Posted March 2, 201015 yr GARDENS UNDER GLASS at GALLERIA—UNDERWAY! CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Millions have passed through the Galleria at Erieview, sun glinting on its barrel-shaped glass roof. But it took a nurseryman's granddaughter to look up and think: This place looks like a giant greenhouse. Now Vicky Poole, the Galleria's marketing and events director, who worked on her grandpa's farm as a child, expects that by late spring or early summer, there will be fresh tomatoes for sale among the shops and galleries at the downtown Cleveland mall. For the whole story, visit this link: http://blog.cleveland.com/metro/2010/02/galleria_has_gardens_now.html Note: I just want to note, that this article above on Cleveland Dot Com had the usual tally of ignorant, negative and ill-informed comments. There were some great comments too..but the stupidity on that forum never ceases to amaze so I did some lashing myself. It would be nice to see more UO'ers counter some of this stuff.
March 2, 201015 yr A great thing happening here.... too bad this post keeps getting dunked to the bottom by the Cincy threads!
March 2, 201015 yr Well it won't be dunked anymore!! I am very excited about this project. I remember hearing is some earlier urban ohio post about this place being turned into a "sustainabilty research center"
March 11, 201015 yr Maybe we should put "Cleveland" in the title. I know 90% of us know what the Galleria is, but still, maybe for some of the guests who read UO.
March 11, 201015 yr Great idea! "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
March 11, 201015 yr Love this plan. Best possible use for the Galleria, and so unlike anything found anywhere else.
March 11, 201015 yr Oh wow! I cannot wait to visit this and see! :-) There really isn't that much to see. Maybe I was expecting too much, but it looked like a few dozen really small plants at a couple of spots throughout the mall.
March 12, 201015 yr Folks, this is just the beginning of this plan.... Much is in the works and I think everone will be really happy with the vision for the place. The idea to do this there is less than a year old so with the grant, the initial installations and interest shown in this has been really positive.
March 12, 201015 yr Some national attention, basically same story though: At Cleveland Mall Green Market, Sustainability Is the New Hot Topic BY Ariel SchwartzTue Mar 9, 2010 Yesterday, we reported on the Cleveland Galleria mall's plan to build a massive urban greenhouse where retail shops once stood. The real story, it turns out, is what the two people behind the Gardens Under Glass project have planned for tomorrow. An urban wasteland is being transformed into a green paradise. http://www.fastcompany.com/1576976/cleveland-galleria-mall-greenhouse-gardens-under-glass?partner=homepage_newsletter
March 12, 201015 yr If Ohio legalizes weed maybe we can just grow a ton of herb in there and make some "green jobs" for Cleveland.
March 12, 201015 yr The last paragraph of that article was really inspiring. I'd love to see the Galleria become the hub of an urban ecovillage. The first paragraph was less inspiring. I don't exactly consider the Galleria a "wasteland".
March 27, 201015 yr Here are a couple more article postings...One of many that keep coming in daily showing interest in this project. I am confident it will be a big re-birth of this building and a great amenity for downtown. If these were already posted, please excuse. http://www.grist.org/article/the-mall-gets-fresh http://www.huffingtonpost.com/halle-tecco/from-lemons-to-lemonade-c_b_509238.html
May 6, 201015 yr the huffingtonpost article was very positive and cool. i'd definately like to see photo updates on this thread as the greening of the galleria progresses.
May 10, 201015 yr There may be a really unique thing coming to downtown that could be a part of this....But until it is set, I will wait to post. I like to under promise and over-deliver, rather than the other way around!
May 10, 201015 yr well maybe posting this in the "Garden's under the Glass" is somewhat of a hint... I mean, why mention it if you cant say anything. Just post when everything is confirmed.
May 10, 201015 yr ^Uh, half the things posted on this forum are little teasers about things to come, with often incomplete information. McCleveland does it all the time, and it's a good thing because it keeps things interesting. I don't hear you complaining about anyone else doing it, so I have to assume it's you baiting EC un-necessarily once again.
May 27, 201015 yr When things are solid, I will mention about the above. The point in saying what I said was to let people know that the project is alive and well and additional components are planned, so stay tuned. Its king of like telling a partner that you have a surprise for them, but you cannot say what it is yet or the surprise will be spoiled.
June 11, 201015 yr A nice little write up about Cleveland's "Gardens Under Glass:" Cleveland shopping mall sprouts urban farm By Julian Martin June 10, 2010 A shopping mall in Cleveland is putting a new spin on typical food court fare by trading Chinese food and chicken strips for fresh tomatoes and edible flowers. The Galleria at Erieview’s new Gardens Under Glass project houses an indoor farm amidst the mall’s shops and galleries. Built to cater to consumers’ increased interest in sustainability, as well as a way to revitalize empty retail space, the farm’s produce will be sold to mall patrons and incorporated into mall restaurant menus. Last year, Vicky Poole, the Galleria’s marketing and events director, was inspired to turn the mall’s central atrium into an indoor farm after seeing a photo of dozens of plants growing in a New York café windowsill, according to The Plains Dealer. After being awarded a $30,000 grant in February by Civic Innovation Lab, Poole and Jack Hamilton, a gallery owner at the mall, began working on the project’s first indoor organic garden. http://eatdrinkandbe.org/article/index.0610_green_sustainmall
June 11, 201015 yr Why not just go full bore and set up the galleria as a conservatory with some restaruants. Fill it with victorian plants and flowers, birds, etc. The Garden Center could run it.
June 11, 201015 yr ^ There may be some focus on implementing native plants...the whole concept of this building is to shift to a place where sustainability is an effort in the products, goods and services sold...as well as the attraction of new business venues that feature such green products such as air and water purification. All available to the public. Education/outreach will be a goal too. But, this will be a unique place to find some pretty interesting stuff that is useful to businesses and residents. This produce, whatever they have at a given time IS available to the public, just so everyone knows... If you live downtown and need some... Just stop by. I also want to see this be a go to place for Pedapod. The diversity and productivity of the plants will increase as this program evolves and tackles challenges. On a side note...Even right now, there are some nice galleries in this place and a nice museum. In the end, it will transition into a more local and independent good and services venue, besides a place of the chain gang stuff. If you have an eco-related product, idea or whatever...you may want to set up shop here. Thanks for posting the article, Murray Hill... nice write up!
August 14, 201014 yr Just an update here to cover some of the things I have been trying to help with in this project..... By mid to end of September, there should be the solid beginnings of a unique learning center/retail space in the Galleria. Work is beginning on preparing a space that will feature educational elements on air, water, and soil....then feature some eco-friendly products, that if used instead of what one currently uses, can result in the cleaner and more sustainable quality of the three. There will be a nifty live natural habitat fish exhibit featuring some smaller lesser known fishes and habitats we take for granted. All in all, a goal is to implement sustainable practices throughout the building such as recycling, composting, and of course the growing. Many products eventually here will be unique and not typically found elsewhere..such as many products made from recycled materials. For those who live in this neighborhood, you will eventually find it a go to place for gifts, and other essential items that you cannot find in suburbs. On another note....Currently there is interest in recruiting someone who would consider opening a quality thrift store in the structure that will feature select and quality clothing, furnishings, etc... It will not look like a junk flea market or a Goodwill store. This will be very clean and set up well. If there is anyone interested in this venture, please leave a message. Hopefully, the entire Gardens Under Glass at the Galleria will be a place where you can one stop shop for many eco-friendly products, good, and services, right downtown under one roof...so you don't have to drive all over creation finding such places individually. Additionally, such a scenario will give independent and/or locally owned and operated merchants a chance to consolidate and increase their presence and force in a largely franchised and chain market. It is really exciting to see what is evolving here and your support is appreciated. We might even see some interesting transportation vehicles floating around as well in the future!
August 14, 201014 yr this is such awesome news! i had no idea this was going on.. That last paragraph of yours EC.. you mention transportation. Wouldn't the Galleria be the absolute perfect place for an underground station? If we could "close the loop" from the rock hall/intermodal transit.. the line could run underground to the galleria, then ya know run to e9/euclid or playhouse square then run back into tower city. Who knows exactly, I just always saw the perfect place for a metro station.
August 14, 201014 yr ^ Possibly so with the underground component already there......but I was thinking more in line of these no emission forms right now!... www.pedapod.com.au :-)
August 26, 201014 yr From the Marketing Director at GUG: Gardens Under Glass is an economic development project located in the Galleria; supporting the growth of urban agriculture, and sustainability education. Gardens Under Glass ReSource Center will be opening September 22, in hopes to support an opportunity to network after the first day of the Sustainability Conference, the Global Engine. The Center plans to support City sustainable initiatives, groups, and organizations with a green message. We will also be focusing on healthy lifestyle education. If you are receiving this e-mail, it is because I have talked with you, and feel you would be a good fit, and would like your product or service to be a part of the Center. Interested businesses and groups, please contact me at your earliest convenience so that I can coordinate your space requirements. It is my hope to have everyone included. I look forward to hearing from you. Feel free to call me on my cell..440 225.0723 www.gardensunderlgass.net Be a part of an exciting economic initiative Be a part of Downtown development Be Green
August 28, 201014 yr New website... www.gardensunderglass.net and here is the progress link: http://web.me.com/gardensunderglass/gardensunderglass/Progress_ReSource_Center.html#7
August 28, 201014 yr Very cool stuff. They really should get better marketing outside of EC (you're of course doing a great job) since the PD hasn't touched this story in months
August 28, 201014 yr I agree, and thanks! IMO, the PD will only cover more of this if their is some sort of dramatic/negative twist of "Its failing and its because its Cleveland" connotation. There is a lot of energy and effort going into this place and it will be a very useful place to downtown residents, especially. On the fun side of things, if it can get the promotion it needs, people will know that there will be something to explore downtown past 6:00 PM besides digestible consumption. I am hearing Cle-Plus may try and help with getting the words out. It is a work in progress, so someone who comes down should not expect the images portrayed for the ultimate vision---However, for starters, this learning/retail center will be nice.
September 9, 201014 yr Let's not forget about the grand opening night of the learning/retail center at the Gardens Under Glass Project. This is happening September 22nd. Please come by and learn about what the whole scope of the project entails and how it can serve downtown and surrounding neighborhoods well in being functional/walkable. See the website for the details at: www.gardensunderglass.net Grand Opening Link: http://web.me.com/gardensunderglass/gardensunderglass/Grand_Opening_Invite.html
September 9, 201014 yr Gardens Under Glass new ReSource and Education center is well underway and on it's way to their Grand Opening on September 22 @ 5:PM. Check-out the website for progress updates through video and photographs. www.gardensunderglass.net
September 9, 201014 yr This holiday season or any season....a birthday, wedding or special event planned? Looking for something nifty and earth friendly too? Looking for some produce for your cooking year round? How about making your green business idea come true? Looking for some really nice art? Maybe some obscure item only a great thrift store can offer (trying to recruit one--a good one at that!) How about something to eat that is a bit more healthy? Are you looking to environmentally enhance or "green" up your classic or trendy urban home with some really cool ideas that could utilize rainwater barrels, creating backyard wildlife friendly (hummingbirds/butterflies/colorful native plantings) small gardens on the roof or on the ground? How about coming to a place where you can view interesting environmentally related/sustainability related documentary presentations not usually seen on TV or in mainstream theater? Have a Meet-up event you'd like to plan here? How about learning a bit more on some of the local aquatic life in Cleveland or improving your indoor air quality/environment for you and your pets? How about enjoying all this in an oasis type atmosphere...under one roof... on what is essentially an indoor downtown street? If so, come on down and re-discover this place and help make it work as a national example. There is plenty of parking on 12th....and plenty underground...as well as this facility being easily accessible by foot, bike, personal transportation via highways....or public transportation. Not far from Asiatown, hotels, and a short walk from Public Square and E.4th or WHD. See you at this "Field Of Greens" in the making!..... By the way, volunteers are always welcomed. Students looking for such are welcomed...or if you're retired, or have some extra time on your hands and would like to lean a lot in the process.
September 25, 201014 yr Grand Opening of phase one went well... Here is a link to the slideshow.... Enjoy! http://web.me.com/gardensunderglass/gardensunderglass/Resource_Center/Pages/Grand_Opening_9-22-10.html#grid
September 25, 201014 yr I think EC is even in one of the pictures... and no not the one in the recycled dress.
September 25, 201014 yr I hope that those who wish to see more retail downtown will support the retail component of this project... Some great food, garden related... art and gift ideas here..... as well as the produce that will continue to be more available. Oh, and by the way, anyone who has aquariums may be able to buy the best fish food on the planet here! I will be using it to care for the fish in the re-source space. I have also sold it when I operated a specialty aquarium store some years ago. A handful of people worked their tails off 'round the clock to get this thing ready to present for phase one at the open house.
October 23, 201014 yr Also posted on Urban Farms thread... PBS was in town from San Francisco.... http://web.me.com/gardensunderglass/gardensunderglass/My_Albums/My_Albums.html
February 3, 201114 yr Gardens under Glass is featured as a main proponent in Cleveland being called #4 on a list of the "worlds most visionary cities" http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-37533159;_ylt=AlS89c.YKp6RjSsGlLqJgcuhpYMA
Create an account or sign in to comment