LaunchHouse Entrepreneurs Offered Affordable Residence Next Door

Entrepreneurs taking advantage of Shaker Heights' affordable place to create can soon take advantage of an affordable place to live.

Renovations will be complete soon on two buildings next door to the LaunchHouse on Chelton Road.

The city received a $250,000 grant last year to acquire and rehabilitate the homes to offer to LaunchHouse entrepreneurs at a reduced rental rate - about $395 per month for a bedroom with shared bathrooms, kitchens and other living spaces.

The buildings can house up to nine people at a time, and the residents must be affiliated with the LaunchHouse and must have an income of less than $53,000 annually.

The homes will encourage a seamless live and work space, said Neighborhood Revitalization Director Kamla Lewis, with smart boards and wireless internet, and an open floor plan.

Shaker Heights City Council last month approved a plan to transfer the deed to Neightborhood Housing Services of Greater Cleveland for property management.