The newly-launched, Land Bank 101 ‘Meet the Team’ series seeks to pull back the curtain on the people working every day on a mission to return land to productive use, reduce blight, increase property values, support community goals and improve quality of life.

In this first installment, Vince Adamus discusses his job as Environmental Project Manager and explains just what he does and why it’s critical to the Land Bank’s overall mission.

Meet Vince Adamus – he considers himself a Clevelander after his wife lured him here from Chicago more than 30 years ago. After decades of working in economic and community development in and around Greater Cleveland, in 2024 he joined the Land Bank.

Today he manages the Land Bank’s growing number of commercial brownfield projects. Over that last few years, former industrial properties have received significant state and federal funding, Adamus explains. The goal is to remediate land left with the lasting effects that come as a result of Cleveland’s robust manufacturing history.

Adamus explains that in and around Cleveland there are properties with everything from traces of radiation, mustard gas, asbestos to the ubiquitous lead but it means his work is, “personally fulfilling and significant because we are addressing real community problems.”

Adamus answered a variety of questions about what he does as the Environmental Project Manager at the Land Bank.

Q: What is it that you do at the Land Bank?
Adamus: The Land Bank, historically, had not been big in the brownfield and commercial property arena, but some funding opportunities arose, and my job was created to manage projects that revitalize blighted properties and create large re-developable sites. The Land Bank might manage the remediation, even if it’s not our property, and with these types of grants there is a lot of required reporting.

Q: What does a typical day look like for you?
Adamus: Because Cleveland was on the forefront of industrial manufacturing, there are all types of pollutants left behind from those processes.

Environmental regulations really didn’t kick into high gear before the early 70s and the aerospace, automotive, manufacturing and defense technology industries produced a lot of metal parts and processes that required oil and cleaning solvents – so there is a lot to clean up.

Some of those companies left town and others have gone out of business, meaning there was no funding to take care of what was left behind.

I’m generally overseeing the grant portion of things, but when I’m not doing the day-to-day project management in the office, I get to go into the field.

I have the bright, shiny vest so I don’t get run over by the construction vehicles and steel-toed construction boots. When I’m out, I find all sorts of interesting things. Recently, I toured a long-vacant factory, that now the Land Bank owns, where a scene from one of the Avenger movies was shot. It is on the East Side where the interrogation scene with Scarlett Johansson (from the Winter Solider) was filmed.

Q: What is the most interesting part of your job?
Adamus: One time I visited a company, where the owner told me that the property had been used to make battleship guns in World War II and had 70- or 80-feet tall ceilings and rail lines that came directly into the building. You don’t see places like that anymore. The Land Bank now owns that property.

Q: Do you have any good stories?
Adamus: Currently, I’m managing the former National Acme property. There was a three-story manufacturing building on the south side, and when we walked out of the floor level onto the property, we stepped off the concrete onto what we thought was the natural ground. It was actually four to six feet of garbage. It looked like dirt; there was foliage growing on it and it felt like we were walking on the ground but it was compacted trash.

Q: Why do you think your Land Bank work is important?
Adamus: First, the work I do is very personally fulfilling.

We are taking care of real problems out there and putting these properties back into use. Cuyahoga County is essentially a built-out, and we have to compete for business with outlying counties that have open greenfields for development.

What we’re doing is essentially creating shovel ready sites and creating development sites of scale for the region. We’re the front end of the funnel – obtaining the parcels and remediating them. No other land bank is doing this on our scale or level of activity.

Q: Here’s a fun question – What is your favorite building?
Adamus: There is a hotel at the corner of Carnegie Avenue and Stokes Boulevard – the Tudor Arms. It is an example of 1930s Gothic Revival. I’m attracted to masonry buildings, coming from Chicago. Chicago had neighborhoods like Cleveland that for decades were neglected, abused and run down, but there has been a revival of the building stock – the brick or brownstones are now functional housing.

Q: What is the biggest DIY project you’ve ever attempted or finished?
Adamus: When we moved into our house in Highland Heights, it was covered in wallpaper. I hate wallpaper, and every room was wallpapered, including the first floor bathroom. It had such gaudy, shiny, multi-colored wallpaper that it scared the kids. We spent a lot of time getting rid of all of it, and it was worth it.

Q: Finally – What social media do you use, and do you lurk or post?
Adamus: It is LinkedIn for work and Facebook for personal activities. I think it is important to separate work and personal life because, as I get older, I have opinions.

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Cuyahoga Land Bank commits to rigorous sustainability standards in planning and execution of new East Cleveland community.

Anyone who has closely followed the development and progress of Circle East District knows that sustainable efforts have been at the forefront of our work. Since the inception of this neighborhood, just east of University Circle and within walking distance of Little Italy, Case Western Reserve and various nationally recognized medical campuses, Circle East District has been imagined and built to create a thriving, resilient and green community. Further, the development has been driven by the continual input of residents, who have been vocal about their interest in greenspace and restoring the city’s walkability.

Green initiatives in Circle East District include:

• Creating a community greenway that connects residents within the neighborhood and planting 30 trees along the pathway, thanks to Cuyahoga County’s Healthy Urban Tree Canopy grant program  funding
• Energy-efficient construction paired with the installation of EV chargers and solar panels in each home
• Providing grants and managing work efforts to preserve and renovate homes in East Cleveland nearby Circle East District
• Collaboration among building partners, the Cities of East Cleveland and Cleveland, and environmental organizations regarding sustainability

Last month, Circle East District was the first sustainably designed neighborhood recognized in this region by the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) and Home Innovation Research Labs. Projects being assessed for green efforts are evaluated and recognized at each phase of development and execution, from design through implementation. The certification we received indicates that Circle East District has met all the planning and predevelopment goals and standards set by the NGBS Standard for Chapter 4: Land Development, which include the efficient use of land and resources, water conservation and use of sustainable materials.

The next step will be field verification and final certification of each individual phase as the infrastructure is installed and completed. The last part will be for each home to be built to a green certification standard that will be eligible to receive tax abatement in either Cleveland or East Cleveland.

Home Innovation Research Labs applies a rigorous point-based rating system to determine the true sustainability of a development project. Projects can earn a one-, two-, three or four-star rating. The base level of points a four-star winner can earn is 176, and Circle East District tallied up 225 points!

Examples of ways to earn points include:

• Project’s overall intent to minimize environmental impact
• The development team’s professional training in green construction
• The project team creating and implementing a project checklist of green development practices to track progress and successful implementation
• Analyzing a space’s existing trees and bushes, removing dead trees and maintaining healthy ones
• Landscape plans are developed to limit water and energy use in common areas
• Salvaging area materials. For Circle East District, this included sandstone being salvaged and repurposed into a performing stage in the greenway and how contractors rebuilding the roadway will salvage aggregate where feasible.
• Innovative site design, preparation and development practices are used to enhance efficiency and environmental performance
• Access to multiple forms of transportation, including bikes and e-bikes, scooters and the Healthline to provide enhanced access to jobs, entertainment and recreation
• The community is situated within a half mile of an open space available to the public

Cuyahoga Land Bank is continually learning about, implementing and encouraging the use of sustainable building practices in the private sector, particularly in urban infills.

“We have intentionally built Circle East District to be a sustainable and resilient community,” said Kamla Lewis, Senior Housing Development Project Manager at Cuyahoga Land Bank. “Respecting the natural resources and environment around this project has been important, as well as preserving the rich and beautiful history of the cities where Circle East District is being built. From the design of the community to the builders we are partnering with, we are committing to green, thoughtful work.”

Green efforts will continue being used, specifically as home building begins in the first quarter of 2025. Our building partners, including Greenlight Building Co., Martin Premier Homes and Cleveland Bricks, are fully committed to this effort and have designed their Circle East District homes accordingly.

Stay tuned as we continually share this story and that of the developing community of Circle East District.

The post Circle East District First in Region to Receive National Green Building Standard Certification appeared first on Cuyahoga Land Bank.

The Cuyahoga Land Bank continues to revitalize Cleveland’s housing stock by constructing modern, new homes on vacant lots throughout the city. These thoughtfully designed homes offer a fresh perspective on urban living, combining contemporary amenities with sustainable features.

Three brand-new, state-of-the-art homes have recently been completed on Beulah Avenue in Glenville/Circle North. The homes are situated just a half-mile away from University Circle and Case Western Reserve University, offering a convenient, attractive location. Designed with modern lifestyles in mind, these homes include features such as full-tile showers, granite-topped kitchens and other contemporary finishes.

Beyond a stylish interior, these homes are also built with sustainability in mind. As Energy Star certified and all-electric properties, they reduce their environmental impact and improve indoor air quality. One of the homes even boasts rooftop solar panels, further enhancing its energy efficiency. The extra insulation and green building materials used in these homes contribute to lower energy bills and improved overall efficiency.

To make homeownership even more accessible, the City of Cleveland is offering a 100% property tax abatement for these properties. This incentive significantly lowers monthly payments, making it easier for buyers to purchase their dream home.

“It’s been a pleasure to see these beautiful, energy-efficient homes come to life,” Assistant Director of Real Estate Development Jennifer Vazquez-Norman said. “We’re excited to welcome new residents to this vibrant neighborhood and contribute to the revitalization of Glenville.”

The Cuyahoga Land Bank’s continued efforts to develop modern, quality homes help strengthen Cleveland’s neighborhoods. By replacing vacant properties with new homes, the Land Bank is not only improving the aesthetic appeal of neighborhoods but also providing much-needed housing opportunities for residents.

Take a photo tour of one of the homes here.

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New Greenway to Bring Recreation and Renewal

The Circle East District greenway is taking root! After months of clearing land, the exciting project is sprouting to life with the planting of new trees and other land development. This transformation will turn vacant lots into a vibrant greenway, offering a multi-use trail for residents and visitors to enjoy.

 The entire Circle East District was designed and is being constructed to meet (NGBS) certification requirements. This rigorous certification program ensures that the entire project meets high standards for energy efficiency, water conservation and the use of sustainable materials. The greenway is one of the community improvements related to sustainability, climate resilience, walkability, and healthy living that supports that certification process.  

The greenway is being developed thanks to its generous funding partners, including the Cuyahoga County Community Development Supplemental grant program ($50,000), City of East Cleveland ARPA funds ($1 million), and a County Healthy Urban Tree Canopy grant ($50,000).

 Connecting Our Community

The Circle East Greenway is more than just a path. It’s a symbol of connection. This new trail will provide a safe and convenient way for residents to get around the development, encouraging walking, biking, and even scooting.

 A Haven for Recreation

This exciting greenway wasn’t designed in a vacuum. Following a commitment to community-driven development, the Circle East greenway was shaped through residents’ voices and requests. Through a placemaking process (link?), which involved public meetings, interactive workshops and online surveys, residents shared their ideas and priorities. This collaborative approach ensures that all Circle East District development, including the greenway, reflects the needs and desires of the community by maximizing its potential as a space that fosters connection, recreation, and a sense of ownership for everyone who calls this community home. The possibilities for healthy enjoyment are endless.

Revitalizing Vacant Lots

The greenway project takes a brilliant approach to urban renewal. By transforming vacant lots into vibrant green spaces, the development creates a valuable amenity for residents and enhances the overall aesthetic of the neighborhood.

The Circle East project is taking a unique approach to its walkway construction, waving a bit of history into the greenway’s fabric. Local history buffs and sustainability enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that repurposed sandstone from demolished apartment buildings that once stood near the site will be incorporated into the greenway for a performance space and at entryways to the park. (link to news story?) This sustainable approach not only gives these beautiful stones a new life but also adds a touch of nostalgia to the greenway and a tangible connection between the East Cleveland of yesterday and the vibrant Circle East District community blossoming today.

A Look to the Future

The greenway development is a significant step forward for Circle East Development. With the greenway project underway, the future of this growing community is looking bright. We can’t wait to see the community bring this space to life and witness its positive impact on residents’ health, well-being and sense of community.

Stay tuned for updates on the Circle East greenway’s progress!

The post Park Development Gets Underway in Circle East District appeared first on Cuyahoga Land Bank.

Building a sustainable, green neighborhood is one of the key ingredients in the development of Circle East District, the new residential neighborhood being developed just east of University Circle.

Building Green from the Ground Up

To that end, the Circle East District is being designed and constructed to meet the National Green Building Standard (NGBS) certification requirements. This rigorous certification program ensures that the entire project meets high standards for energy efficiency, water conservation and the use of sustainable materials. Sustainability is considered in the project planning, the infrastructure enhancements and the types of landscaping and plantings included in the neighborhood. All new homes will be built on infill sites Ð a term used to describe building on vacant or under-used parcels within densely developed urban areas. The Circle East District would be the first local urban infill project to attain NGBS Green certification. NGBS-certified homes provide numerous benefits, including improved indoor air quality, reduced maintenance costs and a healthier living environment for residents.

Beyond the Basics

The Land Bank’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the walls of the homes themselves. It is dedicated to creating a walkable, bike-friendly neighborhood with green spaces and easy access to public transportation. This approach reduces dependence on car usage,

further minimizing the environmental impact. The Land Bank is also committed to conserving native trees and shrubs and utilizing wildlife-friendly lighting techniques in the district. Thanks to Cuyahoga County’s Healthy Urban Tree Canopy grant program funding, 30 trees will be planted along the project’s open space greenway connecting residents within the neighborhood, and a Tree Inventory and Management Plan has been developed.

“Sustainability initiatives go beyond just bricks and mortar,” said Kamla Lewis, who manages the Circle East District project. “It’s about creating healthy, energy-efficient homes that nurture a more sustainable future for residents and our community.”

Harnessing the Power of the Sun

The City of East Cleveland has become a member of Power a Clean Future Ohio, a group dedicated to reducing carbon emissions throughout the state. This enables the City to benefit from technical expertise and grant assistance related to climate resilience and sustainability. Beyond the project plans that include energy-efficient construction, rooftop solar panels and EV chargers in each home, the Land Bank is working with Cleveland OWNS to install a community-owned solar array on the rooftop of the Mickey’s commercial building on Euclid Avenue. Not only does this create an opportunity for ordinary citizens to join the energy economy, it also translates to lower utility bills, reduced reliance on fossil fuels and a smaller carbon footprint for the building and our community.

A Shared Vision for a Sustainable Future

This initiative represents a collaborative effort between the City of East Cleveland, the Cuyahoga Land Bank, its builder partners and environmental organizations.

“We believe sustainable housing is not just a trend, but a necessity,” said Lewis. “By working together, we can create vibrant, livable communities that leave a positive legacy for future generations.”

About Our Circle East District Sustainability Partners

Cleveland OWNS

Cleveland OWNS is an economic democracy incubator that builds business co-ops and leads campaigns for community control of resources. It supports workers and neighbors in building wealth and grassroots power by starting co-ops led by and serving urban and minority working-class communities. The group provides co-op business coaching through its Co-op U and loans through its Cleveland Co-op Fund.

YellowLite

YellowLite is a Cleveland-based residential and commercial solar installation company. It is committed to excellence in designing and installing renewable energy systems and educating customers on reducing their consumption and using energy more efficiently. Based on the belief that solar is an important energy source that will continue to grow in prominence and scale, Yellowlite is committed to participating in the growing clean energy movement. It will be installing the rooftop solar systems on the homes, and providing training to our builders, realtors and other team members.

Team WS

A real estate and management consultancy, Team WS assists clients involved in residential urban and inner-ring neighborhood revitalization in reimagining land development incorporating sustainability techniques. It works with organizations committed to reinvigorating urban and inner-ring neighborhoods and cities to help achieve growth, sustainability and efficiently use scarce land resources. Team WS is taking the lead in guiding us through the NGBS certification process.

Bartlett Tree Experts

Bartlett Tree Experts was founded in 1907 by Francis A. Bartlett. It is the world’s leading scientific tree and shrub care company. From its over 100 offices worldwide, Bartlett helps both residential and commercial customers maintain beautiful, healthy trees. Its goal is to provide quality care and good value to owners and managers of landscape trees and shrubs.

DERU Landscape Architecture

DERU Landscape Architecture is a boutique practice specializing in public, corporate and private landscapes in civic, educational, recreational, hospitality, healthcare and residential environments. It is committed to incorporating social dynamics, placemaking, ecology, horticulture, stormwater management and aesthetics into each project. The company has designed our Greenway.

The post Sustainable Efforts Bloom in Circle East District appeared first on Cuyahoga Land Bank.

Mushrooms are having a moment. Beyond their delicious culinary uses, fungi are taking center stage in sustainable construction, bio-remediation and even art Ð specifically in Circle East District, where sustainability is a top priority for the Cuyahoga Land Bank and builders alike.

Beginning in 2015, Cuyahoga Land Bank, and eventually with partner Seventh Hill, led a placemaking study to learn and understand the best way to engageresidents about  the soon to come  Circle East District development project. The study, formally named and published as ConnectEC, revealed that participants (nearly 150 people who live and/or work in East Cleveland) had four basic priorities:

• Promote community, cohesion, trust and safety
• Improve accessibility to increase connectivity and walkability
• Create signage and public art to create a distinct place
• Provide neighborhood amenities and greenspaces

The Cuyahoga Land Bank, Cuyahoga County Council, City of East Cleveland and all its team members are taking these recommendations and priorities seriously as it works to revitalize   the Circle East District neighborhood.  . Throughout the next year, we will highlight specific efforts dedicated to fulfilling these requests, regularly showcasing the beauty of this reimagined neighborhood, connecting with residents to share their stories and continue hosting lively events to illustrate the region’s spirit.

The story shared here is a collaboration with Cleveland native Chris Maurer, architect, innovator and founder of Ohio  City-based   redhouse studio architecture.   Maurer has a  long resume  dedicated to creating, designing and building using low impact materials with lasting and high impact. At the recently renovated Mickey’s building Ð the epicenter of Circle East District, he recently installed  “Flight of the Council of Interplanetary Cooperation,” a public art piece in which the base materials are bio-cycled Ðrecycled and remediated mushrooms (fungal mycelium )!

Maurer and his team are doing exciting research and projects with mycelium (the vegetative part of a fungus),  to develop and promote sustainable building technologies around the world, and even partnering with NASA to study applications for Mars. They are working locally to introduce this eco-friendly building material to construct homes, but they’ve also gone beyond 216 borders Ð most recently, in Namibia where they  constructed  bioHab, the world’s first structural mycelium building.

“Buildings are typically destroyers of the environment,” said Maurer. “In our work, we leverage architecture and design for regenerative processes.”

Flight of the Council,  prominently displayed on Mickey’s exterior,  is a 96″x 96″ mixed-media work that  depicts the story  of ancient flight training sessions that introduced humans to a green earth to be good stewards of it. Something went wrong along the way but the prophecies tell us there is still hope. It incorporates an image of a car as a reference to the Buick Dealership and other automotive uses that historically occupied the building.

The art was made of conventional and unconventional materials, including  mycotiles  which are made by a “biocycler” that converts organic construction and demolition waste into new materials using invisibly small microorganisms. These new bioterials are considered more aligned with nature as they use the growth of fungal mycelium to make materials that store organic carbon.

Clearly, the art and all it means embodies the Land Bank’s commitment to sustainability and encouraging the use of new building techniques and materials, specifically in the $122 million strategic redevelopment of the Circle East District.  All the homes will be built with rooftop solar and EV chargers in the garages. The homes being built by the Land Bank will be all electric. The entire project is seeking certification by the National Green Building Standard.

“Focusing on sustainability in urban redevelopment projects like the Circle East District brings a multitude of benefits,” said Kamla Lewis, Senior Housing Development Project Manager at the Land Bank. “It protects the environment, strengthens the economy, improves public health, and ultimately makes it a more desirable place to live, work, and play.”

Ingenuity Cleveland, a non-profit arts organization that fosters creativity, community and innovation through joy and collaboration, has been running a series of monthly events called East CLE Alive! All held at Mickey’s, the events have ranged from a Day of the Dead brunch to roller skating discos. March’s event Ð Fun With Fungi Ð illustrated the magic of mushrooms and featured mushroom cooking and art demos, a DJ and more while getting people excited for Maurer’s sustainable art installation.

Stay tuned as we regularly reveal features custom-tailored for Circle East Next up, a modern greenspace that leverages the power of  solar panels, includes fitness equipment and incorporates sandstone from historical East Cleveland buildings.

The Mighty Mushroom

Here’s a little science lesson to understand the power of the mighty mushroom in the fight for sustainable construction. The key lies in the mushroom’s remarkable mycelium, the root-like network of threads that fuels their growth. Mycelium can be grown into dense, lightweight structures with surprising strength and fire resistance. By manipulating growth conditions and combining it with waste materials like sawdust or agricultural byproducts, architects can create custom building blocks. Unlike traditional construction materials, buildings made with mycelium are completely biodegradable. At the end of their lifespan, they can simply decompose back into the earth, minimizing waste and environmental impact. Mushroom mycelium grows incredibly fast, significantly reducing construction times compared to traditional methods. Mycelium-based building technologies have the potential to revolutionize the construction industry. It’s a future where  buildings can be grown from sustainable materials, minimizing environmental impact and creating a more circular economy in construction.

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