CLEVELAND — The city’s Public Square is getting some major upgrades come 2023.
The project will go to the city’s Planning Commission and design review in January.
“We are one step closer to the Public Square that Clevelanders deserve,” said Mayor Justin M. Bibb in a news release. “We are grateful to all the partners who are committed to getting this done. Thank you for your ongoing support and collaboration.”
The Group Plan Commission, the civic nonprofit which maintains and operates Public Square, announced Tuesday they had reached a $3.5 million fundraising goal with support from the City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Greater Cleveland RTA, KeyBank, The Sherwin-Williams Foundation, The George Gund Foundation, Bedrock, Cavaliers, Rocket Mortgage and JACK Entertainment.
“Cuyahoga County is pleased to support these improvements to Public Square and Superior Avenue,” said County Executive Armond Budish. “It benefits all of us when the heart of Downtown Cleveland is safe, attractive, and accessible.”
The project team will share a conceptual design with the Downtown Flats Design Review Advisory Committee and the City Planning Commission in January.
The new concept reserves two lanes for buses and creates permanent curb extensions in the center of Public Square, which will narrow the middle portion of the roadway to one lane in each direction and increase pedestrian safety.
Jersey barriers will be replaced with new security bollards aligning with the curb extensions to increase pedestrian space, restrict unauthorized vehicle access and delineate the roadway from the park. A new “tabletop” crosswalk will be in the center of the block to create a safe pedestrian flow between the north and south portions of the park. Shared lane markings for bikers on Superior will be reintroduced for those comfortable riding in traffic.
“The Greater Cleveland RTA is proud to serve as a partner in redefining the city’s mobility options through and around Public Square,” said GCRTA General Manager and Chief Executive Officer, India L. Birdsong Terry. “Financial contribution opportunities such as these underscore the importance of public transportation to our region, and the subsequent improved safety and access for our customers.”
The City, RTA, and Group Plan Commission continue to coordinate on design details as the project moves forward.
Planning and design for circulation improvements around the perimeter of Public Square—including a protected bikeway around the square for cyclists that do not want to ride in traffic—will occur in a separate phase.
