CLEVELAND — Downtown Cleveland Inc. is set to take over Public Square's management.
Cleveland City Council passed legislation transferring the square's management, marketing, and programming to Downtown Cleveland Inc., effective upon Mayor Justin Bibb's signature. The decision comes as Downtown Cleveland works to revitalize and secure funding for enhancements in Public Square.
"This is a natural extension of the work we’ve been doing and our mission to create a vibrant, inclusive and connected downtown," Michael Deemer, President & CEO of Downtown Cleveland Inc., said in a statement. “We are thrilled to begin immediately activating and infusing new life into Public Square.”
Downtown Cleveland says it has three primary goals in taking over: high-quality maintenance, operations and programming; a streamlined permitting process for consistent and diverse activation; and improved safety. The focus on Public Square aligns with Mayor Bibb's Reimagining Downtown initiative to "reimagine and transform Downtown Cleveland from a 9-to-5 central business district into a diverse, vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood."
"Public Square is the heart of our city and a central gathering place for residents and visitors alike," Bibb, wrote. "I am confident that Downtown Cleveland, Inc. will build upon the commendable work of the Group Plan Commission to bring fresh ideas, energy and vision to this important public space."
The Group Plan Commission was previously in charge of Public Square's programming, maintenance, and operations. Now, the nonprofit is passing the torch to Downtown Cleveland as the Superior Crossing Project comes to an end.
Group Plan Commission CEO Sanaa Julien remarked:
"In 2010, the Group Plan Commission assembled Cleveland’s top philanthropic and business leaders to reimagine Cleveland’s downtown public places and create a neighborhood. We completed this mission through the $50 million renovation of Public Square and enhancements at the Mall, and subsequently raised an additional $13.5 million that was invested in creating a vibrant downtown neighborhood and providing thousands of free programs for the community.
"The critically acclaimed architectural design and highly visited premiere urban park in the heart of our city led to private investment of more than $1.2 billion in the property surrounding Public Square. It is now time for Downtown Cleveland to bring vitality to all the downtown public spaces, managing them in a singular program that can maximize resources and bring vibrancy to all of downtown. We are looking forward to seeing Public Square evolve and thrive under Downtown Cleveland’s leadership."