Where Leadership Lives.
Revitalizing Presidents Row — Block by Block, Generation by Generation.
A bold, comprehensive initiative by Lawson Development Group LLC to transform Presidents Row into the premier neighborhood in Maple Heights — with beautiful homes, thriving businesses, a destination park, and opportunity for every family.
Revitalized by Lawson Development Group LLC
Our Vision
"To transform Presidents Row into a community where families choose to live, businesses choose to invest, and children can safely play — a neighborhood that reflects dignity, pride, and opportunity."
Understanding Our Roots
A Neighborhood Shaped by History
Presidents Row — Adams, Washington, Jefferson, Garfield, Harrison — was platted in the early 1900s and named after U.S. presidents. But the deeper story of this neighborhood was written in the 1930s and 1940s, when federal redlining policies confined many Black families here by denying mortgages in other parts of Maple Heights.
The City of Maple Heights now openly recognizes this history and has described Presidents Row as an area that suffered decades of disinvestment because of systemic racism. Lawson Development Group is committed to addressing that legacy — not just with words, but with concrete investment, quality homes, and real opportunity.
Today, Presidents Row is not defined by the injustices of the past. It is defined by the resilience of the families who built lives here — and by the vision of what it can become.
The Mission
Transform Presidents Row into the premier neighborhood in Maple Heights by creating safe housing, thriving local businesses, beautiful public spaces, and opportunities for families to build wealth and community.
The Framework
Six Pillars of Revitalization
Housing
Quality homes. Owner-occupied. Generational wealth.
- Build quality single-family homes on Land Bank lots
- Renovate existing homes to a high standard
- Encourage and prioritize owner-occupied housing
- Create attractive streets with consistent landscaping
Business District
Neighborhood retail. Local jobs. Community anchors.
- Coffee shop and bakery
- Professional offices
- Upscale cigar lounge
- Local restaurant
- Community gathering space
Presidential Park
A destination park for every generation.
- New playground and splash pad
- Walking trails and pavilion
- Basketball and pickleball courts
- Veterans Memorial Garden
- Security cameras, lighting, and community events
Safety
Safe streets. Confident families. Thriving community.
- Better lighting throughout the corridor
- Neighborhood security cameras
- Traffic calming and sidewalk improvements
- Community policing partnerships
Youth
Investing in the next generation of leaders.
- After-school tutoring and mentorship
- Summer jobs and internships
- STEM programs and railroad & skilled trades education
- Mentorship with local business leaders
Economic Development
Minority-owned businesses. Local jobs. Outside investment.
- Support and incubate minority-owned businesses
- Encourage homeownership and wealth building
- Create jobs through Lawson Development Group projects
- Attract outside investment to the corridor
Looking Ahead
The Five-Year Goal
When someone says "Presidents Row," people should immediately think: beautiful homes, safe streets, successful businesses, a destination park, and a neighborhood families are proud to call home.
The Presidential Row Foundation
Building the Neighborhood. Investing in the People.
Alongside Lawson Development Group's development work, the Presidential Row Foundation will serve as the community investment arm — raising grants and donations to fund the programs and improvements that make Presidents Row a place people are proud to call home.
The Foundation's mission is to ensure that revitalization benefits the people who already live here — not just new arrivals — by investing directly in parks, youth programs, scholarships, home repair assistance, veterans initiatives, and community beautification.
Foundation Programs
Join the Presidential District Movement
Whether you are a resident, investor, business owner, nonprofit, or community partner — there is a place for you in the revitalization of Presidents Row.
Get Involved