| Is It Off The Grid? |
 Last week, a beloved Cleveland establishment closed its doors. The Grid (E13th and St. Clair) is no longer a weekend destination. Signs on the door say, "Redesign in Progress: See you in 2009", but rumors indicate that this infamous spot may be closing its doors forever.I have had some great memories of that place. In fact, The Grid was the very first places that Spotcleveland ever shot. It had a huge, well-designed dance floor, perfect layout, kick-ass sound system, awesome electronic music, pool tables, friendly bartenders, and a great & fun crowd every week. Being a woman, I loved going there since, unlike some downtown night spots, The Grid is never a place where you are going to get groped, followed or otherwise harassed every time you smile at someone and I never saw one fight in all the time I spent there. People that go to the Grid just really wanted to have a good time. Speculation about The Grid's closure range from a well overdue renovation to the city wanting to "clean" the place up. The Grid is "gay" club. But so what? We live in the 21st century, and Cleveland is supposed to be a cosmopolitan, modern, liberal city. But I do know a lot of people in Cleveland, men and women, that would not even set foot in a so-called "gay" establishment. Not being from the Midwest, I didn't think that clubs are supposed to be labeled as such. A dance club is a dance club and people are people. Stigmas are only there because people put it there. Originally a Warehouse District staple in the 90's, The Grid moved to it's location on 1437 St. Clair Ave. more than six years ago. Let's hope that next year brings back a Cleveland original. We don't want clubs like these falling off the Grid. Too many have done so already. |
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