Stories
museum of art and bidwell collaboration for cross-town gallery makes cross-country news
A recent article published in the Houston Chronicle covers the newly announced collaboration between Fred and Laura Ruth Bidwell, private art collectors, and the Cleveland Museum of Art to open a gallery on the near-west side.
To be housed in an attractive brick building that long housed a transformer station, the 3,500-square-foot gallery is expected to open in late 2012.
"The boxy brick station, located in a blue-collar neighborhood across the Cuyahoga River from downtown Cleveland, was built in 1924 to provide power for streetcars. It was used as a transformer station until 1949 and later housed an art foundry.
The museum said it expects to present at least two shows per year at the location."
David Franklin, the museum's director, is quoted as saying, "The project would enhance CMA's reputation for contemporary art and community involvement "in creative, unexpected ways."
Read the rest here.
To be housed in an attractive brick building that long housed a transformer station, the 3,500-square-foot gallery is expected to open in late 2012.
"The boxy brick station, located in a blue-collar neighborhood across the Cuyahoga River from downtown Cleveland, was built in 1924 to provide power for streetcars. It was used as a transformer station until 1949 and later housed an art foundry.
The museum said it expects to present at least two shows per year at the location."
David Franklin, the museum's director, is quoted as saying, "The project would enhance CMA's reputation for contemporary art and community involvement "in creative, unexpected ways."
Read the rest here.
There's no quibbling that Dan Moulthrop is one of the "smartest guys in the room." What many of us don't know is that he was also a high school English teacher. Unfortunately for his students, he couldn't afford to continue teaching them. His experiences led him to pen a book titled "Teachers Have It Easy: The Big Sacrifices and Small Salaries of America's Teachers." That book was the impetus for the documentary "American Teacher," which follows the careers of four young teachers.
With its youth-friendly atmosphere, vibrant arts and culture scene, and main drags lined with restaurants, bars and funky shops, Lakewood has long felt like a college town without possessing a single university.
That's about to change. This week, Lakewood city officials are celebrating the opening of a new University of Akron satellite branch in the heart of that city. It will occupy an 11,000-square-foot space in the newly renovated Bailey Building at Warren and Detroit. Although it will open with only a handful of students, it eventually will offer classes to a few hundred pupils at a time.
"This is going to bring more people into downtown Lakewood, which will add to the urban vibrancy that's already here," says Ian Andrews, Executive Director of Lakewood Alive, a nonprofit economic development organization that will help to the market the branch. "More people on the sidewalk checking out the great amenities Lakewood has to offer will further drive up demand for goods and services."
The University of Akron has said that it plans to concentrate a few specific programs within the space, including health care and education degrees. The branch will also likely offer continuing education and distance learning programs.
This Thursday, the University of Akron and Lakewood city officials are celebrating the opening of the new branch with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5 pm and a public open house from 5-8 pm. Planned activities include guided tours, performances by groups from Lakewood High School and a distance learning technology demonstration. Members of the public are invited to attend.
Source: Ian Andrews
Writer: Lee Chilcote
That's about to change. This week, Lakewood city officials are celebrating the opening of a new University of Akron satellite branch in the heart of that city. It will occupy an 11,000-square-foot space in the newly renovated Bailey Building at Warren and Detroit. Although it will open with only a handful of students, it eventually will offer classes to a few hundred pupils at a time.
"This is going to bring more people into downtown Lakewood, which will add to the urban vibrancy that's already here," says Ian Andrews, Executive Director of Lakewood Alive, a nonprofit economic development organization that will help to the market the branch. "More people on the sidewalk checking out the great amenities Lakewood has to offer will further drive up demand for goods and services."
The University of Akron has said that it plans to concentrate a few specific programs within the space, including health care and education degrees. The branch will also likely offer continuing education and distance learning programs.
This Thursday, the University of Akron and Lakewood city officials are celebrating the opening of the new branch with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 5 pm and a public open house from 5-8 pm. Planned activities include guided tours, performances by groups from Lakewood High School and a distance learning technology demonstration. Members of the public are invited to attend.
Source: Ian Andrews
Writer: Lee Chilcote
cleveland bike advocates score 'big' win with complete streets ordinance
Writing for the sustainable transportation and living blog Streetsblog, Angie Schmitt covers the recent victory in Cleveland City Hall regarding so-called "complete streets" legislation.
Titled, "In Cleveland, A Slow Evolution Toward Sustainable Transportation," Schmitt writes that, "Last night was a big moment for sustainable transportation in Cleveland. With a small group of helmet-toting onlookers in the wings, City Council finally gave their nod to a Complete Streets ordinance -- the culmination of more than five years’ struggle."
The news was especially welcome given recent and major defeats, such as ODOT's refusal to add cycling and pedestrian infrastructure to the new Innerbelt Bridge. Riders instead got a $6-million commitment to add bike and pedestrian improvements to the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge.
Cleveland's current bike-advocacy movement, argues Schmitt, began to coalesce in recent years thanks to Sustainability Director Andrew Watterson, whose multi-day Sustainable Cleveland 2019 birthed the Sustainable Transportation Action Team (STAT).
"Over the past two years, Cleveland’s Critical Mass has been booming, culminating in nearly 450 riders at the August 2011 ride. Growth in the cycling community was further amplified by the creation of a unified cycling advocacy group. Bike Cleveland appointed a board and held a two day summit attended by more than 100 to mark their official debut earlier this month. They plan to hire full-time staff within the year."
"Cleveland’s Complete Streets ordinance requires that 20 percent of every road project’s budget be spent on green amenities like permeable pavement, or cycling and walking amenities. City Council went further, inserting a rider into the legislation that requires the council member from the affected ward to be notified before a road project is exempted from the requirement."
Of course, law and reality are two vastly different things, a fact not lost on John Mitterholzer, a STAT member.
“Its time to celebrate it and thank the mayor for a good policy,” Mitterholzer is quoted in the article. “But we also have to make sure it’s implemented.”
Read the rest of the post here.
Titled, "In Cleveland, A Slow Evolution Toward Sustainable Transportation," Schmitt writes that, "Last night was a big moment for sustainable transportation in Cleveland. With a small group of helmet-toting onlookers in the wings, City Council finally gave their nod to a Complete Streets ordinance -- the culmination of more than five years’ struggle."
The news was especially welcome given recent and major defeats, such as ODOT's refusal to add cycling and pedestrian infrastructure to the new Innerbelt Bridge. Riders instead got a $6-million commitment to add bike and pedestrian improvements to the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge.
Cleveland's current bike-advocacy movement, argues Schmitt, began to coalesce in recent years thanks to Sustainability Director Andrew Watterson, whose multi-day Sustainable Cleveland 2019 birthed the Sustainable Transportation Action Team (STAT).
"Over the past two years, Cleveland’s Critical Mass has been booming, culminating in nearly 450 riders at the August 2011 ride. Growth in the cycling community was further amplified by the creation of a unified cycling advocacy group. Bike Cleveland appointed a board and held a two day summit attended by more than 100 to mark their official debut earlier this month. They plan to hire full-time staff within the year."
"Cleveland’s Complete Streets ordinance requires that 20 percent of every road project’s budget be spent on green amenities like permeable pavement, or cycling and walking amenities. City Council went further, inserting a rider into the legislation that requires the council member from the affected ward to be notified before a road project is exempted from the requirement."
Of course, law and reality are two vastly different things, a fact not lost on John Mitterholzer, a STAT member.
“Its time to celebrate it and thank the mayor for a good policy,” Mitterholzer is quoted in the article. “But we also have to make sure it’s implemented.”
Read the rest of the post here.
CEOs for Cities, a global nonprofit network of urban leaders focused on making American cities more successful, has opened an office in Cleveland. Lee Fisher, former Ohio Lt. Governor, Ohio Attorney General, and director of the Ohio Department of Development, was named president and CEO of the organization earlier this year and insisted his offices be in Cleveland.
“I told them I was a lifelong Ohioan and did not want to move out of Ohio,” Fisher says. The Cleveland office is the first new office CEOs for Cities has opened in 10 years. The organization has offices in Chicago and Washington, D.C., with partners in 15 cities.
CEOs for Cities brings civic leaders from around the country together to come up with solutions to struggling economies and helps cities like Cleveland thrive.
“We’re a national network of urban leaders from the public, private and non-profit sectors to develop best practices,” explains Fisher. “We want to bring university and college presidents, business leaders, mayors and city councils together to discuss how to make cities more vibrant, sustainable and attractive.”
Based in Cleveland State University’s Levin College of Urban Affairs, Fisher felt it was the best location to keep his finger on the pulse of what’s going on in the city. “I wanted to be somewhere where I can be around smart, urban thinkers like [Levin dean] Ned Hill. I wanted to be in an exciting atmosphere.”
One of Fisher’s goals is to create a cluster partnership between Cleveland, Akron, Canton and Youngstown in which city leaders will come together to share innovative best practices. The cluster group will share their thoughts with other city leaders in the CEOs for Cities partnership and, in turn, will gather information from other regional leaders.
Source: Lee Fisher
Writer: Karin Connelly
“I told them I was a lifelong Ohioan and did not want to move out of Ohio,” Fisher says. The Cleveland office is the first new office CEOs for Cities has opened in 10 years. The organization has offices in Chicago and Washington, D.C., with partners in 15 cities.
CEOs for Cities brings civic leaders from around the country together to come up with solutions to struggling economies and helps cities like Cleveland thrive.
“We’re a national network of urban leaders from the public, private and non-profit sectors to develop best practices,” explains Fisher. “We want to bring university and college presidents, business leaders, mayors and city councils together to discuss how to make cities more vibrant, sustainable and attractive.”
Based in Cleveland State University’s Levin College of Urban Affairs, Fisher felt it was the best location to keep his finger on the pulse of what’s going on in the city. “I wanted to be somewhere where I can be around smart, urban thinkers like [Levin dean] Ned Hill. I wanted to be in an exciting atmosphere.”
One of Fisher’s goals is to create a cluster partnership between Cleveland, Akron, Canton and Youngstown in which city leaders will come together to share innovative best practices. The cluster group will share their thoughts with other city leaders in the CEOs for Cities partnership and, in turn, will gather information from other regional leaders.
Source: Lee Fisher
Writer: Karin Connelly
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Art meets technology at the 2011 Ingenuity Festival this weekend, September 16-18 on the lower level of the Veterans Memorial Bridge. While Cleveland is traditionally known as a manufacturing city in the traditional sense, Ingenuity Fest celebrates the manufacturing companies that lean more toward the creative and artistic side.
“When the festival was first conceived seven years ago, it was exploring this idea of art and technology,” explains director of programming James Krouse. “When people say ‘technology companies’ they are usually thinking about software. We’re missing out on communicating with companies that don’t define themselves as technology companies."
Krouse cites Aeroclay as a good example of the kind of technology Ingenuity Fest celebrates. The startup company out of CWRU develops an advanced polymer lightweight material that can be used in everything from packaging to sound barriers. “It’s a very advanced material used in all kinds of applications,” says Krouse. “That is the kind if company growing here in Cleveland.”
From chemistry demonstrations to 3-D printers to cutting edge treatments for eye problems, the festival celebrates that pioneering and unique efforts in art and science going on in Cleveland. “We’re not a trade how, but this is an example of something that’s kind of that wow factor, says Krouse. “We think it’s important for technology to be on display.”
While the festival features all the expected attractions associated with the word “festival” -- tents, beer, music -- it also highlights the innovations that make Cleveland unique. “It’s a celebration of innovation, at the same time it’s people out having fun,” Krouse says. “We think it’s important for this technology to be on display.”
Source: James Krouse
Writer: Karin Connelly
“When the festival was first conceived seven years ago, it was exploring this idea of art and technology,” explains director of programming James Krouse. “When people say ‘technology companies’ they are usually thinking about software. We’re missing out on communicating with companies that don’t define themselves as technology companies."
Krouse cites Aeroclay as a good example of the kind of technology Ingenuity Fest celebrates. The startup company out of CWRU develops an advanced polymer lightweight material that can be used in everything from packaging to sound barriers. “It’s a very advanced material used in all kinds of applications,” says Krouse. “That is the kind if company growing here in Cleveland.”
From chemistry demonstrations to 3-D printers to cutting edge treatments for eye problems, the festival celebrates that pioneering and unique efforts in art and science going on in Cleveland. “We’re not a trade how, but this is an example of something that’s kind of that wow factor, says Krouse. “We think it’s important for technology to be on display.”
While the festival features all the expected attractions associated with the word “festival” -- tents, beer, music -- it also highlights the innovations that make Cleveland unique. “It’s a celebration of innovation, at the same time it’s people out having fun,” Krouse says. “We think it’s important for this technology to be on display.”
Source: James Krouse
Writer: Karin Connelly
St. Paul's Lutheran Church couldn't save itself, yet the developer of a new CVS in Lakewood is at least saving it from the wrecking ball. Zaremba Group, a Lakewood-based developer, has recycled 80 to 90 percent of St. Paul's Lutheran Church at 15501 Detroit Avenue, where a new drug store is slated to be built this fall.
Some of the church's finer elements have been rescued from the landfill and soon will gain new life as locally-made furniture or raised garden beds. The bulk of the steel, brick and concrete will be crushed and recycled as fill.
Sean McDermott, Senior Development Manager with Zaremba Group, says that while it's unusual for retail developers to recycle old buildings, the historic character of the church cried out for some kind of creative reuse.
"We found huge timbers in the roof trusses -- eight-inch-square yellow pine that was over 100 years old," he says. "Because of the age of this stuff and the fact that you can't find it anymore, we knew reusing it was the right thing to do."
Zaremba Group partnered with Reclaimed Cleveland, a Lakewood-based company run by Aaron Gogolin, to harvest the church's floorboards, woodwork and oak doors. These materials will be made into furniture.
The developer also donated truckloads of bricks to Lakewood Earth and Food for use in the city's community gardens.
While several large trees on the property are being cut down, that wood will also be used to make furniture. Additionally, Zaremba plans to plant several large trees that will ultimately grow to a height of 35 feet.
The most costly aspect of the recycling project, according to McDermott, was the time delay it caused. He adds that while this the biggest recycling project Zaremba has undertaken, the company would definitely consider doing it again.
The new CVS will also have some green features, including three bioswales that will catch and release storm water into the ground rather than into storm sewers. This will help to reduce stormwater fees, which are rising with the Northeast Ohio Sewer District's new regulations, while also helping the environment.
Source: Sean McDermott
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Some of the church's finer elements have been rescued from the landfill and soon will gain new life as locally-made furniture or raised garden beds. The bulk of the steel, brick and concrete will be crushed and recycled as fill.
Sean McDermott, Senior Development Manager with Zaremba Group, says that while it's unusual for retail developers to recycle old buildings, the historic character of the church cried out for some kind of creative reuse.
"We found huge timbers in the roof trusses -- eight-inch-square yellow pine that was over 100 years old," he says. "Because of the age of this stuff and the fact that you can't find it anymore, we knew reusing it was the right thing to do."
Zaremba Group partnered with Reclaimed Cleveland, a Lakewood-based company run by Aaron Gogolin, to harvest the church's floorboards, woodwork and oak doors. These materials will be made into furniture.
The developer also donated truckloads of bricks to Lakewood Earth and Food for use in the city's community gardens.
While several large trees on the property are being cut down, that wood will also be used to make furniture. Additionally, Zaremba plans to plant several large trees that will ultimately grow to a height of 35 feet.
The most costly aspect of the recycling project, according to McDermott, was the time delay it caused. He adds that while this the biggest recycling project Zaremba has undertaken, the company would definitely consider doing it again.
The new CVS will also have some green features, including three bioswales that will catch and release storm water into the ground rather than into storm sewers. This will help to reduce stormwater fees, which are rising with the Northeast Ohio Sewer District's new regulations, while also helping the environment.
Source: Sean McDermott
Writer: Lee Chilcote
With the recent decision by the Supreme Court of Ohio that South Euclid voters should be allowed to vote on a rezoning referendum this fall, the controversial Oakwood Commons big box retail project has taken yet another interesting turn.
Citizens for Oakwood, a group that opposes the redevelopment of the former Oakwood Country Club into retail, collected over 600 petition signatures earlier this year to place a referendum on the ballot. Yet the group was dealt a blow this summer when their petition was disqualified due to a legal technicality.
According to a protest filed by developer First Interstate Properties, a set of pre-petition documents were not filed with the correct City of South Euclid department. The city agreed with the developer, and decided that the referendum was invalid and could not be placed on the ballot. Citizens for Oakwood filed a lawsuit, and the matter ended up before the Supreme Court of Ohio.
In a 6-1 decision, the Supreme Court sided with Citizens for Oakwood and directed South Euclid to repeal the rezoning decision or put it on the November ballot.
“The Court granted a writ of mandamus to compel council to either repeal a zoning amendment ordinance or submit it to a vote of the city’s electors on Nov. 8,” according to the announcement on the Ohio Supreme Court website.
"We're very grateful that the Supreme Court of Ohio has upheld a basic tenet of our government -- people's right to vote," says Fran Mentch of Citizens for Oakwood. "Clearly, First Interstate is fighting this because they realize they've met their match in the will of the people of South Euclid."
South Euclid City Council unanimously approved the rezoning in June. That allows First Interstate, which bought 62 acres of the Oakwood land that lies in South Euclid in December, to build a mix of retail and residential properties there. First Interstate has also offered to set aside a portion of the property for parkland.
First Interstate has argued that the development will benefit the City of South Euclid with needed tax revenues and will provide additional retail to an underserved inner suburban area. Citizens for Oakwood has said there is too much retail in the area already and the property should be turned into a park.
On Monday, First Interstate filed a request for reconsideration of the Oakwood ruling with the Supreme Court, leaving open the possibility that it could be reversed.
If the ruling stands, then South Euclid voters will have the opportunity to vote 'yes' or 'no' on Nov. 8th regarding their support for the rezoning of Oakwood for a mixed-use retail development.
Source: Fran Mentch
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Citizens for Oakwood, a group that opposes the redevelopment of the former Oakwood Country Club into retail, collected over 600 petition signatures earlier this year to place a referendum on the ballot. Yet the group was dealt a blow this summer when their petition was disqualified due to a legal technicality.
According to a protest filed by developer First Interstate Properties, a set of pre-petition documents were not filed with the correct City of South Euclid department. The city agreed with the developer, and decided that the referendum was invalid and could not be placed on the ballot. Citizens for Oakwood filed a lawsuit, and the matter ended up before the Supreme Court of Ohio.
In a 6-1 decision, the Supreme Court sided with Citizens for Oakwood and directed South Euclid to repeal the rezoning decision or put it on the November ballot.
“The Court granted a writ of mandamus to compel council to either repeal a zoning amendment ordinance or submit it to a vote of the city’s electors on Nov. 8,” according to the announcement on the Ohio Supreme Court website.
"We're very grateful that the Supreme Court of Ohio has upheld a basic tenet of our government -- people's right to vote," says Fran Mentch of Citizens for Oakwood. "Clearly, First Interstate is fighting this because they realize they've met their match in the will of the people of South Euclid."
South Euclid City Council unanimously approved the rezoning in June. That allows First Interstate, which bought 62 acres of the Oakwood land that lies in South Euclid in December, to build a mix of retail and residential properties there. First Interstate has also offered to set aside a portion of the property for parkland.
First Interstate has argued that the development will benefit the City of South Euclid with needed tax revenues and will provide additional retail to an underserved inner suburban area. Citizens for Oakwood has said there is too much retail in the area already and the property should be turned into a park.
On Monday, First Interstate filed a request for reconsideration of the Oakwood ruling with the Supreme Court, leaving open the possibility that it could be reversed.
If the ruling stands, then South Euclid voters will have the opportunity to vote 'yes' or 'no' on Nov. 8th regarding their support for the rezoning of Oakwood for a mixed-use retail development.
Source: Fran Mentch
Writer: Lee Chilcote
today's showcase in the circle to highlight region's assets
On its inaugural year, University Circle's Showcase in the Circle & Circle Home Tour attracted over 400 people. For its second act, organizers anticipate much larger crowds.
"The size of the event is expected to grow this year given the amount of residential and commercial development happening right now in the Circle," says Erika McLaughlin, Public Affairs Manager for University Circle Inc.
The purpose behind this free event is to “showcase” the fact that University Circle and its surrounding neighborhoods are not only great places to visit, but also to live, work and do business.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and greet more than 50 exhibitors that range from small businesses and financial institutions to nonprofits and world-class museums, all of which call University Circle home.
Following the event at Judson Manor, guests will be "Lolly the Trolleyed" to various homes, housing and hotel options in University Circle.
The Showcase takes place today at Judson Manor (1890 E. 107th St.) from 3 to 7 p.m.
For more info, click here.
"The size of the event is expected to grow this year given the amount of residential and commercial development happening right now in the Circle," says Erika McLaughlin, Public Affairs Manager for University Circle Inc.
The purpose behind this free event is to “showcase” the fact that University Circle and its surrounding neighborhoods are not only great places to visit, but also to live, work and do business.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and greet more than 50 exhibitors that range from small businesses and financial institutions to nonprofits and world-class museums, all of which call University Circle home.
Following the event at Judson Manor, guests will be "Lolly the Trolleyed" to various homes, housing and hotel options in University Circle.
The Showcase takes place today at Judson Manor (1890 E. 107th St.) from 3 to 7 p.m.
For more info, click here.
This weekend, September 16 through 18, IngenuityFest returns to its shadowy perch on the lower level of the Detroit-Superior Bridge. Now in its seventh year, the event has blossomed into one of the largest art and technology experiences in the nation. The theme for this year's production is Cur(Re)nts -- as in the power of forces that flow around us every day, be they air, water, information or grey matter.
freshwater wind farm snags $500k grant from uncle sam
The push to plant the nation's first freshwater wind farm just offshore from Cleveland has just received some financial assistance from The Department of Energy. The grant is part of a $43 million package intended to speed technical innovations, lower costs, and shorten the timelines for wind energy deployment.
Freshwater Wind, a private Cleveland-based developer selected by Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation (LEEDCo) to build the initial 20-30 megawatt offshore wind project, is the recipient.
“This award from the DOE validates the work done thus far by LEEDCo and Freshwater Wind and confirms the Lake Erie project is the farthest advanced project in the Great Lakes. Our next step is to gain policy backing from Ohio that will ensure Ohio remains in a leadership position,” says Chris Wissemann, Managing Director at Freshwater Wind.
Read the rest of the good news here.
Freshwater Wind, a private Cleveland-based developer selected by Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation (LEEDCo) to build the initial 20-30 megawatt offshore wind project, is the recipient.
“This award from the DOE validates the work done thus far by LEEDCo and Freshwater Wind and confirms the Lake Erie project is the farthest advanced project in the Great Lakes. Our next step is to gain policy backing from Ohio that will ensure Ohio remains in a leadership position,” says Chris Wissemann, Managing Director at Freshwater Wind.
Read the rest of the good news here.
A new bakery on W. 25th Street is out to prove that dairy-free desserts can be just as addictive as the most decadent slice of chocolate cake -- while also cutting back on the calories, health risks, and guilt associated with many of our favorite vices.
Just ask Margaret Bilyeau, owner of the newly opened Maggie's Vegan Bakery, who boasts of her vegan "chocolate" cupcakes with "cream cheese" icing: "You need to come try them -- they're wonderful."
That shouldn't be too hard; she offers free samples to customers who stop in her store, located at 1830 W. 25th Street in Ohio City's ever-expanding Market District.
Bilyeau first started baking professionally in 1994. She sold her goods at farmers markets and the now-closed Food Co-op on Coventry Road in Cleveland Heights. Advised by a Co-op employee that she should start baking vegan because few others were serving that market, Bilyeau started doing just that.
But first she had to learn what being vegan actually means. "I said to him, 'What's that? How do you do it?'" she says. "He told me, 'You have to figure it out.' At the time, not very many people were doing it. It's a much bigger market now."
Although Bilyeau prepares her vegan baked goods strictly sans dairy, her customers aren't limited to hardcore vegans or vegetarians. Increasingly, they are also heart patients or elderly people that can't eat dairy for health reasons, or people who aren't consuming dairy products because of religious reasons.
Bilyeau also makes gluten-free baked goods to serve another growing market -- people with Celiac Disease who are allergic to wheat, rye and barley. "It's hard to find fresh gluten-free bread," she says. "It's flying off of the shelves."
Her ultimate goal is to ramp up her distribution business and ensure that more restaurants in Cleveland carry vegan and gluten-free desserts and other baked goods.
Bilyeau chose Ohio City because she shops at the West Side Market and saw new businesses opening up in the area.
"We're right between the new Mexican restaurant, Orale, and Johnnyville Slugger," she says. "I love being here."
Source: Margaret Bilyeau
Writer: Lee Chilcote
Just ask Margaret Bilyeau, owner of the newly opened Maggie's Vegan Bakery, who boasts of her vegan "chocolate" cupcakes with "cream cheese" icing: "You need to come try them -- they're wonderful."
That shouldn't be too hard; she offers free samples to customers who stop in her store, located at 1830 W. 25th Street in Ohio City's ever-expanding Market District.
Bilyeau first started baking professionally in 1994. She sold her goods at farmers markets and the now-closed Food Co-op on Coventry Road in Cleveland Heights. Advised by a Co-op employee that she should start baking vegan because few others were serving that market, Bilyeau started doing just that.
But first she had to learn what being vegan actually means. "I said to him, 'What's that? How do you do it?'" she says. "He told me, 'You have to figure it out.' At the time, not very many people were doing it. It's a much bigger market now."
Although Bilyeau prepares her vegan baked goods strictly sans dairy, her customers aren't limited to hardcore vegans or vegetarians. Increasingly, they are also heart patients or elderly people that can't eat dairy for health reasons, or people who aren't consuming dairy products because of religious reasons.
Bilyeau also makes gluten-free baked goods to serve another growing market -- people with Celiac Disease who are allergic to wheat, rye and barley. "It's hard to find fresh gluten-free bread," she says. "It's flying off of the shelves."
Her ultimate goal is to ramp up her distribution business and ensure that more restaurants in Cleveland carry vegan and gluten-free desserts and other baked goods.
Bilyeau chose Ohio City because she shops at the West Side Market and saw new businesses opening up in the area.
"We're right between the new Mexican restaurant, Orale, and Johnnyville Slugger," she says. "I love being here."
Source: Margaret Bilyeau
Writer: Lee Chilcote
CWRU, University Hospitals and Phillips Healthcare are collaborating on two medical imaging projects that will help with early breast cancer detection and post heart attack evaluation. The collaboration received two grants from the Third Frontier for a combined total of $2.5 million. The projects are part of the Philips Healthcare Global Advanced Imaging Innovation Center.
One of the research projects, led by Ray Muzic, associate professor of radiology, oncology and biomedical engineering at CWRU, combines PET and MRI technologies for more accurate mammograms. “It benefits women with early detection of breast cancer with low-coast, low-risk mammograms,” he says. “It provides spot-on imaging and reduces false positives.”
The new technology uses glucose to detect tumor growth. “A tumor that’s growing rapidly uses a lot of glucose,” explains Muzic. “We’re trying to look at the functional differences, not the structural differences. It could eliminate the need for needle biopsies."
The other project, led by David Wilson, professor of biomedical engineering and radiology at CWRU, develops a cardiac perfusion imaging, which will measure blood flow in the heart to determine if there is reduced blood flow in the heart following a heart attack.
Not only will these technologies help in the prevention and treatment of disease, they will bring jobs to the area.
“Phillips will sell more scanners, which will create more jobs and revenue in Northeast Ohio, all while improving women’s health,” says Muzic. He expects production to being in three to five years.
Source: Raymond Muzic
Writer: Karin Connelly
One of the research projects, led by Ray Muzic, associate professor of radiology, oncology and biomedical engineering at CWRU, combines PET and MRI technologies for more accurate mammograms. “It benefits women with early detection of breast cancer with low-coast, low-risk mammograms,” he says. “It provides spot-on imaging and reduces false positives.”
The new technology uses glucose to detect tumor growth. “A tumor that’s growing rapidly uses a lot of glucose,” explains Muzic. “We’re trying to look at the functional differences, not the structural differences. It could eliminate the need for needle biopsies."
The other project, led by David Wilson, professor of biomedical engineering and radiology at CWRU, develops a cardiac perfusion imaging, which will measure blood flow in the heart to determine if there is reduced blood flow in the heart following a heart attack.
Not only will these technologies help in the prevention and treatment of disease, they will bring jobs to the area.
“Phillips will sell more scanners, which will create more jobs and revenue in Northeast Ohio, all while improving women’s health,” says Muzic. He expects production to being in three to five years.
Source: Raymond Muzic
Writer: Karin Connelly
Coffee aficionados at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport were at a loss when Banjo’s closed its door last year. The coffee shop was the only stop in the C concourse for Phoenix Coffee junkies to get their fill. So when Auntie Anne’s approached the local roaster about supplying their coffee, Phoenix decided to introduce a unique blend that is all Cleveland: CLE Blend.
“It’s a Cleveland pride thing,” says Phoenix CEO and self-described superbarista Sarah Wilson-Jones. “We thought it was time to have a coffee that is uniquely Cleveland.” The name reflects the Cleveland airport code.
The coffee, which originated as an espresso blend, is a combination of Brazilian, Columbian, Costa Rican and Sumatran coffees and is a medium body blend with floral aromas and touches of vanilla and a chocolate finish. The blend has its own logo – a CLE baggage tag.
Introduced in July, CLE Blend tempts travelers as they enter or leave the airport’s C concourse. It’s also available at Phoenix locations around Northeast Ohio and online. “It was designed to celebrate our relationship with the airport,” says Wilson-Jones. “It’s designed for Clevelanders by Clevelanders.”
Wilson-Jones says Auntie Anne’s approached Phoenix because they wanted a local connection for their coffee products.
“There’s a popular demand for local coffee in the airport,” she says. “And that’s what drove Auntie Anne’s to call us.”
Source: Sarah Wilson-Jones
Writer: Karin Connelly
“It’s a Cleveland pride thing,” says Phoenix CEO and self-described superbarista Sarah Wilson-Jones. “We thought it was time to have a coffee that is uniquely Cleveland.” The name reflects the Cleveland airport code.
The coffee, which originated as an espresso blend, is a combination of Brazilian, Columbian, Costa Rican and Sumatran coffees and is a medium body blend with floral aromas and touches of vanilla and a chocolate finish. The blend has its own logo – a CLE baggage tag.
Introduced in July, CLE Blend tempts travelers as they enter or leave the airport’s C concourse. It’s also available at Phoenix locations around Northeast Ohio and online. “It was designed to celebrate our relationship with the airport,” says Wilson-Jones. “It’s designed for Clevelanders by Clevelanders.”
Wilson-Jones says Auntie Anne’s approached Phoenix because they wanted a local connection for their coffee products.
“There’s a popular demand for local coffee in the airport,” she says. “And that’s what drove Auntie Anne’s to call us.”
Source: Sarah Wilson-Jones
Writer: Karin Connelly
in race to roll dice, cleveland casino a winner
In the race to roll the first set of dice in Ohio, it appears that Cleveland will be the big winner among the four new casinos. Cincinnati, according to this item in the Enquirer, likely will be the last.
"Latest timetables show the Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati opening at Broadway Commons in spring 2013, a year after a Horseshoe Casino opens in Cleveland. Hollywood Casinos will open in Toledo in the first half of next year and in Columbus in the latter half."
Delays caused by the recent state tax budget fight are to blame for pushing back the opening of the Cincinnati casino. Because the Cleveland casino is a renovation rather than new construction, the delays were less detrimental.
"Until the tax dispute last spring, Cincinnati was on track to open its casino in late 2012. But Rock Gaming halted construction at its casinos in Cincinnati and Cleveland while a settlement was worked out, delaying the opening here until spring 2013. Cleveland was less affected. Unlike Cincinnati, where a new building is rising from the ground, Cleveland is renovating an existing structure for the opening phase of its casino."
The article adds that Rock Gaming officials in Cleveland have already begun hiring staff, including dealers and managers.
"Once destined to be the last to open due to site difficulties, [Cleveland] city officials convinced Rock Gaming early this year to open the Cleveland casino in two phases, putting it first."
Read the rest here.
"Latest timetables show the Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati opening at Broadway Commons in spring 2013, a year after a Horseshoe Casino opens in Cleveland. Hollywood Casinos will open in Toledo in the first half of next year and in Columbus in the latter half."
Delays caused by the recent state tax budget fight are to blame for pushing back the opening of the Cincinnati casino. Because the Cleveland casino is a renovation rather than new construction, the delays were less detrimental.
"Until the tax dispute last spring, Cincinnati was on track to open its casino in late 2012. But Rock Gaming halted construction at its casinos in Cincinnati and Cleveland while a settlement was worked out, delaying the opening here until spring 2013. Cleveland was less affected. Unlike Cincinnati, where a new building is rising from the ground, Cleveland is renovating an existing structure for the opening phase of its casino."
The article adds that Rock Gaming officials in Cleveland have already begun hiring staff, including dealers and managers.
"Once destined to be the last to open due to site difficulties, [Cleveland] city officials convinced Rock Gaming early this year to open the Cleveland casino in two phases, putting it first."
Read the rest here.
When savvy small business owners with an eye for form and function set their sights on historic Cleveland properties, the resulting atmosphere soars beyond the reach of boxy suburban strip malls and bland skyscrapers. Behold recycling on the most profound level: repurposing spaces created decades ago into modern, functional, and inspiring workplaces.
Christopher Celeste and Blake Squires have business in their blood. Over the course of their careers, each has made his way through the political world, the marketing and digital music world, and everything in between. Together they founded and fostered Solon-based Findaway World before each eventually left the company.
The two came together again when they realized they most liked forming businesses, and wanted to put their knowledge to work helping others do the same.
“I spent a lot of time in my career helping people bring ideas to market,” says Celeste. “One on the things I realized I wanted to do is help other people create businesses.”
So the two created Hatch Partners, which stands for Help At The Critical Hour. The company helps entrepreneurs all over Northeast Ohio bring their ideas to life, whether it’s through mentoring, advising or financing.
“The idea behind Hatch is that every entrepreneur has that moment of Should I pursue this idea?" explains Celeste. “We like being at the moment if inception when an idea is really coming to life.”
While Hatch occasionally provides capital to its portfolio of startups, its underlying function is to encourage other entrepreneurs. “We have no interest in becoming venture capitalists,” says Celeste. “The idea is really being an advisor and coaching.”
Unlike other business incubators in the area, Hatch is focused on coaching. “We’re neither place-based nor institutional,” says Celeste. “We’ve had a lot of good fortune in our lives. There were always key people who said, ‘Yes you can. You can build this business.’”
Source: Christopher Celeste
Writer: Karin Connelly
The two came together again when they realized they most liked forming businesses, and wanted to put their knowledge to work helping others do the same.
“I spent a lot of time in my career helping people bring ideas to market,” says Celeste. “One on the things I realized I wanted to do is help other people create businesses.”
So the two created Hatch Partners, which stands for Help At The Critical Hour. The company helps entrepreneurs all over Northeast Ohio bring their ideas to life, whether it’s through mentoring, advising or financing.
“The idea behind Hatch is that every entrepreneur has that moment of Should I pursue this idea?" explains Celeste. “We like being at the moment if inception when an idea is really coming to life.”
While Hatch occasionally provides capital to its portfolio of startups, its underlying function is to encourage other entrepreneurs. “We have no interest in becoming venture capitalists,” says Celeste. “The idea is really being an advisor and coaching.”
Unlike other business incubators in the area, Hatch is focused on coaching. “We’re neither place-based nor institutional,” says Celeste. “We’ve had a lot of good fortune in our lives. There were always key people who said, ‘Yes you can. You can build this business.’”
Source: Christopher Celeste
Writer: Karin Connelly
entry-level jobs + affordable rents = cleveland tops for recent grads
Newly minted graduates require two things to make life easy: a job requiring less than a year of experience and a place to live that doesn't require a forklift of cash. Cleveland, according to a recent analysis by CareerRookie and Apartments.com, has both.
"Newly graduated and ready for a change of scenery? The best city for recent grads is Hartford-New Haven, Conn. On its heels are Cleveland, Boston and Denver."
CareerRookie and Apartments.com ranked the cities based on the population of young adults between the ages of 20 and 24, number of jobs requiring less than a year of experience, and the average rent of a one-bedroom apartment.
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Cleveland is $695.
See the rest of the ranking here.
"Newly graduated and ready for a change of scenery? The best city for recent grads is Hartford-New Haven, Conn. On its heels are Cleveland, Boston and Denver."
CareerRookie and Apartments.com ranked the cities based on the population of young adults between the ages of 20 and 24, number of jobs requiring less than a year of experience, and the average rent of a one-bedroom apartment.
Average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Cleveland is $695.
See the rest of the ranking here.