All About Apartments: A Cleveland Jewish News Special Section

JULY 17, 2020

30 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

ALL ABOUT

APARTMENTS

APARTMENTS

A CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS SPECIAL SECTION

NRP Group to build housing community in Glenville BECKY RASPE | SPECIAL SECTIONS STAFF REPORTER @BeckyRaspeCJN braspe@cjn.org |

A

fter receiving housing credits administered by the Ohio Finance Housing Agency, The NRP Group will develop what it calls an affordable housing community in Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood. Churchill Gateway is expected to be completed by fall 2022.

According to a news release, the proposed multi-phase development will be at East 105th Street and Churchill Road on the site of the former Harry E. David Elementary School, which has been vacant since 2006. Phase one plans include a four-story, 48-unit apartment building and four townhomes, with a total of 52 units. The townhomes will be three stories each. The one-, two- and three-bedroom units will be affordable to residents at or below 60% of area median income, according to The NRP Group.

As the anchor development along East 105th Street, the goal is to create a connection between the Glenville neighborhood – once a heavily Jewish area – to the north and University Circle to the south. The NRP Group is also collaborating with the city of Cleveland, the Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority, the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and University Hospitals to build a 2,500-square-foot community outreach center, which will offer health education and job training.

Kelan Craig, director of multi-family housing at the Ohio Finance Housing Agency, said partnering with The NRP Group came from the developer’s history of creating “high-quality, affordable and health-focused housing.”

“Good health depends on having safe and affordable homes,” Craig said in the release. “The Ohio Housing Finance Agency supports and is excited to work with NRP to promote good health and better health outcomes through housing. As COVID-19 compounds the affordable housing crisis, the intersection of housing and health care has never been more important. OHFA is proud to support Churchill Gateway and the partnership between The NRP Group and University Hospitals.”

According to the release, University Hospitals was interested in this collaboration due to its close proximity to the neighborhood and the health care needs of the residents.

“University Hospitals is thrilled to collaborate with The NRP Group in the neighborhoods adjacent to the UH Cleveland Medical Center, its UH Rainbow Babies

A rendering shows what Churchill Gateway could look like in Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood. | Renderings / NRP Group

A map shows where the apartment building could be placed for phase one of the project, along with a suggested career opportunity center, parking lot and townhomes. Parts of phase two are also listed, which includes more townhomes, more apartment buildings, common green space and a storm-water basin.

& Children’s Hospital and UH Seidman Hospital as NRP develops much needed affordable housing in the Glenville neighborhood,” Dr. Daniel Simon, president, medical centers at University Hospitals Health System, said in the release. “Safe, affordable and high-quality housing plays a critical role in addressing social determinants of health and can lead to a lifetime of

improved community health outcomes. Now more than ever, it is vital that healthcare providers engage communities in health education and preventative healthcare where our neighbors live.”

The NRP Group, led by president and CEO J. David Heller, is based in Cleveland and has developments in 14 states.

APARTMENTS

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THE LUMEN ABOUT US MAKE YOUR DEBUT

LAYOUTS

RATES

1 Bedroom 2 Bedrooms 3 Bedrooms

$1448-$2206 $2045-$5768 $6265-$7327

Raise the curtain on a premier residential experience at The Lumen in the heart of the vibrant • 22,000 Sq. Ft. of Com• Collaborative Playhouse Square district in downtown Cleveland. The munity Amenity Spaces Workstations and Lumen sets a new standard in • Spacious Fitness Center Business Center sophisticated design with elegant and Yoga Studio • Penthouse Lounge with finishes, breathtaking views, • Outdoor Terrace with Warming Kitchen rejuvenating community spaces Heated Pool, Sundeck • Community Rooftop and elevated service. Make and Private Cabanas Deck your home at the doorstep of • Enclosed Private Dog world-class entertainment and Run the country’s largest performing arts center outside New York. Junior one-bedroom, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments with penthouse selections. Thoughtfully curated to enhance your lifestyle, the 22,000 square feet of amenity spaces feature something for every resident.

AMENITIES

1600 Euclid Avenue Cleveland, OH 44115

216-508-7161

thelumencleveland.com

TheLumen@greystar.com

32 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

A rendering of the completed 121 Larchmere project. | Renderings / First Interstate Properties

APARTMENTS

JULY 17, 2020

An open kitchen and living space at 121 Larchmere

121 Larchmere to offer east side housing options BECKY RASPE | SPECIAL SECTIONS STAFF REPORTER @BeckyRaspeCJN braspe@cjn.org |

T

he Larchmere neighborhood in Cleveland is getting a new housing option.

The project, led by principal Mitchell Schneider of First Interstate Properties in Lyndhurst, is called 121 Larchmere.

Ground was broken June 23 for the project that will be at Larchmere Boulevard Schneider and East 121st Street.

With a projected completion of June 2021, 121 Larchmere’s four stories will feature 88 apartments: 19 studios or junior one-bedrooms, 52 one-bedroom apartments, 15 two-bedroom apartments and two special units that feature a bedroom and a den. Along Larchmere Boulevard, plans also call for a 6,500-square-foot office space, which is slated to be the home of a “professional services office,” Schneider told the Cleveland Jewish News.

In choosing this location for the apartment development, Schneider said a few factors went into the decision. “(Larchmere) is a great little walkable neighborhood with a good vibe, restaurants, coffee shops and stores that will continue to grow in variety,” he said. “We had actually been looking around the eastern Cleveland neighborhoods to do something that would contribute to the neighborhoods in the area. We looked at several sites. But the walkable nature of this neighborhood paired with the number of restaurants, shops and general

cohesiveness of the community, all of those things gave us the confidence this would be a great project.”

As construction begins, Schneider said the goal is to give the surrounding community a modern, but affordable housing option.

“There are a lot of rental properties surrounding the Larchmere neighborhood, but there is nothing new,” he said. “The idea is to give people the option to live in a newer building with modern amenities in a fully modern style, including a fitness room, a lounge area on the fourth floor with great views of downtown Cleveland, first-floor conference rooms and a coffee bar. Some of the things these newer buildings have provided in other areas haven’t been seen before in affordable ways.”

Another benefit of the new development will be its proximity to Cleveland’s University Circle neighborhood, which is home to artistic institutions, health care facilities and a robust business community.

“We like the demographic of the working population and the fact University Circle is really just down the hill,” Schneider said. “In terms of jobs and demographics, it’s a great location.”

When the project was first presented, Schneider said the general reaction of the community was “relief ” due to other alternative scenarios which included plans for a potential Dollar General store.

“There was relief when we bought the land and a lot of encouragement and excitement about what we were

The living area at 121 Larchmere offers plenty of open space.

doing,” he said. “It really is a cohesive community and they want to see Larchmere continue to evolve and grow, and bring people in to be part of the merchant community. So, we’ve had several community meetings and I can’t say to a single person, because there are always people who find an issue, but the overwhelming response was highly supportive. When our plans came out with what we were doing, the quality of the building we were building, and the architecture and amenities, there was a tremendous amount of appreciation and support.”

Schneider said there aren’t other plans for the area.

“There is not a lot of land along Larchmere, so this is probably our single project in the area because we’re

constrained by the size of the parcel,” he said. “But, we are continually looking around Cleveland to see what is next, though we currently don’t have anything lined up yet. We’re really trying to focus on building up the city’s neighborhoods, particularly the east side.”

First Interstate Properties’ other developments include Avon 611 and Avon Commons, both in Avon; Hawthorn Valley in Oakwood Village; Legacy Village in Lyndhurst; Oakwood Commons in South Euclid; Shoreway Commerce Park, Steelyard Commons and One University Circle, all in Cleveland; Mentor Commons in Mentor; and Willoughby Commons in Willoughby.

APARTMENTS

JULY 17, 2020

CJN.ORG | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | 33

1, 2, & 3 bedrooms

2O17 East 9th Street, Cleveland, OH 44115 216.239.13OO • The9Cleveland.com

2 bed/2.5 bath townhomes

1421 East 15th Street, Cleveland, OH 44114 TheMiltonCleveland.com • 216.314.7769

1, 2, & 3 bedrooms

1211 St Clair Avenue NE, Cleveland, OH 44114 216-589-8524 • TheAvenueDistrict.com

LA COLLINA APARTMENTS

LITTLE ITALY 1, 2, & 3 bedrooms

12312 Mayfield Road Cleveland, OH 441O6 216.7O4.1957 • LaCollinaCle.com

Geis Residential Management is a full service third party property management company FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

email: info@geisproperties.com • web: GeisProperties.com

34 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

APARTMENTS

JULY 17, 2020

Living it up in The Luxe Pepper Pike development attracts renters seeking a flexible lifestyle, a little lavishness CARLO WOLFF

T

he floor plan is open, the appliances are state of the art, the palette is bright, the amenities are first class, the place is ultra-modern – and it feels like home as soon as you enter. Welcome to The Luxe, developer Jason Friedman’s 82-unit townhome development at Cedar and Brainard roads in Pepper Pike.

Friedman said his project, which has 40 units in its first phase and 42 in its second phase, is already a hit. The first phase units are 100% occupied, while phase two is still under construction and is scheduled to be complete in August.

Since construction is considered an essential business, Friedman said the building process continued throughout the pandemic, and tenants continued to move into now-leased units, although tours were virtual.

The project began in 2017 with 20 side-by-side duplexes. Originally designed as for-sale condominiums, they’re all rentals. “Early in our marketing, we found that people wanted luxury rentals, so we pivoted to that use,” Friedman said, adding he has developed more than $1 billion of such projects all over the country. This is the first of its type in the Cleveland area, he added.

Friedman, who attends B’nai Jeshurun Congregation in Pepper Pike, was born to real estate. He formed JA Friedman Capital and Addison Properties in 2015 after he and his father, Jeffrey, sold Associated Estates Realty Corp., their former company, to Toronto-based Brookfield Asset Management Corp.

Amenities at The Luxe include gated access, pet friendliness, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, an outdoor entertaining area, high-speed internet access and proximity to shopping, medical facilities and freeways.

The cost is $3,400 to $6,200 a month. The size ranges from 1,860 square feet to 2,500 square feet, and the townhomes are a combination of one and two stories, with two to three bedrooms. All units feature 2½ bathrooms, walk-in closets and two-car garages.

Friedman said The Luxe townhomes are leasing as fast as he can build them.

No matter the demographic – and there are many – they appeal because they are substantial but, at the same time, they also support a flexible lifestyle. They are large, and by no means inexpensive.

People who rent them seek a home that’s comfortable, contemporary and easy to navigate. They rent because that and

the utilities are the only costs. Addison Properties takes care of all the rest.

“Renting at Luxe is a choice,” Friedman said. “People want flexibility.

Some people travel, and others don’t want to be tied down with a house. We handle everything for our residents.

Each unit is smart and we have security cameras around the property inside a gated community. If you are in Florida for the winter, we watch out for you. At The Luxe, you don’t have to worry about landscaping, real estate taxes, insurance or upkeep. Renting makes your life easy.

Most importantly, there is nothing like this anywhere in Cleveland. We also are a community that has families, and people want to know their neighbors.

“We have people who literally say we will never move out of here. People plan to live here for a very long time.”

Fans of The Luxe also include empty nesters tired of rattling around a big house or who feel cramped in older homes that need tender, loving care they’re reluctant to provide.

“Most people, particularly women, walk in here and say, ‘This is nicer than my house,’” Friedman said. “What they’re really saying is that they live in a big house, and this is nicer. Or theirs is old and too big, they don’t want that anymore.

So they end up coming here and falling in love.”

COMING HOME One family that likes The Luxe for its hominess and, above all, its ease, is the Loebs. Julie and Aram Loeb are doctors accustomed to renting. The Luxe is a way station for them, giving them time to “make a great decision before settling on our permanent home,” Julie wrote in an email.

Julie practices family medicine at University Hospitals; Aram works at the urology institute at UH and is an assistant professor of urology at Case Western Reserve University. They have a nine-month-old son and a three-year-old daughter.

“We moved because we were done with our medical training and ready to settle down,” Julie wrote. “We grew up in Pepper Pike and my parents still live here, so it was an easy choice to move back. We were living in Florida, so house/apartment hunting was difficult.”

They rent a three-bedroom unit with an unfinished basement “great for storage,” and their children particularly enjoy playing in the loft area on the second floor. “The townhouse is great

The view from outside a Luxe townhome in Pepper Pike. | Photos / The Luxe

because of the open floor plan and all the natural light we have the majority of the day thanks to abundant windows,” Julie said.

To Julie, The Luxe is indeed a community. Management does “a great job of throwing events throughout the year that bring neighbors together,” she wrote. “Also, during the warmer months people are out and about, either walking their dogs or with kids. Everyone is in a similar transitional state in the neighborhood and it definitely bonds everyone together. We’ve had two sets of great neighbors in the unit adjacent to ours and have been lucky to meet many other people in the development.”

Does she regret the move? She misses the “year-round blue skies” of Tampa, “but with young kids, having family nearby definitely wins out.”

A PLACE TO RECHARGE Families are by no means The Luxe’s only market. Singles – particularly people going through a divorce – are prominent in the development’s tenant mix. Friedman has helped personal friends getting through difficult divorces find a home, usually one of the smaller units, at The Luxe.

“This is a happy place to go, even for people in the midst of a divorce or in a position that may be not so happy,” said Bonnie Ursetti, the on-site property manager. The Luxe is “either comparable to or better than where they were, versus scrambling to find something that they’re not happy with.”

“Or a place their kids won’t like,”

Dining and kitchen space in a model unit at The Luxe.

Friedman amplified. “It’s about keeping themselves feeling good about where they live. These are people who can afford to rent or buy, and this is the best option – and there’s nothing else like it in the area.”

Carlo Wolff is a freelance writer from South Euclid.

This story originally appeared in the spring/ summer digital issue of Jstyle. To read the entire magazine, visit jstylemagazine.com.

APARTMENTS

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KENSINGTON PLACE ABOUT US

LAYOUTS

RATES

1 Bedroom 1 Bath Starting at $965 Kensington Place, the most modern apartment complex in Cleveland 2 Bedroom 1 Bath Starting at $1190 Heights, warmly greets you as you 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Starting at 1350 enter our dramatic eight-story atrium lobby. Conveniently located right off Taylor Road close to Cleveland Heights City Hall. An AMENITIES easy, quick drive to the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals • Package Delivery Room • Complimentary as well as Case Western Reserve • Fitness Center Surface parking University. Many dramatic views • Large Exterior Patio • Close to Cleveland provide each resident with a special • Covered Garage Clinic, UH and Case Cleveland Heights perspective Parking Western University and from some floors you can see Downtown Cleveland and Lake Erie. Each unit has an individual large private patio or balcony for your personal outdoor enjoyment. There is also a large, spacious outdoor community patio located right off our fitness center. Complimentary parking available for you and your guests. Kensington Place - welcome to your home in the Heights!

30 Severance Circle Cleveland Heights, OH

(216) 691-1944

Kensingtonplaceapartments.com

Kensington1@ameritech.net

MOVE IN SPECIALS ALL 2-bedroom units ½ off first month’s rent with a 1-year lease as well as reduced security deposit (with approved credit). Other move-in specials available for 1-bedroom units with a 1 year lease and reduced security deposit (with approved credit). Rental rates subject to change without notice.

JULY 17, 2020

36 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

APARTMENTS

What you need to know about property rental, ownership in COVID-19 era

ANDREW ZASHIN zrlaw.com

A

t this point, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act is old news. Passed on March 27, 2020, the legislation was intended to provide some measure of relief to Americans as the COVID-19 pandemic began to take hold in the United States. Of course, there are divergent opinions on how well it met this goal, but it is important to note that even as most major media outlets are reporting surging infection numbers many of its provisions are expiring imminently.

Among those are the protections set out for homeowners in Section 4022.

Owners of dwellings for one to four families have the right to seek loan forbearance for up to 180 days, with a possible extension of an additional 180 days, upon a showing that he or she is “experiencing a hardship due, directly or indirectly, to the COVID-19 emergency.”

During the forbearance period, no additional fees, penalties or interest can be assessed.

If the mortgage is current at the time forbearance is granted, the loan would be reported to all credit reporting agencies as current. However, a delinquent account

would be reported as such, despite forbearance. Obviously, forbearance is quite different than forgiveness, and the loan must still be repaid. However, the Federal Housing Administration,the Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have repayment options to ease the burden of managing the missed payments, so that owners will not be stuck with large lump sums due at the end of the forbearance period.

Section 4023 offers protection to owners of multifamily dwelling owners with five or more dwelling units).

Owners with federally-backed loans

Howard Hanna leads Cleveland in sales

who are experiencing pandemic related financial hardship can request loan forbearance for between 30 days and 90 days. However, the right to request forbearance under this section expires at the end of the pandemic or Dec. 31, 2020, whichever occurs first, so timing under this provision is particularly important.

Section 4024 of the CARES Act addresses residential tenants.

Specifically, it provides for a moratorium on eviction filings if the property is subject to a federally-backed mortgage, or if the property is part of certain federal housing programs. This provision was originally set to expire 120 days after March 27. Evictions for reasons other than nonpayment, such as violations of other lease provisions, are still permitted. Some states have extended further protections, but in Ohio it has been left to the separate localities to determine if and how to handle evictions.

No doubt we are living in strange and unusual times. Renters are concerned with making next month’s rent. Property owners are concerned about making that next month’s mortgage payment.

Meanwhile, landlords are very concerned about their own rental collections and subsequent ability to pay their own bills.

Some federal agencies have indicated an extension of some programs, but it’s not clear if and for how long these protections will ultimately continue, or if any protections will be extended here in Ohio for tenants and property owners who don’t qualify. If you find that you need help getting tenants out or paying your bills, be sure to contact your attorney and/or lender.

Andrew Zashin writes about law for the Cleveland Jewish News. He is a comanaging partner with Zashin & Rich, with offices in Cleveland and Columbus.

Ascent at the Top of the Hill breaks ground

H

oward Hanna Real Estate Services leads the Cleveland, Akron and Canton metropolitan region in sales, according to the 2020 Real Trends Market Leaders report.

The report ranks the top residential real estate firms in more than 160 metropolitan markets of the United States. Howard Hanna leads the region with 25,729 closed transactions in 2019. The company also leads the Cleveland region in closed sales volume, with more than $5 million in 2019.

“We know that our top-tier real estate marketing technology stack and talented local real estate agents make Howard Hanna the clear choice in Cleveland – and we’re glad our customers see it, too,” said Kristine Burdick, president of the Midwest region of Howard Hanna in a news release.

In March, Howard Hanna was ranked by Real Trends 500 as the No. 2 privately owned brokerage firm in the nation, No. 1 among independent firms not publicly traded, and No. 4 among the nation’s top 500 brokers, based on 2019 closed transactions. Howard Hanna nationally closed more than 100,000 transactions in 2019 to earn the rankings.

“Howard Hanna had by far the largest spread in Cleveland of any metro area in the country,” said Steve Murray, publisher of Real Trends’ annual reports in the release. “This was determined from looking at market leaders data for all metro areas to see which No. 1-ranked firms had the largest lead over No. 2 in that market. Howard Hanna in Cleveland had the largest lead in the country for 2019. It is an incredible achievement in these days and times.”

Ascent at the Top of the Hill, an $83-million mixed-use project had a ceremonial groundbreaking and its start of construction June 24 in Cleveland Heights. The project, to be developed by Flaherty & Collins Properties of Indianapolis, is on the site of the former Doctors’ Hospital, which was torn down in 1969.

To read about the project, visit bit.ly/2Warveb. | CJN Photo / Amanda Koehn

APARTMENTS

JULY 17, 2020

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THE LUXE ABOUT US The Luxe at Pepper Pike is a brand new transitional townhome community. Contemporary design and refined style distinguish the stunning residences of The Luxe at Pepper Pike. Residents are able to choose from numerous exceptional floor plans with two and three bedrooms options. Full basements, two car garages, large closets, and modern finishes are just a few of the features you will find in our open space, two-story and ranch townhomes.

LAYOUTS

RATES

2 Bed, 2 bath - Ranch

Starting at $2,800

2 Bed, 2.5 Bath

Starting at $3,700

3 Bed, 2.5 Bath

Starting at $4,500

AMENITIES • • • • •

Fitness Center Gated Community Community Room Orange Schools Open Floor Plans,

• • • • •

Vaulted Ceilings Full Basements Attached Garages Playground 24-Hour Staff

We have crafted our community to be a place of residential luxury and comfort. Residents have access to a fitness center, community room, and outdoor entertaining areas. The life you’ve been dreaming of is awaiting you at The Luxe at Pepper Pike. Take advantage of the opportunity to make this unparalleled community your new home.

28790 Cedar Road, Pepper Pike, OH 44124

216-816-8656

luxepepper.com

bonnie@luxepepper.com

PHASE I: 100% LEASED PHASE II: LEASING FAST! ONLY A FEW LEFT. RESERVE YOURS TODAY!

MODERN TOWNHOME RENTALS

216.816.8656 LUXEPEPPER.COM | BONNIE@LUXEPEPPER.COM

JULY 17, 2020

38 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG

New Management.

THE VUE APARTMENTS ABOUT US

New E e ien e.

Elevated Living.

AMENITIES

The Vue, Beachwood’s newest and most upscale metropolitan apartment homes. Whether you are starting over or starting upward, these luxurious, modern apartments have amenities that you won’t find anywhere else in Cleveland. This city oasis has lavishly landscaped grounds, expansive homes, heated underground parking, and so much more. East side living has never been so inviting. An elegant and Luxury comfortable apartment home is in your future. Fall in love with our expansive living areas with amenities that elevate apartment living to a new standard. Schedule a tour today. vub@villagegreen.com

• 4th Floor Private Dining Room • Art Gallery • Attended Front Desk Concierge • Pet amenities • Conference Room • Fitness On-Demand • Easy Access to Freeways & Shopping • On-call & On-site Maintenance A• pUnderground a r t m eParking nts • Children’s Play Area 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms featuring unique layouts with den and additional half baths.

23220 Chagrin Blvd, Beachwood, Ohio 44122

vuebeachwood.com

216-223-7583

VILLAGE GREEN ABOUT US A Beachwood community surrounded by upscale, metropolitan perks and outfitted with stylishly adorned floorplans. The city is well-known for its large employment base, top-rated schools, cultural attractions, and picturesque city parks. The community offers unsurpassed hospitality and exclusive amenities such as a resort style pool, boutique-style resident lounge with gaming, a fitness and yoga/spin studio and so much more . A thriving, newly-renovated community with 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom floorplans that include modern kitchens, Bosch washers and dryers, woodlike flooring in the living areas, and two-inch wood blinds. If you are looking for a getaway to an urban lifestyle with the attitude of city living call and schedule your tour today!

Exclusive: 4 bedroom, 4 bath floor plan available! baa@villagegreen.com 216-223-7369

23511 Chagrin Blvd.

Beachwood, OH 44122

beachwoodalbionapts.com

APARTMENTS

beachwoodalbionapts