Executive Summary:

The Train Ave. corridor once thrived as one of Cleveland’s most prominent business and industrial parkways. Blight and flight among other variables have contributed to the corridor’s current desolate and undesirable state. Fortunately, with assets such as proximity to the Cuyahoga River and the CBD, the area may reach a level of prominence once again.

In an effort to determine the feasibility of redeveloping the area, the MUPDD 611 Capstone Studio assisted those with a vested interest reshaping the neighborhood through data collection and idea formulation. The class was split into two phases. The first phase consisted of an assessment and inventory of the existing conditions, as well as activities and meetings to entice public participation. In phase two we were given the task of creating conceptual proposals for the redevelopment of the corridor, the objective being to utilize available greenspace and incorporate the proposed Towpath Trail extension.

The class was separated into three groups, each being assigned a different segment of the study area. Our group sought to determine the redevelopment opportunities for the eastern section of the corridor from the river to approximately West 25^th Street. Our goal was create a proposal that would lure people to the river and then entice them to explore the rest of the corridor.

Our vision is to transform the Cuyahoga River into a destination point, by expanding the marina and creating a park with an amphitheater adjacent to the marina. In effort to encourage people to travel the entire corridor, we propose that an additional park/bike stop be created at the intersection of Walworth and Scranton, serving as a gateway into the neighborhood.

In 1999, the City of Cleveland’s Planning Commission developed a proposal to extend the Towpath Trail from Old Harvard Ave. to Downtown. We attempt to capitalize on the planned extension be proposing a segment that would link the Cuyahoga River to Eco Village. Our section would connect the segments to the north and south of Train at the intersection of Walworth, Scranton and Fairfield. The trail would extend from that intersection along the south side of Train Ave.

We understand that a project of this magnitude requires the cooperation of many businesses, residents, governmental agencies and other entities with stake in the community. We also acknowledge that there are limitations such as developable land, rail lines and public infrastructure and planned improvements. Yet still, it is our belief that the assets possessed will assist in the reinvention of the Train Ave. corridor.