Press Releases

Cleveland – November 19, 2024—David Gutheil has been appointed as the interim leader for the Port of Cleveland, set to take over in January following the departure of Will Friedman who is stepping down from his role at the end of this year.

“We are fortunate to have someone as experienced and trusted as Dave ready to step in,” said J. Stefan Holmes, Port board chair. “As we announced when Will shared his decision to move on, the board is committed to finding a successor with experience in maritime transportation, development finance and economic development. As we look for a permanent successor, we are fully confident in the guiding hands of Dave.”

Holmes said the board will be engaging a search committee for the permanent successor.

Gutheil has been with the Port of Cleveland more than 14 years, most recently as Chief Commercial Officer, a position he was named to in March 2018.  In this role, he has led all operational and business development functions of the Port’s maritime division, including management of tenant and client relationships, overseeing strategic planning and driving cargo development initiatives.

He has played an integral role in various high profile projects, including securing over $90 million of infrastructure upgrades at the general cargo and bulk terminals, which have increased efficiency of cargo movements in and out of the Port by more than 35%. He has also developed new cruise vessel business for the Port and developed strategic alliances with partners such as OmniTrax, which has increased rail activity and efficiencies at the general cargo terminal, and Logistec USA, which operates the Port’s bulk and general cargo terminals.

Gutheil previously was the Port’s Vice President, Maritime and Logistics. He led development of the Cleveland-Europe Express, the first container service at the Port and a Great Lakes game changer.

“I am honored by the Board’s trust in me,” said Gutheil. “Our commitment to our community and business partners remains strong, and I look forward to supporting the Port’s continued growth and positive impact on the region, including the bold initiatives started under Will Friedman.”

In October, Friedman announced his decision to step down from his role following the expiration of his contract. His departure marks the end of a successful 14-year tenure during which the Port expanded its impact on regional economic development, environmental stewardship and infrastructure investment.

Cleveland – November 14, 2024— The Port of Cleveland today approved the issuance of more than $171 million in bonds and notes for four transformative projects, including the pivotal first new development in Bedrock’s Riverfront project along the Cuyahoga River and a major affordable housing renovation in downtown Cleveland, among other strategic initiatives.

This brings the total development bonds approved by the Port in 2024 to approximately $753 million, underscoring its pivotal role in advancing the economic landscape of Northeast Ohio.

“The projects approved today are a good showcase of the Port’s ability to add value to a diverse group of projects during a time when projects are a challenge to get done. Today’s approvals assist in moving forward a riverfront development to bring Cleveland closer to an 18-hour 15-minute neighborhood, give non-profits access to the tax-exempt bond market, provide PACE financing through collaboration with another port, and rehabilitate a low-income property in downtown, Cleveland,” said Rhonda Winslow, Vice President of Development Finance.

The projects  approved today include:

• The Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center – Up to $50 million in taxable lease revenue bonds will help fund this 153,247-square-foot athletic training and medical facility. This over $200 million project is a cornerstone of the $3.5 billion Riverfront development being executed by Bedrock and will house a new training facility for the Cavaliers, with completion expected in 2027.
• Allerton Apartments Renovation – Up to $34 million in tax-exempt multifamily housing revenue notes will support a $60 million overhaul of the Allerton Apartments at 1802 E. 13th St. in downtown Cleveland. This critical affordable housing project will modernize 199 Section 8 units within a 15-story, 146,094-square-foot building, ensuring continued access to quality housing for low-income residents.
• Medical Center Company Expansion – Up to $80 million in variable-rate revenue bonds will refinance existing bonds and fund the expansion of steam and chilled water services to University Circle non-profits, primarily Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals’ Case Medical Center. This expansion will enhance operational efficiency and support future growth in this essential district. The Medical Center Company also serves The Cleveland Museum of Art, The Church of the Covenant, The Musical Arts Association (Severance Hall), the Cleveland Botanical Garden, The Cleveland Medical Library Association and the Cleveland Institute of Art.
• Central Mutual Insurance Company Headquarters Repairs – Up to $7.4 million in PACE bonds will support $12.3 million in repairs to the Central Mutual Insurance headquarters in Van Wert, Ohio. This project, in partnership with the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, will strengthen infrastructure for a major property and casualty insurer serving 24 states, and helps to geographically diversify the Port’s bond fund portfolio.

“The financing projects approved by the Board throughout 2024 highlight the critical role our agency plays in Northeast Ohio’s development,” said J. Stefan Holmes, Port board chair.  “I’m proud of what we have been able to accomplish this year.

Cleveland – October 29, 2024 –  The Port of Cleveland is proud to announce that it has been awarded the largest grant in its history, nearly $95 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). This transformative funding, part of the $3 billion EPA Clean Ports Program, will position the Port as a national leader in sustainable maritime operations and sets the standard for environmental stewardship on the Great Lakes. 

“This is a monumental achievement for the Port of Cleveland,” said William Friedman, President and CEO. “Receiving the full amount of our request reflects both the strength of our proposal and our commitment to sustainability. We expect this investment will reduce port CO2 emissions by 40%, greatly improve air quality, and advance our Climate Action Plan in ways we could only imagine before.”

”This award reflects the tireless work of our team and the incredible support from our federal partners. It wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of Senator Sherrod Brown and others who share our vision for a cleaner, more sustainable Great Lakes region,”  Friedman said, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in securing this grant.

The $95 million grant will cover 90% of project costs aimed at significantly reducing its carbon footprint and cementing its position as a leader in sustainable maritime shipping, with the remaining 10% funded through private and public contributions. As part of the Clean Ports Program, the Port will implement a series of sustainability initiatives through partnerships with Logistec USA Inc. and Great Lakes Towing, the operators of the Port of Cleveland general cargo terminal and tugboat shipyard in Cleveland harbor.  Together, they will implement the following initiatives:

• Rooftop solar system and battery energy storage for Port operations
• Electric cargo handling equipment and charging infrastructure
• Shore power system to allow vessels to plug in while docked
• Building two new electric tugboats, setting a new standard for maritime sustainability

In a letter to the EPA, Senator Sherrod Brown said: “These proposed upgrades would eliminate all trail-pipe emissions from the port, provide renewable energy power sources for visiting cargo vessels, improve air quality and fortify the port for future business growth in the area.”

Friedman credited dedicated Port staff involved in the application, with special recognition for the efforts of Carly Beck, Senior Manager of Planning, Environment and Information Systems.

“This funding provides the Port with an incredible opportunity to lead by example,” Beck said. “We are not just reducing emissions—we’re transforming the way maritime operations can integrate sustainability. This project will ensure that Cleveland’s port remains competitive, resilient, and environmentally responsible for decades to come.”

This historic grant underscores the Port of Cleveland’s commitment to building a cleaner, greener future, leading the way in maritime sustainability and environmental stewardship. As part of its strategic plan unveiled last year, the Port of Cleveland implemented a Climate Action Plan, the first port in the Great Lakes to adopt such a plan, with the goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Friedman said the Port is evolving with changing technologies, trade dynamics and environmental sustainability goals.  The Climate Action Plan allocates resources that will build resiliency to climate change impacts such as increased storm intensity and heavy rainfalls, while also decarbonizing the Port.

Cleveland – October 10, 2024— The Port board today approved issuing up to $15 million in taxable bonds for financing of the $25.6 million Taylor Tudor Plaza Project, part of the first phase of a larger $150 million mixed use neighborhood revitalization of the Taylor Road neighborhood in Cleveland Heights.

The Taylor Tudor project is the cornerstone of the Cain Park Village revitalization project. It will redevelop three three-story city-owned vacant historic buildings into 44 apartments, including eight live/work units, amenities including fitness and office space and 11,000 square feet of street level commercial suites.

The Taylor Tudors were built between 1927 and 1929. An Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit was granted to the development in 2023.

Work on the project is expected to start by the end of 2024, with the completion planned by the second quarter of 2026.

The Taylor Road project is being planned by WXZ, a Fairview Park based family-owned real estate developer who was selected by the City of Cleveland Heights to develop the properties.

In other business, the board approved a plan under which the Port becomes owner of the Gateway East parking garage and leases it to the Guardians, allowing the team to take over garage operations from the City of Cleveland. The City of Cleveland approved the sale earlier this year. The Port will receive $35,000 per year in fees to facilitate the arrangement between the City and Guardians.

CLEVELAND, September 12, 2024 – In a major step toward decarbonizing the port, modernizing its facilities and enhancing its operational capabilities, the Port of Cleveland has approved $2.9 million to hire The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company as the construction manager for an important upgrade at its 49-year-old General Cargo Terminal. This project will rehabilitate a key warehouse and enhance the terminal’s electrical infrastructure as a first step for decarbonization, ensuring the port remains competitive and sustainable for decades to come.

Whiting-Turner, a national construction management firm with a local office in Cleveland, was selected through a competitive public process. The company will partner with The AKA Team, a Cleveland-based minority construction management firm, which will handle 30% or more of the contract. This collaboration reflects the Port’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in its major projects.

The modernization efforts will include:

• The Rehabilitation of Warehouse A: A comprehensive overhaul of the terminal’s largest warehouse, including structural steel repairs, installation of a new overhead crane, window replacements, a new concrete slab, updated lighting, and a new roof. Built in 1975, Warehouse A requires significant updates to accommodate evolving technologies critical to the Port’s operations.
• Electrification: Bring in new medium/high voltage Cleveland Public Power (CPP) feed to Warehouse A to establish the Terminal’s electric distribution hub. This new electric distribution hub will support future electrification efforts, including cargo handling equipment, charging stations, switching locomotives, powering ships at dock, mobile harbor cranes, and potential solar arrays on warehouse roofs.
• Enhanced Stormwater Management: Installation of stormwater collection and treatment infrastructure to ensure clean discharge into Lake Erie. This effort will build resilience against climate change impacts, such as increased storm intensity and heavy rainfall.
• West 3rd Lot Cargo Movement Efficiency Improvements: Demolish existing cargo handling equipment maintenance facility and hiring hall building and reconstruct as annexed wings off Warehouse A.

Whiting-Turner brings extensive experience managing public and private industrial, warehouse, and electrical infrastructure projects with state and federal funding. As a Construction Manager at Risk

(CMAR), Whiting-Turner is engaged from the design phase to provide pre-construction input, manage all construction contracts, and ensure the project stays within the guaranteed maximum price.

When completed, the work involved will ensure ongoing efficiency of Port facilities and prepare the Port for upcoming electrification efforts.

The modernization project is funded through two major grants:

• $27.2 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration’s Port Infrastructure Development Program to improve safety, efficiency and reliability of movement in and around the Port.
• $4.9 million from the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Maritime Assistance Program for projects enhancing efficiency and capacity of cargo terminal operations.

William Friedman, President and CEO of the Port of Cleveland, underscored the importance of this investment.

“Hiring a Construction Manager at Risk makes good business and economic sense,” he said. “Whiting-Turner is highly qualified and will ensure these projects stay on track and within budget. We are committed to safeguarding taxpayer investments and keeping the Port operational for the future.”

This initiative is part of a broader $93.8 million investment in Port infrastructure since 2015, with over 75% of funding provided by state and federal grants. The upgrades align with the Port’s recently implemented Climate Action Plan, which aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, making Cleveland the first Great Lakes port to adopt such an ambitious environmental goal.

Cleveland – September 12, 2024—The Port of Cleveland’s board of directors has approved $170 million in bond financing to fuel a series of high-impact projects, including a major manufacturing expansion, the revitalization lanSeptd that contained a former Veterans Administration facility, and refunding bonds for a 501c3 school. These investments underscore the Port’s pivotal role in driving economic growth, facilitating access to the tax-exempt bond market, and supporting cultural institutions across the region utilizing its credit enhanced bond fund program.

Since June alone, the Port has approved more than $311 million in bond financing, reflecting the significant demand for its services and the vital role it plays in supporting regional development.

“These projects, coupled with others approved by the Port board in recent months, show just how crucial this agency’s support is for economic development and community growth,” said Rhonda Winslow, Vice President of Development Finance.

The projects approved today include:

Momentive Technologies Expansion: Up to $50 million in lease revenue bonds were approved for the $40.2 million expansion of Momentive Technologies’ High Quality Quartz production facility in Richmond Heights. This project, critical to industries ranging from semiconductors to aerospace, will see a significant upgrade with new furnace equipment and a reconfigured, modernized manufacturing process. The expansion, covering 18,000 square feet on a 26-acre site, is expected to be completed over five years, and adding 14 skilled jobs to this global company that has approximately 850 employees.

Valor Acres Redevelopment: The first phase of Valor Acres in Brecksville being developed by the DiGeronimo Companies, will receive approximately $93 million in lease revenue bonds. This ambitious mixed-use development, on the former Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Administration Medical Center site, will include residential units, retail space, and office buildings, with 292 permanent jobs expected upon completion.

The first phase include five buildings with a total project cost of about $128 million on about 23.75 acres at the intersection of Brecksville and Miller Road. The development will comprise about 221,204 square feet, with a total of 221 residential units, 70,000 square feet of retail space and 146,000 square feet of office space. About 292 permanent jobs are expected to be created on completion of this phase.

Constellation Schools Renovation: The board approved up to $35 million in tax-exempt bonds to refinance bonds issued 10 years ago, with a small portion allocated for upgrading facilities. This funding will support the purchase and renovation of seven school buildings in Cleveland and Parma, benefiting over 4,400 students and 550 employees across more than 20 schools managed by Constellation Schools LLC. Renovations will improve the educational environments to support students’ success in Northeast Ohio. The work will take place at several schools in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County.

Toledo Museum of Art Energy Efficiency Upgrades: The board approved $7 million in tax-exempt Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) revenue bonds to support the Toledo Museum of Art’s energy efficiency and alternative energy improvements. This project spearheaded by the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority with partnership by the Columbus-Franklin County Finance Authority and Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority addresses critical HVAC issues and enhances the museum’s infrastructure, ensuring its sustainability and continued cultural contributions

Replacing the HVAC will cost about $18.25 million, with an additional $1.75 million of improvements needed for the museum’s building envelope, which is the building enclosure between the conditioned and unconditioned environment of a building, including the resistance to air, water, heat and light.

“The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority has been actively involved in collaborative funding efforts, alongside partners at the Port of Cleveland and the Columbus-Franklin County Finance Authority, to support large-scale projects such as this energy efficiency improvement project for the Toledo Museum of Art,” said Thomas J. Winston, president and CEO of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. “This collaboration illustrates how Ohio port authorities contribute to sustainable development by improving energy efficiency and supporting economic growth through shared resources.”

J. Stefan Holmes, chairman of the Port board, said “The depth of these projects, coupled with others before the board in recent months, show just how much the Port can do to help economic growth and development in Greater Cleveland.”

Since 1993, the Port of Cleveland has provided more than $5 billion to more than 160 projects in Cuyahoga County and beyond. Since its inception, the Port’s financing initiatives have been instrumental in transforming Cuyahoga County and beyond, demonstrating a consistent commitment to the region’s growth and prosperity. As demand for these services continues to rise, the Port remains at the forefront, driving the development that shapes the future of Northeast Ohio.

Cleveland – August 20, 2024 —

In 2025, the Port of Cleveland will welcome the return of Victory Cruise Lines to the Great Lakes and Cleveland.

The Port of Cleveland first began welcoming cruise ships to its docks in 2017.  Since then, each year, cruise season in the Great Lakes begins in late May and lasts through mid-September.

In 2024, the Port of Cleveland welcomed just over 20 cruise ships to its dock. However, in 2025 that will change thanks to the return of Victory Cruise Lines.

“This is very good news for Cleveland and the Great Lakes and shows that interest in cruising on Great Lakes is strong,” said Dave Gutheil, chief commercial officer for the Port of Cleveland.  “Cleveland is one of the most popular stops on the itineraries.”

After a 1-year hiatus, Victory Cruise Lines will soon return to the Great Lakes and Cleveland with more than 30 calls already scheduled. The cruise line will return to the waters with two vessels, Victory I and Victory II, both of which have sailed the Great Lakes for nearly a decade.

In 2019, both ships were purchased by American Queen Steamboat Co., later known as American Queen Voyages. In early 2024, the company declared bankruptcy and put several of its vessels up for sale. Former American Queen Steamboat Co. owner, John Waggoner, bought the two vessels with plans to reintroduce the vessels in 2025.

“As long-time enthusiasts of maritime adventures, my wife Claudette and I are thrilled for the team to open reservations for the inaugural season as we prepare to sail these magnificent waters,” said Waggoner.

The two vessels, with a passenger capacity of approximately 190 people each, explore all five of the Great Lakes making stops in Chicago, Mackinac Island, Sault Ste. Marie, Toronto and more. The cruise line is currently booking trips for 2025 and beyond.

For more information on vessel arrivals in Cleveland, click here.