Generated by North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation (NCWDC), the project will bring seasonal programming to the lakefront beginning Summer 2025
Cleveland, OH (March 4, 2025): The North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation (NCWDC), Cleveland’s lakefront development nonprofi t, unveiled plans today for the North Coast Yard, a new public venue for recreation on Cleveland’s downtown lakefront on the city-owned lot north of Browns Stadium. The project, submitted to the Cleveland City Planning Commission for design review next week, is the fi rst major step of the North Coast Master Plan aimed at creating a vibrant, equitable, and connected waterfront.
“Cleveland’s residents should not have to wait to experience a lakefront that belongs to them,” said Scott Skinner, executive director, NCWDC. “While we continue to make progress on the bold long-term vision for Cleveland’s lakefront, including $150 million raised over last year, construction on the project is still years away. The temporary infrastructure and exciting programming of the North Coast Yard gives our community a chance to enjoy Lake Erie now.”
Designed as downtown Cleveland’s “lakefront backyard,” this public space, located next to the Steamship Mather, will host free programming from May through September 2025, providing a near-term opportunity to showcase how the lakefront can be best activated while larger, long-term plans for additional development are pursued. A tentative event schedule, still in formation with partners, can be accessed www.northcoastyard.com
“Cleveland’s transformational lakefront development will be years in the making,” said David Gilbert, chair, NCDWC Board of Directors. “This summer activation helps residents experience what the development could ultimately provide. The more residents interact with the lakefront, the more they will believe in our city’s future as a waterfront city.”
The North Coast Yard is seeking partners, sponsors, and collaborators to bring this space to life. Thanks to funding from NCWDC and ARPA allocation from the City of Cleveland, local businesses, cultural organizations, artists and community groups are encouraged to participate with creative programming ideas and use of the space. Those interested can contact Zoë Toscos at ztoscos@clevelandnorthcoast.com.
The space allows for:
- Food & drink to be sold by local businesses
- Live music, cultural events, community programming, games and casual recreation (basketball, yard games, open seating, flexible public space)
- Unparalleled views of Lake Erie and downtown Cleveland
More details and proposed renderings of the North Coast Yard can be found HERE
About North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation
The North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation (NCWDC) is a not-for-profit entity that will assist the City of Cleveland with the equitable development of the North Coast Lakefront as a destination for residents, business, recreation and visitors. It is responsible for the planning, financing, land management and coordination, development oversight, community benefits, development coordination, and partnership and oversight of a potential New Community Authority and/or financing and development districts as needed to implement the City’s waterfront development project. Our mission is to implement a unified vision for the Lakefront and drive the execution of catalytic projects that will reshape the city. Learn more at clevelandnorthcoast.com
About North Coast Yard
North Coast Yard is a pop-up lakefront public space opening this summer on the city-owned lot next to the Steamship Mather and north of Browns Stadium. Launched by NCWDC, this project is a key step in creating a vibrant, equitable waterfront that connects people with nature and the city, building on the community vision established in the North Coast Master Plan. Learn more at northcoastyard.com.
This press release was originally sent by The North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation
