ABSTRACT
I.. Introduction Cleveland followed in Indianapolis’ footsteps using new entertainment, cultural, and sports facilities in an effort to (1) arrest downtown decline, (2) create a new image, and (3) slow or reverse regional economic contraction. Unlike Indianapolis, however, there was only a general strategy or a loose vision that guided the redevelopment effort rather than a detailed plan. In addition, Cleveland did not concentrate its new assets in one part of its downtown area. The restored theater district, Playhouse Square, is at the eastern end of the downtown area. Two of the new sports facilities are at the southern extent of the downtown area with the third and two new museums on downtown’s northern edge, adjacent to Lake Erie (Figure 7.1).
