CLEVELAND – March 13, 2025 – Two transformative projects — a nearly $50 million West Side Market overhaul and a $44 million Superior Arts District mixed use project — received significant support today from the Port of Cleveland board of directors.

“These projects will redo two historical properties in our city and we are proud to be able to help make both projects happen,” said J. Stefan Holmes, Port board chair. “The West Side Market is a cherished institution that attracts visitors from around the world, some of them who arrive via cruise ships using our Port. And the textile building project will bring much needed housing and retail space to a growing, vibrant neighborhood.”

Revitalizing the West Side Market

The $49.5 million West Side Market transformation will breathe new life into the 112-year-old landmark. The market’s metamorphosis involves renovation of the Market Hall, adjacent arcades and the basement. The capital lease financing approved by the Port Board allows exemption of state sales and local taxes on construction materials.

Renovations will begin this summer, starting with the East Arcade, a largely vacant produce hall between the parking lot and the main market building. Early improvements will include:

• New HVAC systems and upgraded vendor stalls.
• Basement renovations featuring mechanical upgrades, walk-in coolers, a shared commercial kitchen and a new freight elevator.

Future phases will transform the North Arcade and Courtyard into vibrant destinations with new seating areas, restaurants, event spaces, food stalls, full-service bars and public dining options.

“We have one of the most stunning market structures in the country, and this initiative is focused not only on preserving this vital historic treasure, but also supporting small businesses and having greater community impact,” said Rosemary Mudry, executive director of the Cleveland Public Market Corporation, the non-profit that manages the West Side Market for the City of Cleveland, which owns the property. “We have received tremendous support from many partners and we are immensely grateful to the Port for their assistance in making this great regional asset even better.”

“The West Side Market is a cherished institution that attracts visitors from around the world, including some who arrive via cruise ships using our Port,” said Holmes. “We’re proud to support this vital renovation, which will ensure the Market continues to thrive for generations to come.”

A New Chapter for the Superior Arts District

The Port Board also approved issuing up to $25 million in lease revenue bonds to support TurnDev’s redevelopment of the historic Heller-Keller-Kohn textile buildings at 2202 and 2230 Superior Avenue, converting them from old textile buildings into a mixed-use development. The project will include:

• 100 market-rate apartments.
• 2,261 square feet of street-level retail space.
• 108 climate-controlled parking spaces

The two former industrial buildings housed garment manufacturing operations until the later part of the 20th century. The project is across the street from the CrossCounty Mortgage headquarters, which TurnDev led. TurnDev is renovating Superior Avenue’s historic ArtCraft building into Cleveland’s new police headquarters.

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Since 1993, the Port of Cleveland has provided over $5.4 billion in financing for close to 200 projects across Cuyahoga County and beyond, playing a pivotal role in the region’s economic transformation. The Port’s financing initiatives have consistently catalyzed growth, revitalized communities, and strengthened Northeast Ohio’s economic foundation. As demand for these services continues to rise, the Port remains a driving force behind strategic development that shapes the region’s future.

Holmes added: “The Port is proud to support investments that create jobs, attract residents, and strengthen our neighborhoods.”

Contact: Nancy Lesic, 216.392.9634