Breaking Ground

A better place: Northwest Neighborhoods CDC creating a master plan for equitable, affordable living
Since last fall, Northwest Neighborhoods CDC has been talking to area residents and businesses. The information will help form a strategic master plan to make the near west side an equitable, affordable, and attractive place to live, work, and play. 
Who’s Hiring: Lake Erie Ink, Fairfax Renaissance CDC, Ohio City Pizzeria, and more
Need a job? Check out the latest edition of FreshWater Cleveland's “Who’s Hiring” series, where we feature growing companies with open positions, what they’re looking for, and how to apply.    
 
Right at home: French-inspired café welcomes guests to a cozy, relaxing experience
Jennie Doran and Andrew Worm are living their passions—they've created a beautiful, comfortable space where guests feel at home at The Judith.
Jordan Playboy: The epitome of 1920s automobile style
Cleveland Masterworks: Ned Jordan, the founder of Collinwood's Jordan Motor Car Company, is remembered for his innovative advertising campaigns and large color selection for the Jordan Playboy roadsters that hit the roads in the 1920s.
Dunham Tavern: A piece of the 1820s in MidTown
Cleveland Masterworks: Rufus and Jane Pratt Dunham arrived in Cleveland in 1819 and built a tavern to hold social events and accommodate stagecoach drivers. The oldest building in Cleveland standing in its original location, Dunham Tavern is a slice of history in the modern landscape.
Western Reserve Land Conservancy marks banner year in land and tree conservation
Western Reserve Land Conservancy, Ohio’s largest land trust, last year marked 70,000 acres of public and private land in Ohio that is now permanently protected for future generations.
 
EDWINS founder spends birthday serving food in Ukraine, living in war, getting James Beard nod
EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute founder Brandon Chrostowski celebrated his birthday this week by traveling to Ukraine, where he cooked and served food, delivered seeds, produce, and supplies, and learned he's been nominated for a James Beard Award.
The ghosts of Champlain Street: The downtown sites lost to make way for the Terminal Tower
Cleveland Masterworks: The 1920s construction of the Terminal Tower meant the demise of several downtown streets and buildings—like the Cleveland Telephone Company building and the Champlain Street Cleveland Police Station complex.
Who’s Hiring in the #CLE: BlueBridge Networks, Canalway, Mandel Foundation, and more
Need a job? Check out the latest edition of FreshWater Cleveland's “Who’s Hiring” series, where we feature growing companies with open positions, what they’re looking for, and how to apply.  
 
Moyenage: a grand lakefront home to many prominent Cleveland business founders throughout history
One of the grandest houses on Lakeshore Boulevard in Bratenahl is Moyenage—a 1904 Elizabethan Tudor that has been home to several of Cleveland's most notable business families.
A tale of two steamers: The tragic stories of The Western Reserve and the W.H. Gilcher
Cleveland Masterworks: The Great Lakes became of highway of commerce in the late 19th Century, with innovative leaps in steamship construction. Two of the most advanced ships of the time were the Western Reserve and the W.H. Gilcher—yet both steamers met with tragic demise.
New life given to Cleveland Public Library’s 95-year-old West Park branch
Cleveland Public Library officials and the community celebrated the renovated and restored historical West Park Branch this past Saturday when the 95-year-old building, designed by Walker and Weeks, reopened to patrons after nearly 10 months of work.
Imaginary kingdom: Toys, Dolls and Minis has evolved into interactive store for all ages
Toys, Dolls and Minis owner Dawn Reese launched her store in 2007 as a place where people could shop for her handmade porcelain dolls. As times changed, she evolved into an interactive, yet old-fashioned, toy store where kids get to experience hands-on play. 
Everyone wins! Terranean Herbs & Spices wins Chain Reaction, three more place second
The 20 semifinalists pitched their businesses to the Cleveland Chain Reaction judges last week and the winners were announced on "Kickin' it with Kenny" at Tower City Center. But there was a slight twist—all 20 came away winners.
St. Ignatius of Loyola: A lasting Cleveland legacy from the 16th Century
Cleveland Masterworks: Ignatius of Loyola found religious transformation after being injured in the Battle of Pamplona—eventually becoming one of the founders of Jesuit education, canonized as Saint Ignatius, and becoming the inspiration for St. Ignatius High School in Ohio City and John Carroll University in University Heights.
Shopping with a conscience: Look for fair trade products when picking holiday gifts
The Collaborative to End Human Trafficking, a local group of more than 70 organizations working together to prevent sex and human trafficking in Cuyahoga County, wants shoppers to keep fair trade in mind when looking for gifts this holiday season. Here are some tips to support local retailers committed to fair trade.
The big pitch: Chain Reaction semifinalists to showcase their companies for judges Thursday
This Thursday, the 20 semifinalists in this year's Cleveland Chain Reaction will pitch their businesses to a panel of judges for a chance to take home one of three cash prizes to help get their businesses off the ground.
St. Hubert’s Episcopal Church: All are Welcome at this historic house of worship
Cleveland Masterworks: Originally built in 1893 on the banks of the Chagrin River, St. Hubert's Episcopal Church served wealthy Clevelanders on retreat at Kirtland's Little Mountain. The church has moved several times over the past 130 years, but continues to welcome everybody at its current Kirtland Hills location.
Western Reserve Land Conservancy, City conduct property inventory and assessment
The Western Reserve Land Conservancy is leading the way in a months-long inventory of all of Cleveland’s 167,157 land parcels—identifying and prioritizing properties for rehabilitation, lead abatement, code violations, demolition and other pressing needs.
The Spitzer-Dempsey House: From opulent to austere, to renewed grandeur
Cleveland Masterworks: The Spitzer-Dempsey House in Ohio City was once a symbol of wealth and privilege before becoming a boarding house and law offices—and eventually a murder site—before being restored to all its glory.