REVITALIZING
PENN
SQUARE
Penn Square, the geographic center of MidTown at Euclid Avenue and East 55th Street, was historically a vibrant and active public square dense with mixed-use buildings and businesses, and a place thousands of people arrived daily for work.
It is one of the remaining historic squares in Cleveland yet to be restored. We are working to change that with an ambitious vision for public art, greenspace, and places for people to gather.
The revitalization of a
NEIGHBORHOOD HUB
We have a vision for Penn Square and have taken the first steps toward this marquee space for the neighborhood.
This project won’t just break down the physical east-west barriers to development created by the railroad – it will break down perceptional barriers for the neighborhood. A universal amenity like Penn Square at the heart of the neighborhood, proximate to large employers, housing, and local attractions will make it easier for people to choose MidTown as a destination, a workplace, or a home.
Key elements in the Penn Square Vision
Trail & Greenspace
In addition to our ongoing work surrounding the East Side Railway trail that will connect numerous near-East neighborhoods to the lakefront, we’ve secured funding to make improvements to the greenspace here.
PUBLIC ART
We are working towards our goal of raising $1M to support an ambitious public art plan concentrated around this area that includes large-scale permanent public art and programming.
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL
DEVELOPMENT
Future development at the corners of Penn Square presents an opportunity for density of new housing and commercial space, and a retail district centered on the gateway to the neighborhood.
EAST 55th CORRIDOR
CONNECTIONS
With the East Side Railway trail progressing above, activity will proceed on the streetscape as well: The City of Cleveland is developing a corridor plan this year for E. 55th focused on calming traffic to promote safe connections, access, and ease of transit.
Read more about the Penn Square vision plan:
Community
INVOLVEMENT
We have hosted several community meetings about the Penn Square project and will continue to solicit community input as the project progresses. See some of the materials from past meetings below or reach out to MidTown Planning Manager Niraj Naik for more information about how to become involved in shaping Penn Square's future.
Project
PARTNERS
LAND STUDIO
CONSULTANT
LAND studio is a catalyst, convener, and collaborator. For more than thirty years, we have managed a wide range of public art installations, cultural programming, and civic space development projects across the city of Cleveland.
MERRITT CHASE
CONSULTANT
Merritt Chase is a landscape architecture and urban design firm founded by Chris Merritt and Nina Chase. They work locally and have been recognized nationally for their public space designs and research.
The Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Foundation
PARTNER
The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation was founded in 1953 by brothers Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel of Cleveland, Ohio, with the primary mission to help provide outstanding leadership for the nonprofit world.
COUNCILMAN
RICHARD STARR
WARD 5
Richard Starr represents Ward 5 which includes Central, Kinsman, Midtown neighborhoods and part of downtown and North Broadway/Slavic Village.
COUNCILWOMAN
STEPHANIE HOWSE
WARD 7
Stephanie Howse-Jones is a caregiver, mentor, and public servant presently serving as Ward 7 Councilwoman in Cleveland City Council.
THE CITY OF CLEVELAND
PARTNER
The City of Cleveland is committed to supporting this project via multiple avenues, including research and planning; policy and neighborhood advocacy; economic development advising, and more.