Tremont, located just south of downtown Cleveland, is one of the city’s oldest and most historic neighborhoods. The area is centered around Lincoln Park, a large green space lined with historic churches, trendy restaurants, and beautifully restored Victorian homes.

Once the site of the short-lived Cleveland University, the streets still reflect the past with names like “Literary,” “Professor,” and “University.”

Tremont History

The neighborhood that would eventually become Tremont was first incorporated in 1836 as part of the prosperous Ohio City. It was later annexed by Cleveland in 1867.

The construction of a bridge connecting Tremont and downtown in the late 19th century led to an influx of new residents, primarily Eastern European immigrants. This diverse cultural influence is reflected in the architecture and varied churches around Lincoln Park.

Tremont Demographics

As of the 2010 census, Tremont’s population stood at 6,912 residents, a significant decrease from the 36,000 residents during the neighborhood’s peak in the 1920s and a drop of about 15 percent since the 2000 census. The area boasts approximately 4,600 housing units, primarily single-family and two-family homes. Property values vary significantly, with about half valued under $100,000 and the other half above.

Shopping in Tremont

Tremont is rich with art galleries and artists’ studios, primarily located along Professor and Kenilworth Avenues. Some notable galleries include:

• Asterisk
• Atmosphere Gallery
• Banyan Tree
• Brandt Gallery
• Eikona Gallery
• Inside Outside Gallery
• Pavanna Gallery

Tremont Restaurants

The neighborhood is renowned for its diverse selection of restaurants. Highlights include:

• Parallax: This sophisticated eatery on W. 11th serves excellent sushi and contemporary American cuisine.
• Fahrenheit: Located on Literary, Fahrenheit is one of the area’s most popular dining spots.
• Sokolowski’s University Inn: This authentic Polish restaurant is a neighborhood favorite, open for lunches and Friday dinners.

Tremont Parks

Lincoln Park, found between W. 11th St and Starkweather, is the heart of Tremont. Named during President Lincoln’s administration when Union Troops gathered in the area during the Civil War, it was originally part of the short-lived Cleveland University.

Today, Lincoln Park features a community swimming pool, numerous park benches, and a charming gazebo. It also hosts monthly free summer concerts on the second Friday of each month.

Tremont Churches

Tremont is home to the largest concentration of historic churches of any neighborhood in the United States. Many churches reflect the cultural heritage of the late 19th and early 20th-century immigrants. Notable churches include:

• Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption: Built in 1912 and located on W. 14th St.
• St. Augustine’s Catholic Church: An excellent example of Victorian architecture opened in 1870 on W. 14th.
• St. Theodosius Russian Orthodox Church: Notable for its distinctive onion-shaped domes, built in 1911.
• Zion United Church of Christ: Known for its 175-foot steeple and community outreach efforts, built in 1885.
• St. John Cantius: A significant church within the Polish community, constructed in 1925.

Events in Tremont

Tremont hosts numerous events throughout the year, particularly the monthly art walks held on the second Friday of each month. Noteworthy events include the “Taste of Tremont” festival in July and the Tremont Art and Cultural Festival every September. The local churches also feature intriguing events, including the Church of the Assumption’s Greek Festival during Memorial Day weekend and St. John Cantius’ Polish Festival over Labor Day weekend.

Tremont Trivia

• Tremont is named after Tremont Elementary School, which opened in 1910. Previously, the neighborhood was referred to as “University Heights” and “Lincoln Heights.”
• Scenes from the classic film The Deer Hunter, featuring Robert DeNiro and Meryl Streep, were filmed at spots like Tremont’s Lemko Hall and St. Theodosius Russian Orthodox Church.