As representatives from the City of Berea, CrossCountry Mortgage, Haslam Sports Group, DiGeronimo Companies and University Hospitals stood on the site of the new CrossCountry Mortgage Campus Expansion, they grabbed gold shovels and dug into the soil to officially break ground.
As an extension of the existing footprint of the Cleveland Browns in Berea, this new neighborhood will be over 16 acres and utilized for a variety of spaces benefiting the region. The CrossCountry Mortgage Expansion is anticipated to open in early 2027.
"Our goal has always been to provide our organization, our players and Browns fans with first-class resources in all aspects of football and business operations, as well as enhanced opportunities to host additional events in the Northeast Ohio community," Chief Operating Officer David Jenkins said. "And that's what this expansion will enable us to continue to do in a bigger way than ever, providing additional spaces to live, work and play, right here in our backyard."
The CrossCountry Mortgage Campus Expansion will include a mixed-use neighborhood adjacent to the existing Cleveland Browns facility and will be developed by Ohio-based DiGeronimo Companies. The expansion's main feature will be a community field lined for multiple sports for youth, high school and adult participation that has space for over 6,000 guests. The field will also be the new home field of the Berea-Midpark High School football team.
There will also be The Barker Hotel – a Tribute Portfolio Hotel by Marriott developed in partnership with Crawford Hoying and operated by Shaner Hotel Group – a sports medicine facility operated by University Hospitals (UH), 150 market-rate apartments, office space and 15,000 square footage of retail space to support the new pedestrian-friendly neighborhood.
"This project will be transformative to our community, particularly this north side of Berea," City of Berea Mayor Cyril Kleem said. "The Browns have been part of Berea for nearly 60 years. They used to practice over at Baldwin Wallace. I used to watch them from my backyard. They moved to this facility in 1991 and are a part of the fabric of our community. And with this project, they will be a part of the fabric for many, many years to come."
The Browns first began the planning process for the project about eight years ago. In that timeframe, they acquired several adjacent residences to the site in order to create the space for the expansion. While they were in the planning stage, CrossCountry Mortgage joined the Browns as the naming right's partner at the practice facility about five years ago and shared the vision to support the community with the expansion.
"This partnership isn't just about business, it's about building a legacy to create a lasting impact," Chief Brand Officer of CrossCountry Mortgage Laura Soave said. "The campus expansion in Berea is a continuation of that commitment, and one that will contribute to the vitality of the region through job creation, innovation and economic growth. We're excited to work alongside the Browns as champions of Northeast Ohio."
