There is no downtown "plan," per se, but there is a hell of a lot going on. The newest piece to the revitalization puzzle is the NineTwelve District, a new identity for the declining business corridor between East 9th and East 12th streets, and Euclid and Lakeside.

The area once known as the financial district "is really going through a change," says Joseph Marinucci, president and CEO of the non-profit development group Downtown Cleveland Alliance. "Change" is a polite way of noting the slow but steady erosion of businesses there, exacerbated by the recession. More than a quarter of the office space is currently vacant, and more major employers -- including Key, Eaton and some law firms -- are expected to leave in the next few years.

Marinucci says the committee of stakeholders that is pushing the NineTwelve plan forward sees a mixed-use community, with more residential options, street-level retail, public spaces, perhaps even trolley service. He likens this thinking to public broadcasting entity ideastream's move to Playhouse Square, which has been beneficial for both.

"Young people especially are looking to be in a more vibrant district," he explains. "They pay attention to the environment they're living and working in."

The project is still in the "visioning" phase, Marinucci notes, and DCA is looking for funding for preliminary elements like branding and the development of public spaces. He warns that patience will be needed: "This is a multi-year strategy. We can't just wave a wand and in 12 months have a new district."

Source: Downtown Cleveland Alliance
Writer: Frank W. Lewis