Built in 1924 as a new location for a children’s orphanage, the Cleveland Christian Home on Lorain Avenue on Cleveland’s West Side was sold several years ago to The Centers For Families and Children and will be extensively renovated starting by the end of this year (Google). CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE THEM.
Campus renovations planned for years
Construction is getting underway for the $6.8 million renovation of the HOPE Campus, 11401 Lorain Ave., in Cleveland’s Westown neighborhood. If the name of the campus doesn’t sound familiar, it’s because the renovation is part of a transition of the property from its century-long service as the Cleveland Christian Home (CCH).
Built in 1924 to relocate and expand the home into a 63,000-square-foot orphanage, it was expanded again on its 60th anniversary by adding 17,500 square feet with a new Welcome Center at the south end of the 5-acre campus on Fidelity Avenue to meet changing needs, including as a treatment center.
Just shy of its 100th anniversary, the property was sold to The Centers for Families and Children, or simply The Centers, with a plan to thoroughly renovate the HOPE Campus (Healing, Opportunities, Partnership, and Empowerment). Thanks to funding from Cuyahoga County and the state of Ohio, that renovation is about to get underway.
Although a groundbreaking ceremony was held April 11, construction permit applications for the renovation were submitted earlier this month to the city’s Building Department by CPL Architecture of Berea. The applications are for the first phases of the renovation although some site prep work has gotten started.
The site plan for the renovated HOPE Campus, formerly the Cleveland Christian Home. Lorain Avenue is across the top of the image. New driveways and parking areas, especially around the east side of the campus, are shown in gray. The oldest part of the campus is next to Lorain with the 1984 addition next to Fidelity Avenue (CPL).
Work in those applications include updates to existing programmatic spaces and building finishes as well as an increase the useable spaces for the progression of the residents, said Lucas Moore, an associate principal at CPL, in the application.
The work also involves the “Renovation of the existing HOPE Campus to update the flow of the site, provide updated entry to the Welcome Center, and refresh the Cleveland Christian Home,” Moore noted.
Founded in 1900 by Rev. Henry Timme of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), CCH began as a safe haven for abandoned and orphaned children. A growing need for care and support from the community resulted in the construction of the current Lorain Avenue campus.
In October 2022, CCH was acquired by The Centers. Today, CCH’s legacy continues with the HOPE Campus, a soon‐to‐be modern facility dedicated to providing youth in trauma with the support, stability, and community they need to thrive.
A rendering of a renovated Welcome Center for the HOPE Campus as seen from Fidelity Avenue. This driveway and canopy over it are planned as part of the campus’ renovations (CPL).
“This rebranding is more than a new name — it’s a renewed commitment to our most at‐risk children,” said Eric Morse, president and CEO of The Centers in a written statement. “The HOPE Campus reflects our vision of healing and partnership, working collaboratively with county and community leaders to create a national model for
addressing the child placement crisis.”
The HOPE Campus represents a continuation of The Centers’ commitment to its four pillars of care: Health, Work, Family and HOPE. As a cornerstone of youth residential services, the campus will provide trauma‐informed care, educational support, and innovative programming designed to help children build brighter futures.
The HOPE Campus results from extensive collaboration with the Cuyahoga County Division of Children and Family Services, Juvenile Court, Board of Development Disabilities, ADAMHS Board, and 20 additional community partners, tackling the critical issue of displaced youth in county custody.
By offering services emphasizing healing, community connection, and familial reunification, the campus aims to reduce the need for out‐of‐state placements that often disrupt a child’s ties to their support systems.
A view of the original front structure of the former Cleveland Christian Home including ADA access improvements, entries and facade improvements. This view is not possible along Lorain Avenue because of the strong, mature trees that have grown from the seeds that have been planted here (CPL).
“The HOPE Campus represents our promise to the children in our care,” said Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. “In collaboration with The Centers, we are establishing a Child Wellness Campus that provides safety, healing, and opportunity for our children and their families. Our goal is for every child to achieve their full potential.”
The rebranding honors the historic mission of Cleveland Christian Home while embracing the future. Rev. Timme’s vision of providing a sanctuary for children left on his doorstep in 1900 is now expanded into a comprehensive model of care that sets a new standard for child welfare systems across the nation.
“This transformative reimagining of the historic mission of the Cleveland Christian Home not only honors the original intent of its founders but also makes its purpose more relevant and accessible for the needs of children and youth today,” said Rev. Allen Harris, regional minister, the Christian Church in Ohio.
“I believe I speak for many who have cherished and supported this institution over the years in expressing profound gratitude to The Centers and Cuyahoga County for investing in this vital effort, ensuring that the most vulnerable children and youth have a safe, well‐equipped space and program to support their care and well‐being.” Harris added.
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