📰 A Lakefront Landmark Wakes Up

Good morning, Cleveland! This is The 216 Scoop: One of the city’s favorite summer traditions is back in University Circle, and the price remains everyone’s favorite number: free ☀️🌳🆓

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John Petkovic & Jude Perez

It sat alone and abandoned for decades – a beloved, battered and graffiti-covered reminder of Cleveland’s glorious past, far from sight and mind, on the mouth of the Cuyahoga River, at the end of a 1,000-foot pier.

Plans to restore the historic Cleveland Coast Guard Station seemed as remote as the location, especially after the crumbling pier was shuttered for repairs last year.

Well, the future is getting brighter for the 1940 Art Moderne gem – one of only two examples of the architectural style ever built in Cleveland.

The pier has been repaired and the fishermen, sunset-watchers and urban explorers are back.

The Foundry has also returned to operate sailing programs at the station, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been operated by Cleveland Metroparks since 2016.

In that time, the Metroparks has stabilized the boathouse, old dining hall and a 60-foot observation tower that offers specular views of the lake, river and city.

It’s part of a longer-term project to revitalize the lakefront that includes East 55^th Marina and Gordon Park.

In the meantime, the facility – designed by famed Cleveland architect J. Milton Dyer to look like a ship – is the city’s best perch to watch the sun come down.

So much of Cleveland has been relegated to remembrance pages on Facebook.

Danny’s Deli is a living time capsule where corned beef and vintage vibes still rule.

One of the few diners still operating downtown, it’s packed in the mornings and goes strong deep into the afternoon.

“I get here at 2 a.m. and start making corned beef right away,” says owner Sam Gerges, a Lebanon native whose family has owned the place since 1978.

“Nothing has changed here since ’78,” he adds. “That’s why people keep coming.”

Why mess with a good thing.

The counter, stools and the cooler – with that snazzy Cold Beverage Center – look like  museum pieces.

The sports memorabilia on the walls is pure Cleveland. The tuna melt sandwich and veggie pita always hit the spot.

Then there’s the Reuben Jawbreaker – a massive creation that will leave even the most gluttonous offensive linemen asking for a to-go box.

Danny’s is closed weekends… How come, Sam?

“I go to sleep at 7 p.m. to feed people at 5 a.m.,” he laughs. “I need to sleep in sometimes.”

Cleveland has fully embraced 2016 vibes — a nostalgia for “simpler” pre-pandemic, pre-social-media-peak times that has gripped the world.

And why not.

It was the year the Cavs won the city’s first major sports title since 1964.

Their historic comeback from a 3-1 deficit captured the spirit of the city as a triumphant underdog. The Cavs will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the victory noon Friday. Info.

But there was more to 2016.

Yes, the RNC and Indians making the World Series, Also the opening of three downtown hotels, the build-out of the Flats, a renovation of Public Square, substantial additions to the food scene, the centennial of the Cleveland Museum of Art.  

But selective memory can foster complacency, unrealistic expectations, or a sense of loss that hinders moving forward.

Tomorrow’s 216 Insider will look at that year of triumph and transformation – when sports glory, politics and urban revival made Cleveland the center of the universe.

We’ll also look at where we are now – the good and the bad – and how we can build on what was a remarkable year to move forward.

The 216 Insider takes deeper dives in stories. We’d love to have you join us.

WEDNESDAY

Los Mirlos: The Peruvian legends have been going non-stop since 1972. They bring their innovative mix of cumbia and psychedelic rock to the Beachland Ballroom. Cleveland’s stellar Hello! 3D opens. 8 p.m. Info.

Sachsenheim Summer Patio Pilsner Party: The always charming German beer hall raises a toast to summer with a bash. Music by Gemütlichkeit Clevelander Musikanten. 7 p.m. Info.

THURSDAY

Cleveland History Days: The celebration of Cleveland history opens its run of walking tours, open houses and talks in various locations around the city. 10 a.m. Info.

Twiggy the Water-Skiing Squirrel: The adorable rodent is a world-class water-skier (well, for a squirrel) will starts a four-day engagement at South Park Mall.  3-6 p.m. Info.

5th Annual International Horror Hotel Film Festival: The bash brings 175 slasher, sci-fi, action and fantasy short and feature flicks, scream queens and costume competitions to Crowne Plaza Cleveland Airport. 5 p.m. (Runs through Sunday.) Info.

AVTT-PTTN: The Avett Brothers and Mike Patton team up to create a sound that crosses Americana with experimental, dark rock. 7 p.m. at Jacobs Pavilion. Info.   

👉 View Listing on Zillow

Sunset has crossed 9 p.m. Summer is four days away. And Wednesdays are all booked with the best free deal in town.

The series of the season starts 5:30 tonight when the stilt-walkers, hula-hoopers, food trucks and bands – and thousands of Clevelanders -- hit University Circle.

Yup, Wade Oval Wednesday is back.

The weekly picnic-and-concert series opens with jazz by Kevin Cornwell & the Footprints.

Also, the Cleveland Botanical Garden will open the Kohl Gate allowing free access to the gardens. WOW runs through Aug. 19. Info.

Undated early-1970s photos of downtown Cleveland, East 17th and Euclid.

Ooh and don’t forget! Tag @The216Scoop on Facebook & @scoopcle on Instagram to get your photos in the Scoop!

75 °F 🌡️ 67 °F | ☁️ (Mostly Cloudy) | 50% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 14 mph SW (≈ 12 knots)

74 °F 🌡️ 62 °F | ⛅💨 (Partly Cloudy, Windy) | 70% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 24 mph WSW (≈ 21 knots)

71 °F 🌡️ 62 °F | ☀️ (Sunny) | 20% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 18 mph WNW (≈ 16 knots)

_{Please note that weather conditions can change rapidly. For the most up-to-date information, consider checking a reliable local weather service.}

Away vs. Brewers, 7:40 PM June 17 (Wednesday)

Away vs. Brewers, 2:10 PM June 18 (Thursday)

Away vs. Astros, 8:10 PM June 19 (Friday)

Away vs. Astros, 7:15 PM June 20 (Saturday)

Away vs. Astros, 2:10 PM June 21 (Sunday)

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