Pennrose, The City of Cleveland, the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA), and project partners celebrated the groundbreaking of Sankofa Village IV, the final phase of the over $115 million Cedar Extension Transformation Plan in Cleveland’s Central neighborhood.
Sankofa Village is located on the former Cedar Extension site, bordered by East 30th Street, Central Avenue, and Community College Avenue. The completion of the final phase marks a significant milestone in the realization of a community initiative that was developed as result of a 2011 Choice Neighborhoods Planning Grant that was received from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Phase IV, expected to be completed in early 2026, will deliver an additional 50 affordable rental homes to the 186-unit community.
Key speakers at the groundbreaking included Council President Blaine A. Griffin, Cleveland City Council; Councilman Richard A. Star, Cleveland City Council; Jeff Epstein, Chief Integrated Development Officer, City of Cleveland; Geoffrey Milz, Director of Development, Pennrose, LLC; Kevin Laviano, Field Office Director, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); Ayanna Blue Donald, Vice President, Ohio market for Enterprise Community Partners; Dr. Michael A. Baston, J.D., Ed.D., President, Cuyahoga Community College; Timothy B. Smith, Vice President, Relationship Manager, Citizens Bank; Nadine D. Head, Board of Commissioners, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority; Lillian Davis, President, Progressive Action Council; and Jeffery K. Patterson, Chief Executive Officer, CMHA.
“After many years of hard work and collaboration, it’s an honor to begin the fourth and final phase of the Cedar Estates redevelopment,” said Geoff Milz, director of development, Pennrose. “Today we are one step closer to achieving CMHA’s vision of creating new, high-quality living options and spurring continued investment in the Central neighborhood. Sankofa Village will improve the community’s quality of life for generations to come, and we’re excited to see the neighborhood thrive.”
Phase IV will include one-, two-, and three-bedroom units in a mix of townhouse and stacked flat-style apartments along the east and west sides of the newly constructed East 26th Street. Units will be available at 30% to 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The brand-new apartments will feature modern kitchens with Energy Star appliances, high-quality fixtures and finishes, open floor plans, and spacious closets. Phase IV will also deliver additional parking to the site.
“Together with our residents, stakeholders, and partners, we are not only building homes, we are fostering hope and stability for individuals and families in a community rich with tradition and culture,” said Jeffery K. Patterson, Chief Executive Officer, CMHA. “One of our resident leaders from Cedar Estates, the late Fred Seals, suggested the name Sankofa Village, which represents the need to reflect on the past to build a successful future. If he were here today, I think Mr. Seals would be proud to see the groundbreaking of the final phase of a vision he and other residents of this community helped put together take another step forward to become a reality.”
The four-phase redevelopment replaces the former Cedar Extension public housing community, a “superblock” that included outdated barracks-style housing built in the 1950s. The redevelopment initiative was launched in 2011 following CMHA’s award of a $300,000 Choice Neighborhood planning grant and in-depth community engagement with local neighbors and stakeholders. Phase I delivered 61 units with first floor community space in 2016, and Phase II and III added 50 and 75 apartments in 2017 and 2022, respectively. Incoming residents will have access to Sankofa’s full list of community amenities, including a playground; modern fitness center; computer lab; and an inviting community center with TV lounge, game room, and entertainment kitchen.
“I want to congratulate CMHA for diligently moving forward to complete the renovation and reimagining of the Cedar Estates. This final phase, like those before it, will have a huge and positive impact on the Central Neighborhood,” said Council President Blaine Griffin. “Besides providing new and quality housing for residents, this investment will have a multiplying effect, encouraging more investment in this neighborhood that sits just east of downtown. This final phase weaves together the Metro Campus of Cuyahoga Community College, Care Alliance, the Scholar House, and a soon-to-be renovated recreation center. I’m excited for what’s next in the neighborhood.”
“Sankofa represents a significant advancement for our Cedar-Central neighborhood, brought to life by the collaboration of Pennrose, LLC and Ralph A. Falbo Development, Inc., in partnership with the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority,” said Councilman Richard Starr. “This initiative was shaped by valuable community input through a series of meetings, design charrettes, and market studies. It is a powerful example of how effective public-private partnerships can successfully create quality, affordable housing options for communities in need. With Phase IV set for completion in early 2026, we will add 50 more affordable rental homes to our existing 186-unit community, ensuring that residents can continue to thrive in their neighborhood!”
Once complete, the Cedar Transformation Plan will include 236 mixed-income apartments; community amenities, on-site supportive services, and interconnected green space; 6,000 square feet of commercial space; and a new and improved street network. The project meets Enterprise Green Communities standards as well as LEED Neighborhood Development guidelines.
Financing for Phase IV includes Enterprise 4% Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, OHFA HOME-ARP funds, Freddie Mac funds from Lument, a construction loan from Citizen’s Bank, and capital contributions from CMHA’s non-profit development affiliate Western Reserve Revitalization and Management Company as well as Pennrose-Falbo.
