Public Square gets new nonprofit manager
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Bollards. Photo: Sam Allard/Axios
Public Square is making news, and not just for its barriers.
State of play: Cleveland City Council voted this month to transfer Square management from the Group Plan Commission to Downtown Cleveland Inc. (DCI), a nonprofit.
- At a council meeting, DCI chief executive Michael Deemer said the Group Plan Commission is "on a path towards dissolving as an organization" in light of the change.
Why it matters: The Square is often described as Cleveland's front porch or living room, and DCI says a clean, revitalized space with more public activities will align with Mayor Justin Bibb's vision of an 18-hour downtown core.
- DCI plans to create an easier permitting process for special events and to proactively curate the space with new retail options and temporary art installations.
Follow the money: DCI recently secured $750,000 in state funding for Public Square enhancements.
- That's on top of the city's annual $500,000 commitment.
What they're saying: "Our mission is to create a vibrant, inclusive and connected downtown," Deemer said in a statement. "We are thrilled to begin immediately activating and infusing new life into Public Square."
Flashback: The Square underwent a $50 million renovation in 2016 ahead of the Republican National Convention.
- After a contentious battle with local transit activists, then-Mayor Frank Jackson agreed to continue allowing buses on Superior Avenue through the Square but installed unsightly jersey barriers.
- He claimed the concrete barriers were there to protect against a terrorist attack.
Yes, but: The barriers were hauled away in March.
- New security barriers were installed last month.