Playhouse Square May Lease and Potentially Purchase Parking Lots on Chester Avenue

September 12, 2026

The City of Cleveland is moving to transition the management of parking lots near the theater district to the Playhouse Square Foundation. Under the terms of emergency ordinance 456-2026, the Director of Community Development would be authorized to lease the property located at 1301-1325 Chester Avenue to the Foundation, or its designee, for a ten-year term to operate a parking lot.

What's in the file

The legislation proposes a lease agreement for the parking lots located at E. 13th Street and Chester Avenue (permanent parcel numbers 102-22-013 and 102-23-061) 456-2026-Legislative Summary - Playhouse Square E 13th Chester Parking. This transition follows the expiration of a previous lease with Shaia Parking, which the City will not renew.

According to the 456-2026-Legislative Summary - Playhouse Square E 13th Chester Parking, the City has negotiated the following terms:

Lease Term: A ten-year period beginning June 1, 2026, and terminating May 31, 2036.
Option to Purchase: An agreement allowing the Foundation or its designee to purchase the property through May 31, 2036, at a price based on fair market value determined by appraisal.
Site Improvements: The Foundation must improve lighting, signage, and security/safety measures to comply with City updates to Chapter 352 for parking facility operations.
Maintenance: Ongoing responsibility for site maintenance, including surface repair, striping, circulation clarity, and debris/trash removal.
Development Compliance: Any future development by Playhouse Square on the site is subject to a Community Benefit Agreement.

The City noted that Playhouse Square recently expanded its footprint by acquiring the adjacent former Greyhound Bus Station, making the Foundation a viable partner for the proposed expansion of the theater district.

Who may be affected

Department of Community Development: Authorized to enter into the lease and purchase option agreements.
Commissioner of Purchases and Supplies: Authorized to convey the property.
Playhouse Square Foundation (or its designee): Named as the new operator and potential purchaser of the lots.

Status and timeline

April 2, 2026: The ordinance was introduced and is currently listed as "Agenda Ready."

What to watch next

The legislation has been referred to the Development, Planning and Sustainability Committee for review.

Residents can verify all details of this proposal by reviewing the official record for File No. 456-2026 at the Cleveland City Council website.

Key facts

Lease start date: June 1, 2026
Lease term: ten years

Source record

File: 456-2026
Type: Emergency Ordinance
Status: Agenda Ready
Committee: Development, Planning and Sustainability Committee
Introduced: April 1, 2026

View on Cleveland Legistar