Glenville Wade Park Neighborhood – Cleveland
This Greater University Circle Neighborhood features shopping, dining, culture and natural areas close to home, which make it a walkable, pedestrian-friendly area. It has parks, museums, world-class health care and some of the best restaurants in the city –– all just a stone’s throw away. A residential neighborhood, Glenville has recently become an enclave of renaissance through the Heritage Lane housing development. But it is most well-known for natural beauty for Rockefeller and Gordon parks and Cleveland’s Cultural Gardens, reflecting the rich diversity of the city. Conveniently located near Interstate 90, the Shoreway and major arteries leading downtown of out of town, residents can get to where they need to be by car or public transportation.
Rockefeller Park Greenhouse
Sitting atop Rockefeller Park at 750 East 88th Street, the Rockefeller Park Greenhouse is a must-see any time of year. The grounds were donated by John D. Rockefeller, and the first structures were completed in 1905. The facility originally grew plants for city beautification but has grown into a botanical garden with magnificent seasonal displays and a variety of cacti, tropical fruits and orchids, just to name a few. You don’t want to miss its seasonal plant sales. The greenhouse is a splendid destination during our cold Cleveland winters; during warmer months visitors can stroll outside through Japanese, Peace and Latin American gardens.
Visitors can also experience the Betty Ott talking garden, where smelling and touching the plants is as much a part of the exhibit as listening to the pre-recorded descriptions. “It’s a natural oasis in the city, and people get a lot out of that if they’re stressed,” says greenhouse manager Paren Versey. Admission and parking are free, and the exhibits often change, so it’s a great place for families to enjoy time and again. It is open seven days a week including holidays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To learn more visit rockefellergreenhouse.org.
Neighborhood Gem
From north to south, this neighborhood has something for everyone. Lake Erie, Rockefeller Park and Greenhouse, the Cultural Gardens, University Circle and Little Italy are all nearby. Residents can rid the day’s stress by running or biking through Rockefeller Park or by enjoying a leisurely dinner in Little Italy, followed by shopping or a concert at Severance Hall. Some of the finest housing stock in the city can also be found here.
Heritage Lane offers spacious historic homes and contemporary townhomes just north of University Circle. Historic homes are priced between $239,000 and $339,000 and offer spacious floor plans ranging from 2,500 and 3,690 square feet. “This house is perfect for us,” says resident Natasha Johnston. Townhomes start at $175,000 and offer parking 2,048 square feet of open floor plans, live-work space, a fireplace and three bedrooms.
Local Residents
“We love city-living, and this location makes it easy to get around. For parents that want to raise their children in the city, Greater University Circle is a convenient and desirable location.”
– Williams and Natasha Johnston
“Glenville was an ideal choice for us. We believe in community and want to help build a bright future in a neighborhood with such a strong heritage. We also wanted to raise our family in an inclusive community that celebrates diversity. being in the heart of University Circle connects us to the best that Cleveland has to offer in terms of cultural enrichment for our family and friends.”
– The Williams family
Helping Hands
Famicos Foundation is one of the oldest community development corporations in the City of Cleveland. It has grown from a faith-based, volunteer organization in 1969 to a mature community development corporation with more than 30 employees. Famicos Foundation has been a leading housing provider in the City of Cleveland, offering housing products that range from subsidized and affordable to market-rate new-construction and restored historic homes.
Community Project
Greater Circle Living offers employees of nonprofit organizations in Greater University Circle financial incentives to live in the neighborhood. Employees may receive up to $15,000 in loans as a down payment (eligibility may apply). If they continue to work and live in the area for five years, the loan is forgiven. Visit www.fairfaxrenaissance.org for more information.
Current Project
Traveling through Wade Park it is hard to miss the new construction of the Louis Stokes VA Medical Center. The project will greatly expand the VA Medical Center’s services and capacity when completed. In addition to direct care improvements, the project includes an office tower, parking garage and plans for commercial and retail development. In response to the increased traffic and activity, the Heritage Lane Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative has developed a plan to accommodate the neighborhood’s developing needs.
GLENVILLE at a glance
- Location Borders Bratenahl to the North; University Circle to the South; 55th & St. Clair to the West; Lakeview & Superior to the East Cleveland border
Size 3.5 square miles - Population 23,560
- Local Resource Glenville Development Corporation; Children and Family Services; Metrohealth J. Glen Smith Health Center
- Shopping Glenville Town Center, Glenville Plaza
- Dining 1 mile from University Circle and Little Italy Restaurants
Arts/Culture/ - Entertainment I mile from University Circle cultural institutions
- Recent Housing Developments Parkside Townhomes, CitiRama ’05, Glenville Homes II & III, Tanner Court Townhomes, Glenhaven Apartment, Steeplechase Apartment, The Liberty on St.Clair
Points of Interest
- Rockefeller Greenhouse
- Cultural Gardens
- Glenville Hall of Fame
- Gordon Park
- Doan Brook
- Historic Homes District
For more information see www.Famicos.org or call (216)-791-6476