A Symbol of Community and Revitalization: The Elevate the East Mural

What began as a passing conversation in a van three years ago has blossomed into a vibrant symbol of community pride and revitalization: the Elevate the East mural. Spanning an impressive 728 feet along the perimeter of the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Central Bus Maintenance Facility (CBM) on Woodhill Road, the mural is a testament to the power of art to transform spaces and uplift communities.

More than just an aesthetic enhancement, the Elevate the East mural embodies the ongoing transformation of the Buckeye-Woodhill neighborhood. This area is currently undergoing a major redevelopment project that includes replacing the aging Woodhill Homes public housing complex with mixed-income housing. The mural project, funded by federal grants and spearheaded by LAND Studio in partnership with Burten, Bell, Carr Development Inc., and local stakeholders, is a key component of this broader revitalization effort.

The project's genesis can be traced back to a discussion between GCRTA General Manager and CEO India Birdsong Terry and community stakeholders during a van ride through the neighborhood. Recognizing the potential of the blank brick wall, Director of Programming and Planning Maribeth Feke and Birdsong saw an opportunity to turn the space into a community asset.

Fueling this transformation was a $45 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, alongside additional support from organizations like the National Endowment of the Arts and Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA). The Elevate the East initiative, a community-driven public art plan aimed at enhancing Cleveland’s Eastside neighborhoods, provided the framework for the mural.

Connecting the Community: The Heart of the Project

A distinguishing characteristic of the Elevate the East mural is the deep-rooted community engagement that shaped its creation. Before any paint touched the wall, the artists—Derek Brennan and Chad Fedorovich, along with four other local artists—embarked on a journey to understand the neighborhood’s heart and soul.

They connected with residents through a variety of initiatives, including ice cream socials, pop-up events, and "Studio to the Streets," a program designed to capture the community’s shared memories and experiences. Youth workshops allowed younger generations to contribute, with their drawings incorporated into the mural as hidden "Easter eggs," fostering a sense of ownership and connection to the artwork.

A Visual Tapestry of History, Culture, and Hope

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The culmination of these efforts is a series of images that weave together the neighborhood’s past, present, and aspirations. Nostalgic elements, like a carousel horse paying homage to the long-gone Euclid Beach Park and a depiction of the Woodhill Homes public housing complex, are interwoven with scenes of daily life. Children roller skating at a nearby recreation center, people engaged in basketball games, families gathering for cookouts, and individuals riding bikes depict the vibrant energy of the community.

For Cleveland City Council President Blaine Griffin, who grew up in the neighborhood, the mural represents a powerful symbol of hope and revitalization.

“This is my neighborhood. This is my community. It is so inspiring to see this art,” he shared at the mural’s ribbon-cutting event held on Friday, November 1st. “The artists captured the essence of our community by talking to people, learning about our history, and understanding what is important to us. Now, when children walk by, they will be inspired by the history and landmarks of our community.”

A Shared Sense of Community Pride

The Elevate the East mural stands as a testament to the transformative power of art and the impact of community engagement. It is a celebration of the neighborhood’s rich history, a reflection of its present vibrancy, and a bridge to a brighter future. As India Birdsong Terry remarked, “This is not a scary place”—the mural invites connection, understanding, and a shared sense of pride in the Buckeye-Woodhill community.

The mural also serves as a visual reminder of GCRTA’s commitment to being a responsible community partner and its role in supporting the revitalization of the neighborhoods it serves. The project has brought color and life to a previously drab and uninviting space, enhancing the work environment for GCRTA employees at the bus maintenance facility. It also serves as a source of pride for employees, demonstrating the organization’s dedication to making a positive impact beyond its core transportation services.