The Observer, December 8, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 13
Cleveland on Fire: Style and color brought to urban Cleveland; more residential options
By listening to the thunder of bowling balls crashing over pins at the new Corner Alley in downtown Cleveland, a passerby might conjure up images of smoky and seedy establishments from our past. Well, the newest addition to the booming East Fourth neighborhood is anything but that – a new style of venue that provides a trendy destination by combining an endless martini bar, a quality restaurant, and flashy lanes with flat screen TVs. Anchoring the corner of Euclid and East Fourth, this newest project moves this attractive neighborhood forward.
What sets East Fourth Street apart from other neighborhoods downtown is that it is unique and attractive to people from all walks of life. Contrasting with the sometimes one-dimensional attractions of the Warehouse District and Flats (restaurants and clubs) and Gateway (sporting events), East Fourth has a mixture and continues to diversify. The visitors there can stroll by music venues, a comedy club, a bowling alley, and a multitude of restaurants that are not found elsewhere.
One of those establishments is the highly-touted Lola Bistro led by Michael Symon. As an award winning celebrity chef (featured on the Food Network) Symon opened up his second restaurant to compliment Lolita in Tremont. This high-end destination is packed nearly every night and has been since its opening this fall.
In the spring visitors will be able to enjoy more distinctive eateries on East Fourth with the opening of a Mediterranean market restaurant, a Mexican-cuisine specialty, and a pizza parlor.
As the latest addition to East Fourth Street, the Corner Alley comes to Cleveland with tremendous hype. It is one of only four or five establishments of its kind in the country and it is built into the street level with to provide pedestrians with a view. Designed by one of the nation's leaders in entertainment concepts, the black-light bowling alley will sizzle with plasma screens with a look back to the past with its retro design. And once again, it is an experience that you cannot find elsewhere except on East Fourth.
Many city dwellers call this neighborhood home in one of the historically restored structures carved with character and modern amenities. Residents can choose from rental apartments to luxurious condos – all with views of downtown and the exciting pedestrian activity on the street.
As this space becomes maxed out, the development should spill out south to Prospect Avenue and connect with the Gateway District. On the other side, the completion of the Euclid Corridor Transportation Project can only spur more street level activity and residences above. Loft conversions, apartments, and condos will soon sprout up (literally) as this extraordinary destination becomes too big for the alley that it began in.
That idea is where the developers of this neighborhood have succeeded – creating an entertainment district that does not limit itself by relying on one style. Although only one company – MRN Limited Partnership – worked on the project, they have carried through with diligence a plan for East Fourth Street. Ideally a mixture of plans can create the vital diversity, but MRN has done a good job with their ideas.
The East Fourth Street neighborhood has become a destination for urbanites, suburbanites, and tourists. Living there are young professionals, artists, empty-nesters, and students. Playing there are your neighbors and friends – you should be there too. For more information go to, www.east4street.com and www.thecorneralley.com.
Verespej is a senior Political Science/Pre-Law student involved in the performing arts and is also the Executive Director for the Student Turning Point Society.
