I have always loved the Galleria. While the architecture is classical 80′s mall, it is a lovely space. Across the country, there are few downtown spaces that are so full of natural light and airiness. Unfortunately, like most malls across the country, the Galleria has suffered of late. The rise of internet shopping has eliminated the core base of many american malls, leaving them empty shells. Cleveland seems to be faring worse than most with a high concentration of malls whose bottom line is adversely affected by the urban flight and population loss of the region. Many have had to reinvent themselves to try and stay viable. The Westgate Town Center in Westlake demolished most of its existing structures to reinvent itself as a “lifestyle center.”
But what do you do when your real estate is located in the heart of a downtown district that has been plagued with difficulties? Downtown shopping in Cleveland seems to be all but abandoned. While there is still hope that the new Medical Mart, convention center, and casino will once again breathe new life to downtown Cleveland, it is unlikely that we will ever see downtown Cleveland as the shopping mecca that it once was. The Avenue project with its tree lined streets and promises of new retail and service shops combined with condos had many of us holding our breath for that area of downtown that some call the Financial District. This project taught us all not to pin our hopes on any single development or idea.
So what do you do with a space like the Galleria? If downtown retail is really a thing of the past, then what is the future of a downtown mall? We have been talking with Vicki Poole, who manages the property and there is indeed hope for what was once a thriving mall to reinvent itself. First came the event business. Vicki looked forward to see the possibilities of hosting events in a space that could hold hundreds of people. When looking for an unusual space to hold a wedding or special event, what could be better than a space with glass walls and a view of the stars? Several times a month, she pulls a heavy curtain around much of the food court and turns it into a lovely event space. The annual beer festival has been held here, taking up the concourse and offering a great space for vendors to showcase their products while making use of the natural light and ample space for all the attendees.
Next Vicki envisioned the Galleria as a place to take advantage of the sun and grow plants in a greenhouse environment. She installed a greenhouse and operates a hydroponic garden. One idea that we discussed was to take this to the next level and add more growing space, while still allowing the Galleria to operate as a meeting and event space. We talked about a “test garden” type of scenario, where educational institutions could try out new natural growing mediums, natural insect control systems and the like. This could incorporate the local education institutions that we are so proud of, and enable them to expand their educational opportunities beyond the summer growing season and into the school year.
Another thing that we talked about was the chance for testing of emerging technologies that could impact the region. While NW Ohio has many new manufacturing facilities for solar panels, where does one test new products in Ohio in the middle of winter? Imagine the advantages for researchers of solar technologies to be able to place solar panels in a full sun, downtown environment that is completely indoors. Results of the viability of certain products in an urban environment could be tested all year without the necessity of rooftop access and giant ladders. Then there is the unique design of the Galleria’s structure. With a series of rounded and flat spaces to choose from, rooftop wind turbines could be tested in a way that could provide data for a whole series of structural possibilities.
We even discussed the Food Court. Imagine a Food Court that served more healthful foods. A place where there were options for more locally produced produce and other foods, while serving as an extension for Cleveland’s growing food truck industry.
In an effort to move things in the right direction, Vicki started the Gardens Under Glass concept. Today, she has expanded this concept to include a store front that serves as a meeting space, educational center and retail outlet. Smaller groups can reserve the meeting space for gatherings, lectures, and more. The goal is to be able to host rain barrel workshops, composting lessons, and guest speakers in a convenient downtown space with access to food and within walking distance of downtown businesses. If you are interested in learning more about composting, gardening, or other green concepts, there is a wealth of information to check out by dropping into the resource area. And if you want to buy a rain barrel or composting kit, or just a locally produced product, stop by and see what is available.
To top things off, there is a strong group that emerged from the Sustainability Summit that is the Green Business working group. They are working to find ways to showcase and attract green businesses to the region, while encouraging entrepreneurship and small business growth. One of the ideas that they have discussed are a green business incubator, where several small businesses could share space and office resources, making potential new businesses more viable. They hope to include local education opportunities, where business professionals could gain valuable LEED training and continuing eduction credits in a space that is close to their downtown business and central to the entire region.
While there are no guarantees, the hope is that by thinking outside of the box, the Galleria could become an important part of the green future of NE Ohio. Furthermore, they could stand as an example for many distressed mall properties across the nation.
VOTE VOTE VOTE PLEASE!! The Galleria at Erieview has been nominated for Cleveland’s Best Non-traditional Venue for 2011 by the CBC Magazine Connectors Choice Awards. If we could receive this recognition for the venue it would also enhance the visibility of the Gardens Under Glass Project for Sustainability
PLEASE EVERYONE VOTE, THIS IS A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE A LOCAL BUSINESS A BOOST, EVERY CITY HAS A HOUSE OF BLUES AND THE GREAT FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME IS IN CANTON LETS FOCUS ON CLEVELAND.
I am personally asking you to vote, and to please pass this along to your contacts, and help us bring the Galleria a new “bright city light” …a new reputation, that will help her shine once again.
