Major Renovations Approved for City Hall and Public Auditorium
Cleveland is moving forward with significant modernization plans for City Hall and the Public Auditorium to improve accessibility, safety, and efficiency for the public and city staff. Through emergency ordinance 666-2026, the city is authorizing various improvements to these civic landmarks, focusing on making the spaces more inclusive and secure.
What's in the file
The ordinance authorizes the Director of Capital Projects and the Director of Public Works to enter into contracts for the design, construction, and rehabilitation of specific areas within City Hall and the Public Auditorium. According to the 666-2026-2nd Revised City Hall and Public Auditorium Improvements (1) document, the project involves "City Hall Modernization" and "Public Facilities" improvements.
The 666-2026-A FILE provides a schematic design estimate for the City Hall portion of the work, detailing the following projected costs:
| Improvement Item | Total w/ Mark-Ups |
|---|---|
| Canopy (2 Options) | $ 1,563,175 |
| Ramp, Moat & Stairs | $ 1,847,862 |
| Landscape + Connection To Mall C | $ 1,120,996 |
| MEP Infrastructure | $ 751,951 |
The proposed physical work, as illustrated in the 666-2026 PRESENTATION, includes:
- A new canopy at the west entrance and a dedicated drop-off area.
- Construction of accessible ramps at the ground, landing, and garden levels.
- Enhanced security features and improved connections to Mall C.
These upgrades are intended to support a facility that serves approximately 650 employees daily and roughly 17,600 public visitors annually.
Who may be affected
- City Hall and Public Auditorium: The primary sites receiving design and construction improvements.
- Department of Capital Projects: Authorized to manage and enter into implementation contracts.
- Department of Public Works: Authorized to manage and enter into implementation contracts.
- Public Visitors and Employees: The groups expected to benefit from enhanced accessibility and security.
Status and timeline
- May 15, 2026: The ordinance was introduced to City Council.
- July 24, 2026: The ordinance was recorded in the City Record as passed.
Residents can verify these details and track further developments by reviewing the official source record.
Key facts
- Annual public visitors
- 17,600
- Daily employees
- 650
- Ward
- 8
| Canopy (2 Options) | $1,563,175 |
|---|---|
| Ramp, Moat & Stairs | $1,847,862 |
| Landscape + Connection To Mall C | $1,120,996 |
| MEP Infrastructure | $751,951 |
Source record
- File
- 666-2026
- Type
- Emergency Ordinance
- Status
- Passed
- Committee
- City Council
- Introduced
- May 14, 2026
Official documents
- 666-2026-2nd Revised City Hall and Public Auditorium Improvements (1)
- 666-2026 PIK rehab City Hall and Public Auditorium
- 666-2026-Legislative Summary-2nd revised
- 666-2026 Planning Commission Presentation
- 666-2026 PRESENTATION
- 666-2026-A FILE
- 666-2026 Amend 666-2026
- 666-2026-as amended-desk copy-Final
- FINAL VERSION City Record July 24, 2026 - Page 25