🔥 The Cuyahoga River Fire - A spark that revived a city

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It was a stain on the city’s reputation and fuel for a never-ending joke that included the refrain: “The Mistake on the Lake.”

In actuality, the Cuyahoga River fire of June 22, 1969, was hardly a big deal. The 20-minute blaze caused by oil-drenched debris was the 13^th fire on the river going back to the 19^th century. It was also one of the smallest; nothing compared to a massive 1952 fire.

It barely made the news – an anonymous, basic news item on page 11-C the following day in the morning paper. That is, until a rising environment movement, congressional hearings and the media turned it into a cause celebre.

Fifty-six years later, Clevelanders are proud that they transformed one of the city’s darkest days and created meaningful change – locally and nationally.

On Tuesday, Cleveland History Days will host boat rides that celebrate the river, its history and natural beauty.  More info here.

You can also adventure out on your own. Check out 216 Rundown (below), for some of our favorite sights along the river.

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Converting office buildings into residences is all the rage in downtown markets and Cleveland has led the nation. But a new tower hitting the auction block reveals the other side of the coin.

One of downtown’s biggest buildings – 1100 Superior Avenue, aka Oswald Center – is hitting the auction block at the end of July.

Built in 1972 and renovated in 2013, the modern block-design, glass-and-metal tower is 282 feet tall and boasts 23 floors and 576,503 square feet of space, according to the listing.

Opening bid: $2.75 million. Yes, the 25^th tallest building in Cleveland… less than the price of a mega-luxury home.

It was the headquarters for Oswald Companies until 2023, when the insurance broker moved to Ernst & Young Tower in the Flats. The move left 1100 Superior with a vacancy rate of about 32-35% – and illustrates the precarious state of commercial real estate.  

COVID, work-from-home, high interest rates and economic instability have weakened occupancy rates and prices. For instance, the iconic 200 Public Square Building (formerly the BP Building) sold for $54 million in 2024, after selling for $187 million in 2018.

A year ago, 1100 Superior was listed for $22.5 million, then considered a deep discount. Unlike other downtown conversions, it’s listed as an office building solely because its boxy shape, wide floor plates and lighting issues makes it hard to convert to residential.

When Shaquille O’Neal made his musical debut in 1992 on “The Arsenio Hall Show,” appearing with the Fu-Schnickens, people thought he was joking.

Nope. The iconic hoopster and former Cav fell in love with music before he became a baller – and used it to develop his game.

“It gave me confidence, a sense of rhythm – especially being a tall guy,” he once told me. “When I’m doing the music, I’m going ‘1-2, 1-2.’ I do the same on the court. That’s what they have in common to me.”

On Sunday August 10, he’ll appear as his musical alter-ego DJ Diesel, master of dubstep, at FWD Day + Nightclub in the Flats. Tickets here.

During his stint with the Lebron-led Cavs in 2009-2010, Shaq was a beloved man about town – taking to social media to announce that he was in a restaurant and invite fans to join. And he would often pick up their tabs.

“Unlike some people here, I don’t travel with a big entourage,” he once told me, looking toward LeBron, during a Cavs practice. “I’m a man of the people.”

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Scranton Riverfront Park: Located on the northernmost point of Scranton Road, it was once among the deadest parts of the river. But the dredging of contaminated soil and the chain arrival of greenery, insects, fish, small birds, geese and heron has turned it into an enchanting mix of lush greenery, industry, and beautiful views of the skyline.

Jack-Knife Bridge #464: Located behind the old Shooters spot on the west bank, it’s a rusty relic from another time – a massive circa-1907 life bridge that’s been abandoned. Whoa, next to it sits a bust of Norse explorer Leif Erikson.

The Little Falls in Cuyahoga Falls: Located at the southernmost point of the Cuyahoga River, 40 miles away from its northern tip. It will give Clevelanders a very different perspective of the river – a small, enchanting waterway far from industry.

Rivergate Park: The 2.8-acre area just north of Columbus Road Bridge has been instrumental in transforming the waterway into a lifestyle amenity. It features Crooked River Skate Park, Merwin’s Wharf, the Cleveland Rowing Foundation and offers great views of nature and industry, and the Irishtown Bend project.

Willow Avenue Bridge: Located at the intersection of River Road and Elm Street, it connects the Flats with Whiskey Island (near Ontario Stone Corp.). It sits amid a desolate part of the Flats and provides unique views of the East Bank and the skyline.

Old Jefferson Street Bridge: The truss is all that remains of the bridge, which was the site of the river’s massive 1952 fire. It’s located on the east bank, north of I-490 and next to Rockefeller Avenue -- the site of the tycoon’s Standard Oil refineries. Also: It’s near Kingsbury Run, where the Torso Killer once rampaged. Not scenic, but interesting.

Settler’s Landing: It was on this location on the east bank of the Flats that Moses Cleaveland founded the city that bears his name. It’s also where the first settler, Lorenzo Carter, lived. Now, it’s a sweet spot to lounge a summer day away.

👉 View Listing on Zillow

Classic thrills, a vintage concession stand. retro movie trailers. Aut-o-Rama Twin Drive-In is a timeless slice of Americana that has been going strong since 1965.

The films will be just as timeless when it rolls out Retro Tuesdays. The weekly series boasts double features of classic films that have made the drive-in a popular destination for decades.

It opens Tuesday with two classic horror flicks based on Stephen King novels – “Pet Sematary” and “Cujo.” The rest of the schedule hasn’t been finalized, but it should run into August. (We’ll have it ASAP.)

Retro Tuesdays also marks the opening of first drive-in opened June 1933, in New Jersey, by Richard Hollingshead. By the 1950s, drive-ins were the ultimate signifier of summer, when there were 4,000 around the country.

There are currently 321 in America and 24 in Ohio – the third most of any state. Aut-o-Rama has thrived because it’s also nostalgic experience, from the carnival treats to themed events.

“We have some classics coming back because people love seeing them in this setting,” says Sherman. “They could watch many of these films at home, but Retro Tuesdays is as much about the experience.”

Shaq played one season in Cleveland, 2009-2010. It was the 40th anniversary for the franchise, which finished 61-21 that year — the best in the NBA. But things didn’t end well: The Cavs lost to the Celtics in the Conference Semifinals, resulting in the firing of Mike Brown and LeBron announcing that he was “taking his talents to South Beach.”

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92 🌡️ 79 | ☀️ | 65% | 💨 SSW 10 mph (9 knots)

90 🌡️ 74 | ⛅ | 60% | 💨 S 12 mph (10 knots)

81 🌡️ 74 | 🌦️ | 80% | 💨 WSW 8 mph (7 knots)

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

Home vs. Blue Jays, 06:40pm Tuesday

Home vs. Blue Jays, 06:40pm Wednesday

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