Market District Improvement Corporation
The Market District Improvement Corporation is the special improvement district for Ohio City’s commercial district surrounding the West Side Market. The Market District is the largest transit hub outside of Downtown Cleveland, with options including direct rail connections to Downtown, University Circle and the Airport. In addition to the Market, institutions such as Lutheran Hospital, Saint Ignatius High School and Great Lakes Brewing Company provide the Market District with anchors unmatched outside of Cleveland’s two major employment centers. As one of the most connected neighborhoods in Cleveland, the Ohio City Market District’s greatest assets are its incredible access to affordable transportation, an economically integrated community with density of housing and retail in close proximity to lake and river waterfronts just minutes from Downtown.
The Market District Improvement Corporation provides cleaning and safety services within the Market District. As a nationally recognized model to promote clean, safe, and attractive places for residents, businesses, and visitors, the ‘Ambassadors’ patrol the district on various days and between the hours of 7:00am and 3:00am for safety purposes, to remove litter, weeds, and graffiti, and to greet and welcome guests of the neighborhood. Additionally, through a partnership with the City of Cleveland, Market District Ambassadors clean and maintain Market Square Park.
In just the first seven months of service, over 2,400 visitors have received assistance navigating the area – improving their experience within the District. Ambassadors have also provided 170 escorts for visitors and employees during the past seven months and have addressed over 360 cases of panhandling. The Ambassadors have also helped the Market District reach a higher aesthetic by picking up over 34,000 pounds of trash and removing over 875 instances of graffiti.
Great urban neighborhoods are defined by well-designed public spaces, people-filled streets and pathways, active storefronts, and a sense of history and discovery. Simply put, great neighborhoods have their own distinctive identity and personality. The physical fabric and visual character of the neighborhood draws people in, makes them want to stay, and brings them back time and again.
Download the full Annual Report that outlines these initiatives in detail.