Browns pick Lincoln for stadium district

Article posted by Coliseum, January 10^th, 2025

Image: Cleveland Browns and HKS

The NFL’s Cleveland Browns have chosen Lincoln Property Company as the development partner for their 176-acre mixed-use entertainment district in Brook Park, Ohio.

The Cleveland Browns said the development, designed by renowned architecture firm HKS, will be anchored by a new world-class enclosed stadium for the 80-year-old NFL franchise, owned by Haslam Sports Group (HSG).

The Cleveland Browns plan to leave their current open-air Huntington Bank Field stadium in the city of Cleveland for the yet-to-be-built domed stadium.

The lease for the Browns’ current stadium expires after the 2028 NFL season, so the plan is to kick off the 2029 season at the Brook Park dome.

The Cleveland Browns are a professional American football team based in Cleveland (US). Named after original coach and Co-Founder Paul Brown, they compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the American Football Conference North division.

Located adjacent to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, the new 67,000-seat stadium will be a premier venue for Browns home games, in addition to hosting multiple concerts, major sports tournaments and events, and conferences year-round, cementing Northeast Ohio as a world-class entertainment destination.

Peter Kelly, EVP of Lincoln’s Midwest operations, said, “Lincoln is working with the Browns and Haslam Sports Group to develop a well-thought-out and compelling vision for a live/work/play destination to complement the new Huntington Bank Field planned for Brook Park.

“The economic impact that this entire project will bring to Northeast Ohio is unmatched – the mixed-use development alone is expected to generate $1.2 billion annually and create more than 3,300 permanent jobs for the region. Northeast Ohio deserves a vibrant development like this, which will engage residents and visitors alike.”

The mixed-use entertainment district surrounding the stadium will be developed across multiple phases and will ultimately include 300,000 square feet of retail, two upscale hotels, 1,100 apartments, and 500,000 square feet of office.

Phase One, which is planned to deliver along with the stadium in 2029, will include 450 hotel rooms; 575 apartments; 96,000 square feet of traditional retail, suited for unique food & beverage and shopping destinations; and 137,000 square feet of experiential retail, which will include a team store, and other experience-based retail concepts that will drive year-round activation and community involvement.

David Binswanger, Co-CEO of Lincoln, said, “The most important component of any successful mixed-use project is the anchor. The new enclosed stadium will bring year-round events to the surrounding district, activating this region in a way that has never been feasible before.

“Having planned 2,000 acres of mixed-use development across the country and counting, our team understands what fundamentals are needed for a project like this to succeed. Northeast Ohio and the Brook Park site have all the advantages, including a prime location and accessibility, to become a go-to entertainment destination in the U.S.”

Dave Jenkins COO of Haslam Sports Group, said, “HSG is thrilled to partner with such a respected firm as Lincoln on the mixed-used development connected to our new enclosed stadium and know they will create a memorable experience for all of Northeast Ohio and visitors throughout the year.

“We have been focused on assembling a team of experts who create a best-in-class stadium experience that drives new visitors and economic activity to our region. Lincoln is internationally renowned, and we are excited for their work and impact on Northeast Ohio.”

Lincoln’s sports practice was established in 2003 to build the most innovative sports, motorsports, and eSports facilities in the world.

Some of Lincoln’s most notable projects include The Star, a landmark development in Texas that serves as the HQ and training center for Dallas Cowboys; Legacy Union, a multi-phase development in Downtown Charlotte adjacent to the Bank of America Stadium; and The Rock at La Cantera, a 50-acre project in Northwest San Antonio, which includes a new San Antonio Spurs training facility and a performance center.

HKS is partnering as the design architect for the new stadium and master planning the mixed-use development site.

The architecture firm has created some of the most iconic multi-purpose venues in the U.S., including SoFi Stadium, U.S. Bank Stadium, Lucas Oil Stadium and AT&T Stadium.

HKS’ designs have established new levels for fan experience and entertainment environments.

Mark A. Williams, Partner and Director of Venues for HKS, said, “We’re proud to be working with the Haslam family to create a versatile sports and entertainment venue for all of Northeast Ohio.

“Our latest design for the National Football League will not only be home to one of the league’s most storied franchises, but it will also be a generational project for the region that will attract a wide array of major sporting and cultural events for years to come.”

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