Future Homes, New Uses for Cleveland’s Old Schools

Cleveland’s old school buildings are getting a new look. The city is inviting developers to turn the empty campuses into homes, shops or community hubs. Last month, 12 schools across eight neighborhoods closed their doors for the last time. Neighborhood leaders say these sites hold a lot of history. Many families remember walking into the same brick building for decades, and now they want to keep that sense of place alive. Residents in Tremont, for example, hope the former Montessori school will become walk‑friendly. Ideas range from mixed‑income apartments to a grocery store, a place that could fill the gap in local food access. The city wants proposals that are practical and realistic. Developers must show they can finish the work on time, keep costs reasonable, and match what the community needs. Older buildings pose extra challenges.

Those built before 1920 may need new plumbing, wiring and elevators—big expenses that could slow progress. Younger schools from the 2000s are easier to adapt. They already have modern classrooms, gyms and parking lots that can be turned into offices or training centers. City officials are careful not to let the buildings sit empty for years. They want a quick turnaround so the neighborhood can benefit sooner rather than later. The city will review all applications by the end of June and pick developers in early August. If a project looks good on paper but can’t actually be built, it will not move forward. In short, the old schools are on the market for fresh ideas that respect history while meeting today’s needs. The next chapter will be written by developers who can blend creativity with feasibility.

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