A Different View of CLE

Do you ever need a different view of CLE? 

Whether you're a born and raised Clevelander and think you've seen it all, or are stuck in the monotony of your daily commute--there always seems to be a new and different view of CLE, if we pause for reflection and change our standpoint, ever so slightly! My new view came from the age-old Port of Cleveland!

Last weekend, post-Ingenuity Fest,  I snapped these spectacular photos with blustery autumn skies and a slanted sunset. What a totally unbelievable view of the infamous skyline from the Port as opposed to my daily view from the Shoreway.

A Different View of CLE: William G. Mather, Rock N Roll Hall of Fame, and Great Lakes Science Center

I love the clean and modern lines of the Rock Hall and Science Center against the reflection of times past and the old steamship, William G. Mather.

A Different View of CLE:  South Facing View of Downtown Skyline
and FirstEnergy Stadium

It was almost disorienting to take in this angle of the city and our iconic buildings and landmarks. Growing up with the lake serving as my eternal compass, the city looks entirely different when my point of reference is out of sight.

A Different View of CLE: Cleveland Cliffs leading ashore into the city

Look at those looming clouds against that shiny steel!

 

What new view or  perspective have you recently seen of the city? What's your favorite vantage point of the cityscape? How do you change up your daily routine to see the city with fresh eyes? 

Share your thoughts!

Cleveland.com + DCA Tweetup at Aloft Hotel + WXYZ

Last week, I had the opportunity to go check out the brand new Aloft Hotel that now anchors the progressive development in the East Bank of the Flats.

Aloft Hotel and Ernst & Young Building

Cleveland.com and Downtown Cleveland Alliance--two of Cleveland's biggest CLE supporters-- hosted a Tweetup for CLE's social(media)ites to preview the space. To check out cleveland.com's recap and photos click here.

Visitors and hotel guests were greeted by this awesome take on a check-in desk.

Ballin

Nearly 400 people gathered for the event in Aloft Hotel at WXYZ, the same restaurant owners of ABC in Ohio City and XYZ in Gordon Square, to get a glimpse of the venue and socialize.

Sleek. Exposed duct work. Curved lines. Modern feel. Tons of natural light.

Not only was the interior cool but a deck off the second story offered absolutely incredible views of the architecture and natural beauty in CLE.

Deck entrance

Stellar views from the deck

I love that the Detroit-Superior Bridge and Shoreway Bridge are both visible in this shot.

The views are nostalgic of CLE's industrial past contrasted with the exciting redevelopment. 

  

This recent Crain's Cleveland article does a good job of explaining the history of the Flats and long anticipated revitalization of the area. Not only will the new Aloft hotel offer a comfy place to rest your head, but there are sleek conference rooms that boast fantastic views, access to the newly reopened Waterfront Rapid Line, and foodie favorites too. CLE is the place to see and be!

Conference rooms

Green space next to the conference rooms gives a unique perspective of FirstEnergy Stadium

Soon mixed-use spaces will also open--including more offices, retail, restaurants, bars, and apartments.

Bridging CLE's past & present

What a fun place to host a Tweetup, meet new people, eat, drink, take in terrific views and experience CLE's latest destination! Just another reminder of the positive redevelopment and great things happening in The Land!

Wordless Wednesday: CLE Flats

Check out this glorious photo I took on Memorial Day Weekend -

 "American Courage" barge winding its way

along the river bends of the Cuyahoga in the Flats!!!

Symbolism? I think so...

 

 

Click the image below to enlarge and get the full effect!

Pictured CLE Flats: Detroit-Superior Bridge,  Jacob's Pavilion at Nautica,
Powerhouse Building, Cleveland Aquarium

Wordless Wednesday: Big Developments in CLE!

Have you seen/heard the exxxxxciting development projects in CLE?  One massive project in the works and another on its way. Believeland CLEVELAND!!! Read all about the big things happening in our own backyard!  Positive, revitalization, business, redevelopment, and attractions *swoon with pride*
 

(news & images courtesy of cleveland.com)

 

 

East Bank of the Flats Coming Back!

 

Dimit Architects, image source: cleveland.com

 

Plans to Turn Public Square into Green Space



James Corner Field Operations, image source: cleveland.com

Screw Factory Artists Open House in Lakewood!

Have you been to the Screw Factory in Lakewood before? Yesterday, I attended one of their open houses and it's always a new adventure each time! If you haven't discovered this place yet...you're seriously missing out on one of Cleveland's post-industrial polished gems! But don't worry... the Last Minute Market is just around the corner--Saturday, December 15th 10am-6pm at the Screw Factory so you still have a chance. The event will feature all sorts of mixed media, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, clothing, book art, crafts, paintings, photography and SO MUCH MORE!

Click here to visit their site

  

So, the Screw Factory building is located in the area affectionately known as "Birdtown" in Lakewood. The Screw Factory is both an active factory and home to several working artists in studios on the second and third floors. Click here to check out the list of the many artists located at the Screw Factory. Growing up in and around the arts, I've come to LOVE Cleveland artists' unique style and blend of aesthetics-- tough yet delicate, experiential yet accessible, pragmatic yet creative, rusted yet restored, historial yet renewed, stark yet bright.

Photo by JAMinCLE

The dichotomy of a "Rust Belt" city experiencing a renaissance is surely evident in a place like the artists' studios here in the Screw Factory. The building itself is nearly 100 years old and once served as a car factory (go figure).

Photo by JAMinCLE

Photo by JAMinCLE

 

 

The remnants of a bygone era still lingers throughout the building, especially when contrasted next to these phenomenal artists' work and vibrantly creative spaces.

Photo by JAMinCLE

Photo by JAMinCLE

 

Photo by JAMinCLE

 

Per usual, I met some amazing artists as they welcomed me into their colorful worlds. It's always so fascinating to see how they each use their loft space differently and develop a "signature look" for their space that reflects their design aesthetic. 

Photo by JAMinCLE

 

Meet Mary Beth of MBN Art. She specializes in these awesome acrylic paintings. I loved how bright and cheery her studio was accompanied by her bright style paintings. After admiring her work, I began chatting with her, and she asked if I was an artist too. "No," I confessed. Then, she revealed that she spent most of her professional career working as a nurse in Cleveland. She left her "day job" a few years back to "regroup and recharge her battery" she said. Amen, sister! Way to follow your passion!!! It surely shines through!

 

Photo by JAMinCLE

Meet Karen of Firsthand Studio. She works with mixed media paintings and handmade books. I particularly liked her handmade books, which she is just venturing into. My mom is a member of Art Books Cleveland so I was happy to pass along the good word about the group and connect fellow Clevelanders and book artists! Hope you can join the next meeting!

 

Photo by JAMinCLE

 

Meet Teresa of Silvermade Studio and dovecote cleveland. I fell in love with her jewelry line the moment I laid eyes on it! She is the quintessential Cleveland (born & bred) jewelry maker!!! Her pieces are delicate but sturdy. Simple but profound. Labor intensive but oh-so-worth-it! When I picked up this bracelet I knew I had to have it! Teresa and I began to talk about the amount of work that goes into the tedious process, and how she must lay out each individual teeny-tiny letter and hammer it into the metal. Wow, patient woman! She said she really liked this piece too because it was one of her favorite quotes by e.e. cummings. My heart fluttered! This is actually part of my all time favorite most beloved and often used mantra & quote by e.e. cummings that goes, "It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are!"

 

Ain't that the truth?!

Photos by JAMinCLE

If only everyone relished this noteworthy quote! I was so excited after chatting with Teresa and discovering our common ground of admiration for seriously awesome poets, AND my new bracelet which serves as a reminder to me each and everyday of who I really am and where I come from! It takes courage, persistence and curiosity to actively choose to face each new day with the positive intent of growing and continuing to develop and thrive! But you, you already know, CLE! :) Keep on JAMmin!





Photo by JAMinCLE

Vegan + Soldiers and Sailors = A Good One

It's a lovely spring day in CLE, so I decided to stroll down to Public Square to grab some grub and take in the nice afternoon. Have you been to Flaming Ice Cube? It's an awesome vegan restaurant right in the hub of downtown, and they serve up delicious dishes--even if you are wary of leaping into the veganism realm, I promise this won't disappoint. Honest to goodness food. I had their buffalo panini sandwich and broccoli pea salad. I am not a vegan or vegetarian by any means, but their flavorful and tasty lunches would surely sway any preconceived notion you may have. It's a must try!

Image source: cleveland.metromix.com

After picking up my food, I took a few steps across the street to enjoy my lunch at the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument. I've past it countless times, but finally got to really take in the colossal size and enormous detail put into the memorial.

Image source: Soldiersandsailors.com

Yesterday actually marked the 147th anniversary of the end of the American Civil War.  So I decided to take a quick spin through the interior.

Photo: JAMinCLE

The monument is certainly an interesting link to CLE's history. The memorial honors more than 9,000 residents of Cuyahoga County who particpated in the Civil War. Wow!

Photo: JAMinCLE

My favorite relief inside was the one pictured above where Lincoln is shown breaking the chains of slavery. Honest Abe, Midwestern-minded man, taking a stand against slavery. He was a good guy, as were our soldiers and sailors that served. My vegan lunch from Flaming Ice Cube was a good one done too. Just like my city, and my tomorrow--it's going to be a good one!

Hold Fast to Dreams: A CLE Renaissance

One of my favorite quotes. I will always have a sweet spot for Langston Hughes--a prolific writer, innovative poet, perservering pioneer, and original renaissance man with some CLE history in him too! After spending a wonderful weekend with JMK's family and celebrating the Easter season, I can't help but experience a renewed sense of hope, positivity, and perserverance. Entering into my own personal renaissance, if you will.

"Langston Hughes spent his youth in Cleveland. While a teen at Central High School in 1917, Hughes lived in the attic of the home at 2266 East 86th Street after his mother and stepfather left Cleveland."

                        

And Cleveland is certainly going through an exciting renaissance phase as well. The redevelopment and construction plans renew hope and economic development for our area. Last year the city of Cleveland had condemned Langston's east side home. But good news-- the Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation hopes to renovate it. It was nominated by the Cleveland Landmarks Commission to be a designated landmark. Read more about Langston's CLE connections in this awesome article here. Hold fast to your dreams, CLE! For if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird, that cannot fly. Embrace your renaissance!

Movin and Shakin!

Between working extra hours with our biggest event of the year, and battling a 3 week viral infection, I'll admit, I have not been Susie Homemaker with our new place. So I am happy we made some serious headway this weekend. I must give a huge round of applause to JMK because he did a tremendous job with the place too. (I'm more of an eye-baller-I-hate-math-kinda gal, where he is the patient-accurate-measure-everything-do-it-right-once-hanger. Luckily, he makes up where I lack, and vice versa). So check out the living room!

Those leaded glass windows are totally what sold me on this place. I came home late one night from work to the wonderful surprise of lovely new curtains for those gigantic windows. And yes, JMK picked them out himself, along with window sheers, AND hung them! For the win! They look GREAT! He sure is a keeper! (Thanks for giving him those innate design skills, Jeannine!!!)

Also got to try out our new fireplace. Wow, does it make the place feel cozy and homey! I took all these pics on my phone so it really doesn't do it justice, but there is beautiful terracotta lining the fireplace along with a coat of arms emblem on the chimney. Gotta love these historical homes!

Exposed brick in the kitchen and ridiculous amount of counter space? Yes please!

And we were both so excited about our 3 season porch! We were able to go buy an outdoor bench and patio chairs last night and cannot wait for things to heat back up and enjoy the outdoors from the comfort of our cozy porch. I'm so eager to garden again and build our urban jungle! By the way, every porch needs an outdoor lantern (Thanks for the housewarming gift, Mom!) and we can't wait for those late summer nights with our friends and family! It's all coming together, yay!

Bloom Lagoon

Clevelanders are all too familiar with unpredictable weather, and this spring is no different! I have tried to take advantage though of the picturesque scenery and embrace this all too brief season while I can. I recently made a trip to one of my favorite places to decompress and enjoy my CLE surroundings, and that was to Wade Lagoon. The cherry blossoms lining the lagoon are truly stunning during this time of year and only compliment the classical beauty of the cultural institutions.

My personal favorite in the area is the Cleveland Museum of Art (says the artist's daughter!) but with the new MOCA building quickly going up in University Circle I will have one more reason to visit the beloved Circle more often!

I spent many sunny afternoons walking down Cedar Hill to sprawl out on a bench near the lagoon and indulge in a good read while escaping to this urban oasis. Or sometimes, I'd wander over to Cleveland Museum of Art just to stroll through the FREE galleries and take a look at the multi-phase renovation of the museum. Either way this is a great place to escape in the middle of the city and take in the spectacular scenery and perhaps explore the other entertainment and art in the area.

In case your not convinced, I encourage you to take a walk through here early Sunday morning, latte in hand, and tell me it's not gorgeous! Here is a glimpse of my stroll:

University Circle United Methodist Church

aka Oil Can Church

The patina on the lamp post is such an incredible color contrast to the cherry blossoms and spring green leafs!

Even the statues are enjoying the view

Cleveland Museum of Art in spring!

No matter what your age, you're sure to love this party of pink petals

Severance Hall - Cleveland Orchestra

University Circle IS growing in ALL directions!