Downtown

Downtown ClevelandBob PerkoskiDowntown Cleveland

During the day, downtown Cleveland functions as the governmental, commercial and legal nucleus of Cuyahoga County. Daily, tens of thousands of people commute here to work at law firms, banks, insurance companies and in municipal offices. At the end of the day, many of those people get in cars or hop on trains and return home to far-flung suburbs. But not all of them. More and more, people are choosing to call downtown home, taking up residence in warehouse lofts, sleek new condos and apartments carved out of former office buildings. Hovering at 98-percent occupancy, the residential market in downtown Cleveland is at its highest point in 60 years. 

Turkey Trot costumes: Vote for your favorite pet and human outfits
Vote for your favorite pet, human, and group costumes from las week's 43rd annual Cleveland Turkey Trot. 
Family affair: Cleveland Turkey Trot is a 43-year Thanksgiving tradition
More than 9,000 participants will celebrate Thanksgiving next week in the 43rd annual Cleveland Turkey Trot. And don't forget to vote for the winners of the annual costume contest on FreshWater after the event!
Art of the Game: Undefeated Cavs, Art Museum team up on City Edition uniforms, December MIX event
The undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Museum of Art debuted the 2024-25 Nike NBA City Edition uniforms and court design at last night's winning game against the Charlotte Hornets. The uniforms feature a coloring-book pattern that merge art and basketball, and will carry over into CMA's December MIX: Art of the Game event.
Furnishing hope: Chair-ity transforms lives of former foster youth
What started 10 years ago as a high school senior project for then-16-year-old Maria Paparella, has evolved into the thriving Chair-ity—a nonprofit that furnishes apartments for young adults who are aging out of foster care.
Honoring Cuyahoga County’s Civil War veterans at the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument
The Cuyahoga County Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Monument will host its annual Veterans Day Service today at 11 a.m. at the monument in Public Square. Get the details and read about the monument's history in Tom Matowitz' Masterworks.
Things to Ponder: Santa’s ways, local tv in the 50s, and Euclid Beach
FreshWater columnist Ralph Horner goes back through 1950s and 1960s Cleveland, when he was in his childhood quest to understand the world. Horner explores local television, holiday traditions, and the beloved Euclid Beach amusement park, among other musings.
Hitting a high note: Cleveland musician uses trumpet talents to produce popular national hits
Trumpet player turned music produce Sammy Haig has made significant strides in the music industry by blending classical training with modern production techniques. His talents have led to collaborations with major artists like DJ Drama, Tyler, The Creator, and Meghan Trainor.
Games on! Cavs, Monsters home openers celebrate Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse's 30th Anniversary
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse is set for an exciting weekend with back-to-back home openers for the Cavs and Monsters—featuring fan giveaways, new food options, and special season-long celebrations for the venue's 30th anniversary.
Two million books: Literacy Cooperative, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library hit literacy milestone
Since 2017, The Literacy Cooperative has partnered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to send free books each month to local children. Working with local groups like Heights Family Foundation, United Way, and the Bruening Foundation, the groups have now distributed two million books.
Standing Watch: Lone Sailor Statue unveiled at new home in Voinovich Park
Last weekend, the USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation unveiled the Lone Sailor Statue at its permanent home at Voinovich Bicentennial Park. The statue celebrates the upcoming commissioning of the USS Cleveland and represents those who served in the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines.
A delightful visit: Jane Austen Society invites fans into the author’s world at Cle meeting
The Jane Austen Society of North America, Ohio North Coast Region Chapter, is holding its sold-out annual meeting in Cleveland this weekend. "Austen, Annotated: Jane Austen's Literary, Political, and Cultural Origins" will bring together scholars, speakers, and Austen devotees for a weekend of activities and academic discussions.
#StreetsofCLE: Snapshot on Euclid Avenue
FreshWater managing photographer Bob Perkoski provides a peek into the everyday lives of Clevelanders going about their business in the neighborhoods and on the streets of Cleveland.
Coming home: Lone Sailor Statue will soon watch over Lake Erie
Last weekend, the USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation unveiled the Lone Sailor Statue at its permanent home at Voinovich Bicentennial Park. The statue celebrates the upcoming commissioning of the USS Cleveland and represents those who served in the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marines.
#StreetsofCLE: Snapshot on East 9th Street
FreshWater managing photographer Bob Perkoski provides a peek into the everyday lives of Clevelanders going about their business in the neighborhoods and on the streets of Cleveland.
Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Monument hosts September 11 memorial service
Tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 11, there will be a memorial service at the Soldiers' & Sailors' Monument in Public Square. The memorial will honor the men and women who lost their lives in the terrorist attack 23 years ago on September 11. 
Cooking up success: Culinary icon Loretta Paganini hosts Cleveland’s Top Chefs fundraiser
Loretta Paganini opened her International Culinary Arts and Science Institute 20 years ago to give area culinary students advanced career training. This weekend, local celebrity chefs will help raise scholarship money for the school at the Cleveland's Top Chefs event.
#StreetsofCLE: Snapshot on Ontario Street
FreshWater managing photographer Bob Perkoski provides a peek into the everyday lives of Clevelanders going about their business in the neighborhoods and on the streets of Cleveland.
#StreetsofCLE: Snapshot on West Prospect Avenue
FreshWater managing photographer Bob Perkoski provides a peek into the everyday lives of Clevelanders going about their business in the neighborhoods and on the streets of Cleveland.
Remembering Scott O’Con, founder of Tours of Cleveland
Scott O'Con, who founded the popular Tours of Cleveland, LLC, died suddenly on Sunday. He moved from Virginia to the West Park neighborhood in 2017 with his husband, West Park United Church of Christ pastor Jason Thompson, and embraced the city.
Local 74-year-old wins gold medal at Pan-American Masters Games
George Zehnder, 74, a retired pastor with St. Mark Lutheran Church, recently won the gold medal in the triathlon during the Pan-American Masters Games in Cleveland. He credits his classes at the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, determination, and his faith for his victory.