Connelly Rice
Karin Connelly Rice

Stories by: Karin Connelly Rice

Karin Connelly Rice enjoys telling people's stories, whether it's a promising startup or a life's passion. Over the past 20 years she has reported on the local business community for publications such as Inside Business and Cleveland Magazine. She was editor of the Rocky River/Lakewood edition of In the Neighborhood and was a reporter and photographer for the Amherst News-Times. At Fresh Water she enjoys telling the stories of Clevelanders who are shaping and embracing the business and research climate in Cleveland.
Code Name Hope: Cozad-Bates house takes its place in history with virtual opening
The historic 1853 Cozad-Bates House in University Circle, known to play a role in the Underground Railroad and anti-slavery causes, was unveiled this week as the Cozad-Bates House Interpretive Center—a place to learn abut Cleveland's role in getting former slaves to freedom.
Cuyahoga County throws lifeline to region’s struggling arts organizations
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise and arts organizations struggle with closures and social distancing, the deadline draws near for arts and culture organizations to apply for the $4 million in CARES Act funding set aside by Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish. 
An eye for fashion and a nod to family: designer’s new collection honors CLE's garment history
Designer William McNicol grew up in the 90s era of designer basketball shoes. Once he began designing his own kicks, his career as a fashion designer took off. His newest clothing collectionall manufactured here in the CLElaunched last week.
A world of flavors: Chef Doug Katz launches second ghost restaurant in Cleveland Heights
Inspired by the spices and flavors of different ethnicities, Doug Katz uses the ghost kitchen takeout and delivery concept as a testing ground for new restaurant ideas.
All in the family: Neighborhood Pets ensures every family member is cared for
Neighborhood Pets works to keep pets with their human companions by providing low cost medical care, food and supplies, and other services to low-income pet owners.
Culinary twist: Local event planner, Cleveland's top chefs host online cooking classes for charity
Event planner Amy Pappas has found a way to keep both local foodies and chefs engaged at home during the pandemic with Zoom cooking classes—and the proceeds go to good causes.
Stir it up: Take ice cream, mix it with breakfast cereal and other goodies, and you have Remixx
Vicki and Steve Kotris were all set to open their unique ice cream bar, a spinoff of their Cleveland Cookie Dough, when COVID-19 delayed their opening last spring. Now, they have finally opened the doors to Remixx Ice Cream + Cereal Bar at Clifton Corners.
Bridge Brigade transforms neighborhood blemish into work of beauty
Members of an Ohio City block club, the Bridge Brigade, just completed the second phase of their neighborhood beautification project—commissioning Cleveland artist Garrett Weider to paint a 100-foot mural on the side of a vacant building.
‘Watch us Grow:’ Historic May Co. building becomes The May, with modern living, retail
"Watch us Grow" once was May Company department store's slogan. Now, Clevelanders are again watching the iconic May Company Building, with its glistening white terra cotta façade, symmetrical detailing, and large windows facing Public Square, grow into a new life as The May—modern luxury apartments with a nod to the building's history.
Playhouse Square’s Lumen shines brightly as Cleveland’s largest residential project in 40 years
The much-anticipated official opening of the Lumen apartments in Playhouse Square—the largest residential building project in Cleveland in 40 years—happens today.
Test tube retail: Van Aken District launches program for retail and food entrepreneurs
The Van Aken District's Entrepreneurial Initiatives program allows both food and retail entrepreneurs to take their businesses for a test run before deciding to open their own bricks-and-mortar establishments.
Holy homes: Historic Zion Church preserved, reconfigured as San Sofia Luxury Apartments
Tremont's historic Zion Church UCC has been transformed into 26 luxury apartments that preserve the ornate stained glass and other elements of the church's 135-year history.
Broadway rising: University Settlement, NRP break ground on $20 million affordable housing project
Slavic Village's University Settlement and developer NRP Group are working on an affordable housing project that they hope will be the beginning of the neighborhood's renaissance.
Early Arrival: Downtown CLE Fall Restaurant Week starts Monday to give city eateries a boost
Downtown Cleveland Restaurant Week comes early this year—next week, in fact—as the Downtown Cleveland Alliance moves the annual winter event into fall to spark safe dining out (or curbside pickup or delivery) at city restaurants.
Taking it in stride: Two Old Brooklyn businesses re-invent, re-think, and come out on top
Even during the coronavirus pandemic, Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation looks out for its small businesses. Thanks to grants offered by OBCDC, Old Brooklyn Cheese and Coffee, Coffee, Coffee have been able to pivot and thrive during tough times.
Graphic artist shares her love of the city, hope for social justice through her work
Artist Lacy Talley began painting murals with social action messages after graduating from Kent State. As she continues her work she wants to make her art accessible all over Cleveland.
Old Stone Church in Public Square turns 200 this weekend
The Old Stone Church, Public Square's oldest building, is celebrating 200 years of community service and its role in shaping the city we know today.
Go exploring: Canalway Partners invites you to discover the Towpath Trail by bicycle
Canalway Partners wants folks to get out and explore all the Towpath Trail has to offer. Various self-guided bike tours designed for all ages and abilities help get you out there this month. Weekly prize packages are awarded too!
Teamwork makes the dream work: Automation, collaboration increase local mask production
Working with the Ohio Manufacturing Alliance, MAGNET takes the lead on bringing local companies together to compete internationally in automated, high-volume mask production during the coronavirus pandemic.
Open for leisure: Stage 3 of the Towpath Trail sees its first visitors with ribbon cutting
After more than two years, Stage 3 of the Towpath Trail Extension project—an urban stretch of 1.9 miles between the northern entrance to Steelyard Commons and Literary Avenue in Tremont—is complete and open to the public.