This process marks a pivotal milestone in Mayor Bibb's efforts to create jobs and deliver 5,000 affordable, high-quality homes.
July 8, 2025 — CLEVELAND, OH — The City of Cleveland announced today a major step forward in its housing initiative, naming four manufacturer finalists in its Request for Proposals (RFP) process, and securing the site for a future off-site construction housing factory.
Following a competitive review process, the City has selected the following construction manufacturers as finalists: Module, ModDSys/Container Homes USA (CHUSA), ZenniHome, and Guardian Structural Technologies. Module, ModDSys/CHUSA, and ZenniHome are modular manufacturers who produce modules (3D) that are 90-95% completed in the factory and assembled on site. Guardian produces panels (2D) for framing a house and roof more rapidly and with greater home energy efficiency than traditional stick-built construction. Each manufacturer is currently participating in a “product pilot” phase, during which their designs, construction processes, and business models will be evaluated.
As part of the product pilot, six homes, at least one from each manufacturer, will be developed in the Clark-Fulton and Buckeye neighborhoods in partnership with Habitat for Humanity. The homes are targeted for completion in the fall. This product testing will inform final selection of the manufacturer(s) and ensure alignment with neighborhood needs.
“Each of these finalists brings a serious interest in Cleveland, not just as a market, but as a place to invest, build, and hire,” said Jeff Epstein, Chief of Integrated Development. “In addition to creating housing opportunities, this administration is fully committed to implementing new pathways for innovation, driving economic growth, and revitalizing our neighborhoods.”
The City also released early concept renderings showcasing the types of modular and panelized homes under consideration. These preliminary designs include single-family homes that integrate with existing neighborhood character while meeting modern standards. Cleveland-specific designs are being refined to optimize the costs and practicality of those designs.
“These are high-quality homes that reflect the look and feel of Cleveland neighborhoods,” said Councilman Kris Harsh, who has been a visionary leader and partner on this project. “This initiative is about building in a way that respects and strengthens our communities. It’s also a real opportunity to expand access to affordable homeownership for Cleveland families.”
In a parallel development, the Site Readiness for Good Jobs Fund has finalized the acquisition of the former General Electric site in the Collinwood neighborhood. General Electric demonstrated strong civic partnership throughout the process, actively engaging as a responsible and collaborative stakeholder. The property will become home to Cleveland’s first off-site construction housing factory, with construction expected to begin in 2027. The facility is expected to create new local manufacturing jobs and serve as a long-term hub for innovation in off-site housing construction.
"General Electric was an anchor in this community for generations, and it’s fitting that this site will now help anchor the next generation of economic growth in Cleveland,” said Brad Whitehead, Managing Director of the Site Readiness Fund for Good Jobs. “This factory will not only deliver high-quality, affordable housing at scale—it will create high-quality jobs, strengthen local supply chains, and breathe new life into a cornerstone of the Collinwood neighborhood.”
A final manufacturer or group of manufacturers will be selected by the end of 2025. A “market pilot” will launch in early 2026, delivering 20 off-site construction homes to the St. Clair-Superior and Hough neighborhoods to gauge market interest and performance.
As the City prepares for the next phase of execution, philanthropic partners are stepping in to help bring these homes to life. The Cleveland Foundation has awarded the City $250,000 to support this phase of the project, reflecting their ongoing commitment to equitable revitalization of Cleveland neighborhoods.
About the Off-Site Construction Housing RFP:
The City’s off-site construction housing initiative aims to address Cleveland’s housing needs through modern building technologies that can reduce construction time, improve quality, and lower long-term costs. The RFP process attracted national and regional interest from innovative housing manufacturers, each of whom presented solutions designed to align with Cleveland’s architectural identity and community priorities.
About the Site Readiness for Good Jobs Fund:
The Site Readiness for Good Jobs Fund (SRF) was launched in 2023 by Mayor Bibb in partnership with Cleveland City Council. SRF is a bold $50 million initiative to transform long-overlooked industrial properties into engines of economic growth and opportunity. SRF – in partnership with community, civic and business leaders – is working to return 1,000 acres of idle, underutilized land to productive use—creating space for 25,000 good-paying jobs that strengthen neighborhoods, build wealth for residents, and drive environmental sustainability.
About Module:
Based in Pittsburgh, Module’s vertically integrated approach includes in-house design, manufacturing, and construction capabilities. Module is leading a culture shift in the industry, fueling innovation while creating a more equitable and inclusive way to build affordable, sustainable housing. Module homes are designed to the Department of Energy’s Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) standard, meaning lower utility bills, healthier living environments, and long-term savings for residents. Through workforce partnerships and our Last Mile Network™, Module is proving that modular housing can create local jobs, build generational wealth, and strengthen communities from the ground up.
About ModDsys and Container Homes USA:
ModDsys is a leading volumetric modular solutions company pushing the boundaries of modern construction through advanced design, manufacturing, and on-site assembly. By deconstructing buildings into precision-engineered components, ModDsys delivers durable, sustainable structures of any design or scale—efficiently and beautifully.
Container Homes USA, based in Cleveland, has partnered with ModDsys to bring these cutting-edge capabilities to Northeast Ohio. Founded in 2011 and led by President and CEO Monique Childs and Executive Director of Construction Derrick White-Childs, Container Homes USA brings over a decade of expertise in modular housing. Together, the two companies are delivering modern, energy-efficient, and affordable housing solutions tailored to the needs of Cleveland’s communities.
About ZenniHome:
ZenniHome is redefining the future of housing by delivering high-quality, factory-built homes that are sustainable, stackable, and smart. Our mission is to make homeownership more attainable through cutting-edge design, advanced manufacturing, and energy-efficient construction. Built off-site in a controlled environment and rapidly deployed, ZenniHome’s modular units offer unmatched flexibility and speed to market—ideal for everything from single-family infill to stacked multifamily communities. Whether addressing workforce housing, urban redevelopment, ZenniHome brings beauty, efficiency, and innovation to every project.
About Guardian Structural Technologies:
Guardian Structural Technologies (GST) is an employee-owned company headquartered in northeast Ohio. The company’s mission is delivering a high performance, innovative building envelope system and the next generation of building processes. Our four decades of experience, with over 1,400 buildings constructed, make GST the leader in insulated building envelopes. The SHIELDTM Panel system provides a technologically superior, environmentally conscious and financially beneficial structure for the home or building owner.
