Michelle Simakis

Michelle Simakis is editor of Garden Center magazine, a trade publication serving independent garden center retailers and lives in Cleveland. She has also covered Cleveland Heights for Patch.com, an online community news source. 

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Urban living at its finest: New apartments create a neighborly feel, embrace the city's assets
The latest apartments and lofts in Tremont, Flats East Bank and Detroit Shoreway each offer the expected high-end amenities and a modern yet industrial feel. But developers like to emphasize how they are helping to create new neighborhoods and celebrating the city and waterfront. 
One woman show spotlights transgender lives in Cleveland
Christine Howey, a local theater critic, poet and actor, decided to live as the woman she knew she was when transgender individuals were not so visible.
Rustbelt Reclamation brings new life to salvaged materials
As vacant factories, schools and homes are torn down or remodeled, Rustbelt Reclamation is saving materials that would otherwise be thrown out and using them to build sleek, new furniture.
Reclaiming pieces from the past
Companies in Cleveland are saving wood and other materials that were once factory floors and school chalkboards from dumpsters and transforming them into beautiful, high-quality furniture and flooring.
Amidst the blight, organizations, citizens fight for future of East Cleveland
News stories about the once prosperous inner-ring suburb and home of Rockefeller have focused on the city’s financial struggles. As it continues to grapple with a reduced revenue stream and funding shortfalls, people and organizations are filling a void. 
school's out forever: the challenge and opportunity of surplus schools
Cleveland and other cities have struggled for years with vacant schools. As empty buildings hang in limbo, they deteriorate, increasing the likelihood that they'll be torn down. Adaptive reuse, while challenging, can be a tool for preservation.
what's next for cedar lee? city aims to support new and established entrepreneurs
Cleveland Heights is working to attract new businesses to the city and provide established merchants with resources and loans so that they succeed.
cedar lee merchants say despite recent tragedies, community is stable, strong
Rocked by a pair of senseless tragedies, Cedar Lee merchants say they can't remember a sadder year. Yet they say their community has been painted in an unfair light. Crime is down overall, many merchants are thriving and street improvements are in the works.
ch police partner with cedar lee businesses, focus on community policing
The Cleveland Heights Police Department has long had a reputation for doling out too many speeding and parking tickets, but new leadership is partnering with businesses and making community policing a focus.
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