Large numbers of non-Chinese people from Asia settled in the area in the 1960s and 1970s, leading to the enclave's expansion eastward.

[5] Rapid development of Cleveland's downtown, particularly the Terminal Tower complex (which began construction in 1926), displaced these residents and shops and drove them eastward.

[6] By the end of the 1920s, a much larger and more permanent enclave had formed around the intersection of Rockwell Avenue and E. 22nd Street[7] and the name "Chinatown" began to be used in the 1920s to describe the area.

[1][9] On Leong Tong, a merchant association, which had begun construction on its new building at 2138–2136 Rockwell Avenue in 1926, formally opened its retail, office, and residential space on January 4, 1931.

Dishes such as chow mein and chop suey, which had taste and texture similar to Western European cooking, were mainstays of these establishments.

[14] Another factor was the lessening of racial barriers, which allowed more Asians to obtain a college degree or a better job and leave Chinatown.

[14] A final factor was the improved financial condition of second- and third-generation immigrant families, many of whom left downtown for larger homes in the suburbs.

[14] An early 1990 crime wave and the opening of Asia Plaza (a shopping mall catering to Asian businesses and consumers) in nearby Asiatown worsened the economic decline of historic Chinatown.

[21] Located at Superior Avenue and E. 38th Street, tenants included Korean and Vietnamese restaurants and a large Asian grocery store.

The art gallery, which opened in 2010, featured artist workspaces, a performance area, coffee bar, and exhibition space.

[22] AsiaTown stakeholders inaugurated the Cleveland Asian Festival in 2010 co-founded by Lisa Wong, Vi Huynh and Johnny K. Wu.

The following year, the festival had expanded to two days and drew more than 45,000 people making it one of Cleveland's most popular spring events.