Latest news with #I-XCenter
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Grave concern': Not everyone sold on I-X Center transformation plan
CLEVELAND (WJW) — The I-X Center appears headed for a dramatic transformation. Over the years, it became a tank factory, then one of Cleveland's most iconic event spaces. But that era appears to be coming to an end. LIVE: Cuyahoga County exec. to address Senate's budget plan for Browns dome On Monday night, Cleveland City Council approved a deal that clears the way for a major corporation to lease one million square feet inside the I-X Center. In exchange, the city gains access to 69 acres of valuable land near the airport that officials believe could drive significant long-term growth. The deal includes the promise of more than 200 high-paying jobs. But not everyone is on board. The new lease runs 49 years, replacing the previous agreement, which had about 14 years remaining. Critics argue that the city is locking itself into a long-term plan that hasn't been fully fleshed out. 'It's a 49-year lease. That's a long time,' said longtime councilman Mike Polensek, one of only two members to vote against the proposal. Polensek also raised concerns about the future of beloved events, like the Cleveland Auto Show, which have long called the I-X Center home. 'The income tax—we have to share with Brook Park, who are trying to take our Browns as we speak,' he added. City officials say the Huntington Convention Center downtown could host those large-scale events moving forward. But Polensek isn't convinced. 'I don't know if the Huntington Convention Center can support those kinds of shows,' he said. As for the identity of the new corporate tenant? The city is staying tight-lipped. Officials say only that the economic impact will be worth the tradeoff—and that the next chapter for the I-X Center is focused on business, not show business. Ohioans can soon buy over twice as much nonmedical marijuana 'Now to find out at the 11th hour that it is going to disappear is of grave concern to me,' Polensek said. City leaders haven't yet announced when events at the I-X Center will officially come to an end or when the new tenant will move in. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
BMW aims to wow Cleveland Auto Show guests, create lifelong customers
CLEVELAND (WJW) — Leaving an impression — that's the goal of every automaker with a display at the Cleveland Auto Show. Few hit their mark with the same accuracy as BMW. The German-engineered luxury and performance line is represented extremely well at the I-X Center, with six vehicles in its showcase, including the electric i7 xDrive60. Students escape school bus fire in Cleveland Heights 'I'm pretty blown away at all the technology updates that I've seen and everything that it does,' said auto show guest and Avon resident Jeremy Betsa. 'It's not even like you're in a car, you know? It feels sort of surreal.' Nathan Lancry, owner and president of BMW of Akron said the auto show is always a great place for enthusiasts and car shoppers to get a feel for each brand, but BMW is unique because it is listening to its customers in order to improve the product. 'BMW is really taking a lot of knowledge from our customers, such as places like here at the auto show,' Lancry said. 'They've taken the opinions and the ideas from consumers, and they really engineer those ideas into real life, right here in the ultimate driving machine.' Lancry said the BMW i7 is a must-see because it's loaded with unique features, from doors that open with the touch of a button, to a curved display and massage seats. Rear seat passengers also have a widescreen theater monitor equipped with FireTV, creating a one-of-a-kind experience. Auto show guests are in love with the design. 'I don't want to drive this car, I want to be driven in this car,' Betsa said. Local scratch-off ticket hits top prize Auto show guests can also go for a ride in one of three brand new BMWs at the CLE-V Test Track, a free experience giving guests a few laps around an indoor track at the I-X Center. 'Happy to hear about how many people are impressed by the test track because it gives them an opportunity to really try that car out without having to rush into a showroom,' Lancry said. Lancry said BMW of Akron is ready to assist new customers, while also looking to preserve and maintain existing customer relationships for generations to come. 'Generations and families that have done business at that BMW dealership,' Lancry said. 'And it's rewarding to see the loyalty that's been enmeshed into that brand.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
