Watch the virtual ribbon cutting
Today Playhouse Square celebrates the completion of the largest residential project undertaken in downtown Cleveland in 40 years. Standing 396 feet tall on a one-acre site at the corner of Euclid Avenue and East 17th Street, the newly-constructed Lumen apartment tower offers residents commanding views of the city and Lake Erie, thoughtfully curated amenities and a spacious, fresh and healthy environment.
While some may see the development of a high-rise apartment tower as an unusual step for a not-for-profit organization, “our business model is most definitely non-traditional, and The Lumen is the latest example to take center stage,” explained Playhouse Square President and CEO Gina Vernaci.
Playhouse Square Senior Advisor Art Falco, who shepherded The Lumen project, continued, “Playhouse Square has always played a leading role in downtown development, working to create a bright and thriving home for the arts, business and residents.”
Residents of the building’s 318 apartments (86 of which are leased to date) enjoy 22,000 square feet of rejuvenating community amenities including an outdoor terrace with gas grilling stations, fireside lounge and heated lap pool; fitness center with on-demand classes and yoga studio; business center and workstations; rooftop deck and lounge with warming kitchen; pet spa and dog run; first-class, 24-hour concierge service and more. Attached to the building is a parking garage with a private entrance for residents.
“While we could not have anticipated the circumstances in which we all find ourselves today, The Lumen was designed with working from home in mind,” said Falco. “There are floor-to-ceiling windows for plenty of light, solid wood apartment doors for noise control, building-wide private Wi-Fi and plenty of community space for a change of scenery. Plus, the building features a leading-edge fresh air system and open-latch windows in every home for air circulation, as well as in-suite washers and dryers to help maintain social distancing.”
The Lumen was chosen as the building’s name to reflect the energy surrounding Playhouse Square as well as the importance of light in theater in general and the Playhouse Square District in particular: the GE Chandelier, the marquees, retro sign and gateways.
“Playhouse Square went beyond revitalizing historic theaters to developing a vision for a vibrant downtown community. The Lumen is an example of how a non-profit organization can help change a city for the better,” said Amy Brady, Chair of the Playhouse Square Board of Trustees.
The Lumen has been welcoming residents since mid-July while the top floors of the building remained under construction; the building is now fully complete. Aside from a $15 million gift from the Richard J. Fasenmyer Foundation specifically designated for a residential project, funds raised to support the not-for-profit mission of Playhouse Square were not used for The Lumen.
Those interested in scheduling a tour or learning more about becoming residents at The Lumen are invited to visit TheLumenCleveland.com or to call 216-508-7161.
“We are grateful for the collaboration of the many supporters who make the path to our future glow so brightly, with special gratitude to the two thousand men and women who worked on The Lumen, Mayor Jackson and Cleveland City Council, County Executive Budish and Cuyahoga County Council, the Richard J. Fasenmyer Foundation, the Playhouse Square Board of Trustees and everyone who believed Playhouse Square could change the Cleveland skyline,” said Vernaci.
Owner: Playhouse Square
Development manager: Hines
Architect: Solomon Cordwell Buenz
Local architectural partner: Vocon
Construction contractor: Gilbane
Property manager: Greystar