CLEVELAND — Ground was broken on Tuesday for a new grocery market and apartment complex in the Fairfax neighborhood of Cleveland.
As part of the $500 million Cleveland Innovation District, the new Fairfax Market mixed-use project will be located on the corner of East 105th Street and Cedar Avenue. The $52.8 million development will include a 40,000-square-foot Meijer grocery market and 196 apartment units.
Designed by Bialosky and to be built by John G. Johnson Construction Company, the grocery market and apartment complex could open as early as 2023.
Bringing a grocery market to the Fairfax neighborhood was an idea that was born in 2018 when Cleveland Clinic CEO and President Tom Mihaljevic, M.D., and Cleveland City Council President-Elect and Ward 6 Councilperson Blaine A. Griffin, hosted a community conversation with residents and leaders to better understand their needs and how Cleveland Clinic could contribute.
"I appreciated that from the start, Dr. Mihaljevic understood the importance of Cleveland Clinic’s role in the neighborhood and that residents had many areas that needed to be addressed," said Griffin in a statement. "The discussion about bringing a supermarket to the neighborhood started early, recognizing the need of the longtime Fairfax residents."
Fairfax Market will focus on offering customers a unique shopping experience by featuring an assortment of fresh food, artisan groceries, and Meijer and national brand products at low prices. It will create approximately 50 jobs, offering competitive wages, access to health benefits, as well as a 401(k) program with a company match. Fairfax Market will be the first Meijer small-format market outside of Michigan.
The residential component of the new project will feature a parking structure, direct connection to Fairfax Market, walkable access to the Cleveland Clinic campus, and a convenient one block walk to the Cleveland Innovation District.
“We are committed to partnering with community and business leaders to help strengthen the neighborhood we call home and lessen the impact of social determinants of health related to food security and employment,” said Dr. Mihaljevic. “We are proud to be part of this collaborative project and, working together, I believe we can create a healthier community for everyone.”
The Fairfax neighborhood has a rich history. It was annexed into Cleveland in 1872 and grew rapidly. On E. 105th Street (Doan Street), stores, churches, a hotel and post office operated. It had the first African American-owned bank in Cleveland and, for years, the neighborhood was the city's second major retail and entertainment district.
"Including housing is a great addition," Councilperson Griffin said. "It will help the longtime Fairfax residents. This development and another one nearby will jumpstart others and make the Cleveland Innovation District a real destination."
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