CWRU's Sears think[box] is the nation's largest free public makerspace, offering equipment, materials, and mentorship in a 50,000-square feet space to students, professionals, and the community. Think[box] levels the playing field so anyone can access typically expensive tools and transform their ideas into reality.

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.

Postcards from around 1910 celebrating the passing of the old year into the new!

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.

Nonprofit DigitalC has connected more than 7,500 households to high-speed internet and trained over 17,500 residents in digital skills since launching its citywide connectivity effort in January 2024. The organization completed Cleveland's next-generation broadband network in one of the fastest community-based deployments in the country, and has begun expanding its Cleveland Model to other cities.

Taking a look at some Clevelander's Christmas cards from the early 1900s.

Today is the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. Here are some reflections, and some hope, as we mark the day and start the climb back to more daylight.

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.

Cuyahoga Arts & Culture in November approved $12.9 million in grants to more than 300 organizations for 2026, supporting both major cultural institutions and smaller nonprofits across Northeast Ohio. FreshWater looks at three diverse initiatives that demonstrate how expanded arts funding from the recent cigarette tax increase is strengthening Cleveland's creative economy and preserving important cultural legacies.

The North Union Farmers Market will host its last farmers market of 2025 at Shaker Square and Crocker Park, and its final Holiday Market this Saturday, Dec. 20, at Van Aken District Market Hall, featuring more than 35 local makers, bakers, and artists offering handcrafted gifts and specialty foods.

Nonprofit workforce development services provider Towards Employment will host its annual Holiday Alumni Bash and Gift Giveaway this weekend to support current and former program participants and their families. The event has evolved from a small toy drive into a family event to spread holiday cheer.

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

Steve Presser has opened his beloved Big Fun store as a holiday pop-up for the third consecutive year, this time in the former Record Revolution space. Open through January 11, Big Fun features vintage posters, t-shirts, and memorabilia, while also serving this year as an incubator for four local entrepreneurs.

Danielle McGough, a professional gingerbread house designer who has created holiday structures for major retailers, launched the Jolly Gingerbread Makery Pop-Up Workshop in 78th Street Studios this holiday season. Participants decorate hand-baked gingerbread houses with access to a variety of decorations and optional add-ons like LED lights and edible windows.

On the first night of Chanukah, Rabbi AJ Bulua and his wife Chaya organized the Light After Dark Menorah Parade, which departed from Legacy Village in Lyndhurst, and traveled through Beachwood, University Heights, and Cleveland Heights before returning to Legacy Village for a grand menorah lighting.

Cuyahoga Arts & Culture awarded more than $10.75 million in grants to 300 local arts and culture nonprofits in 2025. The funding supported diverse programming ranging from dance and movement to STEAM projects and cultural heritage festivals. Check out the photos that illustrate the beautiful work being done in Northeast Ohio!

Nearly 10,000 participants gathered in downtown Cleveland for the 44th Annual Cleveland Turkey Trot, featuring runners, spectators, and creative costume enthusiasts. After two weeks of voting, FreshWater readers selected their favorite costumes across three categories. See who won!

MAGNET and other Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnerships (MEPs) are facing an abrupt funding suspension, threatening 90 jobs and support for nearly 14,000 manufacturers statewide. The move eliminates $5.9 million in funding for MAGNET alone, with several smaller centers expected to close immediately.

Care Alliance Health Center and Breakthrough Schools are partnering to host the 2025 Holiday Toy Giveback this Saturday, Dec. 13, offering free toys for children up to age 12, health screenings, and community resources at Breakthrough MidTown. The event supports families facing barriers like housing instability and limited access to resources while providing a joyful holiday experience.

The Salvation Army in Greater Cleveland is coordinating a major toy collection and distribution effort to serve more than 6,000 children in Cuyahoga County this Christmas season.