Old River Road

September 2025

Old River Road

Cleveland

Concept

Multiple

Visualization

Ian McDaniel

Motivation

City streets like Old River Road need complete redesigns to bring them up to modern standards. Future development along the Cuyahoga River in particular will require infrastructure improvements to be accessible, both to join disconnected areas but also beautify the riverfront as a whole. This proposal would align with the City of Cleveland’s “Complete & Green Streets” initiative by increasing the tree canopy and landscaped environment, implementing traffic calming for pedestrian safety and offering infrastructure for additional methods of transportation. Redesigning Old River Road and preparing it for ancillary development would solidify the Flats East Bank as a growing entertainment destination and development hotspot.

Bridging the Gap

Old River Road connects two important pieces of Cleveland’s riverfront: Flats East Bank and Canal Basin Park. The improvements will not only serve as a link for traveling between these destinations, they will better integrate core tenants like Collision Bend Brewing Co. currently on the fringe to the rest of the flats.

◁ Existing buildings such as the one housing Collision Bend Brewing Co. in the context of future improvements.

Infrastructure for All

The proposed streetscaping significantly reduces the width of one way travel to a single southbound lane and valet/drop off parking lane. A multipurpose trail separated from the road by a utility buffer would provide protected travel lanes for bikes and joggers. Proposed lighting and landscaping enhancements beautify a street with no existing tree canopy or landscaping whatsoever.

▷ Automobile, bike, and walking infrastructure proposed for Old River Road.

Additional Development

Once roadway improvements are made, a mix of residential, hospitality and commercial uses are proposed on two parcels based on community input. A mix of mid rise and low rise buildings would add density to downtown and be located next to the Flats East Bank light rail station. Designs of these buildings should appreciate the existing context of the historical buildings along Old River Road.

◁ Potential development opportunities for transit-oriented development. See below for public survey results.

Public Survey

Gallery

This project is purely conceptual and not affiliated with or endorsed by any regional authorities or organizations mentioned.

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