CLEVELAND — UPDATE: The vacant building that is set for demolition was the victim of an arson fire that took place on Monday, first in the afternoon and then again in the evening. There is no word yet on how the fire will impact the Irishtown Bend Park project.
Previously: Planners for the Irishtown Bend Park held a briefing on Monday with the latest information on the long-awaited project.
Cleveland Metroparks is set to demolish the former Front Steps Housing and Services building on West 25th Street sometime midweek. The demolition is not expected to affect traffic on Franklin Blvd, which is directly adjacent to the building.
The building, which has been vacant for nearly a year, is being removed because the land was deemed to be "highly unstable." Front Steps Housing and Services is now located down the street on W. 25th Street, continuing to serve those individuals and families who mentally disabled and/or economically disadvantaged in Cuyahoga County.
Demolition of the building is expected to take a week. Planners hope to have the building razed, debris removed, and the space graded in the next four to six weeks. The land must be cleared before work can commence on stabilizing the hillside, which is sliding down toward the river.
The ambitious Irishtown Bend Park plan was first envisioned more than a decade ago. It will transform a 23-acre green oasis hugging the Cuyahoga River adjacent to the Detroit-Superior Bridge, into one of the largest waterfront parks between New York and Chicago.
The park will connect Ohio City on Cleveland's near west side to the Flats, downtown Cleveland and Lake Erie. Its riverfront trail will become the missing link that finally connects the Cuyahoga Valley National Park to Lake Erie.
Irishtown Bend Park is expected to be complete in 2026.