🧱What’s Really Happening on East 55th?

Good morning, Cleveland! This is The 216 Scoop: Holiday shopping season is here, which means the Cyber Grinches are clocking in early 🎄💻😈

Don’t keep us a secret: Share the email with friends (copy URL here)​

John Petkovic & Jude Perez

It was a main arteries in the 20^th century – connecting Lake Erie to manufacturing hubs, the industrial Flats, ethnic groups, races and neighborhoods.

East 55^th reflected the health of the Cleveland, its rise and demise.

The city was strong when Richman Brothers, Westinghouse Electric and Warner Swasey hummed along the thoroughfare. Central and Slavic Village were cultural hubs powered by blue-collar prosperity.

East 55th died when the factories shuttered and neighborhoods decayed. The city followed its path.

Then it enjoyed a strange revival… as a destination for urban explorers seeking out industrial ruins.

Now comes another twist.

The 194,000-square-foot Warner & Swasey factory (5801 Carnegie) that once produced telescopes and lathes is getting a second life.

Pennsylvania-based Pennrose and MidTown Cleveland Inc. will transform it into 112 apartments as part of a $64 million project. It’s set to open in 2028, with construction starting in January.

Richman Brothers (1600 East 55^th) was the largest integrated clothing factory in the U.S. when it opened in 1916… and a 650,000-square-foot symbol of blight when it closed in 1992.

Attempts to revive it have stumbled. The latest, by NYC-based CMI Developers, aims to convert it into upscale apartments with a 2028 opening.

The more things crumble, the harder it is to put them back together – which is why there are no plans to revive the old Westinghouse Electric.

It is, however, considered one of the top urban ruins in the country.

Opened in 1888 and closed in 1979, it’s a maze of rubble and crumbling walls you can see through into other areas – and an architectural wonder authored by decay and erosion.

Shop local? Mayfield Smoke Shop in Little Italy is as much a hang out as a store – and one worth checking out even if you don’t smoke.

Opened by lifelong Little Italy resident Nicole Laurienzo, it enters its 30^th year with the same vibe it had in 1996 – one reminiscent of the spirit that is quintessentially Little Italy.

(No surprise: Laurienzo was born a short walk away on Murray Hill, raised in the neighborhood and hung out in its shops.)

MSS boasts 17 climate-controlled humidors and premium hand-rolled cigars from around the world – to go with some of the biggest, craziest ashtrays you’ll ever find.

Anyone with a cinematic eye will appreciate the colorful characters lounging outside in the summer and hanging out in the shop come winter. Info.

Black Friday? Cyber Monday? How about, Scams Daily?

Cybercriminals are busier than ever – and the Cleveland FBI warns that online scams are booming during the holidays.

“As the volume of shopping transactions increase, so does the rise in fraudulent activity,” said FBI Special Agent Greg Nelsen. “Scammers are working every day of the year; there are simply more opportunities during the holidays. 

Americans lose $785 million to non-payment and non-delivery scams during the holidays. Credit card fraud results in another $199 million.

Top scams include:

Check out the Cleveland FBI report on others and what to look out for here.

Thievery Corporation: The D.C. electronic duo runs the gamut when it comes to sounds and style, from bossa nova to dub, acid jazz and Middle Eastern and South American flair. 8 tonight at House of Blues. Info.

Aimee Mann & Ted Leo Christmas Show: The duo brings the annual holiday variety show -- featuring carols, comedy sketches and tunes – to the Agora. 7 tonight. Info.

👉 View Listing on Zillow

Most nights, the Severance Hall set would clutch their pearls in horror if when you were to call their shrine to classical music… Whoville.

Alas, they’re doing it themselves on Tuesday and Wednesday.

That’s when the Cleveland Orchestra presents a live musical accompaniment to a screening of ‘Dr’ Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas.’

The instant holiday classic from 2000 spins the Seuss yarn about that bitter, grouchy green creature who plans to ruin it for the Whos of Whoville. Info.

Irv’s Deli, 1982. It was a popular hang out for punks, rockers and locals in Coventry Village — a neighborhood that has experienced countless makeovers since it took shape more than a century ago. Follow our Instagram to check out our photo chronicles of Coventry through the decades.

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

39 °F 🌡️ 28 °F | ☁️ | ~ 45% | 💨 W ≈ 12 mph (≈ 10 knots)

38 °F 🌡️ 27 °F | 🌨️ | ~ 55% | 💨 WNW ≈ 14 mph (≈ 12 knots)

37 °F 🌡️ 26 °F | ☁️ / 🌨️ | ~ 50% | 💨 NW ≈ 10–15 mph (≈ 9–13 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. Wizards, 7:00 PM December 12 (Friday)

Home vs. Hornets, 3:30 PM December 14 (Sunday)

Thanks for reading The 216 Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who’s obsessed with Cleveland’s late-night food scene.

Watch this quick video (start at 0:50) to see how easy it is to add our app to your home screen!