Salting the Debate for a Cleveland Convention Center

Collisions Under Lake Erie

Please excuse my wild idea. Sometimes I stand up to sing the chorus of Alice's Restaurant. When no one joins on the second round, I know I am crazy. If I only hear a single other voice, I must be living an alternate lifestyle. Two other voices make us an organization and three or more would make us a movement.
Sent to the Editor of the Plain Dealer and Cuyahoga County Commissioners.


I know in Europe there are salt mines that include soccer fields, ballrooms, and chapels. Why not a convention center carved out of salt? They make hotels out of ice and snow! Why not provide that tourist experience in North America by working with US Cargill and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources? Forest City could have a role in financing, design, construction, and leasing. Certainly the sheer novelty would provide extra tourist dollars above and beyond a 'conventional' convention center.



In fact this could be a bigger draw than the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I can even imagine a satirical Rock (Salt) and (Spring Wheat Flour tm) Roll Hall of Fame Annual Induction Dinner and Celebration ala the Pillsbury Annual Bake-Off. Rock and rollers with culinary aspirations could be invited to a special cook-off with spectator ticket sales going to hunger relief projects.



Presumably excavated salt could be handled by placing it in current tunnels. The only problem I can foresee is getting a rapid line down about 1500 feet from the vicinity of Tower City or the Waterfront to avoid using elevators as the sole means of entry and egress. Perhaps something along the lines of an incline elevator is the better solution.



I look forward to your reactions. Please let me hear at least two other voices.