Cool feature article from the PD:

 

Restaurant Row: Cleveland's Gordon Square Arts District emerges as a dining destination

by Joe Crea/Plain Dealer Food Editor

Tuesday May 20, 2008, 11:07 AM

 

To the casual observer, urban neighborhoods seem to just sort of exist. The same goes for restaurant districts.

 

Cleveland's Murray Hill neighborhood, better known as Little Italy, has been a flourishing immigrant community, and a dining destination, since the early 20th century. Children of the 1950s and 1960s were central to the evolution and rise of countercultural Coventry Village in Cleveland Heights, though its life as a bustling business district preceded their arrival by generations...

 

for more: http://www.cleveland.com/goingout/index.ssf/2008/05/clevelands_gordon_square_arts.html

^Nice!  I really can't wait to get home to check out Stone Mad.

I've been in town working on my building, have made it a point to stop at Stone Mad the past few afternoons for a few beers, and had dinner there last night with my daughter.  Very nice.  Actually typing this from Gypsy Bean!

Luxe, Reddstone, Krazy Mac's and Stone Mad all hold full licenses.

 

for the record, krazy mac's is the new name of snickers/cheddars/fourseasons.  and the old smaller store front beside the main part of cheddars er krazy mac's, that used to be cheddars before cheddars became the name of the whole place, is now full of odds and ends with a sign that says rummage sale on the door.  complicated. 

 

also, thanks to all the bars and restaurants opening, det-shor finally has fewer tax preparers and leather shops than places to eat.  a real triumph!     

Luxe, Reddstone, Krazy Mac's and Stone Mad all hold full licenses.

 

for the record, krazy mac's is the new name of snickers/cheddars/fourseasons.  and the old smaller store front beside the main part of cheddars er krazy mac's, that used to be cheddars before cheddars became the name of the whole place, is now full of odds and ends with a sign that says rummage sale on the door.  complicated. 

 

also, thanks to all the bars and restaurants opening, det-shor finally has fewer tax preparers and leather shops than places to eat.  a real triumph!      

About those tax places == not that I ever want to see anyone not have a business opportunity but..., when will the intersection of N 65th and Detroit get something else as "anchors"?

went to Luxe last night.. the service was great and I enjoyed the atmosphere, though a tad boring. I will say that I felt like I paid $50 for a $35 meal. The food was all good, I just didn't think it differentiated itself from any other nice restaurant. If I was spending $25 to $35 for a couple of drinks, salad and dinner per head I'd consider this a great neighborhood dining spot.

^ I think part of the price issue, is that we aren't used to paying higher prices at restaurants yet.  Dining spots are getting hit with the same crap we are at grocery stores.  Prices of everything is going up... and thus the prices at dining out are starting to go up... and I think we just aren't used to (comfortable) with it yet... a meal that costs $35 at a restaraunt a year or so ago... is more than likely adjusted to $50 now.

^Good pt. 

 

I'll be going to Luxe this weekend; I'm excited to see how it turned out.

^ I think part of the price issue, is that we aren't used to paying higher prices at restaurants yet.  Dining spots are getting hit with the same crap we are at grocery stores.  Prices of everything is going up... and thus the prices at dining out are starting to go up... and I think we just aren't used to (comfortable) with it yet... a meal that costs $35 at a restaraunt a year or so ago... is more than likely adjusted to $50 now.

 

Honestly, I don't find the prices out of line at many of the restaurants i dine at.  What I have noticed is people in the area trying out restaurants close in NEO.

 

Last week my cousin and I went around the corner to eat, there were a flock of folks from, I think, Kamm's corners eating at places on the square.  We didn't wait and ended up at the shack on the track.

 

I think folks are exploring places in their own "back yard"

^ I think part of the price issue, is that we aren't used to paying higher prices at restaurants yet.  Dining spots are getting hit with the same crap we are at grocery stores.  Prices of everything is going up... and thus the prices at dining out are starting to go up... and I think we just aren't used to (comfortable) with it yet... a meal that costs $35 at a restaraunt a year or so ago... is more than likely adjusted to $50 now.

 

Perhaps, though I do tend to frequent nice establishments and my brother has a history as a gourmet chef, so I have some reasonable expectations I believe. I would still say that if I didn't pay $15 too much, I definitely paid $10 too much.

one of the ways around the high costs is for places to use more seasonal, local stuff and also "variety foods" . Lolita does wonders with chicken livers . I recreated the dish at home(1.69 lb at the market) .  Bar Cento does a good job of dressing a simple pizza with high quality ingredients. If you are stuck on certain items like a steak then it will be harder to eat out affordably. I still want to try Luxe. it is on the short list. I do think the media reports of food prices being up "11 %"  from last year is a joke. I cook around 5 nights  a week, so I do a lot of shopping and I would say food prices are acually up to 25-50%, depending on the item, from last year

Went to Krazy Mac's on Saturday for some mac & cheese and outdoor dining.  Our decision was based almost entirely on their patio, which is one of my favorites in town.  The service was more than a little slow, but I think there was a problem figuring out who was supposed to be taking care of us...  The food was good and the patio was just what we were looking for!  It was nice to see so many people dining out in my neighborhood, too.

I was at Luxe this weekend.  I really enjoyed the place.  I thought that the food, service, and atmosphere was really good.  My two minor dislikes were the acoustics (it was really loud in the dining room and difficult to hear the others at my table) and the size/space (our party was pretty cramped around our table with me almost "falling" off the end).  But neither of these would remotely stop me from going back again.  Also, I personally thought the prices were reasonable and the rest of our group all commented similarly.

I was in your neighborhood on Saturday too. I finally made it down to Stone Mad for a few pints on the patio. It is certainly impressive. I felt like Fred Flintstone. Beautiful bars, absolutely beautiful. I definitely will be going back.

 

One complaint though. No drinks on the bocce court? How do you play bocce without a beer or wine in your hand? It's a counter weight to keep you from falling over when throwing the ball :-D

I went to Redd Stone and Stone Mad last night. Both were totally awesome. I have to say I preferred Redd Stone, though. The patio is sick. Love it.

One complaint though. No drinks on the bocce court? How do you play bocce without a beer or wine in your hand? It's a counter weight to keep you from falling over when throwing the ball :-D

 

Outstanding!

Thanks for the complement KJP,

Being mostly Italian and being from the Youngstown I have played a few games Bocce in my day. My dad plays in a couple of leagues there, as far as I can telling throwing the balls is just a distraction from BS'ing, arguing and drinking.

 

Maybe a fall Urban Ohio bocce league at Stone Mad? Anybody interested?

Sorry, I can't play bocce ball. I don't drink.

Some more positive new coverage on the progression of Gordon Square

 

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http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/news_article.aspx?storyid=91922&catid=3

 

Cleveland's latest hot spot

Dave Summers    13 hrs ago

 

CLEVELAND -- At a time when the economy looks sour in many places, some sweet development is taking place on Cleveland's west side.

 

It's the eight block stretch of Detroit Avenue, between west 61st and 69th streets, called the Gordon Square Arts District.

 

Marlin Kaplan is the chef, wine wizard and creator of Luxe Kitchen and Lounge.

 

"There's a real vibrancy, old, young, ethnic backgrounds here," Kaplan said. "It's what the fabric of Cleveland is all about."

 

Luxe is the latest edition to the 24 shops, art galleries and restaurants that call the Gordon Square Arts District home.

 

The restaurant is trendy casual, the fair is affordable and the wine is not in the cellar, but instead a bank vault. In the 1920's this was the Central Savings and Loan.

 

"Our intention is to own and operate a really nice little neighborhood restaurant," Kaplan said.

 

Like the other businesses, Kaplan was drawn here by the development of three theaters.

 

They are the Pinta, Nina and Santa Maria of the new world of economic development.

 

This is not your tax dollars at work, but the work of three nonprofit organizations.

 

"This is really authentic Cleveland," Joy Roler, the Executive Director of Gordon Square, said. "That's what makes the Gordon Square Arts District great."

 

Artists who have shown their work world wide have found a home and a following here.

 

"It's so diverse. There are so many different people coming through the area," artist April Nemeth said.

 

"It's more of an up and coming neighborhood," artist Sara Hoover said.

 

Gordon Square's popularity is growing right out in the street. The next project is widening sidewalks and creating new parking lots.  [huh???]

 

FYI, September 10 will be the groundbreaking date for the Detroit Avenue streetscape project.  A ceremony will be held at 4:00 with assorted dignitaries, etc.  In the evening, there will be a meeting at the Gordon Square Arcade to discuss a proposed D-S dog park.  Not sure of the exact time of that meeting, but it's probably around 6:00.

cool Map Boy, thanks!

Also of note in the DS area/Near West Theatre news....The Detroit Shoreway Development Corp. has officially purchased the building currently occupied by Real Deal Leathers so plans to develop the corner of W 67th and Detroit as an open-air space leading to the entrance of the theatre will proceed as planned.

I'm having trouble picturing that but will drive by so it makes sense to me lol.

across the street from chase bank

http://www.cleveland.com/realtimenews/index.ssf/2008/09/fire_breaks_out_on_west_67th_n.html

 

Fire breaks out in condos on West 67th Street

Posted by Donna J. Miller September 04, 2008 13:50PM

Categories: Breaking News, Fire

CLEVELAND -- Firefighters are tackling a large blaze on West 67th Street, north of Detroit Avenue. A condominium complex is on fire at West 67th and Father Caruso Drive.

 

The fire department was called at 1:45 p.m. and had problems getting water out of nearby hydrants. An assistant fire chief was calling for three more pumper trucks at 1:53 p.m.

 

Police are blocking traffic at West 67th and Detroit and at West 65th Street and Breakwater Avenue.

 

No injuries had been reported by 2:30 p.m., when firefighters began clearing debris to find what caused the blaze, which was contained inside the building.

 

Dog park exploratory meeting open to all interested parties

Wednesday Sept. 10th at 7pm

6516 Detroit Ave. 

Gordon Square Arcade

Lower level community room

 

For More info call Lilah Zautner at 216-961-4242 ext 227 or email at [email protected].

 

Dog park exploratory meeting open to all interested parties

 

I heard that the idea is to put the dog park in herman park.  and the folks who run their dog there are non-plussed.  unless the dog park encompasses all of herman park's greenspace, it would be a downsize for most people that use the space there now. 

 

disclaimer:  I am a cat owner. 

 

insight: my cat rarely runs, nor does he need a dog run.

 

 

Dog park exploratory meeting open to all interested parties

 

I heard that the idea is to put the dog park in herman park. and the folks who run their dog there are non-plussed. unless the dog park encompasses all of herman park's greenspace, it would be a downsize for most people that use the space there now.

 

disclaimer: I am a cat owner.

 

insight: my cat rarely runs, nor does he need a dog run.

 

 

 

ah the rumors...

 

One of the prospective locations is next to Herman park. It is just north in an abandoned section of rail. However, no site has been selected at this time. 

CLEVELAND -- If you haven't been to the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood lately, it's clear an area that's taking on a whole new look.

 

 

Today ground was broken on a project that will transform a section of Detroit Avenue into a hip, pedestrian zone from West 58th Street to West 73rd.

 

The $3.5 million streetscape conversion is the latest in a series of facelifts to the emerging Gordon Square arts and entertainment district located just minutes from downtown Cleveland. Plans call for widening sidewalks along part of the street, burying utility wires and installing trees, benches and public art. The effort is designed to encourage pedestrian traffic and outdoor dining.

 

Cleveland Councilman Matt Zone has been working on the project since he took office in 2002. "When you hear DuPont Circle and SoHo, you know exactly what city they're in," Zone said. "The same will happen with Gordon Square."

 

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson says the project will provide the area with a unique identity and experience they can't get anywhere else. "Each of our neighborhoods has its own special personality," Jackson said. "People will visit Gordon Square so that they can participate in the culture of this district."

 

http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/news_article.aspx?storyid=96359&catid=3

"Detroit Avenue will be still be four lanes, but we'll be narrowing the parking lanes," he said. "The best part is we we'll be getting rid of the utility poles." 

 

AMEN!!  Now if this could happen city wide!  I hate parking lots and utility poles!

Between this and the dog park meeting last night, I'm super excited about the neighborhood I live in.  The dog park meeting had quite a few people show up and they're going to start researching sites.  They mentioned the Herman park site but it is small and also mentioned working it into a huge redesign of Michale Zone Rec.  They said the work on ZOne Rec will start in 2010, and the plan was quite amazing.  They mentioned that they could probably get an acre dog park worked into the plan.  These two were only example sites and a commitee is going to research any other possibilites... which could be many.

Anyone know what the lane closure is on the West Shoreway west-bound?  Just wondering if it's a part of the plan to start converting the freeway into a boulevard?

I doubt it that won't be happening for at least a couple of years.

Anyone know what the lane closure is on the West Shoreway west-bound? Just wondering if it's a part of the plan to start converting the freeway into a boulevard?

 

http://www.cleveland.com/news/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/cuyahoga/1217579540218231.xml&coll=2

West Shoreway lane closing Monday

Friday, August 01, 2008

 

The westbound curb lane of the West Shoreway, between the West 49th Street exit and the Edgewater Park/Whiskey Island exit, will be closed beginning Monday through April 2009 to begin the first phase of replacing 600 feet of a deteriorated culvert for the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District. The two remaining westbound Shoreway lanes, and the above exits, will remain open during the work. Eastbound traffic will be unaffected.

ahhhh....bummer.

I concur that the groundbreaking ceremony and dog park meeting were a great one-two punch on Wednesday.  The crowd and performances for the groundbreaking were great and the buzz spilled over to the storefronts on Detroit, a rare site for a weekday afternoon.  Luxe prepared snack trays (really good ones!) for each of the retailers to help entice shoppers.  I spent about $50 and ran into a bunch of neighborhood friends while I was at it! 

 

The dog park meeting provided more of the commUNITY feeling that I love about the Cleveland 'hoods I've lived in.  ParkWorks, Matt Zone and the Cleveland EcoVillage are putting this project together.  The feeling was that dog owners can really help solidify a public space by being regular users and caretakers.  Another great amenity development in the pipeline for D-S!

The AIA is hosting a tour of Detroit Shoreway, here is the info.

 

Wednesday September 24, 2008

 

Revitilization: The Gordon Square Arts District : The Urban Design Committee's Annual Event

5 to 9 pm Registration @ 5:30

An evening of fun, food and Exploration

 

Battery Park Model Open House

Social at Reddstone with Appetizers

Bust Tour of Eco Village/Zone Rec. Center

Tour of Cleveland Public Theatre

Hard Hat Tour of Capitol Theatre

Walking Tour of Gordon Square Arts District

Bus Tour of Battery Park

Open Panel Discussion and Food at Reddstone

 

Event goes from 5:00 - 8:00 with Discussion after.

 

Registration: Before 9/17

Members $25. Non $30 Students $10.00

 

After 9/17 - before 9/22

Members $40 Non $ 45 Students $25

 

RSVP [email protected]

 

Location: Detroit Shoreway District

Time: 5:00 to 9:00 PM

Email: [email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bust Tour of Eco Village/Zone Rec. Center

 

I'll have to check out that action!!

 

Sorry about that, I added the agenda portion, I don't think that we have any burlesque joints in the neighborhood.... yet!!

pglowack, is there a link?  When posting, could you be so kind as to include a link?  Thanks.

^ http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2008/09/neighborhood_improvements_rais.html

 

Hi all,

 

While driving home this weekend was very pleased to see all the people out in the Gordon Square area. The Gypsy Bean was overflowing and folks hanging out the door at CPT. Lots of folks at LUX as well. Warm nuzzles and bear hugz.

 

Jim S.

street scape-ing has begun along detroit.  the barrels are out and everything.  oh boy!

hey maybe Detroit Shoreway will be the cool neighborhood to have the first scooter parking in Cleveland.

Anyone have a status update on the progress of the streetscape or the theater? Having trouble finding anything current on the Gordon Square website. Thanks.

The street is all torn up.  It's still in the early stages.  Utility lines were still overhead last week, and presumably what they're doing now is digging trenches to put them in.  It doesn't seem like they're getting anywhere fast.  But they are working first thing every morning in this awful weather. 

 

I don't know what's going on with the theater.

I heard the theater is ahead of schedule and is supposed to open in May. This was a while ago though.

How's Near West doing? Have they even started yet?

A blooming miracle for Detroit-Shoreway

Posted by Christopher Evans February 17, 2009 17:08PM

Categories: Opinion

http://blog.cleveland.com/pdopinion/2009/02/detroitshoreway_is_one_of_the.html

 

Detroit-Shoreway is one of the grittier West Side neighborhoods, but thanks to the urban Thoreaus who populate the Franklin Blvd. Block Club, a chunk of vacant railroad land on Wakefield Avenue between West 79th and 80th Streets may soon <a href="http://www.localfoodcleveland.org/group/detroitshorewaycommunityorchardcommittee">blossom into an orchard</a>.

 

This kind of grass-roots revolutionary thinking is key to transforming strategic parcels within some of the city's most cold-cocked communities from eyesores to oases...

Who is Christopher Evans? Did Dick Feagler sneak back into the PD with novelty glasses and a fake beard?

 

It's a really nice story, and I'm glad they ran it, and I'm glad Evans is excited about it. But it's dripping with put-downs.