You know how sometimes you walk through a neighborhood and the energy is almost palpable? I swear you can feel the vibrancy of Detroit Shoreway when you are there. This Thursday we have a Twilight Tour in D/S and you might want to take the opportunity to try out new eateries, shop some galleries, take a zen moment at the Lake shore, and view some open houses, all in the same evening. What could be better?
About 17,000 people call this neighborhood home. Cleveland is divided up into CDC neighborhoods, and this one's borders (depending on who you talk to) go from Lorain Avenue to W. 50th to W. 117th and to the Lake. Now some of that area is claimed by Edgewater Cudell (closer to W. 117th and Clifton) and Ohio City (closer to W. 50th and Franklin.) But we aren't here to worry about borders now are we?
The heart of The D/Shoreway neighborhood can be found beating quite nicely at W. 65th & Detroit. So much has happened there and why it has happened can be seen in why Niki Gillota chose to open Gypsy Beans in Detroit Shoreway instead of anywhere else. She did her research, she was already an experienced coffee/bakery entrepreneur but she wanted her own place. She also felt the pulse of this neighborhood and decided this was going to be the next, hot district. She knew a lot of money (and I do mean a lot!) was being poured into it. She knew other people were planning shops there. Now Gypsy Beans is a destination for many Clevelanders, not just the locals. (It's my favorite Cleveland coffee house.) Check out Norm Roulet's blog on the opening of Gypsy. Many of us were there and we blogged about it but he did the best job!
In less than a year the Capitol Theatre will be open for business. The grand old theatre is being refurbished and will show independent movies, similar to the Cedar Lee venue on the east side. Two fabulous restaurants have opened up in the past few months so you might want to put one of them on your list for Thursday. Luxe was created and opened by Marlin Kaplan of One Walnut fame in Downtown Cleveland. Luxe boasts a very chic and hip decor, not stuffy at all, and the food is fabulous. Here is an article by Douglas Trattner of the Free Times about Luxe.
Many of us watched and waited and watched and waited as Stone Mad went through her own refurbishing on W. 65th north of Detroit. We watched beautiful stone and iron works get put into place. I think the owners were very meticulous about what they wanted. It's a traditional Irish Pub with traditional Irish fare. The PD has a gorgeous night photo of the pub and an article with further details.
My suggestion? Follow up a coffee and a pastry at Gypsy Beans with a home tour. We have a list of homes being held open Thursday evening, July 24th from 6-8 pm. (In fact if you stop at my open house at 1336 W. 54th Street, pictured to the left, I'll have some Gypsy Beans goodies for you). This Kings Terrace town house (listed at $259,900) is walking distance to Lake Erie with Lake views from the 3rd flr deck. Beautiful living space and walking distance to Gordon Square and public transportation.
1781 W. 52nd will be open as well. This 1910 built home is listed at $119,000. As you can tell from the photo on the right, it has the cottage or school house beauty to it. Both the interior and exterior have been beautifully updated/restored. It is truly right out of a magazine. 
6303 Franklin is one of the grand old dames lining Franklin Blvd. At an affordable price of $159,900 you would be getting quite the house. Much original woodworking and fireplaces and nooks and crannies still exist in this home. (photo on left)
There are many more homes to see that evening from 6 to 8pm. but I decided to list three of them to represent a spectrum of price ranges.
Come spend a fun summer evening in Detroit Shoreway this Thursday...you just might not want to leave. Oh yes, and after all is said and done, head to The Happy Dog for reflection and libation :-)
There is a lot of talent in Detroit Shoreway, here are just a few links to some of the creative people working their magic there:
Gordon Square Arts District
Cleveland Public Theatre
Capitol Theatre
Latitude 41 Restaurant
The Detroit Studio Web Design
Kenneth Paul Lesko Gallery
Alternative Press Magazine
Peace Out- 3C
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Links;)
Archives
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Excellent post for Localism, Carole. A well deserved feature...and I get to be the first comment. Love the description which makes you feel like you are there. Sounds like a place I would love to visit someday.
Jeff