Public Square has been the geographic, business, transportation and civic heart of Cleveland for more than 200 years. Downtown Cleveland Inc. has taken over the management of this public space to ensure it remains a safe and attractive space for the next 200 years (KJP). CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE THEM.
New funding will help DCI activate Public Square
Cleveland City Council has passed legislation transferring the management, marketing and programming for Public Square to Downtown Cleveland, Inc., effective upon Mayor Justin Bibb’s signature. This transition underscores Downtown Cleveland’s ongoing commitment to revitalizing the core and builds on the organization’s recent successes in securing significant funding for Public Square enhancements.
“This is a natural extension of the work we’ve been doing and our mission to create a vibrant, inclusive and connected downtown,” said Michael Deemer, president and CEO of Downtown Cleveland in a written statement. “We are thrilled to begin immediately activating and infusing new life into Public Square.”
Aligning with Reimagining Downtown
This focus on Public Square directly supports Mayor Bibb’s Reimagining Downtown initiative to transform the city center from a traditional 9-to-5 central business district into a welcoming 18-hour, 15-minute neighborhood that attracts modern economic activity and provides a world-class experience for people of all backgrounds.
“Public Square is the heart of our city and a central gathering place for residents and visitors alike,” added Mayor Bibb. “I am confident that Downtown Cleveland, Inc. will build upon the commendable work of the Group Plan Commission to bring fresh ideas, energy and vision to this important public space.”
Less than a decade ago, crowds routinely frequented Public Square. This was in May 2015, showing a typical lunchtime crowd on the square. Since then, foot traffic has fallen due to the pandemic-accelerated rise of remote working. This has caused a significant drop in downtown office occupancies which has only partially been offset by residential growth. Responding to these trends will be a challenge to reactivate Public Square (KJP).
Building on a Strong Foundation
The Group Plan Commission previously oversaw the programming, maintenance and operations of Public Square, leading efforts to complete the first phases of its redevelopment. The reconstructed space introduced new sustainable features, improved green space and other amenities. Group Plan Commission CEO Sanaa Julien commented on the timeliness of the transition and the upcoming work of Downtown Cleveland.
“In 2010, the Group Plan Commission assembled Cleveland’s top philanthropic and business leaders to reimagine Cleveland’s downtown public places and create a neighborhood,” she said. “We completed this mission through the $50 million renovation of Public Square and enhancements at the Mall, and subsequently raised an additional $13.5 million that was invested in creating a vibrant downtown neighborhood and providing thousands of free programs for the community.”
“The critically acclaimed architectural design and highly visited premiere urban park in the heart of our city led to private investment of more than $1.2 billion in the property surrounding Public Square,” Julien continued.
“It is now time for Downtown Cleveland to bring vitality to all the downtown public spaces, managing them in a singular program that can maximize resources and bring vibrancy to all of downtown. We are looking forward to seeing Public Square evolve and thrive under Downtown Cleveland’s leadership,” she said.
The Group Plan Commission passes the torch to Downtown Cleveland as their work comes to a close on the Superior Crossing Project. “The Group Plan Commission has been instrumental in laying a solid foundation for Public Square’s future,” noted Deemer. “We are grateful for their dedication to Cleveland and look forward to continuing that legacy.”
Public Square is ultimately a venue — a unique space in the Great Lakes-Northeast region for programming events and activities. One such event was held in 2012 — Marine Week. Soldiers, military equipment and interactive displays were placed on the square and drew crowds (KJP).
Beginning a New Chapter
In taking over Public Square, Downtown Cleveland’s three primary goals are: high-quality maintenance, operations and programming; a streamlined permitting process for consistent and diverse activation; and improved safety. The organization’s responsibilities include:
- Providing routine maintenance and repairs, including litter control, graffiti removal and snow and ice control on the pedestrian paved areas
- Managing landscaping of the lawn and gardens
- Maintaining the fountain’s (Splash Pad) daily operations and equipment
- Cleaning and maintaining the public areas of the café building, including the public restroom
- Curating temporary public art and managing holiday installations
- Marketing and programming Public Square, and aiding outside partners in events and activations
- Providing a visible, unarmed and uniformed presence on Public Square through Downtown Cleveland Ambassadors to create a clean, safe and welcoming environment for all
- Leading the collaboration with the City of Cleveland, law enforcement and social service agencies to further enhance beautification, maintenance and safety
To celebrate this new era, Downtown Cleveland recently launched Summer Programming on Public Square, marking the first step in a long-term vision to create a lively, thriving central gathering space. See the full lineup of events here, including live music, food trucks, art, fitness and more.
The holidays starting with Thanksgiving and ending with New Year’s Day are always an illuminating time on Public Square. But far too many visitors simply drive through the square to see the lighting display. The challenge is to get people out of their cars to walk around Public Square so they can support permanent and seasonal businesses (KJP).
Gaining Momentum
This transition comes on the heels of Downtown Cleveland securing $750,000 from the Ohio Legislature’s One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund for Public Square improvements. These funds will support a series of public realm enhancements – led by Downtown Cleveland in collaboration with local nonprofit LAND Studio – to enhance safety, encourage dwell time and execute the Downtown Retail Strategy.
Downtown Cleveland is wasting no time in responding to recommendations in the Retail Strategy and is already making significant progress:
- With a focus on expanding downtown offerings while supporting local entrepreneurs, the #DTCLE Happy Hour + Maker’s Market has kicked off on Public Square this month, before moving to Playhouse Square Plaza and the 5th Street Arcades in the following months.
- World-class investments in Public Square’s social infrastructure and amenities are in the works to elevate downtown as a neighborhood and destination of choice. These include play features and other elements that encourage spontaneous community gatherings and create a family-friendly atmosphere.
- Downtown Cleveland is developing a plan for improved mobility and connectivity to and through Public Square with OHM Advisors, in partnership with the City of Cleveland, GCRTA and neighborhood property owners. The goal is to ensure that the Square is accessible to and comfortable for pedestrians, bicyclists and transit riders, in addition to motorists. The plan responds to multiple Retail Study recommendations, including improving intra-city downtown public transit and prioritizing bike and micro-transit infrastructure.
- Downtown Cleveland also continues to support and advocate for the city’s Superior Midway Project, which aims to improve Public Square’s connectivity with a safe, convenient and comfortable link along Superior Avenue, between E. 55th Street and Public Square.
Additionally, Downtown Cleveland was recently awarded a $100,000 placemaking grant from Project for Public Spaces to establish a dedicated staff and storage hub in Public Square, further solidifying its commitment to community engagement and activation.
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