Hey, don't forget about "NIKO's GREEK CONEY ISLAND" restaurant!!!!   "Proudly serving Pepsi!"

 

While I'll probably never frequent the place, I am glad to see something go in there and the building get reutilized.

Is this at all related to the Niko's Greek restaurant that was (is?) in Lakewood?

Anyone have any thoughts on the impact or potential impact of gentrification in this neighborhood?  Battery Park is having a big impact of course, but it's not really displacing anyone since there was no housing there before.  I'm trying to think of any instances of long time residents who might be displaced because of increasing rents but I'm unable to think of any...

From what I've observed, the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization is one of the most thoughtful (if not THE most thoughtful) Cleveland CDC on the topic of gentrification. I don't think that they've seen any major gentrification problems to date, but a couple of observations:

 

- A while back, I heard someone at the CDC say that despite the considerable revitalization success, the population was still declining in the neighborhood, although becoming much more stabilized (and part of this might be less about a vacancy problem than smaller households occupying those houses). I think the neighborhood still has a lot of room to accommodate additional residents without much displace of existing residents, particularly if the Shoreway conversion opens up some more development / redevelopment opportunities along the northern border.

 

- The CDC has a pretty substantial subsidized housing effort, with most of the units around the Detroit / W. 65th spine exclusive to low-income residents.

 

- The CDC has also been raising funds for what basically amounts to a gentrication fund, basically money that can be used to further subsidize rents or do workforce development or otherwise assist long-term residents so they are not displaced. $1 million of their $30 million target for Gordon Square, I believe.

 

 

On W69th back in 1999-2001 era  there were a few tear-downs where orignal residents disappeared and new houses popped up. (One of which is  Councilman Zone's).

 

I am unsure if this was actual "displacement" or not .....one person died (perhaps without heirs) and rumor has it another got arreested and sent to prison for murder (potential urban legend).

 

But I agree that there really hasn't been any large scale displacement. And the classic problem of gentrification on the original residents, rising property taxes secondary to increasing values, well.....I don't thnk we'll be worrying about that any time soon.

Back at our last From Rust Belt to Artist Belt conference, which we held at sites throughout Gordon Square, we had a workshop on gentrification and talked about how much slower gentrification is in industrial cities than on the coasts and how that presents us with a unique opportunity to be thoughtful and build support programs for existing residents. In San Francisco, for instance, you might have seen a massive neighborhood displacement over a 5-year period. Compare that with Detroit-Shoreway ... James Levin started Cleveland Public Theatre in the mid-80s. 25 years later, we're seeing revitalization of that commercial corridor, in Battery Park to the north and (to a degree) to the EcoVillage to the south, so there's been a long time of opportunity for residents to buy into the neighborhood or to at least foresee the potential forthcoming gentrification.

 

The other thing I would add is that the neighborhood stretches from the bluffs on the lake to south of Lorain, from the mid-West 40s to the mid-West 80s. This is a huge footprint that contains a significant amount of subsidized housing and a dedication by the CDC to serve current residents. I think even if we see displacement from specific units, there is still a huge footprint in the neighborhood that can accommodate residents. In Cleveland, you get displaced three blocks. In San Francisco, you get displaced to Oakland.

OK, can we keep this thread to development news?

Let me rephrase- "Back on topic, folks!"

Sweet Moses Treat Shop is the storefront renovation happening at 6804 Detroit

http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us/landmark/agenda/photo/09092010/index.php

 

Re: Nikos, no relation to the Lakewood restaurant, but will be operated as a mom & pop restaurant preparing and serving authentic Greek specialties.

Nice little project taking shape...

 

 

landmark detroit shoreway building gets second chance thanks to keen developer

By, Lee Chilcote

Thursday, November 04, 2010

 

When it comes to real estate, Howard Grandon believes in second chances. That's why he's transforming a former illicit nightclub on Detroit Avenue into market-rate apartments and storefronts, which he hopes will continue to breathe new life into an old neighborhood.

 

"I enjoy the creative aspect of taking something that's old and forgotten and rejuvenating it," Grandon explains. "We don't need to throw our older buildings away -- things can be better the second time around."

 

Grandon and business partner Howard Rosekelly are renovating the former "Cheerios" building at 7312 Detroit into four market-rate second floor apartments and five additional first floor storefronts. The building takes its unofficial moniker from a nightclub of the same name that occupied the property. Until the team purchased the building, it sat vacant for seven years, all the while collecting trash. Once renovated, it will feature loft-style apartments that Grandson hopes will appeal to young professionals, artists and other individuals who want to live in the budding Gordon Square Arts District.

 

More at: http://www.freshwatercleveland.com/features/cherriosbldg110410.aspx

 

 

I love this, because it starts to extend that renovation of Detroit further west.  I've always thought that these buildings were the next logical progression of rehab.

Very cool. Does anyone know if the building with bay windows immediately to the east of this is part of this rehab or if anyone else has plans for the building? I think that would definitely help the feeling of continuity of the corridor (i.e. make it more likely that people will walk down from W. 65th to W. 74th.

I don't know if this has been mentioned yet, but there is a vintage sweater shop going in this month (selling items from the 1930's-1970's).  I'll post when I know more info unless anyone else knows more about this.

I don't know if this has been mentioned yet, but there is a vintage sweater shop going in this month (selling items from the 1930's-1970's). I'll post when I know more info unless anyone else knows more about this.

 

yeah let me know when you find out

It's got to be Ohio Knitting Mills, no?  http://www.ohioknittingmills.com/

 

A pretty incredible Cleveland story.  The PD wrote it up a couple months ago: http://www.cleveland.com/style/index.ssf/2010/08/sweater_collection_made_in_cle.html

 

A Cleveland retail location would be awesome.

It is going to be the Ohio Knitting Mills.

How appropriate!!

Does anyone know if the building with bay windows immediately to the east of this is part of this rehab or if anyone else has plans for the building?

 

The building you are referring to is not part of the Cheerio Storefront/Apartment project.  As I understand it, the current condition of the building you mention would require substantially more investment than the Cheerio Building.

National praise for Gordon Square!

 

Gordon Square Arts District in Cleveland wins national recognition

Steven Litt, The Plain Dealer

 

Gordon Square, the emerging art district in the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood on Cleveland's West Side, has won big time kudos from the National Endowment for the Arts and the National League of Cities.

 

It has also pulled down $2.7 million in recent federal, state and local grants, which will be used to build or renovate community theaters that are central to its vision of using the arts to revive a city neighborhood. "Lots of good stuff is happening," said Joy Roller, the district's executive director. "To me, it's an acknowledgement that what we're doing is not only successful, but is a novel approach, a unique approach on how to revitalize an urban core."

 

The NEA announced earlier this month that Gordon Square is one of 14 case studies in a new publication, "Creative Placemaking."

 

http://blog.cleveland.com/architecture/2010/11/gordon_square_arts_district_in.html

Sweet Moses (as in Cleveland) Soda Fountain and Treat Shop opening this winter at 6800 Detroit.

http://www.sweetmosestreats.com/

This place will be top shelf and a welcome addition to the neighborhood, especially great for all the youths that the eventual relocation of Near West Theater will bring.

Sweet Moses (as in Cleveland) Soda Fountain and Treat Shop opening this winter at 6800 Detroit.

http://www.sweetmosestreats.com/

This place will be top shelf and a welcome addition to the neighborhood, especially great for all the youths that the eventual relocation of Near West Theater will bring.

That looks like a great addition...

Ya know, there were some long time Detroit Shoreway neighborhood guys trying to open an ice cream shop in the area and plans and work on the storefront started a LONG time ago, but hit a snag this summer (permit stuff, I think). It was scheduled to go in the renovated storefront just East of Convenient Food Mart. Wonder how these Sweet Moses plans will affect that place from proceeding.

Sweet Moses (as in Cleveland) Soda Fountain and Treat Shop opening this winter at 6800 Detroit.

http://www.sweetmosestreats.com/

This place will be top shelf and a welcome addition to the neighborhood, especially great for all the youths that the eventual relocation of Near West Theater will bring.

 

I misunderstand... A theater is moving OUT of Gordon Square?

^ Nope, Near West is currently in Ohio City, but they're moving to Gordon Square.

soda fountain shop moving to gordon square, sadly that means i'm going to gain at least ten pounds!  can't wait though . . .

Nice!

I hit up the Niko's coney island last night.  Place was empty, but it was clean, staff was friendly & helpful & the food was good.  They have some authentic greek items, also a few other standards to bridge all taste buds including wings, etc

I believe this is significantly southwest of Detroit-shoreway in westtown, south of Lorain.

OK, I moved the new Almira School BZA agenda listing to random developments.

Anyone know when "XYZ Tavern" is opening on Detroit?  I keep getting emails from DSCDO saying "soon" but anything more specific would be good.

I think in the Cleveland Restaurants News thread it said this Friday/Saturday is the soft opening.

Last I heard, they were scheduled to have a soft opening this Friday.

Last night's XYZ soft open was packed.......wall to wall people, 2 deep at the bar, occasionally spilling into the side alley.

 

Lots of beers on tap.

 

Food samplings were a bit tough to get to and being ravenously devoured as soon as they made the buffet but I had some tasty mussels, reuben, and a sausage hoagie. :)

 

Two "garage door" side doors open to the East will allow for al fresco dining in nice weather. 

 

I believe this will be a great addition to the neighborhood. An "everyday" type of restaurant/tavern.

Nice to hear.  I knew it would be packed.  Also nice to hear they are doing something to open up the sidewalk.  Since the Detroit Ave streetscape project was completed, none of the bar/restaurants have taken advantage of this yet.  Might be a trend we'll see repeated.

First dinner at XYZ the Tavern last night. Place was full at 8pm but we got the last two stools at the bar. :)  25 craft beers on tap, I had a few Smuttynose IPAs, with an equally broad bourbon selection, Mrs_Dergon had a Jackson's manhattan.  Wide menu with additional specials on the board. We had buffalo tempura shrimp, udon noodles, and a walleye sandwich....all tasty. Wait staff very friendly and attentive. By the time we left around 10:30 the place was again packed, with patrons leaning in between us to get in drink orders.

 

Looks like a DS hit! :)

Must've just missed you, we were there then too

 

A fun new place for Gordon Sq,

 

Sweet Moses Soda Fountain & Treat Shop sets Saturday grand opening in Gordon Square

By Joe Crea, The Plain Dealer

Updated: Tuesday, March 22, 2011, 11:19 AM

 

"New enterprises keep adding to the unfolding tapestry of the Gordon Square Arts District. And it's especially cool that the latest opening brings something sweet to the mix.

 

Sweet Moses Soda Fountain & Treat Shop, 6800 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, is holding its grand opening Saturday. And it is just the right addition to Gordon Square"

 

http://www.cleveland.com/dining/index.ssf/2011/03/sweet_moses_soda_fountain_trea.html

 

 

 

Lots of new business happening around Gordon Square

10:09 am, March 24, 2011

 

The already-bustling Gordon Square Arts District is getting a little busier with the addition of three new retail businesses.

 

Wednesday marked the official opening of Sweet Moses, a soda fountain and treat shop at 6800 Detroit Avenue, one block west of the Gordon Square Arcade.

 

The owner is Jeff Moreau, who's offering a turn-of-the-century soda shop experience. Sweet Moses serves homemade ice cream dishes and handmade confections. Coming soon will be peanut butter sandwiches that can be topped with options including bacon, marshmallow cream, Nutella, sliced bananas and potato chips.

 

In addition, two women's boutiques soon will open at the West 65th Street and Detroit Avenue intersection.

 

READ MORE AT:

http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20110324/FREE/110329911

That area is booming. Love it.

 

Any updates on the apartments in the old 'Cheerios' building?

 

http://www.freshwatercleveland.com/features/cherriosbldg110410.aspx

 

Visited the Soda shop last nite.

 

WOW. The place is VERY COOL and the ice cream was absolutely delicious.

 

The 1930's era pics of CLE on the wall were a really nice touch...fittingly nostalgic. 

 

Definitely a mixture of past and present. I think they're gonna do great business, esp since they'll be open to 10pm most days.

 

8-)

I'm bringing a ton of people there on Saturday before swing dancing. Can't wait!

Very excited about these new developments too.  XYZ food is okay, but another midrange to upscale restaurant to compete with Luxe would be great.  Of course, the problem is already parking.  They need to build a garage behind the Capitol where that lot is, take a few more of the houses to the north along 65th.

^Or, don't knock down housing.  Continue adding more housing in battery park, and strengthen the transit options in the neighborhood. Build some density in the city. 

Very excited about these new developments too.  XYZ food is okay, but another midrange to upscale restaurant to compete with Luxe would be great.  Of course, the problem is already parking.  They need to build a garage behind the Capitol where that lot is, take a few more of the houses to the north along 65th.

 

Gottaplan, what about Rose-angel?  Although Ive heard mixed things.

 

That Ice cream place sounds like my kind fo place!

I really like Roseangel, but I know others have mixed feelings as well.  They are bringing back Salsa night I know, which went away for awhile, so that's cool.  It's pretty far down there from the main intersection of 65th though.  I wish it were closer.  Or rather, I wish there was more development in between 58th & 65th.  As it is now, I don't think many folks would feel comfortable walking that distance on a given evening.

^Or, don't knock down housing.  Continue adding more housing in battery park, and strengthen the transit options in the neighborhood. Build some density in the city. 

 

Agreed, but I know they are following the blueprint established by the Cedar Lee district, which started with the theater and a few solid dining options, and is now a major entertainment spot.  And they have a new parking structure...  And if you know what houses I'm talking about on 65th, they aren't worth saving.  I think one is a campaign headquarters that's pretty much vacant? 

 

Not to mention, this area still has alot of momentum coming.  The Cleveland Public Theater is still under renovation and the open lot at the corner of 67th & Detroit will someday be home to the new Near West Theater.  I think a parking structure will be much needed by then.

Just bought a house in the neighborhood.  Definitely some exciting developments, but I think XYZ and Roseangel are big disappointments.  I nearly got puked on walking into XYZ the first time, and the scene inside still gives me nightmares: badly dressed late-twentysomethings dancing and singing "Shook Me All Night Long".  Fortunately "Don't Stop Believin'" came on next, which seemed to settle them down (actually way worse). 

Agreed about the need for a parking structure like Cedar-Lee.  It's that or more surface lots.  Ideally everyone could take transit, and I believe we'll get there, but we aren't there yet.

So why not start now and push people to start taking public transportation. Not sure when you think "they" will be ready. Public parking should be the last thing on this neighborhood's agenda. Focus on great housing, entertainment, jobs and people will come. Screw people and their need to have parking options.

My wife and I are looking for a place to buy. We currently rent in University Circle.  Detroit Shoreway, Lakewood and Ohio City are all on our list.  We want a new unit.  What can folks say about Detroit-Shoreway?  We see a bright future in this neighborhood, but we are optimistic as well.  I want to be able to bike to work and over to Ohio City/Tremont for food and beer.  Are these neighborhoods close to meshing?