West Park, Including Kamm's Corners, is a Great Place to Live in Cleveland

The West Park neighborhood is the original City of West Park, annexed by the City of Cleveland in 1923. Although very much a part of the tapestry that makes up Cleveland’s connected neighborhoods, West Park has always maintained an aura of self-awareness and self-reliance. 

West Park can boast of two significant areas. Its vibrant commercial district, Kamm’s Corners at Rocky River Drive and Lorain Avenue intersection, is an intriguing mix of businesses from corporate to active small businesses. Kamm’s Corners is part business, part entertainment sector and part nurturing residential area.

“The walkability and close-knit neighborhood feel of West Park, as well as the strong locally owned business community, all makes West Park a great place to live,” says Rebekah Ferro, manager of engagement strategy for West Park Kamm’s Neighborhood Development. “What has made West Park successful is our access to healthcare through Fairview Hospital, our proximity to the Cleveland Metroparks Rocky River Reservation and our proximity to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. That often makes us the first neighborhood people pass through to Cleveland. But most importantly, our residents are extremely passionate and engaged about the place they call home.”

And those residents passionately support Kamm’s Corners Farmer’s Market, which operates from mid-June to mid-October. For 20 years the market also offers kids’ activities and healthy living education, in addition to fresh, local produce. 

New development is also happening. Last fall plans were approved for the $150 million North Campus expansion of Cleveland Clinic’s Fairview Hospital at 18101 Lorain Ave. In addition, the new 19-unit Parker Townhomes are coming to Warren Road. 

The Jefferson-Puritas communities form the eastern section of the West Park neighborhood and residents are only 10 minutes away from downtown Cleveland. This neighborhood boasts a diverse mix of residents who offer a colorful and fascinating look at how the face of Cleveland is expanding and encompassing many from Hispanic, Arab and African countries. 

Well-kept homes with pots of geraniums on front porches and seasonal banners flying from flagpoles on house columns help identify this residential area. 

Neighborhood Spotlights

Paradise Cakes, 13342 Lorain Road, is a bakery that specializes in Puerto Rican treats, including tres leches, decorated cakes, guava cream cheese and coconut custard pastries. Custom orders for weddings and other occasions are also available. Arabian Village Market, 12926 Lorain Road, is a large, family-owned operation that offers authentic Middle Eastern food items. The extensive collection of olive oils and bagged grains, plus halal meats, helps make this location a community hub. 

Der Braumeister, 13046 Lorain Ave., has been clinking a lot of beer steins since 1983. The restaurant’s “modernized” German cuisine includes traditional Old World favorites such as sauerbraten and potato pancakes with a bit of an American twist. 

The newly built Old Lorain Connector Trail will go a long way in opening up and connecting a long-anticipated opportunity in West Park. The all-purpose trail will connect the area around Kamm’s Corners and Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital to Cleveland Metroparks’ Rocky River Reservation. Currently, access has only been down a steep, narrow and somewhat dangerous road.  

Construction for the trail is expected to be completed this August. The cost of the project is being covered by the West Park Kamm’s Neighborhood Development, Cuyahoga County, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland Metroparks and the City of Cleveland.