The news of a dramatic overhaul of the Agora complex doesn’t just mean a facelift for an icon of Cleveland’s music scene. It signifies a huge step in the city’s rebirth that will unite the fragments of growth and activity that have been building pockets of steam. Midtown has been waiting to become a thriving artery of Cleveland again, and it seems fitting that MidTown Cleveland Inc. will give it the necessary push.
The LoConti family donated the Agora complex to MidTown after seeking the right partnership for two years. When other potential relationships fell through and he was faced with scouting options again, Hank LoConti says he looked at what he had and thought, “I can still make this work.”
In talking with MidTown, it became clear that this endeavor is much bigger than just the Agora. LoConti observes that the city has rebuilt above and below Midtown, and this complex will tie it together: “The Agora is the anchor. It’s exciting that this development is finally going to happen.”
MidTown Cleveland will move its offices into the building, creating a community center that invites people to see what projects are underway and what is to come. LoConti predicts full occupancy in the professional complex within a year, and hints at prospective restaurant/bar/retail tenants, though negotiations are still under way.
The Agora Theatre itself will receive much-needed attention in Phase Two, a massive undertaking to include new heating, air conditioning and renovation of the venue’s floors, bars and stage. Fenced parking lots will make it a more attractive and safe destination — no more paying a guy to “watch” (i.e., refrain from burglarizing) your car. The Euclid entrance will lead to a newly designed ticket lobby for better traffic flow. A restaurant space in the complex plans to open by early March, offering lunch and showtime eats for now. The Agora is actively booking for next fall and spring, with goals of being open 200-250 days per year between concerts and private events.
