Northeastern Ohio is once again trying to spur re-development, and once again trying to do it in tough economic times. But an increasing number of those whose ideas and money are being put to work say the region may finally be recognizing and returning to the strength of its roots - plentiful water, historic buildings, a social culture and a history of just plain "making stuff."

		The District of Design: Making stuff again, though with a twist. Aired Monday, September 22nd, 2008
		Cuyahoga Valley Initiative: Using that sense of place. Aired Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008
		Mixing it up: Creating a sense of neighborhood in cities and in corn fields. Aired Wednesday, September 24th, 2008
		Economic troubles mean big problems, but some benefits. Aired Thursday, September 25th, 2008
		The ultimate resource: We made it burn, now some want to make it turn Aired Friday, September 26th, 2008
		Built like they could never build it today. Aired Monday, September 29th, 2008

The Cleveland Design District project brings together educators, designers, business and civic leaders in a bid to make Cleveland the product design capital of the U.S. Drawing on the legacy of the late Viktor Schreckengost of the Cleveland Institute of Art, the regional expertise of more than 100 design-oriented firms, and consumer brands like Moen, Little Tikes, and Hoover, the district hopes to create wholesale showrooms, retail venues and residences -- and to reach out to design students in the Cleveland public schools. The Cuyahoga Valley was once one of the most important industrial centers in the world. Through a comprehensive planning initiative, the region is trying to reinvent itself, balancing the need for economic growth and new investment with the development of a sustainable urban environment that enhances the quality of life for its residents and connects people on both sides of the river and up and down its length. Blending work, retail and home in one community is the only way to go, developers say. The only debate is whether that should be done in existing cities or in newly created "towns." Some developers say - and are putting their money into - both. Some developers are scaling back condo projects because empty nesters can't sell their houses and move into condos, and many potential first time buyers can't get credit. But developers and cities are rethinking, resizing and re-orienting some of those projects. Unlike the Southern and Southwestern boom towns of the late 20th century, Northeast Ohio has water - lots of it. The Great Lakes compact has protected it. Now developers want to use it to sell the region. Ohio has the third highest number of historic buildings among the states. But many of its historic districts look like rows of teeth that have taken a poundings - gaps and chips everywhere. Now developers are filling those gaps, and hoping the old is the key to attracting the young back to Northeast Ohio's cities. The question is whether they can do it fast enough, or slow enough, to dodge today's credit squeeze.

Support for this series was provided by the FirstEnergy Foundation.