Become a neighborhood insider by checking out these unique city hotspots
A century of discoveries awaits you! Since 1925, Cleveland’s Main Library has been a cornerstone of knowledge, creativity, and community. We’re marking 100 years with a year-long celebration—featuring special events, exhibits, author talks, and more.
Explore unique and rare treasures you’ll only find at Cleveland Public Library’s Main Library.
Create, build, and innovate at in the MakerSpace or Studio 525 (just for teens)!
Connect to stories, people, and ideas through events, programs, and shared experiences.
Plan your visit at CPL.org/Main100
With a
CLEVELAND RESTORED
RESIDENCES AT 1717 WAS CREATED FROM THE RESTORED EAST OHIO GAS BUILDING, WHICH WAS THE SECOND TALLEST AND FIRST ALL-GLASS BUILDING IN CLEVELAND WHEN IT WAS BUILT IN 1959.
DOWNTOWN CLEVELAND RESIDENT ALLY COSTELLO ADMITS SHE IS “OBSESSED” WITH HER VIEWS from her Residences at 1717 apartment on E. 9th Street.
“When I sit at my desk, I have the best view of the city. I am facing Lake Erie, looking right at St. John Cathedral. I can see right down East 9th Street to the lake and past the harbor where all the boats are,” says Costello, who moved to Cleveland from Washington, D.C., this past September. “I especially like it in the morning when I am drinking coffee or having breakfast. I can just stare out the windows and be entertained.”
Costello grew up in Geneva, Ohio, but moved to Phoenix, Arizona, while in high school. She’s also lived in several other urban locations. So, when Costello decided to move back to Cleveland recently to be closer to family here, she wanted to find “a place with more city vibes.”
“The main reason I wanted to live Downtown was that I could walk to so many things,” says Costello, a marketing professional who works mainly from home. “Coming from Washington, D.C., I didn’t have a car. My boyfriend, John, has one. But if we can, we’d rather walk. Heinen’s is right down the street, and I am pretty active and outside almost every day. I really appreciate
the location of this building. It makes my life so much easier.”
In deep winter Costello also takes a job bartending at an establishment within walking distance.
“The bar is connected to a hotel, so people are always asking me about the city,” says Costello.
Costello says finding her Downtown apartment was part fate. While she was first just casually thinking about a downtown residence, Costello happened to walk past the Residences at 1717 one day and, on a whim, went inside.
“I was told two units were available and I could see them right then. As soon as I saw the views and space of my current apartment, I told my boyfriend we had to live there,” recalls Costello, who gives five stars to the building’s on-site management, 24-hour emergency maintenance, housekeeping, leasing and security staffs.
Residences at 1717 was created from the restored East Ohio Gas building, which was the second tallest and first all-glass building in Cleveland when it was built in 1959. Today it offers oneand two-bedroom luxury apartments, features a gorgeous, historically preserved marble lobby and is part of the K&D Management portfolio.
The complex offers a modern fitness center, which Costello uses frequently, an up-to-date business center and community room complete with full kitchen, pool table, darts and a lounge area with a television.
“When people come to visit, they are always interested in the history. I love the pride that people have in this city and it makes me appreciate it more,” says Costello. “We wanted to make our apartment super cozy because we have a lot of visitors. We take advantage of the natural light and have a lot of plants.”
Costello likes the apartment’s open floor plan, the attractive island and bar stools, custom cabinetry, granite countertops, Energy Star stainless-steel appliances and in-suite washers and dryers. And overnight visitors have a special treat.
“Our guest bedroom bed faces the window. So, when anyone wakes up in the morning, the lake is their view and it’s the first thing they see. That’s special, and everyone loves it,” says Costello.
“Cleveland has so much potential. Being 25, in a relationship and living here — I just love it,” adds Costello. “I am surprised I don’t see more people like me Downtown. Cleveland is not as expensive as other cities, and there is so much to do, especially in the summer. I’d like to see even more little cafes and businesses open up here.” — Jill Sell
1 & 2 Bedroom Suites 1717 East 9th Street Cleveland, OH 44114 844.329.9038 www.ResidencesAt1717.com
1, 2 & 3 Bedroom Suites, Penthouses 1228 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH 44115 833.248.3130
www.ResidencesAtHalle.com
1 & 2 Bedroom Suites, Fully Furnished Luxury C orporate Housing 1401 Prospect Avenue Cleveland, OH 44115 844.329.8689
Studios, 1 & 2 Bedroom Suites 526 Superior Avenue Cleveland, OH 44114 844.896.2325
www.ResidencesAtLeader.com
Howard Hanna Realtors bring expertise to the housing market.
HE SOLD THEM A HOUSE. SHE SOLD THEM A HOUSE. He sold them another house. She sold them another house. After numerous years of each being a top real estate professional in the City of Cleveland and beyond, there was bound to be some overlapping of clients.
“There were times we were on either side of the transaction,” says Realtor Carolyn Bentley, co-managing partner of Ted & Co./The Bentley Group with Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. “Recently, we have been reviewing 20 years of clients, and we noticed it’s happened three or four times in some cases.”
The other half of that “we” is Ted Theophylactos, co-managing partner of Ted & Co./The Bentley Group, and also with the Cleveland City Office of Howard Hanna. Theophylactos is classified as the real estate company’s “very best of the best,” top 1% of agents.
These two could have been fierce competitors, but they are smarter than that. At the end of February of this year, Bentley and Theophylactos joined forces and created a real estate power partnership. They combined to operate under one team name because each has a strong brand and impeccable reputation. Also, each brings certain related real estate groups and repeat clients to the table.
But their combined teams are working together, creating what some in the residential real estate market are calling “the merger of the decade.”
“Ted and I have had parallel careers for about the past 15 years,” says Bentley. “We both focus a lot on new construction and particularly in Cleveland neighborhoods. We have built up our expertise in these areas and are passionate about what happens to people and their neighborhoods.”
But Bentley and Theophylactos are not twins, and that works to their advantage and ultimately to the benefit of those looking to buy or sell homes. Bentley brings an intense respect and understanding for systems, organization and recordkeeping needed for a successful real estate career. Theophylactos’ upbeat personality, networking and negotiating skills, as well as his connections to just about everyone in Cleveland’s urban real estate world, are well known. He often concentrates on big builders and larger housing developments, sometimes with 20 or 30 units, while Bentley specializes in smaller builders and architects.
“Combining things allowed us to streamline the process. That really gave me more time to spend with my clients,” says Theophylactos. “We took the best of both our systems and that made it easier because we became more efficient. Clients appreciate that.” — Jill Sell
Realtors Ted Theophylactos and Carolyn Bentley of Howard Hanna’s Cleveland City office invite home buyers to contact them for more information about these new construction opportunities:
W. 44TH ST., NORTH OF LORAIN AVE. – Each of the four townhomes, designed by architect redhouse studio llc, and built by Keystate Homes, features two bedrooms with en-suite baths. Private balconies, 10foot ceilings and wood floors add to the homes’ desirability.
“These are smaller units that start in the $400,000s, but they have efficient layouts,” says Theophylactos, whose listings frequently qualify for the City of Cleveland’s tax abatements. “Harbor Whitman brings a product to a market that has really been underserved.”
THE VANTAGE, 5217 HERMAN AVE. – Located in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood, these five, larger contemporary residences feature three bedrooms and three full baths. Priced between $719,000 and $760,000, the units are currently under construction. The homes are minutes from Edgewater Beach and Gordon Square Arts District.
“The Vantage brought innovations to new townhome construction here, including three-car attached garages and side terraces,” says Theophylactos. “And the views of Lake Erie are great.”
STAND-ALONE SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES, CORNER OF MONROE AVE. AND W. 30ST ST. – These seven new single-family homes (two complete and five under construction) range in price from $600,000 to $678,000. All feature attached two-car garages. Bentley will also be showing several new single-family homes ($600,000 to $700,000) in Duck Island this year. These homes are being built by neighboorhood favorite custom home builders Berges Home Performance.
Lead by co-managing partners, Ted Theophylactos and Carolyn Bentley, Ted & Co. | The Bentley Group combines decades of real estate experience with a deep-rooted passion for Northeast Ohio. In collaboration with Ohio’s top real estate brokerage, Howard Hanna, we bring you an unparalleled commitment to personalized service, ensuring your journey is nothing short of exceptional.
When you choose to work with us, you’re not just hiring an individual agent — you gain access to the collective power of our entire team. This means unlocking a wealth of real estate knowledge, resources, and expertise that ensures your goals are met with precision and care. Whether you’re selling your home to start a new chapter, purchasing your dream property, or navigating a complex transition, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Our seasoned professionals have exclusive access to top listings, cutting-edge technology, and powerful marketing strategies designed to make your real estate experience smooth, memorable, and enjoyable. From initial consultation to closing, we’re focused on delivering results and creating solutions that fit your unique needs.
Let us put our passion and experience to work for you — your journey to the perfect property starts with Ted & Co. | The Bentley Group
THERE IS AN INTRIGUING LINEUP OF MUSICAL ENTERTAINERS SET TO PERFORM AT WADE OVAL WEDNESDAYS! (WOW!) in University Circle this summer. But concert attendees, who often come with their own chairs or blankets to sit on the grassy area, will also be amazed and amused by roving performers. Think stilt walkers, aerialists, jugglers, magicians and a few surprises.
“These performers will be out among the crowd for people to experience and see along with the music,” says Heidi Hudak, chief marketing and experiences officer for University Circle Inc (UCI). “They will add something special. WOW! is already really a communal, fun, safe atmosphere where you see people from all walks of life enjoying what I believe is one of the fundamental needs of life — music.”
Now in its 20th year, WOW! begins June 18 and concludes August 20. Opening acts and headliners perform from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This year’s musical schedule includes reggae, soul, hard rock,
rock and roll, Latin fusion, country rock jazz, funk and more. Popular local favorites include Carlos Jones, Apostle Jones and The Michael Weber Show.
WOW!’s themed nights include: June 25, LGBTQ+ Pride Celebration; July 16, Disability Pride Celebration; and August 6, International Night, in partnership with Cleveland Cultural Gardens. In addition, two evenings (check universitycircle.org for date updates) will feature free, indoor/ outdoor admission to the Cleveland Botanical Garden on Wade Oval. The Garden will open its Kohl Gate On-edge, a work by sculptor Albert Paley that was installed in 2004, to WOW! attendees.
“It’s believed to be the first time the gate will be open,” says Hudak, who along with UCI President Kate Borders and Experiences Manager Maya Cundiff, lead WOW! strategies.
Tourists, university students from around the globe, local residents and employees who work in University Circle (all groups that
enjoy WOW!) are welcome to bring a picnic to WOW!, but a variety of food trucks and vendor tents will be on hand. Your choice include carnival food, vegan offerings, BBQ, Jamaican chicken, seafood and more.
UCI encourages taking public transportation to WOW!, walking or riding a bike. But parking for a fee in nearby institutional lots and city meter parking on streets is available. There is no parking along Wade Oval during WOW! Also, CircleLink is University Circle’s free shuttle; it requires no pass or registration.
“WOW! is such a special event. We have so many attendees who have been coming for the entire 20 years,” says Hudak. “They come back no matter what genre of music is being played. We try not to cancel unless there is pouring rain, lightening or heavy winds. Dress for the weather and bring a hat or sunscreen on really sunny days. People come early on WOW! nights and get those limited shady spots early.”
— Jill Sell
Have you always loved University Circle, but felt it needed a few improvements? This is your chance to have your voice heard.
Now in its initial stages, Connecting the Circle is a master plan to be created by University Circle Inc. (UCI) and its partners. According to Heidi Hudak, the community service organization will spend this year collecting public comments through surveys and in-person opportunities.
“It’s been more than 20 years since the last comprehensive University Circle Public Realm Master Plan,” says Hudak. “This plan will serve for the next 15 to 20 years.”
The significant project is led by: Sasaki, an architectural, planning, landscape and design firm in Boston, whose Principal-in-Charge Michael Grove grew up in Cleveland; Toole Design Group (transportation and mobility); ThirdSpace Action Lab (community engagement); and Nelson/Nygaard (parking). To take the survey and learn more about Connecting the Circle, visit connectingthecircle.engage.sasaki.com
A wave of development across these historic neighborhoods is reviving is reviving empty buildings, filling vacant lots and restoring community while preserving the past.
// By Kristen Hampshire
Abold, bright mural in Hough offers a promising visual of how collaboration and a community that comes together can change the trajectory in a neighborhood. “Unity and Community” is a banner of promise: Thrive. Renew. Respect. Grow.
Indeed, these words are in action throughout Hough and MidTown, which connects Downtown to University Circle and hosts a significant stretch of the RTA Health Line.
A wave of housing and retail is underway — an economic development current that has been brewing for some time and now coming to fruition with catalytic projects such as the MidTown Collaboration Center (MCC) and the E. 66th Street Complete Street Project. This began in 2012 with the Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative (TLCI) and is a work in progress.
It will transform the 1-mile corridor between Superior and Euclid Avenues with bike lanes, improved crosswalks, lighting, public art and amenities to encourage pedestrian traffic, says Sundavish Tan of MidTown
Cleveland. The project has already raised about $9.5 million.
Anchors along the corridor include the Cleveland Foundation headquarters, the Hough Library Campus, League Park and the Fatima Family Center.
“New development stemming from the MCC is a huge boost,” says Byron Solomon, business development manager at the Famicos Foundation. “You can’t have businesses without residents, and you can’t have residents without viable entertainment and businesses in the area. With this collaborative center, we are seeing spin-off development that will feed into new homes and retail for incoming residents.”
He points to University Hospitals’ February announcement to invest $3 million in multi-family, mixed-income housing in Hough at Gateway66 at League Park. Gordon Crossing has been called a “unicorn” because most of its housing will cater to residents below 70% of average median income. It will transform a vacant property on East 101st and Woodward Ave. A $47-million makeover of the long vacant 9410 Hough Ave. apartment complex is in the
“It’s a win-win with the whole community backing you.”
— Tiwanna Scott-Williams, Pearl’s Kitchen Owner
works with plans for a community center next door.
Famicos Foundation’s completed Henrietta Homes development of 40 single-family units are scattered on sites between East 65th and 71st.
The historic Warner & Swasey building that played a significant role in Cleveland’s manufacturing history is being reimagined as a modern mixed-use space.
Meanwhile, a Hough Cultural District initiative will reinvigorate, celebrate and preserve Black culture, honoring the neighborhood’s history as a center for music and theater. The master plan involves the corridor within East 55th, East 66th and East 75th.
Great beer and elevated comfort food are a perfect pairing at
the MidTown Collaboration Center (MCC), where Tiwanna Scott-Williams’ fast-casual brand PearlFlower has expanded from its outposts at Rocket Arena and Case Western Reserve University. Pearl’s Kitchen is a sit-down affair — and it complements what Chris Harris offers at Black Frog Brewery.
“The Hough and MidTown communities are why Chris and I are both here,” says Williams, with Harris in the background as they trade ideas, both remarking on the potential the MCC brings to the neighborhood.
Longtime residents and new neighbors are invested in the concept, Williams adds. Managers at Pearl’s Kitchen were born and raised in the area. “It’s a winwin with the whole community backing you,” she relates.
When Chris Harris learned about the MidTown Community Center (MCC), opening a second Black Frog Brewery there was “a no brainer,” he says. The Cleveland Foundation and JumpStart pitched
the opportunity to Harris, who had launched the first Black-owned brewery in 2014 when he converted half of his Toledo-area garage into a brewing operation.
His beers quickly grew a following, and soon he earned space on local grocery store shelves and opened a brewery where community could gather.
The MCC’s collaborative focus and investment in bringing together neighbors aligns with Harris’s mission. “With it being located in a minority Black neighborhood, they wanted to serve the community and I love that,” he says.
The Baseball Heritage Museum
Baseball unites communities and traverses socio-economic and racial barriers. The Baseball Heritage Museum at League Park in Hough tells this story and is “inspiring on many levels,” says Ricardo Rodriguez, museum director.
“We are in a building where, regardless of age, race, socioeconomic background or political beliefs, everyone walked through the gates to see the same thing and that’s baseball,” he relates.
Housed in the restored 1909 ticket house, across the street from the Hough Library Campus, the museum’s focus is telling the untold stories of underserved populations and marginalized players. Not until 2020 did Major League Baseball (MBL) recognize statistics from the Negro Leagues. “We’ve been telling that story for over 30 years,” Rodriguez says.
“We’re having a powerful wave of economic resurgence throughout the entire area along East 66th Street and beyond, and this is an area where Mayor Bibb’s model for walkability and a 15-minute city is being sampled.”
When Mary Johnson set out on a “serious” health journey 15 years ago to return to a vibrant version of herself her new fitness friends at the gym noticed the change. Glowing skin. Loads of energy. A contagious spirit.
At the time, she had no idea she’d also introduce a lifestyle change to hardworking professionals, neighbors, seniors at the Dave’s Market and now MidTown-Hough.
Today’s Vitiman Kandie Restaurant is more than a sitdown clean-eating destination serving Johnson’s branded VK wins and hosting wellness events. Johnson has created a movement, a multi-chapter story since launching the brand officially in 2015 and is now part of a growing repertoire of Black entrepreneurs in Cleveland’s city neighborhoods.
Inclusion, ecological amenities, culture and creating connective pathways are at the core of BroadwaySlavic Village.
// By Kristen Hampshire
Visit the loudest and proudest neighborhood,” is printed on a posterboard a local holds with an unmistakable expression of commitment.
“SV Wants Everyone!” reads another, heralding a real community win: EcoDistricts certification, thanks to a Broadway-Slavic Village team of residents and stakeholders who achieved the designation’s tenants of equity, resilience and climate protection.
“Inclusivity is a big deal for us,” says Krystal Sierra, neighborhood planning director at Slavic Village Development (SVD).
The national EcoDistricts certification is governed by Just Communities and designed to help the community, resident leaders and developers build a common vision to guide growth.
That’s exactly what’s going on in Broadway-Slavic Village, and Sierra says, “We’re making sure we fill in any gaps in representation at the table.”
The table setting: largely transportation and conduit-creating, along with thoughtful infill of the roughly 2,000 acres of land available from foreclosures and vacancies fueled by fraud-
ulent out-of-town and out-ofstate investors.
SVD is looking at a community consultants program to invite neighbors who are passionate about the future of the neighbor hood. “They will receive a sti pend for one year of service with our organization,” Sierra states.
The Slavic Village Green Team is also a strong entity and ties in with the neighborhood’s assets, such as storm basins and wildlife habitat that connect to Cleve land Metroparks' new trail network. The Slavic Village Downtown Connector and Morgana Run Extension will connect and improve access to the East Side in conjunction with a Fullerton Site Redevelopment Project in the Broadway-Slavic district that involves reinvestment in the overall neighborhood. It will address housing and community needs.
“We’re making sure we fill in any gaps in representation at the table.”
— Krystal Sierra, SVD Neighborhood Planning Director
65th Street, a center of the community during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. There’s the Slovenian National Hall (The Nash), the Polish American Cultural Center and the Bohemian National Hall.
And pioneering entrepreneurs who love the neighborhood are bringing everyday services and destination businesses to the neighborhood, Sierra points out.
“When the trail project is complete, the trail will connect Downtown all the way to the Erie Canal Towpath,” Sierra says.
Meanwhile, in today’s Slavic Village, its roots and charm are ever present. The neighborhood is home to seven Catholic parishes, including the Polish Shrine, St. Stanislaus on East
One is Neighborhood Pets Outreach and Resource Center that offers affordable necessities. The Red Chimney is an old standard for Eastern European dining. And the East 65th Street corridor, known as the Warszawa Historic District, is chock full of stakeholders, Sierra says. Those include institutions like Cleveland Central Catholic High School.
In the Broadway and East 55th Historic District — the core of Slavic Village — an urban main street is home to more than 50 businesses and institutions, including the Boys and Girls Club of America and Cleveland’s first Rails to Trails project.
Among the neighborhood’s longtime go-tos, Sierra calls out Philomena Bakery, R&K Sausage, Vic’s Floral, Daiys’ and the Southeast Cleveland Resource Center.
From blight to beauty has been an ongoing theme of Rooms to LET CLE since it started in 2013. The movement transforms readyto-demolish establishments into temporary art exhibits; activates vacant residences, storefronts and spaces; and presents opportunity.
“It has been a fully immersive experience including teams of artists for each house, storefront or site,” says Sierra.
Housing and business support services were involved, too.
The narrative to “reclaim the blight” in Slavic Village continues in 2025 with fundraising efforts and dates to be announced, Sierra says. This year, the event likely will focus on open spaces and combatting against litter and dumping junk.
Don't miss St. Clair-Superior
Kafe LA, which opened in 2020, draws its influence from sunny Los Angeles, says owner Kayla Dial. Health and wellness influences also shine through at Kafe LA — with healthy, fresh ingredients incorporated into the food and beverages. The eatery offers wraps, ice cream, smoothies, treats, teas, granola, wheatgrass salad, tacos, ginger, multivitamins, sea moss and more.
The Greater Buckeye neighborhood brings together culture and opportunity.
// By Jill Sell
The Greater Buckeye neighborhood is an amazing tapestry of passionate, former and current residents. These leaders and creative individuals have joined together to
knit a larger neighborhood with unique architecture, arts, entertainment, shopping and dining opportunities. The Cleveland neighborhood includes Buckeye, Larchmere, Shaker Square and
Woodland Hills. The area is adjacent to Luke Easter Park, the largest urban park in Ohio and originally part of Cleveland’s master park plan in the 1890s.
Separately named neighborhoods identified the area in the past. But civic and community leaders, including Cleveland Neighborhood Progress CEO Tania Menesse, say a new bond and outlook has been formed. Less economic competition and more cooperation. Less vying for new residents and better realization that an increase in population, revitalized housing, streets and businesses is good for everyone who calls this vibrant section of Cleveland home.
Menesse identifies Larchmere, one of the most fascinating areas in Ohio with one-of-a-kind galleries, shops and public art, as being “strong.” She also points to Buckeye for its increased re-in-
vestment. Currently, Shaker Square is taking center stage.
Shaker Square, the oldest planned shopping area in Ohio, was constructed in 1927. It has enjoyed incredible highs and prestige as well as sad lows throughout its history. Shaker Square went into foreclosure December 2020.
“In April 2022, Cleveland City Council approved financing for Cleveland Neighborhood Progress and Burten, Bell, Carr Development to purchase Shaker Square. Cleveland is our first mortgage holder; they are the bank. We took ownership that year,” says Menesse.
The new owners wasted no time stabilizing Shaker Square. Now comes the future, with plans dubbed “A New Era for a Cleveland Classic.” Menesse says exciting programming will be regularly scheduled so visitors
Take the next step at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®).
Gain in-demand job skills or earn an affordable, transfer-friendly degree.
Tri-C can even help you launch your own business.
Knowledgeable instructors and advisors will help you create a customized plan that puts you on the fast track to your dream job, a four-year degree or whatever your next step in life is.
So keep moving forward. Keep striving. Keep your eye on the prize. Keep after that dream.
Tri-C® Where futures beginSM
now.
Entrepreneur Melissa Garrett-Hirsch says significant names for her business ventures are imperative. Garrett-Hirsch opened her newest coffee shop/ice cream parlor on Shaker Square this past February and calls it Cafe Indigo.
“Indigo means harmony and peace,” explains Garrett-Hirsch, a Shaker Heights resident most of her life. “Sometimes Shaker Square has been the place to be, sometimes not. It’s gone through upheavals, a long journey. I have always valued the community’s history and diversity. I feel it’s on the right path now.”
The Greater Buckeye neighborhood is an amazing tapestry of passionate, former and current residents.
and residents will say, “Let’s walk to the Square to see what’s going on today.”
What Greater Buckeye residents don’t want, according to Menesse, is to destroy the historical architecture or overbuild the Square’s green spaces.
“You couldn’t create a neighborhood in a densely populated area like this today,” observes Menesse. “The magic of the Square is also what makes it challenging with a lot of different constituencies. But it can be all things to all people, just not all at the same time.”
Chances are if you order a pizza from La Pecora in Larchmere, it will be lovingly made by the owner. Juan Vergara calls his wood-fired, Napoletana piz-
za pies his “personal enjoyment.” Vergara wanted authenticity of his pizzas so he studied the art of pie making in Italy.
La Pecora, described as a pizzabar because patrons can sit at a counter and watch the pies be formed and baked, opened October 2024. The 50-seat dining room is accessed through another of Vergara’s restaurants, Barroco, on Larchmere Blvd.
“We have a set menu with pies that are all popular, like our pear and pistachio or white anchovy with pomegranates. But we do things backwards here. Many places won’t let you substitute toppings. But we encourage you to decide for yourself and if we have an ingredient you want, we will use it,” says Vergara. “We have had requests for pork rinds and also sweet plantains.”
Cafe Indigo is really two enterprises with an open floor plan. One half is the ice cream shop with 24 Hershey ice cream flavors and treats that include banana splits and sundaes. Top sellers include butter pecan, Bourbon salted caramel and cookies and cream.
“I remember walking to an ice cream shop when I was growing up. I wanted one that was walkable for the neighborhood here, too,” says Garrett-Hirsch.
Cleveland continues to grow its reputation for supporting and cultivating innovative and cutting-edge films. Atlas Cinemas at Shaker Square is a significant venue for showing those creations.
Rental opportunities are available for “a couple or a couple hundred people,” according to Director of Operations Christopher Baxter, who welcomes birthday and anniversary celebrations and other events. And with six screens, the theater always has something on its marquee to entice you away from your tablet and into a “real” theater. Atlas Cinemas’ classic movies are meant to be larger than life.
“A movie is a shared event. We get scared together, we laugh together,” says Baxter, whose favorite movie is the original Godzilla with Japanese subtitles.
– ASSAD’S MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE –Assad’s Mediterranean Cuisine is much more than a restaurant — it’s also an imported food store with a deli and a bakery — according to Mike Assad, who co-owns the establishment with his brother Fred Assad.
Fresh cuisine includes spinach pies, homemade hummus, beef and chicken shawarma, sweets, falafel, kababs, tabbouleh, house-made pita bread and more.
Brimming with small businesses, rich culture and undeniable joy, Clark-Fulton is a must-visit Cleveland neighborhood.
// By Sarah Webb
Clark-Fulton boasts about 7,300 residents. Many of them hail from Puerto Rico, but the neighborhood represents numerous cultures from around the world.
The neighborhood is also part of the mayor’s Neighborhood Transformation Initiative, which aims to provide healthy, equitable and sustainable opportunities to build wealth and stabilize neighborhoods.
“Cleveland needed a little color.”
— Jenice Contreras, President & CEO, Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center for Economic Development
“There have been some changes in the last years, and there are more people trying to get houses here, and the city has provided more resources for small businesses to establish in the area,” says Maria Anaya, small business coordinator at Metro West Community Development Organization. “There’s more to offer than there has been in recent years.”
In a city where many buildings match the color of the wintertime sky, the eye will immediately be drawn to the vibrant colors that splash the walls of a warehouse building — a new space called CentroVilla25 — that is part food hall, marketplace, event center and commercial kitchen.
“Cleveland needed a little color,” says Jenice Contreras, who leads the vision for CentroVilla25 and is also President & CEO of the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center for Economic Development Eco-
nomic Development. “We wanted to be big and bold and colorful and happy and create this feeling of joy when people drove past.”
In the green food hall, eight vendors represent cuisine from Venezuela, Mexico, Cuba, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. The pink market has retail and service kiosks featuring clothing, jewelry, massage and more. A 3,000-square-foot kitchen is intended for food producers outside of the market to rent. The space also features a rum bar and Elder Plaza, an outdoor area where visitors can enjoy the community’s ambiance.
“CentroVilla is now a destination place, just like the West Side Market or the Rock Hall,” Contreras says.
Old San Juan Jewelers carries traditional Latino items such as azabaches (bracelets for babies with a black charm in the form of a fist and red and black beads), rosaries and quinceañera jewelry.
“There are a lot of special life moments that certain Latino backgrounds celebrate,” says Alexandra Pagan, who co-owns the shop with her father, founder Ramon Pagan. “We take pride in our business and it being family based and prioritizing our people.”
Old San Juan Jewelers also features 10 and 14 karat gold, silver stainless steel and gold-plated collections, watch batteries and name jewelry and provides in-house watch and jewelry repair services.
Discover Cleveland’s AsiaTown—a vibrant cultural hub featuring over 35 Asian-owned restaurants, shops, and grocery stores offering authentic flavors and unique finds, spanning Saint Clair Avenue to Payne Avenue.
AsiaTown is more than a destination—it’s a neighborhood built on rich history and the strength of long-time residents, who’ve shaped its story. Through initiatives like the AsiaTown Learning Circle, small business support, and community clean-ups, neighbors and entrepreneurs come together to create a welcoming, sustainable, and empowered community for all.
Visit Pawsh CLE for Self-serve Sundays.
Pawsh Cle, a pet grooming boutique founded by Chelci Edmonds in 2022, opened its Clark-Fulton location in 2024.
Offering haircuts, baths, nail trimming and more, Pawsh Cle provides its customers a peaceful experience, Edmonds says.
New this year, Pawsh Cle will open on Sundays for people who simply need a place to wash their pets themselves. During Self-serve Sundays, customers can use the amenities for their allotted time and rent shampoo treatments for a small fee. Also new, a $40 membership will allow pet owners to come in anytime to take advantage of these services.
A woman-owned restaurant founded five years ago by Blanca Hernandez, Guanaquitas offers fresh Salvadorian cuisine including mini pupusas, sweet plantains and more.
“We are trying to bring our culture to this community, and I’m very happy with what we have done,” says Hernandez.
Guanaquita’s pupusas are made with corn flour and water and then filled with ingredients like beans, pork, chicken, pastor and asada. On weekends, the restaurant offers a special dish called Siete Mares, a fresh seafood soup.
“I think what makes Guanaquitas unique is that I focus on homemade food, using original recipes from El Salvador,” Hernandez says. “I buy fresh ingredients daily and don’t use freezers.”
Celebrate culture year-round with events that bring thousands together, including: Celebrate Lunar New Year with vibrant lion dances, music, and community activities
The Cleveland Asian Festival brings thousands together with live performances, cultural experiences, and dozens of Asian food vendors
Take a Hike CLE Summer Series walking tours, which bring AsiaTown’s rich history, art, and culture to life
Children’s Day offers fun, hands-on cultural experiences for kids and families
The Mid Autumn Festival is an enchanted day filled with mooncakes and magical stories the whole family will love.
Don't forget to take in the vibrant murals that turn city walls into storytelling canvases—celebrating heritage, resilience, and the diverse voices of AsiaTown.
West Park
It’s not just a sport. Pickleball is also about unity. People of all skill levels come together to play and simply have fun. “The only thing you need is comfortable clothing and tennis shoes,” says Rob Euerle, who opened Cleveland Pickleball Center in February.
From 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, the 10 indoor courts (three outdoor) are bopping with players — including those who don’t know the rules. The center offers clinics, private lessons and open play for groups or singles who show up and rotate into games. There are numerous ping-pong tables, a full bar and a private party room.
Lee Harvard
Lee-Harvard economic development investments are restoring long-held neighborhood standards, introducing in-demand amenities and attracting young entrepreneurs.
// By Kristen Hampshire
Pride runs deep and a sense of ownership is tradition in Lee-Harvard, known as “the suburb in the city.” Most of its post-World War II single-fam-
ily homes are family nests for African Americans who embraced an opportunity to raise their families in a community where neighbors look after neighbors.
“The community is built on legacy and culture,” says Elaine Gohlstin, president and CEO of Harvard Community Services Center. “We’re a community with high standards, and many people have lived here since the 1950s and 1960s.”
Given Mayor Justin Bibb’s focus on the southeast side and middle neighborhoods in Cleveland, economic development investments are infusing Lee-Harvard and neighboring wards with small business and housing development incentives.
Gohlstin, who raised her kids in Lee-Harvard and has served the Harvard Community Services Center since 2007, says more than 25 years had passed before a renewed interest in securing and bolstering the neighborhood.
“Our mayor has been very diligent about making sure that small businesses have dollars to help
them sustain and grow,” Gohlstin says. "The study area focuses on the Lee Road corridor from Invermere Avenue to Miles Avenue, Harvard Avenue from East 142nd Street to Cleveland city limits, and Miles Avenue from East 131st to Cleveland city limits.
Projects align with a master plan developed by the Harvard Community Services Center and stakeholders that have this vision: “to create a vibrant, welcoming and safe walkable environment for residents of all generations, with attractive commercial corridors that enhance the community’s unique character and foster economic growth.”
Kolnita Riggins-Walker entered the Harvard dental practice her father-in-law ran for 65 years, never turning his back on patients for lack of funds. He made
Chef Kolnita serves her signature pan-seared walleye.
house calls and was often a go-to source of wisdom.
Kolnita went to the dental office for a rote task: to gather the mail.
But what unfolded before her eyes was not an empty practice, but instead a lively, soulful scene with music, aromas from a kitchen, guests gathering and her husband’s dad smiling from a table. “
Her husband Bill’s dad soon turned over his practice facility so the Walkers could transform the space into what is now Doc’s on Harvard.
It’s the community’s only upscale sit-down restaurant, and now it has a generous patio for summer dining. “We are bringing back the Black excellence Lee-Harvard is known for,” Kolnita says of a fine-dining menu built on fresh ingredients, high-quality meat and seafood, and the type of “cooking with love” she knew from her grandmother, who always served meals on china.
The same is true at Doc’s, where its Signature Whitefish includes pan-seared walleye, Israeli couscous with blistered tomatoes and spinach served with lemon beurre blanc. The Berkshire pork chop in 10-, 12- or 14-ounce servings also garners rave reviews, she ways.
Word is spreading and Doc’s has become a catalyst for transformation in Lee-Harvard.
Kolnita is always surprised to learn a patron from out-ofstate found Doc’s from a Google search. “We are just a little gem, tucked away,” she says.
Mayor Bibb told Cleveland magazine, “We know that one restaurant, one art gallery, one amazing small business could change the trajectory of a community.”
Doc’s opened in June 2024 and has since created 15 new jobs. Most team members live in the neighborhood, Kolnita says. A new apprenticeship program is supported by the Greater Cleveland Partnership and National Restaurant Association. Doc’s also linked up with The Westin Cleveland Downtown to be included on its digital concierge board.
FOODIE TOURISM IS REAL. Visitors to the City of Cleveland come knowing that the culinary scene here is impressive and respected — and it’s getting better every day. So why not venture thoughout the city yourself and see what the buzz is all about? You can visit some of the best ethnic eateries the region has to offer. While numerous ethnicities, cultures and cuisines are available across our city, five distinct areas stick out for hosting noteworthy collections of culturally-themed dining options that are authentic and delicious!
Start eating and start exploring! #EatExploreCLE
VISIT KAMM’S CORNERS IN WEST PARK FOR A TASTE OF IRELAND
Located near the southwest corner of the city, Kamm’s Corners in West Park is home to a cluster of Irish establishments. Irish Catholics were among the early settlers of the neighborhood and many of their traditions and favorite foods have lingered here for more than a century. The Hooley is a popular Irish-themed neighborhood festival that captures this spirit and draws people from across the region.
NEIGHBORHOOD IRISH RESTAURANTS
P.J. McIntyre’s, Public House, 5 Points Coffee & Tea, West Park Station
The Hooley is a popular Irish-themed neighborhood festival. The Corned Beef Boxty (inset) at P.J. McIntyre’s in Kamm’s Corners is a favorite — and hearty — Irish meal option (Black & Tan optional).
CLARK FULTON IS HOME TO CENTROVILLA25 AND IS THE HUB OF LATIN AMERICAN CUISINE
The city’s West Side is filled with Latin restaurants, but the epicenter is in Clark Fulton, which is bordered by Ohio City to the north and Tremont to the east. The brand new CentroVilla25, located on West 25th Street, is a vibrant hub that celebrates rich Latino heritage. It supports Latino merchants and is home to a growing number of Latin American-themed restaurants and small businesses.
NEIGHBORHOOD LATIN RESTAURANTS
Flying Pig Tacos, Half Moon Bakery, Caribe Bake Shop, Las Dos Fronteras, Cafe Roig, Panaderia Las Villas & Deli, Tumbao58, Sazon Latino
Consider a visit to Clark Fulton’s new CentroVilla25 market on West 25th Street and stop at Flying Pig Tacos for a variety of authentic Mexican street foods.
LITTLE ITALY SERVES UP ALL THINGS ITALIAN
Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood is on the city’s East Side and is nestled next to University Circle. Settled by Italian immigrants in the late 1880s, the neighborhood retains a strong Italian feel. It is filled with restaurants, galleries, boutique shops and more. In August, Holy Rosary Church welcomes over 100,000 visitors at the annual Feast of the Assumption, where the entire neighborhood is showcased.
NEIGHBORHOOD ITALIAN RESTAURANTS
Mama Santas, Trattoria Roman Gardens, Guarino’s, Maxi’s, Presti’s, Corbo’s, Mount Granita, Murray Hill Market, La Dolce Vita, Tutto Carni, Mia Bella, Rosso Gelato, Michaelangelo’s
Trattoria Roman Gardens is located near the intersection of Mayfield and Murray Hill. Pizza and pasta (inset) at Mama Santas in Little Italy is always a good choice, but more than a dozen additional options exist in this quaint, walkable neighborhood.
ASIATOWN IN ST. CLAIR SUPERIOR PROVIDES A LOOK INTO AUTHENTIC ASIAN CULTURES
AsiaTown, on Cleveland’s near East Side, is home to many Asian cultures, including residents of Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean and Japanese heritage. Naturally, a diverse assortment of local restaurants also populate the neighborhood. The Cleveland Asian Festival, which celebrates Asian culture, is tremendously popular and is hosted in the neighborhood each May.
NEIGHBORHOOD ASIAN RESTAURANTS
Koko Bakery, YY Time, Bo Loong, Siam Cafe, Li Wah, Ice or Rice Cafe, Superior Pho, #1 Pho, Map of Thailand, LJ Shanghai, Szechuan Gourmet, Ball Ball Waffle, Pho Sunshine
You’ll see the famous Lion Dance and many other cultural performances at the Cleveland Asian Festival. Whether it’s for a morning wake-me-up, a midday boost or a fun end to your evening, bubble tea and pastries (inset) from Koko Bakery in St. Clair Superior’s AsiaTown neighborhood will certainly hit the spot.
A GROWING MIDDLE EASTERN POPULATION IS INFLUENCING THE DINING LANDSCAPE IN WESTOWN
Straddling Lorain Avenue east of West Park, the Westown neighborhood is home to a growing Middle Eastern population along with a related collection of restaurants and markets. These Middle Eastern establishments provide an authentic dining experience and join a host of other international dining options within this diverse neighborhood.
NEIGHBORHOOD MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANTS
Reef Al Yemen, Yemen Gate, Little Garden, Levant Shawarma, Hawana’s Sweet & Kitchen, Holyland International Market, Saffron Restaurant
Your meal is sliced and served up fresh at Levant Shawarma on Lorain Avenue. Shakshouka (inset), a popular Yemeni breakfast dish at Reef al Yemen in Westown, pairs well with hummus and is available all day for you to try.
Discover 12 ways to enjoy the great outdoors in the city.
The 147-acre Edgewater Park is the westernmost park in Cleveland Metroparks Lakefront Reservation. Edgewater Park features 9,000 feet of shoreline, dog and swim beaches, boat ramps, fishing pier, picnic areas and grills and a rentable pavilion. Visit lower Edgewater Park for immense greenspace, trails and access to Edgewater Beach. Visit upper Edgewater to snap a photo by the iconic Cleveland script sign or take the kids to explore the Lindsey Family Play Space. 1 2 3 4
Stroll along the beach while taking in panoramic views of Downtown Cleveland from the shore and experience a beautiful sunset. Edgewater Beach is accessible from both the lower section of Edgewater Park as well as the upper section. The 2,400-foot beach features 1,000 feet of swimming access. The westernmost portion of the beach is dog friendly. Rent a cabana along the shoreline or join a pick-up game of beach volleyball. Grab a bite from the Edgewater Beach House or enjoy the seasonal bar on the second level, featuring breathtaking views of the sunset over Lake Erie.
Euclid Beach Park boasts a 650-foot beach with shaded picnic areas, a scenic observation pier and a reservable pavilion. The 315-foot-long pier extends 150 feet over Lake Erie, offering stunning views of the Downtown skyline and historic shoreline. Designed for accessibility, the pier features permanent benches and Adirondack chairs, as well as three custom archways that pay tribute to the park’s history. Local artist Brinsley Tyrrell’s ironwork silhouettes include images of iconic park attractions like dancers, carousel horses and Laughing Sal. Nearby, Villa Angela Beach is a popular spot for swimming and wildlife watching, while Wildwood Park offers boat access to Lake Erie.
A public-use pump track featuring a circuit of small hills and banked turns designed for bicycle motocross and mountain bike riders. The bike playground offers beginners and youth an opportunity to practice their riding skills and build confidence. The competition course features multiple rollers, berms and a wood wrapped tunnel, while the paved jump line challenges more advanced riders.
Book a tee time at Washington Golf Course. Washington Golf Course is the highlight of Cleveland Metroparks’ Washington Reservation in the cities of Newburgh Heights and Cleveland. The beautiful 9-hole, par 29 golf course, featuring a 26-station driving range, is less than 10 minutes from Downtown.
9
Nestled in the post-industrial site of Cleveland’s Flats neighborhood, Merwin’s Wharf connects guests to urban greenspace while enjoying fresh, seasonal and locally sourced menu items. Guests can also enjoy reservable day-use boat slips on a first-come, first-served basis in nearby Heritage and Rivergate parks. 5 6 11 12 7 8
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is home to over 2,000 animals. Open year-round, the Zoo offers unique attractions such as the African Savanna, Asian Highlands, Australian Adventure, Daniel Maltz Rhino Reserve and Wilderness Trek. Visitors can handfeed giraffes, soar through the sky on the Eagle Zip Adventure and enjoy a variety of other experiences. Throughout the year, the Zoo hosts special events, limited-time exhibits and several races as part of the annual Cleveland Metroparks Race Series, presented by CrossCountry Mortgage.
One of Ohio’s top birding sites, Wendy Park’s 22 acres of green space on the edge of Downtown Cleveland makes it a vital haven for wildlife. Boasting a remarkable 260 species of birds recorded on site, birders, photographers and nature lovers are drawn to this dynamic landscape. Wendy Park offers a crucial habitat for nesting and migratory animals including extraordinary monarch butterflies in the fall. Wendy Park features a natural surface kayak launch.
A recreation hub, Brookside Reservation boasts baseball and soccer/football fields. The 132-acre reservation serves as a refuge for diverse wildlife in an urban setting. Each spring Brookside is a popular destination to experience the annual cherry blossom blooms. This reservation connects to Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
The Red Line Greenway is a nearly twomile paved all-purpose trail that links the Cleveland Foundation Centennial Lake Link Trail to two RTA Red Line Rapid Transit stations and provides a primary active transportation corridor from West 65th Street to Downtown. The trail connects the Michael Zone Recreation Center at W. 53rd Street with the Cleveland Foundation Centennial Lake Link Trail at Columbus Road and Franklin Avenue.
Located along the Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway, the E. 72nd Fishing area within Gordon Park offers picnic areas and a fishing wall. The Gordon Park Boat Launch includes a six-lane boat launch, which has docks available for launching and retrieving watercraft from the beginning of April through the end of November.
The Ohio & Erie Canal Reservation stretches through the villages of Cuyahoga Heights, Valley View and other surrounding communities and can be easily accessed from many city neighborhoods.. The reservation follows the historic 309-mile Ohio and Erie Canal. Together with the Cuyahoga River, the northernmost remaining 4.4 miles of watered canal provides wildlife management areas, fishing opportunities and scenic beauty. Enjoy hiking trails, a 7.2-mile all-purpose trail and connections to the Towpath Trail. Check out guided programming and free activities for all ages at CanalWay Center.
Our Mission: Our mission is to improve the quality of life in greater Cleveland through neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing and integrated social services. Our Committment: We provide conventional, affordable, supportive houses, commercial new construction & historic homes mix-use & mixed-income buildings.
How we do it: We provide access to social services resources such as: food, clothing, home repair, free legal aid, and health & wellness programs for those in need. OFFICE LOCATION 1325 Ansel Road Cleveland, Ohio 44106 (216) 791-6476
