As Cuyahoga Land Bank celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, we look back at the incredible and transformative journey it’s been.
The Land Bank’s impact can be seen in virtually every neighborhood in Cuyahoga County. The innovative approach we take to our work has made the Land Bank a valuable tool in our region’s economic development efforts and in revitalizing neighborhoods, creating affordable housing and improving the environment. In honor of our anniversary, we’ve put together this rundown of some of the Land Bank’s favorite and impactful projects. First up – a look at some of our favorite commercial economic development projects.
Commercial Economic Development
The Land Bank has revitalized many commercial buildings in Cuyahoga County, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.
Ramada Inn ⇒ Universal Windows Direct Headquarters
In 2017, the Cuyahoga Land Bank demolished the seven-story, long-vacant former Ramada Inn on Rockside Road in Bedford Heights after months of pre-demolition work. Today, the site is the headquarters of Universal Windows Direct home improvement company bringing hundreds of jobs to Cuyahoga County. Read more about this project HERE.
Vacant Duplexes and Apartments ⇒ Fisher House
Once a series of vacant properties on East 105th Street and Lee Avenue in Cleveland, the land now holds two Fisher House Complexes. Built by the Fisher House Foundation, each building has 16 suites each to accommodate up to 50. Family members of veteran or active-duty military personnel who are receiving treatment at the Louis Stokes VA Medical Center and other local hospitals stay in these suites. The Cuyahoga Land Bank was instrumental in assembling the 2.5 acres of land to make the project a reality. Read more about this project HERE.
Old YMCA ⇒Harper’s Pointe
In 2018, more than a decade after closing in 2006, the Old Brooklyn YMCA building was torn down. Cuyahoga Land Bank led the demo to make way for Harper’s Pointe, a 71-unit permanent supportive housing apartment building co-developed by CHN Housing Partners and EDEN as part of the Cuyahoga County Housing First Initiative. Cuyahoga Land Bank also provided short-term acquisition loan funding. The project was completed in 2020. Read more about this project HERE.
Former AGA Building ⇒ YaYa & Co. Headquarters
The former American Gas Association (AGA) building, which has stood vacant for decades in Cleveland’s St. Clair-Superior neighborhood, will be reborn as the vibrant new headquarters for local linen company YaYa & Co., after a remarkable restoration effort.
Abandoned Building ⇒ Premier Pickleball Center
For over 20 years, this building in Cleveland’s Bellaire-Puritas neighborhood stood vacant. Trees had found a way to grow through its walls, and it had become a refuge for the homeless. The site was cluttered with thousands of discarded tires and over 1,000 yards of debris. Thanks to developer Rob Euerle, Cuyahoga Land Bank, the Cleveland Development Corporation, and Councilman Brian Kazy, this space is being transformed into a state-of-the art pickleball facility. An exceptional reuse project for sure!
Our blog is filled with even more inspiring stories and project highlights. We invite you to explore our successes and heartwarming transformations HERE.