Haslam Sports Group (HSG), owners of the Cleveland Browns, have stepped up efforts to move the NFL franchise to a new stadium in Brook Park, Ohio, by appointing Lincoln Property Company as the development partner for the venture’s associated 176-acre mixed-use entertainment district.
The development, designed by HKS, will be anchored by the new enclosed stadium for the 80-year-old franchise. Located adjacent to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, the 67,000-seat stadium will host Browns home games, in addition to multiple concerts, major sports tournaments and events, and conferences year-round, amid the vision of cementing Northeast Ohio as a world-class entertainment destination.
The mixed-use entertainment district surrounding the stadium will be developed across multiple phases and will ultimately include 300,000 square feet of retail, two upscale hotels, 1,100 apartments, and 500,000 square feet of office space.
Phase One, which is planned to deliver along with the stadium in 2029, will include 450 hotel rooms; 575 apartments; 96,000 square feet of traditional retail, suited for food & beverage and shopping destinations; and 137,000 square feet of experiential retail, which will include a team store, and other experience-based retail concepts that will seek to drive year-round activation and community involvement.
The sports practice arm of real estate firm Lincoln was established in 2003, with some of its most notable projects including The Star, which serves as the HQ and training centre for the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys; Legacy Union, a multi-phase development in downtown Charlotte adjacent to Bank of America Stadium, home of the NFL’s Carolina Panthers; The Rock at La Cantera, a 50-acre project in Northwest San Antonio, which includes a new training facility and a performance centre for NBA team the San Antonio Spurs; and The Point, a planned 99-acre redevelopment project near Salt Lake City.
HKS is partnering as the design architect for the new stadium and master planning the mixed-use development site. “Lincoln is working with the Browns and Haslam Sports Group to develop a well-thought-out and compelling vision for a live/work/play destination to complement the new Huntington Bank Field planned for Brook Park,” said Peter Kelly, executive vice-president of Lincoln’s Midwest operations.
“The economic impact that this entire project will bring to Northeast Ohio is unmatched – the mixed-use development alone is expected to generate $1.2bn (£942.9m/€1.14bn) annually and create more than 3,300 permanent jobs for the region. Northeast Ohio deserves a vibrant development like this, which will engage residents and visitors alike.”
Dave Jenkins, chief operating officer of Haslam Sports Group, added: “HSG is thrilled to partner with such a respected firm as Lincoln on the mixed-used development connected to our new enclosed stadium and know they will create a memorable experience for all of Northeast Ohio and visitors throughout the year.
“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. Lincoln is internationally renowned, and we are excited for their work and impact on Northeast Ohio.”
The Browns are seeking that local and state taxpayers fund half of the new stadium’s projected $2.4bn cost, with the team stating another $1bn will be spent on the mixed-use development. However, Cleveland.com notes that it remains unclear how the public contribution will be funded. Browns spokesman Peter John-Baptiste said yesterday (Tuesday) that public money would come “primarily from taxes generated by the project”.
Located in the city of Brook Park within Cuyahoga County, the 176-acre site is situated 15 miles from Downtown Cleveland, where the Browns’ current home, Huntington Bank Field, is based.
The Browns signalled their intention to pursue a move to a new domed stadium in Brook Park back in October, a decision Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb slammed as “driven by a desire to maximise profits rather than positive impact”.
Both parties issued lengthy statements on the subject of the NFL franchise’s long-term stadium future. The Browns have been exploring the prospect of building a new venue or renovating Huntington Bank Field since 2017 as their lease at their current home expires in 2028.
In August, the Browns issued a first look at a potential future home in Brook Park. This came just days after the City of Cleveland made its first official move over the Browns’ stadium future by outlining a $461m funding contribution towards a redevelopment of Huntington Bank Field.
The saga took another turn at the end of October as the Browns decided to take legal action against the City of Cleveland regarding a law which seeks to impede the relocation of sports teams.
Following yesterday’s announcement, a spokesperson for the City of Cleveland told local broadcaster 19 News: “The City of Cleveland is aware of the Cleveland Browns’ announcement regarding their proposed stadium development project in Brook Park.
“Mayor Bibb is unwavering in his commitment to transforming Cleveland’s lakefront into a vibrant, thriving destination for future generations. The mayor looks forward to continuing discussions with the Browns organisation and other key stakeholders to explore all opportunities that will help secure the team’s long-term future in Cleveland.”
