The emeritus House Building located at 4450 Cedar Avenue in Cleveland, stands as a legacy to Jane Edna Hunter.

Hunter was instrumental in improving the lives of African-American women by aiding poor, single women from the

South who migrated to the North for job opportunities.

Through the years the 78,000 square foot, nine story red brick structure has served as home to many African-American

women and in 1967 was converted to senior citizen housing with elderly services program. A gymnasium, the Sutphen

School of Music and daycare/Head Start Center were added later. By 2003, the building had fallen into disrepair and a

campaign was begun to renovate the historic structure.

Robert P. Madison International, Inc. developed a master plan for renovation. This plan culminated in to schematic

design drawings for the building and suites. Finalized drawings were completed during 2004-2005. Drawings included:

Historic preservation

On the National Register of Historic Places

Historic renovation of the lobby, library, gymnasium and exterior.

Restore lobby’s open area.

Masonry repair of existing façade

Historic interior colors.

Housing Renovation

Features:

• Complete demolition of existing apartments.

• New 42-one bedroom and 14 efficiencies.

• Gymnasium renovation

• Community Room and cafeteria renovation

• Replacement of Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing systems throughout the building.

• Improved Handicapped Accessibility.

• New sprinkler system,

• New fire alarms and backup emergency power.

• New security system

Green Communities Design Features:

Energy efficient mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems.

Energy Star Appliance.

Low VOC construction.

Products manufactured of  recycled materials.

White reflective roof.

Energy efficient mechanical, electrical and plumbing system.

Completed: 2007

Cost: $10,100,000

Size: 78,000 square feet