Wayfinding
Midtown, Cleveland, OH

Project Overview

MidTown Cleveland is a thriving urban district bridging downtown Cleveland and University Circle, serving as a hub for business, healthcare, and cultural destinations. Historically perceived as a pass-through corridor, MidTown has undergone a resurgence, attracting investment and redefining itself as a vibrant destination. Despite this growth, many travelers were unaware they were passing through a distinct neighborhood, highlighting the need for a strong sense of place and navigational clarity.

To address this, MidTown Cleveland partnered with Guide Studio to develop a comprehensive signage and wayfinding master plan. The project aimed to establish a cohesive wayfinding system that improves navigation for visitors, residents, and commuters and reinforces MidTown’s unique identity. The plan prioritizes clear directional signage across multiple modes of transportation—vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle—to enhance connectivity and accessibility.

Beyond function, the wayfinding system plays a crucial role in placemaking, aligning with MidTown’s brand identity to create a welcoming and recognizable experience. Key destinations, including cultural landmarks, business hubs, and public amenities, are now seamlessly integrated into the district’s navigation network, ensuring that residents and visitors can easily explore and engage with the community.

This initiative supports economic development, strengthens community pride, and elevates the district’s visibility within Cleveland’s urban landscape by transforming how people experience and navigate MidTown. The result is a dynamic wayfinding program that guides and enhances MidTown’s role as a destination in its own right.

Project Scope

Wayfinding

  • Experience Audit & Assessment
  • Wayfinding Strategy & Planning
  • Signage Design & Documentation

“We have received positive comments on MidTown’s wayfinding signage, including from councilpersons from both the east and west side. With so many cool things in MidTown, the wayfinding program allowed us to shine a light on them. This effort was a major step in taking our district from pass-through to place.”

Joyce Pan Huang

former Vice President of Community Development, MidTown, Cleveland