Cleveland State University || Campus Master Plan || Principles

Principles

Three principles provide a framework for development patterns and quality of life enhancements in and near the Cleveland State University campus.

The planning process involved arranging anticipated University development and potential private sector development in ways that will most benefit CSU and the surrounding city. The plan identifies locations for new buildings and facilities to create catalytic impacts, based on the following design principles:

Reconstructing the street grid.

RECONSTRUCT THE STREET GRID: The CSU campus is physically separated from the surrounding city by street configuration, traffic patterns, and the raised, internal building platform at the center of campus. Restoring the street grid, simplifying intersections, and replacing one-way streets with two-way streets will integrate the campus into the city and reduce the physical separation between “town” and “gown”.

REACHING OUT TO THE CITY: CSU has long been perceived as a fortress, separate from its surroundings and unwelcoming to those outside the University. The plan aims to remove real and perceived barriers between the University and the surrounding city. The plan connects the campus to the north and south, expanding campus life and creating opportunities for interaction between the CSU population and the general public. The plan establishes zones of collaboration at the periphery of the campus, where the University will work with the private sector on joint development initiatives.

Reaching IN to the Campus.

REACHING IN TO CAMPUS: The two transit stops for the Euclid Corridor Bus Rapid Transit system on campus are key locations where the public will interface with the campus. Orienting development around the transit nodes will draw people into the campus and link them to University features and attractions. Using the street pattern of the neighborhood north of Chester Avenue to create on-campus roads and pedestrian paths will create views into the campus from the surrounding city.