Venture plans retail, offices, homes and more for football campus in Ohio
CLEVELAND - December 10, 2024 – Lincoln Property Company ("Lincoln"), a global full-service real estate firm, has been announced as the development partner for the Cleveland Browns' 176-acre mixed-use entertainment district in Brook Park, Ohio. The development, designed by renowned architecture firm HKS, will be anchored by a new world-class enclosed stadium for the 80-year-old NFL franchise, owned by Haslam Sports Group ("HSG"). Located adjacent to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, the 67,000-seat stadium will be a premier venue for Browns home games, in addition to hosting multiple concerts, major sports tournaments and events, and conferences year-round, cementing Northeast Ohio as a world-class entertainment destination.
"Lincoln is working with the Browns and Haslam Sports Group to develop a well-thought-out and compelling vision for a live/work/play destination to complement the new Huntington Bank Field planned for Brook Park," said Peter Kelly, EVP of Lincoln's Midwest operations. "The economic impact that this entire project will bring to Northeast Ohio is unmatched – the mixed-use development alone is expected to generate $1.2 billion annually and create more than 3,300 permanent jobs for the region. Northeast Ohio deserves a vibrant development like this, which will engage residents and visitors alike."
The mixed-use entertainment district surrounding the stadium will be developed across multiple phases and will ultimately include 300,000 square feet of retail, two upscale hotels, 1,100 apartments, and 500,000 square feet of office. Phase One, which is planned to deliver along with the stadium in 2029, will include 450 hotel rooms; 575 apartments; 96,000 square feet of traditional retail, suited for unique food & beverage and shopping destinations; and 137,000 square feet of experiential retail, which will include a team store, and other experience-based retail concepts that will drive year-round activation and community involvement.
"The most important 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 has never been feasible before," added David Binswanger, Co-CEO of Lincoln. "Having planned 2,000 acres of mixed-use development across the country and counting, our team understands what fundamentals are needed for a project like this to succeed. Northeast Ohio and the Brook Park site have all the advantages, including a prime location and accessibility, to become a go-to entertainment destination in the U.S."
"HSG is thrilled to partner with such a respected firm as Lincoln on the mixed-used development connected to our new enclosed stadium and know they will create a memorable experience for all of Northeast Ohio and visitors throughout the year," said Dave Jenkins COO of Haslam Sports Group. " We have been focused on assembling a team of experts who create a best-in-class stadium experience that drives new visitors and economic activity to our region. Lincoln is internationally renowned, and we are excited for their work and impact on Northeast Ohio."
Lincoln's sports practice was established in 2003 to build the most innovative sports, motorsports, and eSports facilities in the world. The team has tapped into 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 is comprised of $7.4 billion in active mixed-use projects, which includes 8,000 multifamily units that are complete or currently under construction. Some of Lincoln's most notable projects include The Star, a landmark development in Texas that serves as the HQ and training center for Dallas Cowboys; Legacy Union, a multi-phase development in Downtown Charlotte adjacent to the Bank of America Stadium; The Rock at La Cantera, a 50-acre project 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 is partnering as the design architect for the new stadium and master planning the mixed-use development site. The architecture firm has created some of the most iconic multi-purpose venues in the U.S., including SoFi Stadium, U.S. Bank Stadium, Lucas Oil Stadium and AT&T Stadium. HKS' designs have established new levels for fan experience and entertainment environments.
"We're proud to be working with the Haslam family to create a versatile sports and entertainment venue for all of Northeast Ohio," said Mark A. Williams, Partner and Director of Venues for HKS. "Our latest design for the National Football League will not only be home to one of the league's most storied franchises, but it will also be a generational project for the region that will attract a wide array of major sporting and cultural events for years to come."
Located in the city of Brook Park within Cuyahoga County, the 176-acre site is strategically located 15 miles from Downtown Cleveland and is within a day's drive or short flight from major population centers including New York City, Chicago, Washington DC, Nashville and Charlotte.
About Lincoln Property Company
Lincoln Property Company ("Lincoln") is one of the largest private real estate firms in the United States. Offering a fully integrated platform of real estate services and innovative solutions to owners, investors, lenders and occupiers, Lincoln supports the entire real estate lifecycle across asset types, including office, life science, retail, industrial, data center, production studio, healthcare, government, universities, and mixed-used properties, throughout the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe. Lincoln's combined management and leasing portfolio on behalf of institutional clients includes more than 562 million square feet of commercial space. In addition to providing third-party real estate services, Lincoln has completed over 164 million square feet of development since its inception in 1965 and has another $19.5 billion currently under construction or in the pipeline. For more information, visit: www.lpc.com.
About Haslam Sports Group
Haslam Sports Group embraces the positive impact of sports and its unique opportunity to unify communities. Dee and Jimmy Haslam, along with Whitney and JW Johnson, founded Haslam Sports Group in 2020. Through the Haslam and Johnson families' network of industry experience and relationships, their mission is to create world class organizations that achieve sustainable success, provide a best-in-class fan experience, and give back to their region. We look to invest in strategic sports and entertainment opportunities, with our current portfolio including ownership of the Cleveland Browns, operating rights to Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew, and co-ownership of the Milwaukee Bucks, as well as investments in HSG Ventures, HSG Facilities and other entities.
About HKS
HKS creates transformative designs that enrich lives and enhance communities. Our global team of experts collaborates with clients to deliver elegant solutions to complex issues. From iconic gathering places to healing environments, our designs are driven by research, technology, and a deep understanding of human needs. We don't just design places, we create experiences that inspire, engage, and empower.
