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 firms—Cleveland Bricks, Greenlight Builders and Martin Premier Homes—each 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 – 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 – The firm’s roots in the community – many staff live, work and play in Cleveland neighborhoods – 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 – 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!