December 10, 2024, witnessed a significant announcement in Cleveland. Lincoln Property Company, a global full-service real estate firm, has been entrusted as the development partner for the 176-acre mixed-use entertainment district in Brook Park, Ohio. This remarkable project is designed by the renowned architecture firm HKS and will be anchored by a brand new world-class enclosed stadium for the 80-year-old NFL franchise owned by Haslam Sports Group. Situated adjacent to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, this 67,000-seat stadium is set to become a premier venue, hosting Browns home games along with a plethora of concerts, major sports tournaments, events, and conferences throughout the year. This endeavor is set to cement Northeast Ohio as a world-class entertainment destination.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

Peter Kelly, EVP of Lincoln's Midwest operations, emphasizes that Lincoln is collaborating with the Browns and Haslam Sports Group to develop a well-thought-out and compelling vision for a live/work/play destination. The economic impact of this entire project on Northeast Ohio is expected to be unmatched. The mixed-use development alone is projected to generate $1.2 billion annually and create more than 3,300 permanent jobs for the region. Northeast Ohio truly deserves a vibrant development like this one that will engage both residents and visitors alike.

Phase One of the Development

Phase One of the mixed-use entertainment district is planned to be delivered along with the stadium in 2029. It will include 450 hotel rooms, 575 apartments, 96,000 square feet of traditional retail suitable for unique food & beverage and shopping destinations, and 137,000 square feet of experiential retail. This experiential retail will feature a team store and other experience-based retail concepts that will drive year-round activation and community involvement.

Importance of the Anchor

David Binswanger, Co-CEO of Lincoln, highlights that the most crucial component of any successful mixed-use project is the anchor. The new enclosed stadium will bring year-round events to the surrounding district, activating this region in a way that was previously unimaginable. With a track record of planning 2,000 acres of mixed-use development across the country, Lincoln's team understands the fundamentals required for a project of this scale to succeed. Northeast Ohio and the Brook Park site possess all the advantages, including a prime location and excellent accessibility, making it a go-to entertainment destination in the U.S.

Partnership with Haslam Sports Group

Dave Jenkins, COO of Haslam Sports Group, expresses excitement about partnering with Lincoln on the mixed-use development connected to the new enclosed stadium. He believes that Lincoln will create a memorable experience for all of Northeast Ohio and visitors throughout the year. The team has been focused on assembling a group of experts who can create a best-in-class stadium experience that drives new visitors and economic activity to the region. Lincoln is internationally renowned, and Haslam Sports Group is eager to witness their work and its impact on Northeast Ohio.

Lincoln's Sports Practice

Lincoln's sports practice was established in 2003 with the aim of building the most innovative sports, motorsports, and eSports facilities in the world. The team has leveraged Lincoln's six decades of expertise in entitlements, development, construction, and project management to deliver entertainment destinations for several collegiate, professional, and eSports organizations. Additionally, the firm's development portfolio consists of $7.4 billion in active mixed-use projects, including 8,000 multifamily units that are either complete or currently under construction. Notable projects by Lincoln include The Star in Texas, which serves as the HQ and training center for the Dallas Cowboys; Legacy Union in Downtown Charlotte adjacent to the Bank of America Stadium; The Rock at La Cantera in Northwest San Antonio, which includes a new San Antonio Spurs training facility and a performance center; and The Point, a planned 99-acre redevelopment project near Salt Lake City.

HKS as the Design Architect

HKS is partnering as the design architect for the new stadium and master planning the mixed-use development site. This architecture firm has created some of the most iconic multi-purpose venues in the U.S., such as SoFi Stadium, U.S. Bank Stadium, Lucas Oil Stadium, and AT&T Stadium. HKS' designs have set new standards for fan experience and entertainment environments.Located in Brook Park within Cuyahoga County, the 176-acre site is strategically positioned 15 miles from Downtown Cleveland and is within a day's drive or a short flight from major population centers like New York City, Chicago, Washington DC, Nashville, and Charlotte.