CLEVELAND — Downtown Cleveland, Inc. has announced its plans to invest $750,000 to improve Public Square.
Friday's announcement comes as the city of Cleveland hopes to create a more welcoming, engaging and inclusive Public Square for all.
In collaboration with local non-profit LAND studios, Cleveland hopes to jump-start various enhancement efforts, with the money focusing on design improvements to the public space and core's commercial corridors to boost safety and encourage people to spend more time downtown.
“We greatly appreciate Governor DeWine’s and the General Assembly’s support for Public Square and downtown Cleveland as a whole,” said Michael Deemer, President and CEO of Downtown Cleveland. “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.”
According to officials, the $750,000 in appropriations comes from the Ohio Legislature’s One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund.
The money will go toward the Downtown Cleveland Retail Strategy, which plans to "attract residential and job density, retain existing businesses, and attract new storefront tenants to enhance the vibrancy of the Downtown area."
The Strategic Community Investment Funding comes as a vital step forward in Downtown Cleveland's Reimaging Downtown Cleveland Plan in partnership with Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb. The plan's goal is "to attract modern economic activity and provide a world-class experience for all who work, live, and play Downtown," according to Downtown Cleveland.
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