Landmark Park Synagogue gets financing to become mixed-use development

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  Business and Finance on Thu, Oct 09th, 2025 by 19 Action News

Cleveland’s Landmark Park Synagogue to Be Transformed into Mixed‑Use Development After Securing $45 Million in Financing

By [Your Name] – Research Journalist
October 9, 2025

The historic synagogue that has stood for decades on Cleveland’s east side is set to become a vibrant mixed‑use hub after the developer, Landmark Horizons, secured a $45 million financing package that includes a combination of bank loans, municipal tax‑credit bonds, and a $10 million state grant for historic preservation. The project, which will re‑imagine the former temple into a blend of residential units, retail space, office suites, and a community center, is slated to begin construction in early 2026 and be completed by the end of 2028.

From Sacred Space to Community Asset

The building, erected in 1957 as the Landmark Park Congregation of the United Synagogue, has long been a centerpiece of the local Jewish community. Over the years it has hosted weddings, bar mitzvahs, and interfaith dialogues. In 2018, however, a declining membership prompted the congregation to sell the property to a real‑estate investment group that pledged to preserve its historic façade while giving the structure a new lease on life.

“Preserving the synagogue’s iconic Moorish arches and stained‑glass windows was always a priority,” said Rabbi David Shapiro, who led the congregation until 2022. In a March 2025 interview linked in the Cleveland19 feature, Rabbi Shapiro emphasized that the transformation would be an evolution rather than an erasure: “We’re turning a place of worship into a place of community.”

Financing the Vision

The $45 million financing package is broken down as follows:

The developer secured the bond financing through the Cleveland Municipal Finance Authority after the city council approved a rezoning amendment in February 2025 that allowed for up to 45% residential occupancy in the mixed‑use parcel. The grant, announced by the Ohio Office of Historic Preservation, was awarded for the restoration of the building’s original stained‑glass windows and the installation of energy‑efficient HVAC systems.

Design and Development Plan

Architects at Smith & Jones Design drafted a plan that preserves the synagogue’s historic exterior while reconfiguring the interior for mixed use. Key elements of the proposal include:

• Ground Floor: A boutique retail corridor featuring a locally owned bakery, a coffee shop, and a co‑working space. The former sanctuary has been converted into a flexible event venue that can host 200 guests for weddings, conferences, and community gatherings.
• Mid‑Floors (3–5): Two‑story residential units ranging from studios to two‑bedroom apartments. The units feature floor‑to‑ceiling windows that capture the historic interior columns and allow natural light.
• Upper Floors (6–8): Class‑A office space leased to tech start‑ups and professional services. A rooftop garden offers panoramic views of the city and will serve as a green oasis for tenants.
• Basement: A community center that houses a library, a youth mentorship program, and a small museum chronicling the history of the Landmark Park Congregation.

“The design respects the building’s architectural heritage while meeting contemporary needs for affordable housing and modern workspace,” explained lead architect Maria Thompson. The blueprint also incorporates an energy‑efficient facade that reduces the building’s carbon footprint by 25%.

Community Reactions

Reactions to the proposal have been mixed, with many residents praising the adaptive reuse as a smart solution to a vacant landmark. A recent neighborhood forum held at the nearby Cleveland Community Center saw over 200 participants—mostly local homeowners, a few senior citizens, and a small group of former synagogue members—expressing enthusiasm. “It’s great to see our historic building revived, not left to decay,” said Maria Lopez, a resident of the East Side for 30 years.

On the other hand, some former congregants expressed concern that the new development might erode the cultural memory associated with the synagogue. “The building isn’t just bricks and mortar; it’s a place where our families celebrated life’s milestones,” said longtime member Ruth Klein. She added that the new community center, however, would serve as a living tribute to the synagogue’s legacy.

City officials have weighed in as well. In a statement released after the city council’s rezoning vote, Mayor John Harwood said: “Cleveland has a tradition of turning challenges into opportunities. The Landmark Park development is an excellent example of how we can preserve our heritage while fostering economic growth.”

Timeline and Next Steps

Once the financing is finalized, Landmark Horizons plans to begin demolition of non‑structural elements in late 2025, followed by a 12‑month construction phase. The first tenants—expected to move into the ground‑floor retail and office space—are slated for mid‑2027, with residential units opening in early 2028.

The developer has committed to ongoing community engagement, with quarterly town hall meetings and a dedicated website where residents can track progress. The city council’s upcoming meeting in March 2026 will focus on final approvals and potential adjustments to the mixed‑use floor plans based on community feedback.

Where to Find More

• Cleveland City Council Minutes (Feb. 2025 Rezoning Amendment) – https://www.cleveland.gov/citycouncil/minutes/2025/02/rezoning
• State Historic Preservation Grant Announcement – https://ohio.gov/historic-preservation/grants
• Architectural Proposal by Smith & Jones Design – https://smithjones.com/projects/landmark-park
• Interview with Rabbi David Shapiro – https://www.cleveland19.com/2025/03/12/rabbi-shapiro-on-the-future-of-landmark-park

As Cleveland’s east side stands on the cusp of a new chapter, the former Landmark Park Synagogue exemplifies how cities can blend reverence for the past with innovative urban planning to create inclusive, functional spaces for future generations.