The Cleveland Foundation announced a grant of $8 million to LAND Studio at a July 15 news conference. The money will be used as an economic incentive to revitalize Public Square. The grant is the latest in a series of legacy grants commemorating 100 years of the Foundation’s impact on Greater Cleveland.
 
In collaboration with LAND Studio’s Group Plan, James Corner Field, a nationally recognized landscape architect, has mapped out plans for a $30 million upgrade designed to make Public Square a world-class public space, according to a Cleveland Foundation news release.
 
“Transforming Public Square into a welcoming park for all Clevelanders is central to our plans for making downtown a more vibrant, thriving urban core,” said Cleveland Mayor Frank A. Jackson. “Today’s announcement by the Cleveland Foundation goes a long way toward making that transformation a reality.”
 
The newly renovated south plaza of Public Square will be named “Cleveland Foundation Centennial Plaza” in recognition of the foundation.
 
“For 100 years, the Cleveland Foundation has been committed to enhancing the lives of Greater Clevelanders through place-based philanthropy – generosity that is rooted in lifting a city to its greatest potential,” said Ronn Richard, the Cleveland Foundation’s president and CEO. “Public Square is the ultimate symbol of a ‘place for people.’”
 
Planning officials expect the additional funds necessary to complete the project will be acquired by May 2016, according to the release.

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