Public Square in Downtown Cleveland is set to undergo a potentially transformative revitalization, thanks to an investment that marks the beginning of a series of public realm enhancement efforts.
Recently Public Square secured $750,000 in funding from the Ohio Legislature’s One-Time Strategic Investment Fund. These initiatives, spearheaded by Downtown Cleveland, in partnership with the local nonprofit LAND Studio, aim to breathe new life into the heart of the city, with a particular focus on implementing the recommendations of the Downtown Retail Strategy.
Public Square has long been a central hub for the city’s social, cultural and economic activities. With its rich history, which dates back to the early 19th century, the square has undergone several transformations, each reflecting the evolving needs and aspirations of the Cleveland community. The most recent revitalization efforts, which culminated in a major redesign completed in 2016, were designed to position Public Square as a vibrant and accessible public space. However, the quest to enhance this iconic urban area continues, driven by the need to adapt to new challenges and opportunities.
New Initiatives and Funds
The state-led Strategic Community Investment Fund marks a potentially pivotal advancement in the ongoing execution of the Reimagining Downtown Cleveland Plan, in collaboration with Mayor Justin Bibb. Officials hope the continued revitalization of these areas is set to drive economic growth, while offering distinctive experiences for all to enjoy.
According to Downtown Cleveland Inc.’s President and CEO, Michael Deemer, “The goal is really to encourage people to come early, stay late, to linger, to traverse that corridor from Playhouse Square in the Gateway district, through Public Square, over to the Warehouse District and the Flats as they’re enjoying downtown and supporting small businesses.”
By investing in design improvements, such as better lighting, landscaping, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, Downtown Cleveland and LAND Studio seek to create an environment where residents, workers and visitors alike feel secure and welcome.
Deemer expanded on the safety initiatives, “Our ambassadors are a flagship program designed to enhance safety in downtown. They are on duty from 7 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week, year-round. They work closely with the Cleveland Police Department, other law enforcement agencies, and outreach workers to connect people in need with shelter services. We’ll have a strong presence in Public Square, and we’re collaborating with Destination Cleveland on a lighting project set to launch early next year. This project will not only brighten Public Square but also create an inviting atmosphere that attracts more people. The combination of increased lighting and a greater presence of ambassadors will improve both the experience and the sense of safety in Public Square.”
The Downtown Retail Strategy emphasizes the importance of creating public spaces that encourage people to linger, explore and engage with the urban environment. Bonnie Teeuwen, chief operating officer (COO) for Mayor Bibb’s Administration, explained this sentiment, “When more people are around, it naturally enhances the sense of safety. That’s a key reason we want to increase programming. We’ve had ongoing conversations with public safety, not just about Public Square but throughout downtown. The goal is to bring more people into public spaces. These spaces are an extension of the homes of downtown residents, and we want them to feel comfortable using them.”
In addition to these safety measures, barriers have been added to further enhance the feeling of securit. “The original intent behind adding barriers—and later transitioning to retractable bollards around the perimeter of Public Square — was to enhance safety and flexibility. Whether it’s closing Superior Avenue for an event that uses the entire square, or just using the north or south half, the bollards provide built-in safety without the need for additional barriers,” Teeuwen said.
The retractable bollards are installed along Superior Avenue in Public Square. When Superior Avenue is open to traffic, these retractable barriers fold down into the roadway, allowing buses to pass through as usual. However, when it’s necessary to close off Public Square entirely, the bollards rise from the ground, functioning as effective barriers.
These retractable barriers are exclusive to Superior Avenue. The rest of Public Square is surrounded by permanent bollards, with the exception of a few removable ones. These can be unscrewed and taken out to accommodate larger vehicles, such as maintenance trucks.
Teamwork makes the dream work
This ambitious revitalization effort is a testament to the power of collaboration. Downtown Cleveland and LAND Studio are working hand-in-hand with local stakeholders, including business owners, community leaders and residents to ensure that the enhancements align with the needs and desires of those who live and work in the area. This inclusive approach ensures the final outcomes will be reflective of the community’s vision for a vibrant and dynamic downtown, officials hope. Deemer added, “Our goal is to continue transforming the central business district into a vibrant, dynamic neighborhood.”
Teeuwen said, “On day one, the focus is on transitioning from the Group Plan Commission to Downtown Cleveland, Inc. by transferring the agreement we had with the Group Plan Commission to Downtown Cleveland, Inc. The hope for the future is that programming can expand, allowing us to explore new opportunities and work more closely with DCI on both the programming and maintenance of Public Square, potentially extending this growth to other public spaces in downtown as well.”
Officials want Public Square’s role as a cultural and social hub to be reinforced through expanded programming. The city is collaborating with local arts organizations, cultural institutions, and community groups to host a diverse range of events, from outdoor concerts and art exhibitions to farmers’ markets and holiday celebrations. These events are meantto attract visitors and also foster a sense of community and civic pride.
“Public Square has truly become a vibrant gathering place for families from all backgrounds.” Moreover, efforts are being made to make Public Square a more inclusive space. This includes programming that reflects the diversity of Cleveland’s population and provides opportunities for underrepresented groups to engage with the square,” Deemer said.
Through a combination of strategic funding mechanisms and forward-thinking initiatives, officials hope Public Square is poised to remain a central feature of Cleveland’s urban landscape for generations to come. As the city continues to evolve, Public Square will undoubtedly play a key role in shaping Cleveland’s identity and fostering a strong sense of community.
A key takeaway is understanding that the securing of these funds is one step of the overall process, according to Deemer.
“With this project, we will begin by the end of the year with community engagement and stakeholder outreach. You know, we really want to work closely with LAND [Studio] to make sure that we’re getting a lot of input from the community about what kinds of things, with some specificity, they want to see so we can really shape this and adapt it to meet the community’s needs and expectations. Then I think overall, this is probably a 12-to 18-month project before we see, you know, improvements in the ground and made,” Deemer said.
As this series of public realm enhancements gets underway, there is a palpable sense of excitement about the future of downtown Cleveland. The investment marks the beginning of a new chapter, one officials hope promises to redefine the urban core as a place of safety, beauty and vibrancy.
“Since the beginning of this administration, we’ve taken numerous ideas and developed them into strategic plans. We’re now in the early stages of implementing these plans, and while progress might seem slow at times, it’s steady,” Teeuwen said.
Additionally, there are plans to better integrate Public Square with surrounding neighborhoods and landmarks. By enhancing connectivity between the square and adjacent areas such as the Warehouse District, the Gateway District, and the Cleveland Convention Center, the city aims to create a seamless urban experience that encourages exploration and economic activity.
To address this, the initiative aims to create a cohesive, engaging corridor that invites people to keep walking to see what’s next through effective wayfinding, a dynamic mix of color, light, and sound, and ensuring the area feels safe and interesting. When successful, these corridors become vibrant spaces where storefront businesses can thrive because they attract people who feel comfortable, want to linger, and are inclined to explore shops, enjoy food and drinks, and return with friends and family, officials said.
According to Deemer, “We’re taking a holistic approach to this project. The work we’re doing on Public Square with this grant is just one part of a broader strategy to enhance programming throughout downtown. This summer, we’ve hosted daily food truck events, a summer music series featuring live performances in parks and public spaces, and morning events welcoming office workers with coffee and refreshments.Our goal is to invigorate downtown from early morning through the evening, while also improving its overall appearance. This includes adding greenery, maintaining hanging baskets and planters, and planting more trees to make downtown more inviting.”
By focusing on the design of public spaces and commercial corridors, this initiative aims to create an environment where people feel safe, welcome, and inspired to spend time. As these enhancements take shape, officials believe downtown Cleveland is poised to become a model for urban revitalization, demonstrating the profound impact that thoughtful design and collaborative effort can have on a city’s public realm.
“We completed a retail strategy at the end of 2023, and it identified a couple of key retail corridors through downtown, and they really wrap through Public Square, Euclid, Prospect and Huron roads wrapping around Tower City and public square into the warehouse district. And public Square is right in the middle,” Deemer said. “And we really wanted to create an environment that encourages people to come early, stay late for events, that makes downtown more livable for residents and more attractive to workers and commuters. And what better place to begin than, you know, right in the heart of downtown with Public square? “
By making these areas more attractive and accessible, the strategy aims to stimulate economic activity by drawing more foot traffic to local businesses. Vibrant streetscapes, enhanced with greenery, seating, and public art, will invite people to not just pass through but to stop, shop, dine and enjoy all that downtown Cleveland has to offer.
Teeuwen said, “Right now, our focus with DCI is on Public Square—growing the number of visitors and improving its maintenance. It’s a wonderful public space, and anyone who visits recognizes how special it is. Our role is to encourage more frequent visits, and that’s where DCI’s proposed programming comes in. By increasing programming, we’re aiming to draw more people to Public Square, which ultimately reflects the vitality of our downtown as a whole.”
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