In 2021, a micro-apartment building with 23 units was proposed to be constructed in the rear yard of a historic home in the Hessler Landmark District in Cleveland, Ohio--Cleveland's first landmark district and the only remaining fully intact district in the city. The project would build on historically open-green space used by the Hessler community as part of the Hessler Street Fair, and it would also demolish a historic garage associated with the residential corner building and used as the Hessler Museum. Residents of Hessler advocated to keep the historically open-green space and garage in place. They also asked the City of Cleveland's Planning Commission Design Review Committee and Cleveland Landmarks Commission to consider the historic context of the residential street and rear yard and appropriateness of constructing an apartment building that filled the majority of the remaining parcel and only open-space in the district. While the developer did concede to reduce the apartment units from 23 to 12 units, the overall scale of the building remained the same, and no mitigation was developed to solve for the loss of the open-green space or diminished historic integrity of the district.

The Hessler community launched an advocacy campaign as soon as they became aware of the proposed project's potential to change their historic district and also displace residents. Jessica reached out to the Hessler Coaliation to offer professional volunteer services and the Coalition graciously accepted. She participated in internal and public meetings, offered expert testimony to the Landmarks Commission, and developed analyses and preservation measures that were submitted to the Commission and public officials on behalf of Hessler. As an advocate for affordable housing, historic preservation and social history, Jessica felt strongly about the importance of this advocacy campaign, and dedicated countless hours to supporting Hessler's residents and property owners. 

As Cleveland's first landmark district, Hessler's legacy with affordable housing and advocacy spanned a half-century. The community's fight to maintain its neighborhood can be traced back to the 1940s when residents completed streetscape projects and beautification of their middle class neighborhood. By the 1960s, institutional and societal pressures on the neighborhood was apparent, as the physical qualities of the neighborhood declined as the cost of living increased. Rent strikes occurred and the first cooperative housing was secured. By 1971, the residents organized to establish the first landmark district in Cleveland. A landmark district designation affords the community the opportunity to review of changes within the district by a design review committee, Landmarks staff, and the Landmarks Commission. It also helps maintain the key historic characteristics that make Hessler special and irreplaceable.

After limited and censored discussion, the new construction project was approved by the Landmarks Commission. The Hessler Colation continues to track the process and keeps the public updated on its blog (linked below). Jessica remains invested in ensuring the long-term preservation of Hessler, and continues to look for ways to provide tools and support to the cause.

Check out other articles about development in Hessler.

For a comprehensive overview, local journalist Lee Batdorff chronicled events in his series - The State of Hessler.