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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Cuyahoga Land Bank isn’t just about demolition or renovating or building houses. Our mission to stabilize communities, reduce blight and improve quality of life for Cuyahoga County residents is about building opportunities. We’re a catalyst for positive change in neighborhoods where development has often been overlooked. Here’s how we achieve that:

1. Quality Homes at Affordable Prices

We develop high-quality, affordable homes in areas ripe for revitalization. These aren’t just cookie-cutter builds. We’re talking modern designs, energy-efficient features like solar panels, and all the amenities you’d expect at a price that makes homeownership a reality for many.

2. Spurring Investment and Development

Our revitalization efforts have a domino effect. New, beautiful homes attract new residents, which in turn attracts businesses and further investment. This creates a thriving, vibrant community where everyone benefits.

3. Northeast Ohio’s Economic Engine

By revitalizing neighborhoods, we’re boosting the entire region’s economic engine. New homeowners mean new tax dollars that can be reinvested in infrastructure and services, making Northeast Ohio an even more attractive place to live, work and play.

4. More Than Just a House: A Community

We understand that people want more than just four walls and a roof. That’s why we often focus on areas close to essential amenities like parks, shopping and universities like the exciting Beulah Avenue project near Case Western Reserve University (see below). This creates a desirable community for everyone, from young professionals to families.

5. Empowering Realtors

We’re committed to building strong partnerships with local realtors. We offer free CEU opportunities to educate them on these up-and-coming neighborhoods and the unique selling points of sustainable homes, like solar panels. This ensures they have the expertise to guide potential buyers towards these exciting opportunities confidently.

The Beulah Avenue Example

Our project on Beulah Avenue in Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood is a shining example of our work. We’re building three brand new homes on adjacent lots in an area that’s been waiting for investment for far too long. This project, along with the many available development lots (remnants of demolition of blighted homes), paves the way for a transformation of the neighborhood. The 1,850 square feet modern colonial style homes boast three-bedroom, three full baths and two-car garages. One of the homes features the latest in solar panel technology.

Join Us in Building a Brighter Future

The Cuyahoga Land Bank is creating a brighter future for Northeast Ohio, one neighborhood at a time. Explore our available properties, consider partnering with us as a realtor, or simply spread the word about these exciting revitalization efforts. Together, we can build a thriving community where everyone can own a piece of the American Dream.

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In a story that weaves together threads of history, sustainability and urban renewal, local linen company YaYa & Co. will soon expand its operations to a previous laboratory in Cleveland’s St. Clair-Superior neighborhood.

The former American Gas Association (AGA) building has stood vacant for decades. After a remarkable restoration effort, it will be reborn as the vibrant new headquarters for YaYa & Co.

“I was immediately drawn to the building’s character and potential,” said Candy Mashmoor, YaYa & Co.’s founder. “You cannot imagine what it looked like, and we could barely walk through it with the falling ceilings, dirt and debris. My contractor told me I was crazy, but when you are creative you can see past the destruction and envision the beauty in this forgotten space.”

Adding to the appeal of the structure, built in 1925, is its rich history. The original building was one of few in the area to survive the 1944 East Ohio Gas Co. explosion that leveled a square mile of the city and killed 130 people. “Somehow this building endured and remains structurally sound today,” Mashmoor said.

Mashmoor and her partners are investing up to $3 million to renovate the site, which was awarded city historic landmark status by the Cleveland Landmark Commission last October and by Cleveland City Council in January.

YaYa & Co. is known for its commitment to using all-natural and organic textiles to create bedding, home goods, and d Žcor from artisans and makers worldwide. The company is Fair Trade USA-certified and known for its sustainable goods, eco-friendly production methods and ethical practices. Restoring a historic building aligns perfectly with its philosophy.

The AGA laboratory building is part of a 68,000-square-foot, three-building complex that fell into state forfeiture in December 2019 and then brought into the Cuyahoga Land Bank’s inventory in 2021 after nosuccessful bids were offered at Sheriff’s sale. Mashmoor purchased the buildings and an adjacent parking lot from the Cuyahoga Land Bank in March 2022.

“We had a lot of interest in the property,” said Marcelina _ladewska, Cuyahoga Land Bank Special Projects Manager. “Ultimately, we decided the building would be the perfect site for YaYa & Co.’s expanding e-commerce business.”

The company’s new headquarters will be in the original building’s north addition (built in 1960), which will be used for the assembly of textile products. The south addition (built in 1950) will serve as a showroom and transfer warehouse for the company’s textile products. The original building will become a 28,000-square-foot collection of co-working spaces and classrooms to support local young women and minority entrepreneurs in developing their businesses. Co-working spaces will be geared toward creative businesses like design and photography.

In keeping with YaYa and Co.’s mission, all the renovations to the building will be entirely sustainable. “It’s a beautiful building and we are committed to recycling materials and avoiding demolition, when possible,” says Mashmoor. “We are using the age of the building and developing around it.”

Mashmoor is excited about this new chapter in her business and expects the south building to be open by late summer or early fall 2024, with the other two buildings up and running by spring of 2025. This move marks a significant step forward for YaYa & Co. and sets the stage for continued growth and success. It’s a story not just about fabric but about the enduring power of craftsmanship, sustainability and the magic of breathing new life into the past.

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Cleveland City Council announced in early March that it strategically allotted the final portion of its American Rescue Plan Act funds to Cuyahoga Land Bank. The Land Bank will use these funds across wards 5, 10 and 14 Ð three neighborhoods historically burdened by disinvestment Ð to revitalize homes and create a more equitable city for all.  

The scars of past neglect are evident across these neighborhoods, Central, Collinwood, Clark-Fulton and Glenville, respectively. Dilapidated housing stock, vacant lots and a lack of access to essential amenities have plagued these communities for decades. This new initiative represents a turning point.

The primary focus of the $9.9 million grant, officially called the Legacy Communities Revitalization Program, is to continue transforming neighborhoods into thriving, equitable communities and create sustainable housing markets for owner-occupants in some of the most market-challenged areas of Cleveland. Ultimately, this program will complement the Cuyahoga Land Bank’s track record of responsible investment.

“We are incredibly grateful for Cleveland City Council’s vision and unwavering commitment on this transformative project to bolster historically challenged communities,” Land Bank COO Ricardo Le—n said. “With Council’s   trust, we will continue our successful work of removing blight to revitalize neighborhoods, expand affordable and market rate housing, and build sustainable economic growth to improve residents’ quality of life.”

Part of the award’s crucial funding – $3.6 million – will be used for the construction of 24 new homes across the three wards. While the Land Bank’s average new construction cost is $300,000 per home, they’ll be offered for sale at a significantly reduced price, making homeownership a more attainable dream for residents.

Another piece of the grant ($3.45 million) will go toward rehabilitating 30 existing homes in the wards. These high quality renovations, averaging $200,000 each, will make the homes more affordable for residents. The Land Bank also plans to sell them at a reduced price reflecting the market, with additional grants available for qualifying buyers from vulnerable populations.  

Another $1.7 million from the City will help the Land Bank acquire the 54 properties needed for the project; and an additional $500,000 is allocated for a pilot program targeting neighboring properties. This beautification initiative will enhance the curb appeal of the surrounding area, complementing the new and renovated homes. “We’ve had success with this type of beautification project in the past,” says Le—n.

“The impact of this initiative extends far beyond bricks and mortar,” adds Gus Frangos, President of Cuyahoga Land Bank. “Improved housing fosters a sense of stability and pride within residents. Safe and comfortable living environments contribute to stronger communities, inspire further private housing development and encourage families to stay and new residents to consider locating to these neighborhoods.”

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