Port of Cleveland Approves $68M Highland Hills Office Redevelopment and St. Clair-Superior Mixed-Use Hub to Drive Jobs and Economic Growth

CLEVELAND, OH — The Port of Cleveland Board of Directors met today and approved two key projects designed to strengthen Northeast Ohio’s economy, create jobs, and revitalize strategic properties in the region. 

“These projects demonstrate the Port of Cleveland’s commitment to fostering economic growth, creating high-quality jobs, and investing in our communities,” said Jeff Epstein, President and CEO. “From healthcare innovation in Highland Hills to a mixed-use community hub in St. Clair-Superior, these developments will have a lasting positive impact on Northeast Ohio.” 

The first project, the Highland Hills Office Redevelopment, will transform a 127,680-square-foot vacant office building into a state-of-the-art pathology laboratory for University Hospitals. To support this project, the Port will issue up to $60 million in Taxable Lease Revenue Bonds through a Capital Lease financing structure. Construction is expected to take 18 months, from April 2026 through September 2027, at a total cost of $68.4 million.  

In addition to bringing back high-quality healthcare employment in Highland Hills, the project restores a large, previously vacant office building, aligning with the village’s goal of attracting new tenants and enhancing its gateway corridors. 

The second project, The Marginal, is an adaptive reuse of the former Woodhill Supply building in Cleveland’s St. Clair-Superior neighborhood. The Port will provide a $310,000 flexible bridge loan from its Community Investment Fund to support the initial phase of this redevelopment, including working capital and down payment costs.  

The project will convert the 82,470-square-foot industrial building into a mixed-use community hub, featuring retail and showroom space for two female-owned businesses (RBX and Borrow Curated), warehouse space, co-working areas, and a social club. The loan symbolizes the Port leveraging its planned investment in the neighborhood through CHEERS with additional community investment.  

About the Port of Cleveland

The Port of Cleveland is a key economic driver for Northeast Ohio, generating over $7 billion in annual economic activity and supporting more than 23,000 jobs. As a leading hub for international and Great Lakes shipping, the Port handles roughly 12 million tons of cargo each year. Established in 1968, the Port also advances regional growth through infrastructure improvements, shoreline resiliency projects, and development financing that supports both public and private investments. Guided by a nine-member board, the Port’s mission is to foster job creation, economic vitality, and global competitiveness for the Greater Cleveland region.

For more information on the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority, visit www.portofcleveland.com.

Media Contact:
Kierra Cotton
Kierra.Cotton@portofcleveland.com
216-377-1343