The Cleveland Theater District was the first Business Improvement District (BID) in downtown Cleveland. Located in the heart of PlayhouseSquare, the Theater District was officially created in 1998 by property stakeholders as an effort to strengthen the economic vitality, livability and commerce of the area. The Theater District operates under the direction of the PlayhouseSquare Disitrict Development Program to orchestrate these revitalization projects by developing plans for an exciting, safe and vibrant destination point.

During the Theater District’s (BID) term, 1998 through August 2005, area investment has been inexcess of $60 million. New construction included the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs; residential development of the Osborn and Huron Square Apartments; entertainment with the opening of the 14th Street Theatre; Star Restaurant and plans to create a PlayhouseSquare Arts Education Center.

Star Plaza, an outdoor urban park located in the center of the Theater District, is home throughout the year to many special events and annual celebrations. The Plaza, also known as the ninth stage in PlayhouseSquare, is wi-fi activated and presents an array of live performances and activities for the summer lunchtime crowds.

Collaborative partnerships with Downtown Cleveland Alliance and local area wide community development districts (CDC’s) strengthen the Theater District’s overall marketing goals. Particularly important events that compliment our efforts are Sparx in the City Street Beats Concerts, Restaurant Week, I Love Downtown and Winterfest.

In 2005 the Theater District dissolved its (BID) to establish a larger more encompassing (BID) titled The Downtown Cleveland Improvement Corporation (DCIC).

The (DCIC) entity governs under the auspices of the Downtown Cleveland Alliance for economic development opportunities, business attraction & retention, Clean & Save Ambassador program and strategic marketing initiatives for Downtown.