Mission Statement

To promote the continuing re-development of a unique, historic district in downtown Cleveland into a vibrant commercial, entertainment, and residential neighborhood.

The Historic Gateway Neighborhood Corporation (HGNC) was established in 1992 as an expansion of two pre-existing entities: the East 4th Street Local Development Corporation and the Prospect Avenue Merchant Group. Today, HGNC is a community development corporation that offers a wide range of services with the overall goal of improving, strengthening, and revitalizing the neighborhood. 

Business, technical and economic development assistance offered by HGNC has resulted in creative new signage for businesses, beautiful new storefronts, and redevelopment projects totaling over $500 million. HGNC also boasts the largest volume of historic preservation projects in the greater Cleveland area and was instrumental in saving and redeveloping many landmarks including the East 4th Street entertainment district.

In 2009, the organization introduced the award-winning Take a Hike® Walking Tours. Take a Hike® guides participants through Cleveland’s vibrant neighborhoods, cultural sites, and legacy architecture. Each tour is enhanced with figures from Cleveland’s past, portrayed by professional actors and actresses.

In recent years, HGNC has been proud to be a Heritage Ohio Main Street program.  As the needs of the neighborhood continue to evolve, the organization will continue to serve the needs of the various constituents.  From hotels, restaurants, retail establishments and offices located here to close to 2,500 residents who call the Gateway District home, HGNC focuses on creating a safe and vibrant environment where all of its stakeholders can thrive and the general public can enjoy everything Cleveland’s Gateway District has to offer.