Case Western Reserve University wants to get closer to its neighbors, recently prompting president Eric Kaler to identify “community engagement” as an institutional priority.
School administrators believe they are on the right track after the $2.3 million repurposing of a near-campus century home into an all-welcoming meeting space. The Wade Park Community Engagement Center, which opened in late September, now offers activities and programs for residents and neighborhood groups.
The refurbished home at 11310 Wade Park Ave. currently hosts Case Western Reserve’s office of local government and community relations. Department associate vice president Julian Rogers is excited about the center’s long-term prospects as a bustling community hub.
“When we talked to residents, we learned there was a lack of meeting spaces in the area,” said Rogers. “Even when we have community-facing programming on campus, it’s not always easy to find. This new place gives us a space that’s easily accessible for students, staff and the community.”
Built in 1924, the 4,500-square-foot home in Cleveland’s Magnolia-Wade Park Historic District sat vacant for nearly a decade. A long-time home to entrepreneurs like Ohio Mattress Company (now Sealy) founder Morris Wuliger, the property was later purchased by Fellowship Christian Church, which worshiped there from 1970-2015.
The university bought the home in 2017 with intentions of eventually transforming the property, noted Rogers. Funding for the recent restoration included $200,000 from the American Rescue Plan Act – directed by Cuyahoga County Council representative Yvonne Conwell – and $250,000 from The George Gund Foundation
Funds went into construction of six second-floor offices along with a kitchenette, wellness room, four reservable meeting rooms, and a dedicated first-floor community space. Case Western Reserve also demolished an enclosed porch that had been built in the 1960s, Rogers said.
The home resides on the north side of campus near student housing, with additional dorms close by. In its early stage, the property is being used by community organizations for activities and events. Among the current adopters is Know Your Neighbors, a student-run group aiming to build camaraderie between the campus and neighboring Cleveland suburbs.
The irony is not lost on Rogers, who said the center should bring together stakeholders from different silos.
“We’re breaking down barriers and getting to know people in the neighborhood,” Rogers said. “Our students can walk there, too, so it’s the perfect place for the campus and community to meet.”
A phase-two rollout currently in the early financing stage could encompass an outdoor gathering area with grills and a picnic shelter. University officials further envision yoga classes and shuffleboard surrounded by verdant green space – soon-to-be launched online registration will ensure more groups can host events.
For now, Rogers and his colleagues view the one-time home as a potentially powerful symbol of community togetherness.
“It’s an opportunity for folks around the institution to have meaningful dialogue and engagement, or just have fun,” said Rogers. “We have a 20-member council of students and local residents who have good ideas of what should go (in the center.). The center is for the community, so it’s important to have that input.”
Learn more about the Wade Park Community Center and request a tour on Case’s website. Information on booking the building will be released soon.
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