CLEVELAND — A new development is coming to University Circle right between the main campuses of Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals. The project hinges on rebuilding one of Cleveland’s historic libraries.
Sitting on Stokes Blvd. in a rather hard to find location is one of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Branch – one of the first in the country to be named in his honor. The location is due for upgrades and a more prominent location wouldn’t hurt. Both will be fulfilled in a new project to begin this summer. And the library will be a focal point for the entire development planned between Cleveland’s premier health systems.
“The library is going to be a centerpiece for that development,” said Felton Thomas, CEO of Cleveland Public Library. “We’re going to be 2 floors of a larger 11 floor apartment building.”
The goal is to break ground this summer on two new apartment buildings -- one on Chester avenue, which would take the place of the old 3rd district police headquarters. And a second apartment on Euclid Avenue, which is currently just a parking lot.
Other major cities have centered development around libraries, including New York and Chicago, according to Thomas. This will be Cleveland’s first attempt – with another planned for Cleveland’s west side.
“Last year we had 68000 thousand people come into this library. We know that’s going to grow. Probably double,” said Thomas.
“University Circle has been growing with a lot of folks moving into apartments and condos in the area. So we will be their library.”
When it’s all said and done, the development will encompass two blocks of what is mostly vacant space. The roughly 2-year construction process will include retail and other additions to the neighborhood – the library being the first step.
“We are looking to have this library open by Martin Luther King Day, 2022,” said Thomas.
Throughout the construction process, the current branch will remain open. It will be demolished when the new branch opens and the current space will be used for a parking structure.
“Whether you’re 3 or 83, have a GED or you’re working on your PhD – it’s open and for you.”
The developer, Midwest Development Partners, declined to comment on the cost of the entire project only saying they hope its complete within two years of the start date this summer.
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