Hi Bohdan - great news!

I promoted your posting to the home page - you need to do that yourself now... it is an option at the bottom of the submit form...

Anyways - fantastic news. I don't know of an outdoor sculpture garden in Cleveland that rotates the art - are you considering making it a changing exhibit space? Seems you may partner with CSU, CIA and local galleries to set up a schedule - and Cleveland could use some changing outdoor art - and Tremont can always use more free open green space, especially with art.

Do you have some designs yet?

My wife curates the Putnam Sculpture collection at Case (mostly outdoor permanent installations) - http://www.putnamcollection.org/ - and she may be able to offer some advice and local help - evelyn [dot] kiefer [at] gmail [dot] com

Disrupt IT

I spoke to tremontsoul this evening and he has a fabulous idea for the property on Professor/College.  I think that an urban and sculpture garden would really beautify and benefit the entire community.   

 This is good for all. Nice to see what happens when everyone gets a say in the action rather than a few vested players. Nearby neighbors are probably relieved.

There are plenty of local sculptors that need places to exhibit. Urban gardens are growing by leaps and bounds, and the possibility of integrating sculpture, greenery,  along with reflections of businesses is exciting. The old south side market was one of the first places that I was allowed to walk to with friends, as well as the drugstore. There are others places that people will recall fondly, and it would be nice to honor these past businesses in some way, along with current businesses.

When I first read what you posted, foundation stone was my reaction. Foundation stone is all over the place with all the demolitions that Cleveland is doing these days; it makes a nice looking "fence" even if it is only 18 to 24 inches in height so as to not obstruct the view. It can be placed so that that people make walk between them, and can be used as seats for a momentary rest. They weigh a lot so that are not easily moved, and are a solid barrier against illegal cars and trucks. They would fit in nicely with any type of garden. Design review committees tend to like them.

It would be a good idea to sketch out what you have in mind, tremontsoul. You say that the property has been damaged, but to what extent? What would artists need to contend with in placing pieces in the lot? Is the ground an uneven mess due to heavy trucks and equipment? For gardens, has the soil been tested, or would you want to go directly to non-edibles lead remediating plants? Where do you see the property in 5 years? 10 years? 

I like the idea of being able to sit and take in the view.  Perhaps some benches would be nice.   If you're thinking big - an angelic  water fountain in a beautiful rose garden.  Old stones would be lovely. 

I called about ten residents after I spoke to Bohdan and the excitement was electrifying.  Everybody thought what a wonderful idea and it's a perfect spot.  Thoughts are pouring in - most say skip the urban garden -  due to the location - and go for a beautiful serene setting that will just light up the neighborhood. 

I've never seen people go so excited so fast.  One idea was to make sure that there are some evergreens and perhaps a bird fountain or two. 

We're going to be searching for photos of gardens from the millionaire-row days - for possible ideas. 

My granddaughter heard us all talking about it and how it would be good for the community and she said it could be called "The Secret Garden"  - she said "grandma, it will hold the secret that brings all the people together." Of course, I'm biased, but I thought what an amazing idea from a six-year old. 

I just happen to know a Tremont business owner who has a big pile of old stones right close by.

This just might be the idea of the century.