It is possible for a very small number of committed, enterprising people to make substantive positive change. The development of the Beachland Ballroom & Tavern in Cleveland’s North Collinwood neighborhood has served as an impetus for community redevelopment and urban renewal. Its owners continue to promote the area’s improvement with an eye toward business growth and economic stability that will revitalize the district.
Innovation
For many years, Cleveland’s North Collinwood neighborhood had been home to a thriving ethnic community. By the late 1990s, the population had shifted to the suburbs and urban blight was apparent. In an effort to revitalize the neighborhood, two committed individuals have created a “destination location” by purchasing the historic Croatian Liberty Home and converting it to a music club. The Beachland Ballroom & Tavern, opened in March 2000, now features outstanding musical groups from around the world, and has achieved a national reputation for attracting talent. A unique feature of the area is that the atmosphere of the old neighborhood is still apparent midst the influx of new ideas, enterprises and energy.
Impact
The essential impact of this effort has been to reverse the downward spiral of a declining neighborhood. The Beachland holds an average of ten events each week, and attracts about 30,000 people annually. The business has been averaging a gross cash flow of about $500,000b a year. Though there is not yet surplus to reinvest, there has been significant growth in income.
With the launch of the Beachland Ballroom & Tavern, the district has become more stable, and new businesses have opened (Grovewood Tavern, WhatNot Coffee Shop). Entrepreneurs continue to invest in and develop businesses such as cafes and restaurants, galleries, and bookshops. The owners of the Beachland intend to partner with other areas businesses to gain more exposure and attract more entertainment/cultural consumers to the area. For example, a non-profit arts organization just purchased a building on the same street as the Beachland, and will sponsor gallery shows and events. These businesses are changing the look of the neighborhood’s main street, and plan to explore alternate energy sources and other environmentally friendly measures in their business as an example to others who are developing the district. One of the Beachland’s owners is on the board of a non-profit organization that helps support and promote other new businesses in the area by locating available property and obtaining low interest loans.
Inspiration
This is an example of how the dedication and commitment of one or two people can generate large-scale neighborhood improvement. By doing good and doing business, the owners of the Beachland Ballroom & Tavern have provided the impetus for positive change. The owner said, “I want to make Cleveland a better place to live,” and has set upon a course of action that has motivated others to do the same, particularly in the North Collinwood area. Further, the owner is looking and acting beyond the success of her own business to encourage others to invest in the neighborhood.
The World Inquiry editorial team edited this profile from the original submission of the interviewer or other source. The views expressed do not necessarily represent Case Western Reserve University, the Weatherhead School of Management or the Center for Business as an Agent of World Benefit. More >>
