The Observation Deck

Does anyone know what is going to go into the storefront at the Northwest corner of Madison and Larchmont? I think it used to be some sort of foot doctor. I've seen activity there over the past week or two. It looks like the building is being gutted.
Chef Geoff: whats the word in your 'hood?

On a slightly related note: who owns the buildings on the north side of Madison west of Woodward - almost to Lauderdale - and why have they been empty (excluding the highchairs and plastic kids toys for sale) for the past four (plus?) years? That is such a killer to the neighborhood. I have a double nearby and was trying to explain to an out-of-towner moving to Lakewood what was within walking distance. As I surveyed the neighborhood, it was obvious that this situation greatly contributes to a lack of life along the strip of Madison west of Hilliard.

Chris-

It's a design company (graphic, I think) and they're going to make some really exciting changes to that building, taking advantage of Lakewood's Storefront Renovation program.

They're going to take out all the glass block and put in big windows. They're even going to restore the transom glass.

That neighborhood is undergoing quite a renaissance and I'm enjoying watching it.

Another piece of the puzzle will be the reconfiguration of the former Hellman's Corners.

Dl is, of course, correct. The old podiatrist office is in the process of conversion....There are workers there everyday.

There was a variance hearing that I received notice of, on the Hellman's corner property. Don't know what became of it. Caroline Leedy of the old Maritnin's on Madison (and Lenard's before that, had/has a proposal to open a bar/restaurant. I believe there was some neighborhood push-back...."just what we need, another bar.....without sufficient parking"....so I don't know where that stands. But I for one, would welcome something other than an empty storefront....

Jeff

There was a variance hearing that I received notice of, on the Hellman's corner property. Don't know what became of it. Caroline Leeds(?) of the old Maritnin's on Madison (and Lenard's before that, has/has a proposal to open a bar/restaurant. I believe there was some neighborhood push-back...."just what we need, another bar.....without sufficient parking"....so I don't know where that stands. But I for one, would welcome something other than an empty storefront....

Katheryn Katcher and Caroline Leedy were granted conditional status by the Planning Commission to open a place that would serve a professional older clientele. There were a few neighbors that protested about the opening of another bar. They were complaining about the bars on Detroit Ave. between Cordova and Northland and their badly behaving customers.

In fifteen years that Caroline owned her other places, she never received a complaint from the police department. I’m glad to see that another business is opening in Lakewood!

Thanks for the update Bill

Caroline always operated a good establishment....She was doing the Martini thing before anyone else. A bad review by the PD pretty much torpedoed the place ("Special place prices, but a Madison Ave. location") So now the old Martini's sits vacant after Titanic folded (Who would ever think that naming a restaurant after one of the greatest maritime disaster was a good idea?) It'll be nice to have an eatery within walking distance, especially since there isn't anything on the west end of Madison.

Jeff

Jeff,

For the record, she never owned Titanic or sold her liquor licenese to those owners.

Bill

Bill

Right...I knew she didn't own Titanic, but didn't know about the liquor license.

Jeff

I was told by a worker at Rozi's that the Buckeye Brewing Company is planning to have a restaurant/brewpub at the old Martini's on Madison. Buckeye is currently located in Bedford. Does any one know if this is true?

Ken,

That's what a family member of the owner told me. I'll be happy to have it occupied but if their current level of upkeep is any indication as to how my neighborhood can expect them to be as landlords for Buckeye, I'm not excited. I guess we could hope that Buckeye will take responsibility for the property's upkeep. Frankly, we would really be happy if a family restaurant would open. Just the people from Lakeland, Arthur and Mars, could keep an establishment like that alive.

As for Martinis, the place was great as Lenards - it lost traction when it changed business models. Madison is really perfect for the family trade. I miss Caroline's catering!

Suzanne

Suzanne

If we take out a couple of houses, we could probably fit a Bob Evan's in there.

But a well operated brew pub would be a great addition (and they are "family restaurants"). The typical brew pub sells only their own product, ie no hard liquor. If you ever go to Rocky River Brewery, esp. on burger night, the place is loaded with kids. There are a number of Brew Pubs that also make their own sasparilla and root beers (for the younger set).

It'll be interesting to see what developes.

Jeff

Suzanne Metelko wrote:Ken,

That's what a family member of the owner told me. I'll be happy to have it occupied but if their current level of upkeep is any indication as to how my neighborhood can expect them to be as landlords for Buckeye, I'm not excited. I guess we could hope that Buckeye will take responsibility for the property's upkeep. Frankly, we would really be happy if a family restaurant would open. Just the people from Lakeland, Arthur and Mars, could keep an establishment like that alive.

As for Martinis, the place was great as Lenards - it lost traction when it changed business models. Madison is really perfect for the family trade. I miss Caroline's catering!

Suzanne

Can't agree more. I'm still mystified about the Lenard's-Martini's ill-fated metamorphosis.

Carolline had the TGiFriday's/Max & Ermas formula before THEY had it. A big menu of familiar foods, including a signature burger, in a place where the kids felt comfortable but mom and dad could still have an 'attitude adjuster'.

And if they EVER caused any problems for the neighborhood, that would have been a shock to me. The bar wasn't big enough for rowdiism.

When they went to $12 shots of scotch and essence of elk antler au poivre, they lost me.

Ii hope she's considering going back to her roots.

"When they went to $12 shots of scotch and essence of elk antler au poivre, they lost me."

.....and most of the neighborhood. I couldn't agree more - she had the place to be and we miss it.

Jeff - from your mouth to God's ear. Right now it's an eyesore and is really taking away from the neighborhood. Where is the nuisance law on this one?

Hi everyone !!!

I was told by a friend to check out this forum, seemed to be a bit of conversation about me and ny establishments . So ----- In response, I first I want to thank all of you for your support and memories throughout the years.. I feel that most of you I know. Now for the record-------I was at Aurthur and Madison for nearly 25 years. The first 15 as Lenards and the last 10 as Martinis. After much consideration I choose not renew lease and throw a few hundred thousand dollars again into a building I did not own - a building in 1980 that no one else wanted to rent because of the location, I was told by the "Experts"
" no one will go there. there is no drive by business etc etc etc. Well I think I proved them wrong. The time for a break was then and the time for a comeback is now so in searching for a place to put my License I am excited that I found Helmans Corners. (By the way I was born on Larchmont(1581) and my first house I bought was on Larchmont(1517) so for me this is like coming home. The place is called Manhattan Blue and details will follow. If anyone has any questions or concerns please respond Carolyn

Welcome Carolyn

We'll all be looking forward to Manhatten Blue. Hope you plan on being open for lunch....or at least can deliver to me across the street. I'm sure we'll all be interested in menu, mood, etc. Can't wait for the details.

Jeff

With a name like that I like it already!!!

Stan Ausitn