Transformation of Cleveland's Central neighborhood continues with completion of Sankofa Villa housing redevelopment

Monday, April 20, 2026

Tags: Sisters of Charity Health System , St. Vincent Charity Health & Healing Hub

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Sisters of Charity Health System President & CEO Michael Goar joined local politicians, dignitaries and other community stakeholders who were speakers at the recent ribbon cutting for the grand opening of Sankofa Village phase IV. The final phase added 50 high-quality, affordable rental homes and completed the 236-unit, $115 million Cedar Extension Transformation Plan in Cleveland's Central neighborhood.

With the St. Vincent Charity Health & Healing Hub and the Sisters of Charity Health System headquarters both located in the neighborhood, Michael was asked to speak as a community stakeholder. "I think it's important for all of us to recognize the investment in our community, and we live it in terms of our work every day and also finding nonprofits that we can invest in to serve our community. So we're very proud to be a partner and being here today," he said. "There is also work underway in terms of a partnership between Goodwill and the Sisters of Charity Health System investing in our grocery store that will be opening in 2027 in the Central neighborhood."

The four-phase Sankofa Village redevelopment replaces the former Cedar Extension public housing community, a “superblock” that included outdated barracks-style housing built in the 1950s. The redevelopment initiative was launched in 2011 following in-depth community engagement with local neighbors and stakeholders. Phase I delivered 61 units with first floor community space in 2016, and Phase II and III added 50 and 75 apartments in 2017 and 2022, respectively. Incoming residents will have access to Sankofa’s full list of community amenities, including a playground; modern fitness center; computer lab; and an inviting community center.

“Sankofa is a Ghanian Akan word representing the need to reflect on the past to build a successful future. Sankofa Village is just that—the transformation of the former Cedar Estates into a community around which we will build the future of the Central neighborhood,” said Cleveland City Council President Blaine A. Griffin. “CMHA and its public, private and neighborhood partners should be proud of what they achieved here in such a short time period.”

Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb also spoke at the ribbon cutting. “With this final phase, we’re not just adding homes, we’re investing in stability and opportunity for our residents,” he said. “This is what the Cleveland era is about: moving our city forward together.”