35th Anniversary: The Houses that We Built

“Sometimes it’s real disheartening,” says Indians pitcher Charles Nagy. “Ten thousand people is not even a drop in the bucket [in Municipal Stadium]. That’s when you just have to concentrate more on your game.”
— “Tough Love,” by Lee Melius, Oct. 1992
After

Gateway is the most visible symbol of civic resurrection that, in a little more than a decade, has changed Cleveland from the butt of a national joke to a municipal role model for others to emulate. 
— “Your Ultimate Guide to Gateway,” by William Troy, City Guide 1994

Gund Arena
October 1994

Before

The sports arena, with 41 home playing dates for the Cleveland Cavaliers, is looking to host about “200 events in its first year,” [former Gateway director Tom] Chema says, “with a maximum of 250 as the years go along.” It’s no stretch of the imagination to believe the whole complex could attract more than 6 million people annually. 
— “Your Ultimate Guide to Gateway,” by William Troy, City Guide 1994

September 1995

Before

It’s over, folks. Dead. Kaput. Finis. Down the tubes. The time has come for Clevelanders to finally let go and start pinning our hopes for greatness on some other dream. Trust me on this: The Rock Hall ain’t gonna happen — not in our lifetime, anyway. 
— “R.I.P., Rock Hall,” by David Sowd, Feb. 1993

After
For some fans, artists and music-industry insiders, seeing the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum on the shores of Lake Erie is an event comparable to a real Elvis sighting. 
— “House that Rock Built,” by Lynne Thompson, City Guide 1995

Before
“I was interested in building [in Strongsville] because I thought we were operating here under a climate of decadence in the Stadium and felt somewhat frustrated in dealing with the city fathers to do certain things, and I thought it was time for me to pursue the possibility of building a stadium for football only.” 
— “Conversation with Art Modell, Cleveland Browns Owner” by Michael D. Roberts, Nov. 1974

After
Even if the Browns’ inaugural season doesn’t get rave reviews, one thing is certain: Clevelanders are going to see football in a way they never could have imagined at Cleveland Municipal Stadium. “This Cleveland Browns Stadium is pretty special,” says CEO Carmen Policy. 
— “Field of Dreams,” by Fred Steiner, City Guide 1999