Housing in Lakewood#

Lakewood’s housing stock reflects its streetcar-era origins — dense, diverse, and almost entirely built before the mid-20th century. With 32,000 housing units in 5.53 square miles, the city has one of the highest housing densities in the Midwest. A mix of single-family homes, duplexes, and apartment buildings gives the city a variety not typically found in suburban communities.

Current State#

Housing Stock#

Lakewood has approximately 32,000 total housing units, including:

12,700 one- or two-family homes — The core of the city’s residential neighborhoods
Multifamily apartments — Concentrated along and near the commercial corridors
Mixed-use buildings — A 100-year tradition of apartments above retail on Detroit and Madison Avenues

The city earned the nickname “City of Beautiful Homes” because it was intentionally designed in the early 1900s with minimal industry and an emphasis on diverse residential architecture.

Housing Density#

At approximately 5,150 housing units per square mile, Lakewood has a housing density comparable to many urban neighborhoods. Streetcar-era homes are typically 2.5-story structures on narrow lots with front porches and detached rear garages.

Lakewood Common#

The most significant housing development in recent years is the $119 million Lakewood Common project on the former Lakewood Hospital site, which broke ground September 25, 2025. The project includes:

305 total residential units — 293 new apartments (including affordable units), 5 renovated Curtis Block units, and 7 Belle Avenue townhomes
25,000 sq ft of new retail plus renovated Curtis Block ground-floor retail
17,000 sq ft public plaza and community event space
Pocket park and linear park along Belle Avenue
Pedestrian walkways connecting the public plaza to surrounding streets

The project is developed by CASTO Communities with Panzica Construction and Dimit Architects. It was financed through a combination of private investment, a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) tax abatement, Tax Increment Financing (TIF), and a $5 million city loan for the parking garage.

History#

1893–1930: Streetcar-Era Build-Out#

Lakewood’s housing was built rapidly as streetcar lines opened up the area to residential development. The population grew from roughly 3,000 in 1900 to over 58,000 by 1930 as farms were subdivided and real estate speculators developed the area.

1892: Birdtown Established#

The Birdtown neighborhood was established for New York Central Railroad employees, featuring modest Victorian-era homes and dense row housing. It was designated a National Register Historic District in 2006.

1996: Last Zoning Code Update#

The current zoning code was comprehensively adopted, governing residential districts, setbacks, heights, and density standards that shape housing development.

2009: LakewoodAlive Housing Outreach#

LakewoodAlive launched its Housing Outreach Program, connecting low- to moderate-income residents with housing resources, educational services, volunteer labor, and a paint rebate program.

2016: Human Rights Ordinance#

The city established a Human Rights Commission with a comprehensive ordinance protecting against discrimination in housing, employment, education, and public accommodations.

2024: Zoning Code Update and Lakewood Common Approval#

The city launched a comprehensive zoning code update and approved the formal agreement for the Lakewood Common redevelopment.

How the City Manages Housing#

Department of Planning and Development#

The Department of Planning and Development coordinates:

Zoning administration and long-range planning
CDBG program administration — annual federal grants for housing and economic development
Economic development incentives

Housing Forward Initiative#

The Housing Forward initiative uses comprehensive surveys to collect data on the city’s 12,700 one- and two-family homes — providing more detailed information on housing conditions than ever before and guiding targeted investment.

2024 Zoning Code Update#

The zoning code update aims to align regulations with the Community Vision and integrate contemporary best practices for a dense, historic community, including a framework that promotes sustainability and climate resilience.

Advocacy Organizations#

LakewoodAlive — Administers the Housing Outreach Program, connecting residents with housing resources and facilitating property improvements. Member of Heritage Ohio and National Main Street program.
Lakewood Historical Society — Advocates for historic preservation of Lakewood’s housing stock and neighborhoods.

Data Sources#

Key Statistics#

Metric	Value	Source
Total housing units	32,000	City of Lakewood
One/two-family homes	12,700	City of Lakewood
Housing density	~5,150 units/sq mi	Wikipedia
Lakewood Common units	305	City of Lakewood
Lakewood Common investment	$119M	Cleveland 19
Lakewood Common retail	25,000 sq ft	City of Lakewood

Last updated: February 2026