Project Statement

Through the principle of geographical re-enchantment, “Riverfront Stitch” releases the poetic potential of Cleveland Cliffs’ steel mill in the Industrial Valley, and explores how curated views can inform experiences of the valley’s working industry. The design presents how the remediation of one parcel can open to the public a valuable moment of access to the Industrial Valley’s obscure yet rich landscape and history. Industrial remnants serve as interpretive follies, and hardy plantings transform contaminated private industry into vibrant and healthy public space. The design reimagines past and forgotten stories into a memorable, enchanting experience of Cleveland’s industrial heritage.

Project Narrative

South of Cleveland, Ohio, private industry along the Cuyahoga River has disconnected residents from one of the region’s most important natural resources for over a century. Only two public water access points exist along 12 miles of the Cuyahoga River; accounts from boaters and paddlers highlight how daunting this stretch of river is, with limited refuge, potential conflict with ships, and harsh surroundings. While over 10,000 people live in the Cuyahoga Valley, my experience on the Towpath Trail has highlighted how physical and visible barriers cause residents and trail users to feel disconnected and lose awareness of the river.

In 2024, the Cleveland Urban Design Collaborative conducted a charrette in Tremont, adjacent to Cliffs’ steel mill and the Cuyahoga River. Resident attendees spoke of soot lining their windowsills, poor air quality, and health issues. The engagement framed early research and provided motivation to improve residents’ quality of life and resilience through a design solution.

The design unites past and current industry with future water connectivity and ecological benefit through three themes:

Restoration, through soil remediation and 700 total feet of bulkhead removal, 125 feet at the Turning Basin Observation

Celebration, highlighting industry along the Iron Ore Excursion Walk

Experience, offering ephemeral water interactions at the Industrial Folly

The design stitches communities and the river by mending past harms to the landscape. Phytoremediation, contaminated soil removal, and a soil cap converge on a slurry wall, stitching the site by containing contaminants. An aerial tram provides new perspectives of slow ecological processes, while an indicator light grid changes color based on soil health. Access strategies vary in width, materials, and height to navigate terrain and control interactions.

The Turning Basin Observation invites visitors to watch 600-foot vessels rotate in the narrow shipping channel, where the river’s bulkhead is removed. Visitors can interact with the bulkhead as it turns inland to support terraced concrete seating, overlooking a new inlet that emerges at high river stages.

The Iron Ore Excursion Walk celebrates industry with a choreographed experience of skip hoist remnants. The use of wood, steel, and concrete reimagines existing materials. The path’s design encloses and exposes space, with overhead structures and strategic planting of Canada Plum (prunus canadensis), Persimmon (diospyros virginiana), Limestone Fern (gymnocarpium robertianum), and Polypody (polypodium). Access is sloped at varying degrees up to 12% over 460 feet to terminate 20 feet below, with views of the river and industry.

Bulkheads removed upriver create the Industrial Folly, an artificial island behind the bulkhead. The folly provides refuge for wildlife and paddlers during peak shipping schedules. Between the Iron Ore Excursion Walk and the inlet, visitors see new water features framed by industrial remnants and dense plantings of hedges and small trees such as Gray Birch (betula populifolia). The inlet offers a new experience as fog collects, reminiscent of industrial smoke.

“Riverfront Stitch” enchants Cliffs’ steel mill by strategically removing the river’s bulkhead to expand habitat, preserving industrial remnants, and engaging visitors through curated access and views. The design transforms the site into an accessible waterfront, educating visitors on the landscape’s past, as it catalyzes a new future.