Old Brooklyn in the News

By: David Robinson
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2026 print edition of Old Brooklyn News.

For this summer issue (and yes, we hope you like the refreshed magazine cover!), I wanted to touch on some of the recent “buzz” around the neighborhood. Several major projects and proposals are beginning to take shape, and while some remain in the exploratory phase, all have the potential to impact Old Brooklyn residents. In addition to the two updates below, you can also read more about the future solar farm on page 10 and the Big Creek tunnel project on page 23.

Memphis & Pearl Redevelopment

By now, you have likely seen construction fencing outlining the perimeter of the Memphis & Pearl project site. This is an exciting step toward the future redevelopment of a vital corner in the heart of Old Brooklyn. You can stay informed about the project by visiting our community FAQ at oldbrooklyn.com/memphispearl.

When I started at Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation, an important decision needed to be made regarding the relocation of the businesses and organizations operating on the site. Originally, the project planned to utilize federal HUD funding, which would have required compliance with the Uniform Relocation Act (URA). The URA is a formula driven, reimbursement model that requires a developer to pay for certain tenant costs associated with displacement due to a real estate project. However, due to uncertainty surrounding federal funding and multiple government shutdowns, relying on those dollars became too risky if we wanted to keep the project moving forward on schedule.

Even without a legal requirement to provide substantial relocation assistance, I believed it was important to honor the spirit of URA and continue supporting impacted tenants. To be clear, these dollars are not coming from city, state, or federal tax dollars. They are currently being fronted by OBCDC and will be reimbursed by the developer once new construction begins. By May 1, more than $300,000 had already been paid to support businesses and organizations in their relocation efforts.

I am especially proud that we were able to provide the Historical Society of Old Brooklyn with more than $20,000 to help cover future rent costs at their new 2221 Broadview Road location, while also continuing to support storage and other moving expenses. As of writing this, our total support to the historical society totals $34,750. But we all know dollars only stretch so far. If we want our historical society to thrive long term, the community must support them as well. I encourage residents to consider making a donation directly at oldbrooklynhistory.org.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Hotel RFP

In April, Cleveland Metroparks released an RFP (Request for Proposals) seeking developer interest in a potential hotel concept at or adjacent to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. While the concept appears to be in its earliest stages, Metroparks leadership has expressed interest in exploring a themed hotel primarily along Fulton Parkway.

OBCDC was not previously made aware of the potential concept, nor is a hotel included in the zoo’s current master plan. I am eager to see whether interest exists beyond the initial idea phase. Should a developer ultimately be selected, OBCDC will request that Metroparks leadership formally engage the community regarding project impacts, expectations, and opportunities for neighborhood input.

Proposals were due at the end of May with the hope of selecting a developer by early fall.

Credit: Cleveland Metroparks

Solar Farm at Spring Road

Legislation by Cleveland City Council was recently introduced in May to support the development of solar power facilities at two former landfill sites: the 12+ acre property near West 11th Street and Spring Road, and the landfill located on Kolthoff Road.

According to the legislation, the City of Cleveland has received a $14.8 million grant through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Program, administered through Cuyahoga County. The City also intends to pursue additional Inflation Reduction Act and Investment Tax Credit funding opportunities before those programs are phased out.

Old Brooklyn Community Development Corporation has already been engaged in early conversations surrounding the project, and we hope to begin hosting community engagement sessions by spring 2027 to help shape neighborhood input and expectations. The proposed solar farm near West 11th Street and Spring Road could potentially incorporate a walking trail, natural landscaping, and educational signage focused on both solar energy and the long-term environmental reuse of former landfill sites.