Downtown
East, West, North and South -- it's getting easier and easier to score a hot, fresh and delicious meal from a food truck. In just three years' time, the Cleveland food truck scene has zoomed from 0 to 60, with dozens of rigs scattered all over town. Here's a little help finding them.
rib cook-off makes top-10 list
In a Huffington Post Travel list titled “America’s Top 10 Memorial Day BBQs,” the editors tout the last weekend in May as the beginning of summer, and the unofficial way of celebrating is by firing up the grill and enjoying a cold beverage.
“Across the country on Memorial Day weekend, the BBQ tradition carries on in regional and national barbeque competitions and festivals, so wherever you'll be spending the long weekend, there's bound to be a smoker near you.”
Cleveland’s own Great American Rib Cookoff gets a nod thanks to its plethora of delicious offerings plus its rocking musical lineup featuring Buddy Guy, Rick Springfield, and Bret Michaels.
Check out the full list here.
“Across the country on Memorial Day weekend, the BBQ tradition carries on in regional and national barbeque competitions and festivals, so wherever you'll be spending the long weekend, there's bound to be a smoker near you.”
Cleveland’s own Great American Rib Cookoff gets a nod thanks to its plethora of delicious offerings plus its rocking musical lineup featuring Buddy Guy, Rick Springfield, and Bret Michaels.
Check out the full list here.
rust belt cities reach out to immigrants to boost population
In a The Wall Street Journal feature titled “Rust-Belt Cities Reach Out for Immigrants,” writers Mark Peters and Jack Nicas touch upon how rust belt cities like Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Detroit were a draw to immigrant workers who knew they would be able to find manufacturing jobs.
As time went on, those jobs disappeared, populations began to decline, and immigrants no longer looked to those cities to begin their new life in the United States.
“During the fresh immigration surge in recent decades, however, newcomers largely bypassed Detroit, Cleveland and St. Louis as manufacturing there -- and other cities in the region -- dwindled. They opted instead for cities such as Phoenix and Dallas.”
Peters and Nicas go on to explain the steps many rust belt cities are taking in an effort to grow their populations, one of which is luring immigrants back into the area through various grants and other programs.
Read the full feature here.
As time went on, those jobs disappeared, populations began to decline, and immigrants no longer looked to those cities to begin their new life in the United States.
“During the fresh immigration surge in recent decades, however, newcomers largely bypassed Detroit, Cleveland and St. Louis as manufacturing there -- and other cities in the region -- dwindled. They opted instead for cities such as Phoenix and Dallas.”
Peters and Nicas go on to explain the steps many rust belt cities are taking in an effort to grow their populations, one of which is luring immigrants back into the area through various grants and other programs.
Read the full feature here.
According to Walk Score, Downtown, University Circle and Ohio City rank as the three most pedestrian friendly neighborhoods in Cleveland. What makes these neighborhoods so walkable? And more important: What can we do to make other areas more friendly to residents who prefer to walk and ride than drive?
Building on the success of the book “Rust Belt Chic: The Cleveland Anthology,” a collection of essays and images about Cleveland edited by Anne Trubek and Richey Piiparinen, and subsequent blog, the publishers announced that they will launch an online magazine, Belt, this coming September.
“There was so much interest in 'Rust Belt Chic' that we really wanted to continue to have a space for people to contribute,” says Belt editor-in-chief Trubek. “We wanted to have an outlet that could provide long form pieces as well as criticism and commentary about things around town.”
Trubek describes the magazine as having a cultural and urbanism focus that will appeal to both Clevelanders and readers in other Rust Belt cities like Detroit, Pittsburgh and Buffalo. “We realize something is happening in the Rust Belt,” says Trubek. “It’s becoming sort of an interesting place nationally.”
The content of Belt will cover many interest areas. “It cuts across different demographics in Cleveland,” adds Trubek. “Our readership is a mix of young people living in the city with a DIY attitude and ex-pats around the country looking for good, meaty writing about Cleveland, but also people interested in the history of Cleveland and how history is important in terms of where we’ve been and what we are doing.”
Right now Trubek is looking for financial investors. Belt just launched a Kickstarter campaign to get the magazine off the ground.
Source: Anne Trubek
Writer: Karin Connelly
“There was so much interest in 'Rust Belt Chic' that we really wanted to continue to have a space for people to contribute,” says Belt editor-in-chief Trubek. “We wanted to have an outlet that could provide long form pieces as well as criticism and commentary about things around town.”
Trubek describes the magazine as having a cultural and urbanism focus that will appeal to both Clevelanders and readers in other Rust Belt cities like Detroit, Pittsburgh and Buffalo. “We realize something is happening in the Rust Belt,” says Trubek. “It’s becoming sort of an interesting place nationally.”
The content of Belt will cover many interest areas. “It cuts across different demographics in Cleveland,” adds Trubek. “Our readership is a mix of young people living in the city with a DIY attitude and ex-pats around the country looking for good, meaty writing about Cleveland, but also people interested in the history of Cleveland and how history is important in terms of where we’ve been and what we are doing.”
Right now Trubek is looking for financial investors. Belt just launched a Kickstarter campaign to get the magazine off the ground.
Source: Anne Trubek
Writer: Karin Connelly
A great sign does more than announce a business name and brand; it welcomes all who see it into the establishment. Fresh Water photographer Bob Perkoski has a soft spot for attractive bar and restaurant signs, and here's a slideshow of some of his favorites.
clevelander pens aching sports essay in ny times
Writer and Cleveland resident John Hyduk offers up a personal tale of what it means to grow up a sports fan in this town and -- spoiler alert -- it ain't pretty. In the poignant New York Times essay, Hyduk shares an emotion shared by many here: We've been disappointed since 1964.
"As a Cleveland sports fan, I hold these truths to be self-evident: no matter how promising the plan or how high the draft pick, someone will screw it up," he leads off with.
Sure, there's mention of The Drive, The Fumble, The Shot, Red Right 88… but also that glimmer of hope that rolls around with the start of each season.
"The first pitch of spring slaps leather, the Indians hang around first place in May, and sports again becomes something beyond a balance sheet. A kickoff sails high into the autumn air, and for a moment, anything’s possible. This year will be different. And for a few hours, you hardly notice the days of your life piling up at your feet."
Read the rest here.
"As a Cleveland sports fan, I hold these truths to be self-evident: no matter how promising the plan or how high the draft pick, someone will screw it up," he leads off with.
Sure, there's mention of The Drive, The Fumble, The Shot, Red Right 88… but also that glimmer of hope that rolls around with the start of each season.
"The first pitch of spring slaps leather, the Indians hang around first place in May, and sports again becomes something beyond a balance sheet. A kickoff sails high into the autumn air, and for a moment, anything’s possible. This year will be different. And for a few hours, you hardly notice the days of your life piling up at your feet."
Read the rest here.
When every sector of a populace thrives, so does the community as a whole. The local chapter of a national philanthropic organization plans to shine a light on this and other issues during a series of programs in 2013.
Philanthropic support of black male achievement will be the subject of the Foundation Center's first Rising Tide program on May 22, says director Cindy Bailie. Nearly every major indicator of economic, social and physical well-being shows that black men and boys in the U.S. do not have access to the structural foundation and opportunities needed to succeed. However, a flood of philanthropic support and social innovation is addressing these challenges head on.
"There's work happening locally aimed at black men of all ages," says Bailie. "This is our chance to change the situation."
The program will consist of three speakers and a panel discussion. The center has also launched a website to spotlight the topic. Connecting people to those working on the problem is only part of the plan.
"We want people to leave inspired," says Bailie. "This is a call to action."
The New York-headquartered Foundation Center is a source of information on U.S. grantmakers. Locally, the organization acts as a library/learning center for those seeking knowledge about the nonprofit sector.
The black achievement program is the first of a planned series of quarterly events "showcasing new ways of solving old problems," says Bailie. Future events could touch on such topics as the impact of arts and culture on the community.
"These [programs] aren't just conversation-starters," Bailie says. "What will you do to keep the conversation going?"
SOURCE: Cindy Bailie
WRITER: Douglas J. Guth
Philanthropic support of black male achievement will be the subject of the Foundation Center's first Rising Tide program on May 22, says director Cindy Bailie. Nearly every major indicator of economic, social and physical well-being shows that black men and boys in the U.S. do not have access to the structural foundation and opportunities needed to succeed. However, a flood of philanthropic support and social innovation is addressing these challenges head on.
"There's work happening locally aimed at black men of all ages," says Bailie. "This is our chance to change the situation."
The program will consist of three speakers and a panel discussion. The center has also launched a website to spotlight the topic. Connecting people to those working on the problem is only part of the plan.
"We want people to leave inspired," says Bailie. "This is a call to action."
The New York-headquartered Foundation Center is a source of information on U.S. grantmakers. Locally, the organization acts as a library/learning center for those seeking knowledge about the nonprofit sector.
The black achievement program is the first of a planned series of quarterly events "showcasing new ways of solving old problems," says Bailie. Future events could touch on such topics as the impact of arts and culture on the community.
"These [programs] aren't just conversation-starters," Bailie says. "What will you do to keep the conversation going?"
SOURCE: Cindy Bailie
WRITER: Douglas J. Guth
Soccer, creative writing and volunteerism might seem like an odd mix, just don't tell that to the students helped by America SCORES Cleveland, an organization that has been providing unique after-school programming for almost 10 years.
The local chapter of America SCORES, which launched in 2004, serves more than 500 youths in 10 Cleveland public schools. The program is designed to create "poet-athletes" through an innovative triple threat of soccer, poetry and service learning, says executive director Debi Pence-Meyenberg.
The tri-curricular approach creates well-rounded students, maintains Pence-Meyenberg. Soccer was chosen for its accessibility and minimal equipment needs. Writing and performing poetry, meanwhile, gives youths an emotional outlet and promotes creative thinking. Finally, volunteerism instills in children a sense of compassion, social responsibility and personal worth.
"We want urban youth to lead healthy lives and be involved in their community," says Pence-Meyenberg.
Public school students in grades three through eight can stay engaged through sports and creative writing, notes the chapter head. Participants also choose their own neighborhood-based service projects, like working at a community garden or raising money for Haitian earthquake victims.
On June 22, Cleveland's student-poets will collaborate with Cleveland artists during an event at 78th Street Studios. The Inspired Art Project will showcase the poetry of local youths through original artwork from Cleveland creatives, with sales of these items going to America SCORES. The program, along with the other activities America SCORES offers, can have a positive impact on the culture of an entire school district.
"Our kids and becoming healthier and more engaged," Pence-Meyenberg says.
SOURCE: Debi Pence-Meyenberg
WRITER: Douglas J. Guth
The local chapter of America SCORES, which launched in 2004, serves more than 500 youths in 10 Cleveland public schools. The program is designed to create "poet-athletes" through an innovative triple threat of soccer, poetry and service learning, says executive director Debi Pence-Meyenberg.
The tri-curricular approach creates well-rounded students, maintains Pence-Meyenberg. Soccer was chosen for its accessibility and minimal equipment needs. Writing and performing poetry, meanwhile, gives youths an emotional outlet and promotes creative thinking. Finally, volunteerism instills in children a sense of compassion, social responsibility and personal worth.
"We want urban youth to lead healthy lives and be involved in their community," says Pence-Meyenberg.
Public school students in grades three through eight can stay engaged through sports and creative writing, notes the chapter head. Participants also choose their own neighborhood-based service projects, like working at a community garden or raising money for Haitian earthquake victims.
On June 22, Cleveland's student-poets will collaborate with Cleveland artists during an event at 78th Street Studios. The Inspired Art Project will showcase the poetry of local youths through original artwork from Cleveland creatives, with sales of these items going to America SCORES. The program, along with the other activities America SCORES offers, can have a positive impact on the culture of an entire school district.
"Our kids and becoming healthier and more engaged," Pence-Meyenberg says.
SOURCE: Debi Pence-Meyenberg
WRITER: Douglas J. Guth
new york times covers rust belt food revival
In a thoughtful piece on farm-to-table cooking in the Rust Belt, New York Times writer Julia Moskin covers the mutually beneficial relationships between farmers and chefs that has helped boost our region's image from dead zone to world-class food destination.
"Until recently, the American food revolution seemed to bypass this region, leaping from Chicago to Philadelphia without making stops in places like Toledo, Cleveland, Akron and Pittsburgh," Moskin writes. "Now, the region is linked by a group of educated, ambitious chefs who are building a new kind of network."
Greenhouse Tavern chef-owner Jonathon Sawyer is singled out for fostering relationships with area farmers -- specifically those growing in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park as part of the Countryside Initiative.
"Convinced that the relationship between chefs and farmers is one of the keys to bringing the city and the region back to life, Mr. Sawyer has cooked and coaxed a new local food system into being."
Read the rest of the tasty news here.
"Until recently, the American food revolution seemed to bypass this region, leaping from Chicago to Philadelphia without making stops in places like Toledo, Cleveland, Akron and Pittsburgh," Moskin writes. "Now, the region is linked by a group of educated, ambitious chefs who are building a new kind of network."
Greenhouse Tavern chef-owner Jonathon Sawyer is singled out for fostering relationships with area farmers -- specifically those growing in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park as part of the Countryside Initiative.
"Convinced that the relationship between chefs and farmers is one of the keys to bringing the city and the region back to life, Mr. Sawyer has cooked and coaxed a new local food system into being."
Read the rest of the tasty news here.
nbc sports covers nfl-related film in town
In an NBC Sports story titled “Draft Day descends on Cleveland this week,” Mike Florio shares that filming is ready to get underway on the NFL-related movie Draft Day starring Kevin Costner and Jennifer Garner, with the storyline centered on the Cleveland Browns.
“The bulk of the filming starts in and around Greater Cleveland on [May 8]. Shaker Heights and Berea, where the Browns are headquartered, appear on the list of sites where scenes will be shot. FirstEnergy Stadium will host some of the filming, too.”
Draft Day is not the only filming ready to get underway as Captain America: The Winter Soldier will soon begin production here as well.
View the entire blurb here.
“The bulk of the filming starts in and around Greater Cleveland on [May 8]. Shaker Heights and Berea, where the Browns are headquartered, appear on the list of sites where scenes will be shot. FirstEnergy Stadium will host some of the filming, too.”
Draft Day is not the only filming ready to get underway as Captain America: The Winter Soldier will soon begin production here as well.
View the entire blurb here.
Cuyahoga County residents needing food assistance now have some healthy alternatives thanks to a new program developed by the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Food Policy Coalition.
Twenty farmers markets and two farm stands throughout the county are partaking in the “Double Value Produce Perks” initiative, which offers incentive dollars to customers utilizing the Ohio Direction Card. Produce Perks are tokens given to customers at participating farmers markets who use the card to purchase food. Customers swipe their cards at a central terminal, with the market providing tokens for the transaction in addition to Produce Perks that can be spent on fruits and vegetables. The incentive is a dollar-for-dollar match to every dollar spent (up to $10) using an Ohio Direction Card at the market.
The project addresses healthy food gaps in the region, says Erika Meschkat, program coordinator for community development at Ohio State University Extension-Cuyahoga County, one of the entities making up the local food policy coalition. In creating the program, the coalition has partnered with several Greater Cleveland philanthropies as well as Wholesome Wave, a national nonprofit focusing on food access in underserved communities.
"Some people don't feel comfortable using their Ohio Direction Card at a farmers market, or there's a perceived cost barrier," says Meschkat. "The program incentivizes them to have a good experience."
The impact of Produce Perks has grown since its inception in 2010. Last year, 16 farmers markets contributed to over $27,000 in Ohio Direction Card sales with over $18,000 in incentives redeemed to buy fresh fruits and vegetables.
"We want 2013 to be even bigger," Meschkat says.
SOURCE: Erika Meschkat
WRITER: Douglas J. Guth
Twenty farmers markets and two farm stands throughout the county are partaking in the “Double Value Produce Perks” initiative, which offers incentive dollars to customers utilizing the Ohio Direction Card. Produce Perks are tokens given to customers at participating farmers markets who use the card to purchase food. Customers swipe their cards at a central terminal, with the market providing tokens for the transaction in addition to Produce Perks that can be spent on fruits and vegetables. The incentive is a dollar-for-dollar match to every dollar spent (up to $10) using an Ohio Direction Card at the market.
The project addresses healthy food gaps in the region, says Erika Meschkat, program coordinator for community development at Ohio State University Extension-Cuyahoga County, one of the entities making up the local food policy coalition. In creating the program, the coalition has partnered with several Greater Cleveland philanthropies as well as Wholesome Wave, a national nonprofit focusing on food access in underserved communities.
"Some people don't feel comfortable using their Ohio Direction Card at a farmers market, or there's a perceived cost barrier," says Meschkat. "The program incentivizes them to have a good experience."
The impact of Produce Perks has grown since its inception in 2010. Last year, 16 farmers markets contributed to over $27,000 in Ohio Direction Card sales with over $18,000 in incentives redeemed to buy fresh fruits and vegetables.
"We want 2013 to be even bigger," Meschkat says.
SOURCE: Erika Meschkat
WRITER: Douglas J. Guth
Nine young Northeast Ohio businesses were inducted into the Charter One Launch100 Leadership Circle on April 25. Local inductees included Nicole Zmij, CEO of Amplified Wind Solutions in Cleveland, Lindsay Sims, founder and CEO of Renter’s BOOM, Lissette Rivera, founder of SafeCare, all in Cleveland, and Shaquita Graham, CEO of King J Transportation in South Euclid.
“The Launch100 Leadership Circle really focuses on minority entrepreneurs and encourages them to take the risk of starting a new venture, particularly those who have the revenue potential of $10 million,” says Ken Marblestone, president of Charter One and RBS Citizens bank. “The Leadership Circle honors leaders within the Launch 100 group and works to inspire them to take risks and network with each other, and make sure they are recognized for their ideas and entrepreneurism.”
Founded in 2012, the Launch100 offers a peer networking opportunity for minority and women business owners with high growth potential. “We’re focused on how to help these expanding businesses succeed,” says Marblestone. “We recognize them with an award and then offer conversation about the hurdles they’re facing. That whole dialog leaves the entrepreneurs full of motivation and ideas, and ready to tackle another hurdle.”
The induction ceremony was held at JumpStart’s offices. Other regional companies inducted included Body Phyx, Design Flux Technologies, On Demand Interpretation Services, OrthoData and Wahconah Group.
Source: Ken Marblestone
Writer: Karin Connelly
“The Launch100 Leadership Circle really focuses on minority entrepreneurs and encourages them to take the risk of starting a new venture, particularly those who have the revenue potential of $10 million,” says Ken Marblestone, president of Charter One and RBS Citizens bank. “The Leadership Circle honors leaders within the Launch 100 group and works to inspire them to take risks and network with each other, and make sure they are recognized for their ideas and entrepreneurism.”
Founded in 2012, the Launch100 offers a peer networking opportunity for minority and women business owners with high growth potential. “We’re focused on how to help these expanding businesses succeed,” says Marblestone. “We recognize them with an award and then offer conversation about the hurdles they’re facing. That whole dialog leaves the entrepreneurs full of motivation and ideas, and ready to tackle another hurdle.”
The induction ceremony was held at JumpStart’s offices. Other regional companies inducted included Body Phyx, Design Flux Technologies, On Demand Interpretation Services, OrthoData and Wahconah Group.
Source: Ken Marblestone
Writer: Karin Connelly
Once a national punchline, Northeast Ohio's waterways are now wellsprings of a burgeoning water technology industry that advocates believe will be paramount to the region's economic future.
Cleveland rocks, that much we know. But it also is home to a band of crafty individuals who make music in a more physical sense, by building the instruments others use to play beautiful music. Guitars, amps and pipe organs all are handcrafted by passionate peeps right here in town.
The month of May has brought a stretch of warm weather to Northeast Ohio. The presence of sunny days is a happy coincidence for folks wanting to visit the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve, re-opened by the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority on May 1.
The 88-acre wildlife haven had been temporarily closed during environmental remediation of five acres on the site. New soil and seeds were added to the acreage, while a loop trail meandering through the space has also been re-opened to the public.
Since the park's comeback, about 200 nature lovers already have visited the preserve, reports Brian Lynch, the port authority's vice president for planning and development. May is the beginning of the spring bird migration season and a prime time for visitors to walk the trails of the former dredging containment facility along Lake Erie.
Feathered creatures aren't the only animals flocking through the park. According to the port authority, the preserve is also packed with various species of mammals, reptiles and insects, not to mention a healthy stock of plants, trees and shrubs.
"The life cycle is remarkable," says Lynch.
The preserve remediation project was conducted by the port in partnership with Cuyahoga County, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Ohio EPA, and the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District. Once the newly refurbished five acres officially becomes green space, Lynch can see the entire park becoming an even bigger destination for birders and people wanting to access the lakefront.
"It's great having this green space on the lake," he says.
SOURCE: Brian Lynch
WRITER: Douglas J. Guth
The 88-acre wildlife haven had been temporarily closed during environmental remediation of five acres on the site. New soil and seeds were added to the acreage, while a loop trail meandering through the space has also been re-opened to the public.
Since the park's comeback, about 200 nature lovers already have visited the preserve, reports Brian Lynch, the port authority's vice president for planning and development. May is the beginning of the spring bird migration season and a prime time for visitors to walk the trails of the former dredging containment facility along Lake Erie.
Feathered creatures aren't the only animals flocking through the park. According to the port authority, the preserve is also packed with various species of mammals, reptiles and insects, not to mention a healthy stock of plants, trees and shrubs.
"The life cycle is remarkable," says Lynch.
The preserve remediation project was conducted by the port in partnership with Cuyahoga County, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Ohio EPA, and the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District. Once the newly refurbished five acres officially becomes green space, Lynch can see the entire park becoming an even bigger destination for birders and people wanting to access the lakefront.
"It's great having this green space on the lake," he says.
SOURCE: Brian Lynch
WRITER: Douglas J. Guth
cle vs. pit in battle for bike title
In a Pittsburgh-based NPR post feature titled “Pittsburgh and Cleveland Square Off Again… In Biking?” Nick Jovonovich explores the traditional CLE/PGH rivalry that includes the cities’ football teams and museums -- however, a different type of competition is brewing as they battle it out for the title of “Rustbelt Champion” within the National Bike Challenge.
Registering the most riders and logging more miles than the opponent will determine the winner.
“The free and friendly competition encourages all people to get out and ride, no matter their age or reason -- whether as daily commuters, weekend warriors or somewhere in between. Smartphone users can even download a free app to directly track and log trips for the National Bike Challenge.”
Discover more about the battle here.
Registering the most riders and logging more miles than the opponent will determine the winner.
“The free and friendly competition encourages all people to get out and ride, no matter their age or reason -- whether as daily commuters, weekend warriors or somewhere in between. Smartphone users can even download a free app to directly track and log trips for the National Bike Challenge.”
Discover more about the battle here.
Project and Construction Services provides owner's representation and design-build services to clients, so it's appropriate that the growing 53-person firm custom-built its new offices. Now that it's settling into its new space in the Erieview Tower, executives are experiencing their Goldilocks moment: Just right.
"We decided to right-size our space for our present needs, forecasting into the future," says CEO Bob Strickland, who downsized from 12,500 to 10,300 square feet -- despite adding staff -- by designing the space efficiently. "We have staff that come in from the East Side, West Side and Akron, so we've found downtown serves our needs the best, and we enjoy the vibrant downtown atmosphere."
The new 21st floor headquarters offers views of the lakefront and a kitchen outfitted with pendant lights from Ohio City-based Glass Bubble Project. Strickland and his wife recently moved to Tremont after living for 28 years in Mentor, and they've become big fans of the eclectic glass blowing studio behind the West Side Market.
PCS right-sized its offices by reducing conference rooms and support areas, creating a "huddle space" in the lobby that can be used as a meeting space, and reducing the number of storage, IT and work rooms. The office includes open work stations to accommodate future growth. Strickland says designing offices more efficiently has become a major trend in 21st century workplace design.
PCS looked at a number of spaces downtown but selected Erieview because of the potential to customize the space within an existing shell. The firm worked with owner Werner Minshall and HSB Architects on the design and buildout. Strickland says that being in the NineTwelve District is a plus, as the area has recently gained new restaurants and employees enjoy the food trucks on Walnut Wednesdays.
The company is working on a number of projects in Cleveland currently, including the Victory Building, W. 25th Street Lofts and Residence Inn. The company has offices in Wheeling and Charleston, West Virginia, with 26 staff downtown.
Source: Bob Strickland
Writer: Lee Chilcote
"We decided to right-size our space for our present needs, forecasting into the future," says CEO Bob Strickland, who downsized from 12,500 to 10,300 square feet -- despite adding staff -- by designing the space efficiently. "We have staff that come in from the East Side, West Side and Akron, so we've found downtown serves our needs the best, and we enjoy the vibrant downtown atmosphere."
The new 21st floor headquarters offers views of the lakefront and a kitchen outfitted with pendant lights from Ohio City-based Glass Bubble Project. Strickland and his wife recently moved to Tremont after living for 28 years in Mentor, and they've become big fans of the eclectic glass blowing studio behind the West Side Market.
PCS right-sized its offices by reducing conference rooms and support areas, creating a "huddle space" in the lobby that can be used as a meeting space, and reducing the number of storage, IT and work rooms. The office includes open work stations to accommodate future growth. Strickland says designing offices more efficiently has become a major trend in 21st century workplace design.
PCS looked at a number of spaces downtown but selected Erieview because of the potential to customize the space within an existing shell. The firm worked with owner Werner Minshall and HSB Architects on the design and buildout. Strickland says that being in the NineTwelve District is a plus, as the area has recently gained new restaurants and employees enjoy the food trucks on Walnut Wednesdays.
The company is working on a number of projects in Cleveland currently, including the Victory Building, W. 25th Street Lofts and Residence Inn. The company has offices in Wheeling and Charleston, West Virginia, with 26 staff downtown.
Source: Bob Strickland
Writer: Lee Chilcote