The propoents believe that a bridge of world-class design would attract visitors to downtown Cleveland as a destination location, citing signature bridges in Columbus, Boston, and Milwaukee. "We now have a unique opportunity to remake the Innerbelt Bridge into a hallmark of Downtown Cleveland. If we are to shape the future and look of a newly designed lakefront, a signature bridge of distinction must be at the forefront of priorities," said commissioner Jimmy Dimora.

The signature concept to the south of the existing bridge is an alternative to an Ohio Department of Transportation proposal to rehabilitate the current bridge to carry traffic in one direction and construct a new bridge.