History: a Grand Urban Boulevard 1890 1910: At its peak, Euclid Avenue, "Millionaire's Row," was considered the second most beautiful urban street in the country next to Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. 1910-2030: The grand avenue quickly fell into decline from tax hikes and the encroaching commercial development from the downtown core.
Existing conditions along Euclid Avenue of the neighborhoods between the downtown core and University Circle in 2002. Existing conditions in the downtown core in 2002 at the launch of the Euclid Avenue BRT project Context: 2002 above: The Euclid Avenue corridor showing the downtown core at left and University Circle at right. above: Rendering of the Euclid Avenue corridor vision
Public design charrettes engaged stakeholders to help develop the character of the Euclid Avenue corridor. Public workshops engaged stakeholders to help define the corridor alignment. The public process gathered the most diverse range of stakeholders possible by approaching the project block-by-block. Design Process: Engaging Stakeholders
Design Development Many 3-D renderings were developed to communicate design intent to the city, stakeholders and the public.
Euclid Corridor Transportation Project above: Healthline campaign driven by University Hospital and the Cleveland Clinic. left: Promotional campaign driven by the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority. Promotional Campaigns left: University Circle Inc. is the development, service, and advocacy organization responsible for the growth of University Circle as a premier urban district and world-class center of innovation in health care, education and arts & culture. Their Bring Back Euclid Avenue campaign raised $7.12 million.
Corridors as Linear Green Parks A primary goal was to integrate life and color into the corridor. Downtown, trees and planters provide green and color along the route. Colorful plantings fill medians connected to stations. Other parts of the corridor connect to the open spaces along the avenue.
Creating Complete Streets Euclid Avenue is a "complete street" meaning that it supports all forms of transportation including the BRT with dedicated lanes, standard buses, vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. It is the only street in the country specifically designed to simultaneously support all of these transportation options.
Distinct Neighborhood Character In addition to the renovation of existing buildings, neighborhood character is enhanced and strengthened by design elements such as: three types of BRT stations and multiple waiting area designs, paving design, and public art in the form of planters, tree grates, benches and more.
Think Rail / Design for Bus Rail-like amenities are maximized to create the most user-friendly experience possible. Examples of amenities include: designated BRT lanes; level boarding; real time updates; enhanced frequency and consolidated stops; and safe, attractive passengerfriendly waiting areas.
Vibrancy and Diversity The Euclid Avenue corridor connects a diverse group of neighborhoods ranging from the dense downtown commercial center to residential areas. These neighborhoods include a full range of socioeconomic circumstance, race and age. Increased safety creates a vibrant spine for the city with greater activity both day and night.
Institutional Development Healthcare Development Residential Development Development: Rebirth of the Avenue Key to the success of Euclid Avenue is the $3.3 billion private economic development that has accompanied the investment in corridor transit, infrastructure and the public realm. Above are just a few examples.
Cleveland Plain Dealer: February 10, 2008