Cleveland’s Public Square looks different than it did twenty years ago. If you grew up in Northeast Ohio, you probably remember the brass railings, the massive fountain, and the sheer chaos of a Saturday afternoon at the mall. It was the place to be. Today, navigating the tower city center directory is a bit of a different experience. It’s less about big-box department stores and way more about a mix of transit, movies, and specific local hubs.
Honestly, it’s easy to get lost. The building is a literal labyrinth of 1930s Terminal Tower infrastructure mashed together with 1990s mall aesthetics.
What the Tower City Center Directory Looks Like Right Now
If you’re standing in the middle of the Grand Atrium, you’re basically at the heart of the city’s transit system. That’s the thing most people forget. While the tower city center directory lists retail, the "anchor" isn't a Macy’s anymore. It’s the RTA. The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority operates the main hub here. You’ve got the Red, Blue, and Green lines all converging underneath you.
Bedrock, the real estate arm of Dan Gilbert’s empire, has been shifting the focus of the space for years. They bought the place back in 2016. Since then, they've been slowly pivoting away from the "zombie mall" vibe toward something that feels a bit more like a community center. You won’t find a Gap or a Limited here anymore. Instead, the directory features a lot of local entrepreneurs and "pop-up" style shops.
Current tenants often include:
- The Hoop Tech (an impressive basketball training facility that takes up a huge footprint).
- The Avenue shops, which feature a rotating cast of local boutiques.
- City Canine, because even downtown dogs need a place to go.
- The Cinemark Theater, which remains one of the most popular draws for people coming in from the suburbs.
It’s a weird mix. It really is. You’ll see a businessman in a $2,000 suit rushing to catch the train to the airport standing right next to a teenager going to see the latest Marvel movie.
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The Level System is Confusing
Let’s be real: the floor numbering makes no sense if you aren't from here. There is the "Level M" (Main), "Level 1," "Level 2," and then the "Concourse Level."
The Concourse Level is where the food court used to be the main attraction. It’s still there, but it’s quieter. You’ll find some quick-service spots, but don’t expect a five-course meal. Most of the heavy lifting for dining is actually happening just outside the doors on Prospect Avenue or over at East 4th Street.
Why the Directory Keeps Changing
Retail is hard. Downtown retail is harder.
When the Higbee Building (which is now the Jack Cleveland Casino) was a department store, the tower city center directory was the most prestigious list in the city. But the rise of Crocker Park and Legacy Village sucked the life out of indoor urban malls. Bedrock knows this. They aren't trying to recreate 1992.
They are leaning into the "15-minute city" concept.
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They want the directory to reflect what a person living in the Residences at Terminal Tower actually needs. They need a place to train, a place to grab a coffee, and a way to get to the airport. That’s why you see things like the Cleveland Guardians Team Store or the Cavaliers Team Shop nearby. It’s about the experience of being a fan in the city.
The Impact of the Jack Cleveland Casino
You can't talk about the directory without talking about the Casino. Even though it’s technically "next door" in the old Higbee Building, it’s physically connected. Most people park in the Tower City parking garage and walk through the mall to get to the slots.
This foot traffic is the only reason some of the smaller kiosks survive. If you’re looking at a map of the complex, the Casino takes up a massive chunk of the northern end. It has its own dining options, like Seven Stars on Second, which adds a layer of "fine dining" that the mall itself lacks.
Tips for Navigating Tower City Without Losing Your Mind
If you are heading down for a game or a show, don't just wing it.
- Park in the right spot. The Tower City garage is massive. If you park at the far end, you’re going to walk half a mile before you even see a shop. Use the valet if you’re heading to the Casino; it’s worth the ten bucks.
- Check the RTA schedule. The trains run right into the basement. If there’s a massive blizzard or a Guardians home opener, don’t even try to drive. The tower city center directory is basically a glorified train station entrance on those days.
- The skywalks are your friend. You can get from Tower City to the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse without ever touching a snowflake. It’s a long walk—about 10 to 15 minutes—but it’s heated.
The Future of the Directory: The Riverfront Project
There is a huge plan in the works. Bedrock has proposed a multi-billion dollar "Riverfront" development. This would basically flip the building's orientation. Right now, Tower City turns its back to the Cuyahoga River. The new plan would open it up with tiered steps, parks, and more retail facing the water.
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If this happens, the tower city center directory will look unrecognizable in five years. We’re talking about adding thousands of residential units and office spaces that actually overlook the water. It’s ambitious. Some say it’s too ambitious, but Cleveland has a habit of surprising people.
Hidden Gems You Might Miss
Most people just walk through the center aisles. Don't do that.
If you look up in the Grand Atrium, the architecture is stunning. The gold leaf, the marble—it’s 1930s opulence that you just don't see in modern construction. There’s also the "Observation Deck" in the Terminal Tower. It’s not always open, and you usually have to buy tickets in advance online, but it’s the best view of the city, bar none.
Also, the Skylight Office Tower and the Chase Self-Service Banking area are tucked away in corners that feel like a time capsule.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you’re planning to visit Tower City Center soon, don't rely on old PDF maps you find on random websites. Most of them are outdated by at least three years.
- Visit the official website right before you go to see if any new local boutiques have moved into the "Avenue" spaces.
- Download the Transit app. Since the RTA is the literal foundation of the building, knowing when the next Red Line train leaves will save you from sitting on a cold concrete bench for twenty minutes.
- Enter through the Public Square doors if you want the full "grand entrance" experience. Entering through the back or the garage is utilitarian, but you miss the scale of the architecture.
- Check the movie times. The Cinemark often plays indie films or smaller releases that the huge suburban megaplexes skip. It’s a great way to spend a Tuesday when tickets are cheaper.
- Look for the "Pop City" vendors. These are usually local Clevelanders selling everything from handmade soap to custom t-shirts. Supporting them keeps the local economy moving much more than buying a pretzel at a chain stand.
The reality of the tower city center directory is that it’s a living document. It’s a reflection of Cleveland’s attempt to figure out what a downtown should be in the 21st century. It’s not perfect, and it’s definitely not the shopping mecca it was in 1995, but it’s still the literal and figurative heart of the Land.