move in until the house is complete.

A bit of self promotion...

For all you green architecture buffs (and fans of Detroit Shoreway), my partner and I have a blog about renovating a Victorian house on West Clinton to meet LEED for Homes standards. Check it ooooouutt -- http://victorianleed.blogspot.com/

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Congrats.  Keep us in the loop!  I don't envy you boys living in and working on the house at the same time. 

[/quote]

 

They are still in their apartment and won't move in until the house is complete.

[/quote]

 

Good for them.  Living thru a renovation is pure hell.

Picking up on the restaurant bit, I agree that the district can support more venues, despite the variety and number of places already up and running.  Some patrons of the theater will certainly agree that W. 58th (and beyond - Minh Anh) or Herman are too far to walk, which is why Luxe is so well positioned to do well once the Capitol opens.  There have been murmurs for years about the old Perry's location (next to Gypsy), which is where Luxe was initially meant to go.  Plus, the Lou's Furniture building has had potential tenants coming through for months.  I'm confident we'll have more announcements (and options) soon! 

 

As for the merchandise retailers in the district, I have to commend Danielle from Room Service, as well has her neighbors, for really making their way in Gordon Square for 2 years, prior to the streetscape and theater coming together.  They've toughed it out through some challenging times, doing a lot to bring people in for special events, promoting their businesses, as well as a district that was just getting its feet under it as far as the masses were concerned.  Think of all the people who came to Gordon Square for the first time for one of the "Made in the 216" events.  When the theater opens, these people will already feel like they know the place and will serve as ambassadors to all the other newcomers.  It's been a great source of pride for me, living in the neighborhood, to send people to Detroit Avenue over the past couple years.  This is due, in large part, to our great retailers, but it also helps to have a strong and supportive community around you and a CDC who knows what it's doing.

 

On the subject of first impressions, Detroit-Shoreway CDC is administering an "ambassador" program during the month of October in order to welcome all the new visitors to our neighborhood.  Essentially, neighborhood residents have been asked to volunteer to be Gordon Square ambassadors during two shifts EVERY night from the opening of the Capitol (10/1) until November.  I'm not sure how we'll be identified, but we'll be out there, ready to direct people to their destinations, tell them about life in the neighborhood, where to get a bite to eat, how close the lake is, etc., etc.  Again, kudos to DSCDO for having the foresight and ambition to put this together!

 

The buzz has clearly already started.  Any of you who were out on Detroit yesterday could feel it.  Even with rain all day long, the street was alive and it felt great!

 

 

 

 

On the Sat. morning after my daughters wedding, we had Gypsy Bean cater a cont. breakfast in the hall at Mt. Carmel.  I can't say enough good things about Nikki or the pastries and bagels.  It was wonderful.

Cleveland: West Side historic Capitol Theatre alive again

Maureen  Kyle    Updated: 9/28/2009 7:37:14 AM 

 

CLEVELAND -- The Gordon Square Arts District is one of Cleveland's new hot spots.  And this week, the world premiere of LeBron James' documentary "More than a Game" will also mark the grand opening of a newly renovated historical landmark.

 

MORE AT http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/news_article.aspx?storyid=122349&catid=3

 

Great to see this neighborhood get some recognition.  Developments like this can change the perception of the city to outsiders who wouldn't otherwise venture into the area.  I plan on visiting this weekend to see what's going on.

Great to see this neighborhood get some recognition.  Developments like this can change the perception of the city to outsiders who wouldn't otherwise venture into the area.  I plan on visiting this weekend to see what's going on.

 

Start with the two morons who posted on wkyc's board

Recently heard a rumor the the old Rally's building next to Burger King which is being completely rebuilt will be home to some form of "gourmet" pizza location. Couldn't get any more solid details beyond that.

I'm guessing you're talking about that new construction on Detroit Ave.

The sign out front says "Happy's Pizza" . There's one on Euclid Ave. (between Lee and Noble?) in East Cleveland... it's a nice looking place...a lot of curb appeal and neon signage. It definitely adds some liveliness to that area of E. Cleve.

 

Although I've never ordered from there I wouldn't call it "gourmet" . It's pizza , wings , burgers ,etc.

I could be wrong though.

It probably has a chance to do well in DS.

Here is the link to Happy's website:

 

http://www.eathappyspizza.com/index.php

 

It is a chain of 65 locations primarily out of Michigan, but spreading into Ohio and Illinois.  I am going to reserve judgment until it opens.