Cleveland Council discusses IX Center closure and new parking facility at Hopkins Airport

Cleveland City Council has approved a significant redevelopment project that will transform the IX Center, a well-known venue for exhibitions and events, into an industrial facility. During the Committee of the Whole meeting on June 2, 2025, council members discussed the implications of this decision, which will eliminate exhibition space at the site.

The IX Center, which spans approximately 1.6 million square feet, will see nearly 1.1 million square feet repurposed for industrial use. This change has raised concerns among council members about the loss of a venue that has historically hosted major events, such as auto and boat shows. Councilman Polentzik expressed apprehension about where these events will be relocated, noting that the Huntington Convention Center may not have the capacity to accommodate them.

Despite the loss of exhibition space, city officials highlighted potential economic benefits. The convention center is expected to attract some of the shows that would have been held at the IX Center, bringing visitors and revenue to downtown Cleveland. The project is anticipated to create between 200 and 250 jobs, with Brook Park receiving a 2% income tax from the new tenant, while Cleveland will receive 1.5% for the first 16 years, increasing to 2% thereafter.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the future of surrounding land, with discussions about the potential redevelopment of 46 acres currently used as a parking lot. This land will revert to the city, providing opportunities for further development.

In a related initiative, the council also approved plans for a new parking facility at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, which will add approximately 1,600 revenue-generating spaces. This project is part of a broader terminal modernization effort aimed at enhancing the customer experience at the airport.

As Cleveland moves forward with these developments, the city aims to balance industrial growth with the preservation of its cultural and event-hosting capabilities, ensuring that economic opportunities continue to flourish in the region.