The 32,000 square feet of state-of-the-art cold storage Miceli’s plans to complete in April 2026 was made possible in large part by partnering with the Cuyahoga Land Bank, explains Maria Miceli, vice president of marketing and third generation of the founding family.

The Land Bank was integral in securing a $2 million in Ohio brownfield funding for the remediation of the Gray Barrel & Drum Co., a storage drum incineration and reconditioning facility – which was fined $1.5 million by the EPA and state of Ohio.

Assembling the individual, contiguous parcels needed for the large facility’s footprint near where the original Miceli site was a priority, explains Maria Miceli, vice president of marketing and third generation of the founding family.

“My dad and my uncle were adamant about cleaning the property up – first because this is where we make our product but also for the overall benefit of the neighborhood,” Miceli said. “It took several years, and the Land Bank worked hard to help us assemble this land. We had to find different groups of ownership and work through a lot of liens and back taxes that were owed.”

Miceli’s is dedicated to keeping and growing, the nearly 75-year-old company, known for its Italian cheeses, including ricotta, provolone, fresh mozzarella and mascarpone, within the city of Cleveland’s borders.

The third-generation family business has grown to be one of the largest Italian cheese producers in the country and boasts 13 family members working at the East 90th Street where John Miceli, a milk delivery man turned cheese producer, started the business after immigrating from Italy.

The company has grown consistently throughout the years, currently employing about 250 people with plans to increase that number to 300 by the end of 2026, Miceli said.

Miceli’s expansion comes on the heels of the opening of Cleveland’s Opportunity Corridor in 2021. The multi-lane east-to-west roadway provides a direct route to I-490 improving logistics and accessibility for crucial deliveries and distribution, and makes it easier to bring in visitors and employees, Miceli points out.

“It great for our trucks. It provides a direct path for our milk deliveries, which we get about 10 times a day,” Miceli explains. “It’s also great for our existing employees and for recruiting more workers. It’s also great for visitors and customers to show them the real Cleveland when they drive here.

There is also about 1,000 acres surrounding the three-miles of Opportunity Corridor, just a block from Miceli’s production facility. 

The land assembly of just one six-acre plot that Miceli’s wanted for the most recent expansion included dealing with everything from tax delinquencies, property in probate, properties abandoned by owners, and parcels with blighted and burnt down buildings, Kim Steigerwald, Cuyahoga Land Bank’s director of acquisition and disposition said.

“Land assembly in these old neighborhoods can take years. Sometimes we must negotiate with current owners. We’ve had to work with utility companies that had investment in the area and that was a lot of red tape to go through,” Steigerwald said. “There has been a lot of properties in this neighborhood where we can’t easily track down the owner.”

Steigerwald said even with the Land Bank’s help, some parcels that have been particularly difficult. Some are tied up in estates with multiple heirs for what she says is, “an eternity.”

“We’re trying to acquire a property for the Food Bank, and it is part of a probate with multiple siblings, and all the siblings have to transfer their interest to the one owner. We had to create a couple fun databases so that they can find and call all the phone numbers associated with the land,” Steigerwald added.

Properties owned by LLCs are another challenge. The companies will stay current on taxes for land with relatively low value in an effort to wait out the market. The work to unravel deed ownership is so time consuming and difficult that sometimes companies are forced to hire private investigators to help.

Land assembly work by the Land Bank, Miceli stresses, has been and will be crucial for the company’s upcoming $128 million phase two and three of expansion planned for just west and north of the manufacturing facility built in 2010.

“The whole Buckeye-Woodland neighborhood is undergoing a little renaissance right now,” she continued. “The Land Bank has helped us with abandoned property the city owned that we had been maintaining. What the Land Bank did was assemble the whole group of parcels together as one purchase.”

Even with the unique challenges of land assembly in the mixed residential/commercial neighborhood around Miceli, the company and its multi-family owners plan to stay and grow.

“We are growing and growing our employee base here,” Miceli said. “A lot of our workers are from the neighborhood and actually walk in looking for jobs. We provide solid jobs, overtime, benefits, and we have a lot of employees with us for 20-30 years, and then they bring their whole families here. This is a family business but it’s not just my family. We have a lot of families that work here, and we wouldn’t want it any other way.”

The post Land Bank Battles Titles, Taxes and LLCs for Miceli Expansion appeared first on Cuyahoga Land Bank.

The all-boy’s high school was established in 1927 by the monks of St. Andrew Abbey who settled in what back then was an Eastern European immigrant neighborhood. 

The current high school, built around 1939, is still in use and shares a 13-acre campus, with a monastery, abbey, field house and football field.  

In the 1950s and 1960s, when enrollment at Benedictine was at its peak, the Buckeye neighborhood was known as “Little Hungary” and considered the epicenter of the largest population of Hungarians outside of Hungary. During that time, Dave Schroeder, President of Benedictine High School, explains that school enrollment grew to about 1,000 students.  

In the 1970s the school’s demographics changed with the neighborhood, which, like many in Cleveland, saw a significant population loss compounded by a massive homeowner shift during the 2008 foreclosure crisis. 

“The neighborhood, since the monks opened the school, has changed but the monks take a vow of stability; and even when they’ve had the opportunity to leave the Buckeye community, they stayed true to their mission,” Schroeder added. 

Today, around 300 students attend Benedictine and Schroeder said he is looking to grow that number while simultaneously supporting local development. He wants to do this by leveraging the school’s longstanding relationship Cuyahoga Land Bank. 

Assembling land to help build out the campus is where Cuyahoga Land Bank’s Director of Acquisition and Disposition, Kim Steigerwald comes in. 

The Land Bank, Steigerwald explains, has a history of helping the school find, acquire and manage properties around the campus. Steigerwald utilizes a series of maps customized for Benedictine to identify properties at risk or heading into tax foreclosure and forfeiture. 

“We will let the school know if there is a property they can bid on or the Land Bank will bid on,” she said. “We acquired a vacant house adjacent to their entrance that was in really bad shape and owned by Fannie Mae. Since we have a long-standing relationship with Fannie Mae, we were able to acquire it, and then we tore it down and passed the land to the school.”  

Steigerwald will bid on Sheriff Sale properties if needed and take care of all the paperwork – conveyance agreements, purchase agreements, deed search and even filing with Cuyahoga County. 

The Land Bank handles all the property development details so that Schroeder and staff can focus on Benedictine’s core mission of educating students. 

“The Land Bank is low touch;- we get a phone call asking, ‘Are you interested in this property?’ And then the next thing I know, I’m asked to signand submit a payment. It is a turnkey type of relationship that saves me a ton of time, and it saves us from having to go out and hire third party realtors or developers,” Schroeder said. 

The acquisition of vacant and blighted properties throughout the neighborhood with the help of the Land Bank serves multiple goals, Schroeder stresses. 

Schroeder points to the fact the 91 students in Benedictine’s freshman class have come from 54 different schools – some as far as Newburry from the east, Elyria from the west and as far south as Canton, adding that the goal is  “to put our best foot forward, make families feel safe sending their students here.” He also wants to ensure the school contributes to the resurgence of the Buckeye neighborhood. 

“We anticipate our enrollment to continue to grow, and we are adding additional programming to the academic side, which will require us to have new facilities. But in addition to growing the campus footprint,we also want to be a catalyst for the Buckeye area transformation happening in the area with the Opportunity Corridor.” 

The construction of the Opportunity Corridor, just south of Benedictine, significantly improves the school accessibility, reducing commute times for students, and is a big part of the school’s marketing and enrollment push, Schroeder said. 

Partnering with the Land Bank and having a long, constant presence in the Buckeye community affords a level of trust as the school looks at properties outside of the campus footprint.  

Urban schools like Benedictine, he said, are looked at as an anchor in the community and if capable, can help broker and drive housing and commercial investment. 

“When we are opportunistic in acquiring local properties, Buckeye benefits from having less vacant and under-utilized land. We also feel like we’re doing our part, for our students and the community, if we can help bring a new restaurant or retail tenant to some of these vacant properties,” Schroeder explains. 

The work and partnership between Benedictine and the Land Bank to transition the Buckeye properties back into productive use, Schroeder said, is an example of values and principles in alignment. 

“We look for partners that share values with Benedictine. And I think some of the values and the principles that the Cuyahoga Land Bank should stand for is also very important to us and what they provide the community.” 

The post Cuyahoga Land Bank-Benedictine Partnership Benefits Buckeye Neighborhood appeared first on Cuyahoga Land Bank.

The Cleveland area, despite a recent national housing market slowdown, has continued to see steady increases in home sales and uptick in home values.

A Redfin report found that in Cuyahoga County home prices jumped 11% in the last year. And according to RentCafe, Cleveland saw a 26% increase in both rental searches and demand in 2024.

The strong housing market is good news for sellers, but rising home prices coupled with housing stock shortages causes affordable issues for renters, longtime residents in aging homes and first-time home buyers looking to buy into an affordable neighborhood.

Seniors looking to age-in-place in legacy neighborhoods are particularly vulnerable Ward 14 Councilwoman Jasmin Santana explains.

“I have only about 40% owner-occupancy in my Ward,” Santana said. “The goal is to increase that owner occupancy number and have more families, own their own home and be able to stay in their neighborhood.”

Traditionally adding more housing to meet demand lowers overall housing costs but Santana said the market-rate for new construction remains too expensive for her Clark-Fulton residents.

“We know that there’s still a high cost to build homes in our area. I wanted to see if we would be able to get more for our dollars with modular homes,” Santana said.

In late October, the first 1,494-square-foot, three-bedroom, energy-efficient ranch-style modular home touched down at 3157 Walton Avenue using $10 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars managed by the Land Bank.

The decision to use modular homes for half of her eight total housing projects came after Santana and Habitat reached out to Clark-Fulton residents.

“We made a point to reach out to understand the prospective homeowner’s wants and needs,” Habitat’s Bob Whitney said.

“The majority said they want somewhere they can stay long term. We wanted homes people could get older in without needing to leave. That’s why we’re only building aging-in-place homes with first-floor bedrooms, bathrooms, washer and dryer access, and even grab bars for accessibility.”

A total of four modular homes sites is slated for in and around the Clark-Fulton neighborhood, which hasn’t seen development in decades, Santana said. The homes will be sold at a below market rate but yet-to-be-determined price point to buyers selected by Habitat.

One of the appeals of modular home construction is that because they are assembled in an offsite factory and transported to prepared sites, an estimated 20-30% savings is shown in building supply, labor and site security costs.

Whether that savings is realized, Whitney said the 30-50% shorter construction timeline is enough of an argument to make the modular housing model the right option for Ward 14.

The construction, he explains, is not affected by weather delays and the site can be prepared at the same the home is being built.

For the pilot, professional builders are contracted to finish the two separate modules of the home. Those crews also handle appliances and utilities hook up but the period from contract to move-in is eight to 12 weeks compared to the 18-24 months with traditional construction.

To make the home more affordable, buyers will be able to access Habitat’s 0% down, 0% mortgage rate and sweat equity financing program. Also, the energy-efficient construction means lower utility costs and the houses are eligible for a 100%, 15-year tax abatement.

The city could see higher cost and timelines savings, if Cleveland’s plan to bring modular construction company a 20-acre site in Collinwood, where the former General Electric plant was located. It’s set aside $50 million in federal funds and issued an RFP in hopes that a modular manufacturer sets up shop in Cleveland to help address the city’s 15,000-unit housing shortage.

For now, Habitat will continue to work with city council to fill in the affordable housing gaps and partner with the Land Bank’s Legacy Communities Revitalization Program to help existing homeowners in proximity to the new modular construction pay for home repairs.

The post Partnerships Speed Availability of Affordable Housing in Cleveland appeared first on Cuyahoga Land Bank.

Cuyahoga Land Bank acquires vacant, abandoned and tax-delinquent properties, many of which are located within the City of Cleveland. Vital revitalization work relies on our strong partnerships with the City of Cleveland, inner-ring suburbs and numerous other cities across Cuyahoga County.

Cuyahoga Land Bank and these municipalities share the goals of reducing blight, revitalizing neighborhoods and promoting economic development. This shared vision drives our collaborative efforts. Each city works with the Land Bank to determine the best use for these properties, considering factors like zoning, community needs and development plans.

The City of Cleveland provides funding and resources to support many of the Land Bank’s initiatives. This funding allows the Land Bank to undertake activities like demolition, rehabilitation and new construction. For example, the city recently allocated American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to the Land Bank for housing revitalization projects in legacy communities. Per state law, the board of directors of the Cuyahoga land Bank has representation from the City of Cleveland to ensure the city has a voice in the Land Bank’s operations.

First Suburbs Consortium of Cuyahoga County works to address the shared challenges facing older, inner-ring suburbs, and they collaborate with the Cuyahoga Land Bank to revitalize neighborhoods by strategically acquiring and redeveloping vacant and blighted properties within their member communities. The Land Bank recently partnered with the Consortium to identify zoning issues in Cleveland’s inner-ring suburbs to make the construction of infill housing more achievable throughout Cuyahoga County by updating, in some cases, turn-of-the-century zoning codes.

The Site Readiness for Good Jobs Fund (SRF) is a nationally unique nonprofit aimed at breathing new life into 1,000 acres of neglected real estate in northeast Ohio, catalyzing the creation of 25,000 jobs, supporting neighborhood vitality, building wealth among residents and enhancing environmental sustainability. Read about the SRF’s recent State of Ohio $7.6 million brownfield remediation grant for a critical project in East Glenville and Collinwood HERE.)

Cleveland Neighborhood Progress is a local intermediary organization that supports community development corporations (CDCs) in Cleveland, fostering neighborhood revitalization.  CNP facilitates collaboration between CDCs and the Cuyahoga Land Bank, helping to coordinate redevelopment efforts and ensure that Land Bank projects align with community needs and priorities.

Cleveland Restoration Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and revitalizing the architectural and historical heritage of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. The Restoration Society collaborates with the Cuyahoga Land Bank by providing expertise on historic preservation for properties being redeveloped, and by advocating for the reuse of historically significant structures that the Land Bank acquires. Cuyahoga Land Bank received the Award of Merit for Neighborhood Impact from the Restoration Society for one of its more interesting renovation projects on South Boulevard in Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood.  Read about it here.

Cleveland Housing Network (CHN) is a non-profit organization that develops and manages affordable housing options in Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. CHN collaborates with the Cuyahoga Land Bank by acquiring and rehabilitating properties from the Land Bank’s inventory, transforming them into quality, affordable housing for low-income individuals and families. The Land Bank has partnered with CHN on many impactful affordable housing projects over the years, including the demolition of a dilapidated YMCA building in Cleveland’s Old Brooklyn neighborhood to make way for a large-scale permanent supportive housing project. Read about it here.

The post The Power of Partnership: Cuyahoga Land Bank’s Collaborative Approach appeared first on Cuyahoga Land Bank.

We’re excited to showcase our latest renovation in Cleveland’s Cudell neighborhood. Located on West 95th Street, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom home has been completely transformed into a modern classic straight out of HGTV.

With a total of 1,303 square feet, this stylish home features elegant finishes and fresh aesthetics.

Projects like this demonstrate the Cuyahoga Land Bank’s commitment to revitalizing neighborhoods throughout the region. By renovating homes from top to bottom, we’re not only improving the curb appeal inside each community we work but also increasing property values and creating a more desirable living environment. It is estimated the property value impact in the neighborhood of this renovation alone is more $500,000 and will generate nearly $4,500 in real estate taxes in the city of Cleveland in 2025.

Check out the “before” photos below and then take a tour of the renovated home HERE. Prepare to be amazed

BEFORE:

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The post A Stunning Transformation: Cuyahoga Land Bank’s Latest Renovation appeared first on Cuyahoga Land Bank.

The Site Readiness for Good Jobs Fund (Site Readiness Fund) recently announced that the State of Ohio has awarded a $7.6 million brownfield remediation grant for a critical project in East Glenville and Collinwood. This funding will be used to clean up and demolish the former National Acme industrial facility on East 131st Street, a long-abandoned relic of Cleveland’s industrial past.

The once-bustling factory has stood abandoned for decades, a deteriorating reminder of a bygone era. Its crumbling facade, marred by graffiti and time, has become a symbol of neglect and decay. Once home to a major machine-tool manufacturer, the building eventually became a dumping ground and an environmental hazard. But now, thanks to a generous grant, this dilapidated structure filled with the dangerous pollutant asbestos is finally set for a long-overdue transformation.

National Acme is a textbook example of why the Site Readiness Fund was created,” said Brad Whitehead, the Fund’s Managing Director. “Addressing the multifaceted challenges of contaminated, fragmented and legally complicated brownfield sites is imperative. Remediating complex brownfield sites like this is essential to restoring vitality, creating opportunities, and ensuring sustainable development in Cleveland’s neighborhoods.”

The cleanup process could cost about $11 million, and the City of Cleveland generously contributed an additional $3.5 million. The funding will be allocated to Cuyahoga Land Bank, which will serve as the fiscal agent for the project.

“I am greatly appreciative of the Cuyahoga Land Bank for their involvement in the cleanup of the historic site known as National Acme,” City of Cleveland Ward 8 Councilman Mike Polensek said. His ward includes East Glenville and Collinwood Village. “This factory site had been a critical business in our community since 1918. Since its closure and subsequent abandonment, it has become an absolute eyesore. With the Land Bank’s engagement through the Site Readiness Fund, I hope this will, once again, be a site for employment and opportunity for the Greater Collinwood and Glenville communities.”

The project promises to not only improve the neighborhood’s appearance but also pave the way for future development. Rick Barga, Manager of Site Identification and Development for the Fund, added, “This cleanup will bring relief to residents and businesses alike. Once the site is ready, we look forward to welcoming a community-focused partner that will drive job creation and economic growth here.”

The Site Readiness Fund was established in August 2023 by Mayor Justin Bibb in partnership with Cleveland City Council with $50 million in seed funding. This nationally unique nonprofit aims to breathe new life into 1,000 acres of neglected real estate, catalyzing the creation of 25,000 jobs, supporting neighborhood vitality, building wealth among residents and enhancing environmental sustainability.

Learn more about the Site Readiness for Good Jobs Fund HERE.

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