All About Innovation in Fairfax

Innovation Square in Fairfax offers a spectrum of housing options including mixed-income multifamily units, single-family homes for sale and rental townhomes. The Fairfax Meijer Market “is huge,” says VanLeer, noting that residents have wanted a grocer in the neighborhood for years. The urban concept store includes products from more than 150 local businesses and employs workers from close by. 

VanLeer emphasizes a proud history in Fairfax. “There are families who have lived here for four or five generations,” she says. “Even when people move away, they come back.” 

Every year, a Fairfax reunion draws people from all over the country, she adds. “We are in a great location between University Circle and downtown Cleveland,” she says, adding that Opportunity Corridor has played a catalytic role. “It all works together.” 

Also in Innovation Square, Knez Homes is constructing 62 single-family homes. “We are also working on a 100% affordable building that is projected to break ground at the first quarter of next year as a low-income, tax credit project,” VanLeer says.  

Meanwhile, on East 89th Street, where some large Victorian homes that could not be maintained were torn down, large Victorian-looking structures are replacing the homes; they will be apartments. The apartments will resemble the historic architecture the area is known for, VanLeer says. The $10.5 million East 89th Rising Housing Development is planned by Timothy Tramble, president of We Rise Development and president and CEO of the Saint Luke’s Foundation. He is also a Fairfax resident.