A Cleveland double can offer more than two separate living spaces. It can provide rental income, opportunities for property improvements, and long-term investment potential. This case study examines a side-by-side duplex in Cleveland’s Edgewater neighborhood, purchased in 2012, improved during ownership, and sold in 2019.
Property Overview
Location: 1330 West 89th Street, Cleveland, OH 44102
Neighborhood: Edgewater
Property type: Side-by-side duplex
Year built: 1900
View property details and transaction history on Zillow.
The Investment
| Property milestone | Amount |
|---|---|
| Purchase price — October 2012 | $69,650 |
| Annual rental revenue during ownership | $9,000+ |
| Sale price — December 2019 | $160,000 |
| Gross increase in property sale price | $90,350 |
| Increase relative to purchase price | Approximately 130% |
The property was held for approximately seven years, generating rental revenue throughout the ownership period. The $90,350 increase represents the difference between purchase and sale prices, not net profit. Renovation costs, financing, taxes, maintenance, insurance, and transaction expenses are not included.
Property Improvements
- Updated kitchens in both units.
- Added a half bathroom.
- Constructed a rear deck.
- Maintained the property as an income-producing residential duplex.
These improvements enhanced the functionality and appeal of the two-family property.
Why Cleveland Doubles Matter
Cleveland’s historic housing stock includes two common duplex configurations: side-by-side and over-under. An over-under duplex places one residence above another, while a side-by-side duplex places the residences next to each other. Both configurations offer opportunities for owner-occupancy, rental income, and multigenerational housing.
Brown Design Studio explores the architectural benefits of stacked two-family housing in its October 2015 article, The Over-Under Duplex. The West 89th Street property demonstrates how a traditional side-by-side Cleveland double can function as both a residence and an income-producing asset.
The Real Estate Opportunity
For prospective homeowners, a duplex may provide an alternative to purchasing a single-family home. For investors, it offers the opportunity to evaluate two residential units within one property. For sellers, the condition of both units, rental history, improvements, and neighborhood market conditions can influence how a property is positioned.
The financial outcome of this case study reflects a specific property and historical ownership period. Future results depend on acquisition costs, financing, operating expenses, property condition, and market conditions.
The Cleveland double remains an important part of the city’s housing inventory—and a property type worth understanding for buyers, sellers, and investors.
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