From across Lorain Avenue, Ohio City’s landmark West Side Market undergoes $50 million in renovations (Harrison Whittaker). CLICK IMAGES TO ENLARGE THEM.
Progress Pics: Ohio City renovations, DiSanto Hall, Ambler Apartments
While new construction is often the most visible sign of development activity in a neighborhood, a trio of renovation projects is restoring historic structures in the heart of Cleveland’s Ohio City neighborhood with new retail spaces and modern amenities.
At the West Side Market, nearly $50 million of renovations are underway including upgrades to HVAC and electrical systems and an overhaul of the East Arcade. The refurbished space is scheduled to reopen Friday, Jan. 9 as the KeyBank Produce Arcade.
Renovation work continues at the former Voss Aerospace complex for the mixed-use Carriage Co. development (Harrison Whittaker).
To the south at West 25th Street and Chatham Avenue, work continues on The Carriage Co., a mixed-use redevelopment of the former Voss Industries plant by MRN, Ltd.
Meanwhile, a vacant building at 2061 Gehring Ave. is being converted into a Starbucks restaurant and drive-thru. The site is across the street from the Ohio City-Lorain Red Line train station.
A former car dealership building at the corner of Gehring Street and Abbey Avenue will soon be home to a Starbucks drive-thru (Harrison Whittaker).
The Starbucks location was approved by the Landmarks Commission despite concerns around traffic safety and impacts to small businesses in Ohio City. Vehicles exiting the new drive-thru will cross a bike lane and wide sidewalk on Abbey Avenue.
However, the historic building—constructed as a Plymouth car dealership—has sat empty for over two decades. Developer Tom Gillespie plans to reactivate the property with the new cafe, a bike shop, and three commercial spaces for startup businesses.
DiSanto Hall at rear faces Wasmer Field and Gabor Track at St. Ignatius High School (Harrison Whittaker).
To the west, at St. Ignatius High School, construction crews are nearing completion on a $40 million expansion and renovation project.
The Catholic, Jesuit high school is renovating its library and constructing a new academic building called DiSanto Hall. The building takes its name from alumnus Fred DiSanto and his wife Brittan, the project’s largest donors.
Signage at Chatham Avenue and West 26th Street advertises Ambler Apartments, currently under construction (Harrison Whittaker).
In case you were wondering, work at Ambler Apartments on West 26th Street has continued into 2026. The 109-unit building, led by Dan Whalen and Luke Palmisano’s Places Development, is being built by Geis Companies.
For more photos of Greater Cleveland developments, check out NEOtrans’ other Progress Pics articles.
END
