Connect with us

Cleveland, OH

West Side Market renovations to begin after $28 million investment package

Published

on

West Side Market renovations to begin after  million investment package


CLEVELAND — The remaining funds for the first stage of construction related to West Side Market transformation project have been secured, thanks to a $28 million investment package.


What You Need To Know

  • The West Side market transformation project secured a $28 million investment package
  • This secures funding for the first stage of construction
  • The deal includes various tax credits and funding
  • The first phase includes overhauling infrastructure, adding storage coolers and a commercial kitchen more

The deal was closed by the Cleveland Development Advisors (CDA) and Cleveland Public Market Corporation (CPMC), according to a press release. It includes various tax credits and funding. 

“We are incredibly grateful and thrilled that the Market is receiving the largest investment financing package that CDA has made,” said Rosemary Mudry, executive director of Cleveland Public Market Corporation (CPMC), the nonprofit that operates West Side Market. “Working with our government, corporate, investment and philanthropic partners, we have been able to leverage a complex set of funding tools to take our first steps in bringing this ambitious vision to life. It’s a testament to the time, energy, and passion that so many in this community want to invest in the Market and its future.”

The release states that PNC Bank, National Association is New Market Tax Credits investor. They say PPG Industries, Inc. is the historic tax credit equity investor. The Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Healthy Food Financing Initiative is also providing a loan for $2 million.

“The remaining phase one financing comes from a coalition of government, corporate, and foundation partners, including $23 million from the City of Cleveland,” the release reads.

Advertisement

Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb said, without the New Markets Tax Credits, there would be no West Side Market project.

“These credits unlock investment in communities that traditional markets have long overlooked,” he said in the release. “They don’t just help projects happen — they help communities rise.” 

Yvette Ittu, president and CEO of the CDA, said this serves as a statement of purpose.

“The West Side Market is one of the few places where Cleveland’s history, culture, neighborhoods and economy come together,” Ittu said in the release. “Our largest investment to date is in a public market that nourishes our people, supports small businesses and connects communities. That’s the kind of future we’re proud to build.”

The first stage of the renovations amount to $53 million and includes overhauling infrastructure, adding new food storage coolers, a commercial kitchen and more, according to the release. It will also transform the East Arcade, adding HVAC and basement access.

Advertisement

Other phases will include work to the North Arcade and Courtyard, a basement renovation and the addition of seating and private event and educational space/programs.

The release states that the project will retain 250 jobs and create 144 new ones. They also say it will support more than 425 construction jobs.

In total, the transformation project will amount to $68 million in renovations to the market.

“A community asset like the Market needs broad community support,” CPMC board president David Abbott said in the release. “We are extremely grateful for the public, corporate and philanthropic investment we have received so far, and we are eager to enlist an even wider array of backers so we can finish this important job.”

You can learn more about the market here.

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Cleveland, OH

New glass bridge opens at Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park

Published

on

New glass bridge opens at Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park


NELSON, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources celebrated the opening of a new glass walkway at Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony today, adding a unique feature to one of northeast Ohio’s most distinctive natural areas.

The Falls Edge Glass Walkway stretches 137 feet in an elegant S-shaped design, allowing visitors to walk directly above Sylvan Creek’s gorge with views 50 feet down to the water below. The walkway extends to a point just short of Minnehaha Falls, creating the sensation of floating above the waterfall.

Minnehaha Falls as seen from the Falls Edge Glass WalkwayJohn Pana, cleveland.com

“This project is the perfect blend of innovation and conservation,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “The Falls Edge Glass Walkway provides visitors with an unforgettable view of this beautiful park while helping us protect the delicate ecosystems and remarkable geology that make Nelson-Kennedy Ledges so special.”

Advertisement

The $1.68 million project, which began in December 2022 and was completed this month, features structural-grade glass decking supported by galvanized and painted steel, with stainless steel cable railings and fiberglass grating. The design allows visitors to safely experience the park’s dramatic features without damaging sensitive natural areas.

Falls Edge Glass Walkway

Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State ParkJohn Pana, cleveland.com

Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park is known for distinctive rock formations including Devil’s Icebox, The Narrows, and Goldhunter’s Cave. There are also two beautiful waterfalls at the park: The 40-foot Cascade Falls and the two-tiered Minnehaha Falls. By offering a controlled viewing experience, the structure aims to reduce environmental impact while enhancing visitor safety.

Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park

Cascade FallsJohn Pana, cleveland.com

ODNR also installed new wayfinding stations throughout the park with interpretive signs that provide information about the geology, plant life, and natural features unique to Nelson-Kennedy Ledges.

Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park

New wayfinding stations at Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State ParkJohn Pana, cleveland.com

The thin profile of the walkway was designed to blend with the forested landscape while offering previously unavailable views of the gorge. Officials note it represents one of the most unique structural additions ever built in an Ohio state park.

Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park

The S-shaped curve of the Falls Edge Glass Walkway seen from above (ODNR)ODNR

Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park is open daily from dawn to dusk. Parking and restrooms are located at 12440 OH-282 Garrettsville. Visitors are reminded to stay on marked trails to protect the park’s fragile features.

Advertisement

I recommend taking the easy White Trail to reach the glass walkway, especially if you are bringing children. See my video above and the map below.

Nelson-Kennedy Ledges State Park

Follow the Yellow Trail to see Cascade FallsOhio Department of Natural Resources

Generative AI was used to organize information for this story, based on data provided by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. It was reviewed and edited by cleveland.com.



Source link

Continue Reading

Cleveland, OH

Michael Wilbon: It's 'garbage' LeBron James must be viewed as better than Kobe Bryant or Magic Johnson

Published

on

Michael Wilbon: It's 'garbage' LeBron James must be viewed as better than Kobe Bryant or Magic Johnson


Regardless of where you stand on the NBA’s GOAT debate, most seem to agree that it’s now a two-man race between Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

Don’t, however, tell that to Michael Wilbon, who takes issue with the idea that James should be universally viewed as no less than the second-greatest basketball player to have ever lived.

Appearing on Friday’s episode of Get Up, Wilbon defended recent comments that were made by Jordan’s longtime agent, David Falk, who shaded James for switching teams at multiple points during his career. But after downplaying Falk’s comments as little more than an agent supporting his most famous client, the Pardon The Interruption star gave his own take on the GOAT debate, making it clear that he doesn’t think James should automatically viewed as Jordan’s greatest challenger.

Advertisement

“I’m not going to sit here and say that LeBron James has to be considered better than Magic Johnson. That’s garbage,” Wilbon said. “I’m not going to say LeBron James has to be considered better than Bill Russell. That’s garbage. I’m not going to say LeBron James has to be considered better than Kobe Bryant. That’s garbage.

“LeBron James is one of the greatest players of all time in all team sports. I’m sorry if that’s not good enough. Turn the page, get over yourself. In other words, I’m going to proclaim and support and wave the LeBron James flag for his greatness. But if I say he’s less than No. 2, that’s not good enough for you? To hell with you.”

The Chicago native went on to insist that he wasn’t just carrying water for Falk, who happens to be his neighbor.

“I’m not saying that in support of David Falk. I’m saying that as somebody who has watched basketball and lived with basketball my whole life,” Wilbon said. “I’ve got to say that LeBron James is better than Kobe Bryant? What? Put me in a grave first.”

Wilbon insisted that he wasn’t attempting to diminish James’ resume; rather, he was merely propping up the likes of Russell, Johnson and Bryant in the conversation. But while he didn’t state where he puts the current Los Angeles Lakers star in his own GOAT rankings, the tone of his comments seems to suggest that it’s lower than second.

Ultimately, such arguments are subjective and if Wilbon thinks that James is closer to Bryant than he is to Jordan in basketball’s hierarchy of all-time greats, that’s his prerogative. It just happens to be an unpopular opinion and one that can quickly be disputed by most statistical analyses.





Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Cleveland, OH

Ice Emery Added to Cleveland State Men’s Basketball Roster – Cleveland State University

Published

on

Ice Emery Added to Cleveland State Men’s Basketball Roster – Cleveland State University


Cleveland, OH-Chevalier “Ice” Emery is the newest member of the Cleveland State men’s basketball team, head coach Rob Summers announced today. Emery, a 6’0″ guard from Appleton, Wisconsin, comes to Cleveland with one year of eligibility remaining.
 
“We’re thrilled to welcome Ice Emery to the Viking family,” Coach Summers stated. “Ice is a dynamic athlete with a competitive edge that fits perfectly with our culture here at Cleveland State. We’re excited to get to work with him and continue building something special.”
 
Emery has spent time at three different institutions prior to arriving at Cleveland State. He spent the 2024-25 season at Western Carolina. Emery appeared in all 30 games for the Catamounts making 14 starts and averaging 9.3 points per game. He scored in double figures 12 times including three games over the 20-point mark, with a season high of 24 against Truett-McConnell on November 13. Emery led the team with 29 steals and was second with 47 three-point field goals and 59 assists. Emery and fellow Cleveland State commit Kamari Jones were teammates at WCU this past season.
 
Prior to Western Carolina, Emery spent one season at Dodge City Community College in Kansas. Emery led the team in scoring at 17.4 points per game and scored in double figures 28 times including the last 19 games of the season. He shot 44 percent from the field and recorded a career best 30 points in a game at Trinidad State in November, 2023.
 
Before his time at Dodge City, Emery spent one season at Merrimack College in Massachusetts where he helped the program to the 2022-23 Northeast Conference championship. Emery played his high school basketball at Neenah High School in Wisconsin where he helped lead his team to a state championship as well as winning the Player of the Year award.
 
Upon joining the roster Emery added, “I committed to CSU because it felt like a brotherhood and the coaches believe in my skills. I also like the focus on development in the program. I believe what Coach Summers and the staff are building.”
 



Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending