April 22, 2026: 15 apartment buildings in historic Shaker Square sell at online auction for $5.5 million

Morelands Group remarks: The sale of the Mendel Steiner properties

Signal Cleveland: Rundown Shaker Square area apartments on auction block

WEWS News5: Ailing apartment portfolio near Shaker Square will change hands

“The fraud perpetrated against the lender has become a fraud perpetrated against the City of Cleveland and our neighborhood. Prioritizing debt recovery over reinvestment in this context is unconscionable. Preventing decline depends on owners, lenders, and the City all doing their jobs. When properties like the Steiner portfolio accumulate serious violations, it is time to stop business as usual. Investment must be directed toward stabilization, restoration, and renewal.” - Morelands Group

Call to Action

15 historic apartment buildings in the Shaker Square corridor are scheduled to be sold to the highest bidder on April 22, 2026. Can you spare 2 minutes today to call your senators?

The Facts: Mayor Justin Bibb, the City of Cleveland, and Shaker Square neighbors are working to stop the scheduled online auction of 15 foreclosed apartment buildings (the “Steiner Portfolio”) and pursue a local, community-based solution for the properties.‍ ‍The online auction of these properties is scheduled for April 20-22, 2026.

The Problem: An online auction could transfer these historic and distressed properties sight unseen to speculative investors.

A Local Solution is a Win-Win: By agreeing to a directed sale to the City of Cleveland the lender Fannie Mae has the opportunity to demonstrate responsible stewardship—resolving a distressed portfolio in a way that strengthens both the asset and the community it anchors—and becomes a valued partner in protecting tenants, stabilizing the neighborhood, and preserving long-term value. They can truly live up to their stated desire “to be a part of the preservation, rehabilitation, and new construction of quality rental housing across the United States.”

Make your voice heard: Ohio Senators Jon Husted and Bernie Moreno can help facilitate discussions with the mortgage-holder Fannie Mae to support a community-based solution. Calling the senators only takes 1–2 minutes.

Call Senator Jon Husted’s office today!

Call Senator Bernie Moreno’s office today!

Your Script:

“I’m calling to ask Senator _____ to support the City of Cleveland’s efforts to stop the online auction of 15 apartment buildings near Shaker Square in Cleveland. Ask Fannie Mae to work in partnership with the City of Cleveland on their proposed community-based solution for these properties. Thank you for your time and consideration.”

IF LEAVING VOICEMAIL: Please leave your full street address to ensure your call is tallied.

Every call helps strengthen Cleveland’s case for keeping these homes in local hands.

Learn More

Battle over future of iconic Shaker Square apartments is tipping point for historic corridor

Cleveland seeks to stop auction of Shaker Square apartments

Foreclosure Judgment Sale Website

The Case: 1:24-cv-01606-JDG Fannie Mae v. Hatz One LLC et al. (US District Court — Ohio Northern District)

“The fate of this portfolio will deeply influence the future of the neighborhood and we are determined to protect the interests of our residents by ensuring that these buildings are brought back into full code compliance.”

—Tyler Sinclair, Office Of The Mayor of Cleveland

“The vitality of this neighborhood is critical to the City of Cleveland.”

—Sally Martin-O’Toole, Director of Building and Housing, City of Cleveland

“Shaker Square deserves strong investment from people who care. The fabric of the neighborhood has suffered under extractive ownership and Senator Husted and Senator Moreno have an opportunity to partner with us is saving our community.”

—Shaker Square Resident

“The Morelands Group is committed to working with the city on finding ways to get through to Fannie Mae officials, Westbrook said.

“Fannie Mae owns a share of responsibility for what has happened in the Shaker Square apartment corridor,” Westbrook said, adding that the entity should have better screened Steiner and his companies before granting the huge mortgage. “It was reckless conduct. So, they should be willing to work with the city.”

—Jay Westbrook — Morelands Group