Project team

Head: E. 61st St. and Quincy Ave. Orchard

Project description and goals

The project affords a group of families who have stuck through the thick and thin of one particular Cleveland neighborhood a chance at beautifying a piece of land with an orchard. The goals include developing greenspace within a neighborhood that is sparse of meditative places, as well as supplying fresh fruit for those without access to healthful foods.

Existing conditions

The site consists of three adjacent lots (118-29-043, 118-29-044, and 118-29-89) located on the northwest corner of Quincy and E. 61st in the Cleveland’s Central neighborhood. The vacant lots have historically attracted debris, dumping, and illegal activity. The lot was chosen because it gets full sun and is highly visible.

Proposed interventions

The surface of the lot will be mulched, with topsoil placement strategically placed so as to provide base for tree plantings. In total, 25 pear and apple trees will be planted, with a shed installed on the corner of the lot to house garden tools.  For place-making purposes, decorative trees will planted throughout the orchard, with benches placed in areas allowing for gathering and conversing. 

Site maintenance

Maintenance will be divided up by community members.  In short, the maintenance will be continuations of an ongoing schedule that existing before the project, in which neighbors maintained the sightlines of the lot as needed.  Watering will be provided through a city permit.