Cleveland Issues RFQ for Adaptive Reuse of 12 Vacated CMSD School Buildings

The City of Cleveland, in partnership with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD), has launched a request for qualifications (RFQ) to identify redevelopment plans for 12 school buildings slated for closure. The city is seeking diverse proposals, ranging from affordable housing to community and youth centers, and will prioritize projects that incorporate community feedback, support youth, and utilize the existing structures. To facilitate the redevelopment of these properties—which are often located in historically disinvested neighborhoods—the city is offering financial incentives, including residential tax abatements and support from the Cleveland Housing Investment Fund, and is open to flexible arrangements such as long-term leasing or below-market land sales.

Interested organizations must submit letters of intent by June 5 to participate in site visits, with final proposal submissions due by June 30. A selection committee comprising city planners and CMSD officials will evaluate proposals based on a rubric, with a shortlist of developers expected by mid-July and final decisions by August 7. Beyond these specific sites, the city intends to create a list of "qualified developers" to streamline negotiations for future city-owned redevelopment opportunities.