"Working collectively today to build a better tomorrow."
Friends of The Village of Miles Heights Inc.
Founded in 2022, a 501c3 public charity proudly serving and specifically advocating on behalf of residents in the historic neighborhood known for more than a century as "The Village".
Miles Heights Development Corporation
A 501c3 public charity formed to restore, strengthen and preserve the economic interests and historic integrity of Cleveland's Lee-Seville neighborhood, formerly known as Miles Heights Village.
Lee - Seville - Miles Citizens Council
The oldest active community block club organization in Cleveland, a 501c3 public charity working collaboratively to advocate for the interests of all residents of The Lee-Seville neighborhood.
Who We Are
The Miles Heights Development Corporation (MHDC) is the community service organization responsible for promoting, developing and preserving the Lee-Seville neighborhood in Cleveland's Ward 1.
Through partnerships with residents, businesses, and public stakeholders, MHDC works to preserve the character of this historic neighborhood while paving the way for a thriving, sustainable future. Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant Lee-Seville, one project, one family, and one business at a time. Click here to learn more about us.
"The Lee-Seville neighborhood, once the independent village of Miles Heights, holds a rich history of Black leadership and community resilience. In 1929, it became home to Miles Heights first Black mayor, Arthur R. Johnston, whose legacy is now being honored through the restoration of his former home as a community space. The area also features the Myrtle-Highview Historic District, a testament to Black homeownership, developed by African American contractor Arthur Bussey. His efforts provided quality housing and strengthened economic mobility for Black families."
"Miles Heights Development Corporation has recently acquired Johnston’s former home with plans to restore it as a community gathering space. This restoration effort aims to honor the neighborhood’s legacy while fostering connections among residents. By preserving its history, the initiative seeks to inspire future generations and reinforce the area’s cultural significance. More information on how to support the restoration of the Arthur R. Johnston house can be found on the Miles Heights Development Corporation website."
How You Can Help
Direct donations to help restore and preserve the historic home of Mayor Arthur R. Johnston can be made by using the 'Donate' button below. Your much appreciated donations to MHDC will fund specific restoration projects including structural and roof repairs, interior renovations, and acquisition of historically appropriate building materials. We thank you for your partnership!
How We Achieve Our Objectives
MHDC is a collective of diverse stakeholders from different sectors within the community. Our primary goal is to address the specific challenges and aspirations of the residents we serve. Community feedback guides our eight core focus areas: comprehensive neighborhood planning, economic development, land revitalization, safety, senior home maintenance repair, neighborhood marketing, capacity building, and financial empowerment.
Community Engagement
Collaborates with residents, other organizations, businesses, and government agencies to amplify the community's voice and advocate for shared goals.
Community Building
Actively represents community interests and needs to policymakers & stakeholders, for project support, economic development, affordable housing, and social enrichment.
Community Mobilization
Engages residents through meetings, workshops, and grassroots organizing to build support for advocacy efforts and raise public awareness about critical issues.
Our Work
"Residents in this Cleveland area remember village of 1st Black mayor in Ohio, ensure neighborhood's future"
Residents of the Lee-Seville neighborhood in Cleveland’s Ward 1 are reaching back to the past to ensure the neighborhood’s future. It wasn’t always part of Ward 1. In fact, it wasn’t always a part of Cleveland. In 1927, this area was known as Miles Heights, a village unto itself.
For full video and story click here to view at: News5cleveland.com
Honoring the rich heritage of Miles Heights Village
Big shout out to Rob Powers and The Newschannel 5 team for coming out to share a bit of history... and a bit of OUR STORY. We greatly appreciate you taking the time. This is Cleveland!
Friends of The Village
Thanks You!!!
In the spirit of the holiday season, Friends of The Village, Special Deeds and A Ray of Sunshine Ent. invited southeast side residents to come together to celebrate one another in love, peace and unity.
Miles Heights Village Halloween Night Out
Check out the video to see our community in action, complete with costumes, food and family friendly entertainment at our annual Village Trunk-Or-Treat Celebration!
Impact Of Art Focus Groups
"Arts and culture are vital to the fabric of a thriving community. Beyond their ability to bring people together, they play a critical role in fostering mental and physical well-being, creating economic opportunities and enhancing overall quality of life. Absence of these elements can have significant negative effects, as well. It's time to come together to discuss solutions and possibilities for revitalizing our communities as work towards the Southeast Promise begins. We invite interested residents to join these conversations to share their insights, experiences and ideas for meaningful change. These discussions will provide a platform for open dialogue, collaboration and development of actionable strategies to create more vibrant and inclusive communities of culture." - Veronica Thornton of Vees Consulting
Click here to register for 1 of 3 dates at various locations in Southeast side neighborhoods.
Cavs Fan Appreciation Day
Join the Friends of Miles Heights to watch your Cleveland Cavaliers face off against the Indiana Pacers on April 13th, 2025 at 1:00pm. Rocket Arena will be open to the public at 11:30am. This is the final regular season home matchup, and our annual Fan Appreciation game! Everyone in attendance will receive a free jersey tote bag to take home. Check out the link below to find group discounted tickets all throughout the arena. No taxes and fees will be added to your final ticket order.
NOTE: Please ensure you have access code MILESHEIGHTS applied.
If there is a minimum of 50 Miles Heights attendees, there will be an opportunity to shoot a free throw on the court post game! Jane will send out details to those who bought with the code MILESHEIGHTS if the group qualifies. Questions? Email Jane Isaacs (jisaacs@cavs.com)
Click here to find group discounted tickets all throughout the arena.
Community Development Corporation Leadership Program: Cohort IV
In Loving Memory of our own, Kevin Lowery, a Village Original
Proud Voting Member of the Ohio CDC Association since 2024
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