With local opposition out of the way and no time to spare, renovations to Quicken Loans Arena, home of the Cleveland Cavaliers, have begun.
On Thursday morning (September 14th), a spokesperson for the Cavs told Crain’s Cleveland that fencing has been set up around the arena to establish a perimeter for the project’s initial phases, such as foundation work to the north end of the complex.
“A Cleveland Cavaliers spokesman on Thursday morning, Sept. 14, confirmed to Crain’s that passersby will see fencing that has been erected to establish a perimeter for a staging area for cranes and for initial exterior foundation work that will transform the north side of the arena, along Huron Road and Ontario Street.
“Construction, originally planned to begin in June, was stalled by a successful ballot referendum pushed by a coalition of citizens’ groups. The groups opposed the city of Cleveland’s financial contribution to the $140 million project; their referendum called for an election early next year to repeal the ordinance approving the use of future city admission tax revenue for the project. The Greater Cleveland Congregations withdrew its petitions last month.”
This news comes not a moment too soon, as the Cavs, who hope to host an All Star Weekend in the near future, were up against a deadline set by the NBA. Earlier this summer, the Cavs were told that construction would need to start no later than September 15th if they were to host the games in 2020 or 2021. With today being the 14th, it seems the Cavs beat the clock, but only just.
“The plan is for the Cavaliers to cover half the cost, with the other half coming from existing tax revenue streams that flow to the city of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County and Destination Cleveland, the regional tourism bureau,” Jay Miller of Crain’s wrote in his recent article.
While this breaking of ground is not a guarantee that Cleveland will host an All Star Weekend, it should solidify their place among the cities that might be in consideration.