CLEVELAND, Ohio — A joint committee representing the city of Cleveland gave its approval on Tuesday to final designs for Sherwin-Williams’ proposed 1 million square foot downtown headquarters, enabling the paint giant to soon begin construction in earnest.
The committee, which includes members of the City Planning and Landmarks commissions, signed off on the company’s plans for a 616-foot tower, five-story parking garage, two-story pavilion, and two above-ground walkways on nearly seven acres of land west of Public Square along portions of Superior Avenue and West Third Street.
This latest iteration of the designs that Sherwin-Williams unveiled earlier this month includes strips of programmable multicolored light strips in the middle of the glassy tower’s east and west sides and the company’s name in white letters on the same sides.
Committee members, as well as members of a separate advisory group that also met Tuesday, largely reserved their comments for portions of the project that would not affect the overall concept. Mostly, that meant how much the public will be able to see of the structures from ground level and how the designs inside and outside of the buildings will affect the pedestrian experience.
The committee’s unanimous approval came with several conditions, including moving the parking garage five feet to the north to provide more space for trees on a now-vacated portion of Frankfort Avenue, providing studies on traffic and hazards to birds, and ensuring the southern portion of the pavilion along Superior Avenue can one day be converted into another entrance.
The company will also need to come back to the city for approval on several items, such as plans that address areas surrounding the buildings that will include amenities like trash cans, benches and bike racks.
Planning Director Freddy Collier said that none of those conditions stand in the way of construction on the project, including the 36-story tower, slated to begin early next year. A company spokeswoman said in an email Tuesday that a ceremonial groundbreaking date has not yet been set.
Sherwin-Williams Corporate Real Estate Director Tim Muckley said during the meeting, which was held in City Hall and livestreamed for the public, that the company has started preparation work on the site.
Several committee members expressed excitement about the project.
“Thank you very much for your investment,” said David Bowen, the chairman of the City Planning Commission.
Tuesday’s signoff marks a major step forward for Sherwin-Williams, which also plans to build a 500,000 square foot research and development campus in suburban Brecksville.
The company, buoyed by more than $100 million in public incentives for what is estimated to be a $600 million investment in Cuyahoga County, plans to move its employees from its current headquarters and research facilities by the end of 2024.
The company has said it has outgrown its current facilities in Cleveland and Warrensville Heights. Muckley previously said the company’s current corporate headquarters on West Prospect Avenue could be marketed for sale in the first half of next year.
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A rendering that shows how Sherwin-Williams plans for its new office tower to fit in with the downtown Cleveland skyline.