Early in 2020 the Downtown Cleveland Alliance was well on its way of reaching its goal of having 20,000 downtown residents by year's end. Despite the pandemic, and low interest rates luring young professionals out of the city, DCA still predicts they will reach the 20,000 mark in the first quarter of 2021.

Brandon Chrostowski and his EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute staff launched a cook-from-home Zoom cooking class series this month—offering classes for all skill levels and ages.

Thanks to $750,000 in state capital funds, the Western Reserve Historical Society is moving ahead with plans to update and broaden the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum's space.

Waterloo Arts has come up with an artistic way to drench Waterloo Road in color and greenery while also bringing the neighborhood together. 

After nearly eight years in business, Cleveland Whiskey is busting at the seams and is moving to a new—yet historic—facility in the 1911 Consolidated Produce Auction Company building in the Flats. The new facility will accommodate a restaurant, bar, garden, and, of course, plenty of whiskey.

Hunter Harlor thought he would ease into opening Dirty Bird ghost kitchen in Michael's Genuine last week, but the smoked and Nashville hot chicken offerings proved to be a popular option for diners, and opening week was a hit. 

Local author Raquel Ortiz just released her newest book about the East Harlem 1969 Garbage Offensive by the Young Lords, telling the story of how you're never too young to make a difference.

Parnell's Pub closed both of its locations because of the virus surge. But with the holidays approaching, bar owner Declan Synnott is getting creative—peddling stocking stuffers of two-ounce bottles of whiskey, growlers, and Zoom cocktail classes.  

Cuyahoga Arts & Culture announced last month that it will distribute more than $12 million in grants to 295 nonprofit organizations. Sixteen organizations are first-time recipients. FreshWater looks at four of the newcomers.  

When the coronavirus hit,  Pour Cleveland owner Charlie Eisenstat decided to close his downtown coffee shop and shift to a new business model—an online roast-to-order coffee program featuring some of the world's best coffee roasters.

Ohio City Farm is already selling its 2021 CSAs, as well as bundles of dried herbs, after repeated requests from those who want to give the produce packages as holiday gifts.

More than 40 creative types of all ages submitted their works to adorn a vacant storefront window on Coventry for Lake Erie Ink's second Creative Community Challenge. 

The historic 1853 Cozad-Bates House in University Circle, known to play a role in the Underground Railroad and anti-slavery causes, was unveiled this week as the Cozad-Bates House Interpretive Center—a place to learn abut Cleveland's role in getting former slaves to freedom.

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise and arts organizations struggle with closures and social distancing, the deadline draws near for arts and culture organizations to apply for the $4 million in CARES Act funding set aside by Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish. 

Designer William McNicol grew up in the 90s era of designer basketball shoes. Once he began designing his own kicks, his career as a fashion designer took off. His newest clothing collection—all manufactured here in the CLE—launched last week.

Inspired by the spices and flavors of different ethnicities, Doug Katz uses the ghost kitchen takeout and delivery concept as a testing ground for new restaurant ideas.

Neighborhood Pets works to keep pets with their human companions by providing low cost medical care, food and supplies, and other services to low-income pet owners.

Event planner Amy Pappas has found a way to keep both local foodies and chefs engaged at home during the pandemic with Zoom cooking classes—and the proceeds go to good causes.

Vicki and Steve Kotris were all set to open their unique ice cream bar, a spinoff of their Cleveland Cookie Dough, when COVID-19 delayed their opening last spring. Now, they have finally opened the doors to Remixx Ice Cream + Cereal Bar at Clifton Corners.