Euclid Chamber Launches “Advance Downtown Euclid Initiative”

As a long-time anchor of Downtown Euclid, the Atlas Theater is one of the many attractions that the Euclid Chamber of Commerce seeks to promote through the Advance Downtown Euclid Initiative.

Downtown Euclid has traditionally been a hub of commercial and civic activity in the City of Euclid.  Stretching along Lakeshore Boulevard between East 217th Street and East 232nd Street, the area is home to many long-time businesses, non-profit organizations, and even a few churches. 

This year, the culinary scene in Downtown Euclid is set to grow with the addition of Great Scott Tavern and Chipotle on Lakeshore Boulevard.  The Irish American Club installed a patio and Beach Club Bistro added a new awning to their building.  These and other improvements confirm that Downtown Euclid will have new breath of vibrancy. 

Although Downtown Euclid is experiencing a transformation, there is still work that can be done to ensure the long-term and shared success of the area.  That is why the City has partnered with the Euclid Chamber of Commerce on the Advance Downtown Euclid Initiative.  Through the effort, the Chamber will be organizing meetings with property and business owners over the next few months to identify ways to continue the momentum of growth and development of the Downtown area. 

Strategies to be explored by the Chamber include re-establishing a merchant’s association, creating a Special Improvement District, and designating the downtown area as an Entertainment District.

“We want to help the businesses determine ways they wish to improve Downtown Euclid” says Euclid Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Sheila Gibbons.  “Many of these tools have been used successfully in other vibrant commercial districts in Northeast Ohio, such as Downtown Cleveland, Gordon Square, and Coventry Road” says Gibbons. 

The end result could yield more joint marketing, coordinated events, or shared services such as sidewalk clearing or litter removal.  Physical improvements like shared parking or park improvements may also be considered. 

City officials are optimistic about the initiative, which they say could be replicated in other parts of the City.  “By its very nature, the Chamber of Commerce seeks to bring the business community together, identify commons issues, and create solutions” says Euclid Planning and Development Director Jonathan Holody.  “They are a perfect partner for this type of effort.”

For more information on the Advance Downtown Euclid Initiative or the Euclid Chamber of Commerce, please contact Sheila Gibbons at (216) 731-9322 or visit www.euclidchamber.com.