“This is a significant attainment,” says Mayor Earl Leiken. “This program has the potential to transform the Moreland neighborhood.” Funds will be used to complete Phase I: the demolition of properties that are considered deteriorating, or obsolete.

The Council received three applications after issuing the RFP. “We were looking for an approach that was creative in terms of how the City proposed to deal with vacant or abandoned properties,” says Luke Frazier, executive director, FSDC. “With excess housing on the market, we were hoping for more than straight rehabilitation, and Shaker’s proposal brought forward distinct design with sustainable features,” he finishes.

During Phase II, new “green” single family infill houses will be constructed, and existing homes in Moreland updated to achieve today’s energy standards; proposed (new and renovated) homes would rely upon district geothermal heating and cooling, and solar panels for electricity. “Homes would be considered energy ‘self sufficient,’ relying on renewable resources for electricity, which is appealing to today’s eco-conscious customer,” says Mayor Leiken.

Shaker Heights is regarded nationally for its beautiful homes and overall landscape; neighborhoods are lush with tree-lined streets. Also a bonus to buyers: the City’s proximity to transit, downtown and University Circle—which also played a role in the City’s award of the initial seed offering.

“Redeveloped housing in Shaker Heights will address similar issues facing bordering communities,” says Peter Lawson Jones, President, Cuyahoga County Commissioner. “If successful, we have a program that can be duplicated.”

In total, the Cuyahoga County Board of Commissioners allocated $600,000 to the FSDC to address the vacant housing and properties issue in Cleveland and its surrounding suburbs; $300,000 remains, and will be up for grabs in the next few months. “Hopefully cities are inspired by the potential of the Shaker program,” says Jones.

Shaker Heights’ proposed sustainable housing in its Moreland neighborhood also fits in with the City’s longer term initiatives with RTA; phase III of the program will bring high density transit-oriented housing. When complete, the project could produce $8 million in property value and increase owner occupancy, creating a new model for development in first ring suburbs.

The ambitious plan was conceived in 2003 when the City of Shaker Heights collaborated with neighboring community, Mt. Pleasant, on a redevelopment plan called “Transit Village.” The plan was created to attract investment to both areas through joint promotion of shared assets, such as access to transit. High housing prices at the time, however, made land acquisition for redevelopment prohibitive. Today’s falling prices and funds from FSDC provide the opportunity for the City of Shaker Heights to jumpstart this multi-phase project.

About the First Suburbs Development Council (FSDC):

The FSDC is a not-for-profit organization that strives to achieve economic stability and viability to its member cities. 

The FSDC was formed as a result of a task force comprised of economic development officials of the member cities and representatives from the Cuyahoga County’s Department of Development and Planning Commission to design a program to address development issues and augment each of the member cities’ re-development efforts. The committee engaged to develop a framework for the program, solicited input from development practitioners, regional economic development agencies and foundations; the result was the creation of the First Suburbs Development Council.

About the City of Shaker Heights:

Just eight miles from downtown Cleveland, Shaker Heights is a tranquil, yet cosmopolitan and distinctive suburb. It has a national reputation for excellent schools, extraordinary natural beauty, architecturally exquisite homes and superior city services. Shaker Heights is Cleveland’s premier suburb – with tree-lined neighborhoods and miles of sidewalks that invite residents to stroll, chat with each other, and stay for a lifetime! Visit shakeronline.com for more information.