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The Waterfront Line through Cleveland's 'Flats'
When it first became operational in 1996, the Waterfront Line was a symbol of Cleveland’s resurgence, and a commitment to the future development of its Lake Erie waterfront and the nearby scenic ‘Flats’ areas along the winding Cuyahoga River. Unfortunately, however, for a decade and a half, it has also seemed to many a symbol of a financial boondoggle.
Turn back the clock to 1996, and Cleveland seemed on the cusp of significant urban revitalization. The lakefront had seen the addition of I. M. Pei’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and the neighboring Great Lakes Science Center (with its IMAX cinema). Jacobs Field had been packing in sell-out crowds through one World Series, and would soon repeat the feat. Gund Arena (now Quicken Loans Arena) was hosting sizable Cavaliers crowds (though nothing like what now gathers around LeBron James). Plans were afoot for significant reinvestment in mixed-use development in the Flats, and in a new waterside facility for The Cleveland Browns.
In this atmosphere, the Regional Transit Authority (RTA) trumpeted the Waterfront Line as a bold new gesture toward the Lake. The Waterfront Line, which curled out from under The Terminal Tower to the Cuyahoga below, thence north and east, to link to development areas along the river and on the shores of Lake Erie, joined RTA’s Red, Blue and Green Lines, which already radiated east, southeast and southwest to serve the city’s population. That network of light-rail transit remains one of the largest in the nation, and one of the few linking a city’s core to its international airport.
In its first year, the Line lived up to the hype, meeting or exceeding ridership projections. But then the doldrums hit. The Flats fell on hard times, as the popularity of its nightspots faded, with rowdiness and crime crowding out patrons. Riverfront and lakefront developments, both commercial and residential, were snagged by financing woes, acquisition delays, and leasing fallout. The Waterfront Line’s gleaming stations remained unpopulated and its cars became ghost trains.
But, with the slowly recovering economy and some key recent announcements, the Waterfront Line may once more live up to its promise. The City administration has renewed its commitment to dynamic riverfront and lakefront development, and has invited participation of all citizens. A new office tower with related support facilities will soon break ground on a Flats site. Additional downtown residences and parking facilities on or near the Line continue to open.
Perhaps once again soon The Waterfront Line will symbolize the ascendance of Cleveland’s birthplace, where the Cuyahoga meets the Lake.
- Cleveland's Cuyahoga River
Cleveland's Cuyahoga River Key to its founding as well as its future, the Cuyahoga River is the heart of Cleveland. In 1796, the city’s founder, Moses Cleaveland, first stepped ashore with his original surveying party, less than a half-mile from... - Cleveland's Nautica Queen
The Nautica Queen, Cleveland, Ohio Each year from the end of March through December, The Nautica Queen offers a unique view of the all the attractions of Cleveland from the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie. The Nautica Queen departs from the west bank... - The Warehouse District, Cleveland, Ohio
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This structure is one of Cleveland's first true high-rises, constructed of senstively detailed multi-color brown brick and sizable windows. - Cleveland's Flats District
The low-lying or 'flat' area of the downtown Cleveland core, along the Cuyahoga River was the first area settled, and is still vibrant today. - Nautica Pavilion, Cleveland, Ohio
Nautica Pavilion, Cleveland, Ohio Situated below the Cleveland skyline, on the western bank of the Cuyahoga River, the Nautica Pavilion offers a unique and enjoyable summer entertainment venue. The Nautica Pavilion was developed as a component of... - Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Bridge #464, Cleveland, Oh...
Should you be a bridge aficionado, then you MUST travel to Cleveland's Cuyahoga River, along the banks of which you'll enjoy views of more different styles of bridge than perhaps anywhere else. - The Flats' Industrial Heritage, Cleveland, Ohio
Long before the banks of the Cuyahoga River beckoned boaters and party-goers, they called to the many industries that built Cleveland and enriched generations of its residents. - Tour Cleveland's lakefront (and riverfront)
If you're traveling to the Forest City, you might want to check out any of these sights strung along the Lake Erie shoreline and the banks of the Cuyahoga throughout downtown Cleveland. - Frank J. Lausche State Office Building, Cleveland, O...
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