When thinking about the work of the Cuyahoga Land Bank, many people automatically conjure up images of demolitions in inner-city neighborhoods. In reality, the organization serves as a community development catalyst engaged in neighborhood and economic development in every corner of Cuyahoga County. “The Cuyahoga Land Bank has demolished thousands of abandoned, blighted properties that make way for development, but it is also the single largest facilitator of full home renovations throughout the county,” says Gus Frangos, President and General Counsel for the Cuyahoga Land Bank. “These activities have a measurable economic impact, advance community goals and increase the quality of life for our residents.”
Recent efforts in two southwestern suburbs have resulted in a transformative new housing development and a stunning home renovation.
In the Fall of 2019, the Cuyahoga Land Bank demolished the dilapidated former YWCA building on Smith Road in Middleburg Heights, making way for new development. Today the site is home to Medina Creative Housing’s latest affordable housing endeavor offering housing and quality services for persons with disabilities.
BEFORE (Dilapidated former YWCA Building)
The Land Bank also recently completed a striking renovation of a 4-bedroom, 3 ½ bath colonial-style home on Wake Robin Drive in Parma. Renovations included:
- A complete makeover of the home’s exterior
- Updated kitchen and baths
- Restoration of an in-ground swimming pool
BEFORE
AFTER
Check out our Facebook Live tour of the home HERE or click HERE for a photo tour.
“The dual benefit of the Cuyahoga Land Bank is that it helps us take advantage of massive, unrealized opportunities for business development while also giving attention to the kind of neighborhood revitalization that improves our daily lives,” says Cuyahoga County Councilman Scott Tuma. “In partnership with the Land Bank, District 4 cities can use demolition, renovation, and redevelopment tools to grow and strengthen our communities and adapt to a rapidly changing economic environment.”
