CLEVELAND, Ohio — In a city where public transit is the artery connecting diverse neighborhoods, the East 79th Street Blue-Green Line station has become a symbol of change. Starting June 2025, this modest light rail stop, located in the historic Hof neighborhood, will be closed for a year for a $10 million reconstruction. The project, funded by a federal grant, promises not only modern comfort but also deeper community integration, offering accessibility, safety, and even art. At a time when Cleveland seeks to revitalize its suburbs, station upgrades serve as a beacon of hope for passengers and a signal of broader city transformation.
New Look for the Old Stop
The East 79th Street station, opened in the 1920s as part of the streetcar network and later modernized for the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority's (RTA) Blue and Green lines, had long needed an update. Its outdated infrastructure — dim lighting, lack of accessibility features, and minimal protection against Ohio's harsh winters — discouraged riders, especially in an area where many residents rely on public transit. In 2024, RTA recorded only 120,000 trips through this station, accounting for less than 1% of the system’s total ridership.
The reconstruction, which began on June 7, will change this. According to Brian Timming, RTA quality control manager, the new station will exemplify accessibility and safety. "We are creating a space that respects the needs of all passengers," he told WEWS-TV. Improvements include demand-controlled heating on platforms to warm passengers during February cold snaps, bright LED lighting, surveillance cameras, and emergency phones connected directly to RTA police. Ramps and elevators will provide access for wheelchair users, complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
The station's design also reflects its community connection. Entrances are crafted to integrate with the neighboring Hillside Community Park, a popular spot for local families. "You’ll be able to get off the bus or walk from the park directly to the platform," Timming explained. "This isn’t just a station; it’s part of the neighborhood." New sidewalks will link the park to the entrances, and public artworks — sculptures and murals by local artists — will add cultural charm to the station. On X, user @CleRider2025 comments positively: "Finally, RTA invests in Hof! Art and warmth — that’s just what we need."
Funding and Broader Context
The project is fully funded by a grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) under the 2021 Infrastructure and Jobs Act, which allocated $15 billion for public transportation nationwide. For Cleveland, where RTA battles chronic underfunding — the agency’s 2025 budget is just $320 million with a $12 million deficit — such grants are a lifeline. "Without federal funding, this reconstruction would be impossible," acknowledged RTA CEO India Bergson-Terry at public hearings in May.
The East 79th Street renovation is part of RTA’s ambitious plan to modernize 20 of its 47 stations by 2030, focusing on low-income areas like Hof, where 68% of households live below the poverty line, according to the 2023 Census. In 2024, RTA completed repairs at the West 117th Street station, adding similar upgrades that increased ridership by 15%. Economist at Case Western Reserve University, Susan Helper, notes that such investments have a multiplier effect: "Transit modernization not only makes life easier for people but also energizes the local economy by attracting businesses and creating jobs."
However, not everyone is thrilled. Some passengers on X complain about inconveniences due to closures. "Bus No. 2 is overcrowded, and Route No. 14 runs infrequently," writes @HoughCommuter. "Why couldn’t they do the repairs in phases?" RTA responds that complete closure was necessary to accelerate work and ensure safety. Temporary bus routes No. 2 and No. 14, operating along East 79th Street, are intended to ease disruptions, but overcrowded buses during peak hours remain an issue.
Significance for Hof and Cleveland
The Hof neighborhood, home to the station, is one of Cleveland’s oldest African American districts, known for its cultural heritage, including 1940s jazz clubs and churches that were centers of the civil rights movement. Decades of disinvestment left behind blighted buildings and a 22% unemployment rate, according to Cleveland Metroparks. The station reconstruction, along with the recently opened Hillside Community Park recreation center, forms part of a broader neighborhood revitalization strategy.
Local activists see the project as a chance for justice. "Hof has been ignored for years," said Leila Johnson, chair of Hof’s community council, at a rally on June 8. "This station is not just transportation; it’s recognition of our value." She also emphasized the importance of art in the design, reflecting the neighborhood’s history, especially its connection to legendary jazz musician Freddie Cole, born nearby. On X, user @HoughHistory adds: "I want to see a Freddie mural at the station. That’s our heritage."
For riders like 62-year-old Martha Wilson, who commutes daily to downtown Cleveland, the promised heating and safety features are long-awaited improvements. "It’s so cold here in winter, waiting for the train feels like being at the pole," she told WKYC. "If they do everything they’ve promised, I’ll be grateful."
Challenges Ahead
Despite optimism, the East 79th Street reconstruction is just a drop in the bucket of RTA’s needs. Cleveland’s light rail system, one of the oldest in the U.S., has 60% of stations not meeting ADA standards, and a third of rolling stock has been in operation for over 40 years. In 2025, RTA plans to replace 12 railcars at a cost of $50 million, but without stable state funding, modernization stalls. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, whose 2026 budget allocates only $1.5 million to RTA, has faced criticism for neglecting transit in favor of highway projects.
The national context also complicates matters. While the Infrastructure Law spurred transit projects, competition for grants is intensifying. Cities like Pittsburgh and Minneapolis have already received funds for new subway lines, while Cleveland struggles to upgrade its existing infrastructure. "RTA is doing all it can with limited resources," says transportation analyst Robert Simons of Cleveland State University. "But without systemic investment, we risk falling behind."
Looking to the Future
The East 79th Street station is expected to open in summer 2026, just in time for Cleveland’s 200th anniversary celebration. For Hof residents, it’s not just a new stop but a symbol of renewal. "Seeing the station being built makes me believe our neighborhood has a future," said 19-year-old student Devon Reed, aspiring to become an architect.
As Cleveland faces urban challenges, the East 79th Street reconstruction reminds us that even modest projects can have great significance. In a city where every block tells a story, this new station will serve not only as a transport hub but also as a bridge between past and future, uniting the community in its pursuit of justice, accessibility, and hope.
