Sometimes, some legal expertise and a strong partnership are what it takes to turn a problem into a success story. Cuyahoga Land Bank is incredibly proud of a recent project in the city of South Euclid that perfectly exemplifies this: the remarkable transformation of 1240 Dorsh Road.

For years, this property sat vacant, becoming a neighborhood eyesore. Since 2016, following a foreclosure in 2015, the house languished, falling into disrepair and accumulating more than 71 outstanding code violations. It was a classic example of a nuisance property, detracting from the surrounding community.

Recognizing the potential for positive change, the City of South Euclid took decisive action by filing a civil public nuisance action under Ohio Revised Code 3767.41. Cuyahoga Land Bank was appointed as the Court Appointed Receiver, leveraging our unique legal expertise to take control of the property and pave the way for its revitalization.

As Receiver, our team undertook a full rehabilitation of the home, addressing every code violation and completely abating the public nuisance conditions. The entire property was reimagined and brought up to modern standards, ready for a new chapter. (See before and after photos of the stunning transformation below.)

The results speak for themselves. This once-neglected property has been completely transformed into a beautiful, top-of-the-market renovation. And the best part? It didn’t sit on the market for long! Demonstrating the desirability of a quality renovation in South Euclid, the renovated home went under contract in just six days, receiving multiple offers and ultimately selling over the asking price. This quick sale signifies not only the quality of the renovation but also the demand for well-maintained homes in the area.

This success story wouldn’t have been possible without the strong collaboration between Cuyahoga Land Bank and the City of South Euclid. We extend our sincere gratitude to Mayor Georgine Welo and key individuals including former South Euclid Housing Director Sally Martin O’Toole and Economic Development Director Michael Love for their vision, commitment and partnership in utilizing the receivership process to address this long-standing issue.

This project is a powerful example of how strategic partnerships and legal expertise can be leveraged to transform vacant nuisance properties into valuable community assets. (To discover another example of how the Land Bank leverages its diverse tools to facilitate transformative projects, dive into our new Land Banking Tools 101 series and explore our pivotal role as a pass-through entity for the Taylor Road Synagogue project in Cleveland Heights.) By eliminating blight and creating quality housing, we can return properties to tax-productive beneficial ownership and contribute to the overall vitality of our neighborhoods. It’s a win-win for everyone, and we’re excited to see the new homeowner begin their life in this beautifully reimagined space.

Before and After