Final Presentation | Final Reports | Midterm Reports |Course Description | Site Map | MUPDD Home

Train Avenue/Walworth Run Corridor Project

Course Description

PDD 611 is the culminating course for students in the Master of Urban Planning, Design and Development program at the Levin College of Urban Affairs, Cleveland State University. The spring 2004 course focused on plans to redevelop the Train Ave/Walworth Run Corridor on the near West Side of City of Cleveland, Ohio.

The corridor runs approximately two miles from W. 65th St. eastward to the Cuyahoga River. In the western end, the corridor is located directly to the south of the I-90 interstate; in its eastern third, the corridor study site turns northward toward the Cuyahoga River. Train Ave. is so-named for its proximity to several rail lines that run in the corridor. These railways were placed in the area in the late 19th and early 20th century as the west side neighborhoods of Cleveland developed. The trains were located in a natural ravine, which contained Walworth Run, a small tributary stream that emptied into the Cuyahoga River. Walworth Run was a valley riparian corridor containing several ponds, and drew early settlers, livestock businesses and slaughterhouses. The stream was gradually culverted and eventually buried underground, becoming part of the city's growing sewer system during the early 20th century.

Today scant evidence of the existence of a vibrant stream remains, although the topography of the area reveals its former location. The Train Ave. /Walworth Run corridor is a "forgotten landscape" except for the business located in its boundaries, and the neighborhoods directly adjacent to its south. The road is in need of repair, the area is subject to frequent litter and dumping, and is used as a "cut through" to Cleveland's downtown from the west side neighborhoods.

The study site corridor is a challenging exercise for a planning studio. Students were asked to generate ideas for the regeneration of the Train Ave./Walworth Run Corridor and develop suggestions for actions that can be used to restore its social and economic vitality, its connections to the surrounding neighborhoods, and its aesthetic and natural beauty. The project was carried out in conjunction with a steering committee of clients: the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission, the City of Cleveland, and three community-based redevelopment organizations: Stockyards, Clark-Metro and Tremont. The class was structured as a studio or practicum and included two major phases.

Phases of work

Phase I consisted of a review of the context, goals and organization of the project. The class first reviewed the knowledge base and skills they had acquired in previous courses. A field trip to the site and a review of project management processes were accomplished. Students then focused on creating a shared information base for the project. Students were divided into four analysis teams based on their previous course work and analytical skills. The teams focused on a site assessment (current conditions), a review of past plans and current initiatives in the area around the site and best management practices concerning corridor redevelopment from around the world, an assessment of stakeholder interests, and an assessment of current resident and business leader perceptions. The teams developed documents and materials for in-class presentations, which are available on this web site under the Midterm Reports link.

Phase II focused on synthesis of the results of Phase I and design of redevelopment schemes. Students were re-organized into three design teams, once team for three "reaches" of the historic stream in the corridor: eastern middle and western (lower, middle and upper). An executive committee of the instructor, team leaders and web master provide overall coordination and guidance for the project. Students, faculty, professional research staff, community planning practitioners, elected officials and neighborhood residents attended a final presentation at the end of the semester. This presentation and the power point materials produced by the students can be accessed on this web site at "Final Presentation" link.