RETURNING TO A TIMELESS PLACE 

We all know the feeling. It happens every once in a while when you go Downtown and feel a twinge in your heart that’s far more powerful than memory alone. It’s a glimpse into the old Higbee’s windows and still smelling those Perterson nuts. It’s all the big things, of course, … the games, parades, fireworks, historic places and buildings. But it’s also a thousand nooks and crannies and fleeting images that, woven all together, form the fabric and foundation for life in Northeast Ohio.

However, Downtown Cleveland is more than merely a nostalgic symbol; it’s the heart, soul and economic engine of our region. And during these hard-scrabble economic times, it’s critical that we all do everything in our power to revitalize our city’s center and restore it to the place where — not so very long ago — electricity used to shoot through each and every square foot of Downtown’s pavement.

Here at Downtown TAB, we believe that it can be that way again. That’s why we plan to help meet the challenge of re-invigorating Downtown by launching a massive door-to-door distribution campaign, backed by a dynamic website, that will reach out to a million households in 20 suburbs each year — inviting everyone to come Downtown to live, shop, play and experience the enduring place that has magically knitted together generation after generation of Clevelanders.

Of course, this won’t be easy, but we’ve been here before. Downtown was counted out thirty years ago before exploding into All-American City status with a reborn Flats, a refurbished Playhouse Square, Tower City, Gateway, the Rock Hall and Science Center. Now, midst another uncertain time, more amazing possibilities await: A new convention center and medical mart; the development of the Flats East Bank; an expanded CSU campus; a bigger and better Port Authority; more hotels, housing and retail.

Over 200 years ago George Washington said "At the mouth of the Cuyahoga a city will arise of great commercial importance." That timeless place is still here. By working together, we can turn the next decade into another Golden Age of discovery and excitement for Downtown Cleveland. Please join us on this wondrous journey home.

Rick Ferrell, Publisher/Founder,

Downtown TAB, a River Burns Production