Dream it. Do it. As a REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty, Seth Task was disheartened to see how many empty lots there are around town.

 

He explains, “It shows that there is a housing shortage, especially for price points under $300,000. Something had to be done in order for that to change. That was the catalyst for us to make a difference, increasing the workforce of affordable housing stock in Cleveland.”

 

Seth had conversations with Chris Grimaldi, President of Grimaldi Property Management, as well as Ilya Palatnik, Executive Vice President at Cross Country Mortgage in downtown Cleveland. Seth explains, “We kept coming back to the premise that there was an incredible housing shortage, especially in affordable price ranges, and it wasn’t going to get any better.”  

 

Together, they formed Rebuild Cleveland in 2021. This pioneering real estate development company has a mission to contribute to the revitalization of Cleveland and its surrounding communities. By providing high-quality, innovative, and sustainable housing options, Rebuild Cleveland aims to address the pressing issue of the housing shortage, particularly in the affordable price range.

 

Seth saw a solution for the ongoing housing crisis. Years prior, he learned about modular building. He says, “I always felt that this was a more effective, consolidated and efficient way of building. You aren’t saddled with weather problems and labor problems.” Contractors don’t have to work one right after another, which can often result in construction delays and scheduling issues.

 

Seth, who also has a Green designation from the National Association of REALTORS®, envisioned housing with lower carbon footprints and sustainable business practices. Through the use of modular construction, Rebuild Cleveland can streamline the building process, ensuring efficiency, reduced construction time, and cost-effectiveness. The focus on single-floor living and energy-efficient designs reflects the commitment to create age-in-place housing that suits a range of price points.

 

“We can also order houses and customize them,” explains Seth. “If a factory can’t do it, we can do it on site.” Ninety percent of the house is done before arriving on site. Once the house is delivered, it is set on the foundation, never being open to the elements.

The strength of Rebuild Cleveland lies in the partnership between its three co-founders, each bringing decades of expertise in various aspects of real estate development. Chris’ experience in property management and construction, Ilya's background in mortgage and renovation, and Seth's role as a leading REALTOR® form a dynamic trio that is well-equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities in the housing market. Rebuild Cleveland's commitment to crafting workforce housing at various price points is a proactive step toward reducing vacancy and stabilizing property values in Greater Cleveland.

Rebuild Cleveland's first project, located in the Cudell neighborhood on Cleveland's Near West side, sets the tone for the company's transformative work. With the support of public financing and tax abatement, Rebuild Cleveland aims to make these units affordable as workforce housing, setting a precedent for future developments.

 

They have plans to also build on the Near East side in North Collinwood near the Waterloo Arts District, expecting to complete 15 units with first floor primary living by the end in 2024.

 

Currently, Rebuild Cleveland is working on eight different floor plans for their homes.

The dedication of Rebuild Cleveland extends beyond business aspirations. The founders, including Seth, are deeply rooted in their community. Seth's love for his Gates Mills neighborhood and involvement in the local school community exemplify his passion for making a difference beyond the realm of real estate.

 

“We moved to Gates Mills in 2018,” smiles Seth, who is married to his wife Lesley. “We live on Dorchester. We love Gates Mills. It’s such a warm and welcoming community.” His son Elliot goes to Gates Mills Elementary School. “I’m in love with that school,” raves Seth. “The teachers are fantastic. The experience for my son has been understanding.” For the past 4 years, Seth has served on the PTC for the school.

 

Seth and Lesley also have two other children. Ryan is out of school and lives with his parents. Their daughter Madison graduated from Ohio State and lives in Columbus.  

Seth, born and raised in Cleveland, has been raised here his entire life. He says, “I think Cleveland is still the best kept secret in the whole country.” With three major sports teams, some of the best cultural centers in the world, and very few natural disasters, it has much to offer. “We also have 20 percent of the world’s fresh water supply at our doorstep,” he adds. “We need to take advantage of who we are and what we have.”

 

Seth notes that with more natural disasters on the rise, the spotlight will be more on Cleveland each year. “It’s up to those in the position of building communities to prepare Cleveland for the growth that we will most likely achieve. Without a sufficient housing stock, we are going to have a difficult time growing. We need more affordable housing built in and around Cleveland. If the private and public sectors are committed to it, there will be company after company wanting to move here.”

 

Rebuild Cleveland's mission to revitalize Cleveland and surrounding communities through affordable, sustainable, and innovative housing solutions is a beacon of hope for the city's future. As the company continues to grow, the impact of its projects will be felt not only in the construction of homes but also in the transformation of lives. By embracing bold visions and executing them with expertise, Rebuild Cleveland, along with its visionary co-founders, is shaping a future where every Cleveland resident has access to quality, affordable, and resilient housing.