For Theo Challouf, Premier Hair Replacement’s West Park location began with a client in his barber chair, a vacant former law office next door and one simple question: “Can I go check it out?”

The client had mentioned he was trying to rent the space, and Challouf asked to see it. He had already been working with hair systems for about six years at West Park Barber when he recognized the possibility of creating a dedicated business there.

“When I walked in there, I was like, you know what? That could be a business that I hopefully open one day,” Challouf said.

Although the grand opening came later, Challouf said the space began operating in April. Today, Premier Hair Replacement sits beneath Kamm’s Corners’ iconic clock—and Challouf said he is working on a project to bring the landmark back to life.

The new storefront represents a continuation of Challouf’s longstanding connection to West Park. He has worked with Patrick Burke and the West Park Barber family for about six years, initially providing hair-system services through the barbershop’s studio.

When the opportunity arose to create a separate space, Challouf pursued it with help from grant funding connected to Cleveland’s Middle Neighborhoods Initiative.

The studio operates by appointment. Consultations cost $75, with that amount applied toward the cost of a hair system if the client decides to purchase one.

Challouf also sees Premier as part of a broader shift in the hair industry. He said some hair replacement businesses that have been around for more than 40 years are beginning to fade as their longtime owners retire.

“Five years ago, six years ago, barbers started doing it more and more and more,” he said.

For now, Premier Hair Replacement is another business taking root in a familiar West Park location. But Challouf’s story suggests that becoming part of the neighborhood can lead to more than opening a storefront.

Sometimes it leads to another project next door. And sometimes, as Challouf hinted, it may even lead to looking up at the landmark above your business and thinking about how to bring it back to life.

Premier Hair Replacement is located at 17140 Lorain Avenue in Cleveland and operates by appointment.

By Jessie Schoonover

Finding a new-build in West Park is unusual. Finding a brand-new townhome with a 15-year, 100% property-tax abatement is even harder.

That is part of what makes The Parker Townhomes so appealing. The 19-unit development rising on Warren Road near St. Mary’s Romanian Orthodox Cathedral was grandfathered into Cleveland’s previous abatement structure just before the city’s revised program took effect.

The project is being built by Maverick Building Co., whose owner, Anthony Fiorini, says The Parker was years in the making — beginning with conversations involving Cleveland officials and West Park neighbors long before construction began.

“We had a rough idea of what we wanted to put here, but wanted to just have that collaboration with the neighborhood,” Anthony said of an early community meeting held at St. Mary’s. “So that was great, just to get some feedback. There were some things we tweaked, and ultimately came to the exterior design and the overall setup of the neighborhood.”

Some of those changes are now built directly into the property.

Nearby residents, for example, raised concerns about the height of the townhomes and the possibility of elevated decks looking into neighboring backyards. In response, the developers changed that portion of the design.

“So we ended up doing, instead of a raised deck back there, we did, like, a ground patio,” Anthony said, adding that privacy fencing is also planned.

Other changes were less about privacy and more about making a distinctly new development feel like it belonged in an established West Park neighborhood.

Anthony said the team took cues from the brick and stone homes found throughout the area, particularly around Munn Road.

“I think that there’s a lot of the bungalow style with the brick in the front,” he said. “I think that was the key focal point.”

That influence can be seen in the beige-toned brick incorporated into the townhomes’ exteriors. The developers also varied rooflines and siding between residences, an intentional choice meant to distinguish each home rather than make the development feel too uniform.

“We wanted to have individual units,” Anthony said. “We did what we could to separate the rooflines and the siding so that each owner knows that, ‘Hey, this is, like, my ownership,’ versus shared roofs and shared details like that.”

Driving past the site, one may catch glimpses of the developing exteriors and overall layout. Less visible are the planning, approvals, design decisions and behind-the-scenes labor that took place before the first foundation was poured.

That work began years before the first completed townhome gave passersby something tangible to see.

Planning for The Parker dates back to 2022, when the development team began putting together preliminary plans and taking the concept through the city review process. Early on, that also meant bringing the plans directly to the neighborhood.

A race against the tax-abatement deadline

Getting from those initial plans to construction took some time.

Anthony estimated that the back-and-forth process with the Cleveland Planning Commission alone lasted roughly a year, beginning with design considerations and eventually moving into technical details such as site layout and fire-truck access.

By late 2023, however, another deadline was approaching.

The developers knew Cleveland’s residential tax-abatement program had changed and that securing approval under the earlier rules was critical to the project’s economics.

“We knew we were up against the gun because the tax abatement was going to be ending for the hundred percent at the end of 2023,” Anthony said. “We slid into the last meeting, got it approved, and then got grandfathered in.”

That timing now forms a significant part of The Parker’s allure to prospective buyers.

Anthony acknowledged that the townhomes’ roughly $500,000 price point can initially appear high compared with existing homes in the neighborhood. He said the tax savings substantially change the monthly-cost comparison. Compared to some homes listed for $450,000 or more in the area, these new builds don’t come with extensive immediate repairs. The exterior is also maintained –– so a Parker Townhome owner is spared from shoveling snow, mowing the yard, or tedious landscaping chores –– season after season. Units also come with a builder warranty. 

For the development itself, he said securing the abatement was more than a selling feature.

“If we didn’t get the tax abatement, it would have been really challenging to get this just across the finish line.”

Building something new — while connecting with current neighbors

The relationship has also continued with nearby St. Mary’s, where the early community meeting was held.

“We had a couple of kickoff parties as we were getting it off the ground, and they’ve been a huge supporter of the project,” said Brittny Tobia-Heller of The Salem Team Real Estate Professionals.

Anthony and Brittny said the church has supported the project as it moved from plans to construction, including hosting kickoff events.

The proximity became especially apparent during The Parker’s first public open house in August, which coincided with St. Mary’s annual festival next door.

“It was cool to have the food,” said Anthony. “It smelled awesome, and we went over there afterward.”

Both say their contacts at the church have been a tremendous help overall.

When The Parker becomes home

As construction moves forward, the developers say they are seeing interest from several types of prospective buyers rather than one narrowly defined demographic.

Brittny pointed to young professionals, couples, and healthcare workers — including residents, physicians and nurses working near Fairview Hospital — as one potential group. Anthony said the development has also attracted interest from people looking to downsize without giving up proximity to the neighborhood or taking on the maintenance that can come with an older home.

“They just want something new and don’t want to have to worry about the maintenance,” he said. “And they still want to be close and in a walkable area.”

Some potential buyers are already West Park residents. Others have previous ties to the neighborhood.

“One thing I noticed over the last four years: Every time I brought this project up to somebody, I would say 75 percent of the time someone either knew about it just from being in West Park and knowing that area, or they had lived in West Park at some point in their life,” Anthony said.

For him, that familiarity reinforced something the development process had already demonstrated about the neighborhood.

“That was cool—to see how many people have come through West Park, whether short-term or long-term,” he said. “It’s definitely a staple part of Cleveland’s West Side.”

From one building to the next five

The work visible today is still only part of the finished vision.

The developers have been holding monthly open houses and are also offering private tours to prospective buyers. 

“I think the biggest thing is the affordability of it and people contacting us to learn more about what that affordability looks like,” Brittny added. “There are a ton of programs out there, especially for doctors and things like that. There are special doctor programs that lenders are offering and things like that, which make it even more affordable.

“So I think the big pull and big draw are the tax abatement and the builder incentive, because that really keeps the payments at an affordable price for buyers.”

“It’s been four-plus years in the making,” said Anthony, “and we’re just excited to be here, finally have a structure up and look forward to getting the rest of the next five buildings underway.”

West Park United Church of Christ will bring German food, games and community fellowship to Rocky River Drive when it hosts an Oktoberfest celebration Saturday, Sept. 19, from 4 to 8 p.m.

The family-friendly fundraiser will take place at the church, 3909 Rocky River Drive. Tickets cost $20, with proceeds supporting the church’s community outreach efforts.

According to the church’s Growth and Outreach Chairperson Dan Moreland, this will be West Park UCC’s first Oktoberfest celebration in at least four decades.

“In the 40 years I’ve been associated with West Park UCC, this is the first time we have hosted an Oktoberfest celebration to the best of my knowledge,” Moreland said.

The church has held a themed fall fundraiser annually for approximately 10 years. Previous events have highlighted different foods and cultures. Last year’s “An Evening in Paris,” for example, featured French-inspired food and games.

Organizers chose Oktoberfest as this year’s theme because of the celebration’s traditional association with the fall season.

A small group of church volunteers will prepare a German-inspired menu featuring pork schnitzel, buttered noodles with cabbage, sausage and sauerkraut, soft pretzels, warm potato salad and assorted German desserts.

Because the event is designed for all ages, beverages will be non-alcoholic and include root beer, iced tea, ginger ale and water. Guests can also participate in activities such as Oktoberfest bingo and pretzel trivia.

The celebration will include a basket fundraiser featuring donations from members and various church boards. Some baskets may reflect the Oktoberfest theme, while others may not.

Funds raised through the event help West Park UCC maintain programs serving residents throughout the surrounding community.

Among those programs is the church’s Community Cupboard. Through the end of August, the cupboard had served 577 families comprising 1,503 individuals, compared with 435 families and 1,190 individuals during the same period in 2025. That represents an increase of nearly 33% in the number of families served.

“We are always grateful for hygiene supplies (i.e. soaps, shampoos, toothbrushes, tooth paste, mouthwash, deodorant, combs, brushes, nail clippers, and other similar necessities), as well as shelf-stable and unexpired food,” says Rev. Bobby Burtt. “As inflation continues to stretch household budgets, more people are turning to resources like the Community Cupboard.”

The church expects the Community Cupboard to assist almost 1,000 families in 2026, up from approximately 750 last year.

“We have an amazing partnership with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank that enables us to obtain most of the pantry staples that we need to help to keep our neighbors, near and far, fed,” he adds.

Pastor Bobby emphasized that the church’s outreach reflects a broader commitment to welcoming and serving the entire community.

“The most important thing we do is love our neighbors. All our neighbors,” he said, including people across differences in faith, sexuality, gender, race, culture and socioeconomic background.

That commitment, he said, has helped West Park UCC remain relevant in the community for more than 165 years.

Advance reservations are requested so volunteers know how much food to prepare. Attendees may reserve their places by calling the church or purchasing tickets online here: https://tithe.ly/event-registration/#/11364066

Four days of tacos, margaritas, live music, and more

Cleveland Taco Fest will return to Jacobs Pavilion over Labor Day weekend, bringing four days of tacos, live entertainment and a variety of activities to the west bank of the Flats.

The festival runs Friday, Sept. 4 through Monday, Sept. 7 at Jacobs Pavilion, 2014 Sycamore St. Hours are 4–10 p.m. Friday, noon–10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and noon–8 p.m. Monday.

Organizers say the event will feature food from more than 30 local taquerias and eateries, along with Mexican and craft beer, margaritas and other cocktails. Two stages are scheduled to host entertainment throughout the weekend, with Lucha Libre wrestling, taco-eating contests – a hot sauce competition and a children’s activity area also on the schedule.

This year marks the third Cleveland Taco Fest. The festival debuted in 2024 and returned to Jacobs Pavilion for a second year in 2025.

General admission is currently listed at $7 in advance and $10 at the door, with four-packs priced at $5 per ticket. The 2026 event listing says children under 10 and military, police and fire personnel are admitted free. Food and beverages are purchased separately.

More information and advance tickets are available through the Cleveland Taco Fest website. Cleveland Taco Fest

West Park’s public art portfolio may be expanding.

A July 1 Far West Design Review District agenda listed a proposed Destination Cleveland mural for 14901 Puritas Avenue, with the project categorized as public art and marked for final approval before moving on to the City Planning Commission process. The project site sits in the Bellaire-Puritas area, giving West Park another reason to pay attention to what is appearing on its walls.

But West Park already has one of Cleveland’s most visible mural landmarks.

At the corner of Puritas Avenue and West 161st Street, the mural “More Alike Than Different” stretches across an industrial corridor with a message much larger than paint. Local and official coverage has described the original mural as a 30,000-square-foot public art project celebrating people with different abilities. Sources have also noted it as the largest permanent mural of its kind in Ohio and among the largest in the country.

The West Park Times first encountered artist Garrett Weider’s work in 2021, when the mural project was just getting underway. At the time, WPT reported that the mural’s theme was “More Alike Than Different” and that the project would celebrate inclusivity, particularly for people with disabilities, with Weider painting the mural with help from the community.

The finished work became more than a colorful wall. News 5 Cleveland reported that the mural included more than 50 panels, each measuring 4 feet by 10 feet, and that it was unveiled on Cleveland’s Down Syndrome Day in 2021. The mural brought together more than a dozen groups and was primarily painted by individuals with different abilities.

Cleveland City Council later described the mural as a project originally brought together through a coalition of local organizations and designed by local artists Garrett Weider and Mike Geeze. Council coverage of the mural’s Phase II expansion said the project continues its mission of highlighting and celebrating individuals with different abilities.

The 2026 version of that program seeks three new mural designs across Cleveland neighborhoods, with installations expected by September 2026. The program materials say locations are identified through partnerships with neighborhood CDCs and Cleveland City Council representatives.

That combination may be what makes the mural feel so different from a standard beautification project. Yes, it is large. Yes, it is colorful. Yes, it transforms a highly visible wall. But the point of the mural is not only what people see from the road. It is who the mural makes visible.

The West Park Times previously featured The Wash House & Cafe as a neighborhood business built around making an everyday errand feel more welcoming, social, and comfortable. It also features a giant wall-sized Weider mural inside and pictured below. That kind of local business setting is part of the same broader public-art conversation: art does not only belong in galleries, museums, or downtown districts. It can show up in laundromats, cafes, commercial corridors, and long-overlooked corners.

West Park is not usually treated as one of Cleveland’s obvious public-art destinations. But between “More Alike Than Different,” interior neighborhood art seen in local businesses such as The Wash House & Cafe, and now a proposed Destination Cleveland mural on Puritas, a fuller picture begins to emerge: West Park has walls with stories on them.

The following free events, activities and community services are offered in August at Blessed Trinity Church, 14040 Puritas Ave. All are welcome, although income eligibility requirements apply to certain food-assistance programs.

Aug. 5: Mobile Pantry fresh-produce giveaway, 5:30–6:30 p.m., in the parking lot next to the Joseph Center. The pantry serves people with qualifying low incomes. Please do not arrive before 4:30 p.m.

Aug. 9: Free community meal, noon–1 p.m., in Fogarty Hall beneath the church. The meal continues on the second Sunday of each month.

Every Tuesday: Bountiful Basement food pantry, 9:30 a.m.–noon, in the basement of the Joseph Center.

Every Wednesday: Bountiful Basement food pantry, 5–6:45 p.m., in the basement of the Joseph Center.

Questions? Visit the Blessed Trinity Church website or its Blessed Trinity Cleveland Facebook page, or call 216-671-5890.

Mother’s Day is next Sunday.

This year, consider picking up your gifts in West Park.

Warren Village Plaza

Start with variety at Buyer’s Outlet, where you’ll find a wide selection of indoor and outdoor plants, greeting cards, and numerous fun and practical gifts, making it easy to put together a unique Mother’s Day bundle with just one stop.

Also in Warren Village Plaza is K&K Portage Market — just a brief walk away — offering a mix of wines and other beverages, desserts, and many other beloved items and treats. Does mom like pickled eggs or Boston cream pie? You can find these at K&K!

Flowers & More

Flowers are a timeless Mother’s Day go-to classic. Affordable Florals offers beautiful arrangements for a range of styles and budgets.

Puritas Nursery & Garden Center is an authentic choice for plants, hanging baskets, and garden accents—ideal for moms who love gardening and maybe even participate in the annual GardenWalk!

West Park Salons

If relaxation is the goal, consider a visit to West Park Beauty Salon or Salon Love. A fresh cut or color session can be a simple but meaningful way to treat her to some well-deserved time for herself. Gift cards for Salon Love can even be purchased online.

Sweet Treats, Donuts, & Coffee

For a lighter, more casual celebration, West Park’s coffee shops and bakeries offer the perfect setting. Pick up something fun and colorful from Peace Love and Little Donuts, or grab a cozy table and a handcrafted drink at Common Grounds, or 5 Points Coffee and Tea.

Unique Gifts & Local Charm

For a true taste of Cleveland, Only in Clev features locally inspired apparel and goods—perfect for moms who love their city.

Whether it’s a bouquet, a quiet cup of coffee, or a carefully chosen gift, celebrating Mother’s Day locally adds an extra layer of meaning. This year, skip the big-box rush and discover what West Park has to offer—thoughtful, close to home, and made with care.

Happy Mother’s Day to moms of West Park and beyond!