News Summary
Cleveland’s Planning Commission has approved the East Stokes Block, a 24-story mixed-use skyscraper in University Circle. This development will introduce 281 apartments, retail spaces, and various amenities, enhancing the Circle Square project. Construction could begin in spring 2026, contributing to economic growth in the area and expanding living options for residents, including townhomes and extensive amenities.
Cleveland has officially approved the construction of the East Stokes Block, a 24-story mixed-use skyscraper set to enhance the University Circle area. This decision, made by the Cleveland Planning Commission on October 17, paves the way for groundbreaking activities that could commence as early as spring 2026.
As part of the extensive Circle Square development, which has been in progress since 2015, the East Stokes Block is poised to become the third component of a six-building complex. The previous two projects include The Artisan, which opened its doors in 2023, and the Library Lofts, slated to welcome residents in 2024. The Circle Square development is noted to be one of the largest multi-structure projects in Cleveland’s history, representing a significant investment in the city’s future.
Initially submitted for review in August, the East Stokes Block project faced delays due to financial constraints that necessitated architectural redesigns. Changes to the project’s blueprint included repositioning the tower further north to align with Chester Avenue and reducing the height of the parking garage from seven stories to four, which subsequently added 50 parking spaces, making a total of 315 available for residents and guests.
The East Stokes Block will feature 281 apartments that present a range of living options, from compact 590-square-foot studios to more spacious three-bedroom units covering up to 2,400 square feet. The development aims to attract both “empty nesters and families,” particularly with the larger living spaces. To achieve a streamlined design, many units will not include balconies, allowing for a more unified façade.
Though rent prices have not yet been confirmed, they are anticipated to be comparable to those at The Artisan, where a 459-square-foot studio begins at approximately $1,800. Additionally, plans include a selection of for-sale townhomes adjacent to the East Stokes Block, although price points for these homes are still undetermined. Modifications have also been made to the townhome designs to increase their height, intended to obstruct views of the parking facility positioned behind them.
Amenities for residents of the East Stokes Block will be extensive, including a rooftop pool, a game room, coworking spaces, fitness rooms, and a spa. This array of options aims to enrich the living experience and provide opportunities for both relaxation and productivity.
On the ground level, the East Stokes Block will offer a 17,000-square-foot retail space, designated for smaller food and amenity establishments, although no specific tenants have been identified at this time. Conversely, larger retail tenants are expected to be established in The Artisan’s retail space directly across the street. There are also future plans for a possible office building next to the East Stokes Block, further contributing to the vibrant mixed-use environment that is being cultivated in the area.
This ambitious development is part of a broader initiative aimed at revitalizing the University Circle neighborhood, which is adjacent to several prominent academic and medical institutions. The enhancements brought forth by the East Stokes Block and Circle Square are expected to attract more residents and businesses to Cleveland, thereby fostering growth and economic development in the region.
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Additional Resources
- Crain’s Cleveland: Circle Square Building in University Circle Gets Approval
- Google Search: University Circle Cleveland
- News 5 Cleveland: Everyone is Welcome at Cleveland’s New MLK Jr. Library
- Wikipedia: University Circle
- Cleveland.com: 24-Story University Circle Apartment Building Approved
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Architecture
- Multifamily Dive: Cleveland High-Rise Spotlights Education & Wellness
- Google Scholar: Cleveland Real Estate
- Cleveland Magazine: New Skyscraper Proposed for University Circle
- Google News: Cleveland Real Estate Development
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