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 is thrilled to announce the selection of three exceptional development partners for its Circle East District initiative to revitalize the residential area at East Cleveland’s Eastern gateway to University Circle. The firmsÐCleveland Bricks, Greenlight Builders and Martin Premier HomesÐeach bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record of building modern, high-quality, energy-efficient homes.

Phase I of the project will showcase variety, offering a mix of housing options to cater to potential buyers’ diverse needs and lifestyles. This includes 22 single-family homes perfect for families seeking traditional living spaces in various sizes to accommodate growing families or empty nesters. Twelve townhomes are also included in the plans, an attractive option for those who desire a sense of community, shared green space and a low-maintenance lifestyle. All homes will be built sustainably with solar panels and EV chargers.

“A diverse housing mix builds stronger neighborhoods,” said Dennis Roberts, the Land Bank’s Director of Real Estate Development. “It promotes inclusivity, social cohesion and the long-term economic vitality of this neighborhood. A variety of housing options attracts a wider pool of residents, which in turn attracts businesses that cater to their needs and a more vibrant and resilient local economy. In the Circle East District, there’s a house for everybody,” says Roberts.

The Land Bank will spearhead home construction efforts this fall with its own five single-family homes on Woodlawn Avenue. Future plans call for more than 200 homes to expand East Cleveland’s property and income tax base and kickstart a transformational redevelopment of

the area.  

The three firms were chosen for their expertise in construction and alignment with the Land Bank’s vision for a sustainable and thriving community. “We selected development partners who resonate with the Land Bank’s core values,” said Roberts. “We sought diverse firms with the technical know-how to deliver high-quality housing and see our vision for creating vibrant neighborhoods.”

Here’s a glimpse into what excites us about each partner:

• Cleveland Bricks Ð The developer’s commitment to quality homes is evident in vibrant neighborhoods like Ohio City, Tremont and Detroit-Shoreway. Its dedication to building highly efficient green homes using sustainable materials is matched by its role as early adopters in neighborhood revitalization projects. Chad Jones, Director of Marketing and Rental Operations, shared, “We are excited to contribute to the transformation of another great neighborhood through the Land Bank’s revitalization efforts.”
• Greenlight Builders Ð The firm’s roots in the community Ð many staff live, work and play in Cleveland neighborhoods Ð informs much of its development process, from design choices to community engagement to construction. It has had tremendous success building in transitional neighborhoods. “Circle East could not have more potential,” said partner Frank Camardo. “It has all the ingredients to become a neighborhood of choice — incredible proximity to one of the largest job hubs in the state, one block from all that Little Italy has to offer, and the space to build new, green homes with meaningful density. Couple all those positives with the Land Bank’s continued efforts to support Circle East’s overall development, and we couldn’t be more excited to contribute to this project.”
• Martin Premier Homes Ð The firm prioritizes green building efforts by implementing energy-efficient designs, utilizing eco-friendly materials and integrating renewable energy solutions wherever possible. Its commitment to environmentally responsible construction practices ensures that its developments not only meet the needs of today but also contribute positively to the future. “We’re thrilled to be part of the Circle East District project because it presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of a vibrant community,” said Ishmael Martin, real estate developer. “Being involved in such a transformative project allows us to leave a lasting impact on the area, creating spaces where people can live, work and thrive.”

Stay Tuned

We’re excited to unveil more details about this project in the coming weeks. We’ll be sharing information about the types of housing available, the timeline for construction and opportunities for community engagement. In the meantime, we encourage you to learn more about our new development partners by visiting their websites.

Together, we’re building a brighter future for East Cleveland, one sustainable home at a time!

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