CLEVELAND — Downtown Cleveland, Inc. announced Friday it has secured $750,000 in appropriations from the Ohio Legislature's One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund.

What You Need To Know

  • The money will be used for improvements for Public Square and downtown Cleveland has a whole, the release stated

  • Efforts include executing the Downtown Retail Strategy, with one recommendation including design improvements on public spaces and commercial corridors to enhance safety, as well as encouraging people to come to downtown more often

  • Downtown Cleveland, Inc. said the investment funding is a step forward in executing the Reimaging Downtown Cleveland Plan, which aims to foster a "connected, inclusive downtown core that caters to all ages"

The money will be used for improvements for Public Square and downtown Cleveland as a whole, the release stated. 

“As the city’s central gathering space, Public Square must be inviting to all Clevelanders and visitors alike. We are thrilled to announce not only this investment, but also a critical partnership with LAND Studio to help guide the design and implementation of the improvements,” said Michael Deemer, president and CEO of Downtown Cleveland, in a release.

Efforts include executing the Downtown Retail Strategy. One of the plan's recommendations includes design improvements in public spaces and commercial corridors to enhance safety, as well as encourage people to come to downtown more often. 

The enhancement efforts will be led by Downtown Cleveland, Inc. and a local nonprofit, LAND Studio. They said they'll facilitate a community-driven process to accurately address community needs, while respecting Public Square's history.

Downtown Cleveland, Inc. said the investment funding is a step forward in executing the Reimaging Downtown Cleveland Plan, which aims to foster a "connected, inclusive downtown core that caters to all ages." The revitalization hopes to improve experiences, the environment and economic activity.

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