The Flats

Flats East Bank ApartmentsBob PerkoskiFlats East Bank Apartments
Spaced out: Artist Isaiah Williams’ latest creation pays tribute to the Metroparks
Mural Artist Isaiah Williams worked with LAND studio and the Cleveland Metroparks to create a five-wall mural on a warehouse behind Merwin's Wharf in the Flats.
Tour the past: County opens Veteran’s Memorial Bridge lower deck, hosts talk about future plans
The subway level of the Veterans Memorial Bridge will be open this weekend for tours and a discussion about creating a public "Low-Line Park" on the level that was closed in 1954.
Celebration of Light: Join the Towpath Trail Lantern Parade
Light up the night by making your own lantern, participate in others arts and crafts, and join Canalway for its Towpath Trail Lantern Parade this Saturday.
Photo finish: The 2022 Towpath Marathon in photos
More than 1,000 runners competed on Saturday, Oct. 8 in Canalway's Towpath Trail marathon, half marathon, and 10K race. FreshWater managing photographer Bob Perkoski captured this year's event in this photo essay. 
Head of the Cuyahoga: Proof of progress, more activity on a thriving river
The 26th Head of the Cuyahoga takes place this weekend, with more than 2,000 people from 15 states and Canada descending upon the Flats. It seems like a good time to reflect on the river's progress in the past 53 years, as rowing and other water recreation, business, and environmental stewardship grows. 
Leaving his mark: French graffiti artist Blek Le Rat covers the city with four murals
Earlier this month, Graffiti HeArt brought French street artist Blek Le Rat to Cleveland to paint four murals around town—including one of his most famous works on the Cuyahoga River Viaduct by Merwin's Wharf.
Making it pop: International artist arrives in Cleveland to paint Stella Maris mural
International mural artist Birdcap is in Cleveland this week, painting one of his unique murals on the side of the Stella Maris building in the Flats. 
Rally on the River: A photo essay of last week's Canalway Cuyahoga River Rally
Last week, Canalway celebrated a “river renewed” by looking at how far the Cuyahoga River has come, the river’s history, and the lifestyle enhancements clean water provides at Cuyahoga River Rally in the Flats. FreshWater managing photographer Bob Perkoski caught all the fun.
Where recovery meets community: Renovated Stella Maris Coffee Shop is a sober place for a cup of joe
After closing during the pandemic, the newly renovated Stella Maris Coffee Shop on Washington Avenue is back in business and offering workforce development for its employees in recovery, as well as a tasty cup of coffee or tea for the patrons. 
Canalway’s Cuyahoga River Rally highlights river history with music, fun on the water
Canalway's Cuyahoga River Rally returns for its second year with river history tours, ways to get out on the river, and a celebration on the banks of the Cuyahoga. 
Clean Sweep: Volunteers remove 23 tons of trash from the Cuyahoga River Valley
Volunteers came out in force last weekend for Canalway's annual RiverSweep—picking up more than 23 tons of trash along the Cuyahoga River Valley.
Rolling on the River: New 150-foot mural at The Foundry depicts rowing, teamwork, diversity
The Foundry Community Rowing and Sailing Center has been growing steadily ever since in opened on the banks of the Cuyahoga. The newest addition is a 150-foot mural that can be seen from afar and embraces the teamwork and diversity The Foundry promotes.
Spring into spring: Canalway Partners hosts lantern parade to welcome a new season on the Cuyahoga
Daylight Saving Time starts this weekend—a perfect time for Canalway Partners' first-ever Towpath Trail Lantern Parade. Make you own lantern from recycled or upcycled materials and battery-powered light and come join the celebration.
BrewDog Outpost gets an enthusiastic welcome on opening weekend
The much-anticipated BrewDog Cleveland Outpost opened its doors this past weekend, and those who checked it out are giving the huge space with its spectacular views rave reviews.
Photos: Rounding out the Towpath Trilogy with a marathon on the Towpath Trail
More than 650 runners came out for the 29th annual Towpath Marathon on Saturday, Oct. 9. FreshWater managing photographer Bob Perkoski caught all the action along the course. Check out his photos here. 
Metroparks’ Winter RiverFest returns to Rivergate Park and Merwin’s Wharf
The Cleveland Metroparks’ Winter RiverFest will transform Rivergate Park and Merwin's Wharf into a winter wonderland for the holiday season in November, with dining and activities for the entire family.
Zenas King: Built the bridges that connect Cleveland’s east and west sides
Zenas King first came to Cleveland to become a building contractor. He went on to construct three innovative bridges and create the country's largest manufacturer of highway bridges.
Cleveland Metroparks, partners mark the completion of two projects
Last week the Cleveland Metroparks joined Western Reserve Land Conservancy and Old Brooklyn CDC in opening Brighton Park, and then officially opened the Wendy Park bridge and Whiskey Island trail.
River Rally: Canalway Partners to celebrate Cuyahoga River this weekend
Canalway Partners is celebrating the progress of the Cuyahoga River and the recreational lifestyle that clean water provides with the Cuyahoga River Rally this weekend. 
Superior Viaduct: Cleveland's first high-level bridge
Cleveland Masterworks: Excited newspaper reporters said the Superior Viaduct would last for 1,000 years when it was completed in 1878. But a major design flaw limited its life to only 40 years before the Detroit Superior bridge replaced it.