Cleveland City Planning Commission Superman Monument Initiative North Coast Harbor Placemaking Superman Monument Committee Howard ‘Hutch’ Stoller David Deming Freddy L. Collier Jr., Director Donn Angus, Chief City Planner I Urban Design & Infrastructure 601 Lakeside Avenue I Room 501 I Cleveland, OH 44114 (216) 664-2210 http://planning.city.cleveland.oh.us Superman Monument Initiative 11/19/15 NCH I Placemaking The City of Cleveland has introduced the world to many “firsts”. Cleveland was the “first” to introduce the nation to the term Rock N Roll by local DJ Allen Freed, Cleveland was also the "first" city in the nation to introduce and implement the "first" traffic signaling by inventor and Cleveland native Garrett Morgan. And one of the more widely recognized of Cleveland's “firsts” was the creation of the most notable and identifiable fictional heroes - Superman.   Over the years the city has paid tribute to the creators by memorializing the house in the Glenville neighborhood where Jerry Siegel grew up. Now it seems only fitting that a large-scale permanent monument be dedicated commemorating their achievements. 2 Superman Monument Initiative 11/19/15 NCH I Placemaking Superman Monument Initiative It is my pleasure to announce a project to create a prominent work of art celebrating this “first” through the development of a large scale monument depicting Superman – honoring Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, the acclaimed Clevelander’s who created this globally recognized cultural icon of DC Comics in 1932. 3 Superman Monument Initiative NCH I Placemaking Existing Conditions Plan The monument will be located within Cleveland’s Downtown lakefront Plan Phase 1, Site C parcel; occupying approximately 2,375 SF (.05 Acres) of the area adjacent to Erieside Avenue, located between the Great Lakes Science Center and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 4 11/19/15 Superman Monument Initiative 11/19/15 NCH I Placemaking Rock Hall Additionally, this site will become the landing zone for the cities future Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge which connects the Mall with the North Coast Harbor District; as well as being one of the future development sites of Cleveland’s multiphased Lakefront Development Plan. ia t iv e Great Lakes Science Center In it The monument is proposed to be prominently displayed within a civic plaza between the Great Lakes Science Center and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Identified as The North Coast Harbor Plaza in previous City Planning documents, this site is envisioned to become a signature public space within the City. S it e Site Context Plan 5 Superman Monument Initiative NCH I Placemaking Existing Conditions Existing Site Open Space Existing Site as viewed from the Rotary Plaza adjacent to Erieside Avenue 6 11/19/15 Superman Monument Initiative NCH I Placemaking Existing Conditions Existing Pedestrian Connection Existing viewshed of the Downtown Skyline 7 11/19/15 Superman Monument Initiative 11/19/15 NCH I Placemaking North Coast Harbor Placemaking The Superman Monument Initiative is a catalyst for knitting Erieside Avenue, the pedestrian and cycle bridge, and the North Coast Harbor Promenade together; as well as Cleveland’s Lakefront Development Plan. 8 Superman Monument Initiative NCH I Placemaking The ‘Big Idea’ Public Tribute and Civic Amenity 9 11/19/15 Superman Monument Initiative NCH I Placemaking Plaza Concept The concept for the monument and the approximately 55 foot diameter plaza utilizes elegance and simplicity in order to demonstrate the power, respect, and mystique that Superman embodies. Each of these characteristics are visible in monument and with how the connection is made between the monuments base and the family-friendly plaza. 10 11/19/15 Superman Monument Initiative NCH I Placemaking Monument The central feature, a statue sculpted by nationally recognized artist David Deming, will serve as an alluring testament, promoting Cleveland as the birthplace of the creators of the “Man of Steel”. 11 11/19/15 Superman Monument Initiative NCH I Placemaking Monument and Base This beautiful stainless steel statue will be approximately 13 feet long, perched atop a base that will raise the statue 35 feet from the plaza; providing viewing opportunities of 360 degrees. A stylized crystal base will be utilized, reminiscent of the Crystal Fortress of Solitude, a sanctuary of Superman’s and a place of solace. 12 11/19/15 Superman Monument Initiative 11/19/15 NCH I Placemaking Plaza Features Elevated Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge The monument base will project from the plaza through molded, irregularly formed concrete rising upward; providing the appearance of the crystal base dramatically ascending from the earth. The incorporation of a fog feature within and around the perimeter of the monument’s base will provide a free-flowing dimension that accentuates the plaza experience by creating an interactive cloud of mist. The adjacent Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge activates the vertical plane of the site, causing one to experience the plaza from different heights – adding comprehensive interest. Furthermore, terraced steps combines functionality and elegance; while providing the Stairs Plaza Monument Amphitheater Seating Landscape Bed Erieside Avenue 13 Superman Monument Initiative 11/19/15 NCH I Placemaking Plaza Elements Water Mirror, France Plaza del Pilar, Spain Fog mist creates an ever-changing environment and a sense of mystery Molded concrete allows for the creation of unique forms, establishing the character and quality of the space. 14 Superman Monument Initiative 11/19/15 NCH I Placemaking Plaza Elements MeeFog.com MeeFog special effects system Tanner Fountain, Cambridge, MA Dramatic lighting will be incorporated to highlight the plaza features, the monument and base. 15 Superman Monument Initiative NCH I Placemaking Bronze Figures Accompanying the primary monument will be a series of human scale figures representing the creators of Superman – Siegel and Shuster; as well as Joanne Siegel, the model/inspiration for Louis Lane. 16 11/19/15 Superman Monument Initiative NCH I Placemaking Coordination This nearly 3 million dollar project will become a reality through a partnership between the City of Cleveland, and the capital investment by the Superman Monument Committee, a 501(c) organization; along with the support and coordination from: • The Group Plan Commission; • Cuyahoga County Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge Design Team, Rosales+Partners; • Cumberland Development, LLC, CEO Richard Pace; • The Segal and Shuster Society; and, • The North Coast Harbor District; 17 11/19/15 Superman Monument Initiative 11/19/15 NCH I Placemaking The project is envisioned to be dedicated after the completion of the Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge and will surely become a highly recognizable attraction for our city residents, our wonderful visitors, and Superman fans worldwide; celebrating yet another Cleveland “first". 18