The recent stats about Cleveland's downtown occupancy — 12,500 souls, good for 98 percent of available units — mean a few things. First off, it means that more residential development is on the way. "The 9" for the luxury crowd, Stark's new E. 4th mega-project and the various loft-refurbs and condos of the Campus District should all be seen as tips of the iceberg.
After all, Frank Jackson has said that he hopes to attract as many as 25,000 residents to downtown over the next few years. He knows that to do that, downtown must be conceived as a neighborhood first, and an entertainment district second. He knows that competitive schools (Campus International?) and convenient amenities (Heinen's?) are essential in order to not only lure but retain an adventurous and Chandelier-loving demographic that continues to be dominated by young professionals who tend to set sail for Solon when the kiddies arrive.
Monday's announcement by the Downtown Cleveland Alliance that they have launched a fundraising campaign to generate monies and excitement for the first ever dog park downtown is another example of the push for "neighborhood amenities." DCA estimates that there are more than 1,000 registered dogs among the 12,500 downtown dwellers, and that the park is a response to a clear need.
The park will be located at Settler's Landing, right on the shoals of the languorous Cuyahoga, and will be equipped, via the DCA press release, "with pea gravel, fencing, a gated entrance, and benches for human friends."
DCA set a fundraising goal of $10,000 and plans to match contributions dollar for dollar (up to the $10,000 goal) until the campaign ends in early September. You can donate here.
Construction will begin immediately following the campaign, and the park should be open for canines and humans alike by fall.
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