Learn how these projects began, and why we need them.
About UsFrequently Asked Questions.
The North Coast refers to the lakefront area along the shores of the five Great Lakes. You’ve likely heard of the East and West Coasts of the USA, and we believe the North Coast is just as important a coastal community as a large source of the world’s freshwater! For our projects’ purposes, the North Coast lakefront is Cleveland’s downtown lakefront along Lake Erie, centered on the area known as North Coast Harbor and home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Browns Stadium and connecting into the Convention District and the historic downtown Malls, flanked by the Hilton Hotel and City Hall. The goal of the North Coast Master Plan and Connector is to reimagine this part of Downtown Cleveland, improving connection to the lake and making the lakefront an exciting and (physically and socially) welcoming destination for everyone in the community.
We hear you! Clevelanders have shared with us that dedicated and traffic- separated bike paths and parks are essential for the downtown lakefront, especially along its touches with Lake Erie. Specific locations and details of public spaces are under development and will incorporate ideas from the community to ensure these elements appear in the landscape in a way that is the most desirable for everyone. There is also ongoing collaboration between the City and other agencies developing trails, bike paths and greenspace along our lakefront to ensure connection and continuity, including but not limited to the integration of the western terminus of the Cleveland Metroparks and Cuyahoga County E. 9th to E. 55th bike trail, slated to begin construction in summer 2024.
The City of Cleveland, through a competitive RFP process, has engaged with a consultant to conduct an economic impact analysis of Burke Lakefront Airport. The goal of the analysis is to quantify the current economic impact of Burke as well as the potential future economic impact of potentially closing the airport and using the land in alternative ways. The study will be completed in 2024, coinciding with the completion of the North Coast Connector and Master Plan contracts.
The Cleveland Browns have expressed to the City of Cleveland their intent to remain on the North Coast and integrate the stadium into the developing lakefront vision of the Master Plan. Potential stadium renovation plans – including enhanced year-round, public-facing amenities – will be released this fall and lease negotiations are underway between the land and stadium owner, the City of Cleveland, and the leaseholder, the Cleveland Browns.
Transportation is a persistent barrier in Cleveland where approximately only one in four residents owns a personal vehicle. Public transit options—both local and regional—are essential for the livability of our city and a redeveloped lakefront. So far, we heard from residents that they highly value transit options as part of a sustainable and accessible North Coast. The City is working closely with the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA), Amtrak and other transportation providers to ensure that transit options are integrated effectively into plans.
The Ohio Department of Transportation has plans to make Cleveland’s Innerbelt Curve (a sharply turned section of I-90 east of the project area) into a safer route for drivers that can serve as a diversion for traffic not desiring to travel into downtown via the lakefront. The City, its partners, consultants and ODOT are coordinating as both the Connector and the Innerbelt Curve Modernization develop.
A component of the work of the Master Plan is a market study and economic impact of the proposed development, which will be part of the final Master Plan. Cleveland continues to grow as a tourism destination for conferences, conventions and personal travel. We believe what works for Clevelanders will be inherently good for tourists. For instance, the Port of Cleveland is receiving more than 50 cruise ships in 2023, docking at the downtown lakefront with a reported local spend of $150 per passenger. A redeveloped lakefront with trails, greenspace and locally run commercial activities that Clevelanders frequent could also function as a beautiful front door for international visitors to our Great Lake. Cities that have completed similar capital projects have seen major economic benefits—for example, after St. Louis revitalized the area around the Gateway Arch, visitors to the monument stayed in the city half a day longer on average than they did previously.
You can send us a comment or question by visiting the Connect page. Watch this website and sign up for our e-newsletter for details on public meetings, future surveys and other ways to ensure your voice is represented in the future of our lakefront redevelopment.