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Director outlines Euclid Avenue corridor improvements, signage, library partnership and redevelopment proposals
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Summary
City staff presented a roadmap of public-space improvements and private redevelopment along Euclid Avenue, including a gateway/signage plan shaped by resident feedback, a partnership to locate library services in the Historic Society building, waterline and cul‑de‑sac work on Coulter Avenue, and multiple proposed private investments totaling roughly $85 million.
A city director presented council with plans and proposals intended to reshape the Euclid Avenue corridor and nearby sites, saying the work is guided by the city’s 2018 master plan and by resident feedback gathered at multiple public meetings and online surveys.
The director told the Euclid City Council the presentation was designed to “kick off the year” for corridor projects and highlighted a consultant-produced concept plan delivered in early March for gateway signage and streetscape work. The concept would use a curved landscaped bed and a monument sign in the public right-of-way, sandblasted concrete motifs consistent with other city sites and aluminum tubing shaped to echo a wave motif. “All of these points represent a project that is planned or underway along Euclid Avenue,” the director said, noting the design emphasizes low‑maintenance plantings, seating that matches lakefront trail furniture and uplighting to make signage visible at night.
Staff emphasized the signage project grew from resident input: public meeting one drew strong turnout, an online survey in September returned 99 responses, and a second survey gathered 24 responses. Guide Studio synthesized feedback into a concept plan staff now hopes to translate into construction drawings and bid packages; staff said there is money already earmarked in the community development block grant (CDBG) budget toward the project, and an appropriation letter is expected soon.
The presentation also covered building reuse and partnerships. Staff described plans to locate a library branch in the Euclid Historical Society building on North Street. A structural assessment showed mechanical systems nearing end of life; the director said the county awarded $50,000 toward mechanical replacement to support the library partnership. The plan would include ADA upgrades: renovated restrooms, replacement of front steps and railings with code‑compliant materials and a proposed aluminum ramp to replace an aging lift.
Infrastructure and safety projects were discussed as well. Council was updated on a water‑main replacement and resurfacing contract for Coulter Avenue and a related safety proposal to install a 35‑foot‑radius cul‑de‑sac at the dead end to improve maneuverability and discourage cut‑through traffic. The director said staff are negotiating with the adjacent industrial property owner (identified in the meeting as IRG ICP) about acquiring a small parcel for access, but that the water‑main project will move forward regardless; Cleveland Water could be a limiting external factor.
On redevelopment, staff reviewed a private application to repurpose a roughly 222,000‑square‑foot office tower south of Euclid (referred to as Top of the Hill Plaza/Lakeview Enterprise Campus) into about 165 market‑rate apartments with roughly 20,000 square feet of commercial space. The director said the building is about 50% occupied and that the applicant has submitted materials for Planning & Zoning reconsideration; staff estimated the private investment at about $55 million (staff cautioned the number may be higher). Separately, a proposed three‑story, roughly 120‑unit senior assisted‑living project at the Euclid Spur property was described with an estimated $30 million investment; staff said the project has site constraints and requires rezoning and multiple review steps.
The director summarized totals for projects discussed: about $1.7 million in public‑space improvements (not including final engineering for the water‑main work) and approximately $85 million in proposed private investment. Council members applauded the emphasis on the south side of the city and urged staff to ensure investments are balanced across neighborhoods and that developers present proposals that are materially different and of higher quality than existing stock. “We have to step back to say, what’s the next phase?” Councilman Tanner said, urging a long‑term view on attracting new types of development.
On procedural matters, the meeting opened with a motion to excuse Council President Jarrows (moved and seconded; an aye was recorded but a full tally was not specified). The council later approved an adjournment motion (moved by Councilman Tanner, seconded by Wotilla/Mortilla) and the meeting ended with a director offer to hold further ward meetings and a public meeting on the Brush Avenue property slated for April 23 to gather community input.
Next steps identified in the discussion included converting the signage concept to construction drawings and bids, continuing lease negotiations for the Historical Society/library partnership (any lease would require council approval), proceeding with advertised water‑main replacement work, and holding public outreach on Brush Avenue redevelopment options.
