The City of Cleveland Heights is conducting a needs assessment to clarify its current and future housing needs. In the meantime, mixed-use development Nobility Court is helping to fill the gap for affordable options in the inner-ring suburb, city officials say.

The Nobility Court ribbon cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 14.On Wednesday, Oct. 14, Cleveland Heights Mayor Jim Petras unveiled the 52-unit residential development along the Noble Road business corridor, at 2228 Noble Road. The $15 million project includes one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments for households earning 30% to 60% of the area median income (AMI).

The investment is timely, given that three out of 10 Cleveland Heights families spend 30% of their income on housing, says Cleveland Heights business development manager Brian Anderson.

“Cleveland Heights is always interested in additional housing opportunities across a variety of price points,” says Anderson. “We just did a ribbon cutting for the Marquee at Cedar Lee. Nobility Court is serving another part of the market where we know there’s demand.”

Designed and developed by STUDIO Architecture and Indianapolis-based TWG Development, the project is an good fit for a community with a median income of $72,826, says Anderson.

Depending on unit size and household income, monthly rents at Nobility Court range from $500 to $1,100. The initiative is supported by 9% low-income housing tax credits along with a $1.75 million housing loan directed to TWG Development and the Start Right Community Development Corporation in Cleveland Heights.

Nobility Court apartments have eat-in kitchens and modern appliances.Designed with transit and foot traffic in mind, the complex offers residents access to local bus lines and planed ground-floor retail. Although the city has yet to partner with any retailers, Anderson envisions a café, coffee shop, or similar storefront finding a home at Nobility Court, he says.

“We see this as a third space that the [Noble-Nela] neighborhood does not have as much as other areas of Cleveland Heights,” Anderson says. “Our initial designs went back and forth in response to community feedback, but there will be a patio out front and green space in back. That is all part of the process.”

Anderson says city-led focus groups called for affordable housing and retail that match Cleveland Heights' distinct character, although the retail component is still in the works.

The focus groups noted it was equally important for any new housing project to include an indoor bike room, shared computer space, and a community garden/children’s play area. Those amenities are included at Nobility Court, as well as washer-and-dryer units in each unit. Other features include open floor plans, eat-in kitchens with modern appliances, and coat closets.

Apartment living room.With almost all units already leased, the majority of residents are expected to move in by the middle of November. Given the emphasis on affordability, the project’s early success is not surprising, says Anderson.

“When new construction opens at that price, there’s going to be demand for it,” he says. “It’s great to do this in a way that’s of quality and a boon for the whole community.”

While Nobility Court has yet to welcome tenants, municipal leaders already view it as a beacon for further investment. Anderson cites the recent real estate listing of nearby Nela Park as a potential sign of broader neighborhood revitalization.

“Anytime you have a new investment like [Nobility Court], it can serve as a catalyst for the next thing,” says Anderson. “There’s a vested interest in working out of this neighborhood.”