Cleveland Theater District

Cleveland's Theater District, bound by Chester Avenue, Prospect Avenue, East 18th, East 9th and East 12th Streets, emerged at the turn of the 20th century as the city became a thriving metropolis. Built between 1890 and 1928, the area included fine retail stores, theaters, prestigious clubs, restaurants, and distinct office buildings. The rise of television and flight to the suburbs drove downtown entertainment into decline until a 1970 grassroots effort saved the surviving post-World War I theaters—the State, Ohio, Hanna, Allen, and Palace—from demolition, creating the world's largest theater restoration project. That effort became a catalyst for reinvestment in downtown properties, restored civic pride, and testified to the creative vision of the city's civic leaders and citizenry. By 2000, Cleveland's Theater District had the nation's second largest performing arts center.

Cleveland, Ohio · United States