Cleveland’s west side neighborhoods, which were founded by Irish, Italian, German and other immigrants in the 19th century, are now being revitalized by longtime residents as well as newcomers. Once a mostly-white enclave, the west side is now increasingly diverse, with growing Latinx and Black communities.
After experiencing population loss on the near west side, neighborhoods like Tremont, Ohio City and Detroit Shoreway were repopulated by artists, the LGBTQ+ community, and community organizers in the 80s and 90s. Community developers preserved much affordable housing, yet today parts of the west side are rapidly being redeveloped with new housing, businesses, and more. Other parts of the west side are stable, while still others languish in need of development.
Through the West Side Observer, we aim to explore the challenges and opportunities of growth on Cleveland’s west side.