CLEVELAND, OH — A bold new chapter in Cleveland’s lighting legacy begins as Phase One of Illuminate CLE officially launches in Public Square. This permanent, architecturally integrated lighting installation—developed in collaboration with Destination Cleveland—was brought to life by the expert team at Vincent Lighting Systems (VLS).
Eighteen months in the making, the project was driven by a passion for community transformation and technological artistry. It began with design concepts by VLS Project Designer, Steve Arnold, followed by on-site demonstrations to evaluate fixture options from top manufacturers like Vari-Lite, Elation, and SGM. The final design was refined and implemented over months of detailed planning, installation, and testing. Programming began in May 2024, and after transitioning from a virtual concept to a real-world experience in February, the first official show debuted on April 16th, 2025.
Phase One features a vibrant ten-minute dynamic lighting display that plays every hour from dusk to midnight, immersing visitors in a unique blend of light, architecture, and emotion. The remaining 50 minutes take inspiration from Terminal Tower’s iconic lighting display, commissioned by VLS in 2016. The beacon in Cleveland’s skyline will now be connected thematically to Public Square using lighting projections of color and textures on the ground plane and surrounding buildings. This installation uses control technology from ETC and draws inspiration from the city’s long-standing connection to the lighting industry.
“This project is a perfect example of how lighting can transform public space and spark civic pride,” said Brian Offutt, President of Vincent Lighting Systems. “It’s been an honor to work with Destination Cleveland to help bring their vision to life in such a meaningful way.”
While Phase One focuses on Public Square, Illuminate CLE is designed to grow—with future phases intended to expand throughout downtown Cleveland, creating a dynamic and evolving lighting landscape across the city.
“This is about more than lights—it’s about storytelling, community, and reimagining how people experience Cleveland after dark,” said Adam Hayward, Senior Vice President of Sales and Business Development at VLS. “We’re proud to bring our expertise in entertainment and architectural lighting to a project that invites everyone to rediscover their city.”
Illuminate CLE has already drawn widespread praise for its creative impact. As noted in recent media coverage, the installation not only creates new energy downtown but also redefines the after-dark experience for residents and visitors alike.
At the heart of the launch is Bryan Mravec, recently appointed as VLS’s Business Development Director. A Cleveland native, Bryan began as local support during installation, then stepped in during the programming phase to bring creative focus to the project. Eventually, he took on a larger role in show design and client engagement.
“I grew up here—being able to contribute to something permanent in my own city is deeply meaningful,” said Mravec. “Other cities have done temporary displays, but this is bold. It took vision and risk to make it permanent. The excitement we’ve seen during testing has been incredible. This is something people will remember and talk about for years to come.”
The VLS team brought together a unique blend of technical expertise, design vision, and deep client collaboration. Special recognition goes to Michael Boll for his skill in managing and integrating diverse creative and technical inputs, and to Steve Arnold, whose foundational rig design made the show’s execution possible.
Vincent Lighting Systems takes pride in building lasting client relationships—not just delivering projects, but supporting the entire lifecycle with communication, trust, and customized solutions.
While Phase One centers on Public Square, this is only the beginning. Future phases of Illuminate CLE aim to expand the footprint of light across downtown Cleveland, creating a vibrant and evolving nighttime landscape that celebrates the city’s rich cultural and industrial roots.
The launch of Illuminate CLE is more than a milestone—it’s a movement, one that reflects Cleveland’s creative momentum and its power to inspire through light.
Vincent Lighting Systems (VLS) provides complete lighting and rigging solutions for entertainment, architectural, and themed environments. With services ranging from design-build and systems integration to rentals and permanent installations, VLS serves clients throughout the Midwest and beyond with a commitment to creativity, technical excellence, and long-term partnership.
