BGL Real Estate Advisors Finalizes Financing for Valor Acres Office Building Development

Financing Milestone at Valor Acres

On December 18, 2025, Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL), recognized as a prominent independent investment bank and financial advisory firm, announced a significant milestone with the successful financial closing of a Class A office building within the Valor Acres mixed-use development located in Brecksville, Ohio.

Key Financial Support

The project received crucial development financing from Civista Bank and Westfield Bank, facilitating the establishment of a vital new office space developed by DiGeronimo Companies. BGL's Real Estate Advisors team played an integral role, serving as the exclusive financial advisor in this transaction.

Promising Early Lease Activity

Interestingly, the DiGeronimo Companies have made significant strides in leasing, securing approximately 50% occupancy with an institutional tenant even before the building's completion. This early success reflects the robust demand and positive leasing momentum at the Valor Acres site, marking it as a prominent real estate destination in the region.

A Vision for Valor Acres

Valor Acres stands out as a premier mixed-use development harnessing the potential of a strategically located site previously occupied by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Brecksville Hospital. Nestled conveniently off I-77, this development opportunity bridges Cleveland and Akron, offering a range of options including corporate campuses, residential spaces, hospitality, and retail.

At the heart of Valor Acres is the recently opened 600,000 square-foot Sherwin-Williams Research and Development facility. This state-of-the-art center is a melting pot for chemists, engineers, and technicians, pushing the boundaries of innovation and product development. Furthermore, the relocation of the DiGeronimo Companies' corporate headquarters to this site signifies the project's central role in their operational framework.

Phased Development Progress

The relationship between BGL and the DiGeronimo Companies has unfolded over six years, highlighting a series of successful funding initiatives across various project phases at Valor Acres. The first phase commenced with the completion of a multi-family building comprised of 168 rental units, finalized in December 2021. Subsequently, the second phase, which included 25 for-sale homes, a memorial park, and a clubhouse, reached completion in June 2023.

A noteworthy achievement was the closing of the mixed-use phase in December 2024, encompassing the addition of 221 luxury apartment units equipped with top-notch amenities. This phase also introduced 70,000 square feet designated for retail and entertainment, bolstered by a 700-space parking garage and an outdoor venue, 'The Post,' capable of accommodating over 500 guests.

Comprehensive Financial Services

BGL's Real Estate Advisors team excels in providing tailored investment banking services specifically designed for the middle market. Their expertise extends to a wide array of areas, including but not limited to real estate advisory, debt placement, equity financing, financial restructuring, and structured finance solutions. BGL supports real estate developers in establishing alliances and joint ventures, ensuring they have access to the necessary capital for their projects.

About Brown Gibbons Lang & Company

As a globally recognized investment bank, BGL operates firmly within the middle market, delivering guidance on mergers, acquisition deals, capital market strategies, valuations, and other pivotal business decisions. With offices strategically positioned across the United States, including locations in cities such as Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Los Angeles, and New York, BGL possesses a far-reaching presence, further enhanced by its association with REACH Cross-Border Mergers & Acquisitions, connecting clients in 30 countries.

About DiGeronimo Companies

With a legacy stretching 70 years, DiGeronimo Companies emerges as a leading developer and construction management entity based in Brecksville, Ohio. Their extensive growth trajectory has seen them evolve from site work origins into a diversified range of development projects spanning retail, industrial, and mixed-use ventures, making them a versatile partner for realizing community visions.

This financing completion at Valor Acres not only underscores the strategic importance of the project but also sets a promising precedent for future developments in the region, enhancing economic prospects and community engagement in Northeast Ohio.