Studio West 117 Fieldhouse, the financially troubled mixed-use project that catered to the LGBTQ+ community, hits the auction block June 25.
The developers, Daniel Budish and Betsy Figgie, sunk more than $10 million into the 25,339-square-foot building to turn it into a “modern, experiential mixed-use venue designed for high-traffic entertainment, food, beverage, and event uses,” according to the promotional materials for the auction. The court appointed receiver, Mark Abood of the Colliers real estate company, is handling the auction. The property, which is located on Hird Avenue in Lakewood, closed in December after the developers defaulted on a loan. The building features a full-size gym, outdoor courtyard, rooftop bar and patio and ground-floor restaurant.
The starting bid is $1 million.
Rebranding ‘Party with Marty’
Cleveland is celebrating several milestones in 2026 that are worth noting. The Great Lakes Science Center turns 30 and will mark the occasion with a big gala in July. The Cleveland Pops Orchestra is honoring its 30th season.
But another Cleveland institution that hits its pearl anniversary this year is getting less attention. Longtime politician Martin J. Sweeney’s annual “Party with Marty” schmooze fest holds its 30th event on Thursday. It’s perhaps the top draw among politicians, business people and Democrats looking to network and gossip.
Sweeney, who just won his re-election bid for Cuyahoga County Council, is celebrating next week’s event with a rebranding that signals he’s ready to pass the political torch – to his daughter, Bride Rose Sweeney, a member of the Ohio House. The event is now being billed as the “1st Annual Bash with Bride” and “30th Annual Party with Marty.”
Marty Sweeney told Weekly Chatter that his event was modeled after annual events by the likes of former Cuyahoga County Clerk of Courts Gerald Fuerst, who held office for nearly four decades, and Francis Gaul, a longtime Cuyahoga County treasurer and co-owner of the former Kiefer’s restaurant, a hangout for politicians.
“When I was growing up, I always went to Frank Gaul’s party at Kiefer’s and to Gerald Fuerst’s party at the UAW hall on Chevy Boulevard,” Sweeney said. “They were parties everybody waited for. That’s what I wanted to model mine after, and I think we got close.”
As for making his daughter the headliner, he said he’s fine with fading away. But anyone who knows Marty knows he will never stop trying to be the life of the party.
Michael R. White steps back
Former Cleveland Mayor Michael R. White left office in 2002, but he never fully stepped away from the city. For nearly two decades he’s been heading the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation’s Neighborhood Leadership Development Program and Community Development Corporation Leadership Program, which offer training on community organizing and running nonprofit groups, among other things.
White is now relinquishing the reins of the programs, according to an announcement by the foundation, but will remain a senior advisor to the organization. The foundation has named Joe Black as the programs’ new leader. He is currently a Senior Program Officer for Community and Economic Development at the Cleveland Foundation and previously held the role of Central Promise Neighborhood Community Investment Manager at Sisters of Charity Foundation.
Since leaving City Hall, White has largely kept a low profile, but he took a more public position in 2021 by endorsing then-candidate Justin Bibb for Cleveland mayor.
White’s also never stopped his routine of holding court at breakfast. Weekly Chatter recently ran into him at the Diner on 55th, where he was seated in the corner, his back to the wall, enjoying breakfast with his former top aide, Ken Silliman.
