Downtown Cleveland Alliance

Newsroom

 

  • NineTwelve District building awarded Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit

    December 20, 2012 – 12:04 pm

    The Ohio Department of Development has announced that the East Ohio Building, on the corner of East 9th Street and Superior Avenue, is the recipient of the Round 9 Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit.   Previous downtown Cleveland award recipients include the Calfee, Halter & Griswold building, a 115,000-square-foot, seven-story structure on the corner of East Sixth Street and Rockwell Avenue.

    “There has been tremendous momentum building in the NineTwelve District over the past 18 months,” said Joe Marinucci, president and CEO of the Downtown Cleveland Alliance.  “We’re pleased that the State is supporting one of the fastest growing employment centers in downtown Cleveland.”

    Within the past 18 months, nearly 2,000 jobs have been pledged or moved into the NineTwelve District.  This includes long-term commitments from current tenants along with the attraction of local and global companies.  The district encompasses the area between East 9th Street and East 12th Street stretching from Lakeside Avenue to Euclid Avenue.

    In 2010, DCA led a community effort to rebrand and market the district.  Over the past two years, the not-for-profit organization has leveraged the renovation of Perk Plaza to host successful events like Walnut Wednesdays, a weekly gathering of Cleveland’s finest food trucks during the summer months, and Pop Up Party at the Plaza, a happy hour gathering, to bring vibrancy to the neighborhood.  In addition, DCA worked with the City of Cleveland and the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) to create the new NineTwelve trolley, which connects office workers to employers in the district.

    The K&D Group of Willoughby signed a contact to buy the East Ohio Building earlier this year.  The plan is to convert the 21-story building, using historic preservation tax credits and other financing vehicles, into apartments to meet the high demand for residential options in downtown Cleveland.  Huntington National Bank is involved with the financing of the project.  Downtown Cleveland is currently 97 percent occupied with 11,500 residents.

    “Millennials want to live, work and play in urban settings,” continued Marinucci.  “We’re excited to see more housing options available in a mixed-use neighborhood where businesses are locating.”

  • Welcome to your new Downtown address!

    December 19, 2012 – 3:11 pm

     

    -Willis North America, a unit of insurance broker Willis Group Holdings, has announced the relocation of its Cleveland office to 1001 Lakeside Avenue. They have signed a six-year lease to occupy 10,500 square feet in the building. Read more here.

    -The Westlake Reed Leskosky architecture firm has announced plans to move to the Hanna Building. The firm will occupy the third floor of the Hanna, which is owned by the real estate affiliate of the PlayhouseSquare Foundation. Read more about their move here.

    - Grant Thorton LLP has moved its offices to One Cleveland Center. The accounting and consulting firm is leasing 19,200 square feed in the building known as the Silver Chisel. Read all about it here.

    - Construction for the Westin is underway. The new hotel is scheduled to open at 777 St. Clair in the first quarter of 2014.

  • N-Y-E in the C-L-E

    December 12, 2012 – 3:26 pm

     

    Downtown Cleveland is certainly the hub of NYE celebrations, and here is a list of choices to help you narrow down what your night will look like.

    First thing is first; how do residents of the Rock ‘n Roll Capital celebrate New Year’s Eve?

    The answer is simple; they rock out. It’s a New Year’s Eve Celebration with Renaissance Cleveland Hotel and Hard Rock Café. Reserve the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel/House of Blues’ Rock’n New Year’s Eve package, of course!  It’s an oh, so special package that combines  NYE-worthy entertainment at the Hard Rock Café Cleveland’s New Year’s Eve Bash (21 and up, please!), deluxe overnight accommodations and complimentary self-parking from Renaissance Cleveland Hotel for $375.00 plus tax.

    Check in at Renaissance Cleveland Hotel after 3:00 p.m. stop at the Lobby Bar for a few hours, put on your NYE party best, take a short walk to Hard Rock Café and party from 9:00 p.m.-midnight at their New Year’s Eve Bash.  Join other New Year’s Eve revelers dancing to a live performance by Dirty Little Rock Stars and partake in a hearty appetizer buffet and hosted bar. And, at midnight, ring in the New Year with a bar and champagne toast.

    If you’re in the mood to rock out in a different way, Michael Stanley and The Resonators are performing at The House of Blues as part of “A North Coast New Year’s Eve.” Crossroads at House of Blues even created a special New Year’s Eve menu to fill you up before you dance the night away listening to Cleveland’s own Mr. Stanley. For only $50 a person, you can enjoy appetizers, salad, an entrée and dessert – let’s just say one of the dessert choices is white chocolate banana bread pudding.

    No matter which party you choose, when the partying is over, take a short walk back to the Renaissance, and where you’re only an elevator ride away from your newly redecorated room.

    For reservations and information about the Renaissance New Year’s Eve package, call 216. 696.5600 or click here.

    If rocking out for NYE isn’t your thing, maybe laughing is! Join Pickwick & Frolic and Hilarities for a comedic night featuring Dov Davidoff and Bryan Calleen. Get your laugh on, enjoy a great dinner, champagne toast, live music and dancing. Click here for more information.

    Perhaps you are one of those people who celebrate by eating delicious food – and lots of it! Downtown’s culinary scene is beyond stellar, and some of our favorite restaurants are preparing quite the treat for their guests. The Greenhouse Tavern is preparing a 9 course NYE dinner… yes, 9 courses. Yowza! Chef Jonathon Sawyer is going to help you end 2012 on a great (and full!) note. Right down Euclid is a Noodlecat and sushi extravaganza – 5 courses of deliciousness by Chef Ben Hsu. Either choice is promised to be a fabulously indulgent dining experience. For more information, click here.

    The opportunities are not only landlocked – all aboard the Nautica Queen for a special NYE celebration on the water. Their 5-hour cruise includes an unlimited buffet meal, hors d’ouerves, a DJ, party favors, free parking (make sure you have a DD!) and a bottle of champagne per couple. For more information, click here.

    Don’t forget about shopping local! Stores, such as Collective Upcycle, sell locally made, environmentally friendly, and super stylish jewelry. When you’re looking for your perfect NYE outfit, make sure to ShopCLE.

    DCA wants to wish you a very happy and very safe NYE celebration. Don’t forget about the RTA, Downtown’s cab services, and of course, our beautiful hotel accommodations.

    Have an NYE celebration we didn’t mention? Email ssevero@dcacleveland.net to ensure your information gets included.

  • Did you know?

    December 10, 2012 – 9:27 am

     

    - Britton Gallagher reaps the rewards of having a Downtown address, growing faster than projected and already taking on additional office space in the NineTwelve District. Read more here…

    - Yet another new restaurant is coming to Downtown Cleveland in early 2013: “Stonetown,” brought to you by the owner-operators of Cleveland’s Zanzibar, Angie’s Soul Food, and Jezebel’s Bayou. Read more here…

    - The law firm of Jones Day, located in Downtown Cleveland for over 100 years, made another long term commitment to Downtown and completed multimillion investment to its largest office in the world. Read more here…

    - Cleveland Clinic, University Hospitals, Philips Healthcare, GE Heathcare, and Johnson Controls are the first announced tenants of the new Medical Mart, opening in 2013. Read more here…

    - Downtown Cleveland Alliance, University Circle Inc., and Cuyahoga County have partnered to open the Cleveland Trust Rotunda for “Circle in the City,” a series of arts performances and exhibits occurring during the lunch hours on Wednesdays through December 19. Read more here…

    - Downtown Cleveland is a hotbed of entrepreneurism, as evidenced by Bizdom startup venture Big River which secured $250,000 from Jumpstart, Inc. Read more here…

    - The Medical Mart and Convention Center is a model of sustainability, recycling 98% of material from the old convention center. Read more here…

  • All things public transportation

    December 6, 2012 – 11:40 am

    Keep yourself up-to-date on all things public transportation. All information is described in greater detail in GCRTA’s NEWSROOM.

    Quarterly Service changes are coming – and they are good. More frequent service is just days away on the Red, Blue and Green Line and upgrades and adjustments are scheduled for several bus lines as well. Changes begin this Sunday, Dec. 9! Starting that day, the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) will change the schedules of 31 bus and rail routes.

    RAIL SERVICE
    Frequency on the Red Line will improve to 15 minutes off-peak, and 7-8 minute service between the Brookpark and Tower City stations during rush hours.
    While the airport tunnel is closed for repairs, all westbound Red Line trains will stop at the Brookpark Station, where riders can transfer to a bus for the trip to Hopkins International Airport.
    During rush hour,  the Blue and Green Lines will each provide 10-minute service, with 5-minute service in the common area between Shaker Square and Tower City.

    BUS SERVICE 
    Riders need to pick up new timetables for the following routes: 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 14, 15, 20, 22, 25, 26, 28, 32, 35, 37, 41, 46, 49, 51, 65, 75, 77F, 78,  79A/B, 83, 86, 94, 251, 451 and the HealthLine
    Where can I obtain new timetables?
    New timetables are posted on riderta.com as soon as they’re available
    Google transit will be updated at google.com/transit
    Stop by RTA’s Main Office at 1240 West 6th Street Downtown
    Visit RTA’s Customer Service Center at the Tower City Station at 50 Public Square
    To order a timetable by mail, call the RTAnswerline at 216-621-9500

    Real-time information is available at NextConnect.

     

    In case you missed it…

    Public Square is a holiday wonderland this time of year. To enjoy the lights at night, ride the C-line trolley or the Healthline. Riding the HealthLine down Euclid Avenue is a great way to see Downtown’s many attractions.

    iWatch RTA is the new free transit police app for your SmartPhone. It’s powerful and it works 24/7. Learn more about it here.

  • Opera and ballet make a classic return to Downtown

    December 5, 2012 – 12:10 pm

    Opera Circle recently announced plans to return opera to Downtown Cleveland.    Over at Opera Circle, they’re accustomed to doing things on a small scale with spare sets and costumes and a laser-beam focus on musical values. The Cleveland company is continuing to do so during its 17th season, which last month with a production of Bellini’s “Norma.”
    However, at season’s end in June, they’ll take their company to downtown Cleveland for the first time to present Verdi’s “Rigoletto” at the Ohio Theatre in PlayhouseSquare.    Co-directors Dorota Sobieska and Jacek Sobieski state that the performances mark the beginning of a beautiful new relationship with the region’s opera-loving public.
    Opera Circle generally performs in churches and halls, and is now heading Downtown to introduce itself to opera lovers who may not be aware of their performances. To learn more about Opera Circle, read the full story on Cleveland.com.
    PlayhouseSquare is not only helping reintroduce opera to Downtown, but they are now housing Ballet In Cleveland. This company, now located in the heart of PlayhouseSquare, is right in the center of Cleveland history.
    It was vital for Ballet In Cleveland to be located at PlayhouseSquare, as its aim is to present the highest quality professional classical ballet performances and events, and what better location for their office than right in the middle of the second largest performing arts district in the country.
    Ballet in Cleveland’s mission is to revitalize the presence of classical ballet in Cleveland, Ohio by presenting performances by the highest quality professional ballet companies as well as promoting the art through ballet-centered programming and events that not only foster interest but also educate and entertain the community. Ballet in Cleveland will highlight the importance, relevance, and entertaining artistry of professional classical ballet in the region.

  • Tis the season in DowntownCLE

    December 5, 2012 – 11:59 am

    Tis the season in Downtown Cleveland
    The holiday season is upon us, and Downtown Cleveland has a full list of activities to keep you and your family busy! Check out Cleveland’s Official Holiday Guide or read below to discover what’s happening around town. While you’re soaking in Cleveland’s holiday spirit, capture your favorite moments on Instagram and be entered to win an authentic Leg Lamp from Positively Cleveland. See more details here.

     

    The Horseshoe Casino added a nostalgic twist to Downtown’s holiday décor this year with their ‘Holidays at the Higbee’ promotion. Walk on by the casino and check out the recreated window displays and the outside holiday decorations. Old enough to gamble? Head inside to see the transformation. By the way, did you know that this holiday promo is one of the largest in Caesars Entertainment’s history? To enjoy the lights at night, ride the C-Line trolley or the HealthLine.

     

     

    Circle in the City is occurring every Wednesday through December 19 at the Ameritrust Rotunda on Euclid Avenue. University Circle institutions feature free holiday programming inside of this beautiful building to give Downtown office workers and visitors a nice lunch event to enjoy. For more information, click here.

     

     

    Have you ever seen an underwater winter wonderland? Visit Winter Waterland at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. This place has everything; twinkling lights, holiday crafts, live music, and caroling. Is that Santa Claus with his shirt off? No, that’s King Neptune, the god of water and sea, there to make holiday wishes come true.  Come celebrate the holidays in this unique way, now through January 1. To learn more, click here.

     

    Cleveland Play House(CPH) is producing A Carol for Cleveland, a holiday event by Clevelanders, for Clevelanders, about Clevelanders. The show is running at the Allen Theatre at PlayhouseSquare through December 23. For more information or to buy your tickets, click here.

     

    Trans-Siberian Orchestra returns to The Q again for part of their winter tour on Wednesday, December 26, performing the live debut of ‘The Lost Christmas Eve; a Rock Holiday Tradition for a New Generation.’ They will be performing at 3:00 and 8:00 pm. Purchase your tickets here.

     

     

     

    • Office parties are also on your calendars — want to bring a treat? Have Colossal Cupcakes cater your holiday shin-dig. Just call 216-938-9609 for more information.
    • Enjoy the holiday lights by way of the trolley and the HealthLine — Public Square is a holiday wonderland. The best time to take in their beauty is at night — To enjoy the lights at night, ride the C-Line trolley or the HealthLine. Riding the HealthLine down Euclid Avenue is a great way to see Downtown’s many attractions.
  • Downtown helps you stay active

    November 29, 2012 – 2:38 pm

    Need some inspiration for exercising during the cold months? On your lunch break, you now have a new spot to get motivated: a marked 1/9 mile path on the third floor of Tower City Center in Cleveland with signs encouraging walkers to live healthier along the way.

    Forest City Enterprises has unveiled this indoor path last month in collaboration with the American Heart Association’s “Go Red for Women” campaign.

    The path is an existing loop in the hallway around the skylight concourse overlooking the “Leap Frog” fountain below, and has a marked starting point and floor decals with 15 health tips spread throughout. This time of year, walkers are treated to an amazing view of Tower City’s beautiful holiday décor!

    The walking path promotes both exercise and awareness of an often-overlooked women’s health issue, which is heart disease. Some of the health tips walkers will see include: “Even walking for 30 minutes a day can help you maintain body weight and lower your risk of obesity,” and “Pay less attention to the numbers on the scale and more to how you feel over time.”

    Bring some tennis shoes, grab a pal, and head upstairs at Tower City to get healthy this holiday season!

  • Categories

  • What we’re talking about