Seated at 2260 E. 105th St., in Cleveland is a new cutting edge, environmentally friendly, mixed-rate apartment development project. This $26 million complex is called Aura at Innovation Square.
After 12 years of development and funding, the time finally came on March 19 to celebrate with fanfare and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This project is part of a larger community revitalization effort spearheaded by Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation in Cleveland’s Fairfax neighborhood. Fairfax is home to the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic and the Karamu House Theatre, and is adjacent to University Circle, which is home to Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals and numerous notable museums.
“This development will elevate urban living experiences, making a positive impact on Cleveland’s Fairfax neighborhood,” said Richard Baron, co-founder and chairman of McCormack Baron.
Aura at Innovation Square contains 82 apartments. Included in the layout are studio, one, and two bedroom apartments. Of those, 30 percent will be affordable to households earning 70 percent, 80 percent or 95 percent of the area median income. The units are interchangeable, with identical finishes. All apartments are equipped with window blinds and energy-efficient appliances, including washer and dryer units, electric range stoves, garbage disposals and air conditioners. Select apartments have outdoor patios and are pet friendly. There is on-site parking, a fitness center, a rooftop entertainment deck, community rooms, a bike storage room and a business center. It is located near public transportation and within walking distance to a Meijer grocery store/coffee shop.
(Photos above of Aura at Innovation Square apartments from Anna Maria Hamm)
Cleveland City Council President Blaine A. Griffin said, “What you’re seeing here is very special. This is a story of collaboration, a story of perseverance, a story of philanthropic, private, nonprofit and government coming together to make something special happen.”
Griffin is specifically talking about the collaboration of many organizations necessary to make this project possible. The collaborators include Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation (FRDC), Cleveland Clinic, developers McCormack Baron Salazar, PNC Bank, The City of Cleveland, George Gund Foundation and The Cleveland Foundation. All of the collaborators agree that affordable housing is key to building a stronger community.
“The availability of quality, affordable housing for area employees at all income levels has been a central component of our revitalization plan from the beginning,” said Denise VanLeer, executive director of FRDC. “Demands for both market-rate and affordable housing remains extremely high in Fairfax and surrounding neighborhoods, and we have an obligation to protect the ability of workers to stay close to their place of employment, as well as providing housing options for existing residents.”
The project is universally accessible and is green certified through the National Green Building Standard. The apartments are eligible for a $1,400 credit toward rent through the Greater Circle Living program, which is available for employees of the Cleveland Clinic and Case Western Reserve University.
“We are proud to support the economic health of our neighborhoods and contribute to this pivotal community revitalization effort,” said Vickie Eaton Johnson, chief community officer at the Cleveland Clinic.
During the ribbon-cutting, Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb summed up the importance of the project.
“I’m so excited about this project because it truly represents our vision as a city on what is inclusive economic development,” Bibb said. “This project is a part of our vision of becoming a 15-minute city. So what does that mean? Well, a grocery store in your neighborhood that sells fresh fruits and vegetables, a park you can walk to, and that a world class health care hospital is down the street, as well. We as a city must create more opportunity for [making] more projects like this possible in every corner of our great city.”
To find out more about living at Aura reach out at 216-404-7701, visit www.livetheauraapts.com, or contact innovationsq@mccormackbaron.com
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