Cleveland Metroparks Partners to Revitalize columbus Peninsula Riverfront
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The project aims to blend historic preservation with enhanced public access to the Cuyahoga River.
Cleveland Metroparks is collaborating with Ceres + LaPine Development to revitalize the Columbus Peninsula riverfront, focusing on preserving historical elements while improving public access.
CLEVELAND – Cleveland Metroparks is proceeding with it’s initiative to redevelop a meaningful portion of the Columbus Peninsula in the Flats. They have chosen a development team to assist in reimagining the riverfront by offering new public access points and adaptively reusing existing historic buildings.
On Thursday, the Cleveland Metroparks Board of Park Commissioners approved a lease agreement with Ceres + LaPine Development LLC for a mixed-use project encompassing approximately 15 parcels along the Cuyahoga River. This agreement allows the developers to pursue Ohio Historic Preservation Tax credits to support the renovation of the peninsula’s existing structures.
According to Rich Exner of 3News media partner Cleveland.com, the 4.29-acre site, situated between Merwin’s Wharf and the Center Street (Swing) Bridge, includes well-known landmarks such as the former Grain craft silos and the old Catanese Classics seafood building.
“A basic priority of the project for Cleveland Metroparks is to enhance public access to the riverfront, ensuring that the community can enjoy and connect with this valuable natural asset for generations to come,” said Metroparks CEO Brian Zimmerman in a statement. “This promising collaboration represents an exciting step toward unlocking the possibilities of connectivity within a dynamic riverfront destination.”
David Crisafi of Ceres + LaPine stated that his team is “enthusiastic about the prospect to collaborate” and intends to use a market-driven strategy that “leverages the site’s historic character to bring new life to the Columbus Peninsula riverfront.”
the redevelopment plan, guided by designs from Sandvick Architects, aims to restore historic buildings, improve community connectivity, and establish a new public destination.
Exner reports that potential ideas for the site include a hotel, apartments, offices, and restaurants, although the specific details will largely depend on the historic tax credit applications.
The Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit awards are anticipated to be announced later in the year.
Below is a map of the area.
“A fundamental priority of the project for cleveland metroparks is to enhance public access to the riverfront…”
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