The Cleveland Cuyahoga Riverfront Master Plan Gains Momentum
Learn how Cleveland’s Waterfront is being transformed into a vibrant, sustainable urban hub.
Bedrock’s transformative Cuyahoga Riverfront Master Development Plan has taken a significant leap forward with its unanimous approval by the Cleveland Planning Commission. Building upon the Vision Plan, which secured approval in 2023, this milestone marks the culmination of a two-year planning process aimed at revitalizing 35 acres of underutilized land and reimagining the area, including the historic Tower City Center, as a dynamic, mixed-use urban district and entertainment hub.
Spanning an impressive 3.5 million square feet of new development, the ambitious development will feature 12 acres of publicly accessible parks, plazas, trails, a 3,000-foot riverwalk, and year-round waterfront amenities. A cornerstone of Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb’s Shore-to-Core-to-Shore initiative, the Riverfront project will seamlessly link the city’s downtown business district to its two waterfronts—the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie—through thoughtfully designed urban spaces, green corridors, and welcoming plaza spaces.
The project is set to unfold over the next 15 to 20 years, with infrastructure enhancements already in progress since 2023. The first major vertical development, the Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center, broke ground in fall 2024, setting the stage for a new era of urban transformation. Ringed by the first segment of the Riverwalk and accessed by a new bridge and new streetscape public realm design, the areas is already taking shape to reflect the district’s aspirations, goals and distinct identity.
“This is a once-in-a-generation endeavor, and every partner is critical to its success. We are honored to participate and partner with the City of Cleveland,” said Kofi Bonner, Chief Executive Officer at Bedrock, in an October 2023 city council meeting.
Infrastructure improvements are integral to the project’s success, beginning with the rehabilitation of existing riverfront bulkheads and realigning key roadways to unlock new development opportunities. A major highlight is the installation of the Eagle Avenue bridge, which will reconnect the missing link between the riverfront and the Gateway District, fostering seamless movement throughout the area that has been disconnected for more than 20 years. These strategic enhancements are designed to create an 18-hour neighborhood, leveraging existing infrastructure to drive commerce, housing, entertainment, and recreation.
The development embraces transit-oriented design, taking advantage of its prime location near the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority’s rapid transit station at the base of Tower City Center and the Public Square bus hub. This strategic positioning will encourage sustainable urban living and reduce reliance on personal vehicles. Additionally, discussions indicate a potential future Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad station, further enhancing regional connectivity and tourism appeal.
We are embarking on projects that reconnect us to our waterfronts and bring us closer to our goal of an 18-hour, 15-minute downtown that benefits all Clevelanders through people-centered development,” said Mayor Justin M. Bibb. “This is a great example of how public-private partnerships can accelerate the pace of change and a jumping off point for our continued collaboration with Bedrock as we design the future of the riverfront together.”
A defining feature of the plan is the creation of a seamless pedestrian connection from Public Square to the riverfront. This new direct pathway through Tower City Center will transform the area into a dynamic, indoor-to-outdoor mall experience, enhancing the daily lives of commuters while fostering new opportunities for commerce and community engagement. The central activity corridor will flow directly into the newly developed 12 acres of parks and open space, offering an inviting and accessible green waterfront retreat within the urban landscape.
As one of the first major developments within the Master Plan, the Cleveland Cavaliers and Bedrock, in partnership with the Cleveland Clinic, have embarked on the construction of the state-of-the-art Global Peak Performance Center. Located at the eastern edge of the development, this cutting-edge facility will serve as the new training home for the Cleveland Cavaliers while also providing a world-class medical hub for the Cleveland Clinic. Its prominent riverfront location positions it as a landmark anchor seamlessly integrated into the Cuyahoga Riverfront Master Plan and the broader Vision for the Valley.
The first phase of Riverwalk and public realm improvements will introduce a variety of engaging outdoor experiences. Highlights include a new kayak launch at the riverfront trailhead, a generously designed Riverwalk promenade, robust, ecologically-specific plantings and a substantial addition of new tree canopy to downtown Cleveland public realm. The promenade environment is further enhanced by a distinct, district accenting palette of materials, pedestrian-scale lighting, locally sourced sandstone slabs, and versatile public furnishings. These enhancements align with the Cuyahoga Riverfront Master Plan’s mission to connect communities, activate public spaces, and promote environmental sustainability.
Sustainability is a core pillar of the Cuyahoga Riverfront Master Plan. Through its role as Master Development Plan lead and principal landscape architect for the public realm, MKSK has ensured that the plan and its public realm elements align with the rigorous standards for USGBC LEED Cities and Communities certification. In collaboration with Emerald Built Environments, MKSK master plan and public realm documentation process for LEED Cities and Communities Gold certification. This designation underscores the development’s commitment to cutting-edge environmental practices, positioning it as a leader in eco-conscious urban innovation.
By integrating resilient infrastructure and sustainable building strategies, the project is designed to support long-term environmental and economic vitality. With its bold vision and unwavering dedication to sustainability, inclusivity, and connectivity, Bedrock’s Cuyahoga Riverfront Master Plan is poised to redefine downtown Cleveland, creating a thriving and accessible riverfront district for generations to come.
MKSK played a pivotal role in shaping the final master plan document and guiding it through the approval process. As lead landscape architect for the Riverwalk and public realm improvements, the firm continues to drive the project forward, ensuring that Cleveland’s riverfront transformation aligns with global best practices in urban planning, sustainability, and public engagement. With infrastructure already underway and major developments breaking ground, the Cuyahoga Riverfront is on the cusp of a new chapter—one that reimagines Cleveland’s connection to its waterways and elevates its status as a model for modern, sustainable urban development.
Cullen Meves, ASLA, PLA, LEED Green Associate, is an Associate Principal and Landscape Architect at MKSK. She has a strong passion for creating robust, pedestrian-scaled spaces that weave together cohesive urban fabrics. With expertise in parks and recreation, trail corridors, streetscapes, and institutional design, Cullen has been an integral urban design partner in the planning and design of Cleveland's ongoing waterfront transformation. Throughout her career, she has championed innovative public space designs that promote connectivity, accessibility, and vibrant community spaces, making her a key contributor to the development of dynamic, well-connected urban environments.