CLEVELAND, OH – [December 1, 2025] – Cuyahoga Land Bank today announced that the Circle East District has reached a major milestone with the commitment of its first new home buyer.

Crystal Lynn Bryant-Agyemang, an attorney with KeyBank, is the official first owner of a newly constructed Circle East District brownstone. After utilizing financial assistance offered by First National Bank, she plans to move in by the end of the year!

“What drew me to become one of the first buyers in Circle East was really a combination of three things,” Bryant-Agyemang explains. “First, the quality and uniqueness of the home design immediately stood out. The craftsmanship, thoughtful layout and character of the architecture made it clear this wasn’t just another development; it was a place meant to last and meant to feel like home. Second, I’ve always believed in the power of mixed-income neighborhoods and shared prosperity. Communities thrive when people from different backgrounds live, work and grow together. Circle East reflects that vision. Finally, I made this choice because of my love and deep passion for the city that raised me. Investing here isn’t just a personal decision, but rather a way of giving back – of planting roots in a place that shaped who I am. Being an early buyer felt like a chance to contribute to the next chapter of a community I care about.”

Crystal’s purchase represents the first of many new homeowners who will be part of the transformation of the Circle East District, a historically disinvested neighborhood just outside University Circle that is now experiencing a wave of reinvestment. Alongside her commitment, another buyer has purchased a renovated home on Farmington Avenue, underscoring the neighborhood’s growing appeal.

“Crystal’s decision to make the Circle East District her home is more than a real estate transaction. It’s a symbol of confidence in this community’s future,” Cuyahoga Land Bank President & CEO Ricardo León said. “Her leadership and belief in the revitalization effort sends the clear message that Circle East is a place to call home.”

The Circle East District revitalization has already delivered substantial improvements, including new infrastructure and safety upgrades, a public greenspace and park, dozens of home repairs through the Home Repair Program and multiple new builds that are underway. “These investments are designed to strengthen neighborhood safety, boost property values and create a welcoming environment for both longtime residents and new homebuyers,” said Land Bank Chief Strategy Officer Dennis Roberts.

Cuyahoga Land Bank will continue to highlight the District’s progress through community events, new construction and buyer engagement in the months ahead. With the first buyer now committed, momentum is building for the neighborhood’s future.For more information about Circle East District, visit circleeastdistrict.org.

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Cuyahoga Land Bank is a private, non-profit, government-purposed entity formed following passage of Ohio Senate Bill 353 in 2009, which granted county land banks the special community development powers needed to improve neighborhoods. Cuyahoga Land Bank’s mission is to strategically acquire properties, return them to productive use, reduce blight, increase property values, support community goals and improve the quality of life for county residents. Now in its 16th year, Cuyahoga Land Bank has several initiatives specifically designed to support the revitalization of Northeast Ohio communities, including, Realty Reimagined (a nonprofit real estate brokerage) and the Cleveland Site Readiness Fund (an economic development community land assembly tool).