By: Marina Maher Tadrous (B.S. URS ’25)
In September, OURs had the privilege of visiting Cleveland—a city full of resilience and transformation. Before the trip, I knew Cleveland as one of many rust belt cities that faced severe economic challenges after the decline of its industrial base. But being on the ground, meeting the people working to revitalize the city, and seeing their commitment firsthand gave me a deeper appreciation for the complexities of urban renewal. This experience opened my eyes to what it takes to reshape a city, not just through development but also through community empowerment.
The trip provided a range of opportunities to explore Cleveland’s renewal strategies from multiple perspectives. Early on, we met with the Cleveland Planning Department and the Cleveland Foundation, two organizations working at the forefront of urban revitalization. We learned about the Planning Department’s collaboration with local developers to increase developments through financing, housing incentives, and efforts to make brownfields safe for construction. These initiatives are vital, ensuring that Cleveland’s future is built on sustainable growth.
Credit – Chester Lukanic (URS ’25) / City and Regional Planning
We were divided into four groups to meet with different Cornell urban studies alumni, and I had the pleasure of spending the day with Ken, a real estate consultant. Ken provided a unique lens into Cleveland’s development landscape, emphasizing land use strategies that go beyond the typical focus on profit. He spoke at length about creating value from underutilized land and development that avoids displacing existing residents.
Ken took us on a journey through Cleveland, showing us the city from three different perspectives. We started by viewing the city from a downtown skyscraper, taking in the skyline and reflecting on the urban core’s potential for growth. Next, we explored street-level Cleveland. Finally, we kayaked down the Cuyahoga River—a unique way to experience the city from the water. As we paddled, we discussed the importance of balancing housing development with environmental concerns, particularly along the riverbanks. Seeing the city from these different vantage points allowed me to appreciate the layers of planning and decision-making that shape Cleveland’s urban fabric.
Credit – Chester Lukanic (URS ’25) / City and Regional Planning
One standout moment was attending Fresh Fest, a local festival held on vacant land to promote urban farming. This festival was more than just a fun community event—it reflected Cleveland’s commitment to sustainability and creative land use. Fresh Fest highlighted the potential of transforming vacant spaces into vibrant hubs of activity, demonstrating that renewal isn’t only about large-scale projects but also grassroots efforts.
After our tours, all the students and alumni gathered at the Cleveland Museum to share insights from each group’s experiences. Hearing from my peers about the different alumni they met and the topics they explored was incredibly valuable. It reinforced the idea that urban renewal is not a one-size-fits-all process—each effort must be tailored to the needs and opportunities of specific communities.
Cleveland’s history is a powerful reminder that urban renewal is not a linear process. The city has experienced significant highs and lows—from being an industrial powerhouse to grappling with economic decline. But it is precisely this history that makes its current transformation so inspiring. Cleveland’s leaders and residents understand that renewal is about more than physical infrastructure; it’s about fostering communities.
Following the trip, I had the opportunity to meet with two local developers through a connection from the Planning Department. These developers are working directly with the department to build both equitable and market-rate housing in areas of Cleveland that need revitalization. They are committed to keeping development within Cleveland and making it local, ensuring the city grows without sacrificing its community’s needs.
A major takeaway from this trip was the importance of finding ways to connect developers with the communities they serve. Ken’s insights reinforced this idea—urban development doesn’t have to come at the expense of existing residents. By involving communities in the planning process and prioritizing their needs, cities can grow inclusively, avoiding the harmful impacts of gentrification. Cleveland exemplifies how thoughtful development can uplift a city without displacing those who have long called it home.
This experience left me with a profound appreciation for Cleveland’s story and the people committed to writing its next chapter. From planning departments to non-profits, from real estate consultants to community festivals, every effort is contributing to a shared vision of a better future. I look forward to seeing how these initiatives evolve over the coming years, and I hope to return to Cleveland soon to witness the fruits of these efforts firsthand.
