Your ideas for Downtown storefronts Does the sight of empty and neglected storefronts in Downtown Cleveland make you yearn for the days of yore when a well-dressed storefront wouldn't dare go bare? Concerned and creative citizens can come to the rescue of the storefronts by submitting their ideas for exciting new installations. If you have an idea for an installation, know someone who you think would want to participate, are a store owner who would like your storefront to be involved, or just have questions about the project, email [email protected]. Include your contact info, ideas and the particulars of the project in mind. Tell us your thoughts about the proposed storefront project at [email protected].

Downtown Akron finally has taken some steps in this direction.  I was walking around yesterday, no camera of course, and saw the Polsky building windows fronting Main St had been "wrapped" with colorful images and web site addresses for the university, ej thomas hall, etc.  Looked good, especially for what was an otherwise dead block at street level.  Ultimately, some storefronts would be better, but at least this is a recognition of the problem.

 

Where are we coming with the Cleveland program? 

 

I walked Euclid today, a nice dark and dreary wintery day and the only interesting progress appeared to be NatCity changing their window displays.  Anyone just want to chip in a few bucks and print some stuff ourselves and slap it up on, say, 668 Euclid? 

^Its coming along.  Expect to see something by in the next couple of months. 

 

Also, another similar project has started in the old May Co. windows.  Has anyone seen how that looks?

May Co??  really??  was it the "groop" display from that gallery.  i know they have that in there.  Spaces recently had something playing in the other windows of a video project an artist from Poland did in Cleveland about homelessness.  But just two weeks ago i helped take those down and i didnt think anything was being put up in there in its place. 

 

which btw the inside of the May Co building is completely and utterly scraped clean of anything it once was.  Its all concrete and looks more like a run down parking garage than the big department store it once was.  its kinda sad

I was thinking the other day that the May Co. ground floor should become a high end import auto dealer.

May Co??  really??  was it the "groop" display from that gallery.  i know they have that in there.  Spaces recently had something playing in the other windows of a video project an artist from Poland did in Cleveland about homelessness.  But just two weeks ago i helped take those down and i didnt think anything was being put up in there in its place. 

 

which btw the inside of the May Co building is completely and utterly scraped clean of anything it once was.  Its all concrete and looks more like a run down parking garage than the big department store it once was.  its kinda sad

 

I heard that some installation was going in the May Co. spot, but that was about 3 weeks ago. Was it already been taken down?  MGD--what do you know?

well see i dont know, i know Spaces had projections in the windows (it was supposed to be until this week) but the projector bulb burned out so we took them down early, they been up since November 18th though.  i think groop gallery thats in the colonial marketplace also has a storefront window in there.  it could be their installation. 

Here's the skinny on the May Co. Building...

 

I met with a woman named Kate O'Neill about two weeks ago and she told me about a similar project that they're working on.  It's called Exhibit Cleveland and they've already made some progress by opening a display on E. 4th next to the House of Blues.  They've also got a website up with good info: www.exhibitcleveland.com and we're exploring a partnership with them.  Their next project is the May Co. Building, which they will be working on in mid-January after the Spaces exhibit comes down.

 

Kate also owns her own film production company, Authentic Films, that she runs out of her live-work unit in the Hyacinth Lofts building.  She and her husband are yet another recently returned Cleveland couple who are taking their experience from places like New York City and applying it to their passion for Cleveland.  Chalk up another win for C-Town!

What happened to the front of this 668 building,? It looks like s**t. It looks like the front of it just fell off, all that metal and broken brick exposed.

That building had a drab 1960s facade nailed to it until a few years ago, when the owner, David Goldberg, had it removed to see if the original stone facade could be restored. The facade was deemed restorable, but the foundation was apparently determined to be unsound. Thus, the building sits in limbo, awaiting likely demolition. I agree that it is quite an eyesore.

I have many suggestions.... But I will share tonight one topic of suggestion. I posted something I wrote about it on the DCA Advocate Blog. It deals with storefront maintenance.

 

As I walk downtown, I notice how well the ambassadors keep litter picked up and walks periodically washed, etc. There is one thing I feel that is lacking, however, but not really their responsibility....sooo...it would be nice to start seeing a better ethic promoted by the business owners or building owners themselves....and that is, how well the actual storefronts are maintained with simplest of maintenance.

 

I notice that it appears that on many buildings....the windows or the street-level storefront itself looks seldom followed up on basic routine maintenance. Hundreds of thousands of dollars are spent to restore these facades to a beautiful curb appeal gleam but are allowed to collect a thick layer of dirt which leads to the storefront looking neglected again.

 

I know this is impossible to keep perfect and I am not at all suggesting this...But at least once a week a quick thorough spraying down of the frontage with plain water would do wonders to keep dust and grime that undermines the facade, to a minimum. 

 

I hate seeing beautifully restored facades allowed to become dingy from lack of simple maintenance like a bit of washing or painting. Something like this should especially be done after the grime of winter leaves its mark......the salt, slag...road grime ends up spattering the lower parts of the facades.

 

Below is a piece I wrote about this subject. I used to operate a small storefront and what I am describing was just a part of a weekly routine...  Cleaning the windows on the door where everyone touches when entering was done daily. Anyway, feel free to spread the idea. It goes a log way in making good impressions. I would like to see this city look just as good in person, as it does in the pictures. Anyway, if anyone wants to read below...feel free... 

 

Thanks

 

 

 

 

 

Making The Core City Storefront Scene More Attractive

 

The Old World Shopkeeper Way To Start The Day!

 

Remember when the old downtown shopkeeper used to have a daily routine before opening the shop that would consist of a 20 to 30 minute chore session which would include jobs such as quickly washing/sweeping the front walk, washing windows, spraying down store facades with the hose, picking up litter and viola!---then the open sign would be flipped over? On a regular basis, many merchants would even apply a fresh coat of paint to preserve and beautify the store facade . This made the core city old storefronts last forever and maintain their charming architectural appeal. How often do we see this happening these days? I don’t see it very much or at least as much as it really should be done!

 

Many storefronts are allowed to deteriorate to the point they become unattractive to patrons. Such storefronts, with their old world charm, coziness, and romantic allure, are what separates the core city from the suburbs. When left to decay by not doing the simple things mentioned above, we witness one more element of the kind of urban decline that contributes to sending life in the city packing or going elsewhere. Simply put, it is a symbol of neglect and lack of pride that does not exude confidence in our town.

 

By doing simple ‘little shopkeeper’ daily routines, we can assure out retail core in Cleveland remains attractive and competitive--hence attracting more urban activity inward toward the urban hub, and not sprawling outward and becoming a part of energy consumptive sprawl. Places like Crocker Park and Legacy Village are great retail centers, but are mere paper tiger imitations of what we already had in the Central Business District--but still, those areas are heavily shopped mainly because patrons are attracted to the fresh look and feeling of safety they offer.

 

When urban retail cores are allowed to slip beginning with not doing the small things mentioned in this article, or even by law enforcement not nipping potentially small crimes that could lead to bigger ones, in the bud----more and more potential patrons will opt for supporting the suburban mega store---or the imitation downtowns like C.P. and L.V.

 

At the very least, picking up litter on a daily basis around your property makes a world of difference. Even something as simple as refreshing vegetation planters with native wildflowers is a sign of attentiveness, pride, and care. As I walk through the Flats and Ohio City, in many places it looks as though none of the above is ever done---or at least not nearly enough. It’s time we all pitch in and do a better job in performing all of the above; especially the commercial buildings and properties., because these are among the first areas visitors see --- and will help shape the first impression of our city.

 

 

Another idea to improve the downtown storefront scene revolves around better presentation of downtown empty storefronts. Places that stand empty, have sat empty long enough with the basic "shoe polish smeared on windows with a 'For Rent' sign hanging on the door" Perhaps a more attractive way to present such space until it becomes rented out would be to allow local artists/designers and window merchandiser displayer to create art murals, and samples as to how such a downtown empty storefront COULD look when done up right.

 

Many malls implement such a plan. The Galleria does it now. I think it would exude a much better and more positive atmosphere than seeing, for example, the place on the corner of 4th and Euclid sitting so long with dirty windows and an array of construction debris and equipment scattered all around within.

 

Additionally, if done well, I think this would help to inspire more passersby who may be business inclined, to consider the possibility of opening up shop downtown. Having storefronts prepared and presented like this--and with a "FOR LEASE/RENT"--or "OPEN YOUR BUSINESS HERE!!!" posted as well.... Sure beats the old show polish method as described earlier. I think the best it offers is the aspects of presenting a more rejuvenated atmosphere, rather than a empty and desolate one.

Making The Core City Storefront Scene More Attractive

 

The Old World Shopkeeper Way To Start The Day!

 

Remember when the old downtown shopkeeper used to have a daily routine before opening the shop that would consist of a 20 to 30 minute chore session which would include jobs such as quickly washing/sweeping the front walk, washing windows, spraying down store facades with the hose, picking up litter and viola!---then the open sign would be flipped over? On a regular basis, many merchants would even apply a fresh coat of paint to preserve and beautify the store facade . This made the core city old storefronts last forever and maintain their charming architectural appeal. How often do we see this happening these days? I don’t see it very much or at least as much as it really should be done!

 

Many storefronts are allowed to deteriorate to the point they become unattractive to patrons. Such storefronts, with their old world charm, coziness, and romantic allure, are what separates the core city from the suburbs. When left to decay by not doing the simple things mentioned above, we witness one more element of the kind of urban decline that contributes to sending life in the city packing or going elsewhere. Simply put, it is a symbol of neglect and lack of pride that does not exude confidence in our town.

 

Could this change of attitude have anything to do with renting vs. owning the business space? In my mind, a businessman from 100 years ago lived above the shop; I just figured he owned the building. The same sort of semi-neglect goes on in the rental homes I see over here in Lakewood/West Cleveland.

^ Well, perhaps it does have something to do with that. But for me, I always thought it was about simple pride--which is FREE--And whether renting or owning, pride can still show. Personally, I am apt to taking care of a place even more so, if I were renting.....than if I owned---Because...I know that it is NOT mine and would want to take all the better care of it. Somewhere along the way a mentality came into play that demonstrates the "I don't care...it's not mine" attitude. I always blow the whistle on that sort of dysfunctional thinking when I hear it.

 

Many downtown storefronts could do a much better job on simple virtually cost free maintenance.. Wash windows at the door once a month? Helloooo??? Noooo.. Every day before you open. (on the door area where there is a lot of handling) Not only does this little thing make a big impression...but it is also away of reducing the spread of cold and flu....and believe me, I am not Howard Hughes by a long shot, but this is as simple logic as washing hands before dinner.  Dirty windows, restrooms, facades are off putting.

 

There is one place in the Warehouse District, I noticed immediately one day that made a great daily effort to do exactly what I am talking about and I complemented them on how much I and others really appreciate them doing those simple things. I had food and drink at this place a few times but for the life of me cannot remember the name! 

 

Anyway, If not doing those simple things in places like that... we're on the path of becoming just another eventual scene of grungy bars.  If I ever do organize enough to actually get a shop going downtown, I will make every attempt to show these examples in my business, as I have in the past with a small shop...and people will definitely see the difference.

I think most Downtown merchants take good care of their storefronts.  The problem is the unoccupied storefronts.  [edit] I like EC's idea for how to handle that.  I actually suggested cleaning and making those spaces more presentable at the recent round of DCA community meetings.  I think it would change the status of many properties from "abandoned" to "vacant- awaiting a business" in the minds of passers-by.

^ Exactly! I am working on a program right now with a friend to attempt doing this. If you want to help...please PM me. We are ready to go with it and need a few volunteers.

 

By the way...an example of a really nice feeling street downtown...East 6th Street. Here is a nifty little street, but the storefronts on the Leader Building are very tired looking. It would be amazing at just what a little paint and/or frequent washing could do--even if there are empty fronts.

I'd much rather have the abandon storefront property owners keep their walks cleared in the winter, but I'm a practical person.  To me, I'd rather not fall down as I pass vs. having something nice to look at.  Of course, it would be nice to have BOTH, but when you can't even get the owner to keep the walk in front of their building clear of ice, I think you're even less likely to get them to pretty up the storefront.

^ One thing at a time....  Maybe we can make that a part of the plan I am working on...  free snow removal.

I believe the DCA does that now.  It was a problem in years past, however.

Ok, here is the idea... Who would like to get some copies of these, once the final print is complete to pass out to storefronts/business owners...in mailboxes, etc? I can explain all the details of the program to those who would place their phone numbers on the flier...so we're all on the same page. Sorry about the size of this thing on here.

^I'd suggest working with someone to polish the look of that before you pass it around. If you're going to be affiliated with the DCA, use their actual logo; you're asking people to invest - well make your message look like it's had effort invested in it.

That logo is probably not staying on there... This is just a sample. I have not had any feedback from DCA on this so far, so I am just going at it on my own as my personal time allows. The logo was there because of the possibility of working with them on it. If they want to assist, I am all for it... But I would like to get it going because it actually is a very simple doable concept that needn't take an act of congress to move along with. If someone came to me when I had a building for rent once with this concept... I would have said 'go right ahead and do it'  No one is paying for anything, except the volunteers who give their time/effort. This is a win, win, win situation.

This year, Lorain's empty storefronts have been decorated by a local artist with butterflies; earlier in the year they had Easter eggs, who know what is next?

 

News

 

Storefronts to get update with fresh displays

Monday, June 8, 2009

 

By RON VIDIKA

[email protected]

 

Content edited 9-4-09 to comply with terms of use

 

URL: http://www.morningjournal.com/articles/2009/06/08/news/mj1144913.prt

 

© 2009 morningjournal.com, a Journal Register Property

 

There was a program in Cleveland already doing the "art in vacant storefront windows" thing here in Cleveland not long ago.  It was really cool, they had some very original pieces on display.  I believe someone from that group was a member on UrbanOhio, even.  It might make some sense to contact that group and see what they're up to before reinventing the wheel.  There may be a reason why it isn't still going.  It might not require an act of Congress, but if you want to get inside a vacant storefront, it does require finding the right person and getting their permission.  That can be easier said than done.

^I'd suggest working with someone to polish the look of that before you pass it around. If you're going to be affiliated with the DCA, use their actual logo; you're asking people to invest - well make your message look like it's had effort invested in it.

 

DCA City Advocates are reminded that their actions are to be completed as private, self-directed citizens working to make Downtown an ever-better place to be.  No mention of DCA, DCA City Advocates, or any version of the DCA logo should be included on flyers, postings or any writings associated with City Advocate actions without prior consent.

 

Thanks!  LK

There was a program in Cleveland already doing the "art in vacant storefront windows" thing here in Cleveland not long ago.  It was really cool, they had some very original pieces on display.  I believe someone from that group was a member on UrbanOhio, even.  It might make some sense to contact that group and see what they're up to before reinventing the wheel.  There may be a reason why it isn't still going.  It might not require an act of Congress, but if you want to get inside a vacant storefront, it does require finding the right person and getting their permission.  That can be easier said than done.

 

Maybe creating additional programs would help bolster the popularity of this sort of thing.

I don't know that it works that way, usually.  That said, it looks like the group, Exhibit Cleveland, is done, or at least dormant.  Their website is down, and I don't think there are any exhibits left Downtown.  It'd be nice to talk with someone from that group to know what happened, as that usually helps one to avoid the same pitfalls.

I hated when exhibit Cleveland folded up... first because it was a nice idea... but mainly because one of the exhibits had an unbelievable painting of the terminal tower that I was desperately trying to buy and couldn't find anyone to get a hold of (no response from repeated attempts both through the website and the listed number).

The program that was mentioned upthread is Exhibit: Cleveland, but it appears that their website is no longer active, and I don't see anything more up-to-date than their Twitter account, where the last posting was about a year ago. I don't know what happened there, but it's probably worth checking out. If they're still active, collaboration probably makes sense, since they've already built program infrastructure and contacts downtown, etc. If they're not still active, it probably makes sense to find out why ... what problems they encountered, what you should avoid. If you're interested in tracking them down, you might be able to request contact info from the Civic Innovation Lab, who provided them with seed funding.

The program that was mentioned upthread is Exhibit: Cleveland, but it appears that their website is no longer active, and I don't see anything more up-to-date than their Twitter account, where the last posting was about a year ago. I don't know what happened there, but it's probably worth checking out. If they're still active, collaboration probably makes sense, since they've already built program infrastructure and contacts downtown, etc. If they're not still active, it probably makes sense to find out why ... what problems they encountered, what you should avoid. If you're interested in tracking them down, you might be able to request contact info from the Civic Innovation Lab, who provided them with seed funding.

 

I welcome the help... I have a pretty good rolling start on this so I think I work best when I have less people involved who will be more active...than more who are kind of on and off. We'll see how it goes first.

So EC took his project and hit the ground running.  He already has the first building lined up - the Park Building - and the art will be ready to go in next week.  Therefore, I am supposed to be cleaning the windows and area around them (inside and out) Monday evening starting around 6.  Who wants to help me?  You know you want to!!!!!

I'm starting a new thread for this to get it out of the DCA thread (perhaps a mod can move some of the corresponding posts).

 

EC's vacant storefront cleanup in order to display local art is well under way!  The first art installation is going into the Park Building on Public Square sometime within the next week.  X and I spent a little over an hour tonight spraying down and windexing the windows (unfortunately because it was a restaurant there was a layer of grease that just wouldn't come off!).  But the cleaning's done, so it's ready for art! 

I've split this off from the DCA thread for further discussion.  As always, it's a process fraught with the peril of broken chains of thought and replies now seemingly made to thin air, so please bare with me.

 

Anyway, it was lots of fun to clean up that storefront, and I guarantee that if anyone else would like to volunteer on the next one, that'll be a ton of fun, too!  So don't be shy, folks!  But seriously- spray spray, wipe wipe- no problem.  Then art goes in.  Downtown gets beautiful.  Be a part of it!

I've split this off from the DCA thread for further discussion. As always, it's a process fraught with the peril of broken chains of thought and replies now seemingly made to thin air, so please bare with me.

 

Anyway, it was lots of fun to clean up that storefront, and I guarantee that if anyone else would like to volunteer on the next one, that'll be a ton of fun, too! So don't be shy, folks! But seriously- spray spray, wipe wipe- no problem. Then art goes in. Downtown gets beautiful. Be a part of it!

 

 

More people makes for a par-tay!!!!!  Cleaning has never been so fun! :-D

Maybe tie the next one in with a happy hour?  Service projects are always best with beer afterwards...

"Service projects are always best with beer afterwards..."

 

I'll drink to that!!! :drunk:

Maybe tie the next one in with a happy hour? Service projects are always best with beer afterwards...

 

Perhaps!

Wow, replacing decapitated store fronts with art? I REALLY like this idea. If help is needed on any additional buildings shoot me a PM.

Wow, replacing decapitated store fronts with art? I REALLY like this idea. If help is needed on any additional buildings shoot me a PM.

 

Oh, there should be plenty more opportunities on the way!  The property owners (from what I've heard) are pretty enamored with the idea.  I had passerbys tonight (while I was spraying down the outside of the building with a hose) wondering what was going on.  One dude said to me "You all buy this space?"  And I told him "No, we're cleaning it cause some artists are going to be displaying some art in the windows."  His response was "Sh!t, hell yeah man!"

When is the next cleanup? If i dont have anything going on I'd defo be interested!

Don't know yet - Etheostoma Caeruleum and X are making the phone calls to the property owners, so hopefully we'll have another one lined up soon!

Awesome, im looking forward to helping out

Sounds like your team is getting along well!  I was part of a group that went to funders for startup money at the same time as Exhibit:Cleveland.  When they got their CIL funding, we withdrew our proposals and pledged to help them with their program.  It was all pro bono work... funding was used to compensate artists for materials and for cleanup costs and supplies for the displays (for what I can remember).  The first one we worked on was the May Company Building, back in 2006.  EC went on to do a number of other windows and other programs have spread similar ideas in the Lorain/Variety Theater area, St. Clair Superior, and elsewhere.  It's good to see that even if one effort fizzles out for its own reasons, there are plenty of active, creative people to head up the next one!

London has shown how this could have commercial impact:

 

September 1, 2009

Pop! An Empty Shop Fills With Art

By JULIA WERDIGIER

 

LONDON — Three months ago Simon Tarrant, a 44-year-old painter here who has never had gallery representation and has had only two solo shows in his 15-year career, decided to try something different. He approached the owners of a vacant building on a busy street in one of London’s most affluent neighborhoods, and by June he had turned it into an exhibition space, where two of his semi-abstract landscapes now hang prominently.

 

With its four floors of high ceilings and big windows, the building — formerly a fashion boutique on Fulham Road in Chelsea — makes an ideal gallery for Mr. Tarrant’s art, along with that of 14 of his friends and acquaintances.

 

More at

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/01/arts/design/01stores.html?_r=1

 

Thanks for all who are helping with this project. Thanks to your enthusiasm....we will likely have 3 more places soon. Also, these people who wish to participate are spreading the word. I will contact/post immediately when the next clean session will be needed. I am also encouraging the windows to be lit up with the display lights for a few hours at night...so imagine walking downtown and having some lit storefronts at night! We'll get it done little by little! As a whole, it will definitely make downtown look more marketable. Also...great article above!

There is an update here.... Today, a small starter display was installed at the Park Building.  This was a 'message' display and it is important we don't have the front looking too busy to the point it deters attention from...and drowns out the message. Additionally, one too full will block the view of the actual space, which would defeat the purpose of people looking into it as a possible space to lease. Other displays will be more full and busy.. But I would say this is a good start in less than a week in getting it all done by volunteers. We will add more....  There were a lot of positive comments offered by passersby as well as from the management of the Park Building. Thanks to Jesse Howells in helping to be the first to offer a space to get the program kicked off! It will be subtly lit at night...and as more displays are implemented, they will evolve. We will also be doing upkeep on them for the duration of their existence. The small display was to send a 'please don't litter' message. By the way Doc, the footprint on the counter will be cleaned! Sorry about that...it was an accident!

 

 

pictures please

There is an update here.... Today, a small starter display was installed at the Park Building. This was a 'message' display and it is important we don't have the front looking too busy to the point it deters attention from...and drowns out the message. Additionally, one too full will block the view of the actual space, which would defeat the purpose of people looking into it as a possible space to lease. Other displays will be more full and busy.. But I would say this is a good start in less than a week in getting it all done by volunteers. We will add more.... There were a lot of positive comments offered by passersby as well as from the management of the Park Building. Thanks to Jesse Howells in helping to be the first to offer a space to get the program kicked off! It will be subtly lit at night...and as more displays are implemented, they will evolve. We will also be doing upkeep on them for the duration of their existence. The small display was to send a 'please don't litter' message. By the way Doc, the footprint on the counter will be cleaned! Sorry about that...it was an accident!

 

 

 

Hahaha, I'm sure it's fine!  I'd like to see pictures too!  I don't make it over that way on a daily basis!

Ok, this is not a great photo....  But, it was taken on a cell phone.  By the way, Doc...People were saying how well you prepped the place! I also have some art featuring native aquatic life...its beautiful. I may consider donating it for an aquatic themed display.

Ok, this is not a great photo.... But, it was taken on a cell phone. By the way, Doc...People were saying how well you prepped the place! I also have some art featuring native aquatic life...its beautiful. I may consider donating it for an aquatic themed display.

 

Heh, I like the bags made from bags.  And it wasn't just me!!!!  X worked hard too!

Ok, this is not a great photo....  But, it was taken on a cell phone.  By the way, Doc...People were saying how well you prepped the place! I also have some art featuring native aquatic life...its beautiful. I may consider donating it for an aquatic themed display.

 

Heh, I like the bags made from bags.  And it wasn't just me!!!!  X worked hard too!

 

Ohhh yeah....That's right!!!  He did help you!  Sorry "X"...    Kudos to your many talents including cleaning something the right way. Thanks!