Axios Cleveland

August 07, 2024
πΊπΈ On this date in 1953, Ohio was "officially" declared part of the United States.
- Ohio was first granted statehood in 1803, but Congress failed to take a formal vote until 150 years later.
π€οΈ Today's weather: Mostly sunny with a high near 78.
π§ Sounds like: "Stadium Status" by K.A.A.N.
Today's newsletter is 939 words β a 3.5-minute read.
1 big thing: Lakefront Plan's stadium dilemma
Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam may soon unveil proposals for a new domed stadium in Brook Park, complicating a lakefront master plan that has been in the works for more than 18 months.
Why it matters: Mayor Justin Bibb and city officials are quick to say the $440 million plan, centered on a dramatic pedestrian "land bridge" connecting downtown malls to the lakefront, can move forward irrespective of the stadium's presence.
The latest: Last week, Bibb offered the Browns $461 million in public funds for stadium renovation, most of which would come from admissions taxes and parking revenue. His letter asked the Haslams to respond by Aug. 12.
State of play: Much of the village-like atmosphere that designers from Field Operations have conceived β with amenities like a boutique hotel, a food hall and commercial development β were designed to complement the stadium.
- When a 60%-complete version of the plan was released last fall, Cleveland planning director Joyce Huang said the city believed a renovated Browns facility would include outward-facing retail and restaurants.
- The city's director of integrated development, Jeff Epstein, confirmed at a forum Monday that the current lakefront master plan β now 90% complete β still includes Browns Stadium.
- "We believe that the Browns belong on Cleveland's North Coast," Epstein said. "There's a rich history, and the vision they painted for us of what they want to see on the lakefront, when combined with [our plans], will be one of the most extraordinary places in the state."
Between the lines: Huang said that if the Browns opt to build a facility in Brook Park, the lakefront planning team will have to re-engage the public.
What they're saying: Bibb hedged in remarks Monday.
- "I know many of us have fond memories and stories of going to Browns games on the lakefront. β¦ I want to make sure we maintain this civic asset, we maintain civic pride, and keep the Browns in the great city of Cleveland," he said.
- "But regardless of whether the Browns stay or not, we will remake our lakefront once and for all."
2. π£οΈ Zoom in: The Shoreway makeover
In the latest iteration of the North Coast master plan, a stretch of the Cleveland Shoreway could be converted from an eight-line highway to a four-lane, 35-mile per hour boulevard with a central median.
Why it matters: The primary goal is to improve lakefront accessibility for all, and the Shoreway has long been a physical and psychological barrier between downtown and the water.
What's happening: To improve pedestrian friendliness, the exit ramps at West 3rd and East 9th streets would be replaced by four intersections with traffic signals at West 3rd, East 9th, East 15th, and East 18th streets.
Between the lines: The plan also envisions removing the half-mile ramp on the north edge of the Warehouse District connecting the Shoreway to the Main Avenue Bridge β the scene of a memorable bout in "Captain America: The Winter Soldier."
- Summit Road would be reconfigured as the new connection.
One fun thing: The land bridge over the Shoreway is designed to be a "dynamic" pedestrian experience, Huang said during Monday's panel.
- Unlike Daniel Burnham's geometric downtown malls, the bridge would be curved, with new views of the lakefront revealed at every step.
3. The Terminal: The audacity of Ope
π³οΈ Vice President Kamala Harris chose Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, more evidence of the Midwest's importance in the 2024 presidential race. (Axios)
π In a newly reported lawsuit, a former employee of Republican Senate candidate Bernie Moreno said he wasn't paid what he was promised at a North Olmsted Porsche dealership.
- The case was settled out of court in 2016. (Cleveland.com)
πΆ Cuyahoga Valley National Park has been named the most dog-friendly park in the U.S. (Akron Beacon Journal)
βοΈ ICYMI: Writer Joyce Brabner, the former wife of Harvey Pekar and co-star of his Cleveland-based "American Splendor" comics, has died at age 72. (Comics Beat)
4. The evolution of Jason Kelce
Cleveland Heights-native Jason Kelce isn't just a businessman; he's a business, man.
Why it matters: Podcaster and pitchman extraordinaire, Kelce is quickly building an empire since retiring after 13 seasons with the Eagles.
Driving the news: In addition to becoming an analyst on ESPN's "Monday Night Countdown," Kelce has soared to "New Heights" β and not just on the airwaves β by expanding his post-retirement portfolio.
Zoom in: Kelce has his hands in everything from real estate to:
- Soup
- Cereal
- Grill charcoal, and β¦ of course β¦
- Beer
Makes sense when you think about Jason tearing off his shirt and swilling beers with Kansas City fans during his brother's latest Super Bowl run.
The bottom line: There's seemingly nothing this guy can't do or sell. Hell, Jason is so popular that some Pennsylvanians want him to run for governor.
5. π€ The Flats' new concert venue
A new music venue is coming to the west bank of the Flats.
Driving the news: Concert promoter AEG Presents announced this week that Globe Iron, a 1,200-capacity, multipurpose space will open March 1 in the historic Globe Iron Works foundry building on Elm Street.
The intrigue: Early renderings show a rehabilitated space with a large courtyard that will also host corporate functions, weddings and conferences.
- Globe Iron adds to AEG's portfolio in Cleveland, which includes operating Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica and the legendary Agora on Euclid Avenue.
What they're saying: "Globe Iron will be a must-play venue in the region," Jason Rogalewski, senior vice president of AEG Presents Great Lakes, said in a statement.
- "It will check all the boxes with state-of-the-art sound and lighting, perfect sight lines, and world-class amenities for both fans and artists."
What's next: AEG will unveil Globe Iron's concert schedule later this year.
Thanks to our editor Tyler Buchanan and copy editors Rob Reinalda and Aurora MartΓnez.
Our picks:
βοΈ Sam has been asked multiple times in recent weeks and wants to assure you: He is still reading Brandon Sanderson's fantasy epic, "The Way of Kings."
- He even started listening to the audiobook on dog walks to accelerate his pace.
π½ Troy is obsessed with every trailer for "Alien: Romulus," opening in theaters next week.
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