Cuyahoga County has approved a United States Environmental Protection Agency-funded Brownfi eld Redevelopment Revolving Fund loan of $80,000 for the environmental clean-up of the Ohio City Masonic Center located at 2831 Franklin Boulevard on the near west side of Cleveland.

Cleveland Rocks Holding LLC, the real estate holding company which acquired the site, plans to redevelop the complex into a rock climbing $80,000 loan approved for clean-up of Ohio City Masonic Center on Franklin Boulevard gym, offi ce space and a “makerspace,” providing community access to 3d printers, laser cutters, software development classes, youth-based coding camps, and access to mentors. The overall project will create 18 jobs for the neighborhood.

“We are pleased to be part of this important economic development initiative that will breathe fresh life into the Ohio City Masonic Center… this project will continue to add to the exciting progress of the Ohio City neighborhood by creating jobs, health/wellness and technology resources for our residents,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish.

“We are excited to bring technology and health/wellness resources for Ohio City in a historical building that would otherwise be vacant,” stated Kevin Wojton, Owner and Founder of Cleveland Rocks. “Our goal is to enhance Cleveland by developing a deep software development industry and providing access to the world-class rock climbing facility. Cleveland is redefining itself as an outdoor, young, active, tech-focused city and Cleveland Rocks will be there every step of the way. Come see it for yourself, once we open!”

Cleveland Rocks Holding is also seeking additional funding from Cuyahoga County to help complete the overall redevelopment project which will have a total cost of approximately $2.4 million.