The towering apartment buildings that covered entire blocks in East Cleveland are gone. But because of the work of Cuyahoga Land Bank Commercial Demolition Officer, Jim Maher, more than 100 tons of Ohio-mined sandstone from multiple East Side demolitions have found new purpose in the Circle East District. 

About 50 pallets worth of Northeast Ohio’s Berea sandstone has been salvaged over the last few years from the Land Bank’s demolition of East Cleveland’s Burnette apartments on Euclid Avenue and from a half-dozen separate apartment buildings running the length of Chapman Avenue of Euclid Avenue. 

“The Chapman buildings had this incredible sandstone veneer that spanned the entire block,” Maher said. “Each building had a slightly different design but together it created a cohesive wall of sandstone going down the street.” 

When dust had settled, so to speak, the Land Bank, Maher said, was able to salvage about 30 percent of the usable sandstone from Chapman Avenue. That number might not sound like much, but it has provided material for everything from retaining walls to seating in Circle East’s greenway, and much more is in storage. 

The salvaged pieces came in different shapes and sizes, Maher explains, some pieces were perfect for the Circle East District’s Greenway, a green neighborhood pathway parallel to Euclid Avenue located just Northwest of Daffodil Hill at Lake View Cemetery. The pathway, created from vacant Land Bank lots cuts through multiple side streets – including Penrose Avenue and Brightwood Street – and uses the recycled sandstone for seating and marking the edges of the path interspersed between gazebos, bike racks and picnic tables. 

Other larger foundation pieces of sandstone were used in the $3.5 million renovation of Mickey’s, an art-deco-inspired building originally-constructed in 1949 as a Buick dealership.  

Large sections of the stone now make up a retaining wall along the edge of the parking lot near the corner of Euclid Avenue and Lakeview Road – part of the commercial renewal of the Circle East District. 

“Some of the material was even used to build a small, Greek-like amphitheater at one end of the Circle East Greenway. It is not a large amphitheater, but it is unique because and a great and unique thing we could add to the greenway and the community,” Maher said. 

Reusing the sandstone in the Circle East District ticks off a few of the project’s overall priorities. The repurposed material is a physical manifestation of the historic East Cleveland neighborhood while also representing a hope of real, sustainable renewal. And the environmental and cost have a minimal impact on the project overall. 

The massive haul of sandstone isn’t the only historic treasure the Land Bank has been able to salvage from the properties and buildings demolished over the years. 

Maher helped oversee a plan between Slavic Village Development’s Krystal Sierra and Rebuilders Exchange (RBX) – a local construction debris recycling and reclaim business – to save a piece of local history. 

Sierra worked with RBX to mobilize a crew to carefully move a massive two-story, neon-sign from the Brown Brother’s furniture store on Broadway Avenue in Slavic Village, before the hollowed-out building was demolished. 

The building was abandoned for about two decades, but the sign was a reminder of better times for the once busy commercial corridor. “We were able to save that sign and find someone who could safely remove and store it,” Maher said. “The keys to any salvage are that it has be safe and there has to be a place to store it.” 

Sandstone and signs are not the only things worth saving, Maher explains. This past winter, he also worked to rescue yet another nostalgic symbol of Cleveland’s history during the clean-up and remediation of the former Euclid Beach Mobile Home Park.  

Before the more than 28-acre lakefront property became a small mobile home park, for 74 years it was known by families in and around Ohio as the Euclid Beach Amusement Park, which at its peak had more than two million visitors a year. 

“In the middle of the mobile home park was this concrete ticket booth from the Euclid Beach Amusement Park days,” Maher said. “We told the Metroparks that it was there and still standing, and they were quick to send out a crew to get it. It is in storage now but eventually, it’s going to have a place here once the new park is completed.” 

Unfortunately, not every salvage ends with a successful recycle or reuse story. Maher remembers another attempt to rescue a large neon sign, which resulted in a big crash. There was another time that after he gave permission to a neighbor to pull siding off a house scheduled for demo, police were called and that person ended up spending the weekend in jail. 

There is also a lot of potential liability when salvaging materials in distressed buildings, Maher cautions. 

“We took down a building once and gave away the salvage rights to a third party that does wood salvaging. It was like a four-story apartment building on St. Claire, and during the salvage all these structural pieces were removed, which made it very unstable. It was a scary tear down,” Maher pointed out. 

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In 2025 patience paid off for a number of projects – seemingly forever stuck in the planning, design or funding stage, explains Cuyahoga Land Bank executive director Richard Leon.

The demolition of a former EPA superfund site on the city’s East Side, the completion of gap funding for a 100-year-old factory in Cleveland’s Midtown and – after years of court hearings – the transfer of a tax-burdened synagogue in Cleveland Heights, he said, are just some of the significant progress we saw in 2025.

“Sometimes, it takes a while before we see shovels in the ground on an anticipated project,” León added. “But if you look at the work that happened in 2025, there are a lot of different shovels that represent so many different partners all working together to bring these plans to life.”

Last year substantial progress was also made on the massive “core-to-shores” plan for Cleveland’s lakefront transformation. And also in 2025, Cleveland passed measures to help fund and assemble commercial land development and Cuyahoga County worked on bespoke zoning and development reform.

Discussions around the need for more affordable housing continued. In 2025, the Land Bank worked along side a group of business, government and philanthropic partners to help craft a pair of strategic funding models aimed at constructing and renovation more housing. The unique programs – focused on the region’s distressed neighborhoods – already have projects in the works and are designed to help remake the housing market over the next few decades.

“There continues to be a push for housing that’s affordable, flexible in neighborhoods where a lack of investment has allowed the market to atrophy,” León said. “In 2025, the Land Bank worked with two new housing funds created to provide significant support for large projects over the next few decades. It has been a great experience for the Land Bank to be part of projects that meet the need of residents on sites that have long been vacant or blighted.”

Here are 12 of the most significant housing, development and Cuyahoga Land Bank-related stories of 2025.

1. As expected, 2025 brought with it notable demolition, remediation and renovation projects. Whether you call it the old Medical Mutual or Project Scarlet, the renovation of Downtown’s Rose Building was one of the most exciting projects of 2025. Nearly $2.5 million in state brownfield funding from the Land Bank was awarded to help the $120 million transformation of the former offices to a 123-room Marriott hotel with high-end restaurant. And in the works, at the corner of East Ninth Street and Prospect Avenue, are 154 apartment units and office space.

The post Cuyahoga Land Bank’s 2025 Year in Review appeared first on Cuyahoga Land Bank.

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.

What has been an empty commercial property for decades will become a hub of activity, an opportunity for jobs and income, and the anchor of a thriving neighborhood!

On Wednesday, July 10, 2024, Cuyahoga Land Bank with East Cleveland celebrated the official completion and pending sale of the iconic Mickey’s building. The $3.5 million renovation of the 25,000-square foot commercial building is slated to create up to 100 jobs and a $2.5 million payroll in the city that has only experienced decline over the past few decades.

The potential buyer, Verdynt Biotech, led by two Cleveland natives, and its partner SKYLIIT Labs, are the potential buyers. Verdynt’s expertise is in restoring science buildings in urban areas, while SKYLIIT plans to invest $12 million and bring up to 100 jobs to the property when the project is fully realized.

Beyond economic opportunity, the building serves as the neighborhood anchor for Circle East District, a 30-acre up-and-coming community one mile east of University Circle.

As Cuyahoga Land Bank’s Director of Real Estate Development said in his interview with WEWS Channel 5, “[The completion of Mickey’s] is the first critical piece because people can actually see the investment. This company is going to dump millions of dollars into this particular location.”

Work on this development began years ago with conversations and ideas; public surveys and input; holistic strategizing; discussions with local governments; and so much more. From underground infrastructure to above-ground amenities that make this once-thriving neighborhood buzz again, the team leading the charge considered all the necessities and tools that make a community just that.

Circle East District will evolve into complete fruition through five phases, the first of which is in full forward motion and includes (beyond the Mickey’s renovation):

• The updates to existing homes in the neighborhood through home renovation grants, 10 of which are complete;
• The building of 12 new townhomes and 22 new market-rate single-family homes, five of which will break ground in early fall;
• The installation of new waterlines, sewers and streetscape on Euclid Avenue, Woodlawn Avenue and Penrose Road, which begins late this summer.

Circle East District is on its way to prosperity, community and activity, and we are grateful to all for the support and energy given to this initiative!

The post Completion of Mickey’s Renovation, Pending Sale Give Circle East District Next Big Boost! appeared first on Cuyahoga Land Bank.

Cuyahoga Land Bank is thrilled to announce the renovation of 10 homes in Cleveland and East Cleveland in the Circle East District, a 30-acre neighborhood directly adjacent to Lake View Cemetery along Euclid Avenue of which Cuyahoga Land Bank is leading the redevelopment.

The newly renovated properties are all owned and occupied by long-time homeowners, with some residents having been there for more than 40 years! Renovations and repairs averaged $19,000 per home and included the installation of new roofs, siding, porches, doors and windows. These improvements have been designed to keep each home safe and sanitary. Not only have the improvements raised the value of each home, but they also increased the homeowners’ opportunity to build equity, which helps to create wealth in this predominantly African-American community.

Grant funds to complete this round of renovations come from various sources, including Ohio’s Housing Assistance Program, the McGregor Foundation, Carol M. Peterson Housing Fund and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati. An additional $1 million in grant funding will be used for repairs on other owner- occupied homes in the neighborhood.

“Watching residents fall back in love with their homes and neighborhoods is truly rewarding work” said Dennis Roberts, Cuyahoga Land Bank’s Director of Real Estate Development. “Our mission is to return abandoned and vacant land to productive use, but the renewed sense of pride is what makes our efforts worthwhile.”

• Home renovations are key in the first of five phases laid out in Circle East revitalization plan. Other Phase One initiatives include:
• The renovation of a 25,000 square foot commercial building to create new employment opportunities and tax revenue for the city
• The installation by the city of new waterlines, sewers and streetscape on Euclid Avenue, Woodlawn Avenue and Penrose Avenue
• The creation of a community park, which will provide more greenspace and recreational opportunities for neighborhood residents
• The building of 12 new townhomes and 22 new market rate single-family homes to start bringing residents back into the neighborhood

“I’ve lived here for over 50 years and what’s going on now is quite exciting. I look forward to being here to see it completed,” said East Cleveland resident Lela Eskridge.

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The 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. The mission of the Cuyahoga Land Bank 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 15th year, the Cuyahoga Land Bank has several initiatives specifically designed to support the revitalization of Northeast Ohio communities, including, Realty Reimagined (a nonprofit real estate brokerage) Land Bank

The post Cuyahoga Land Bank Renovates Homes as Circle East District Progress Continues appeared first on Cuyahoga Land Bank.

Cuyahoga Land Bank is breathing new life into the 30-acre neighborhood now known as   Circle East District, and sustainability is at the heart of the project.

The use of reclaimed sandstone for the walkways in the new park greenway  illustrates this commitment   And this isn’t just any sandstone Ð it’s a story etched in stone.

The greenway’s paths are being paved with materials salvaged from several former apartment buildings in East ClevelandÐthe Burnette Apartments at 15800 Euclid Avenue and six apartment buildings on Chapman Avenue built in the ’20s   featuring beautiful, cut sandstone veneers. Once vibrant homes, these structures fell into disrepair and foreclosure over the years. Eventually, they ended up in the hands of the city and the Land Bank and were demolished.

But instead of demolition marking the stones’ final chapter, the Land Bank saw an opportunity for renewal. The high-quality sandstone from the buildings was carefully extracted prior to demolition and given a second life.

This approach means:

• Reduced Environmental Impact: Recycling the existing stone minimizes the need to quarry new materials, reducing the project’s environmental footprint.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Repurposing readily available materials translates to significant cost savings.
• Historical Connection: The salvaged sandstone becomes a physical link to the neighborhood’s past, adding a unique character to the greenway.

This ingenious solution perfectly embodies the Circle East District’s vision. The neighborhood is being rebuilt with a focus on sustainability, walkability and green spaces, all while showcasing a commitment to environmental responsibility.

The Circle East District is a testament to the power of community development and the potential for sustainable practices to create vibrant, resilient neighborhoods. As residents stroll along the greenway’s reclaimed sandstone walkways, they’ll be reminded that even the most challenging situations can be transformed into something beautiful and enduring.

Check out our slide show of the sandstone salvaging.

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The post Reclaimed and Renewed: Circle East District Greenway Paved with a Sustainable Past appeared first on Cuyahoga Land Bank.

For almost a decade, residents near the in-development Circle East District have been generous with their time, perspective and needs; they have been devoted to helping revitalize their neighborhood; and they have played a critical role in crafting a plan that will create a new and buzzing community. East Cleveland residents who have taken the time to share their vision with the staff of the Cuyahoga Land Bank have done so with passion and enthusiasm.

While the efforts to reshape this neighborhood officially began in 2015, the formal placemaking study that involved almost 150 participants across a variety of engagement events, surveys and meet-ups, ran from January through August 2023. The results of all of these interactions have been memorialized in a formal publication, Connect East Cleveland.   Here is a look at the results and both current and upcoming work to fulfill these requests and initiatives.

Four Key Themes Emerged

Residents offered a valuable framework that we were able to distill into four themes that will guide the development of the Circle East District:

 1. Nature-inspired designs that encourage healing and sustainability:   Residents want more opportunities to connect with nature and to increase their tree canopy.

2. Arts and culture combining both historic and current artists:   Residents are proud of their city, its roots and location near historic and present amenities, like the arts organizations in University Circle.

3. Brighten up the neighborhood with colorful and bold moments throughout:   East Clevelanders want their pride and enthusiasm reflected throughout the community with bold, bright, inviting colors.

4. A welcoming spirit expressing local pride and diversity:   Residents shared their preference to live in a community that invites all people to come and appreciate the local culture.

Five Areas of Focus

After more than 30 placemaking recommendations were identified from conversations with residents, we crafted an action plan that prioritizes them into short-, medium- and long-term priorities. Some of these actions will be handled by the Land Bank, and others will require action by the City of East Cleveland and other organizations, like RTA. The recommendations fell into five categories:

Greenway: The highest priority for the community was a greenway/park that made the neighborhood more walkable and provided a place for new and existing residents to get to know each other and socialize, exercise and play together.

Pocket Park: A small park in a highly visible location was also considered desirable.

Public Art: This was a recurring theme both along Euclid Avenue and within the neighborhood.

Landscape: Residents expressed their interest in more trees and other greenery to beautify the area.

Streetscape: Residents wanted elements such as bike racks, caf Ž seating, crosswalks, wider sidewalks and street pole banners to improve safety, build neighborhood identity and increase visual appeal.

Where We Are Now

• A $3.5 million dollar renovation of the Mickey’s Building, a 25,000-square foot commercial building, is complete. A ribbon cutting will be held soon.
• $190,000 of grant funds have been invested in repairs of ten owner occupied homes in the neighborhood and another ten applications are being processed with bids for work being sought.
• Planters have been installed outside the Mickey’s building to begin the neighborhood brightening and beautification process.
• The community-requested greenway space is in development, with land having been cleared, dead trees removed and new trees planted. We are waiting for bids to start constructing the improvements requested by residents, including a play area, a walking and biking path, and picnic benches. Work should take place over summer and be completed by September.

So, What’s Next?

The first new single-family homes on Woodlawn, which will be built by the Cuyahoga Land Bank, will break ground in fall of this year. Three other builders have signed on to build a combination of townhomes and single-family homes along Woodlawn.

Stay Connected

In the meantime, continual updates will be shared on the Circle East District website, where articles and news clips will be posted regularly about the neighborhood’s features, development and upcoming events.

Follow along on Instagram, too, for regularly posted information about the progress of the highly anticipated greenspace and all other news related to Circle East District. From breaking ground through completion, the greenway project is estimated to take about four months to complete.

Cuyahoga Land Bank is thankful to be in partnership with both East Cleveland and Cuyahoga County’s councils and the people who are invested in this beautiful historic community. With their direction, the Land Bank is reimagining, rebuilding and revitalizing.

The post Placemaking: A civic effort to reimagine and revitalize University Circle’s eastern gateway appeared first on Cuyahoga Land Bank.

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.

The allure of a trendy, up-and-coming neighborhood is undeniable. The potential for appreciation, a vibrant community on the rise, and a cool, unique vibe all hold immense appeal. But let’s face it: buying a home in a transitional neighborhood like Cuyahoga Land Bank’s new Circle East District at the gateway to University Circle in East Cleveland can also raise a few questions.

Here, our friends at Realty Reimagined tackle some of the most common questions asked about buying a home in a transitional neighborhood:

1. Is it safe?

Safety is a top concern for any home buyer, but a well-designed neighborhood prioritizes safety not just with patrol cars, but with its very infrastructure. While no neighborhood is perfect, the Circle East District is being developed with safety in mind.

Phase I of Circle East District’s housing development features well-lit roads, sidewalks and an abundance of trees. (Did you know that studies consistently show the connection between tree-lined streets and safety?) Housing design with security systems and cameras, greenway with foot traffic. There are many initiatives to foster a safe neighborhood allowing residents to truly enjoy their community.

2. Tell me about the area schools.

School quality is a major factor, especially for families. East Cleveland offers a unique advantage for families seeking educational opportunities. The city boasts convenient access to a wide range of educational options Ð from nearby Benedictine High School to the prestigious Mastery School of Hawken and the CMSD’s Cleveland School of Science and Medicine, as well as many options in nearby Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights, and University Heights. Public high schools in surrounding areas consistently rank well, providing a variety of academic focuses for students.

For those with younger children, well regarded preschool options like the Cleveland Music Settlement and Cleveland Montessori School are minutes away. Ohio’s Educational Choice Scholarship (EdChoice) Program provides students from designated public schools the opportunity to attend participating private schools. The program also provides students who are entering kindergarten through 12th grade scholarship opportunities based on their household income level.

Additionally, East Cleveland’s proximity to world-renowned universities like Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) and Cleveland State University opens doors to exceptional higher education opportunities. In fact, CWRU’s Cleveland Scholars Program covers the full cost of attendance to all admitted graduates from both the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and East Cleveland City Schools.

This variety ensures that students of all ages and academic aspirations can find the perfect learning environment to thrive, all within a close radius of East Cleveland.

3. How are the city services?  

Safe streets, reliable trash collection and well-maintained parks are more than amenities; they’re the backbone of a functional and enjoyable neighborhood. Reliable police and fire departments ensure your safety and peace of mind. Efficient trash collection keeps your surroundings clean and sanitary. Well-maintained parks and libraries provide recreational opportunities and enhance the overall quality of life. The City of East Cleveland has prioritized the Circle East District and made major investments in infrastructure and top-notch city services.

4. Will my property value increase?    

There’s definitely potential! Up-and-coming areas often see significant property value growth over time.

5. Are there employment opportunities and how is the commute?  

If job proximity is a priority for your homebuying decision, Circle East District offers residents an easy commute to potential employers among Cleveland’s thriving medical hub (Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals), Downtown Cleveland and many inner-ring suburbs.

6. Tell me about the social amenities surrounding the area.

Location, location location, #amiright? While many up-and-coming areas might be lacking in amenities initially, East Cleveland is just steps away (265 steps if you’re counting) from the vibrant cultural center of University Circle and Little Italy.   Downtown Cleveland, Edgewater, the buzzing pockets of Cleveland Heights like Coventry and Cedar-Lee, and Shaker’s Van Aken District are all just short drives away.

7. Are there future development plans?

New homes being built in Phase I of Circle East are just the beginning. After the successful completion of Phase I, plans are to build eastward starting with new homes on Penrose Avenue and the development of new commercial and recreational amenities along Euclid Avenue. Several other new development projects are in the works, including a proposed $100 million mixed-used development on Euclid Avenue.

8. Are there greenspaces and other family-friendly areas nearby?  

A linear multi-use greenway (including a play area) will breathe new life into formerly vacant lots in the neighborhood, enriching the neighborhood by promoting a healthy lifestyle, fostering a sense of community and contributing to a more sustainable environment. In addition, the Cleveland Metroparks is expected to assume management of the nearby 170-acre Forest Hill Park. The incredibly scenic and historic Lake View Cemetery is also in your backyard Ð literally.

9. Is it less expensive to buy in a transitional neighborhood?

With attractive financing terms and the potential for a 15-year 100% residential tax abatement on all new construction residential properties, Circle East District promises attractive pricing on all its new homes.

10. Are there resources available to help me make an informed decision?  

Partnering with a knowledgeable real estate agent who specializes in transitional neighborhoods can provide valuable insights and guide you through the process.

Buying in an up-and-coming neighborhood can be an exciting adventure. By asking the right questions and doing your research, you can make an informed decision and potentially find your dream home in this thriving community.

Remember, your ideal neighborhood is a place that complements your lifestyle, not just the house itself. By considering these factors, you can ensure you find a community that feels like home. Happy house hunting!

The post Answers to 10 Questions About Buying Homes in Transitional Neighborhoods 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.

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