A massive fire tore through an under-construction apartment complex in Cleveland Heights on Friday evening, causing significant damage to one of the buildings. The blaze occurred at the Marquee at Cedar Lee development, a $60 million mixed-use project that began in May 2023. Authorities responded to the fire around 7:30 p.m., and despite the intensity of the flames, no injuries were reported.

The building affected by the fire was still under construction and was slated for completion in the summer. According to a statement from Flaherty & Collins Properties, the company behind the project, no residents were living in the building at the time of the fire. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire, but officials expressed relief that no one was hurt.

Cleveland Heights Mayor Kahlil Seren praised the efforts of the local fire and emergency responders, who worked through the night to contain the blaze. The mayor provided an update Saturday afternoon, saying that while most of the fire had been extinguished, crews would continue to monitor the site for any remaining hot spots. "We made it through with no injuries reported, and no spread to any adjacent buildings," Seren said.

As the fire burned, smoke billowed northward toward Heights High School, and nearby streets were closed off to allow firefighters to operate. As a result, the school district canceled events, including a basketball game scheduled for the following day.

The cold, dry weather conditions contributed to the fire’s spread, making it harder to contain. The Cleveland Heights Fire Department, along with several neighboring agencies, responded to the scene. Additionally, a fire investigation unit has been called in to determine the cause.

This fire marks a setback for the Marquee at Cedar Lee project, which had been eagerly anticipated as part of the revitalization of the Cedar Lee district. The development is expected to bring new housing options and improve the area’s economic vitality once completed.