(Plain Press June 2025) The developer of Ferrante Village on W. 14^th plans to demolish three historic houses to make way for new townhomes. The houses to be removed are at 2915, 2929 and 2937 W. 14^th Street.

   Bob Gardin, who served on the City of Cleveland’s Near West Design Review Committee when the project was under review, said he and others on the committee opposed the demolition of the houses.

   Gardin believes the houses have historic value. However, Gardin notes that the houses are not within the boundaries of the Tremont Historic District, so no protection can be sought from the Cleveland Landmarks Commission to prevent the demolition of the houses. Thus, the owner of the property has the right to demolish the houses to make way for Ferrante Village and little can be done to prevent their demolition, says Gardin.

   Tremont West Development Corporation (TWDC) Director of Real Estate and Economic Development Donna Grigonis-Bailey speaking for TWDC said, “We recognize and share the disappointment felt by many regarding the planned demolition of the three existing homes at 2915, 2929, and 2937 W. 14th. While these homes lie outside the official boundaries of the Tremont Historic District and do not fall under the protections of the Landmarks Commission, they contribute to the architectural and historic character of the street. Unfortunately, as the property owner has chosen to move forward with demolition—and has the legal right to do so—the community development corporation has no regulatory authority to prevent it.”

   Grigonis-Bailey said the role of TWDC in this case “has been to convene dialogue, advocate for thoughtful design, and encourage the developers to continue refining the project in ways that enhance the neighborhood.”

   Speaking of the results of the dialogue convened by TWDC between the developer and neighborhood stakeholders, Grigonis-Bailey said, “Over the past few months, the developers have made several changes to the proposal in response to community feedback, including removing several curb cuts along W. 14th Street and adjusting the overall site plan. These changes have eliminated the need for variances, which significantly limits the ability of the City or the community to formally influence the project through typical approval processes.”

   Grigonis-Bailey added that TWDC will “continue to ask that the final design contributes meaningfully to Tremont’s built environment without replicating the past, but in a way that acknowledges the value of what is being lost.”