Cleveland City Planning Commission Approves First Building in $60 Million Development Adjacent to MetroHealth

CLEVELAND – The Cleveland Planning Commission today approved plans for the first building of a multi-faceted $60 million development that will bring new housing and other amenities to the Clark-Fulton neighborhood.

MetroHealth is strategically coupling this development with its $1 billion campus transformation with a vision toward building a community of better physical and economic health in Clark-Fulton, and helping to spur the revitalization of the West 25^th Street corridor.

Greg Zucca, Director of Economic and Community Transformation for MetroHealth, thanked the Planning Commission for its approval, noting that the hospital system’s goal is “to leverage our $1 billion campus transformation to help the entire community thrive. We believe this project will impact the overall health and well-being of our community.’’

The first building, located on the corner of West 25^th Street and Sackett Avenue, will have up to 72 affordable apartments. The one-, two- and three-bedroom units will be available to those who earn 30% to 80% of the area’s median income – between $22,110 and $58,950 for a family of four.

The building will also house a 5,000 square foot Economic Opportunity Center for job training and other community services including a Tri-C Access Center being done in partnership with Cuyahoga Community College which will serve both tenants and the neighborhood.

Construction is expected to begin this year. MetroHealth’s nonprofit affiliate, CCH Development, is partnering on these projects with developer NRP Group and RDL Architects, and they will also seek private financing for the development.

The affordable housing component of the building will receive tax credits as part of the state’s FHAct50 program. The Clark-Fulton community is part of Mayor Frank Jackson’s Neighborhood Transformation Initiative and was selected as the recipient of federal funds for affordable housing through the FHAct50 program which provides the city with tax credits to help create a more diverse and accessible community.

Today’s approval follows multiple meetings with nearby residents to obtain feedback on the project. The City’s Design Review Committee approved the design last week. MetroHealth and NRP continue to make adjustments to incorporate committee and community input.

Plans are still underway for the two additional buildings in the complex. These buildings will provide additional housing, retail and a relocation for MetroHealth’s Police Department on West 25^th street. In total, the three new buildings will offer more than 250 residences at various price points and 36,000 square feet of retail that includes conveniences such as a grocery store, restaurants, childcare facilities and other community needs.

Zucca, emphasized that the project is being developed with a commitment to build a stronger neighborhood for those who already live in Clark-Fulton.

Ward 14 City Councilwoman Jasmin Santana, who has been integrally involved in the project development, said: “This development is a great step forward for the Clark-Fulton neighborhood. We’ve been engaging with residents throughout the planning process and that will continue as plans for the next two buildings are done.’’

MetroHealth’s vision for its development project is aligned with the City’s vision for the neighborhood, with new housing stock for various income levels, streetscape improvements and mixed-use development.