June 5, 2025 — Cleveland — The Bibb Administration today announced that Eagle’s Nest Realty Group LLC has been selected to lead the transformational redevelopment of the former John F. Kennedy High School and Recreation Center site in the Lee-Harvard neighborhood.
Eagles Nest brings together a strong partnership of development and design professionals rooted in Cleveland, led by Fairmount Properties, a national real estate development firm headquartered in northeastern Ohio, and The Presidents’ Council Real Estate Development LLC, a local, minority-owned real estate investment and development firm focused on equitable urban redevelopment. The team is engaged in early discussion with Ozanne Construction, McTech Corporation and Coleman Spohn to create a historic construction management joint venture and is supported by the esteemed architecture and design firm Robert P. Madison International.
“This is about more than bricks and mortar — it’s about people, pride, and progress,” said Mayor Justin M. Bibb. “The Eagles Nest team is not only incredibly skilled, but they also bring deep community ties and a shared commitment to inclusive growth and long-term neighborhood impact. Their passion for Lee-Harvard is evident, and their track record speaks for itself.”
The development team takes its name, Eagles Nest, from the proud legacy of John F. Kennedy High School. The school, which graduated over 7,300 students between 1967 and 1977, continues to inspire fierce alumni loyalty and community spirit. Brian Hall, Chairman of the Presidents’ Council Real Estate Development company, Managing Member of Eagle’s Nest Realty Group and a 1976 JFK alumnus, said the name reflects the team’s commitment to honoring the past while building for the future.
“I and many of our members grew up in Lee-Harvard and revere the excellence this neighborhood has always represented,” said Hall. “We are committed to developing a vibrant, inclusive destination that reflects the history and aspirations of the Southeast Side. This is a project built by and for the community.”
The Eagles Nest concept was shaped by the Lee-Harvard Community Plan, a collaborative visioning process led by the Harvard Community Services Center, in partnership with the City of Cleveland, City Council, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), and Cleveland Neighborhood Progress (CNP). That plan centers on the creation of a walkable, mixed-use district that fosters multigenerational, mixed income living, supports local entrepreneurship, and expands homeownership opportunities.
The development team envisions creating a cultural and civic hub that honors the storied history of Lee-Havard incorporating the JFK George E. Mills Gallery of Excellence as part of the storytelling within the new design.
"Fairmount Properties is thrilled to be partnering again with The Presidents’ Council real estate group,” said Adam Fishman, principal of Fairmount Properties. “Fairmount's first endeavor together with The Presidents’ Council resulted in bringing a grocery store into the Fairfax community and providing much needed high-quality apartments to support the growth of the Cleveland Clinic and the surrounding environs."
Demolition of the former school and recreation center was completed by the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) earlier this year. The Eagles Nest team is now in the due diligence and design phase, with the goal of securing necessary approvals by Spring of 2026.
Construction is expected to begin in 2027, with community engagement remaining a priority throughout the process. Details on upcoming meetings and engagement opportunities will be released over the summer.
“Council is looking forward to continued collaboration and support for this project,” said Ward 1 Councilman Joe Jones. “For too long, historic Cleveland neighborhoods like Lee-Harvard have not benefitted from the level of investment and progress happening in other parts of the city. I believe this development will be transformational and will attract additional partners, institutions and investors to Cleveland’s Southeast Side.”
