Cuyahoga Land Bank continues its deep investment in fostering economic development and creating jobs right here in our communities. Our long-standing partnership with Miceli Dairy Products is a prime example of these efforts. This local Cleveland business has broken ground on the first phase of what could be a massive $100 million expansion in the vibrant Buckeye-Woodland neighborhood.

This initial $13 million phase is a testament to strategic collaboration. It includes the crucial construction of a new $12 million cold storage facility expansion, which is vital for Miceli’s continued growth and development. Equally important, it involves the remediation of the challenging former Gray Barrel facility—a significant hurdle that Cuyahoga Land Bank directly helped overcome. Last November, we played a key role in securing nearly $2 million in state brownfield remediation grants, specifically for cleaning this critical site on East 90th Street. By tackling this environmental challenge, we cleared the path for Miceli to expand right where it needs to be.

The remediation of the 30,000-square-foot Gray Barrel warehouse enables Miceli to consolidate its operations, utilizing the space for packagingHow the Land Bank Paved the Way for Miceli Dairy’s $100 Million Expansion and Local Job Growth

 and dry storage. This is a game-changer for the company, as they currently rent various off-site locations for refrigerated and dry goods. In total, this phase, expected to be complete by April 2026, will add a remarkable 62,000 square feet to their footprint, alongside upgraded equipment, advanced sustainability measures and enhanced quality control systems.

Our relationship with Miceli Dairy Products stretches back much further than this current project. As Ricardo León, President and CEO of Cuyahoga Land Bank, explains, “Our connection with Miceli’s dates back to 2011. We acquired critical parcels through forfeiture, performed necessary demolition work and then transferred those lands to the company. While those specific parcels aren’t part of this immediate expansion, that foundational work provided Miceli’s with vital expansion options, and all our collective efforts are now enabling them to consolidate their entire operation onto one cohesive campus.”

Miceli Dairy, which first opened its East 90th Street facility in 1949, has steadily expanded its presence to an impressive 30 acres along East 90th Street and the Opportunity Corridor, thanks in large part to strategic land acquisitions from the Land Bank over the last five years. This methodical expansion is creating a truly integrated and efficient operation.

Looking ahead, Miceli’s vision for their entire $100 million project, slated for completion within five years, is transformative for Cleveland. Future phases may include a state-of-the-art mozzarella production facility, among other exciting explorations. This monumental expansion isn’t just about dairy products; it’s about job creation, with the potential to grow Miceli’s workforce to an incredible 500 employees.

Cuyahoga Land Bank is proud to be a catalyst in Miceli Dairy’s growth story. By strategically intervening to address challenging brownfield sites and providing key parcels for expansion, we are directly contributing to the economic vitality of the Buckeye Woodland neighborhood and creating significant employment opportunities for our residents. This project perfectly embodies our commitment to spurring private investment and fostering a more prosperous Cuyahoga County.