Project Summary

Superman Monument Initiative

The monument is proposed to be prominently displayed within a civic plaza between the Great Lakes Science Center and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. Identified as The North Coast Harbor Plaza in previous City Planning documents, this site is envisioned to become a signature public space within the City.

The nearly 3 million dollar project will become a reality through a partnership between the City of Cleveland, and the capital investment by the Superman Monument Committee, a 501(c) organization; along with the support and coordination from:

• The Group Plan Commission;
• Cuyahoga County Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge Design Team, Rosales+Partners;
• Cumberland Development, LLC, CEO Richard Pace;
• The Segal and Shuster Society; and,
• The North Coast Harbor District;

The Superman Monument Initiative is a catalyst for knitting Erieside Avenue, the pedestrian and cycle bridge, and the North Coast Harbor Promenade together; as well as Cleveland's Lakefront Development Plan (Image below).

The concept for the monument and the approximately 55 foot diameter plaza utilizes elegance and simplicity in order to demonstrate the power, respect, and mystique that Superman embodies. Each of these characteristics are visible in monument and with how the connection is made between the monuments base and the family-friendly plaza.

Accompanying the primary monument will be a series of human scale figures representing the creators of Superman – Siegel and Shuster; as well as Joanne Siegel, the model/inspiration for Louis Lane. (Image Above,Bottom Left)

The central feature, a statue sculpted by nationally recognized artist David Deming, will serve as an alluring testament, promoting Cleveland as the birthplace of the creators of the "Man of Steel". This beautiful stainless steel statue will be approximately 13 feet long, perched atop a base that will raise the statue 35 feet from the plaza.

Existing Conditions Plan

The monument will be located within Cleveland's Downtown lakefront Plan Phase 1, Site C parcel; occupying approximately 2,375 SF (.05 Acres) of the area adjacent to Erieside Avenue, located between the Great Lakes Science Center and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  (Below Right)

Site Context Plan

The monument is proposed to be prominently displayed within a civic plaza between the Great Lakes Science Center and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.  Identified as The North Coast Harbor Plaza in previous City Planning documents, this site is envisioned to become a signature public space within the City.

Additionally, this site will become the landing zone for the cities future Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge which connects the Mall with the North Coast Harbor District; as well as being one of the future development sites of Cleveland's multi-phased Lakefront Development Plan. (Below Left)

Monument

The central feature, a statue sculpted by nationally recognized artist David Deming, will serve as an alluring testament, promoting Cleveland as the birthplace of the creators of the "Man of Steel".

The concept for the monument and the approximately 55 foot diameter plaza utilizes elegance and simplicity in order to demonstrate the power, respect, and mystique that Superman embodies

This beautiful stainless steel statue will be approximately 13 feet long, perched atop a base that will raise the statue 35 feet from the plaza; providing viewing opportunities of 360 degrees.  A stylized crystal base will be utilized, reminiscent of the Crystal Fortress of Solitude, a sanctuary of Superman's and a place of solace. (Left and Right Below)

Plaza Features

The monument base will project from the plaza through molded, irregularly formed concrete rising upward; providing the appearance of the crystal base dramatically ascending from the earth.  The incorporation of a fog feature within and around the perimeter of the monument's base will provide a free-flowing dimension that accentuates the plaza experience by creating an interactive cloud of mist. 

The adjacent Pedestrian and Cycle Bridge activates the vertical plane of the site, causing one to experience the plaza from different heights – adding comprehensive interest.  Furthermore, terraced steps combines functionality and elegance; while providing the opportunity for intimate gathering spaces and impromptu outdoor classroom settings. 

Left Top: Molded concrete allows for the creation of unique forms, establishing the character and quality of the space. Left Bottom: Dramatic lighting and fog mist will be incorporated to highlight the plaza features, the monument and base. Right: Plaza Site plan