The Observer, March 3, 2006
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 19
Tremont one of Cleveland's hidden treasures
Leaving downtown and crossing the Innerbelt Bridge that spans the Cuyahoga River valley, the view is lined with church steeples. A closer look shows townhomes on the bluff of the valley with views that are hard to match anywhere else in Cleveland. A trip down the streets here reveals neighbors pitching in to repaint a house, attractive people in their twenties running on the streets, corner restaurants, and trees that line the road. This can't be Cleveland, you're thinking. Wrong – it is Tremont, the neighborhood directly south of downtown.
Historically speaking, Tremont is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Cleveland, but it is one of the most attractive areas within the city for young professionals and the creative class. The fabric of this community is bound by the arts, an exciting alternative to downtown living, and open-minded diversity. It is home to a large Hispanic, African-American, and Eastern European population – people from all walks of life and economic backgrounds. Tremont has the visual characteristics of a New England town that date back to its early days. The neighborhood was a haven for the Eastern European immigrants moving to the Midwest, and many ethnic qualities remain in the community. One of the first traits of the district noticed is the plethora of church steeples. In roughly a square mile, around twenty-five different churches provide services for a variety of faiths and cultures – a number of churches are partially or entirely Spanish-speaking. Tremont also boasts some unique green space compared to other Cleveland neighborhoods – a town square and Clark Field Dog Park, an area designed specifically for the needs of dogs and their owners.
The housing stock in the neighborhood runs the gamut from newly constructed row houses to 150-year-old homes to converted industrial space. An easy stroll through the city will most certainly lead to discoveries of interesting niches and character-filled streets that once housed the first higher education institution in the city: Cleveland University. That charm within the midst of a city is what draws the high number of young professionals who call Tremont home. Here, the residents can walk to nearly every amenity, know the local merchant, and still have the vibrancy of a large metropolis. Being less than a five-minute trip from downtown Cleveland and with immediate access to nearly every interstate in Northeast Ohio makes the neighborhood ideal.
Artists flock to the "south side," as it once was known, due to the real-estate opportunities and the mindset of Tremonters. Many lofts are filled with artwork and studios intermittently line the streets in between boutiques and retail outlets. As a creative community, these residents have annual festivals and monthly artistic events that bring out the residents and attract people from all of Northeast Ohio. Furthermore, the theatrical community is evident in companies that perform in the churches and ethnic community halls throughout the neighborhood.
Any trip to Tremont would not be complete without a stop at one of their many (including award-winning) local restaurants. Most of these places do not look like Applebee's or McNulty's, but rather have the character and attraction of a community. The owners live and work here, without sacrificing any quality. Multiple restaurants have seen great success – Lola (Greek-inspired Mediterranean) was so popular that the owner is opening a second establishment downtown.
Although you probably cannot ever remember being there, most likely you have seen Tremont. One of the houses was used for the filming of A Christmas Story, one of the most beloved and popular Christmas films of all time. The house with the leg lamp in the front window and the Bumpass' hounds next door is being refurbished and turned into a museum for the movie – yet another reason to take a trip.
Access to Tremont is easy – for those with a car, a simple trip over the I-90 bridge and an immediate exit on West 14th will leave you right in the town square. The area is also accessible by the RTA; route #81 leaves Public Square and runs through the Tremont neighborhood.
If you are in an adventurous mood and want to see more of Cleveland than the blinder-view provided by Case and University Circle, take a trip to Tremont. You may find a nice walk, a great restaurant, and perhaps a community where you could find yourself living in after you graduate. For more information, visit: www.restoretremont.com.
