News Summary
Cleveland’s Bedrock has revealed management shifts as it embarks on the $3.5 billion Riverfront Development along the Cuyahoga River. Richard Mandell takes the reins as chief administrative officer to drive strategy while Nick Barlage enhances local influence for Cleveland’s strategic vision. The inaugural phase features a 17-story building, hotel, and entertainment venue, contributing significantly to local employment and economic growth.
Cleveland, Ohio – Bedrock, a prominent developer owned by Dan Gilbert, has announced key management changes as the $3.5 billion Riverfront Development project commences along the Cuyahoga River in Downtown Cleveland. This inaugural phase of the development is already underway, marking a significant step toward transforming the area.
Richard Mandell is the latest appointee, taking on the role of chief administrative officer at Bedrock. With extensive experience as a strategic adviser at Rocket and over 30 years of leadership within Gilbert’s companies, Mandell is expected to guide organizational strategy, operations, culture, and business development for Bedrock. Similarly, Nick Barlage, the current CEO of Rock Entertainment Group and the Cavaliers, will enhance his local influence by working closely with Bedrock to mold the strategic vision for Cleveland’s future.
Barlage brings nearly 15 years of experience within Dan Gilbert’s Rock Family of Companies and will play a crucial role in advancing plans for various projects, including The Riverfront, Rock Block, Tower City Center, Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center, and Cosm Cleveland. Bedrock President Jared Fleisher expressed confidence in Mandell and Barlage’s contributions toward reinforcing the company’s commitment to transformational development.
The management changes come just months after the announcement of CEO Kofi Bonner’s upcoming retirement at the end of the year. These shifts are expected to contribute to Bedrock’s ongoing projects, which include a substantial tax credit recently awarded by the Ohio Tax Credit Authority. The authority authorized a tax credit of $9.1 million for the first phase of the Riverfront Cleveland project.
The Riverfront project is ambitious in scope, targeting 11.5 acres for development and the conversion of surface parking lots into a dynamic urban district. The first phase includes a substantial 560,017-square-foot, 17-story building that will house a 190-room hotel, a 6,100-seat live entertainment venue, restaurants, and retail space. Public amenities are also incorporated, featuring a plaza, a staircase connecting Huron Road to the riverfront, a riverwalk, park areas, and a kayak launch.
The construction of the Riverfront development is projected to generate approximately 2,944 construction jobs and create 548 permanent jobs once operational. Additionally, construction has already begun on the Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center, designed to be the new training facility for the Cleveland Cavaliers and expected to open in 2027.
This development is part of a larger plan advocated by Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb known as the Shore-to-Core-to-Shore initiative, aimed at revitalizing the urban landscape and enhancing public access to the riverfront. The plan includes transforming a total of 35 acres along the Cuyahoga River in an effort to better connect Downtown Cleveland with its waterfronts.
Interest in the Riverfront project has surged, with the submission of applications for over $250 million in tax credits to the Ohio Tax Credit Authority. This is notable as the authority only has $100 million to allocate in the current round of tax credits, underscoring the urgency and significance of these developments to the local economy.
Through these management changes and ambitious development initiatives, Bedrock aims not only to reshape the physical landscape of Cleveland but also to enhance community engagement and economic growth. The Riverfront Development project represents a critical investment in the future of the city and its residents.
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Additional Resources
- Cleveland.com: Cleveland Metroparks Board Approves Flats Riverfront Development
- Google Search: Riverfront Development Cleveland
- WKYC: Bedrock Riverfront Cleveland Project Development
- Wikipedia: Cleveland
- Crain’s Cleveland: Bedrock Announces New C-Suite Exec
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cuyahoga River
- News 5 Cleveland: Ohio Awards Dan Gilbert’s Bedrock $9M Tax Credit
- Google News: Cleveland Riverfront Development
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton
