Historic Downtown Cleveland Design Review Committee (HDCDRC) is a resource for property owners, business owners and developers when planning to improve your property in the Gateway District. From a simple awning to a building renovation to new construction, the HGNC will provide essential guidance and technical assistance on your project. This assistance includes guidance on appropriate alteration for historic buildings; dynamic signage, engaging streetscape amenities; and master planning for new construction in accordance with the goals of the Gateway District community.
HDCDRC reviews projects in the Downtown including the Historic Gateway District that are Designated Cleveland Landmarks within a historic district or as an individual building. As per Chapter 161 of the Cleveland Codified Ordinances, the Committee is a formal advisory body to the Cleveland Landmarks Commission.
If you are considering making improvements to your property or business in the Gateway District, contact contact Cleveland Landmarks Staff at (216) 664-2532 or Landmarks@Clevelandohio.gov for assistance. The sooner you contact us, the more effective we can be in providing assistance. Staff will review your plans, help you file a design review application form with the appropriate city department and schedule a meeting with the committee. All project plans must be submitted to Staff one week prior to the formal design review meetings or the project will not be included in the agenda. Meetings are generally held on the first and third Wednesday of the month at 8:00 a.m.
The Approval Process
STEP 1:
It is highly recommended to contact Staff as early as possible for assistance prior to a formal submission. They will provide design technical assistance and explain what information will be needed at the meeting and answer questions regarding the review process. Submit the project plans to the staff one week prior to the scheduled meeting.
STEP 2:
You will meet informally with Staff review your proposal to determine that it is ready to be reviewed by the design review committee.
STEP 3:
A time and date is scheduled by the design review Staff for your application to be reviewed by the design review committee at which time you will make a formal presentation to the committee, who will then take action on your proposal. If your plans require amendment, you will then be asked to address the recommended changes and reschedule a subsequent design review meeting(s) for approval.
STEP 4:
Upon approval, you can proceed to the Cleveland Landmarks Commission, which will review and ultimately grant the necessary approvals for your project. Project approval is required to obtain all necessary permits from the City of Cleveland, Division of Building and Housing. If all or part of the proposed site is located in the public Right of Way, you will be required to present proposed plans to the Mayor’s Infrastructure and Streetscape Advisory Committee. Staff will continue to provide guidance and advocacy for your project throughout the city review process.
CHECK LIST OF REQUIRED MATERIALS
The following is a checklist of materials that may be required by the committee. In order for the committee to make an informed decision and to ensure approval of your work as efficiently as possible, please come prepared with as many of the items listed below as applicable. Contact Staff to determine which items will be needed at the meeting for your particular project:
Color photo(s) of the project site and existing conditions (historic photos are useful, if they exist).
Scale drawings with dimensions, details and sections of the proposed work.
Detailed description of proposed work and materials to be used.
Full elevation drawings, if applicable (i.e. in cases where the entire building is being rehabilitated).
Streetscape plan if applicable (i.e. in cases where the entire building is being rehabilitated).
Signage plan.
Color renderings of the proposed work if applicable (i.e. in cases where the entire building is being rehabilitated, new construction and signage proposals).
Samples of materials.