Change is underway at the eastern gateway to University Circle. The Circle East District is a bold, 30-acre redevelopment that aims to transform East Cleveland’s housing market, boost local income, and attract long-term investment. With a unique blend of residential, commercial, and community-focused design, The Circle East District is setting a new standard for inclusive neighborhood revitalization.
Driving Economic Growth
The Circle East District is not just about new homes. It is about new opportunity. The project is expected to add $60 million in new property value and generate $12 million in household income. In addition, it will create payroll and income tax contributions through at least 35 new jobs. These numbers reflect a growing momentum for East Cleveland’s economic future.
Core Objectives: A Vision Grounded in Equity and Innovation
The Circle East District is guided by clear goals that prioritize both community and design. The vision includes:
- Creating an inclusive neighborhood on more than 220 residential and commercial vacant parcels
- Offering modern, energy-efficient homes designed with work-from-home lifestyles in mind
- Building housing that is not only competitive but also replicable in other Northeast Ohio neighborhoods
- Supporting a new commercial corridor along Euclid Avenue, connecting to major job centers in University Circle
Key Project Elements
New Homes
Over the next 4 to 5 years, The Circle East District plans to develop approximately 200 new homes. Priced between $250,000 and $400,000, these homes offer a range of layouts, including multigenerational floor plans and energy-efficient systems that reduce long-term costs.
Infrastructure and Connectivity
From new sidewalks and green space to street lighting and fiber internet access, every part of The Circle East District is designed to support safety, accessibility, and quality of life. Residents will have excellent connectivity to key destinations like Lake View Cemetery, Windermere Station, and University Circle.
Housing Preservation
The plan includes grants to help current homeowners improve their properties. These investments help ensure that existing residents benefit from the neighborhood’s growth and gain long-term value.
Job Creation
Redevelopment of underutilized commercial buildings, like the old Buick dealership known as the Mickey’s Building, is expected to bring new job opportunities and additional economic activity to the area.
More Than Development: A District Built for the Future
The Circle East District is more than just a construction project. It is a long-term investment in people, place, and purpose. With smart design, community-centered goals, and meaningful economic outcomes, this district is becoming a blueprint for how to grow neighborhoods the right way.
