CLEVELAND — Haslam Sports Group is collaborating with Texas-based developer Lincoln Property company to advance plans for a mixed-use entertainment district surrounding a new NFL stadium in Brook Park, Ohio.
Teh owner of the Cleveland Browns has enlisted Lincoln Property Company to oversee the mixed-use portion of the 176-acre project situated off Snow Road on a former automotive plant site near Cleveland Hopkins international Airport.
The companies announced their collaboration on Tuesday as the Browns continue to seek support adn secure public financing for their suburban stadium proposal.
HKS; Cleveland Browns
Lincoln Property Company’s portfolio includes notable mixed-use projects, such as a 10.2-acre development in Charlotte, North Carolina, near Bank of America Stadium, home of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers.
David Binswanger, Lincoln’s co-CEO, noted that the company has executed plans for 2,000 acres of mixed-use development nationwide.He expressed confidence in Lincoln’s understanding of the foundational elements necessary for the Brook Park proposal’s success.
“Northeast Ohio and the Brook Park site have all the advantages, including a prime location and accessibility, to become a go-to entertainment destination,” he stated.
Lincoln Property Company plans to flank the new domed stadium with retail spaces, apartments, offices, and hotels. This mixed-use project represents a potential $1 billion investment, expected to unfold in phases over a decade or more.
Meanwhile, the 67,000-seat stadium is projected to cost around $2.4 billion, an expense that Browns owners Jimmy and Dee haslam intend to share equally with taxpayers. They have engaged in discussions with local and state officials regarding public financing that would involve borrowing against projected tax revenues stemming from the project, including revenue from concert tickets and hotel stays.
A Haslam Sports group affiliate has secured an agreement to purchase the suburban site, which is currently owned by a group of industrial real estate developers. However, considerable work remains to actualize this vision.
Last week, the Browns released an economic impact report overview that they commissioned, supportive of their assertion that the stadium and entertainment district will serve as an economic engine for the region. This claim stands in contrast to an analysis commissioned by the City of Cleveland,which predicts the project could divert tax dollars,spending,and events from Downtown Cleveland.
On Tuesday, Haslam Sports Group and Lincoln provided further details regarding what the Brook park project may entail. The mixed-use development is expected to include two hotels, 1,100 apartments, 300,000 square feet of retail space, and 500,000 square feet of office space.
The aim is to unveil the initial phase of development by 2029, concurrent with the completion of the 67,000-seat stadium and an extensive parking area. This first phase will encompass 575 apartments, 450 hotel rooms, and 96,000 square feet dedicated to restaurants and shops, alongside 137,000 square feet earmarked for “experiential retail,” which will include a team store.
“We have been focused on assembling a team of experts who create a best-in-class stadium experience that drives new visitors and economic activity to our region,” said Dave Jenkins, chief operating officer of Haslam Sports Group. “Lincoln is internationally renowned, and we are excited for their work and impact on Northeast Ohio.”
HKS, a global architecture firm based in Dallas, is tasked with designing the Brook Park stadium and serving as the master planner for the entire site.
What are the long-term economic impacts of developing a mixed-use entertainment district around an NFL stadium?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Stadium Development Expert
Editor: Welcome, everyone, to Time.news! Today we have a special guest, Dr. Emily Thompson, a renowned expert in urban development and sports infrastructure. We’re delving into the exciting new plans by the Haslam Sports Group and Lincoln Property Company for a mixed-use entertainment district in Brook Park, Ohio, surrounding a new NFL stadium for the Cleveland Browns. Welcome, Dr. Thompson!
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this significant project and it’s implications for the community.
Editor: Let’s start with the basics. The Haslam Sports Group is collaborating with Lincoln Property Company on this 176-acre project. What does this collaboration mean for urban development in the area?
Dr. Thompson: This collaboration is pivotal. It represents a shift towards integrating sports infrastructure with community-centric spaces. By developing a mixed-use entertainment district, we see a trend where sports venues become part of a larger community framework, promoting social interaction, economic growth, and urban revitalization.
Editor: That approach sounds promising.The site is a former automotive plant near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. What kind of challenges do you foresee with transforming that location?
Dr.Thompson: transforming a former industrial site can pose various challenges, including environmental remediation, infrastructure upgrades, and community integration. The new development must address any contamination from its past use and ensure that the infrastructure can support the anticipated traffic and activities surrounding the stadium. Engaging with local stakeholders is crucial to ensure the project aligns with community needs and expectations.
Editor: Engaging the community is indeed vital. The Browns are still in the process of securing public financing for this new stadium.How essential is public support for a project of this scale?
Dr. Thompson: Public financing is integral to large-scale projects, especially in sports development. The community often seeks returns on its investments, such as job creation and tax revenue. Involving the public early in the planning stages helps garner support and mitigate potential opposition. Clear discussions about benefits and impacts can foster a sense of ownership among residents.
Editor: That’s a great point. Once completed, what kinds of facilities or attractions can we expect to see in this mixed-use district?
Dr. Thompson: We can anticipate a variety of attractions, including retail spaces, restaurants, hospitality options like hotels, entertainment venues, and possibly even green spaces or parks for community use. Such districts aim to create year-round engagement beyond just game days, fostering a vibrant environment that draws both locals and tourists.
Editor: I can see how that would enhance the overall experience for visitors. As an expert, what lessons can other cities learn from this project as they look to build thier own sports infrastructure?
Dr. Thompson: One of the key lessons is the importance of vision—understanding that a stadium is not just about hosting sporting events. It’s about creating a destination. Cities shoudl prioritize lasting design, community engagement, and economic integration in their planning processes. Emphasizing multi-use spaces can also ensure the structure contributes to the local economy and community long after the games are over.
Editor: Fantastic insights, dr. Thompson. As we wrap up, what do you hope to see in the future for urban development surrounding sports venues?
Dr. Thompson: I hope to see more collaboration between sports franchises, developers, and local governments towards creating inclusive and sustainable urban spaces. The success of projects like the Browns’ new stadium could pave the way for innovative designs that prioritize community needs, environmental considerations, and economic viability.
Editor: Thank you, Dr.Thompson, for sharing your expertise today. We look forward to seeing how the cleveland Browns’ vision unfolds in Brook Park.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to it as well.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay informed with Time.news for more updates on this exciting development!