Middle Neighborhoods Initiative
Our commitment to economically successful neighborhoods includes Collinwood, Lee-Harvard, West Park, and Old Brooklyn, recognizing the pivotal role they play in shaping the city’s landscape as middle neighborhoods. Through strategic initiatives and collaborative partnerships, we are creating sustainable solutions that uplift these neighborhoods and empower residents to thrive.
The Middle Neighborhoods Initiative (MNI) seeks to dramatically impact the economic opportunities available to residents of Cleveland. This multi-pronged strategy will focus on stabilizing housing markets and commercial districts in Cleveland’s middle neighborhoods. Cleveland’s middle neighborhoods face a unique challenge: they do not get the attention of “hot” real estate markets, where the housing market is healthy, nor are they often eligible for large public investments like disinvested neighborhoods that need massive intervention to change unhealthy market conditions.
The Middle Neighborhoods Initiative will acquire and rehabilitate approximately 200 homes and provide commercial property and business owners with white box and storefront renovation funding in six of Cleveland’s middle neighborhoods. This investment is likely the largest targeted strategy in middle neighborhoods in the United States.
Shaker Square Stabilization
Shaker Square, a historic commercial and cultural hub in Cleveland, Ohio, has been an integral part of the city’s landscape for nearly a century. Originally established in 1929 as one of the nation’s pioneering shopping centers and a nexus for public transit, it has remained a cherished landmark and communal gathering space, boasting distinctive architecture and undeniable allure. Despite its illustrious past, Shaker Square has faced periods of neglect and financial turmoil, prompting the need for comprehensive revitalization efforts. In response, community leaders initiated the “This is Shaker Square” planning study in 2019 to envision a brighter future for the square’s public space. However, challenges such as financial issues and foreclosure hindered the plan’s progress, necessitating a fresh approach to address the Square’s long-term viability.
To embark on this transformative journey, a new planning study is imperative, one that builds upon Shaker Square’s legacy while rectifying the shortcomings of previous endeavors. This study aims to craft a holistic and inclusive vision that resonates with the community’s values and aspirations. Key considerations include determining the optimal tenant mix, maximizing development potential, and fostering seamless integration with surrounding neighborhoods. Led by seasoned urban planning experts and bolstered by robust community engagement, the study will chart a sustainable path forward for Shaker Square, ensuring its continued relevance and vibrancy for generations to come. Through collective visioning and proactive engagement, Shaker Square is poised to reclaim its status as a thriving epicenter of commerce, culture, and community in Cleveland.