They call him "Mr. Cleveland."
“I do love history. And I was raised in this city," said John Grabowski, remarking on the reputation of Cleveland.
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“It never really gets the recognition it should nationally. It’s always about New York or Chicago.”
The historian and professor at Case Western Reserve University said his city has a remarkably rich history. President Abraham Lincoln rolled through the town twice — once in life, once after death. Cleveland hosted two Republican National Conventions, in 1924 and 1936.
Now, as the country struggles to unify and overcome deep-seated issues, Cleveland is playing host again.
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“Oh my God, Cleveland fought for this convention," Grabowski said. "We fought for both, soliciting both the Democrats and the Republicans. And a lot of money had to be raised to get this here."
With every convention comes months of planning and millions invested. It took more than a year for Cleveland to complete a $50 million construction project, joining four distinct quadrants of Public Square downtown and adding fountains, risers and even man-made hills, gently sloping before chiseled statues of famous residents.
Grabowski said the 10-acre Square was first laid out in 1796 and serves as the historical heart of the city.
"Revamping it in time for the convention is the bow on the package. It's a gift not only to the RNC and GOP, but to the City of Cleveland," he said.
It's not just what goes into conventions but what comes out: Tampa received $50 million in federal funds prior to hosting the 2012 RNC — and saw a return of about $404 million in total economic impact.
Grabowski said he hopes to see something similar happen in his beloved city.
“We’re hoping this is going to pick things up here, bring people into the city," he said. "Fortunately, this follows on the heels of the Cleveland Cavaliers' (NBA championship) victory. What I want for the big takeaway is, 'Oh my God, I didn't realize.'"