University Circle Inc. Launches Connecting the Circle Master Plan

Posted April 08, 2025 in Press Releases

University Circle Inc. (UCI) is working with its partners to create a districtwide plan that will make University Circle more vibrant and accessible for its residents, neighbors, employees and visitors, called Connecting the Circle.

“It’s been 25 years since there’s been a comprehensive plan for University Circle,” says Kate Borders, President of University Circle Inc. “Last year we heard from residents, employees, and visitors, that our work ahead must focus on the pillars of people, place and stories. To successfully steward this extraordinary place, we need a compelling vision and roadmap to activate our public spaces, improve access for all, and set goals for future land use and development.”

The Connecting the Circle plan will consider existing conditions and planned developments and make recommendations to improve the spaces between the buildings – University Circle’s parks, plazas, and streets. The plan’s recommendations will consider how these spaces can better support travel to and through University Circle, and how they can host a variety of activities and programs. The plan will also consider how to better connect University Circle with its surrounding neighborhoods.

This ambitious project is led by Sasaki, a global leader in architecture, planning, landscape, and design, with Toole Design Group leading transportation and mobility strategy, ThirdSpace Action Lab leading community engagement strategy, and NelsonNygaard advising on strategies to improve the parking experience.

"Growing up in Cleveland and spending much of my childhood exploring University Circle shaped my foundational appreciation for culture, diversity, and the power of place,” says Michael Grove, Principal-in-Charge at Sasaki. “My goal is to blend these formative local experiences with a global perspective to create a more inclusive, dynamic, and resilient future for this extraordinary district—one that honors its rich history while embracing new possibilities for generations to come."

UCI is currently seeking public comment through an online survey and map to understand how people experience The Circle today and how they would like to experience The Circle in the future. From April 24-26, there will be in-person opportunities to learn about the plan and share feedback at pop-up play events at Toby’s Plaza in Uptown, walking tours, a group bike ride, a collaboration at the ThirdSpace Action Lab Intergenerational Lunch (April 25) and a Community Workshop at UCIs newly renovated headquarters (April 26).

"True belonging begins in the public realm,” says Evelyn Burnett, Co-Founder + CEO of ThirdSpace Action Lab and UCI Trustee. “This process isn’t just about design—it’s about making sure every person who moves through University Circle feels seen, valued, and connected to what we are building together. As the African proverb says, ‘Ubuntu— I am because we are' so as a resident, business owner, and board member, I’m committed to ensuring that the voices of those who call this place home are central to defining the future direction of our community."

To learn more about the project, take the survey, and register for events, visit https://connectingthecircle.engage.sasaki.com/. Follow University Circle Inc. on social media for additional updates.

Project Images can be found here.

###

About University Circle Inc.

University Circle Inc. (UCI) is the community service corporation responsible for developing, serving, and advocating for University Circle as a vibrant and complete neighborhood.

About Sasaki

For over 70 years, Sasaki has been guided by the commitment to a collaborative style of design. Our way of working brings together diverse perspectives, blended disciplines, open exchange, and deep engagement with clients and the communities we serve.

About ThirdSpace Action Lab

ThirdSpace Action Lab is a grassroots research, strategy, and design cooperative dedicated to prototyping creative place-based solutions to actualize racial equity.