A Familiar Landmark on the Cuyahoga River

Grain Craft Mill silos towering over the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, Ohio.

For nearly a century, the Grain Craft Mill has been a towering presence along Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River, representing the city’s industrial roots. Constructed in the 1930s, this site played a critical role in Cleveland’s once-thriving milling industry. Today, the future of this iconic structure is uncertain, as the Cleveland Metroparks plans to transform the site into public greenspace. This blog explores the mill’s history, its significance, and what’s next for this important piece of Cleveland’s legacy.


Cleveland’s Flour Milling Legacy

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Cleveland became a hub for grain milling and distribution, taking advantage of its proximity to railroads, the Great Lakes, and the Cuyahoga River. The Grain Craft Mill was one of the city’s most notable facilities, producing flour for local and national distribution.

The mill’s 22 towering silos, built in 1937, could store massive amounts of grain, making it a critical link between Midwestern farmers and urban consumers. At its height, Cleveland’s milling industry symbolized the city’s broader role as a manufacturing and transportation powerhouse.


The Decline and Closure of the Grain Craft Mill

The Grain Craft Mill ceased operations in 2020, marking the end of Cleveland’s milling era. The closure was driven by the loss of rail service provided by the Flats Industrial Railroad, a vital transportation link for the site.

This made the Grain Craft Mill the last operating grain mill on the Cuyahoga River, symbolizing the challenges faced by industrial cities in adapting to modern infrastructure and economic shifts.

Aerial view of the Grain Craft Mill site, soon to be transformed by Cleveland Metroparks


The Cleveland Metroparks’ Vision

In December 2023, the Cleveland Metroparks purchased the 3.3-acre property for $3.5 million, with plans to transform the site into public greenspace. The project aims to:

  • Stabilize the riverbank to protect the Cuyahoga River’s infrastructure.
  • Open 15 acres of new greenspace for community use.
  • Build trails and access points to connect the Flats, Ohio City, and surrounding neighborhoods.

Metroparks has applied for a $2.2 million Ohio Brownfields Program grant to fund demolition and site remediation. This project is part of a larger effort to revitalize Cleveland’s waterfront, blending natural spaces with urban development.

 


Redevelopment Inspiration from Other Cities

While Metroparks plans to demolish the Grain Craft Mill, some preservation advocates suggest adaptive reuse as an alternative. Projects like Buffalo RiverWorks and Akron’s Quaker Square demonstrate how industrial structures can be repurposed into vibrant community spaces.

  • Buffalo RiverWorks: This waterfront destination repurposed grain silos into a hub for dining, entertainment, and recreation.
  • Quaker Square in Akron: Historic silos were transformed into a mixed-use development, including a hotel and student housing.

Such examples offer inspiration for how Cleveland might balance its industrial history with modern needs.


Propped Productions’ Perspective

At Propped Productions, we recently captured the Grain Craft Mill through drone photography and videography, documenting its imposing silos and industrial architecture before they disappear. These visuals highlight the site’s role as a symbol of Cleveland’s past—and its potential for transformation.

Watch our video here:

YouTube player


Cleveland’s Changing Landscape

The Grain Craft Mill stands at the intersection of Cleveland’s past and future. As the Metroparks works to reshape this iconic site, it raises questions about how the city can balance its industrial legacy with the need for greenspace and community development.

Cleveland’s transformation is a reminder that progress is not just about moving forward—it’s also about preserving and honoring the stories that brought us here.

Close-up of the historic silos at the Grain Craft Mill in Cleveland.


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