BEREA, Ohio -- Parishioners at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Berea will get a new sanctuary in a new location as part of a deal struck with the Cleveland Browns organization.
The Berea Planning Commission approved the new church’s site plan 6-0 during an Aug. 1 meeting.
The Browns recently entered into a purchase agreement for the church property at 572 Pearl St., which is adjacent to the team’s training facility. Mount Zion’s new sanctuary will be located on three acres at Emerson Avenue and Wesley Drive, where a school originally stood.
The Browns will pay the cost of construction for the new church.
Planning Commission Chairman Matt Madzy told cleveland.com that it was not as much about ongoing redevelopment of that area in the city, but more about finding a good location for Mount Zion.
"The interests were aligned to where it worked out well," he explained. "A discussion about the acquisition of property had been going on for a while. (Berea city officials) helped by trying to get the Browns and Mount Zion together to let them discuss it."
The main entrance for the proposed new church is at the rear, where parishioners will have access off of Wesley Drive. (Photo Courtesy of Fidei Architecture)
Project drawings show a one-story, 7,000-square-foot building slightly larger than the prior church. Vaulted ceilings above the sanctuary give the appearance of a second floor. The main entrance will be accessed from Wesley Drive. Significant green space has been incorporated as the result of a 166-foot building setback from Emerson Avenue.
"I think it's a good reuse of the school site, and I think the fact that it stays zoned residential is a win for the neighborhood," Madzy said. "It's a great opportunity for the church … and it's a good opportunity for the Browns as they settle in for the long term with the city."
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