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Cleveland has the momentum now, especially with rebuilding its urban core.
I'm rooting for Detroit, but I don't think this is an apples to apples comparison -- problems were much more pronounced.
Cleveland has the momentum now, especially with rebuilding its urban core.
I'm rooting for Detroit, but I don't think this is an apples to apples comparison -- problems were much more pronounced.
Cleveland's renaissance is unmistakable. Detroit is beginning to make some progress, but it has a very long road to reach the level of recovery and renaissance that is needed there. I very much like Detroit, and I am personally in favor of it's recovery and ultimate renewal.
Detroit's coming along; I really like the city and am pulling for them. But Cleveland is farther along, there's no question. Downtown Cleveland, esp on weekends, is becoming New York like, esp since the opening of the casino 2 weeks ago... Cleveland's 1 (just-opened) casino is having a greater, positive impact on Downtown Cleveland than the 3 existing ones in Detroit are having/have had on downtown Detroit... I really think getting Detroit's planned rail transit (the Woodward LRT and the Detroit-Ann Arbor commuter rail) will really help boost the city and, hopefully, encourage further rail development.
Having grown up in Cleveland, I'm definitely rooting for it. However, I think its premature to examine a few weeks of a brand new casino and declare it either a success or failure. After the novelty has worn off, will be the true test of its effect.
Having grown up in Cleveland, I'm definitely rooting for it. However, I think its premature to examine a few weeks of a brand new casino and declare it either a success or failure. After the novelty has worn off, will be the true test of its effect.
Ben
Good point, benleis. I would just say that, judging by the crowds of people just hanging out downtown and having a good time, that the casino has reinvigorated interest in downtown in general. I think (and I know from much anecdotal evidence) that people who rarely, if ever, come downtown have been motivated to return -- not just to come to the casino, which has reinvigorated a big, hulking (though handsome) edifice in the center of town -- the Higbee Building -- but to gain the downtown experience. A number of people who came down just walked through the casino, had a drink at the bar or a burger (etc.) at the food court, and left to check out other downtown venues... That is an aspect, I'm hoping won't wear off... Keep in mind, even prior to the casino, downtown was gaining momentum anyway. Plus, the casino is but one (the first) of 3 big downtown projects, including the medical mart convention center and Flats East Bank hotel, office and apartment complex going up by the River. Also keep in mind, the downtown residential population, now pegged at around 11,000, has been growing for several years, and the apartment occupancy rate is around 98%... So even when the casino newness wears off and its patronage drops/levels off to a lesser population -- which has happened at other casinos -- the seeds for a long term boost to downtown's momentum are probably solidly in place --- the casino is merely the catalyst de jour.
... but with the casino itself, even if/when it's patronage does drop off/level off, it is still a facility that entertains/is open to patrons 24/7 and in the heart of town, to boot. Aside from a random diner here and there, Cleveland has never had such a venue like this of any kind. And having visited casinos in other cities, none have been established right at the core of their cities -- Detroit's Greektown and New Orleans Harrah's are the only ones coming close. (and Cleveland's, I'm proud to report, is the only one in the nation with an indoor connection to rapid transit or commuter train line.
Good news about Cleveland. Never been there but would like to go!
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