The American Institute of Architects Cleveland recently hosted Cleveland architect Robert Maschke as part of its Body of Work lecture series, where he presented his projects in Gordon Square and Little Italy. Maschke shares his design philosophy of giving small projects the same attention as larger ones, with a focus on context-driven designs that reflect neighborhoods' histories and character.

St. Luke's Foundation's Tim Tramble is nearing the completion of his $10.5 million housing development, 89th Rising, in Fairfax. With 48 rental units in six Victorian-style buildings, the project honors the street's historic character and addresses current housing needs—with hope it will be a catalyst for reversing disinvestment and be a model for revitalization.

Over three decades, the Cleveland Restoration Society took on an ambitious project to illuminate 24 historic church steeples, towers, and domes along Interstate 71. The Steeple Lighting Program was funded by a $370,000 bequest from East Cleveland dentist Dr. Reinhold "Ray" Erickson to the Cleveland Foundation. Theproject transformed the nighttime skyline and helped neighborhood revitalization.

As we head into the peak of the holiday season, Downtown Cleveland is the place to be for festive lights, decorations, and winter celebrations.

After sitting vacant for 40 years, the abandoned Warner & Swasey manufacturing complex is about to undergo a $64 million transformation into 140 mixed-income apartments and commercial space. Construction will begin in January on the adaptive reuse project that will address the MidTown neighborhood's need for affordable housing.

Last Saturday, thousands gathered in the Gordon Square Arts District for the 21st annual Día de Muertos celebration, presented by Cleveland Public Theatre and Día de Muertos Ohio. Costumed celebrants in elaborate makeup and colorful adornments—moved down Detroit Avenue to honor and remember their loved ones in the Procession of Skulls and Skeletons. Photographer Reuben Kutash joined the procession to document that day.

Eleven years after 12-year-old Tamir Rice was fatally shot by Cleveland police, his mother, Samaria Rice, and playwright and former Karamu House artistic director Terence Spivey are reprising the 2016 theatrical production "Objectively/Reasonable: A Community Response to the Shooting of Tamir Rice, 11/22/14." The Saturday, Nov. 8 staging at Near West Theatre will raise funds for the Tamir Rice Afro-Centric Cultural Center.

For more than a decade, residents of Scarborough Road in Cleveland Heights have transformed their street into "Scareborough"—a Halloween destination with extensive decorations and community spirit. Check out Reuben Kutash's photos of this year's Halloween on 'Scareborough!'

Artist Bob Peck's retrospective exhibit, "In the Blink of an Eye," showcases more than 35 years as a graffiti artist and abstract expressionist. The one-night event at Graffiti HeArt will feature Peck's evolution as an artist, educator, and community figure—displaying works from his early street art days to his recent explorations in three-dimensional art.

Tickets and sponsorships are now on sale for the Cleveland Restoration Society's 2025 Benefit on Friday, Nov. 21. The event will feature guided tours of two historic churches, highlighting the organization's work with Sacred Landmarks throughout Cleveland. Pentecostal Church of Christ, an example of successful preservation efforts, and the University Circle United Methodist Church, which may soon see adaptive reuse, are the featured Sacred Landmarks.

The Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation recently honored Marcia Fudge, George Forbes, and Reverend Dr. Otis Moss Jr. with the 18th Louis Stokes Community Visionary Awards for their dedication to civil rights and community development in Cleveland. The recipients reflect on their lifelong commitments to social justice, the progress they've witnessed, and the challenges that remain for future generations.

The Saint Luke's Foundation has plans to relocate its headquarters from its current sixth-floor offices to a new 21,000-square-foot, ground-level space in the Woodland neighborhood. Officials hope the move, will make the foundation more accessible and visible to the community it serves, with 65% of the new space dedicated to community use.

The Shaker Arts Council (SHAC) has unveiled nine newly wrapped utility boxes as part of its annual Painting the Town art competition. The project features designs by local professional artists and a high school graduate completing her senior project, bringing color and creativity to the streets of Shaker Heights along the Rapid Transit Green and Blue Lines.

Rid-All Green Partnership's sixth annual Fresh Fest brought Kinsman residents and people from all over Greater Cleveland to the urban farm. The event featured local vendors, activities, and tours of the farm's facilities. Photographer Bob Perkoski captured the events of the day.

The Heights Music Hop in Cleveland Heights this year has an expanded three-day format across three business districts. The event, presented by Future Heights, features a diverse range of musical genres, family-friendly programming, and plans for future growth to accommodate the city's evolving business landscape.

Rooms to Let, the annual art program in Slavic Village, has evolved from transforming vacant homes to revitalizing outdoor spaces. The 2025 exhibition will feature 14 local artists and music groups, creating temporary art enclaves on 12 vacant lots to bring attention to urban renewal and the power of art in transforming neighborhoods.

Cleveland Neighborhood Progress is hosting a series of free summer events at Shaker Square. This week includes live music performances and the North Union Farmers Market. The events are designed to encourage community engagement, support local businesses, and showcase the area's unique offerings, with activities running through the summer and into the fall.

Cleveland public artist Stephen Manka designed and constructed a unique turnstile gate for the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve, blending form and function in his newest installation. The gate, featuring silhouettes of red-winged blackbirds in an egg-like design, serves as a symbolic entrance into "a birding paradise" while also fulfilling practical needs.

Cleveland Neighborhood Progress is hosting a series of free summer events at Shaker Square. This week includes live music performances, a kids' dance class, and a Safari on the Square. The events aim to encourage community engagement, support local businesses, and showcase the area's unique offerings, with activities running through the summer and into the fall.

Bedrock will host a free Back-to-School Carnival at Tower City Center and on Public Square this weekend, with backpack giveaways, live entertainment, carnival rides, and games—providing another taste of summer before school starts.