Transforming Cleveland’s East Side with Innovative Housing Solutions
At WRJ Developers, we are excited to announce our groundbreaking project in the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood of Cleveland. Led by co-owners Jermaine Brooks, William “Willie” Levy, and Richard Singleton, our minority-owned development group is pioneering the use of shipping containers to create modern, affordable housing.
Our Journey
Our journey began in 2019, inspired by a drive down E. 72nd St., where we saw potential in an area often overlooked. Spotting a “for sale” sign and a shipping container on a property sparked the idea that modular, prefabricated homes could be the future of urban development.
The Project
We have already completed our first two-unit home at 860 East 73rd St., with the first occupants moving in this month. Each 960-square-foot unit features two bedrooms and two bathrooms, renting for $1,300 per month. Our vision extends to transforming E. 72nd Street and St. Clair Avenue into a vibrant community of 64 units, with a mix of two-bedroom and one-bedroom apartments, totaling 51,200 square feet.
Community and Collaboration
Support from Ward 10 Councilman Anthony T. Hairston and the St. Clair Superior Development Corporation has been instrumental. Partnering with Famicos Foundation, we plan to break ground on our apartment building this fall, with an estimated project cost of $13 million. Funding is being sourced through Opportunity Zone Funds, HUD Financing, private equity, community crowdfunding, and national lenders.
Innovation in Construction
Using shipping containers as building blocks offers numerous advantages. The containers provide a strong, pre-fabricated structure, reducing on-site construction time and costs. Once stacked and welded, the interior work resembles traditional residential renovations. This method allows us to bring affordable housing to market quickly and efficiently.
Mentorship and Support
Programs like the Cleveland Development Advisors’ (CDA) Cleveland Equitable Development Initiative have been crucial in our growth. Access to capital for pre-development expenses and connections to industry mentors like Mitchell Schneider and architect Daniel Bickerstaff have guided us through the complexities of urban development.
Looking Ahead
We aim to complete our E. 72nd Street apartments by early 2025, contributing to the revitalization of the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood. Our innovative approach not only provides quality housing but also serves as a model for future developments in Cleveland and beyond.
For more information about our projects and to get in touch, visit WRJ Developers.
Join Us
Stay updated on our progress and learn more about how we are building the future of urban housing. Follow us on social media and reach out to see how you can be a part of this transformative journey.
For inquiries, email us at info@wrjdevelopers.com or call (216) 592-2274.
Together, we are building a brighter, more sustainable future for Cleveland’s communities.
Read the full article about our project here.
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