News Summary
Cleveland has received the final approval for a new 24-story mixed-use building named East Stokes Block. This development in University Circle is a vital part of the extensive Circle Square project, which includes plans for six buildings. Groundbreaking is expected in spring 2026, adding 281 residential units and retail space to the neighborhood, alongside amenities like a rooftop pool and coworking spaces. The project aims to create numerous jobs and enhance urban living in Cleveland.
Cleveland has recently witnessed significant progress in its development landscape with the final approval of a new 24-story mixed-use building, named East Stokes Block, by the Cleveland Planning Commission on October 17. The groundbreaking for the East Stokes Block is projected for as early as spring 2026, marking a substantial addition to the University Circle neighborhood.
The East Stokes Block is considered the third component of the larger Circle Square development, which is recognized as one of the most extensive multi-structure developments in Cleveland’s history. Circle Square has been in development since 2015 and plans to encompass a total of six buildings. The approval of East Stokes Block follows on the heels of the completion of The Artisan in 2023 and the anticipated opening of Library Lofts in 2024.
The initial design of the East Stokes Block exceeded the project’s budget, leading to a necessary redesign. The new plan involves repositioning the tower to sit north next to Chester Avenue and reducing the height of the parking garage from seven stories to four. The revised garage will accommodate 315 parking spaces, which includes an additional 50 spaces to enhance convenience for residents and visitors alike.
In terms of residential offerings, the building will consist of 281 units, ranging from 590-square-foot studios to more spacious 2,400-square-foot three-bedroom apartments. This variety aims to attract diverse demographics, particularly empty nesters and families. An interesting architectural decision has been made to exclude balconies from many units, contributing to a cleaner façade for the building.
While rental costs for the apartments have yet to be finalized, they are anticipated to be comparable to The Artisan, where a 459-square-foot studio starts at $1,800. Adjacent to the East Stokes Block, several townhomes are also planned, with their pricing still undetermined. Construction on these townhomes will commence once the tower is completed, and their height has been adjusted to prevent obstructing views of the parking garage.
Residents of East Stokes Block can look forward to a variety of amenities designed for modern living. Planned features include a rooftop pool, a game room, coworking spaces, fitness facilities, and a spa. On the ground level, the building will offer a 17,000-square-foot retail area, designed to accommodate smaller tenants such as bistros, banks, and dry cleaners, while larger retailers will operate from The Artisan’s retail space located across the street.
Future planning indicates that another building, tentatively designated as a possible office space, could be constructed adjacent to East Stokes Block. The overall vision for the Circle Square project aims to create over 1 million square feet of mixed-use development in Cleveland’s University Circle, which is recognized as one of Ohio’s largest employment hubs. The project is projected to create more than 200 construction jobs and approximately 500 permanent jobs upon completion, further revitalizing the local economy.
The East Stokes Block stands as a testament to Cleveland’s ongoing commitment to enhance urban living through comprehensive development initiatives, reflecting a significant step toward modernizing University Circle while promoting community growth and sustainability.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Cleveland Approves East Stokes Block Skyscraper Construction
Additional Resources
- Crain’s Cleveland: Circle Square Building University Circle Gets Approval
- Wikipedia: University Circle, Cleveland
- Crain’s Cleveland: New Budget for East Stokes Block Brings New Design
- Google Search: East Stokes Block Cleveland
- Cleveland Magazine: New Skyscraper Proposed for University Circle
- Google Scholar: University Circle development
- Crain’s Cleveland: Akron Trucking Firm J. Rayl Sells Headquarters Site in Sale-Lease Back
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Urban Development
Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER
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