The 89th Rising Housing Development

By Tyisha Blade

Timothy Tramble Sr., a longtime Fairfax resident and president of We Rise Development, embarked on a visionary project, the 89th Rising Housing Development, aimed at revitalizing his community. In a recent interview, he shared insights into the inspiration and journey behind this transformative initiative.

Tramble's motivation stemmed from a pivotal moment: his daughter's graduation from high school. Reflecting on how their family home no longer suited their needs, he and his wife explored various living options before deciding to stay in their beloved Cleveland neighborhood. However, instead of renovating their existing home, they opted to build anew on their street, emphasizing community and historical preservation.

“Eventually, we determined we would just build another house, and we'd build it on our street because we just like our location,” Tramble explained. “We like our neighbors and what the street represents, the history, and everything.”

The project, which began in earnest in 2022 and broke ground in 2024, comprises 48 units, including one-bedroom flats and two-bedroom townhomes. Each unit is meticulously designed to blend seamlessly with the neighborhood's architectural style, featuring brick and stone foundations and classic porch designs. 

“I wanted to be consistent with the materials of the previous and existing homes,” he said. “It was also very important to me not to have vinyl siding, but to have cement board.” He mentioned that it was also essential to have porches on each home.

Tramble’s background in community development, honed during his 20-years at Burten, Bell, Carr Development, was significant. His experience overseeing multiple housing initiatives equipped him with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of the 89th Rising Housing Development. 

Initially, he was brought on at Burten, Bell, Carr to serve as the administrator tasked with bringing the Villages of Central to life. Under his leadership, more than 400 homes were built. Additional housing developments were completed behind and across from Kinsman Road, as well as in the Lower Fairfax area. Altogether, these projects provided him with the skill set needed to structure complex deals and guide development from vision to reality.

Tramble also invested personal funds into pre-development costs, including architectural plans and market studies, before securing external financing for 89th Rising Housing Development.

“That’s how you’re able to leverage financing. No financing entity is going to carry you through all of the pre-development aspects of your development,” he said. Tramble mentioned that financers are willing to fund a project once it’s clear the development has been approved by the City of Cleveland, the detailed permit drawings are complete, the building permit has been secured, and a credible builder has provided real construction costs. “That's when they will say, okay, this is a real project,” he added. “This is not just in somebody's head.”

Managed by FASS Real Estate, leasing is underway, with a focus on fostering a vibrant, inclusive community. Looking ahead, Tramble is optimistic about the project's long-term impact. While mindful of concerns about gentrification, he underscores the community’s overwhelming support for revitalization efforts.

“They truly authentically appreciate what it is that I am doing. They are partners in the transformation of our street and they have a nostalgia of what our street used to be,” Tramble said. “I get so many thank yous and notes of encouragement for the scale of 89th Rising and compliments for the design of the buildings.”

As Tramble continues to oversee the 89th Rising Housing Development, his dedication to preserving community heritage remains steadfast. He also gives tribute to the Fairfax Renaissance Development Corporation. When he approached them, it was with humility. Tramble mentioned that he didn’t arrive with a bold declaration or a blueprint in hand. Whatever vision was already in motion, he wanted to understand it — and see how he might contribute to bringing it to life.

Ultimately, the goal is to create a sustainable, thriving community where future generations can live, work, and thrive. In recounting his journey, Tramble exemplifies a blend of vision, perseverance, and community spirit, driving forward a transformative initiative that promises to leave a lasting legacy in Cleveland’s Fairfax neighborhood.