They’re supposedly cleaner to build. They’re cheaper to build.
A rendering of what a new modular home may look like when set up in Clark-Fulton or Buckeye in the next year or two. They’re supposedly cleaner to build. They’re cheaper to build. And in a city with an affordable housing crunch, Mayor Justin Bibb thinks they can be gamechangers.
Modular homes, pre-built houses often confused with mobile homes, will soon be constructed at a factory on the former General Electric site in Collinwood, the city announced Tuesday. The site was acquired by Cleveland through its new Site Readiness for Good Jobs Fund, which aims to transform unused plots into economic engines. Four finalists were just chosen to prove their quality, the city said: Module, ModDSys/Container Homes USA, ZennieHome and Guardian Structural Technologies will all be constructing “pilot” homes in Clark-Fulton or Buckeye. It could help kickstart Cleveland's meager pre-fab home market and help fill thousands of vacant lots “This factory will not only deliver high-quality, affordable housing at scale,” Brad Whitehead, managing director of the fund, said in the press release, “it will create high-quality jobs, strengthen local supply chains, and breathe new life into a cornerstone of the Collinwood neighborhood.” The decision to build on the former General Electric site comes seven months after City Hall began its search for a company to lead the modular home building effort. “Each of these finalists brings a serious interest in Cleveland, not just as a market, but as a place to invest, build, and hire,” Jeff Epstein, the city’s Chief of Integrated Development, said in the release. “In addition to creating housing opportunities, this administration is fully committed to implementing new pathways for innovation, driving economic growth, and revitalizing our neighborhoods.” Mayor Justin Bibb’s faith that modular homes could tackle rising home costs and the indirect influence of predatory landlords lies in the reality that modular homes are cheaper to buy and often constructed—in an off-site factory—in a third of the time Ryan Homes or Drees might take.Last year, Habitat For Humanity, the nonprofit that’s been building modular homes in the past few years, announced it would be finishing nine houses for sale—four in Detroit-Shoreway and five in Cudell. The city has spent $1.7 million so far on its partnership with HFH, according to Signal Cleveland’s ARPA Tracker. Cleveland will select from one of the four finalists by the end of this year. By early 2026, 20 modular homes will be built in St. Clair-Superior and Hough neighborhoods to gauge market interest and performance. And construction on the facility will begin in 2027. Council president Blaine Griffin helped remove one that read"I Buy Crack Houses." Meanwhile, Williams says, “There are plenty of homes that are for drug use that have been neglected that need to be restored."Mark Oprea is a staff writer at Scene. For the past seven years, he's covered Cleveland as a freelance journalist, and has contributed to TIME, NPR, the Pacific Standard and the Cleveland Magazine. He's the winner of two Press Club awards.
Cleveland Modular Homes Mayor Justin Bibb Collinwood Buckeye News Feature
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Cross-disciplinary Post-doctoral Position - Cleveland, Ohio (US) job with Cleveland ClinicWe are seeking a highly motivated individual for a cross-disciplinary post-doctoral position in the laboratories of Thad Stappenbeck, MD/PhD and Christine O’Connor, PhD at the Cleveland Clinic. Enthusiastic candidates with a strong background in molecular/cellular biology, biochemistry, immunology, and/or related field are encouraged to apply.
Read more »
Sixers, Hornets Fielding Trade Offers For No. 3, No. 4 Until Theyre On Clock At DraftThe Philadelphia 76ers and Charlotte Hornets have signaled to teams that they each intend to continue listening to trade offers for No. 3 and No. 4 respectively until they are on the clock during the draft on Wednesday, June 25.
Read more »
De Beers London selects new CEOAn alum of French luxury conglomerate Kering will lead ongoing efforts from the diamond company to reposition its flagship brand globally.
Read more »
Cleveland Neighborhood Progress Announces $2 Million in Grants to Help Keep Cleveland CDCs AfloatEarlier this year, Cleveland's CDCs were staring down a future complicated by possible HUD cuts that would lead to widespread layoffs and closures. Some $8.5 million that the local nonprofits relied on was in question during the spring.
Read more »
Free pet wellness clinic to offer vaccines, microchips for Cleveland-area animalsA free pet wellness clinic offering vaccines and microchips will be held June 28 in East Cleveland for Cleveland and East Cleveland residents.
Read more »
Cleveland names 4 finalists for modular housing factory in CollinwoodFour manufacturer finalists will participate in pilot program building affordable homes in multiple Cleveland neighborhoods.
Read more »