A new wave of community-centered real estate development is taking shape in Cleveland, led by two Black women determined to transform both neighborhoods and economic opportunity.
Shelia Wright and Angela Thi Bennett, co-founders of Frontline Development Group, are at the forefront of an affordable housing push aimed at revitalizing historically underserved communities while creating pathways for wealth generation.
The duo’s latest project, Gordon Crossing, a mixed-income apartment complex on East 101st Street, began welcoming tenants in 2026 after years of planning and development.
For Wright and Bennett, who both grew up on Cleveland’s East Side, the project represents more than just housing.
“We realized it wasn’t just about us,” Wright said, pointing out the broader mission behind their work.
Their company, founded in 2018, stands out in an industry where Black developers make up just 0.40%, making their presence both rare and impactful in neighborhoods like Central, Hough, and Fairfax that have long faced disinvestment.
Beyond bricks and mortar, the developers are intentional about ensuring economic inclusion throughout their projects. Bennett, who serves as vice president and general counsel, stressed that their work is as much about empowering people as it is about constructing buildings.
“We’re in real estate development, but it’s also about people development,” she said, highlighting their commitment to hiring minority contractors and ensuring community participation.
Their earlier project, Allen Estates, launched in 2020, set the tone for this approach, blending quality housing with opportunities for local workers.
Demand for their developments underscores the urgency of affordable housing solutions. More than 1,300 applicants sought placement in the 54-unit Gordon Crossing complex, reflecting a widening gap between housing supply and need. Looking ahead, Frontline Development Group is preparing to expand its footprint with Gateway 66, an 80-unit mixed-income development near the historic League Park.
The project aims to serve both working-class and middle-income families, with construction expected to begin in August.
As cities across the United States grapple with housing affordability challenges, Wright and Bennett’s work offers a model rooted in equity, representation, and sustainability.
By combining development with community empowerment, they are not only reshaping Cleveland’s housing landscape but also redefining who gets to build, and benefit from—the future of urban America.
