CLEVELAND – June 10, 2015 – The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation and the Mandel Supporting Foundations have awarded a $2.5 million grant to the Group Plan Commission for the transformation of Public Square.  This previously unannounced gift provides critical funding for the revitalization of the Square, which is currently under construction and is on track for completion in June 2016.

 

“We are building on the work we have done over many years to help revitalize Cleveland’s neighborhoods by transforming Cleveland’s Public Square into a world-class public park that will be a gathering place for all Clevelanders,” said Morton Mandel, Chairman and CEO of the Mandel Foundation. “We are thrilled to be part of the renaissance of Downtown Cleveland being led by the young people now living and working in Cleveland.”

 

Anthony Coyne, chairman of the Group Plan Commission, announced that in recognition of the grant, the raised and sculpted northeastern edge of the transformed Public Square will be named the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Concert Hill. 

 

“The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Concert Hill will be a focal point of the new Public Square, and a wonderful spot from which to watch the events and performances we will bring to the Square,” Coyne said. “It is a fitting tribute to the community leadership and generosity of the Mandel Foundation.”

 

Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson praised the Mandels and the Foundation for their commitment to Cleveland.

“The decision by the Mandel Foundation to make a significant contribution to the reconstruction of Public Square demonstrates this family’s ongoing commitment to Cleveland and its citizens,” said Jackson. “The $2.5 million donation will help transform Public Square into a pedestrian-friendly space to be enjoyed by Clevelanders.”

 

According to Coyne, the Mandel Foundation gift is key to Public Square’s transformation and to Cleveland’s growth.

“We would not be able to turn our bold vision for transforming Cleveland’s central public space into reality without the commitment of the whole community,” said Coyne. “This extraordinary commitment by an extraordinary Cleveland philanthropic family is essential to bringing to life the kind of public space that can define the city and maximize our potential for growth.”

 

Including the $2.5 million gift from the Mandel Foundation announced today, the Group Plan Commission has secured more than $32 million during the past year in public, philanthropic and private-sector resources for the transformation of Public Square. The Commission began construction on March 9 to implement the design developed by nationally known landscape architect James Corner Field Operations and construction is slated for completion by June 2016.

 

More information about the Group Plan Commission can be found at www.groupplan.org.