The Old Brooklyn neighborhood in Cleveland is undergoing a transformative redevelopment with the Memphis-Pearl mid-rise project. This initiative, spearheaded by the nonprofit Old Brooklyn CDC in partnership with Pearl Road United Methodist Church, seeks to preserve the historic 100-year-old St. Luke’s Church while constructing a six-story, 74-unit apartment building, along with retail and community spaces. The project is seen as a major step forward for a neighborhood that has not seen new residential construction in decades.
The development includes the demolition of surrounding structures, such as St. Luke’s education addition and the Greenline buildings, and hazardous material remediation funded by a $2 million Ohio Brownfields Program grant. The new apartments aim to attract middle-class residents and offer workforce housing, avoiding displacement of current residents. The project will also align with transit-oriented development plans for the nearby W. 25th Street corridor.
The community-driven initiative addresses the neighborhood's need for modern housing and investment, while maintaining its historic charm. This effort is part of a broader strategy to revitalize Old Brooklyn and attract further development, positioning the area as a competitive and appealing place to live.