A uniquely American city, Cleveland is reinventing itself to remain competitive in the coming decades. Building off access to the Great Lakes and its status as an industrial powerhouse, transformational development projects are popping up in both the city core and suburban neighborhoods. This economic transition serves as a microcosm for many communities around the United States, which ULI Young Leaders will be expected to address throughout their careers, making the city an ideal candidate to host the 2022 Americas Young Leaders Group Exchange.

Legacy institutions in medical, cultural, and community development provide a base for Cleveland’s economic resilience in the 21st century. At the helm is the city’s newly elected 35-year-old Mayor, Justin Bibb, whose administration aims to capitalize on existing successes and ensure that Clevelanders of all demographics benefit from growth. Other area leaders—both public and private—are also rising to the challenge and continue to positively impact the built environment. Young developers, civic leaders, and other real estate professionals seek out Northeast Ohio for its market size: big enough to do large developments, but small enough for those under 35 to roll up their sleeves.

The local Steering Committee was comprised of dedicated real estate professionals who took ownership of the event and its many opportunities.

After two years of virtual events, the Cleveland Young Leaders were eager to return to in-person programming and the YL Exchange was a perfect event to come back strong. Alex Smith, Co-Chair of Cleveland’s Young Leaders Group.

However, the group’s primary goal in coming together was to change the perception of our community. It is time we drop the “Rust Belt” moniker in favor of the “Great Lakes Region”—an emphasis on the area’s important natural resources. Access to fresh water, high-quality urban parks, and infrastructure reminiscent of a major city make Cleveland special.

We wanted to show attendees that Cleveland’s real estate industry understands the unique canvas they get to work with. Jack Newton, ULI Cleveland Young Leader and Programs Co-Chair.

Throughout the program, we were encouraged to see how Cleveland Young Leaders and event hosts listened to—and learned from—the outside perspectives. Attendees brought with them insightful questions, comments, and conversations regarding real estate development and urban planning.

The weekend kicked off with a bus tour of Cleveland’s cultural and educational hub, University Circle. In addition to being one of the country’s densest collections of museums, gardens, and performing arts venues, the neighborhood serves as Ohio’s fourth largest employment center. The tour culminated with an evening at the Van Aken District, a $100 million mixed-use, transit-oriented development in the streetcar suburb of Shaker Heights. Representing the project was Mackenzie Makepeace, Development Director at The Max Collaborative and past Co-Chair of ULI Americas YLG Steering Committee. After immersing themselves in the project, attendees were treated to a rooftop cocktail hour with ULI Cleveland District Council members.

Friday began with perhaps Cleveland’s best-known Young Leader, Mayor Justin Bibb. At 35, Mayor Bibb is one of the youngest to lead a major American city. The intimate event was held at the Truss event center atop INTRO in Ohio City. INTRO is the first mass timber development in Cleveland and one of the country’s largest overall. The Young Leaders then headed to Hingetown, a hotbed of development in the city Near the West Side. Rachael Price, Co-Chair of the YLG, noted that the exchange was a perfect opportunity to reinforce connections with developers that she works on a professional basis.

With millions of dollars invested into the eight-square-block area for more than 10 years, the Young Leaders were able to explore a variety of projects including a collection of “creative hangars” offering artisans the chance to scale up their businesses. Affordable housing was the final topic of the day as YLs met with the NRP Group’s Aaron Pechota, Senior Vice President of Development, in the Gordon Square neighborhood on the lakefront. The NRP Group is a leading organization in creating exceptional rental housing opportunities for individuals and families, regardless of income, across the nation. After a packed day, the group was treated to a Cleveland Guardians game at Progressive Field and a night out along the Flats East Bank adjacent to the Cuyahoga River.

A walking tour of Playhouse Square, the largest theater district outside of New York City, welcomed YLs on Saturday morning. The district—a collection of 10 performance spaces, including five theaters restored to their original 1920s elegance—boasted over one million visitors annually prior to Covid-19. Attendees then walked down Euclid Avenue, downtown Cleveland’s commercial spine, looking at how the city is transforming the corridor using transit, retail, and multifamily development. At the end was a presentation by John Drain, the Director of Development for Bedrock Cleveland. During the group’s discussion, Bedrock showcased their future investments for Cleveland’s central business district, emphasizing the neighborhood’s momentum and their excitement to be a part of the progress.

Overall, Cleveland Young Leaders appreciated being able to take a step back and view the region through the lens of visitors. It was apparent that Cleveland and Northeast Ohio are working to continue an impressive post-Covid recovery. For outside attendees, the opportunity to explore a top-tier “Legacy City” showcased the resilience and pride of many Clevelanders. Being able to observe the diverse group of young visionaries and industry veterans reinforced that Cleveland is ready for the 21st Century.

Thank you to the ULI Cleveland Young Leader Exchange Presenting Sponsor The NRP Group, West Side Market Supporting Sponsor Bedrock, Cohen & Company, RDL Architects, Public Square Patron Sponsor, DLR Group, Cushman & Wakefield | CRESCO Real Estate, GBX Group, and Flats Funder Sponsor NHK Companies and MKSK Studios.

Written by Alex Smith, Rachael Price, and Jack Newton.