Delivering top quality at the lowest possible price point for working people and families was the goal of 89th Rising, an apartment complex just outside downtown Cleveland in the city's Fairfax neighborhood.
Unique to newly constructed multifamily products, 89th Rising sits within the fabric of a single-family housing streetscape, and units are designed to mimic that look and feel. Each unit has its own exterior entry from a traditional porch, and residents can choose between free, assigned off-street parking or a paid garage.
The low-density, new-construction development has six structures with eight apartments each. Of the 48 total units, 24 are one-bedroom flats and 24 are two-story, two-bedroom townhouses.
The project has earned a 2026 CoStar Impact Award for Multifamily Development of the Year for Cleveland, as judged by real estate professionals familiar with the market.
Described as apartment living "for those who desire to break the mold of traditional sardine can-style apartments," units feature amenities like stainless-steel appliances, floor-to-ceiling windows, wheelchair-accessible rooms, high-speed internet access, and a shared courtyard and picnic area.
About the deal: The apartment community is under development by WeRise Development and managed by Akil Hameed with FASS Real Estate Services. The team began leasing units in September 2025 and expects to have all units finished shortly.
What the judges said: "There is a clear need and demand for affordable workforce housing that is not limited by the rules of subsidized housing. This project is innovative, community-minded, near job centers and in a challenging neighborhood. It is important to have developers who are able to take on this kind of project and successfully bring it to completion," said Antonin Robert, president of community development for GBX Group.
"These housing units are built within walking distance to multiple national medical facilities. Many of the employees of those facilities are young individuals who work up to a 10-hour shift. They can afford to rent comfortable living quarters but may not want to live far from work. These units are built with a classic look, are pet-friendly, are very affordable and constructed with all the modern amenities. This area would be blessed with more similar multifamily units like these," said Rich Kassouf, owner of New Hope Realty.
They made it happen: Akil Hameed is the broker and owner of FASS Real Estate Services, which manages the apartment complex. WeRise Development is the developer.