The Cleveland Guardians are set to commence work on drawing up plans to redevelop Progressive Field following approval of a new lease deal, with the Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise appointing Marc Taylor Inc. as part of the first steps in this process.
Cleveland City Council and the Cuyahoga County Council have granted final approvals to an agreement that was first announced back in August. In November, Cleveland City Council voted to approve the $435m (£325.1m/€390.5m) deal to redevelop Progressive Field and ensure the city’s MLB team remains until at least 2036.
At the time, Council voted 13-3 in favour of the deal that was first announced in August. Officials from the City of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, the State of Ohio and the then Cleveland Indians agreed a collaboration for the future preservation and enhancement of Progressive Field.
The project aims to improve and extend the life of the publicly owned ballpark, which having opened in 1994 is the 11th oldest stadium in MLB.
The franchise, which has now rebranded to the Cleveland Guardians, originally signed a 20-year lease, which was later extended by 10 years through 2023. The Guardians’ status as a small-market club with an expiring lease deal had led to speculation that it could be open for relocation.
However, the deal that has now been officially signed off will extend the lease of the team for at least 15 years to 2036, plus the potential for 10 additional years to 2046. Funding for the project will be supported by all four entities (State, City, County, Guardians) with no new or increased taxes for residents.
MLB.com said the City and County will collectively contribute $17m annually, with the Guardians adding $10m and the State $2m. Arizona-based Marc Taylor Inc. has been appointed as a project management advisor for the redevelopment, which is set to be a multi-year effort with a targeted commencement following the 2022 MLB season.
The renovations are reportedly set to include overhauling the left-field experience inclusive of the Terrace Club, revamping the upper-deck concourse, creating a larger, more engaged social space in the seating area behind home plate and clubhouse/front office building improvements.
In a statement released yesterday (Thursday), Guardians chairman and CEO Paul Dolan said: “Today heralds a new era of professional baseball in Cleveland, and on behalf of the Dolan family and the Guardians organisation, I want to express my deepest appreciation for all of our supporters who helped ensure the continued success of baseball in Cleveland.
“We feel very fortunate to live in a community that is unified in maintaining momentum in Northeast Ohio and building for a better tomorrow. We take very seriously the role we can play in maximising the potential of this great city, and we are confident that this agreement will create a more compelling fan experience and keep this facility modern and relevant for many more years to come.”
Image: Erik Drost/CC BY 2.0/Edited for size
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