The Flats
Bob PerkoskiFlats East Bank Apartments
On the banks of the Cuyahoga River and intertwined with
railroad lines, the lowlands of Cleveland have served as the city’s industrial
hub as freight is stored in warehouses and transported around the world through
rails and shipping channels. Yet, the East and West Banks of the Flats have
also become a popular entertainment district—where bars, restaurants, theaters,
and live music abound while passing freighters and railcars provide a visual spectacular
for revelers.
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The Steak Club Foundation started as a casual dinner group to reconnect friends and network and evolved into to a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing food insecurity. The group provides meals, runs food pantries, and supports local communities. The foundation's guiding principle, "No Service, No Steak" reflects the commitment to giving back.
Slow Roll Cleveland, a community cycling group that takes leisurely 10-mile bike rides each week through various Cleveland neighborhoods, concludes its 2024 season next week with a Halloween ride—costumes and bike decorations encouraged.
The 28th Head of the Cuyahoga Regatta takes place this Saturday at Cleveland's Rivergate Park. With more than 1,500 athletes from across the U.S., the free event highlights Cleveland's rowing tradition dating back to the 1980s.
The Veterans Memorial Bridge will be open this weekend for Cuyahoga County’s Rediscover the Veterans Memorial Bridge, part of Canalway Partners' Cleveland History Days. Artist Chuck Karnak's installation "Go Dream" will add to the excitement with kinetic sculptures suspended from the bridge's ceiling. Historic Gateway Neighborhood Corporation will also host its Take A Hike Tours of the bridge throughout the summer.
Brite Winter, the festival that is full of art, fire, music, and fun to beat the winter blues, returns to the West Bank of The Flats for its 15th year this weekend. There will be more than two dozen musical acts, food trucks, Sibling Revelry beer, and fun. Take a break from winter and warm up to Brite Winter!
Canalway is already well into planning for its third Annual Towpath Trail Lantern Parade in March, and the organization has put out a call to community artists to submit proposals for creating large-scale lanterns made from recycled materials.
Cleveland Masterworks: In the late 19th Century and early 20th Century, the railroad industry was booming, for both freight transport and passenger rail. The abandoned Cleveland Terminal & Valley Railway depot in the Flats is a living relic of those past times.
Engage! Cleveland recently held its inaugural Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Conference at the Cleveland Museum of Art. A sold-out crowd participated in conversations about diversity and listened to speakers discuss how to foster inclusive workplaces, address systemic barriers, promote equitable opportunities, and create a more just and inclusive society.
Mural Artist Isaiah Williams worked with LAND studio and the Cleveland Metroparks to create a five-wall mural on a warehouse behind Merwin's Wharf in the Flats.
The subway level of the Veterans Memorial Bridge will be open this weekend for tours and a discussion about creating a public "Low-Line Park" on the level that was closed in 1954.
Light up the night by making your own lantern, participate in others arts and crafts, and join Canalway for its Towpath Trail Lantern Parade this Saturday.
More than 1,000 runners competed on Saturday, Oct. 8 in Canalway's Towpath Trail marathon, half marathon, and 10K race. FreshWater managing photographer Bob Perkoski captured this year's event in this photo essay.
The 26th Head of the Cuyahoga takes place this weekend, with more than 2,000 people from 15 states and Canada descending upon the Flats. It seems like a good time to reflect on the river's progress in the past 53 years, as rowing and other water recreation, business, and environmental stewardship grows.
Earlier this month, Graffiti HeArt brought French street artist Blek Le Rat to Cleveland to paint four murals around town—including one of his most famous works on the Cuyahoga River Viaduct by Merwin's Wharf.
International mural artist Birdcap is in Cleveland this week, painting one of his unique murals on the side of the Stella Maris building in the Flats.
Last week, Canalway celebrated a “river renewed” by looking at how far the Cuyahoga River has come, the river’s history, and the lifestyle enhancements clean water provides at Cuyahoga River Rally in the Flats. FreshWater managing photographer Bob Perkoski caught all the fun.
After closing during the pandemic, the newly renovated Stella Maris Coffee Shop on Washington Avenue is back in business and offering workforce development for its employees in recovery, as well as a tasty cup of coffee or tea for the patrons.
Canalway's Cuyahoga River Rally returns for its second year with river history tours, ways to get out on the river, and a celebration on the banks of the Cuyahoga.
Volunteers came out in force last weekend for Canalway's annual RiverSweep—picking up more than 23 tons of trash along the Cuyahoga River Valley.
The Foundry Community Rowing and Sailing Center has been growing steadily ever since in opened on the banks of the Cuyahoga. The newest addition is a 150-foot mural that can be seen from afar and embraces the teamwork and diversity The Foundry promotes.
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