Cuyahoga County officials are evaluating a proposal to provide $2 million in financial support for an ambitious project that would convert a historic synagogue in Cleveland Heights into a thriving regional center for visual and performing arts. The initiative represents a significant cultural investment that would establish Oberlin College's inaugural satellite campus while preserving an architectural masterpiece designed by the celebrated German-Jewish architect Erich Mendelsohn.
The $52 million redevelopment plan targets the former Park Synagogue campus, a midcentury modern landmark that stands as one of only four synagogues worldwide crafted by Mendelsohn, who fled Nazi Germany and left an indelible mark on 20th-century architecture. Sustainable Communities Associates, the developer behind the vision, aims to breathe new life into the sacred space while maintaining its distinctive temple dome and other character-defining features.
At the heart of the transformation, Oberlin College has pledged to serve as the facility's anchor tenant for a minimum of ten years. This partnership marks a historic moment for the esteemed liberal arts institution, representing its first academic expansion beyond Lorain County in its nearly 200-year history. The college intends to establish new Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts programs at the site, creating innovative educational pathways for students in the region.
Paul Herdeg, Cuyahoga County's director of development, presented the proposal to council members during a January 12 committee meeting, emphasizing the project's far-reaching implications. "This building has served as a synagogue, but its significance extends far beyond religious function into the cultural heritage of our region and the world," Herdeg stated. He described the undertaking as an "extremely important project" that promises to become a powerful economic catalyst for Cleveland Heights and the surrounding area.
Oberlin College's commitment includes a $1 million direct investment in the facility and the creation of more than 20 new positions, bringing both employment opportunities and educational prestige to the community. The presence of a nationally recognized college program is expected to attract artists, students, and cultural enthusiasts from across the region, establishing Cleveland Heights as a destination for creative excellence.
Beyond the academic components, the reimagined campus is designed to serve as a versatile community asset. Herdeg outlined potential uses including office space for nonprofit organizations specializing in arts programming for individuals with disabilities, childcare facilities, and venues for social gatherings and celebrations. The inclusion of wedding venues suggests the architectural beauty of the space will continue to host milestone events, albeit in a secular context.
The project's financial structure reflects a sophisticated mix of funding sources typical for large-scale historic preservation efforts. In addition to the county's potential contribution, the development team is leveraging historic tax credits, new market tax credits, equity investments, grants, and traditional debt financing. The City of Cleveland Heights has committed approximately $1.5 million to the effort, demonstrating strong municipal support.
Perhaps most notably, local organizations have contributed more than $11 million in donations, a figure Herdeg characterized as "an extraordinary level of community support we rarely see for such a project." This robust philanthropic backing underscores the deep affection and cultural value residents place on preserving the Mendelsohn landmark.
The county's proposed $2 million participation would be divided into two distinct financial instruments. The first component consists of a conventional economic development loan of $1 million carrying a fixed 3% interest rate with a 20-year repayment term. This traditional structure provides predictable returns for the county's investment portfolio.
The second $1 million would take the form of a recoverable grant, representing a more innovative approach to public financing. Under this arrangement, repayment would occur in five-year increments, contingent upon the project generating sufficient revenue to cover the obligations. While full repayment would not be legally mandated, Herdeg expressed confidence that the county would ultimately recover the entire amount.
"This is not a mechanism we've utilized previously," Herdeg acknowledged, "but our administration believes so strongly in this project's potential that we're willing to pioneer this approach." He emphasized that the development deserves this exceptional level of public support due to its transformative nature and widespread community interest.
The forward-looking vision includes potential future phases that could further expand the campus's utility, with residential development being floated as a possibility. This suggests the project could evolve into a mixed-use district, integrating living spaces with arts and educational facilities to create a vibrant, 24/7 creative community.
Preservation of the building's architectural integrity remains paramount throughout the planning process. Mendelsohn's work on the Park Synagogue, completed in the mid-20th century, exemplifies his signature style that blends modernist principles with humanistic sensibilities. Saving the iconic dome and other design elements ensures that future generations can experience this important piece of architectural history.
The project's timing aligns with broader efforts to revitalize Cleveland Heights and position the region as a cultural destination. By combining higher education, arts programming, community services, and historic preservation, the development creates a unique model for adaptive reuse that other communities may seek to emulate.
As Cuyahoga County Council deliberates on the proposal, stakeholders across the cultural and educational sectors are watching closely. The decision represents more than a financial transaction; it signals the region's commitment to investing in creative infrastructure, preserving architectural heritage, and expanding educational access. With strong institutional partners, robust community support, and a clear vision for the future, the transformation of the former Park Synagogue stands poised to become a landmark achievement in Northeast Ohio's ongoing renaissance.