TEAM CONTACT
Niraj Naik
Director of Real Estate & Planning
nnaik@midtowncleveland.org
216-391-5080 ext. 109
PROJECT DOCUMENTS
Railway Trail & Penn Square Summary
PROVIDE FEEDBACK
PROJECT
TIMELINE
2022
Visioning: Adopted Penn Square Vision plan that included a new bridge mural, greenway connector along the railway, new pocket park, and eventual development on all four corners of the intersection.
2023-2024
Planning & Engagement: Conceptual planning for trail and pocket park with nearby residents and youth in partnership with Merrit-Chase. Activated the space through small-scale gatherings.
2025-2026
Fundraising & Planning: Railroad bridge mural funded by Mandel Foundation; artist selected and concept development begins. Pursue additional funding for amenities that begin to tie the vision of Penn Square together.
2027
Installation: Prep the bridge surface and install mural
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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.
key project elements
Trail and greenspace
While implementation produces activity, impact produces accountability.
In addition to our ongoing work surrounding the East Side Railway trail that will connect numerous near-East neighborhoods to the lakefront and multiple job centers, we’ve secured funding to make improvements to the greenspace here.
public art
We have fully funded the railroad bridge mural with work set to begin in 2026.
Pictured : Precedent image of railroad bridge mural project in England by UK-based artist, Yinka Ilori
resident & 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.
Pictured : Van Aken District, inspiration for future gathering space and retail at Penn Square
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 for E. 55th focused on calming traffic to promote safe connections, access, and ease of transit.
Pictured : E 55th Trail Map
Read more about the Penn Square vision plan:
get involved
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.
Site Readiness for Good Jobs Fund
CONSULTANT
Site Readiness for Good Jobs Fund is leading one of Cleveland’s most ambitious economic development strategies in recent years to transform vacant industrial land into opportunity by by developing job-ready sites that can attract employers offering well-paying work.
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-JONES
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.