October 5, 2025

Cleveland’s Southeast Side Promise Initiative Shows Progress

News Summary

Cleveland’s Southeast Side Promise initiative, aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods, has marked a significant milestone with the rapid sale of a fully renovated home. The initiative, backed by $15 million in federal funds, targets areas like Lee-Harvard and Union-Miles, with plans for further developments and rehabilitation projects. The renovation success reflects the city’s commitment to enhancing housing and improving community standards.

Cleveland has made notable progress in its Southeast Side Promise initiative, with the first renovated home selling within a week of its listing. This initiative, launched by Mayor Justin Bibb in 2023, aims to revitalize key neighborhoods on the city’s southeast side, including Lee-Harvard, Mount Pleasant, and Union-Miles.

The recently sold home, a three-bedroom, one-bath residence located on Milan Crescent in Lee-Harvard, was listed at $149,900 and quickly went under contract following its debut on the market. The property underwent extensive renovations, which included a new roof, driveway, windows, furnace, air conditioning, plumbing, and electrical systems, as well as updates to the flooring and exterior. This major overhaul has been referred to as a “full-gut rehab,” significantly extending the home’s lifespan.

This marketing success reflects the broader goals of the Southeast Side Promise initiative, which is being backed by $15 million in federal pandemic relief funds. These funds have been allocated in various earmarks, including $5 million each for a revolving loan fund aimed at home repairs, support for large-scale redevelopments, and commercial corridor improvement projects.

Out of the dedicated housing funds, $4 million has been allocated specifically for forgivable and low-interest home repair loans, which are aimed at enhancing 200 to 250 homes, with 32 homes already benefiting from this financial aid. An additional $1 million focuses on rehabilitating properties that require considerable repairs, akin to the recent renovation on Milan Crescent. The city has also allocated $3 million as grants for commercial renovations, encouraging businesses to attract more tenants, which has garnered significant interest exceeding $8 million in requests.

Further developments in the initiative include the renovation of two other homes in the Lee-Harvard and Union-Miles neighborhoods, which are set to be completed and available for listing in the spring. The progress emphasizes a commitment to revitalizing housing stocks and attracting more residents in these communities.

The Southeast Side Promise initiative has broader implications, being part of a strategic plan to enhance the quality of life in neighborhoods. Out of the total funding, $5 million is designated for the pre-development of three major projects expected to start in 2026. These projects include:

A $15 million mixed-use development on Miles Avenue that will feature 50 rental units along with retail space.
A $12 million redevelopment of a former school site to include 20 single-family homes and green spaces.
A large-scale project on the site of the former John F. Kennedy High School, which is slated to deliver 200 housing units alongside 20,000 square feet of commercial space.

By the end of 2026, the city anticipates significant investment returns, with progress already being marked by the issuance of 1,800 construction permits for southeast side projects valued at $42 million. The initiative not only aims to improve housing but also seeks to bolster economic activity through commercial revitalization, contributing to the overall enhancement of these neighborhoods.

As the city of Cleveland continues its transformation, the Southeast Side Promise serves as a model for engaging community resources and leveraging federal support to drive meaningful change.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Broward County Proposes School Closures Amid Enrollment Decline
Vermont’s Construction Industry Faces Labor Shortages and Rising Costs
Cleveland’s Southeast Side Promise Initiative Achieves Milestone
Cleveland Invests $22 Million in Affordable Housing Development
Chris Bunge Appointed Division President for Drees Homes in Cleveland
Kyrene Community Protests Proposed School Closures
Home Builders Associations Merge to Form New Entity
Construction Challenges at University of Michigan’s Diag Area
Kyrene District Considers School Closures Amid Budget Issues
Mary Rose Oakar, Pioneering Congresswoman, Passes Away

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER

CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER The CLEVELAND STAFF WRITER represents the seasoned team at HERECleveland.com, your premier source for actionable local news and information in Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, and beyond, delivering "news you can use" with in-depth coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news impacting the region—backed by years of expert reporting and robust community input, including local press releases and business updates, while providing top reporting on high-profile events like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions, Cleveland International Film Festival, and holiday parades, alongside key organizations such as the Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Great Lakes Science Center, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare like Sherwin-Williams and University Hospitals, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREDayton.com, offering comprehensive, credible insights into Ohio's vibrant landscape. HERE Cleveland HERE Dayton

STAFF HERE CLEVELAND WRITER

ADD MORE INFORMATION OR CONTRIBUTE TO OUR ARTICLE CLICK HERE!

Stay Connected

More Updates

New headquarters of the El Centro Police Department

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

Submit