Topic: Cleveland: Little Italy Neighborhood Discussion

[DeCapuaDescendent]

Thanks for that link. Some great shots you took! I was only giving a little history of my family's connection to Little Italy, as a bit of an intro. 

The last time I walked thru LI, a couple summers ago, it was looking wonderful. I was curious about the Theater, because, even in 2010, it was still closed off and looking as it has for a number of years.

Jeff

[DeCapuaDescendent]

Welcome to the forum; I'm not familiar enough with the neighborhood history to know specific answers to your questions, but if you'd like to see some recent photos, I attended the Columbus Day parade in 2011:

http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,26415.0.html

Your photos are really great. Can i ask what kind of camera you used ? (make and model)?

Cheers

Jeff

[MuRrAy HiLL]

In scanning the thread, I was looking to see if there was any updated news on the status of the Mayfield Theater? And is the current owner still the owner of La Dolce Vita?

Jeff, to the best of my knowledge, he is still the same legal owner.

That place is truly a gem, and hopefully it can get renovated in my lifetime!

[DeCapuaDescendent]

In scanning the thread, I was looking to see if there was any updated news on the status of the Mayfield Theater? And is the current owner still the owner of La Dolce Vita?

Jeff, to the best of my knowledge, he is still the same legal owner.

That place is truly a gem, and hopefully it can get renovated in my lifetime!

Thanks. It sounds like the current owner is more of a restauranteur? I would just hope that he doesnt take an historical theater, built in 1923, tear out the seats and screen and make it into yet another club, lounge etc. That would be a travesty. I would think, (parking difficulties aside) that a restored and revamped movie theater would do fantastic there--for the immediate locals, students, and those in the vicinity. Old films, foreign screenings, revivals. What better marriage than that--with patrons then going next door or down the block for coffee, espresso, great italian desserts, or dinner, either before or after a showing.

Id love to do that with the Mayfield. I think it would be a great success, keeping it as a movie house, 600 seats and all.

Jeff

[willyboy]

In scanning the thread, I was looking to see if there was any updated news on the status of the Mayfield Theater? And is the current owner still the owner of La Dolce Vita?

Jeff, to the best of my knowledge, he is still the same legal owner.

That place is truly a gem, and hopefully it can get renovated in my lifetime!

Thanks. It sounds like the current owner is more of a restauranteur? I would just hope that he doesnt take an historical theater, built in 1923, tear out the seats and screen and make it into yet another club, lounge etc. That would be a travesty. I would think, (parking difficulties aside) that a restored and revamped movie theater would do fantastic there--for the immediate locals, students, and those in the vicinity. Old films, foreign screenings, revivals. What better marriage than that--with patrons then going next door or down the block for coffee, espresso, great italian desserts, or dinner, either before or after a showing.

Id love to do that with the Mayfield. I think it would be a great success, keeping it as a movie house, 600 seats and all.

Jeff

Jeff, that would be great!  I can get you Terry Tarantino’s contact info if you want to propose a partnership…  I would also be willing to help you apply for tax credits.
Plus I’m pretty sure you would have Urban Ohio’s support…  (an added bonus would be you would get James Franco’s colorful grandmother in the neighborhood) 

[DeCapuaDescendent]

Does anyone with Little Italy history information know if anything remains of the theater and meeting rooms of what was once called Garibaldi Hall at 2021-23 Murray Hill Road? This particular building was built in about 1905 and finally dedicated in July of 1907. From images I have looked at, the 2021 address now houses an art gallery and 2023 is a law office.

Originally, Garibaldi Hall was built to not only serve as a meeting place for the local Italians but a 300 seat theater was also built here, in order that italian operas could be performed there. Shortly thereafter, the 3rd part of the building, 2025 Murray Hill, also added, and built as a small movie theater, in about 1911, (well before the Mayfield Theater was built in 1922).

My guess is that at some point over the years, this building was gutted and the interior redesigned, but I thought I would ask.

Thanks again.

Jeff

[KJP]

Does anyone with Little Italy history information know if anything remains of the theater and meeting rooms of what was once called Garibaldi Hall at 2021-23 Murray Hill Road?

I could not find much history online about this building, let alone what is currently happening there. I did find a 1922 picture of the building, as seen from Mayfield. The building is the third one in the distance, on the left past the "castle building" (also still standing!), seen here:

http://tinyurl.com/c2pk2jm

[DeCapuaDescendent]

Does anyone with Little Italy history information know if anything remains of the theater and meeting rooms of what was once called Garibaldi Hall at 2021-23 Murray Hill Road?

I could not find much history online about this building, let alone what is currently happening there. I did find a 1922 picture of the building, as seen from Mayfield. The building is the third one in the distance, on the left past the "castle building" (also still standing!), seen here:

http://tinyurl.com/c2pk2jm

Very cool picture. I have seen that one online too. I was able to find newspaper articles (Plain Dealer) about the purchase of the property in 1902 and dedication of the completed, Garibaldi Hall in July, 1907. Today, Bryan Jones Art Gallery is at 2021 Murray Hill and a law office (David J Rossi) is in 2023 Murray Hill. (2025 or 27 Murray Hill looks empty).

I guess i was wondering if the entire, original place (first floor-theater, etc) had all been torn out and later redesigned. I think the top floors were, and are, still apts.


Jeff

[ClevelandOhio]

That building would look great if those newer bricks were torn out and a real glass storefront was put in.

[DeCapuaDescendent]

That building would look great if those newer bricks were torn out and a real glass storefront was put in.

I agree. I wonder when the faces of all 3 sections were torn out and replaced with that BAD mismatched, light colored brick?

I can only imagine, that as THE Italian hall for meetings, etc, it must have looked pretty grand.

My cousin has a book that has several photos of the original members, including my great great grandfather, standing in front of this building, in maybe 1907-1910.

I need to have her scan those and send them to me..to be able to compare  the structures, too.

Jeff

[ClevelandOhio]

And there is brick under the yellow building home to La Barberia!



And today


http://g.co/maps/eh7bh


Lets tear that off and expose the old brick! And while your at it, remove the outdated blue awnings on the three story building to the right of it!

[DeCapuaDescendent]

And there is brick under the yellow building home to La Barberia!



And today
http://g.co/maps/eh7bh


Lets tear that off and expose the old brick! And while your at it, remove the outdated blue awnings on the three story building to the right of it!

Here is Garibaldi Hall at 2021-2027 Murray Hill Rd (and Fairview Ct), as it looks today. Large entry ways (or window sections) have been long covered over by light tan brick that doesnt even match the old. Doorways and newer front windows were also added.

This hall is where operatic performances, as well as highly charged political meetings were held, back when this area was called The Italian Colony Of the East End. My great grandfather had his offices at 2021 Murray Hill (where the gallery now is) in 1915.

The art gallery is on the left, the law office is in the center and the seemingly vacant section, is at the right:

[DeCapuaDescendent]

Another building, I want to find out more about, in one that my great great uncle and aunt had designed and built, by the architectural firm of Steffens, Searles & Hirsh, for their bank/restaurant/grocery (an all-in -one of sorts  ) in 1900.  The building, located at 12511-13 Mayfield Rd (and E 126th) is now the restaurant, called Primo Vino. WAY back in the day, it was first called DiTirro's Grocery, and then DiTirro's Tavern (until the early 1940s). They lived on the second floor. The current restaurant is located in the basement; the first floor area is closed off and not presently used.

This is another building that had a false stucco facade, added awning and brickwork applied to the front at some previous point in time. As can be seen in the photo, too, the windows of the second story, facing E 126th, were all, long ago, covered over, with what looks like cinder block.

[DeCapuaDescendent]

Great older shot of Mayfield Rd.

[MuRrAy HiLL]

Thanks for all the interesting info and posts DeCapua!

[ClevelandOhio]

Does anyone know if its easy or possible to remove the siding on that building to expose the bricks? Will the bricks be in good shape or damaged?

[DeCapuaDescendent]

I think it would all depend on how it was attached. I would think, tho, too, that with the right equipment (and restoration company), it could be removed with little to no damage being done to the original brick or stone exterior beneath.

Jeff

[DeCapuaDescendent]

Another building, I want to find out more about, in one that my great great uncle and aunt had designed and built, by the architectural firm of Steffens, Searles & Hirsh, for their bank/restaurant/grocery (an all-in -one of sorts  ) in 1900.  The building, located at 12511-13 Mayfield Rd (and E 126th) is now the restaurant, called Primo Vino. WAY back in the day, it was first called DiTirro's Grocery, and then DiTirro's Tavern (until the early 1940s). They lived on the second floor. The current restaurant is located in the basement; the first floor area is closed off and not presently used.

This is another building that had a false stucco facade, added awning and brickwork applied to the front at some previous point in time. As can be seen in the photo, too, the windows of the second story, facing E 126th, were all, long ago, covered over, with what looks like cinder block.

In doing some research, I found an undated picture that shows what at least part of the front of Primo Vino looked like, back when it was called Frankie & Johnie's Lounge and Bar (and most likely as it looked when it was DiTirro's Restaurant, as well), and before the stucco facade and wood awning were added.

As can be seen, windows also lined the second floor, facing out onto Mayfield Rd. It became Frankie & Johnie's in 1946, after the DiTirro family closed DiTirro's Restaurant and sold it. It operated as Frankie & Johnie's until 1965.

[ClevelandOhio]

That picture was taken on February 21st, 1964. So that not long before they closed. Its a shame it was covered up. I wonder what exists, if anything, under there.

[DeCapuaDescendent]

Thanks for dating that picture. I would imagine all of the original hewn stone front is still underneath, and maybe even the windows are there--boarded or cinder blocked over, like those on the E 126th St. side.

After F&J closed, it went thru several incarnations between 1965 and 1977. It then sat vacant for about 4+ years, until 1982, when it was reopened as Primo Vino.

What is even more fascinating, too, is at the far left of the b/w picture is what looks to be a large plate glass window. That, too, has all been covered over with the stucco panels and added brick decoration.

I would love to find out when that front was added. Was it there when Primo Vino took it over? I guess I could call them from LA, and ask. 

Jeff

[ClevelandOhio]

^ Do it! Ha! And ask if they know if it still exists underneath.

I would love to tear that facade off and restore the original.

Tear the siding off La Barberia and expose the original brick facade.

And rip out the "newer" brick at 2027 Murray Hill and replace it with large glass storefronts!

Oh and also restore these covered storefronts!
http://g.co/maps/69xau

[DeCapuaDescendent]

I would love to restore 12511 Mayfield, too..LOL. It would make my great great aunt proud, to know it was back the way it was designed.   

And with 2021-2025 Murray Hill-- that was a real center for the Italian community when it was built and opened in 1907, as Garibaldi Hall. The areas that are bricked over are actually storefronts. That's how it was designed to be, when built.

2025 Murray Hill, on the right side, was actually used as a live theater, (it was called the Columbia Theater) with piano players, vaudeville acts and the like.

Plus, the upstairs were used for political meetings thru the teens and early 20s (among other things, too, like social gatherings, etc).

[ClevelandOhio]

Was in little italy tonight. Great time, and a lot of people out walking and sitting at the patios.

One thing that is annoying though is Club Corbos, and the Mayfield theater. Will anything ever happen to either of these places?! In an area that is extremely active, how aren't these places filled? Club Corbos seems to have one of the coolest patios in the city. And the christmas decorations on the Mayfield Theater are pathetic. Its June!

Great night though, everyone appeared to be having a nice time. Its just aggravating to see to key buildings sit empty like that, and in that condition.

[DeCapuaDescendent]

The Club Corbos structure looks very cool and the design almost looks to me to be English Tudor. Does anyone know what this place was before it was Club Corbos? Or when it was built? Looks to have a very cool patio area--i remember walking and looking thru the iron gate to the patio area that is closed off to the street.

And the Mayfield. I dont get what is happening there. If that venue was gutted  and made into yet another restaurant or night club, that would be a travesty. The Mayfield opened in 1923--it screened CLASSIC films thru the 1930s--one of the best decades for films.

I just wish I could see what it looked like on the inside. Hopefully, it is still a bit of a time capsule. Hidden treasures, etc.

[MuRrAy HiLL]

Both require a ton of $$$ to renovate...plus their being sold at very steep prices.  Club Corbo's patio is the best in the nieghborhood...all brick, archways.  Don't forget there was fire damage there years back.  The old theater has water damage places so I've heard.

Club Corbo was Corbo's Golden Bowl previously.

[DeCapuaDescendent]

Im sure both would require a lot of $$ to redo. I didnt know the theatre had possible water damage. Is that from a leaking roof? Also, in looking at a yahoo overhead image of the theater, it looks like there is some kind of possible residence on the roof? You can see a pair of sliding glass doors (that must lead somewhwere).

And because so many of the buildings on Mayfield Rd are over a century old, does anyone know HOW old the Club Corbo building is? when it was built? I am assuming this building wasnt built by Corbos for their Golden Bowl, was it? It looks a lot older than that, to me. Is it from the 40s?

Anyone know?   

[DeCapuaDescendent]

I did a little research and found some info about the Club Corbo's building. It has been there since at least 1918. There are several addresses tied to this property, as some are in the rear. 12312 Mayfield is the address right on the street, but 12306, 12308 and 12310 are all additional addresses (or were back in the day).

The first reference I found for this location was that it was a grocery, owned and run by Ignazio Trombetta. He specialized in selling grapes for wine. It later became a winery/seller. The Trombettas imported wine and also blended their own wine there. (They even had their license revoked by the state in the early 1940's for selling over their quota).

In 1946, The Golden Bowl Restaurant was opened at 12312 Mayfield Rd by Grace Sciulli. Her son Hank also ran it, and he refurbished it, in the 1970s, with a series of dining rooms and courts.

Sometime after 1982, The Golden Bowl closed. In 1987, Carl Cocita took over the space, redesigned its interior and it was reopened as Ristorante Domani. They served northern Italian cuisine. Cocita also opened the Cafe Domani, which utilized the dining room and beautiful courtyard. This did not last long, and it all closed in 1989. The building sat empty and closed for almost 10 years.

In 1998, The Corbos paid a combined $1.18 million for a section of buildings next to their bakery on Mayfield Rd. Included were the properties that once housed the Golden Bowl restaurant and the former Mayfield Theater.

In the spring of 1997, it became Corbos Golden Bowl in addition to Club Corbos.

Does this building still remain closed today?

[E Rocc]

My understanding is that Club Corbo is a private club these days, with "connections".  It's where "they" meet when they meet....

[TBideon]

I'm surprised that element still exists today

[DeCapuaDescendent]

I also found that The Mayfield Theater, (built in 1922) was built and operated by a man named Michele (Michael) Mastandrea. What I found interesting was that on the very site, before the theater was built, was a furniture/dry good store run by Mastandrea. Quite an undertaking, as he decided to tear the store down and have the theater built in its place.

I looked at the 1920 census, and it shows Mastandrea and his family lived at 12300 Mayfield (second story apartments above the store, most likely).

After the theater was built, he and his family lived in the apts  that are currently above the theater.

Michael Mastandrea died in 1955, at age 70, and his wife, Christina, died in 1958, in the apartment above the theater, at the age of 73.

So the Club Corbo building no longer has a For Sale sign on it?

[DeCapuaDescendent]

My understanding is that Club Corbo is a private club these days, with "connections".  It's where "they" meet when they meet....

What kind of "connections?"

[Hts121]

I'm surprised that element still exists today

Whether it does or not, it doesn't stop people from putting on that 'front'

[KJP]

I'm surprised that element still exists today

Why? Human beings will always have an appetite for vices. And in reality, organized crime is bigger than ever. It's just more multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, more sophisticated and more hidden than it was. And there are plenty of wanna-be's out there, too.

[Hts121]

Question...... when I drive to LI, I usually park in the large surface lot across from TB park.  I went last week (Wednesday night) and bought a ticket from the machine to put on my dash.  I saw other people not doing the same.  When do you have to pay?  And when is parking there prohibited?  The signs are kind of confusing...... they seem to suggest that only UH employees can park there before 4:30pm on weekdays and that the public can only use that lot when an actual attendant is on duty, which makes no sense because why else would they have a machine where you can buy tickets?   

[akronurban]

My understanding of the Mayfield Theater situation is that Terry Tarantino of La Dolce Vita owns it and is sitting on it for some reason. Word is he is a very interesting character with various, and time-consuming, financial interests.... the Club Corbo did have fire damage a few years back and litigation ensued when the insurance company denied coverage as it was a set fire. The litigation just concluded with a ruling in favor of the insurance company. Not sure if there will be more of an appeal process... so, without funds to repair and restore, the Corbos may also just let it sit... unfortunate because of the potential of both properties. The annual Italian Film Festival to raise funds for the Italian Cultural Garden is held at the Capitol Theater on the West Side and should be held at the Mayfield. The Opera in the Park concerts could also use this venue. With the historic contributions of Italians and Italian-Americans to the arts, the theater could be filled every night of the year with films, live performances, even fashion events. From what I understand, the inside right now is simply a shell with no remaining seats.