The sky is the limit for Azure Stained Glass Studio

Ben Parsons and Mary Zodnik, proprietors of Azure Stained Glass Studio, will soon begin exterior improvements to their 15602 Waterloo location in the Waterloo Arts and Entertainment District. Azure specializes in the restoration of leaded glass windows as well as the design and fabrication of new leaded glass products. The plans for the exterior improvements have been underway for two years with the business receiving technical assistance from the City of Cleveland Storefront Renovation Program (SRP) as sponsored by Northeast Shores Development Corporation, The City of Cleveland, and Councilman Michael D. Polensek. SRP is funded by the City of Cleveland through its federal Community Development Block Grant allocation. 

Azure worked closely with SRP Design Specialist Tim Barrett and Northeast Shores to define the scope of the building improvements, which will include: tuck pointing and masonry repairs; painting of window frames and entrance improvements; comprehensive signage package; new entry door adjacent to the parking lot and glass canopy with associated hardware above the front entrance door.

Mr. Parsons stated that “eventually we would have made the repairs to the building which was a deferred maintenance issue, but it is refreshing to have the SRP rebate as an incentive supporting our small business in Cleveland.”   

After project completion, the business owners will receive a 40% rebate for the dollars invested. While the triangle-shaped brick building has been initially owned by Northeast Shores with an option to buy agreement, Azure was allowed to participate in the Storefront Renovation Program through a special agreement.

Ben Parsons and Mary Zodnik stated that, “we became familiar with Waterloo because of our trips to the Beachland Ballroom, as well as knowing several friends that live in the area. We admired the building for some time and saw that it was for sale. The building had the space we needed and provided natural light which is a blessing for what we do at Azure. The building met our needs and we are committed to the City of Cleveland. We talked with Northeast Shores to see if they could assist.”   

Azure has taken an entrepreneurial approach via sweat equity in that they will contribute to the renovation by doing some of the construction work. Parsons stated that “we had to work within an affordable budget. We struck a balance between the aesthetic and structural improvements that the building required. We are also fortunate to provide signature solutions incorporating a glass canopy over the front entry door. We were also able to learn how to tuck–point masonry from one of our friends who is skilled in the masonry trade. We will be utilizing the skill of Waterloo 7 Gallery artisan and metalworker Jerry Schmidt for signage.”

Brian Friedman, Executive Director of Northeast Shores, stated that “the building had fallen into disrepair over a number of years. The Commercial Development Committee of Northeast Shores identified this building as an important building to the Waterloo Road District. An end user was identified in Azure Stained Glass Studio, who was exploring a move from a studio in Tremont. We are happy to be able to lease with an option for Ben and Mary to purchase the building. Northeast Shores looks to expand the family of proprietors owning their places of business. We look forward to Azure calling Waterloo home for many years to come.”   

To learn how the City of Cleveland Storefront Renovation Program can help your building and business, call John Boksansky, Storefront Coordinator at (216) 481-7660.