Realtors Cathy and James LeSueur Discuss the Importance of Saving Fernway Elementary

For nearly a century, Fernway Elementary School has provided generations of Shaker Heights families and children with an engaging place to learn, a safe space to play and a welcoming lawn that’s ideal for relaxing with friends on warm, sunny days. On July 10, 2018, however, a fire broke out and caused extensive damage to the school. According to Fox 8 Cleveland, fire officials ruled the blaze accidental, and stated the fire started in the middle flat roof, where contractors were doing “hot work.”

“Fortunately, the district recently approved a renovation budget of $3 million after months of deliberation on whether they would rebuild or not, and voted to keep the school open,” said Cathy, who attended the school board meetings with husband James, also of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. “This is good for the community and the neighborhood, as the school is instrumental in keeping the neighborhood together.”

While discussions at recent school board meetings balanced views  about educational needs and the school’s history with potential tax and price increases for the city, James spoke up and talked about a different matter of importance. “Rebuilding the school is important when it comes to selling our city and the value of the neighborhood,” he said. “As Realtors in Shaker, we sell community and neighborhoods, and there are many beautiful 2,000- to 3,000-square-foot brick homes within walking distance of the school. So much of marketing Shaker focuses on neighborhoods and community involvement. Shaker is a very unique city. We need to keep these neighborhoods healthy.”

Specifically, the 16 blocks surrounding Fernway School brought 134 sales to Shaker Heights in the 18 months prior to the fire. This small neighborhood accounted for nearly 20% of all Shaker’s home sales in that time. With a sales price that averaged 97% percent of listed price.  

“This could have presented serious problems,” added Cathy. “The lifestyle of the neighborhood would have changed dramatically had they not chosen to rebuild, and property values would have gone down. Furthermore, it would have trickled into other surrounding neighborhoods, negatively affecting the value of the city as a whole.”

After the fire, Fernway students were assigned to other buildings in the Shaker Heights City School District for the start of the year. “The school will likely reopen in 2020,” concluded James.

With the support of the Fernway neighborhood and the larger Shaker Heights community, the Shaker Schools Foundation (SSF) is coordinating fundraising efforts to raise a total of $500,000 in support of the Fernway restoration. Join in our peer-to-peer fundraising effort at fernway-forward.everydayhero.do.  To discuss collections of books, supplies or fund drives, please contact Shaker Schools Foundation Executive Director, Holly Coughlin, at 216-295-4325, or email coughlin_h@shaker.org. To donate to the Fernway Fund, please visit http://www.shaker.org/foundation.aspx.

About Cathy LeSueur, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services

Cathy LeSueur, during her 35 years of successful experience, has entered the highly-esteemed ranks of "The Very Best of the Best" and the Top 1% of sales associates with Howard Hanna. Cathy was the top Shaker Heights office producer in 1994, 1996, and 1998-2017. The LeSueur team consistently receives the Quality Service Award for providing outstanding service to her customers and clients. For more information, please call (216) 355-7005, or visit cathylesueur.howardhanna.com.

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