Ohio City’s newest $60M massive apartment project breaks ground (Photos)
Church + State project is fourth major development in past three years
CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO) -When finished the Church + State complex will be the tallest, new construction, apartment building in the near west side neighborhood of Ohio City at 11 stories.
Located in the Hingetown area on West 29th Street and Detroit, the project has a price tag of $60 million and has an expected completion date of spring 2020.
The name comes from the intersection on the backside of the project, Church Avenue and West 29th Street.
West 29th used to be named State Street.
The mixed-use space will have 20,000 square feet of retail space on the first floor, a 10,000 square foot public walk way that will include an amphitheater and splash fountain, a rooftop deck and soaking pool, and indoor parking among other amenities:
- Large open public space plaza with amphitheater seating and community splash fountain
- Greenery-filled open roof deck with spectacular views of downtown and Lake Erie
- Japanese-inspired three-season rooftop soaking pool
- Nearly 200-space ground floor indoor dedicated bicycle parking
- Massive rotating public art installation on building’s exterior
- First LEED certified apartment building project on Cleveland’s west side
- Spanish slate and other natural materials on exterior and interior
- Connected retail and shopping ground floor
- Secured indoor parking garage
- Private storage units available
- Modern package shipping and receiving
Michael Panzica is one of the principal partners of the project, being headed by Hemingway Development, who said they are not worried about Ohio City reaching a saturation point with this being the fourth major residential project on Detroit Avenue in recent years.
“I think we’ve got quite a bit more runway in front of us,” Panzica said. “Based on research, it suggests that area still has a need for 400 more units,” meaning apartments.
Financing has come from several sources including Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) through the Port of Cleveland.
It also received a subordinate loan through the county with the guarantee the project would create 40 new jobs once completed.
That being said, according to Panzica, this project does not include any cost reduced apartments for people who meet low income requirements.
We have asked the county if it requires a certain number of units be available for lower income individuals, when a project receives TIF financing, and are waiting a for a response.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is providing insurance for the mortgage on the project and told Cleveland 19 they do not require low income apartments as a result.
As for the retail space Panzica said they already have strong interest in from businesses.
“We’re not looking to be a bar or restaurant district. Ohio City already has that. We’re looking to fill needs in that neighborhood like a pharmacy or a bank."
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