By the Numbers
Polish Institute Visits Land Bank
The Cuyahoga Land Bank recently played host to Karol Janas, Ph.D., head of the Urban Policy Observatory at the Institute of Urban and Regional Development in Poland, and some of his staff and colleagues. The group was in the U.S.… Read more ›
Behind the Scenes: Information Technology and Research
We are often asked about the day-to-day work of the Cuyahoga Land Bank by curious residents and community leaders. In this ongoing Behind the Scenes series, we look at the sophisticated work performed by the Cuyahoga Land Bank research team.… Read more ›
Did You Know
The primary sources of properties obtained by the Cuyahoga Land Bank are: 1) tax foreclosures, 2) State of Ohio forfeiture list, 3) privately-foreclosed properties from banks (REO properties) and other lenders, such as Fannie Mae, and HUD, 4) occasional Housing… Read more ›
A Holiday Message
As we near the end of another year, let us all reflect on the year (the good and the bad) and be thankful even in the midst of hardship. I read a note from a recent Scranton Road Baptist Church… Read more ›
Aging-in-Place Homes Open House
It’s no surprise that aging-in-place home design has become a hot topic as of late. The aging population in North America is on the rise, with the number of seniors in the U.S. ages 65 and older projected to more… Read more ›
Did You Know
The Cuyahoga Land Bank works with a diverse group of local contractors in undertaking our real estate development, demolition, and vacant lot maintenance activities. We are on the lookout for quality contractors that specialize in rehabilitation, new construction, board up… Read more ›
New Housing Development Manager Joins Team
We are pleased to announce that Kamla Lewis has joined the Cuyahoga Land Bank as Senior Housing Development Project Manager. Kamla will be responsible for planning and executing new home construction projects. “We are pleased to have as seasoned a… Read more ›
By the Numbers
Frangos Awarded Center for Community Progress Lifetime Achievement Award
Cuyahoga Land Bank President and General Counsel Gus Frangos received the inaugural Center for Community Progress‘ Lifetime Achievement Award. Dan Kildee, U.S. Representative for Michigan’s 5th Congressional District, announced the award during the National Land Bank Network’s (NLBN) virtual summit November… Read more ›
Did You Know?
The Cuyahoga Land Bank’s primary funding consists of interest and penalties that are collected in connection with delinquent real estate property taxes. The County government does not provide funding to us from its tax-supported general revenues, neither is the County… Read more ›
A Lasting Impact
Whether encouraging quality renovations by private rehabbers, working with developers to create new homes on vacant lots or completing dynamic renovations in-house, the Cuyahoga Land Bank’s neighborhood revitalization projects are having a lasting impact in neighborhoods throughout Cuyahoga County. A… Read more ›
Happy Homeowner: Seeing Opportunity in Abandoned Homes
Chinester Conaway really likes the Village of North Randall and knew that’s where she wanted to buy a home. She had heard about the opportunity to purchase houses from the Cuyahoga Land Bank through friends. After searching for homes on… Read more ›
Did You Know
The Cuyahoga Land Bank completes dynamic in-house renovations in many Cuyahoga communities. When a property has the potential for renovation and resale, we develop a rehabilitation plan, undertake a bidding process to qualified contractors, and oversee the rehabilitation through to… Read more ›
Making an Impact Through Strategic Demolition Along Harvard Avenue
Following the housing crisis of 2008, the number of abandoned houses and industrial and commercial properties in Cuyahoga County climbed sharply. These distressed properties are health and safety hazards, blighting their surroundings and devaluing neighboring properties. Many such structures that… Read more ›
Did You Know
“Why can’t you save that house instead of demolishing it?” We hear this question all the time. While we try to save as many abandoned, blighted houses as possible through our Deed-in-Escrow and in-house rehab programs, most of the properties… Read more ›
Resource Central: CHN Housing Partners
CHN Housing Partners, a highly seasoned, nonprofit affordable housing developer and housing service provider works with its partners to solve major housing challenges for low-income people and underserved communities. Is your home in foreclosure or are you being evicted from… Read more ›
Uplifting Women Veterans
Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana recently announced plans to uplift women veterans by building a new affordable housing community to serve their needs. Located at Lee Avenue and E. 105th Street in Cleveland’s Circle North neighborhood, the new multi-family… Read more ›
Land Reuse Success in Middleburg Heights
Medina Creative Housing (MCH) recently celebrated the opening of its new supportive housing facility on Smith Road in Middleburg Heights. Once the site of a long-shuttered YWCA, the Cuyahoga Land Bank demolished the dilapidated structure in the Fall of 2019… Read more ›
Embracing Innovative Solutions to New Home Construction (Video)
“New construction challenges are formidable,” says Dennis Roberts, Director of Programs and Property Management for the Cuyahoga Land Bank. “The material and labor costs continue to increase, and that increase is outstripping people’s ability to purchase a new home. We… Read more ›
Creative Housing Solutions for Veterans
There are many outstanding organizations dedicated to helping homeless and disabled Veterans. None are quite like Ride With Valor, a 501(c)3 public charity founded in 2018 by U.S. Army Veteran Russell Scot Rhoda. Ride with Valor was founded to help… Read more ›
Land Bankers in Action
“It has been great engaging with our community on social media. We look for different ways to encourage the public to interact with our posts. We started polling our audience and got a lot of great feedback on styles and… Read more ›
HELP Foundation Breaks Ground on Greenhouse Project
The HELP Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, recently broke ground on the site of their new greenhouse facility on Shore Center Drive in Euclid. The mission of the HELP Foundation is to assist… Read more ›
Hardest Hit Funds Wind Down
The U.S. Department of Treasury established the Hardest Hit Fund (HHF) in 2010 to provide targeted aid in response to the housing crisis that began in 2007, leading to unprecedented home foreclosures. Both mortgage and real estate tax foreclosures result… Read more ›
New Home Enriches South Euclid Housing Stock
The Cuyahoga Land Bank recently teamed up with One South Euclid to build a charming new home on Avondale Road to enhance the housing stock of the City of South Euclid. One South Euclid is a community development corporation that… Read more ›
Helping Ease the Forfeiture Backup
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cuyahoga County Fiscal Office has not held its regular forfeited land sale for nearly two years. As a result, the number of forfeited properties in Cuyahoga County has ballooned to almost 1,000 properties. Instead… Read more ›
Local Activist Named to Cleveland City Council
The Cuyahoga Land Bank congratulates community activist Anita Gardner on being appointed as the interim council representative for Ward 4 on Cleveland City Council. Gardner, the chief executive officer of Concerned Citizens Community Council, was selected by Cuyahoga County Probate… Read more ›
By the Numbers
Pocket Park to Bring Greenspace to E. 131st Street Corridor
Pocket parks, also known as miniparks, are urban open spaces, usually only a few house-lots in size or smaller. A pocket park is an ideal play area for children, space for relaxing or a community gathering site. One of the… Read more ›
Partner Spotlight: Career Development and Placement Strategies
The Cuyahoga Land Bank works with a variety of contractors in fulfilling our mission of returning properties to productive use. Case in point: A recent remarkable renovation of a home on Churchill Avenue in Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood, carried out by… Read more ›
Did You Know
The Cuyahoga Land Bank has earned a reputation as the most progressive entity in the country dedicated to eliminating vacant, blighted properties and returning them to productive use.
Meet the Team
Jeffrey SugalskiHousing Development Project Manager Hire Date: February 2021 Education: Cleveland State University (BA in Urban Studies & Master of Urban Planning, Design, and Development Describe yourself in three words: Humble, Creative, Thoughtful What is your favorite part of your work? There are many.… Read more ›
Land Bankers in Action
“Our Facebook live tours of our completed renovation projects and other online marketing campaigns took off when COVID hit. We had lots of fabulous homes reaching the market and we wanted to be sure we got the word out. We… Read more ›
Excitement Builds for Aging-in-Place Homes
Chances are, you’ve heard the term “aging in place.” Simply put, aging in place means staying in your own home as you get older. Aging-in-place homes typically feature amenities such as first-floor master suites, easy-to-operate windows, door handles and faucets,… Read more ›
Watch This!
We recently put the finishing touches on two modular homes in Maple Heights – a pilot project aimed at creating more affordable market-rate homes. Check out this video highlighting the build of these innovative new homes.
CEOs You Need to Know
Cuyahoga Land Bank President & General Counsel Gus Frangos recently sat down with Jimmy Malone to talk all things Land Bank for iHeart Radio’s CEOs You Need to Know podcast. Listen here.
Demolition Makes Way for Land Reuse Success
It’s always difficult when a well-known neighborhood building is demolished, but it can also be advantageous if the land can be put back into productive use that is beneficial to the community. Such is the case of the former YWCA… Read more ›
Calling All Housing Developers
The Cuyahoga Land Bank recently launched the second round of its Housing Construction Gap Grant Program, making at least $1.2 million available to encourage experienced developers to build new single-family housing in Cuyahoga County. The grant program provides funds to… Read more ›
Reaching a Milestone
The Cuyahoga Land Bank hit another major milestone in March as it demolished its 9,000th blighted structure in Cuyahoga County since forming in 2009. The building was on East 126th Street in Cleveland’s Larchmere neighborhood. Our friend the “Demosaurus” stopped by… Read more ›
Ohio Land Bank Association Hosts First 2021 Networking Meeting
The Ohio Land Bank Association, an organized voice for Ohio’s county land banks, met virtually in March with fellow county land bankers, municipal governments, community development groups and those interested in county land bank work. More than 100 participants joined… Read more ›
Clearing the Way for Redevelopment in Southeast Suburbs
Dormant factories, closed gas stations, obsolete warehouses, and other types of vacant and abandoned properties have long plagued many of Cuyahoga’s inner-ring suburbs. These abandoned, blighted properties associate with crime, environmental contamination and plunging property values. Each year, the Cuyahoga… Read more ›
Partner Spotlight: Unibilt Custom Homes
It wasn’t that long ago the idea of a modular home would bring up images of a flimsily-built, cookie-cutter dwelling. That is certainly not the case today! In partnership with Unibilt Industries, the Cuyahoga Land Bank broke ground last September… Read more ›
Some of these houses were down right scary…
Until we came to own them! The Cuyahoga Land Bank often acts as a developer itself and completes renovations of homes in its inventory. Many of these homes require significant renovations, and we work to bring these distressed to the… Read more ›
8 Dramatic Before and After Kitchen Makeovers You Won’t Want to Miss
Cuyahoga Land Bank Homes performs quality home renovations that include modern amenities and updated major systems that make the homes move-in ready. Here we share a collection of stunning before-and-after-kitchen makeovers that are sure to inspire your own kitchen transformation.… Read more ›
Partner Spotlight: NEORSD
When you think of the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD), you probably just think of wastewater and that monthly bill that comes in the mail. But there is much more to the work of the Sewer District than most… Read more ›
Welcome Mayor George
The Cuyahoga Land Bank is pleased to announce City of Lakewood Mayor Meghan George’s appointment to the Cuyahoga Land Bank Board of Directors. We look forward to the Mayor’s leadership and working together to continue our impactful work.
Cuyahoga Land Bank Supporter Dan Brady Retires
In December, County Councilman Dan Brady retired from the County Council after an illustrious and productive career as a public servant. Beginning as a Cleveland City Councilman in the 1980s and then serving in the Ohio General Assembly, Dan finished… Read more ›
Modular Homes Pilot Project Update
On November 20th, Cuyahoga Land Bank staff, public officials and neighborhood residents watched in awe as two modular homes were set on vacant lots in Maple Heights. The houses, manufactured in Southwest Ohio by Unibilt Custom Homes, were transported to… Read more ›
Habitat Dedicates Former Land Bank House
Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity dedicated their 13th house of 2020 in mid-November. The house, located on Wilmore Avenue in Euclid, is now home to Lakeesha, a 42-year-old Regional Transit Authority (RTA) worker. “I appreciate all the good, hard, quality… Read more ›
Fact: Weatherizing your home can save you hundreds of dollars on energy costs each year.
There are many ways to help boost your home’s comfort and long-term value while keeping your energy bills in check. Fortunately for Cuyahoga County residents, there is a great resource to get you started on the road to savings. Home… Read more ›
5 Reasons to Buy and Renovate a Cuyahoga Land Bank Home
Transforming a dilapidated house into a dream home can be a rewarding experience. Finding a house with “good bones” in a stable neighborhood at a reduced price is the key to success. The Cuyahoga Land Bank has a number of… Read more ›
Did You know
Providing vacant property maintenance is a critical part of managing land bank properties. The Cuyahoga Land Bank, over the past year, has maintained over 3,500 properties in its inventory. These responsibilities include cutting grass, removing debris, and boarding up structures.… Read more ›
New Yard Signs Will Build Awareness
With dozens of renovation and new home construction projects underway from Cleveland Heights to Rocky River, the Cuyahoga Land Bank recently debuted a new logo for its yard signage it is developing to build community awareness of our housing development work… Read more ›
Summer House Opens in Former Swingos Space
Abandoned Property Reimagined into Lakefront Eatery After sitting abandoned nearly eight years, and more than two years of design and renovation work, the Summer House restaurant opened its doors in March. The lakefront eatery is quickly earning a reputation as… Read more ›
Meet the Team: James Maher
James MaherCommercial Demolition Officer Date of HireNovember 2009 EducationUniversity of Cincinnati Describe yourself in three wordsDiligent, friendly, inquisitive What motivates you in your work?Each site is different and has the opportunity for a fresh start. Looking at sites before we… Read more ›
Investment in a Neighborhood
When Amanda and Bernie arrived in Cleveland from Los Angeles in 2017, they planned to buy and renovate a multi-family property in Cleveland Heights as an investment and return to L.A. a few weeks later. But the restoration of the… Read more ›
Behind the Scenes: Strategic Land Assembly
We are often asked about the day-to-day work of the Cuyahoga Land Bank from curious residents and community leaders. In this ongoing Behind the Scenes series, we take a look at the strategic land assembly work performed by the Cuyahoga… Read more ›
Partner Spotlight: Civic Builders
From University Circle to Tremont to Ohio City, Civic Builders has built countless homes and worked on renovations, remodels and new constructions big and small. In 2001, the company set out to meet unanswered demand for city projects and now… Read more ›
Meet the Team: Austin Bloom, Program Liaison
Meet the Team: Austin Bloom, Program Liaison Read more ›
Opportunity CLE Initiative One of Tops in Nation
The Opportunity CLE initiative promotes federally sanctioned opportunity zones as catalysts in economically distressed areas throughout Cleveland and Cuyahoga County. It has been designated as one of the top 20 such efforts in the nation. Opportunity CLE was created in… Read more ›
A New Home for the Holidays
The Cuyahoga Land Bank took part in a dedication and prayer service welcoming Star and her three children to their new home in Cleveland last week. Star is a participant of the City Mission’s New Horizons Program, which works with… Read more ›
In-House Renovation Spotlight
We recently completed renovations on this gorgeous Cape Cod in Cleveland’s desirable West Park neighborhood. With our commitment to high quality renovations and unique features for all our in-house renovation projects, it’s no wonder this home was quickly grabbed up by a lucky… Read more ›
Survey Efforts Show Progress
In 2015, Western Reserve Land Conservancy, in collaboration with the City of Cleveland, surveyed every residential, commercial, and industrial parcel in the City – more than 158,854 parcels! That survey captured a snapshot of each property by ranking the current… Read more ›
Honoring a Hero
In November, Fourth District Cleveland Police officers, residents and others gathered to officially dedicate the Officer Derek Owens Memorial Park. The inclusive neighborhood park was built on three vacant lots on Parkview Avenue in Cleveland encompassing the site where Patrol… Read more ›
Thank You for Making an IMPACT!
On behalf of the entire Cuyahoga Land Bank team, I would like to thank everyone for making our 10thanniversary IMPACT! event such a success. On Thursday, October 17, we gathered with nearly 400 of our friends and partners in the… Read more ›
Bessie’s Angels Dedicate Second Home
Friends, neighbors and volunteers gathered in September to celebrate the official opening of Bessie’s Place II, a permanent low-income housing opportunity for young ladies age 18-24 who have aged out of foster care. Bessie’s Place II is a collaboration between Bessie’s… Read more ›
Soldiers Journey Together in Recovery
Friends and supporters of Building Hope in the City (BHITC), a Christian mission organization focused on the renewal of urban Cleveland, gathered on Saturday, June 29 for prayer and dedication of its new faith-based home for soldiers journeying together in… Read more ›
A Grand Day!
A big crowd of supporters gathered June 11th for the ribbon cutting and official opening of the Greater Cleveland Fisher Houses. A big shout out to the Fisher House Foundation and all those in our community who helped make this… Read more ›
Realtor Buys First Home Through Land Bank
With his knowledge of the local market and expertise in negotiations, real estate agent Ryan DeLuca can spot a hidden-gem home with strong potential to grow in value. Read more ›
Case Study: Place Making: Elizabeth Baptist Church
Elizabeth Baptist Church, a pillar of the Hyacinth neighborhood on Cleveland’s east side, has ministered to the spiritual and physical needs of its congregation for nearly a century. Read more ›
Fisher Houses Near Completion
We are excited to see the final touches being put on the Greater Cleveland Fisher House apartments. The final phase of the $3 million project has wrapped in preparation of a formal dedication and ribbon cutting in June. The Fisher… Read more ›
Greater Cleveland Habitat Welcomes New Homeowners
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cleveland completed construction on two homes in January and held dedications at which the families received keys to their new homes. Read more ›
Snapshot: First District Police Renovate Home
Members of the Cleveland Police First District Community Relations team and Councilman Brian Kazy welcomed a mother and her children to their new home on Cleveland’s west side in January. Read more ›
Welcome Home Chanelle
Family, friends, volunteers and staff of several partner organizations came together in December to welcome Chanelle and her two daughters into their new home in Garfield Heights. Read more ›
Bringing Hope to Women
Women of Hope, a local non-profit group, continues its labor of love in creating transitional housing opportunities for women and children and veteran families in our community who are at-risk of homelessness. Read more ›
Community Park Dedicated in Buckeye Neighborhood
Neighbors and friends of the Church of the Living God on Buckeye Road gathered on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in August for the dedication of William’s Place community park in Cleveland’s Buckeye neighborhood. William’s Place Park was named in honor… Read more ›
Partner Spotlight: Building Hope in the City
While some of our urban neighborhoods continue to struggle to maintain affordable housing, unique collaborations among social service, faith-based and non-profit organizations are making a real difference in creating housing solutions for populations in need. Building Hope in the City (BHITC) is one such organization, working to restore the “city to God” by developing and linking people, communities and churches.
Read more ›
Fresh Produce Distribution Coming to Clark-Fulton Neighborhood
A vacant lot on Sackett Avenue in Cleveland’s Clark-Fulton neighborhood will soon be a haven for fresh produce for local residents. The new distribution center is a program of Baba Neem Karoli Satsang (BNKS), a non-profit church corporation doing business as Baba’s Yard, that brings awareness to the issue of hunger in America and manages free food distribution programs for the economically disadvantaged. BNKS recently purchased the land from the Cuyahoga Land Bank. Read more ›
Partner Spotlight: Envision Cleveland
Paul Huneycutt and his wife, Lorie, came to Cleveland in 2014 as Site Coordinators for Envision Cleveland, a ministry of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, to establish and strengthen communities of faith. Through its work, Envision Cleveland actively collaborates with individuals, communities, ministries and local government to reach marginalized populations in Cleveland and those struggling with poverty. Read more ›
The Nehemiah Collaborative: Bringing Stability to Neighborhoods
A blighted and abandoned house on Trowbridge Avenue in Cleveland will soon be home to America’s finest. Eight veterans will have a new home address as a result of the Nehemiah Collaborative, a nonprofit organization focused on providing affordable, stable housing… Read more ›
BRAIN Program Helps Student Take Leap into Home Ownership
“I didn’t see myself as a homeowner,” says April Waltonen, proudly standing in front of her four-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath home in Euclid that she closed on in July of last year. “The minute my daughter and I saw this house,… Read more ›
Meet the Team
From time to time, we’re highlighting one of our Cuyahoga Land Bank team members. We hope you enjoy learning more about the people who help make our organization what it is. Read more ›
All in the Neighborhood
Father and Son Team Up to Renovate Vacant House When Michael Rubin Sr. retired from teaching, he dreamt of taking a well-deserved vacation and spending quality time with his wife and family. His plans, though, were put on hold once… Read more ›
Cuyahoga Land Bank Named Semifinalist in Harvard’s 2017 Innovations in American Government Awards Competition
The Cuyahoga Land Bank recently was named a semifinalist in Harvard University’s 2017 Innovations in American Government Awards competition. The Awards are presented annually by The Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the John F. Kennedy School of… Read more ›
Glenville Scores Two Wins with One Project
Library Project has Neighborhood and Environmental Impact Cuyahoga Land Bank Key to Collaboration with Cleveland City Council, Cleveland Public Library, Ohio EPA, and Cleveland-Cuyahoga Port Authority Community leaders, neighborhood residents and other stakeholders gathered yesterday in Glenville to celebrate a… Read more ›
Home Owner Feature
Nissim Mashmoor recently moved into his new home in Euclid after participating in the Cuyahoga Land Bank’s Deed-In-Escrow Program. Nissim comments “Because of the Cuyahoga Land Bank, I’m a happy home owner. They have helped me achieve my goal of… Read more ›
Home Owner Feature
Christopher Saddler became a first time home owner when he purchased a Cuyahoga Land Bank property in the City of Garfield Heights. “Because of the Cuyahoga Land Bank, I was able to purchase a residential property for me and my… Read more ›
Cuyahoga Land Bank Homeowner Feature
Willie Bethune recently participated in the Deed-In-Escrow Program and purchased a three bedroom home in the Broadway-Slavic Village neighborhood. Willie shared about his successful purchase and says “It was a really good experience and a great learning experience to be… Read more ›
Did You Know? Purchase and Renovation Programs at the Cuyahoga Land Bank
In the sixth installment of our FAQ video series, we explore programs available for the purchase and renovation of a Cuyahoga Land Bank home. The most popular program is the Deed-in-Escrow Program. An interested buyer is provided with a renovation… Read more ›
Did You Know: How does the Cuyahoga Land Bank get properties into our inventory?
In the fourth installment of a series of Cuyahoga Land Bank FAQ videos, Land Bank President and General Counsel Gus Frangos explains how the Cuyahoga Land Bank acquires properties into our inventory. There are three sources: 1) REO (Real Estate… Read more ›
Adam Sywanyk’s Deed-In-Escrow Program Experience: Testimonial
The Cuyahoga Land Bank’s Deed-In-Escrow program makes it possible for individuals to purchase properties in the Cuyahoga Land Bank inventory and renovate them. Listen to Adam talk about his experience with the Deed-In-Escrow Program. You can learn more about the… Read more ›
Cuyahoga Land Bank Deed-in-Escrow Testimonial – Rhonda Derrett (Youtube)
The Cuyahoga Land Bank Deed-in-Escrow program makes it possible for individuals to purchase properties in the Cuyahoga Land Bank inventory and renovate them. Rhonda Derrett, who was renovating a home for her sick father, needed special consideration due to her… Read more ›
Deed-in-Escrow Rehabilitation Program Testimonial: Adam Sywanyk (Youtube)
The Cuyahoga Land Bank Deed-in-Escrow program makes it possible for individuals to purchase properties in the Cuyahoga Land Bank inventory and renovate them. Listen to Adam Sywanyk talk about his experience with the Deed-in-Escrow Program. You can learn more about… Read more ›
Rhonda Derrett’s Deed-in-Escrow Program Experience: Testimonial
The Cuyahoga Land Bank Deed-in-Escrow program makes it possible for individuals to purchase properties in the Cuyahoga Land Bank inventory and renovate them. Rhonda Derrett, who was renovating a home for her sick father, needed special consideration due to her… Read more ›