When you're driving north on I-77 into the City of Cleveland you see all the familiar skyscrapers.
The Key Bank building stands tall, the Huntington building's brown exterior disrupts the sea of grey, and the historic Terminal Tower complete the trio of what used to be the most recognizable structures for those approaching our city.
This is the new Cleveland.
This is a city that's emerging from it's reputation as just another rust belt town that's down on its luck.
Those of us who live in the new Cleveland are hearing words like rebirth, resurgence, and renaissance.
The latest example, and newest reason you're hearing these terms, is on display just a couple of blocks east.
A few months ago those of us who commute along I-77 noticed a new symbol appear in the city's skyline.
The 9.
It's development brings together the city's only downtown market and a new style of living in the CLE.
The 9 features luxury apartments, hotel space, and an indoor dog park. That's not all.
A roof-top sun lounge, fine dining, a ballroom, and even a private access speakeasy for featured guests.
The 9 connects the former Cleveland Trust Building, better known as the Cleveland Rotunda, and the Ameritrust Tower.
This new high profile lifestyle stretches along East 9th between Euclid Avenue and Prospect street.
20 months ago, the property was purchased. 12 months ago, construction began.
Saturday morning, it opens its doors to the public for the very first time.
Welcome to The 9: Downtown's urban resort.
Before its debut, WKYC was given sneak peek tour of the property to see how much it has changed since our last visit in February -- and it has changed immensely.
Nestled inside the iconic skyscraper is 104 apartments, which start at $1,600 per month. These private living spaces offer unrivaled views of the city with aerial glimpses into Progressive Field.
One resident says her son loves watching the games from their room -- especially on fireworks nights.
Although the building hasn't officially opened to the public yet, some families have already moved in. Keith Halfmann, Chief Operating Officer of Geis Hospitality Group, says they are currently at 85 percent occupancy with only a few units remaining.
For those with pets, The 9 also features "Bark," Cleveland's only indoor dog park.
Staying the night
Need a hotel room? The 9 has 156 of them inside its Metropolitan Hotel with a variety of options.
In the rooms with king-sized beds, guests will notice the showers are in a crackled-glass enclosure next to the bed with the toilet in its own separate space. Want a bit more privacy?
One of the hotel's floors is a special reserved area, only accessible to guests who pay a bit extra for loads of additional luxuries. Among them?
A full-service butler who will pack and unpack your bags, meals and a full-service bar.
The Metropolitan Hotel is already fully booked for its first three nights.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the show
Just above the hotel lobby, which also serves as The 9's main entrance, guests can wander into the Alex Theater.
Filled with 60 full-reclining seats, the Alex Theater will be home to movie screenings, live shows, meet-and-greet events and a place to watch local sporting events on the big screen.
Access to the Alex Theater is free for all residents and hotel guests. It will also be open to the public for movies and other events.
Hungry?
Already a foodie town, Clevelanders will have another place to sink their teeth into.
Adega, a Mediterranean restaurant on the ground floor, features indoor and outdoor dining space along E. 9th Street.
Adega offers an extensive menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner ranging from crepes to filet mignon. Just take a short elevator ride up to the 12th floor to experience Azure -- a rooftop bar that puts guests 150 feet about the city streets.
Halfmann says it will be a "high-energy lounge at night" by transforming the connected granite wall into an outdoor movie screen where films and laser light shows will ignite the night life.
Venturing into The Vault
In the depths of The 9, guests can venture through the building's historic bank vaults to sip on their favorite spirits. But there's a mystery lurking within The Vault.
Hidden among the maze-like corridors in the basement sits a secret entrance to a private speakeasy. Only invited guests with a special access code will be allowed to step foot inside.
Awaiting those granted permission to enter is high-end alcohol with a VIP vibe.
When The 9 offered WKYC a first peek inside the property in February, the building was buzzing like its own miniature city. Floor after floor was filled with construction workers in a symphony of echoing tools. With a projected September 2014 opening date, there was a long way to go.
Today, The 9 is near completion -- just shy of one year since construction first began. It's ready to wow its guests with more plans for a big addition in the coming year. Which brings us to one of the most-hyped components of The 9 project.
One of the future highlights will be the addition of a Heinen's grocery store with a unique twist.
A portion of the shopping experience will take place under the glow of the Tiffany-glass ceiling inside the former Cleveland Trust rotunda.
Construction remains underway on the Heinen's store, which is expected to open early next year.
No official date has been announced.
