Planning the Future of Memphis & Pearl
The Center of Old Brooklyn
The corner of Memphis Ave. and Pearl Rd. in Old Brooklyn has been at the center of our neighborhood for more than 200 years, yet in recent times has lacked the vibrancy and energy being established throughout many other sections of Old Brooklyn.
In spring 2014 the St. Luke’s Church was abandoned and left empty. After six years of seeking redevelopment partners for the vacant structure, Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation took possession of the church in January of 2020. Follow the information below to review progress, timelines, and communications with the community.
Questions? Contact Lucas Reeve at 216-459-1000 x 207 or LucasR@oldbrooklyn.com.
Memphis & Pearl Project: Updates and Open House
November 2024: The Memphis & Pearl Redevelopment Project team, consisting of Old Brooklyn CDC, Pearl Road United Methodist Church, Tipping Point, and Desmone, have been working hard to make this transformative concept a reality. Below is a one-pager that highlights the project to this point, shares updates, and includes future activities. Both are available in English and Español below.
Opportunities to Connect:
1) A 2-3 minute survey link is below to share your thoughts & guide the Development Team
2) Join the project team at a drop-in Open House. Details below!
Updates
Opportunities to Connect
Online Survey // Encuesta en línea
Drop-in Open House // Jornada de puertas abiertas informal
787 Market & Café
6105 Memphis Ave
Thursday, November 14 from 5-7pm //
Jueves, 14 de Noviembre de 5-7pm
Memphis & Pearl Project Secures Over Two Million in State Brownfields Remediation Dollars
August 16, 2024 - In early August 2024, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Development announced $106.9 million dollars in grants for local communities as part of the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program. Seven projects in Cuyahoga County were awarded grants, seeing over $44.3 million dollars of investment coming to the region. The Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation (OBCDC) received $2,042,027 of Ohio Brownfield Remediation grant dollars to support its Memphis & Pearl project in the heart of Cleveland’s largest and most populous neighborhood. OBCDC’s application was widely supported and submitted through the Cuyahoga County Land Bank.
OBCDC has been active on the corner of Memphis & Pearl for well over 4 years, with a vision of restoring vitality to the neighborhood center. The non-profit organization has secured land and has been working on development plans that include 80 units of market-rate housing, over 20,000 square feet of commercial space, and the adaptive re-use of the former St. Luke’s sanctuary building. OBCDC conducted a Request for Proposals (RFP), and eventually selected Desmone as the developer and architect for the project. The development team includes OBCDC and Desmone, as well as Tipping Point who is running point on financing and Pearl Road United Methodist Church, a neighboring property owner.
OBCDC Executive Director Lucas Reeve expressed excitement on the latest grant award “The Memphis & Pearl project is a marvelous example of a public / private partnership to help stabilize and promote future investment in a community”. Reeve adds on the intention of the project “Not only are we adding critically needed housing and commercial space along a transit-oriented corridor, but we will be restoring life to our Main Street for decades to come”.
With the design process ongoing, the development team is encouraged by the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program grant award, as it represents a key part of the funding needed to complete the project. The plan for the grant dollars includes dealing with hazardous material remediation, including asbestos and lead removal, as well as the demolition of certain structures to allow for adaptive re-use. The development team intends to preserve the architectural heritage of buildings on the site, making them safe, and important contributors to the larger project which also includes new construction.
To date OBCDC has done a significant amount of community engagement for the project, meeting with and getting feedback from hundreds of residents across the neighborhood. As the final designs come into focus, the organization will again engage with community members to ensure the development is on track to meet their needs.
Memphis & Pearl Project Coming into Focus
March 2024 - As the calendar flips to 2024, Old Brooklyn’s most anticipated development project continues to gain momentum. Coming off an extensive community engagement process in 2023, the Development Team consisting of the Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation, Pearl Road United Methodist Church, Desmone, and Tipping Point, have been hard at work with important site and building assessments.
Having secured an environmental assessment grant from the state of Ohio, the Development Team engaged with a local general contractor, environmental consulting firm and various engineers to complete a full assessment of all buildings on the site. The dense report they produced provided a full history of past uses at the corner and a detailed plan for remediating and restoring parts of existing structures.
As part of the initial design phase, which led to the presentation of conceptual plans to the community in May of 2023, the Development Team performed extensive building and site feasibility analysis, with the recent environmental assessment further adding to that knowledge. “You never know what you don’t know” said Lucas Reeve, Executive Director at Old Brooklyn CDC. He added, “the state grant allowed us to better understand how the buildings can be re-used, and further refine the project budget, which is critical for financing.” From the content of the environmental report, Mr. Reeve added, “with the age and state of the buildings, particularly with the construction materials used, there are a whole host of environmental issues that will require appropriate remediation”.
With project financing coming into greater focus, the Development Team is working to further evolve the design. The current plan calls for 80 units of market rate housing, and over 20,000 square feet of commercial space, including the adaptive re-use of the former St. Luke’s sanctuary and a refreshed Pearl Road United Methodist Church space.
As the former St. Luke’s Church sits empty for another Cleveland winter Reeve described why the outcome on the corner is so important for the neighborhood, “Projects like these are inherently very challenging. Old Brooklyn has seen very little in the way of investment of this size, scale, and impact over the last fifty years.” As the neighborhood continues to grow and the need for housing across the city remains an issue, the Memphis & Pearl project will signal change and meet a growing need in the community.
As part of its strategic plan, the Old Brooklyn CDC is working with stakeholders and partners to activate its main commercial corridor along Pearl Road. Executive Director Reeve excitedly shared “Our Main Street is home to some incredible businesses. Many have served the community for decades, and there’s room for many more. We see entrepreneurs coming around to Old Brooklyn as a great place to do business, a place to be part of a something special.”
Memphis & Pearl
Conceptual Design Proposal
Memphis & Pearl Project Team Invigorated by Community Feedback
May 24, 2023 – The Memphis & Pearl Project Team, consisting of architecture and development firm Desmone, real estate finance consultants Tipping Point, Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation (OBCDC), and Pearl Road United Methodist Church (PRUMC), had another successful round of community engagement about the transformative development of one of the neighborhood's central corners. This comes off the heels of previous opportunities for community feedback, sought by OBCDC in late December 2022, which helped their Board select the development team as a part of a competitive process for the redevelopment of Memphis & Pearl.
OBCDC lead the community engagement strategy, developing a digital survey, making plans available on their Memphis & Pearl project website, and holding an in-person community meeting May 9th. Over 160 community members responded to the call for input on the conceptual design plans. Respondents were thrilled that the plan included the re-use of the former St. Luke’s church sanctuary, with the potential to lure a large commercial tenant to the reimagined, long vacant space. “Throughout the development process we’ve remained focused on community impact, vibrancy, and transformational potential. Getting input from residents, business owners and other stakeholders is essential to meeting our goals,” says Lucas Reeve, Executive Director of Old Brooklyn CDC.
Those who attended the in-person community meeting hosted at PRUMC were presented the current conceptual design plan, asked to envision how they might interreact with the project, and broke out into small group discussions with members of the development team. This allowed for direct conversations with development team members who could respond to questions and hear feedback in real time. One attendee remarked “I can’t believe we actually got to speak with the people designing the buildings. They asked great questions and really listened to what I had to say”. Members of the development team found this experience of engaging directly with community members very helpful and insightful. “We are here to listen to the community’s goals and needs, making decisions based on those needs,” says Chip Desmone, CEO of Desmone. The design team will be working to incorporate community feedback as the plans continue to evolve. Desmone added “We understand this project represents a new chapter for the Old Brooklyn community. Our goal is to create a space that encourages gathering, while preserving the history and legacy of the neighborhood”.
Key takeaways of the most recent community engagement and feedback is available below.
Memphis & Pearl Project Team Completes Initial Conceptual Design
May 1, 2023 – Architecture and Development firm Desmone has completed the initial design phase for the project, collaborating with partners in the Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation, Pearl Road United Methodist Church, and Tipping Point.
The unique and ambitious project links Old Brooklyn’s past through the preservation and adaptive re-use of the former St. Luke’s sanctuary as well as a re-imagined Pearl Road UMC space, with a new mixed-use building along Memphis Ave. The development will deliver 50+ one- and two-bedroom apartments along with over 20,000 square feet of commercial space, including over 6,000 square feet of outdoor patio space. Significant enhancements to existing greenspace and opportunities for community space are key elements in the design.
“We are incredibly excited by the transformational potential of this project. The design reflects a significant amount of community feedback and clearly exceeds our goals of creating vibrancy at the corner of Memphis and Pearl,” says Lucas Reeve, Executive Director of Old Brooklyn CDC.
The proposed plan was presented to the Near West Design Review Committee on April 26th, for conceptual review, the first stage in the design review process.
Representatives from Desmone Architects, OBCDC, PRUMC, and Tipping Point will now turn their attention to continuing community engagement around the project with a digital survey and in-person meeting on Tuesday, May 9 from 6-8pm at PRUMC. “Throughout the process, OBCDC has engaged with hundreds of local community stakeholders, getting their feedback on our work. Our project team is excited to share updates and continue that effort. The optimal outcome is a project that’s impactful and signals Old Brooklyn is on the rise,” says Reeve.
Memphis & Pearl Proposal Decision
Old Brooklyn CDC Picks Desmone for Memphis & Pearl Revitalization Project
Dec. 21, 2022 – Architecture and Development firm Desmone was selected by the Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation to revitalize the corner of Memphis and Pearl. Now, the two groups and other stakeholders will work together in the first quarter of 2023 to turn the proposal into an actionable project.
The OBCDC board evaluated two quality proposals from development groups after receiving input from over 275 community members through an online survey and in-person community meeting.
“We were so pleased to have two strong plans submitted for consideration. We also are especially pleased that so many neighbors gave their feedback about those proposals and what they want to see happen in Old Brooklyn’s main street district,” says Lucas Reeve, executive director of Old Brooklyn CDC.
Desmone’s proposed plan resonated with the community and aligned well with the goals outlined by the Old Brooklyn CDC. As one person explained in their survey comments: “This is a far better vision for the space that includes features that would actually attract residents and future businesses alike, while still serving the existing members of the community with a new and exciting area to enjoy.”
Desmone Proposal Details
As Desmone explains in their proposal: “Our hope is the development of the Memphis and Pearl will be a catalyst that ignites a rebirth for the business corridor. Our thoughtful design concepts pay homage to what the community continues to cherish while also providing them their wants and needs.”
The proposal includes the adaptive reuse of the abandoned St. Luke’s church and the addition of new structures to accommodate:
74 apartments: 23 studios, 42 one-bedroom, and nine two-bedroom units
3,600 square feet of apartment amenity space
6,500 to 9,600 square feet of retail/restaurant space
6,500 to 9,600 square feet of community space
“This proposed plan fits well with the requirements we outlined earlier this year for multi-family housing as well as commercial opportunities. In fact, it goes well beyond the minimum expectations of 25 to 50 apartment units and 3,000 to 5,000 square feet of commercial space. That’s one of the reasons we opted for the Desmone proposal,” says David Margolius, president of the Old Brooklyn CDC board.
Representatives from Desmone Architects and the Old Brooklyn CDC staff will kickstart project planning in early 2023. Updates on the project’s progress will continue to be shared with the community and posted on its website: www.oldbrooklyn.com/memphispearl.
Submit a Question
OBCDC is committed to engaging the community as the Memphis & Pearl project evolves.
Please submit questions using the form provided below.
Nov 2022
2 Developers Submit Proposals for Memphis & Pearl Revitalization
Two organizations submitted detailed proposals for the revitalization of the corner of Memphis and Pearl by the November 30 deadline set by the Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation.
OBCDC staff, board and subcommittees reviewed the proposals and sought public input.
An online survey was available so neighbors could share their thoughts on the proposals. And for those who preferred to give their input in person, a community meeting was held on Thursday, December 15.
March 2021
Master Plan
Working closely with the Pearl Road United Methodist Church, Old Brooklyn CDC created a master plan to comprehensively evaluate all considerations for the corner of Pearl and Memphis.
July 2022
New Request for Proposals
Letters of interest due Aug. 31, 2022
Old Brooklyn CDC Releases New Request for Proposals To Develop Memphis & Pearl
Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation issued a new request for proposals for development at the corner of Memphis and Pearl, the prominent properties anchoring its main street, also known as the Brighton Corridor.
“We’re eager to establish a vibrant anchor and facilitate the development of housing for all,” says OBCDC Executive Director, Lucas Reeve. “Our long-term strategy recognizes the Memphis & Pearl project as a catalyst for future investment in the neighborhood.”
The Memphis & Pearl collection of properties includes the abandoned St. Luke’s Church, the Greenline commercial building, a vacant lot and an uninhabited single-family home.
OBCDC seeks proposals that incorporate multi-family housing as well as commercial opportunities to help establish a vibrant, walkable district. Proposals should detail how the project will:
Incorporate 25 to 50 apartment units
Provide 3,000 to 5,000 square feet of commercial space
Developers also must commit to retaining OBCDC as a minority partner in the development and providing a viable project financing plan. “We also want the developer to have a clear understanding of Old Brooklyn and a desire to work collaboratively with shared goals,” says OBCDC Board President, Dave Margolius.
Developers should submit a letter of interest by Aug. 31, 2022. Those selected to move to phase two of the process must submit detailed proposals by Nov. 30, 2022.
The RFP is viewable by clicking on the image.
May 2022
Old Brooklyn Remains Committed to Revitalization of Memphis & Pearl
The Old Brooklyn Community Development Corp. will continue to pursue opportunities to create a vibrant future for the neighborhood’s prominent corner of Memphis & Pearl.
“We are disappointed the Ohio Housing Finance Agency decided not to award tax credits to the proposed project. However, it does not affect our commitment to fostering a vibrant future for the dilapidated Memphis & Pearl property,” says David Margolius, board president of Old Brooklyn CDC.
Old Brooklyn’s Memphis & Pearl Master Plan, reviewed favorably by the Cleveland Planning Commission earlier this year, will move forward. “We will continue the community's work to explore opportunities to transform the neglected property into a successful anchor of the Brighton Corridor, our neighborhood's unique main street,” Margolius says.
“It has been a privilege to work with The NRP Group on its forward-thinking residential and business plan for the property. While their immediate plan will not move forward this year, our multi-year work to bring new development and reenergize this prominent property continues,” says Lucas Reeve, interim executive director of Old Brooklyn CDC.
January 2022
Public Meeting
View the presentation from January 2022 by clicking the image to the left that reviews the history of the property, structural conditions, and a proposed redevelopment.
The master plan was reviewed favorably by the Cleveland Planning Commission on March 5, 2021.
Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation has been working to bring life to the Memphis & Pearl site since it was abandoned by the former St. Luke’s Church in 2014 and its utilities turned off in 2016. After countless interested parties toured the property over six years, no buyers came forward, and Old Brooklyn CDC accepted the property as a donation.
OBCDC continued its research into the existing condition and potential for the property, working with local firm Architecture Office, meeting with engineers, requesting a report from the Sacred Landmarks Support Initiative of the Cleveland Restoration Society, and engaging with the community.
In 2021, it purchased the adjacent Greenline Building to maximize the corner’s development prospects. That same year, the Memphis & Pearl Master Plan was created and reviewed favorably by the Cleveland Planning Commission. Over 30 interested developers toured the property, with two ultimately showing interest. The Old Brooklyn CDC board selected to move forward with The NRP Group’s new residential-business project as the best choice for their long-term dynamic vision for the neighborhood. In May 2022, the Ohio Housing Finance Authority announced it did not award the necessary tax credits to move The NRP Group development forward this year. The Old Brooklyn CDC continues its efforts to bring new development to revitalize Memphis & Pearl.
The Master Plan is viewable by clicking on the image.
Proposal 1 Summary
Proposal 2 Summary
The proposal summaries are viewable by clicking on the images above.
The image renderings in the summaries are design concepts submitted by the developers.
February 2021
Public Meeting
View the presentation from February 2021 by clicking the image to the right that reviews the history of the property, structural conditions, results from a master plan, considerations for redevelopment, and next steps.
Spring 2021
Old Brooklyn CDC published a summary of the February community meeting, progress on considerations for redevelopment, and a summary of the master plan in the March issue of the Old Brooklyn News.
The article is viewable by clicking on the image.
The video for the meeting can be viewed here.
As presented in the public meeting above, the cost of stabilizing the building is likely more than $1 million due to the poor condition of the masonry, windows, roof, and foundation.
Further, the access and systems would likely create a $3-$6 million initial subsidy to reuse the vacant church with potential need for ongoing annual subsidy due to the likely revenues created in the building not covering facility management costs.
Winter 2020
Old Brooklyn CDC published a lengthy update on its due diligence and partnership with the Pearl Road United Methodist Church in the December issue of the Old Brooklyn News.
The article is viewable by clicking on the image.
To stay informed and involved, follow us on Twitter and Facebook (@OBCDC) and on Instagram (@OldBrooklyn).