Cleveland's lakefront overhaul: What happens when
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Cleveland's lakefront looked a little different 10 years and will look dramatically different 10 years from now. Photo: Raymond Boyd/Getty Images
Cleveland is preparing to reshape its lakefront around North Coast Harbor, and a new construction timeline shows when major changes could begin.
Why it matters: After decades of ambitious proposals, Cleveland is moving closer to transforming the waterfront surrounding the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Huntington Bank Field into a pedestrian-friendly destination with parks, housing and entertainment.
Driving the news: The city released updated construction schedules last week as it seeks contractors for the first phase of its $284 million North Coast Connector project.
Here's the timeline:
- September 2027: Construction is expected to begin on a pedestrian land bridge connecting downtown to Lake Erie, with completion targeted for June 2028.
- Late 2028: Work to transform the Memorial Shoreway into a 35-mph boulevard could trigger traffic detours lasting more than three years.
- July 2029: Demolition of Huntington Bank Field is tentatively scheduled to begin, assuming the Browns' new Brook Park stadium opens on time.
- Late 2030: Stadium demolition could wrap up, clearing approximately 25 acres for redevelopment.
- Early 2032: The boulevard's first phase is targeted for completion, replacing elevated highway infrastructure with six street-level intersections.
Friction point: The timeline comes amid renewed tensions between City Council and the Browns over the team's impending departure.
- Council last week rejected $1.1 million in stadium repair reimbursements, with opponents questioning continued spending on a building destined for demolition.
- Supporters warned that a legal fight over the city's contractual obligations could cost taxpayers more.
The big picture: Cleveland envisions transforming roughly 50 acres surrounding North Coast Harbor — including the Browns stadium and parking lots — into a mixed-use neighborhood with parks, housing and a waterfront promenade.
- Plans include a public park incorporating the stadium's current playing field.
- The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's massive expansion, debuting Nov. 22, will reinforce its role as a lakefront anchor.
Yes, but: The Browns could remain at Huntington Bank Field through the 2030 season if construction in Brook Park falls behind schedule, delaying demolition.
- A second, unfunded phase would extend the boulevard east to the Innerbelt Curve and connect it to an extended East 18th Street. No construction timeline has been established.