KeyBank Foundation Donates Funds To Revitalize Cleveland Public Square

Posted by Heidi Schwartz

An aerial rendering of the proposed improvements to Public Square (Photo: Cleveland.com).
An aerial rendering of the proposed improvements to Public Square (Photo: Cleveland.com).

The KeyBank Foundation announced it has awarded a $4 million grant to The Group Plan Commission for the reconstruction of Public Square. The grant adds to the momentum of a project that is critical for downtown’s redevelopment. The grant is the first corporate donation to the Group Plan.

“The redevelopment of Public Square will be one of the most significant projects in the city’s history, and we are proud to be able to play a part in making it happen,” said KeyCorp Chairman and CEO Beth Mooney. “It will provide the kind of public space that acts as a magnet for residents and visitors. Years from now, Clevelanders will regard this project as one of the essential elements in the city’s revitalization.”

“This is a historic moment in the revitalization of the heart of Cleveland,” said Tony Coyne, chairman of The Group Plan Commission.

“KeyBank’s generosity triggers the additional Cleveland Foundation gift and brings us within reach of the level of funding needed to move forward with construction this fall,” said Coyne.  “We’re confident that this gift will give us the momentum we need to bring the project to life.”

Mayor Frank Jackson praised KeyBank for its philanthropic and corporate leadership.

“The City of Cleveland is fortunate to have great companies like KeyBank, which has a long history of providing critical support to important local projects and organizations,” Jackson said. “This will give every Clevelander the world-class public space they deserve and will be a great emblem for the City when the GOP attracts the world’s attention here in 2016.”

County Executive Ed FitzGerald said the effort to improve this valuable public space will accelerate Cleveland’s revitalization. “We’ve made great strides in recent years and revitalizing the heart of downtown will create a legacy for generations,” he said.

Maintenance and programming of the revitalized Public Square is a priority of The Group Plan Commission. The commission has partnered with world-renowned landscape architecture firm James Corner Field Operations (JCFO) to redesign Public Square.