Project Scarlet

We’re proud to see FreshWater Cleveland shine a spotlight on the incredible history of the Rose Building and the vision that has shaped this corner of Downtown Cleveland for more than a century.

Originally christened “𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘊𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳” by Benjamin Rose himself, this building was designed to push the city forward while remaining deeply rooted in purpose, innovation, and community. That legacy matters and it’s something we’ve been intentional about preserving as Project Scarlet moves from vision to reality.

With construction now underway, our focus is on honoring what made this building special in the first place: its architecture, its craftsmanship, and its role in Cleveland’s story, while carefully adapting it for how people live, gather, and stay today.

This article does a beautiful job capturing the past, present, and future of the Rose Building. We’re grateful to be stewards of its next chapter.

‘The New Center,’ twice over: The past, present, and future of the Rose Building Benjamin Rose built a thriving meatpacking empire with Cleveland Provision Co. in 1840. As his business grew, he commissioned architect George H. Smith to design the Rose Building. Now it begins a new chapter with Spark GHC’s "Project Scarlet,"

Yesterday, our team had the privilege of speaking about Project Scarlet at the Ohio Realtors annual conference and welcoming guests for a first look tour.

Each of our leaders brought their perspective to the conversation:
• Bhavin Patel shared the overall vision and long-term impact this project will have on Cleveland’s future.
• Nate Felker walked through the capital stack and structure, including the incentives that make Scarlet possible.
• Matt Soble highlighted the marketing and branding strategies that will position Scarlet as a landmark destination.
• Brenden Shea detailed the project management and construction approach bringing it all to life.

Thank you to the Ohio Realtors Association for the platform to present and to all who joined us on the tour!

Cleveland’s past is the cornerstone of its future.

In our conversation with WKYC Channel 3 - Cleveland, Bhavin Patel shared why the Rose Building’s transformation matters not just for us, but for the city.

This isn’t only about bricks and mortar. It’s about:
• Preserving a landmark that’s stood for more than a century.
• Creating spaces that bring new life and energy to East 9th & Prospect.
• Generating jobs and opportunities for the community.

When complete, the Rose Building will be more than a beautifully restored piece of Cleveland history. It will also be a vibrant hub where people live, stay, gather, and connect.

Thank you, WKYC, for sharing our story. Watch the full interview below!

Cleveland developers reinvent history with luxury living and boutique hotel: Mission Possible Ohio's latest grants will revitalize nearly 1,000 historic buildings by supporting developers in creating jobs and investment.

Over 100 years of tenants.
Chef Boyardee. Medical offices. Local businesses.

The Rose Building has seen generations of Clevelanders walk through its halls.
Negotiating deals. Building careers. Stopping for a coffee before a long shift.

Those stories don’t get erased. They get layered into the next chapter.

With Project Scarlet, we’re not wiping the slate clean. We’re adding to it with hospitality, housing, and new life that keeps the story going.

You can draw a 5-minute walk radius from the Rose Building and hit nearly every anchor of downtown Cleveland.

East 4th Street. Rocket Arena. Progressive Field. Playhouse Square. Tower City Center.

This isn’t just real estate. It’s a crossroads of entertainment, business, and culture.

Project Scarlet is turning that intersection into a destination.
Not behind closed doors, but with energy at the street level and access for the community.

Downtown doesn’t need another address. It needs a heartbeat.

East 4th Street, Cleveland, Ohio