CLEVELAND — We are inching closer and closer to seeing the city of Cleveland's complete vision of the lakefront of the future.
During an event at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Friday, planners showed what they referred to as the "60% Draft" of the Cleveland North Coast Master Plan. This version of the plan incorporated feedback from more than 4,000 surveys, 1,700 comment cards, 300 visioning workshop attendees and numerous community conversations, events and other engagements.
The presentation at the Rock Hall was made by Lisa Switkin, senior principal at New York-based James Corner Field Operations. The firm was selected last year to lead the master planning process for the North Coast Lakefront. Switkin had presented an earlier vision of the plan in July at the Great Lakes Science Center.
So what's new?
Switkin says that there have been "a number of strengthened connections from the land bridge east to the Rock Hall and Science Center to ensure that its not just a north-south bridge." The bridge would also serve as a "key connector" to a renovated Cleveland Browns Stadium.
Negotiations on the future of the stadium are ongoing between the city of Cleveland and the Browns, however Cleveland Planning Director Joyce Pan-Huang stated during a Monday update that the Haslam Sports Group may present renderings for a renovated stadium sometime later this fall.
Other changes to the previous plan include a reconfigured beach and wetlands to the north.
Switkin also pointed out how accessible the lakefront will be via several connections: the land bridge, East 9th Street, West 3rd Street, and a diagonal promenade that will stretch from a fishing pier off of Lake Erie all the way to the Science Center and Rock Hall area.
Browns fans may be interested to note that part of the master plan includes what Switkin said was a "20-year vision for transit-oriented development" at a portion of the site of the current Muni Lot. Don't worry, however, Switkin says there will still be plenty of parking for tailgating.
In addition to the Muni Lot, planners are envisioning that the promenade outside of the stadium will be a perfect place for Browns fans to gather.
You can see more of the renderings that were presented on Friday below.
The land bridge is the centerpiece of the North Coast Master Plan, a place where Switkin says pedestrians can have a "dynamic experience." Along the way, pedestrians may be able to utilize a "multi-model transportation hub" to Amtrak and the RTA, take the connector to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Great Lakes Science Center, head left to Cleveland Browns Stadium for a football game or concert event, then finish out with a gentle slope down to the lake.
Straight down from the bridge is what Switkin referred to as a "central community plaza," including an amphitheater similar to the Solstice Steps at Lakewood Park. It leads to a waterplay area that includes a beach, kayak launch, wetlands, and series of porches.
To the east, planners envision a family-friendly area that features a large nature playground, sport courts, and cookout area. On the west side, there would be space for residential and commercial development, along with a garden walk area and fishing pier.
During Monday's event, planners also indicated that they had narrowed the options for the future of the Shoreway down to two: Either leave the highway as it is, or convert it to a boulevard.
The final draft of the North Coast Master Plan is expected to be completed in December.
More information on the North Coast Master Plan, plus a survey for residents can be found HERE.
You can watch Friday's event from the Rock Hall in the player below.