CLEVELAND — Once a sign of Cleveland's great manufacturing pedigree, the Cleveland Acme building will soon be demolished and the site cleaned thanks to $7.6 million in state grant money.
Since 1917, Cleveland's Acme industrial facility has stood in near the line dividing the Glenville and Collinwood neighborhoods.
The building has fallen into disrepair since its closure in the 1990s. "A health hazard and eyesore" as The Site Readiness for Good Jobs Fund (SRF) said in a Wednesday press release.
Along with the state grant money dedicated to the project, the city of Cleveland will contribute an additional $3.5 million.
“Cleaning up this site is a priority for the community surrounding it,” said Councilman Mike Polensek, whose ward includes East Glenville and Collinwood Village. He recalled that his late uncle worked at National Acme in its heyday, but now “dumpers, scrappers, vandals and rats have made the property a horrible hazard, impacting residents and nearby businesses.
“This redevelopment is not just about removing a public nuisance—it’s about revitalizing this neighborhood and bringing new opportunities to the greater community,” Polensek added, offering his sincere appreciation to his colleagues on City Council, the Bibb Administration and SRF for supporting the effort.
The additional funding from the city will go to the Cuyahoga County Landbank, SRF's fiscal agent.
According to the release, the land will be cleaned after demolition for future industrial use. It is anticipated that 150 new jobs will be created in the redevelopment effort.
"By transforming this site, we’re not only addressing an environmental and safety concern but also paving the way for job creation and neighborhood revitalization,” said Brad Whitehead, SRF’s managing director. “We look forward to seeing a community-minded business or development partner to join us on the redevelopment once the site is job-ready.”
SRF lists asbestos removal, waste disposal, demolition of remaining structures, and soil remediation in the demolition/cleanup effort. They say that the redevelopment of the area, starting with the National Acme building, will help close the gap in the community's 37% poverty rate. The average median household income for the community is approximately $27,787 compared to the state's median housing income of $61,938.
"By transforming this site, we’re not only addressing an environmental and safety concern but also paving the way for job creation and neighborhood revitalization,” said Brad Whitehead, SRF’s managing director. “We look forward to seeing a community-minded business or development partner to join us on the redevelopment once the site is job-ready. The National Acme site exemplifies the urgent need for projects like ours. Addressing the challenges of contaminated and complex brownfield sites is crucial for unlocking their potential. Cleveland has the expertise and infrastructure to turn these sites into valuable assets that will benefit our community for generations.”