Euclid Avenue , Enhancing a Corridor through Transit Investment

Redevelopment Strategies »» Broad infrastructure improvements centered Euclid Avenue in Cleveland is celebrated in completed the project for a total investment cost around transit the city’s history as the turn-of-the-20th-century of $200 million. The three goals guiding the devel- »» Public/private partner- home to John D. Rockefeller and other prominent opment were to (1) improve service and efficiency ships to fund and imple- American businessmen. However, as development for customers, (2) promote economic and commu- ment the project pressure and Cleveland’s population increased, nity development along and adjacent to the line, Euclid Avenue’s luxury homes gave way to parking and (3) improve quality of life for residents and Results and lots and shopping centers. visitors of the corridor and for area employees. Lessons Learned Beginning in the 1970s, local leaders set out to Today, the 9.2-mile HealthLine services Cleve- »» Strong public/private partnerships between reestablish the corridor as a major transportation land’s cultural amenities, businesses, medical multiple stakeholders and economic development link by implementing centers, and the convention center while oper- contributed to the suc- a new transit system along the avenue. Seeking ating seven days a week, 24 hours a day, along cess of the project. to connect the city’s two largest commercial dedicated bus lanes. HealthLine buses and stations »» The establishment of a districts—downtown and — are highly efficient because the hybrid vehicles new transit line resulted Cleveland stakeholders voted to establish a bus contain GPS communication, multiple doors for in $6.3 billion in new development, 13,000 new transit (BRT) system in 1998. Known as the boarding, and text and audio communications. jobs, and more than 4,000 HealthLine, the BRT has both improved connec- The stops feature raised platforms, fare vending new residential units tivity and attracted new development to the area machines, station signage, real-time displays, and along the corridor. since its completion in 2008. interactive kiosks. In strategic partnerships with state and federal In anticipation of increased growth along the agencies, local stakeholders—including the city of corridor, $10 million of the total investment was Cleveland, the , University Hospi- put toward improving sidewalks, bike lanes, and tals, and the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit the utility infrastructure. Design improvements Authority (Cleveland’s regional planning agency)— along the corridor include lighting, public art,

16 BUILDING HEALTHY CORRIDORS newly paved surfaces, and 1,500 trees. Adjacent ment along the line, 13,000 new jobs, and more neighborhoods were given distinct identities than 4,000 new residential units. The hybrid buses through varying tree species, lighting patterns, have 75 percent better fuel economy, and the new OPPOSITE: A new BRT system and pavement and bus shelter designs. trees are expected to absorb close to 48 pounds has helped reestablish Euclid Since the HealthLine’s completion, new devel- of carbon dioxide per year once they reach matu- Avenue as a major transporta- opment and increased stakeholder collaboration rity. After the BRT was completed, travel between tion corridor in Cleveland. (Craig have greatly improved the aesthetics and the destinations along Euclid Avenue became quicker Kuhner) usability of Euclid Avenue. Transit travel times for those traveling by bus or car and safer for ABOVE RIGHT: Before, Euclid Avenue was a desolate, car- have been reduced from 40 to 28 minutes. In the those traveling by foot or bike. oriented corridor that lacked pub- first year of operation, ridership increased by 48 Those accomplishments earned the HealthLine lic and private investment. (Jason percent, and between 2008 and 2015, ridership the Grand Award from the American Council Hellendrung) increased 70 percent. of Engineering Companies in 2010, the Global ABOVE LEFT AND BELOW: The HealthLine has been credited with having Award for Excellence from ULI in 2011, and the Now, Euclid Avenue operates as a the highest return on investment of any recent title “Best in North America” by the Institute for complete and scenic street. (Craig U.S. transit project, with $6.3 billion in develop- Transportation and Development Policy in 2013. Kuhner)

CHAPTER 2: REINVENTING CORRIDORS 17