Ribbon-cutting caps building renovation in Cleveland's Detroit Shoreway neighborhood

CLEVELAND - There were dignitaries, speeches and a ribbon-cutting. The renovated building dated to the late 1920's and the event was much anticipated by everyone in the area.

No, this was not the Horseshoe Casino -- but Monday's grand re-opening of the historic Sylvia apartment building in Cleveland's Detroit Shoreway neighborhood.

Mayor Frank Jackson and community leaders dedicated and toured the $3 million, 18-unit apartment building project, and proclaimed it the "jewel" of Franklin Avenue.

According to Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization Assistant Director Matt Lasko the Sylvia Building had fallen into disrepair and foreclosure prior to its renovation. Lasko said only close cooperation between the city, neighborhood groups and financiers saved the three-story, brick structure from demolition.

Among those mentioned specifically during the dedication proceedings were: Ohio Capital Corporation for Housing , Enterprise Community Partners , Village Capital Corporation , Huntington Community Development Corporation and the Cleveland Housing Court and Judge Raymond Pianka.

The Sylvia renovations were completed by general contractor, Marous Brothers Construction and are in compliance with Enterprise Green Communities Standards.

According to the Detroit Shoreway CDO, the Sylvia apartments will be mixed-income rentals.