The cozy city of Bellevue looks ahead to the future

Historically, the city of Bellevue has embodied its name, thanks to its beautiful view of the captivating skyline of downtown Cincinnati. The preservation efforts of the Bellevue Neighborhood Association maintain historic buildings and embellish the area with flowers, trees, benches and decorations to uphold the city’s enduring charm. This charm is fostered by its walkability, a blend of small businesses, historic structures, thoughtfully designed streetscapes and engaging events, all found on the historic Fairfield Avenue.

Mayor Charlie Cleves fondly remembers when Fairfield Avenue in Bellevue was alive and booming with people and businesses in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, the avenue is even more successful and ever-changing, with various places to shop, sip, dine or play.

“Fairfield Avenue had a hardware store, a 10-cent store, butcher, bakery, Pasquale’s (now Fessler’s), Schneider’s Sweet Shop, Cleves & Lonnemann Jewelers, dry goods stores, beauty shops, barbers, Petri’s, Avenue night club, banks, the Marianne Theatre and much more,” says Cleves.

Cleves has been a Bellevue resident for 68 years, actively volunteering in civic groups since his teenage years, and was president of Cleves & Lonnemann Jewelers for 28 years until 2017. He is no stranger to the city’s continuing list of achievements and evolution.

“I served as the president of the Bellevue Business Association for two years, transitioning to the Main Street program in 2002, [which was] eventually renamed In Vue. I held the position of president for In Vue in 2002, 2003 and 2007,” says Cleves.

In 2019, Cleves entered politics and became the mayor of Bellevue, playing a role in awarding the riverfront development contract. His time in Bellevue has given him the opportunity to see the city evolve and change, for better or worse.

When the era of big-box stores came along, many of the small shops on Fairfield Avenue failed one by one. By 1990, Fairfield Avenue had many vacancies, but some of the stronger businesses that still thrive today remained.

“When the 2002 Main Street program started, there were many buildings for sale. I walked the avenue and made a list of the 10 worst buildings. I noticed seven were for sale, and recommended we personally start buying them and restoring them. Within three years, our members bought six of the worst buildings and turned them into the best,” says Cleves.

Today, more than 20 businesses on Fairfield Avenue have thrived for 20 to 90 years, showcasing a low turnover rate. The spots on the avenue are highly sought after, and consistently have a waitlist.

A monthly event, known simply as First Fridays, has contributed greatly to the success of Fairfield Avenue and boosted profits of many of the participating businesses.

“Over 20 years ago, the initiative began with the aim of drawing more visitors to the avenue. On the first Friday of every month, businesses extend their hours during the evening, offering opportunities for shopping, sipping, dining and engaging in unique activities,” says Cleves.

Each event is themed, and the participating businesses eagerly anticipate the surge in foot traffic and sales, with many going the extra mile by offering special sales or featured items.

Another contributing factor to the city’s success would be the anticipated festivals and carnivals held on Fairfield Avenue.

“Starting in 2015, simple Second Saturday events evolved into elaborate quarterly affairs, seasonal fests, farmers markets and special events. The intent was to capitalize on the momentum generated from First Friday events and carry it throughout the month,” says Melissa Morandi, marketing director for the city of Bellevue.

These seasonal events are known to leave a lasting impression on its visitors each year.

“The Fall Fest, which was the highlight of last year, boasted police hayrides, a pop-up pumpkin patch, vendors, business specials, live music and more, making it our most attended event of the season. Many businesses reported it as their best day ever,” says Morandi.

Businesses on Fairfield Avenue are an important part of each event and experience quite the positive impact. Standouts include Schneider’s Sweet Shop, Cleves and Lonnemann Jewelers, Fessler’s Pizza, The Pretzel Place, 501 Salon, Cork N Crust, Darkness Brewing, Ape Made It Boutique and more.

Fessler’s, Schneider’s and Cleves and Lonnemann are all beloved classics with over 50 years in business, known for their unwavering commitment to excellence, spanning from service and ingredients to merchandise.

The Marianne Theatre is an iconic and widely beloved building on Fairfield Avenue. Built in 1941, the art deco-style theater now stands empty after it closed in the late 1990s, frozen in time and ready for a new chapter.

“We’re collaborating with Yard & Co. to ensure the Marianne Theatre’s future and economic stability. As the city’s most iconic building, preserving it is a top priority. [We’re] aiming to transform it into a city-owned gathering space for all to enjoy,” says Morandi.

The nearby Bellevue Beach Park, with sweeping views of the Cincinnati skyline, also makes for an ideal venue for community events. Successful initiatives like the Farmer’s Market (July-October), Yoga in the Park, Second Saturday Concert events, Art in the Park, Shakespeare in the Park and more have fueled the park’s popularity.

“Future plans include adding a pavilion, kayak launch and fishing pier to better connect with Ohio River traffic, recognizing the river as a valuable asset,” says Morandi.

As Bellevue continues to grow and look towards the future, the cozy and friendly atmosphere will persevere.

“The most interesting thing about the city of Bellevue is the people. The variety of people, many young families, dog lovers and retirees, who appreciate the city’s walkability. It’s become the sought-after destination for everyone,” says Morandi.

Cleves and Morandi have a finger on the pulse of popular trends and are dedicated to giving the public experiences they can’t find anywhere else.

“We focus on different audiences every month in the hopes of trying to bring more people to Bellevue,” says Morandi.

“Our goal is to make Bellevue the most family-friendly city in the Tristate area,” adds Cleves.