The owner of the Cleveland Agora wants to donate it to the Cleveland schools and make the landmark in rock and roll history the new home of the Cleveland School of the Arts. But Hank Lo Conti fears it's an offer the district will refuse.
Lo Conti created the Agora in 1966, near Case Western Reserve University. In 1967 he moved it near Cleveland State, but after a fire in 1984 the legendary venue moved to 5000 Euclid Avenue.
A wide range of acts including David Bowie and Kiss played the Agora, and Bruce Springsteen broke his "Born to Run" at the historic venue.
Lo Conti used to book up to 75 shows a year but says he can't compete now with the House of Blues and Live Nation to get the big acts.
He's looking for a smaller location and has offered his building to the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. The Cleveland School of the Arts building at University Circle is dilapidated and the district plans to rebuild or move. But Lo Conti says the district doesn't seem too interested in the Agora and will likely rebuild at University Circle. He maintains that's largely because of unfounded fears about safety at the 50th and Euclid location.
Lo Conti says if the school system won't accept the building, he'll keep his business there.
"Not bad" news
