CLEVELAND — Cleveland city leaders are laying out an ambitious vision to transform Burke Lakefront Airport into a public-facing destination a move they say could reshape the city’s waterfront and generate millions in new revenue.
At the final committee hearing Wednesday, officials furthered discussed the conceptual redevelopment plans for the 450-acre site.
But while the vision is expansive, so are the questions — with some council members warning the city could be taking on more than it can handle.
A “transformational” opportunity, city says
An analysis conducted by ESI Solutions and shared by the city of Cleveland and the North Coast Waterfront Development Corporation (NCWDC) estimates redevelopment could generate:
- More than $600 million in one-time economic impact
- More than $2.5 million in annual tax revenue
- More than 3,000 construction jobs
- Around 170 permanent full-time jobs
City leaders say that’s a significant increase compared to what the airport currently generates, with the study estimating a redeveloped site could bring in more than five times the existing tax revenue.
Two redevelopment concepts take shape
The study outlines two conceptual scenarios, both centered on recreation, public access and economic activity. Officials stressed these are not final plans, but starting points for discussion.
Concept 1:
- Roughly 193 acres of urban park space
- Indoor and outdoor sports and recreation facilities
- RV and camping sites
- A lakefront promenade
- A recreational vertiport (helicopter hub)
- Trails, roadways and surface parking
- Two hotels (one budget, one upscale, each about 125–150 rooms)
Concept 2:
- A smaller park footprint at 136 acres
- Similar recreation and development features
- A 100-acre, 18-hole public golf course
Across both concepts, officials also floated ideas like:
- A waterfront marina — similar to those in Toronto or Chicago
- Expanded trail networks connecting to the city
- Year-round attractions designed to draw visitors and residents
City leaders repeatedly emphasized two key goals: increasing public access to the lakefront and generating revenue…