Euclid Avenue in Cleveland has seen many lives, from a one-time “Millionaires’ Row” early in the 20th century to an underused industrial corridor lined with dilapidated buildings. Always a major artery in the region’s transportation network and lined with major regional institutions such as Cleveland State University and University Hospital, this historic main street was recently transformed by a $197 million investment in bus rapid transit (BRT) and special attention to the latest innovations in street design. Today, more than 89 development projects totaling roughly $4.7 billion of investment are completed or in progress along Euclid Avenue, as estimated by the regional transit authority.

Although some projects have been delayed by the recent nationwide downturn, overall the corridor has bucked national trends and as the economy comes back is now poised to again become one of the United States’ great urban boulevards. Cities around the country are now looking to Cleveland as a model for successful BRT thanks to the thoughtful and comprehensive public investment that has leveraged itself many times over in private sector and institutional dollars.

Developer/Owner
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority
Cleveland, OH

Urban Design and Landscape Architect
Sasaki
Watertown, MA

Station Architect
Robert P. Madison International
Cleveland, OH

Website
www.rtahealthline.com/project-overview.asp

Principal Author(s)
Theodore Thoerig, Adrienne Schmitz, Annie Finkenbinder-Best

ULI Awards for Excellence 2011 Winner