Excavation underway for relocation and restoration of historic Euclid Beach Arch

May 19, 2025

The Office of Ward 8 Councilman Michael D. Polensek and the City of Cleveland’s Mayor’s Office of Capital Projects (MOCAP) are pleased to announce that excavation work is now underway to support the relocation and restoration of the historic Euclid Beach Arch in the North Shore Collinwood neighborhood. 

Currently spanning East 159th Street, the Arch—once the gateway to the beloved Euclid Beach Park—has sustained repeated vehicle damage over the years. Most recently, it was partially dislodged from its foundations, underscoring the urgent need to relocate the structure. 

Per plans approved by the Cleveland Landmarks Commission, the Arch will be restored by the Division of Architecture and Site Development within MOCAP and relocated to a new home on Lakeshore Boulevard at the former McDonald’s restaurant site. The site will become the future Euclid Beach Arch Park. 

“We are excited to move forward with this project that respects the past while planning for the future,” said MOCAP Director James DeRosa. “Thanks to the McDonald’s Corporation’s generous land donation, we’re able to relocate the Arch just a short distance from its original location, ensuring it remains a part of the neighborhood’s fabric for generations to come.” 

The Division of Real Estate within MOCAP facilitated the land transfer, which was critical, as the landmark’s structural integrity limited how far it could be moved. 

Restoration work includes removing the current cement faux-stone finish to lighten the Arch and restore its original wood-panel-and-trim design. An architectural historian will advise on the project to ensure preservation accuracy. Historic signage and lighting elements will also be preserved or replaced. 

Once the new foundations are poured and cured, the Arch will be placed on its new base. New cementitious panels and trim will be applied to match the original design in a durable material suited for long-term outdoor display. 

“This project is a milestone in preserving and honoring the history of Euclid Beach Park and the Greater Collinwood community,” said Councilman Polensek. “The Arch is a beloved symbol for many residents, and I’m proud to see it not only saved but celebrated in a new park space that will serve our neighborhood well into the future. This is a project that is near and dear to me, personally. I have worked on saving the Arch for a long time, and finally, it is becoming a reality.”   

The new Euclid Beach Arch Park will feature enhanced walking paths and interpretive elements to share the story of Euclid Beach and the surrounding area. Removal of the faux-stone finish will begin this week, and a community engagement process for park design will begin later in 2025.