❄️ The Snow Machine Is Back—and It’s Hungry

Good morning, Cleveland! This is The 216 Scoop: We found the most glamorous Christmas pop-up in town—and yes, it’s in a bank vault 🎄💎🔐

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John Petkovic & Jude Perez

We got 10 inches and the snowbelt was pounded with 15-20 since Thanksgiving.

The 2025 snowstorm blindsided Clevelanders – due to mild starts in recent years. (Hey, we had 2.1 inches at this point in 2024.)

This is nothing compared to whiteouts over the years:

Of course, there’s the Thanksgiving Blizzard of 1950. The epic blast paralyzed Cleveland with 22 inches of snow, 79 mph winds, and record low temperatures. The National Guard had to use tanks to tow buses and clear roads blocked by thousands of abandoned cars.

But there were others:

Why Thanksgiving? Early bursts are driven by cold air over unfrozen Lake Erie, fueling intense lake-effect bands that funnel moisture directly into the area. 

Now the good news: It isn’t supposed to snow today.

Expectations soared when Daniel Budish and Betsy Figgie bought the old Phantasy complex in Lakewood in 2020.

Two years later, their dream became a reality. The Fieldhouse at Studio West 117 – 30,000-square-foot LGBTQ+ complex -- featured bars, a restaurant, a performance space and a gym.

“This is the alternative entertainment mecca for Cleveland," Budish proclaimed when it opened.

No more: Studio West 117 is closing on Dec. 28.

A press release announcing the closing didn’t provide a reason, but financial pressures hung over the project from the outset.

COVID-19 disrupted its bars and restaurant, while supply chain delays, soaring construction costs, and interest rate hikes inflated the budget from $75 million to over $100 million.

In 2021, the project was denied an $8.7 million tax credit from the Department of Development. In 2024, it defaulted on $9 million in loans from Truist Bank and was delinquent on $222,000 in property taxes.

I went a handful of times, and it was rarely busy except for the rooftop bar. Not what you want in a sprawling, costly project.

Yes, it’s a Christmas party – check out the trees, wreaths, lights and the bartenders dressed like Elf.

But there’s another reason to check out Vault, the subterranean cocktail lounge in The 9 that has rolled out holiday-themed décor and drinks.

It’s stunning maze of ornate rooms adorned with cushy couches, ornate wallpaper, moody lighting and, yes, bank vaults.

The vaults and the narrow corridors that connect them boast intricate glass and gears. They once kept the wealth of the Cleveland Trust Co., the iconic financial institution founded in 1894.

Opened in 2015, the space was empty for decades and in danger of a date with a wrecking ball.

Good for Cleveland that didn’t happen.

The 9, once known as the Cleveland Trust Building, was designed by modernist master Marcel Breuer and is prime example of Brutalist architecture. Hours and info here.

Surfrajettes: The Toronto quartet has created a cult following for its mix of psych and surf rock — as well as their beehives hairdos, go-go boots and groovy get-ups. 8 tonight at Beachland Ballroom. Info.

A Christmas Story: The Yuletide yarn about Ralphie, his BB Gun, the leg lamp and Bumpus Hounds hits Allen Theatre in Playhouse Square. 7:30 tonight and Thursday. Info.

Josh Sneed: The Cincy native known for his absurdist, observational comedy has appeared on Comedy Central, Last Comic Standing and with Dave Chappelle, Jim Gaffigan and Kevin Hart. He opens a five-show, three-night run at Hilarities in Pickwick and Frolic at 7 p.m. Thursday. Info.

👉 View Listing on Zillow

Steve Popovich had numerous claims to fame. The biggest was his role in one of the best-selling albums of all time, Meat Loaf’s “Bat Out of Hell.”

The music-industry insider and a working-class maverick, who died in 2011, played a vital role in the careers of Johnny Cash, Michael Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Cheap Trick and many others.

He was also a Clevelander in heart and spirit – which is why he named his influential label Cleveland International.

At 7 tonight, Music Box will host a discussion on his life and legacy, ‘How Steve Popovich and Cleveland International Changed Rock ‘n’ Roll.” Free. Info.

A billboard by Hopkins, 1959. ‘The Best Location in the Nation’ was a phrase coined by the Illuminating Company in the 1940s to attract industry to Cleveland.

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

37 °F 🌡️ 27 °F | 🌨️ (light snow / late flurries) | 64% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 15 mph (≈ 13 knots)

30 °F 🌡️ 18 °F | 🌨️ (snow showers possible) | 55% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 16 mph (≈ 14 knots)

31 °F 🌡️ 16 °F | ☁️ (cloudy, cold) | ~ 20% | 💨 ↑ ≈ 10 mph (≈ 9 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. Trail Blazers, 7:00 PM December 3 (Wednesday)

Home vs. Spurs, 7:30 PM December 5 (Friday)

Home vs. Warriors, 7:30 PM December 6 (Saturday)

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