Residential Housing Development by Fairfax Renaissance Development Corp.

Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation (FRDC), in the mid-1990s, initiated a comprehensive master planning effort designed to be a powerful catalyst for launching sustainable community and economic development for the Fairfax neighborhood. The master planning process brought together community residents, institutional and commercial stakeholders, and governmental entities to create a shared vision for the redevelopment and revitalization of Fairfax.

FRDC Housing Programs and Projects

During the first five years, the housing program initiated through the Fairfax Renaissance Master Plan produced a total of 200 new homes and 500 rehabilitated houses within the neighborhood. Today, FRDC continues its goal to revitalize the residential heart of Fairfax, renewing it as a desirable, flourishing neighborhood in which to live. Housing projects include: Beacon Place at Church Square, Bicentennial Village, Legacy Homes, Fairfax Custom Homes and Woodhaven.

New Construction

FRDC has produced over 200 new homes in the neighborhood since 1996, and insists that new housing introduced into an area complement existing housing. FRDC realizes that not all persons are at the same economic level and as such offers market rate housing as well as housing for low and moderate income families. A neighborhood is enriched through the diversity of its residents and FRDC believes that economic diversity is a critical component to community rehabilitation and stability. Through partnerships with developers and other nonprofits FRDC is able to offer a variety of options to families looking to purchase a new construction home.

The Renaissance at Fairfax Park

Construction has been completed on the $6 million multi-family building on Central Avenue known as the Renaissance at Fairfax Park. This 54 unit building provides high quality two bedroom apartments to income qualifying individuals 55 years or better. Two additional ranch homes were built on East 85th Street specifically for individual 55 years or better raising grandchildren.

FRDC works with area financial institutions to help families become homeowners. FRDC also works to assist families in locating incentive programs such as down payment assistance to allow the dream of homeownership to become a reality. Homeownership is a commitment but also a path to self sufficiency and personal as well as community stability.

“Eleven new homes were built by FRDC on East 84th where I’ve lived for over 20 years. When we see others willing to invest, we have a responsibility to share in that vision and invest as well. FRDC has inspired me to stay in my neighborhood, and construction on my new home will begin late spring or early summer. The only way things will get better is if we decide to help shape the future.” Debbie Copeland, Fairfax Resident and Board member

Housing Rehabilitation and Maintenance Programs

Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP)

The Departments of Energy and Health and Human Services fund this program to assist income eligible homeowners and tenants in weatherizing their homes. Services include safety inspections; repair of heating units; attic and sidewall insulation; electrical upgrade when necessary; air leakage reduction; and repair/replacement of water heaters. For additional information about HWAP, click HERE.

Lead Abatement Program

Through the City of Cleveland Department of Public Health, homes in Ward 6 that have been identified as having a lead poisoned child (0 to 5 years old) or lead containing homes with children 0 to 5 years old, are eligible to receive financial assistance in abating lead hazards.

Other Helpful Programs

Cleveland Employer Assisted Housing Program (CEAHP)

FRDC administers the CEAHP Program, which provides forgivable loans to first time homebuyers for employees of The Cleveland Clinic Foundation and University Hospitals. Each year the employers set aside funds to encourage homeownership in Fairfax and other Cleveland neighborhoods. Hospital employees must make the home their primary residence in order to qualify. The loan is forgiven after twelve months as long as the homebuyer remains an employee in good standing with the organization providing the loan.