jeremy borger [blog]

The Rockometer coming to Cleveland?

They’re tearing down the US Coast Guard Station on East 9th Street across from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame — prime real estate for something not so… Coast Guardy.

So what will go there? Christopher Axelrod hopes that it’s The Rockometer — a 2000 seat party center complete with a hydraulic stage, a broadcast facility, water and vapor effects and an underground tunnel to the Rock Hall.

Now, as much as I hope that something cool gets placed on that corner, I don’t know if The Rockometer is going to be it. It seems kinda cheesy. Why the lame name, you ask? Well, the outside of the building will actually have a giant meter that reflects the positive or negative attitude of the city — high if the Browns win a Super Bowl, low if Key Bank and National City both fall into bankruptcy. Really?

Second, the type of events the website shows The Rockometer hosting don’t really fit a facility like that. Apple announcing a new iPod? Lexus showing off a new car? These are the types of events that take place at convention centers, not banquet halls.

Also, Christopher Axelrod’s history seems to be in performing rock music and managing outdoor catering events. COMPLETELY DIFFERENT from spearheading a facility of this caliber. Plus, The Rockometer website was designed by Rod’s Web Design. I mean, c’mon!

Mr. Axelrod seems to have passion, I’ll give him that. But let’s figure out something better for this great piece of real estate near a Cleveland icon.