Entry Title: CLEarwater
Team Code: 2025-17200
School: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

Overview (Narrative Excerpt from Original Project Submission):

CLEarwater is a $979 million development that will cost $878 million and be delivered over four phases. The redevelopment aims to create a lakefront gateway district of connection, opportunity, and resilience. CLEarwater connects the city and lakefront with an underpass beneath the railway and a pedestrian bridge over I-90 that links St. Clair-Superior and the future CHEERS park. Multimodal mobility is encouraged through complete streets that integrate pedestrian, cycling, and public transit options. CLEarwater rezones general industrial into a high-density mixed-use zone, including creative office, light industrial makerspace, and a diverse housing stock. Retail spaces along the main corridor create lively streetscapes reflecting the existing community identity. The development offers 2214 housing units including 668 affordable and 380 above market. A creative financing strategy – including TIF, Opportunity Zone, Tax Credits, and State and Federal LIHTC – all support a private development scheme that advances public good. The two city owned parcels will be transformed into the Clearwater Innovation and Media Hub to provide educational opportunities through partnerships with Horizon Science Academy, Fox TV, Ohio Third Frontier. CLEarwater is committed to environmental sustainability and livable public space. Green elements include the five-acre Inlet Park and Overlook, the Clearwater Nature Education Center, and green infrastructure: bioswales, stormwater filtration, permeable pavement, native plantings.