It’s one of Cleveland’s oldest neighborhoods, but even Little Italy isn’t immune to change. Development and new investment in the historic district have been welcomed by some and skeptically received by others who worry about damaging the neighborhood’s character.

“The experience is incredible. It’s just old buildings, narrow streets,” said Joe Starvaggi of Little Italy’s characteristic nostalgia. Starvaggi is the third generation of his family to run Mama Santa’s on Mayfield Road. The family-owned restaurant is a popular mainstay on Little Italy’s main drag.