Design + Build
Valerie Mayen of Yellowcake, a fashion designer who became the poster child for Cleveland's nascent design industry after she appeared on Project Runway, will launch a nonprofit sewing studio to push the city's young talent into the spotlight.
The new loft studio, which is called Buzz and Growl, intends to offer work space, professional equipment, coaching and classes to young artists and entrepreneurs. It is located at 1400 East 30th Street in the St. Clair Superior neighborhood. Mayen is raising funds and plans to open the space sometime next year.
"I see a lot of artists that are making products here, but they're not saleable yet," says Mayen. "This is about helping them to hone and polish what they have, so they can become reputable businesses and sustain themselves in Cleveland."
Mayen says that Buzz and Growl already has a waiting list for new members. So far, she has raised $11,000 towards the costs of renovating the studio, and has invested some of her own resources as well. Mayen and her cohorts now hope to raise an additional $15,000 to purchase equipment and open the doors.
"This is the hard part, the frustrating search for money," says Mayen, who will serve as the Executive Director of Buzz and Growl. "Yet we've been able to attract grassroots support because people know this is about creating jobs."
To that end, Mayen is hosting an invitation-only "friendraiser" at Buzz and Growl's new studio on December 8th. Despite the challenging hunt for grant dollars, she is confident that the city will support this fledgling effort.
This year, Mayen hired several new employees for her business and opened and closed a series of pop-up stores. Beyond Buzz and Growl, she wants to launch a permanent Yellowcake shop in Ohio City or Detroit Shoreway by Fall of 2012.
Source: Valerie Mayen
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The new loft studio, which is called Buzz and Growl, intends to offer work space, professional equipment, coaching and classes to young artists and entrepreneurs. It is located at 1400 East 30th Street in the St. Clair Superior neighborhood. Mayen is raising funds and plans to open the space sometime next year.
"I see a lot of artists that are making products here, but they're not saleable yet," says Mayen. "This is about helping them to hone and polish what they have, so they can become reputable businesses and sustain themselves in Cleveland."
Mayen says that Buzz and Growl already has a waiting list for new members. So far, she has raised $11,000 towards the costs of renovating the studio, and has invested some of her own resources as well. Mayen and her cohorts now hope to raise an additional $15,000 to purchase equipment and open the doors.
"This is the hard part, the frustrating search for money," says Mayen, who will serve as the Executive Director of Buzz and Growl. "Yet we've been able to attract grassroots support because people know this is about creating jobs."
To that end, Mayen is hosting an invitation-only "friendraiser" at Buzz and Growl's new studio on December 8th. Despite the challenging hunt for grant dollars, she is confident that the city will support this fledgling effort.
This year, Mayen hired several new employees for her business and opened and closed a series of pop-up stores. Beyond Buzz and Growl, she wants to launch a permanent Yellowcake shop in Ohio City or Detroit Shoreway by Fall of 2012.
Source: Valerie Mayen
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The City of Cleveland Heights has released a Request for Development Proposals (RDFP) that it hopes will lure new office space, jobs and tax revenue to the inner ring suburb. The city is asking for development ideas for a 39,000-square-foot parcel at Lee and Meadowbrook roads in the heart of the Cedar-Lee commercial district. Responses are due in January.
Given that two high-end condo projects proposed here in the mid-2000's never came to fruition, the city evidently is hoping the third time's the charm. After the demise of these projects, the city land-banked the site, tearing up the asphalt parking lot and planting grass.
Yet Howard Thompson, the city's Director of Economic Development, says there is reason for optimism in the city's new approach, which is more broadly focused on economic development rather than pinpointing for-sale housing.
"I see the growth happening in University Circle, and I want to tap into that," he says. "There are healthcare and technology professionals living in Cleveland Heights, and my goal is to drive business development opportunities here."
Although this streetcar suburb is isolated from highways, Thompson says it enjoys many locational advantages, including its walkable, urban streetscape and amenity-rich environment. "Areas like MidTown are still at the beginning stages, yet here you have 27 different restaurants directly around you," he says.
The city also owns a 377-space parking garage directly behind the project site, 82 spaces of which are dedicated towards whatever building is ultimately developed.
As for public-private partnerships, Thompson says that the City of Cleveland Heights is ready to provide assistance if it is needed. "We're asking developers to spell out in their proposals what kinds of assistance they'd be asking for."
Source: Howard Thompson
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Given that two high-end condo projects proposed here in the mid-2000's never came to fruition, the city evidently is hoping the third time's the charm. After the demise of these projects, the city land-banked the site, tearing up the asphalt parking lot and planting grass.
Yet Howard Thompson, the city's Director of Economic Development, says there is reason for optimism in the city's new approach, which is more broadly focused on economic development rather than pinpointing for-sale housing.
"I see the growth happening in University Circle, and I want to tap into that," he says. "There are healthcare and technology professionals living in Cleveland Heights, and my goal is to drive business development opportunities here."
Although this streetcar suburb is isolated from highways, Thompson says it enjoys many locational advantages, including its walkable, urban streetscape and amenity-rich environment. "Areas like MidTown are still at the beginning stages, yet here you have 27 different restaurants directly around you," he says.
The city also owns a 377-space parking garage directly behind the project site, 82 spaces of which are dedicated towards whatever building is ultimately developed.
As for public-private partnerships, Thompson says that the City of Cleveland Heights is ready to provide assistance if it is needed. "We're asking developers to spell out in their proposals what kinds of assistance they'd be asking for."
Source: Howard Thompson
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Residents of Lyndhurst typically live 24 years longer than residents of the Hough neighborhood of Cleveland, according to a recent analysis by the Cuyahoga County Place Matters Team. This health disparity is why the group, in collaboration with the Saint Luke's Foundation, has launched a speaker series at the City Club of Cleveland focused on creating healthier communities in Cuyahoga County.
"It shouldn't matter how much money you have, your community should still be thriving," says Sandy Chappelle, Senior Program Officer with the Saint Luke's Foundation and a leader of the Place Matters initiative. "Quality housing, safe streets and other factors all go into whether a community is healthy or not."
This past Tuesday, the Place Matters team hosted a City Club event with Ron Sims, former U.S. Department of Housing and Development Deputy Secretary, who spoke about how land use planning can impact public health outcomes.
The long-term goal of the Place Matters initiative, says Chappelle, is not to drive prescriptive policies, but rather to infuse knowledge of healthy communities into the larger, public policy decisions that are made at the regional level.
"One example of unhealthy planning is that many new schools are built so that kids have to take the bus, which contributes to lack of physical activity and obesity," says Chappelle. "Yet now we're becoming increasingly aware that all sectors must work together to tackle health outcomes. People are also more aware that this is directly connected to our region's economic viability."
Source: Sandy Chappelle
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"It shouldn't matter how much money you have, your community should still be thriving," says Sandy Chappelle, Senior Program Officer with the Saint Luke's Foundation and a leader of the Place Matters initiative. "Quality housing, safe streets and other factors all go into whether a community is healthy or not."
This past Tuesday, the Place Matters team hosted a City Club event with Ron Sims, former U.S. Department of Housing and Development Deputy Secretary, who spoke about how land use planning can impact public health outcomes.
The long-term goal of the Place Matters initiative, says Chappelle, is not to drive prescriptive policies, but rather to infuse knowledge of healthy communities into the larger, public policy decisions that are made at the regional level.
"One example of unhealthy planning is that many new schools are built so that kids have to take the bus, which contributes to lack of physical activity and obesity," says Chappelle. "Yet now we're becoming increasingly aware that all sectors must work together to tackle health outcomes. People are also more aware that this is directly connected to our region's economic viability."
Source: Sandy Chappelle
Writer: Lee Chilcote
With just a few weeks standing between now and the holiday hand-outs, it's time to shift the shopping cart into high gear. But before you start sending your hard-earned cabbage out of state, consider shopping local. Fresh Water photographer Bob Perkoski takes us on a pictorial tour of some the best holiday pop-up shops. See this story for a complete list.
A handful of U.S. cities have torn down or busted through the '60s-era highway walls that separate their neighborhoods from adjacent waterways. Despite critics' fears that such people-friendly projects will cause calamitous traffic delays, they often reap major economic, social and environmental benefits while adding only a few minutes to the average commute.
Cleveland's version of such a wall is the West Shoreway -- a homely, 2.5-mile stretch of concrete that is designed to move cars in and out of the city, but blocks residents' access to Lake Erie. Until recently, it appeared likely that Cleveland would find a way to bust through this wall. The long-planned West Shoreway project would "transform a 2.5 mile freeway into a scenic, tree-lined boulevard," according to a description on the Ohio Department of Transportation website.
Yet a series of cost overruns, the state's budget crunch and a philosophical shift at ODOT have thrown the very future of the project into question. State officials gave low scores to the city's recent request for additional funding, arguing that reducing the speed limit from 50 to 35 miles per hour would downgrade a functional roadway. Cleveland officials responded by accusing ODOT of trying to kill the project, which has been in the works for more than a decade.
As a December 15th meeting, where funding decisions will occur, looms ahead, cycling advocates, neighborhood residents and public officials are mounting a frontal assault on ODOT to shore up their commitment to the project.
"It's not true that we can't slow cars down -- the George Washington Parkway in D.C. is a major commuter road with bike lanes and crosswalks, and it works well," says Kevin Cronin, a board member of Cleveland Bikes, a nonprofit group rallying to preserve the bike-friendly project. "We need to make sure that this project moves forward, and that it includes bike and pedestrian lanes."
In an effort to get the project back on track, city officials and neighborhood advocates will host a public meeting with ODOT officials on Thursday, December 1st at 6 p.m. at Franklin Circle Church, 1688 Fulton Avenue in Ohio City.
Source: Kevin Cronin
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Cleveland's version of such a wall is the West Shoreway -- a homely, 2.5-mile stretch of concrete that is designed to move cars in and out of the city, but blocks residents' access to Lake Erie. Until recently, it appeared likely that Cleveland would find a way to bust through this wall. The long-planned West Shoreway project would "transform a 2.5 mile freeway into a scenic, tree-lined boulevard," according to a description on the Ohio Department of Transportation website.
Yet a series of cost overruns, the state's budget crunch and a philosophical shift at ODOT have thrown the very future of the project into question. State officials gave low scores to the city's recent request for additional funding, arguing that reducing the speed limit from 50 to 35 miles per hour would downgrade a functional roadway. Cleveland officials responded by accusing ODOT of trying to kill the project, which has been in the works for more than a decade.
As a December 15th meeting, where funding decisions will occur, looms ahead, cycling advocates, neighborhood residents and public officials are mounting a frontal assault on ODOT to shore up their commitment to the project.
"It's not true that we can't slow cars down -- the George Washington Parkway in D.C. is a major commuter road with bike lanes and crosswalks, and it works well," says Kevin Cronin, a board member of Cleveland Bikes, a nonprofit group rallying to preserve the bike-friendly project. "We need to make sure that this project moves forward, and that it includes bike and pedestrian lanes."
In an effort to get the project back on track, city officials and neighborhood advocates will host a public meeting with ODOT officials on Thursday, December 1st at 6 p.m. at Franklin Circle Church, 1688 Fulton Avenue in Ohio City.
Source: Kevin Cronin
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Kendall Embrescia’s greeting cards get to the point of the sentiment -- but usually not in the traditional way. As chief creative officer and “head skootcher” at Squirt & Skootch, Embrescia produces cards that are edgy, funny, off-the-wall and well received.
The idea for Squirt & Skootch was originally conceived in 2009 by Embrescia and a friend who wanted to start a business that united their love of writing, creativity and travel. The peculiar name is based on their childhood nicknames.
“One of the universal things I found when I traveled was mail,” recalls Embrescia. “No matter where I was I would send a postcard.”
So, in fall 2009, "Squirt" and "Skootch" gave their cards a trial run at the Tremont Arts Festival. Boasting sayings like “I have a heart on for you” and other spicy sentiments, the cards were very well received.
Then Squirt moved on and Embrescia’s friend Sandy Hridel joined the team. The two hit some stationary shows and developed a full line of cards, covering categories that ranged from Love and Sex to Holiday and Encouragement. Embrescia and Hridel formally formed an LLC in fall of 2010, hired Embrescia’s niece Kendra Kwasniewski to illustrate the cards, and got a crash course in running a business.
“We started identifying places that would sell our cards, cold calling people and walking into stores to sell our cards,” says Embrescia. “I’m a really creative person and learning the business stuff was really intense.” But the hard work paid off. Today, Squirt & Skootch can be found in stores around Northeast Ohio, as well as in Pittsburgh, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and Colorado.
The company plans on hiring a web developer and some salespeople to go after mid-sized retailers. “Growth is certainly key,” says Embrescia. “We’ve been able to be creative and build an infrastructure, but now the emphasis is on growth.”
Source: Kendall Embrescia
Writer: Karin Connelly
The idea for Squirt & Skootch was originally conceived in 2009 by Embrescia and a friend who wanted to start a business that united their love of writing, creativity and travel. The peculiar name is based on their childhood nicknames.
“One of the universal things I found when I traveled was mail,” recalls Embrescia. “No matter where I was I would send a postcard.”
So, in fall 2009, "Squirt" and "Skootch" gave their cards a trial run at the Tremont Arts Festival. Boasting sayings like “I have a heart on for you” and other spicy sentiments, the cards were very well received.
Then Squirt moved on and Embrescia’s friend Sandy Hridel joined the team. The two hit some stationary shows and developed a full line of cards, covering categories that ranged from Love and Sex to Holiday and Encouragement. Embrescia and Hridel formally formed an LLC in fall of 2010, hired Embrescia’s niece Kendra Kwasniewski to illustrate the cards, and got a crash course in running a business.
“We started identifying places that would sell our cards, cold calling people and walking into stores to sell our cards,” says Embrescia. “I’m a really creative person and learning the business stuff was really intense.” But the hard work paid off. Today, Squirt & Skootch can be found in stores around Northeast Ohio, as well as in Pittsburgh, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles and Colorado.
The company plans on hiring a web developer and some salespeople to go after mid-sized retailers. “Growth is certainly key,” says Embrescia. “We’ve been able to be creative and build an infrastructure, but now the emphasis is on growth.”
Source: Kendall Embrescia
Writer: Karin Connelly
Local real estate pros like David Sharkey of Progressive Urban have been struggling to stay afloat lately, a drastic shift from the urban housing boom of the late-'90s. But slowly, they say, wary buyers are emerging from the sidelines. Their target: value-rich homes with energy-efficient features in neighborhoods with proven market appeal.
At a recent community meeting for Launch Lorain, a grassroots planning process to plot the future of that street, Ohio City advocates eager to push W. 25th Street's development onto gritty Lorain gave a cry akin to Westward Ho!
Yet they were met with beleaguered skepticism by residents and business owners who believe more attention should be paid to basic safety and city services. Other attendees expressed the viewpoint that attracting residents and businesses to the area would create an engaged constituency that demands more from the city.
“When my building got broken into, the police came and told me this is what I get for living in this neighborhood,” said David Ellison, an architect who is rehabilitating a building at W. 41st and Lorain. “Before we look at adding fancy crosswalks, the city needs to fix the basic things such as potholes and crime."
"The best thing that we can do to create a safer Lorain is to get people there for the right reasons," countered Eric Wobser, Director of Ohio City Inc.
Planners believe they can breathe new life into Lorain by improving its streetscape, targeting empty buildings for redevelopment, and creating new housing. The street has the right retail fabric to become the community's main street and spur redevelopment south of Lorain, they argue.
"If you want to live on W. 25th Street, get in line," said Ward 3 Councilman Joe Cimperman. "We need to pull the energy of W. 25th Street up Lorain."
The three-day planning process included meetings with stakeholders and businesses, a group walk through the neighborhood at night and a chili cook-off at Palookaville Chili, one of a handful of new businesses that recently moved into the area. Now that the initial process is complete, planners will continue to gather input as they prepare a new strategic plan for the area.
Sources: David Ellison, Eric Wobser, Joe Cimperman
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Yet they were met with beleaguered skepticism by residents and business owners who believe more attention should be paid to basic safety and city services. Other attendees expressed the viewpoint that attracting residents and businesses to the area would create an engaged constituency that demands more from the city.
“When my building got broken into, the police came and told me this is what I get for living in this neighborhood,” said David Ellison, an architect who is rehabilitating a building at W. 41st and Lorain. “Before we look at adding fancy crosswalks, the city needs to fix the basic things such as potholes and crime."
"The best thing that we can do to create a safer Lorain is to get people there for the right reasons," countered Eric Wobser, Director of Ohio City Inc.
Planners believe they can breathe new life into Lorain by improving its streetscape, targeting empty buildings for redevelopment, and creating new housing. The street has the right retail fabric to become the community's main street and spur redevelopment south of Lorain, they argue.
"If you want to live on W. 25th Street, get in line," said Ward 3 Councilman Joe Cimperman. "We need to pull the energy of W. 25th Street up Lorain."
The three-day planning process included meetings with stakeholders and businesses, a group walk through the neighborhood at night and a chili cook-off at Palookaville Chili, one of a handful of new businesses that recently moved into the area. Now that the initial process is complete, planners will continue to gather input as they prepare a new strategic plan for the area.
Sources: David Ellison, Eric Wobser, Joe Cimperman
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Since the Capitol Theatre at W. 65th and Detroit reopened in 2008 as a state-of-the-art, three-screen movie house, it has incrementally grown its audience by hosting special events and screening must-see indie films. Yet this week, the hottest attraction at this restored vaudeville theatre will be its striking new blade sign.
This Thursday, a holiday-themed lighting ceremony will celebrate this iconic piece of street art. The "Bright Night" event begins at 6:15 p.m. with the lighting of the sign. A street party will follow. The area's unique indie retailers and restaurants also will be open for the occasion.
"The new sign is a near exact replica of the original blade sign that was installed at the theatre in 1921," says Marilyn Mosinski, Director of Economic Development with the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization (DSCDO), the group which has spearheaded the $50,000 project over the past three years.
Needless to say, after such a long wait Mosinsky and her cohorts are ready to celebrate. Adding to the festivities is a trio of pop-up shops that are opening for the season this week in the Gordon Square Arts District. In recent years, the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood has become known for its one-of-a-kind holiday shopping options.
Valerie Mayen of Yellowcake is setting up a temporary apparel shop at the corner of W. 65th and Detroit. The Gordon Square Holiday Market is also set to open in the Near West Lofts Building at W. 67th and Detroit.
Finally, a new gallery called Double Feature is also popping up in the district. Located in a two-room space on W. 65th next to the Capitol, it will host artwork, a unique shop and an array of events throughout the season.
Bright Night is a part of Yuletide on the Near West Side, a series of holiday events in the Detroit Shoreway, Ohio City and Tremont neighborhoods.
Sources: Genna Petrolla, Marilyn Mosinski
Writer: Lee Chilcote
This Thursday, a holiday-themed lighting ceremony will celebrate this iconic piece of street art. The "Bright Night" event begins at 6:15 p.m. with the lighting of the sign. A street party will follow. The area's unique indie retailers and restaurants also will be open for the occasion.
"The new sign is a near exact replica of the original blade sign that was installed at the theatre in 1921," says Marilyn Mosinski, Director of Economic Development with the Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization (DSCDO), the group which has spearheaded the $50,000 project over the past three years.
Needless to say, after such a long wait Mosinsky and her cohorts are ready to celebrate. Adding to the festivities is a trio of pop-up shops that are opening for the season this week in the Gordon Square Arts District. In recent years, the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood has become known for its one-of-a-kind holiday shopping options.
Valerie Mayen of Yellowcake is setting up a temporary apparel shop at the corner of W. 65th and Detroit. The Gordon Square Holiday Market is also set to open in the Near West Lofts Building at W. 67th and Detroit.
Finally, a new gallery called Double Feature is also popping up in the district. Located in a two-room space on W. 65th next to the Capitol, it will host artwork, a unique shop and an array of events throughout the season.
Bright Night is a part of Yuletide on the Near West Side, a series of holiday events in the Detroit Shoreway, Ohio City and Tremont neighborhoods.
Sources: Genna Petrolla, Marilyn Mosinski
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The City of East Cleveland, a community that has lost thousands of residents in recent years due to the foreclosure crisis and decades of disinvestment, has celebrated two groundbreakings in as many months, suggesting that the city's new pro-development approach may be working.
Officials from the city, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), the Cuyahoga Land Bank and Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing this week celebrated the groundbreaking of a new 39-unit senior apartment building. It is being built on a patch of vacant land at Euclid Avenue and Belmore Road.
Last month, East Cleveland leaders were on hand to give speeches at the groundbreaking for the Circle East Townhomes, a cluster of market-rate apartments on Euclid being developed by the Finch Group.
"We really encourage building in the City of East Cleveland," Mayor Gary Norton said at the groundbreaking ceremony for the senior building. "This project will give the senior citizens in our community a high-quality place to live." The small, enthusiastic crowd, who appeared as hungry for new development as the mayor, all but said "Amen!" each time Norton paused during his speech.
Mayor Norton has been called an effective new leader for this once-prosperous suburb. The Circle East Townhomes project has also been hailed as a rare instance of University Circle's development fervor spreading into East Cleveland. Yet while these two groundbreakings are no doubt worth celebrating, the rows of blighted properties along Euclid suggest the mammoth task that still lies ahead.
CMHA is building the Euclid-Belmore Senior Building with the aid of Neighborhood Stabilization Program funding. It will be built using Enterprise Green Standards to ensure that it is comfortable, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Source: CMHA, Gary Norton
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Officials from the city, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), the Cuyahoga Land Bank and Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing this week celebrated the groundbreaking of a new 39-unit senior apartment building. It is being built on a patch of vacant land at Euclid Avenue and Belmore Road.
Last month, East Cleveland leaders were on hand to give speeches at the groundbreaking for the Circle East Townhomes, a cluster of market-rate apartments on Euclid being developed by the Finch Group.
"We really encourage building in the City of East Cleveland," Mayor Gary Norton said at the groundbreaking ceremony for the senior building. "This project will give the senior citizens in our community a high-quality place to live." The small, enthusiastic crowd, who appeared as hungry for new development as the mayor, all but said "Amen!" each time Norton paused during his speech.
Mayor Norton has been called an effective new leader for this once-prosperous suburb. The Circle East Townhomes project has also been hailed as a rare instance of University Circle's development fervor spreading into East Cleveland. Yet while these two groundbreakings are no doubt worth celebrating, the rows of blighted properties along Euclid suggest the mammoth task that still lies ahead.
CMHA is building the Euclid-Belmore Senior Building with the aid of Neighborhood Stabilization Program funding. It will be built using Enterprise Green Standards to ensure that it is comfortable, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Source: CMHA, Gary Norton
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The behemothic stone mansion that looms over Franklin Boulevard in Ohio City looks like the perfect spot to film a horror movie -- though some say the frightening events rumored to have taken place here a century ago are even stranger than fiction.
Franklin Castle was built in 1865 by Hannes Tiedemann, a German immigrant. After several of his children died -- some of unknown causes -- he reportedly built gargoyles, turrets and a huge, fourth-floor ballroom to distract his wife from her grief. Ever since, rumors have abounded about strange, illicit activities that may have taken place in the house, as well as ghosts that might occupy it.
Yet, the Castle's new owner was evidently not spooked by its reputation as the most haunted house in Ohio -- nor by its fire-damaged interior and squatting caretaker. She plunked down $260,000 for it after receiving approval from the City of Cleveland to rezone it into a three-family property. She told city officials she plans to renovate the entire property, live in one unit and rent the other two.
Michele Anderson, a realtor with Progressive Urban Real Estate (PURE), says that when her media-shy client first contacted her, she thought it was a put on. "This woman said she was from Italy and wanted to buy a house in Cleveland, and I thought, Yeah, right," she says. "Then I realized she was the real deal."
The buyer's seemingly genuine plans to renovate the property and live there have put neighbors somewhat at ease. The property has changed hands several times since the 1980s, but renovations were never completed. Ever since a tragic fire scarred the interior in 1999, the fate of Franklin Castle has been sitting in limbo.
Now that the landmark property is in the hands of a new caretaker, neighbors hope she'll be able to evict the ghosts that have reputedly squatted here -- rent-free -- for over a century. If nothing else, she'll be able to host some killer parties.
Source: Michele Anderson
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Franklin Castle was built in 1865 by Hannes Tiedemann, a German immigrant. After several of his children died -- some of unknown causes -- he reportedly built gargoyles, turrets and a huge, fourth-floor ballroom to distract his wife from her grief. Ever since, rumors have abounded about strange, illicit activities that may have taken place in the house, as well as ghosts that might occupy it.
Yet, the Castle's new owner was evidently not spooked by its reputation as the most haunted house in Ohio -- nor by its fire-damaged interior and squatting caretaker. She plunked down $260,000 for it after receiving approval from the City of Cleveland to rezone it into a three-family property. She told city officials she plans to renovate the entire property, live in one unit and rent the other two.
Michele Anderson, a realtor with Progressive Urban Real Estate (PURE), says that when her media-shy client first contacted her, she thought it was a put on. "This woman said she was from Italy and wanted to buy a house in Cleveland, and I thought, Yeah, right," she says. "Then I realized she was the real deal."
The buyer's seemingly genuine plans to renovate the property and live there have put neighbors somewhat at ease. The property has changed hands several times since the 1980s, but renovations were never completed. Ever since a tragic fire scarred the interior in 1999, the fate of Franklin Castle has been sitting in limbo.
Now that the landmark property is in the hands of a new caretaker, neighbors hope she'll be able to evict the ghosts that have reputedly squatted here -- rent-free -- for over a century. If nothing else, she'll be able to host some killer parties.
Source: Michele Anderson
Writer: Lee Chilcote
What is most unusual about Trailside at Morgana Run, a new development of 100-plus new homes in the Slavic Village neighborhood of Cleveland, is not simply that it is a rare example of speculative housing development in today’s morbid real estate market.
No, what seems even more unique is that Third Federal Bank, whose headquarters is located adjacent to the site, is actually the developer of the project. Typically, banks do not take an active role in development.
“Third Federal has historically been all about homeownership,” says Joe Del Re of Zaremba Homes, the urban homebuilder that has been hired to oversee construction. “What better statement could they possibly make to the community than to not only put their headquarters here, but also to build homes?”
Trailside features new, single-family homes that are priced from $135,000 to $150,000. The 2- to 3-bedroom units are highly energy-efficient and have access to green space filled with native plantings. Morgana Run, a trail that weaves through Slavic Village and connects to Mill Creek Reservation, runs by the site.
Del Re says the project might appeal to young professionals as well as older homebuyers seeking to downsize from larger neighborhood homes. The units feature a first-floor bedroom option, yards and detached two-car garages.
Zaremba, Third Federal and Slavic Village Development worked together for more than five years to acquire and redevelop the project site, which was an environmentally contaminated brownfield until it was cleaned up a few years ago.
Del Re says that Third Federal is taking on the project because of its commitment to Slavic Village and because the site is literally located in its backyard.
Source: Joe Del Re
Writer: Lee Chilcote
No, what seems even more unique is that Third Federal Bank, whose headquarters is located adjacent to the site, is actually the developer of the project. Typically, banks do not take an active role in development.
“Third Federal has historically been all about homeownership,” says Joe Del Re of Zaremba Homes, the urban homebuilder that has been hired to oversee construction. “What better statement could they possibly make to the community than to not only put their headquarters here, but also to build homes?”
Trailside features new, single-family homes that are priced from $135,000 to $150,000. The 2- to 3-bedroom units are highly energy-efficient and have access to green space filled with native plantings. Morgana Run, a trail that weaves through Slavic Village and connects to Mill Creek Reservation, runs by the site.
Del Re says the project might appeal to young professionals as well as older homebuyers seeking to downsize from larger neighborhood homes. The units feature a first-floor bedroom option, yards and detached two-car garages.
Zaremba, Third Federal and Slavic Village Development worked together for more than five years to acquire and redevelop the project site, which was an environmentally contaminated brownfield until it was cleaned up a few years ago.
Del Re says that Third Federal is taking on the project because of its commitment to Slavic Village and because the site is literally located in its backyard.
Source: Joe Del Re
Writer: Lee Chilcote
It wasn't long ago that you couldn't touch a new home in Shaker Heights for less than $300k. That is, if you could find one; in those bygone days, new single-families and condos in this historic, built-out community were scarce, and so was buildable land.
Enter the housing crisis and 2008 recession. Since the dawn of these twin apocalypses, the City of Shaker Heights, which has a reputation for being proactive about the upkeep of its housing stock, has acquired dozens of buildable lots. The city began placing these lots, which came into their hands when empty, foreclosed homes suffered the wrecking ball, into their land bank several years ago.
Now, as Cleveland's post-crash housing market gradually emerges from its stupor, one urban-savvy home builder is working with the city to build new, moderately-priced, green homes on three of its vacant lots.
"We're building Shaker-quality homes on the city's empty lots," says Joe Del Re, Project Manager with Zaremba Homes, a company that has been building homes in Cleveland and inner ring suburbs for 20 years. "They'll have hardi-plank and scalloped siding and other details that fit in with the surrounding community."
The new homes, which will be located on Strathavon Road in the Ludlow neighborhood, will be reasonably priced at $150,000 thanks to a grant from the county's Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). Del Re says the program has made it possible for Zaremba to break ground on the spec homes.
The new, 1,600-square-foot homes will also feature three bedrooms, two and a half baths and green, energy-efficient amenities. Qualified buyers within income guidelines can also obtain a 20 percent, forgivable second mortgage.
Source: Joe Del Re
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Enter the housing crisis and 2008 recession. Since the dawn of these twin apocalypses, the City of Shaker Heights, which has a reputation for being proactive about the upkeep of its housing stock, has acquired dozens of buildable lots. The city began placing these lots, which came into their hands when empty, foreclosed homes suffered the wrecking ball, into their land bank several years ago.
Now, as Cleveland's post-crash housing market gradually emerges from its stupor, one urban-savvy home builder is working with the city to build new, moderately-priced, green homes on three of its vacant lots.
"We're building Shaker-quality homes on the city's empty lots," says Joe Del Re, Project Manager with Zaremba Homes, a company that has been building homes in Cleveland and inner ring suburbs for 20 years. "They'll have hardi-plank and scalloped siding and other details that fit in with the surrounding community."
The new homes, which will be located on Strathavon Road in the Ludlow neighborhood, will be reasonably priced at $150,000 thanks to a grant from the county's Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). Del Re says the program has made it possible for Zaremba to break ground on the spec homes.
The new, 1,600-square-foot homes will also feature three bedrooms, two and a half baths and green, energy-efficient amenities. Qualified buyers within income guidelines can also obtain a 20 percent, forgivable second mortgage.
Source: Joe Del Re
Writer: Lee Chilcote
call for artists to design murals for new innerbelt bridge
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Cleveland Public Art (CPA) have issued a call for artists to design up to nine murals to adorn Cleveland’s new Innerbelt Bridge, which currently is under construction.
The new bridge's design includes several opportunities for murals in key locations where the bridge will create underpasses. Two of these areas are in Tremont, at Fairfield Avenue and West 14th Street. The other location is at Ontario Street, just south of Carnegie Avenue.
A public information session regarding the public art murals and the application process will be held on Tuesday, November 8th from 4 to 7 p.m. at Cleveland Public Art (1951 West 26th, Street #101) in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood.
For more info click here.
The new bridge's design includes several opportunities for murals in key locations where the bridge will create underpasses. Two of these areas are in Tremont, at Fairfield Avenue and West 14th Street. The other location is at Ontario Street, just south of Carnegie Avenue.
A public information session regarding the public art murals and the application process will be held on Tuesday, November 8th from 4 to 7 p.m. at Cleveland Public Art (1951 West 26th, Street #101) in Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood.
For more info click here.
Dave Fleischer loves to draw. As a self-described “lifelong animator,” the creative director and president of Tiny Giant Studio has dreams of growing into a full-service animation production studio. And he’s using his passion to attract local talent to his company by hosting a speed-drawing class at Shaker LaunchHouse.
The class, held on Thursday nights, is designed to help potential animators hone their skills. Actors from the CWRU theater department silently act out a skit -- holding each pose for two minutes -- while participants sketch out the poses. The sketches are then transformed into an animatic skit using animation software.
“The more comfortable you are about drawing fast and not really caring about any one drawing, the better you will be as an animator,” explains Fleischer. “It’s a wonderful tool for building animation skills.”
While local animators sharpen their skills, Fleisher scouts out local talent. “Our goal is to grow in size as an animation studio,” he says. He currently runs Tiny Giant with five of his former Cleveland Institute of Art students. “The best way to grow talented people around you is by planting a seed and nurturing it. If I spot really talented people, they can freelance with us or, if they’re young, they can intern.”
About 15 people attended the first speed-drawing event held in October. Fleischer plans to continue to host the event twice a month.
Source: Dave Fleischer
Writer: Karin Connelly
The class, held on Thursday nights, is designed to help potential animators hone their skills. Actors from the CWRU theater department silently act out a skit -- holding each pose for two minutes -- while participants sketch out the poses. The sketches are then transformed into an animatic skit using animation software.
“The more comfortable you are about drawing fast and not really caring about any one drawing, the better you will be as an animator,” explains Fleischer. “It’s a wonderful tool for building animation skills.”
While local animators sharpen their skills, Fleisher scouts out local talent. “Our goal is to grow in size as an animation studio,” he says. He currently runs Tiny Giant with five of his former Cleveland Institute of Art students. “The best way to grow talented people around you is by planting a seed and nurturing it. If I spot really talented people, they can freelance with us or, if they’re young, they can intern.”
About 15 people attended the first speed-drawing event held in October. Fleischer plans to continue to host the event twice a month.
Source: Dave Fleischer
Writer: Karin Connelly
Dan Young is an avid cyclist. But he’s also quite busy running his software and technology business. One day, while stuck in the office and dreaming about how he’d rather be riding, Young came up with an idea: What if there was a way to pedal at his desk?
“I was just kind of thinking one day, ‘I can’t stand sitting here; I want to get out and ride,’” recalls Young. And with that, the seed was planted for Kickstand Furniture.
The Cleveland company makes specialized desks under which you can park your bicycle and pedal while you work.
“The real mission was to build a line of furniture geared toward the avid cycler,” explains Young. “I love bicycles and if I had my way I’d be riding them every day. Now I can.”
The custom-built desks are 45 inches high and can be raised or lowered by six inches. The large work surface features sliders to move it out of the way for easy mounting. Customers can specify if they want footers for hard floors or carpeting. And they are available in a variety of finishes. “It’s a lot more complicated than just pulling up a bike to the desk,” says Young.
Young is now in production for the holiday season and plans to introduce additional furniture, like stools, in the future.
“All suppliers and fabricators are local,” he says. “I’m really happy about this. Now I can sit, pedaling at my desk while the snow is falling.”
Source: Dan Young
Writer: Karin Connelly
“I was just kind of thinking one day, ‘I can’t stand sitting here; I want to get out and ride,’” recalls Young. And with that, the seed was planted for Kickstand Furniture.
The Cleveland company makes specialized desks under which you can park your bicycle and pedal while you work.
“The real mission was to build a line of furniture geared toward the avid cycler,” explains Young. “I love bicycles and if I had my way I’d be riding them every day. Now I can.”
The custom-built desks are 45 inches high and can be raised or lowered by six inches. The large work surface features sliders to move it out of the way for easy mounting. Customers can specify if they want footers for hard floors or carpeting. And they are available in a variety of finishes. “It’s a lot more complicated than just pulling up a bike to the desk,” says Young.
Young is now in production for the holiday season and plans to introduce additional furniture, like stools, in the future.
“All suppliers and fabricators are local,” he says. “I’m really happy about this. Now I can sit, pedaling at my desk while the snow is falling.”
Source: Dan Young
Writer: Karin Connelly
What's it take to sell a swank new home in Cleveland these days? It helps if you can offer fresh, contemporary design, a sought-after Tremont address, and a 29-foot-wide great room that's filled with light even on the cloudiest of North Coast days.
At least, that's what David Sharkey, one of the principals of Civic Builders in Tremont, has to say. This year, Sharkey and his partners broke ground on a new three-unit development at West 8th and Starkweather called Tremont Lane. With the first unit now nearly completed, the team is hoping to secure additional contracts and complete the two remaining units next year.
"These units are different from anything else out there, because they have a big, wide great room and lots of windows and light," says Sharkey, who also is president of Progressive Urban Real Estate, the firm selling Tremont Lane. "There's still a market here, because there's a lot of confidence in Tremont."
Tremont remains a strong market for custom and semi-custom home building, he adds. "You look at the national numbers on new construction and they're horrible, but in Tremont, people are still willing to pay a lot of money for rehabbed homes or custom homes," he says. "Custom homebuyers have a different mindset; they're not just out there looking for a house, they're creating it themselves."
The custom home market has a pulse -- albeit a weak one -- in a handful of Cleveland neighborhoods, Sharkey says. These include Tremont, Little Italy and along Lake Erie. Sharkey does not expect the new construction housing market in Cleveland to dramatically improve anytime soon, yet he believes that custom homebuyers will continue to seek out -- and create -- their dream homes.
"There's always a time for those buyers," he says. "They know what they want, and they're willing to pay for it."
The first unit at Tremont Lane is expected to sell for about $250,000, including upgrades. Other custom homes in Tremont have transferred for significantly higher sums, and rumor has it that a contemporary, new home going up at West 11th and University may near the $1 million mark when it is completed.
Source: David Sharkey
Writer: Lee Chilcote
At least, that's what David Sharkey, one of the principals of Civic Builders in Tremont, has to say. This year, Sharkey and his partners broke ground on a new three-unit development at West 8th and Starkweather called Tremont Lane. With the first unit now nearly completed, the team is hoping to secure additional contracts and complete the two remaining units next year.
"These units are different from anything else out there, because they have a big, wide great room and lots of windows and light," says Sharkey, who also is president of Progressive Urban Real Estate, the firm selling Tremont Lane. "There's still a market here, because there's a lot of confidence in Tremont."
Tremont remains a strong market for custom and semi-custom home building, he adds. "You look at the national numbers on new construction and they're horrible, but in Tremont, people are still willing to pay a lot of money for rehabbed homes or custom homes," he says. "Custom homebuyers have a different mindset; they're not just out there looking for a house, they're creating it themselves."
The custom home market has a pulse -- albeit a weak one -- in a handful of Cleveland neighborhoods, Sharkey says. These include Tremont, Little Italy and along Lake Erie. Sharkey does not expect the new construction housing market in Cleveland to dramatically improve anytime soon, yet he believes that custom homebuyers will continue to seek out -- and create -- their dream homes.
"There's always a time for those buyers," he says. "They know what they want, and they're willing to pay for it."
The first unit at Tremont Lane is expected to sell for about $250,000, including upgrades. Other custom homes in Tremont have transferred for significantly higher sums, and rumor has it that a contemporary, new home going up at West 11th and University may near the $1 million mark when it is completed.
Source: David Sharkey
Writer: Lee Chilcote
The developer of a fast-growing entrepreneurial village on the eastern edge of downtown is planning a $9-12 million investment that would add nearly 160,000 square feet of office space. Michelle Asher of Graystone Properties, which owns the mammoth Tyler Village complex at East 36th and Superior, says that regional growth in the biotechnology, software development, multimedia design and film industries prompted the bullish move to ready new space for additional tenants.
"We have an eclectic mix of tenants, and we draw creative people," says Asher. "We're somewhere between downtown and a suburban office park, and we have amenities such as a fitness center, Wi-Fi, coffee shop and plenty of parking."
To facilitate the build-out, which Asher hopes to complete within the next 18 to 24 months, Graystone is working with the City of Cleveland to apply for a $4 million state Job Ready Sites grant. The city is also considering providing $700,000 in low-interest loans, $180,000 of which can be forgiven if requirements are met.
"The space we have now is not in move-in condition, and the Job Ready Sites grant will help us to develop more tenant-ready space," says Asher.
Graystone plans to demolish the interior of what is known as Building 42 at Tyler Village, replace its existing windows and build out contemporary, loft office space. The company aims for the project to meet the highest green building standards, a mandate of the Job Ready Sites grant program of the State of Ohio.
Tyler Village was originally home to the W. S. Tyler Company, which built elevator cabs in the sprawling, one-million-square-foot complex. Graystone purchased the property in 2005 and has since demolished older buildings that could not be refurbished and renovated other buildings into market-rate office space.
Source: Michelle Asher
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"We have an eclectic mix of tenants, and we draw creative people," says Asher. "We're somewhere between downtown and a suburban office park, and we have amenities such as a fitness center, Wi-Fi, coffee shop and plenty of parking."
To facilitate the build-out, which Asher hopes to complete within the next 18 to 24 months, Graystone is working with the City of Cleveland to apply for a $4 million state Job Ready Sites grant. The city is also considering providing $700,000 in low-interest loans, $180,000 of which can be forgiven if requirements are met.
"The space we have now is not in move-in condition, and the Job Ready Sites grant will help us to develop more tenant-ready space," says Asher.
Graystone plans to demolish the interior of what is known as Building 42 at Tyler Village, replace its existing windows and build out contemporary, loft office space. The company aims for the project to meet the highest green building standards, a mandate of the Job Ready Sites grant program of the State of Ohio.
Tyler Village was originally home to the W. S. Tyler Company, which built elevator cabs in the sprawling, one-million-square-foot complex. Graystone purchased the property in 2005 and has since demolished older buildings that could not be refurbished and renovated other buildings into market-rate office space.
Source: Michelle Asher
Writer: Lee Chilcote
inspiring video promotes downtown cleveland lifestyle in fresh light
The latest salvo in Downtown Cleveland Alliance's campaign to get more folks to live, work and play downtown is this video titled "Downtown Cleveland... Is It For You?" Produced by Fusion Filmworks and TWIST Creative, the video has attracted over 9,300 views in under a week.
The I-X Center has launched plans to invest $25 to $30 million in renovations that will enhance its ability to host consumer mega-shows such as the Fabulous Food Show and International Beer Fest. Planned improvements include upgrading food and restroom facilities, adding a third lane to the main access road, and expanding the paved parking areas.
“Our goal is to grow attendance and become even more of a destination venue,” Robert Peterson, President of the I-X Center, said in a release. Peterson noted that the I-X Center has invested more than $75 million over the years.
The I-X Center, which was originally built as a B-29 Bomber plant and later became a tank plant, has become increasingly active in producing its own shows. One example is the Food Show, which draws visitors from as far as New York and Florida to see nationally renowned chefs, including Cleveland's own Michael Symon.
Other successful new shows include the International Beer Fest, Trick or Treat Street, and the Great Big Home and Garden Expo, which returns in February.
The construction of the Medical Mart and Convention Center in downtown Cleveland will only add to the region's ability to draw visitors and generate exciting events, Peterson said. The two facilities serve different market niches.
The I-X Center is one of the largest trade show and exhibition centers in the country, and employs nearly 1,000 people for its shows and events.
Source: Robert Peterson
Writer: Lee Chilcote
“Our goal is to grow attendance and become even more of a destination venue,” Robert Peterson, President of the I-X Center, said in a release. Peterson noted that the I-X Center has invested more than $75 million over the years.
The I-X Center, which was originally built as a B-29 Bomber plant and later became a tank plant, has become increasingly active in producing its own shows. One example is the Food Show, which draws visitors from as far as New York and Florida to see nationally renowned chefs, including Cleveland's own Michael Symon.
Other successful new shows include the International Beer Fest, Trick or Treat Street, and the Great Big Home and Garden Expo, which returns in February.
The construction of the Medical Mart and Convention Center in downtown Cleveland will only add to the region's ability to draw visitors and generate exciting events, Peterson said. The two facilities serve different market niches.
The I-X Center is one of the largest trade show and exhibition centers in the country, and employs nearly 1,000 people for its shows and events.
Source: Robert Peterson
Writer: Lee Chilcote