The project, now called Slavic Village Rediscovered (SVR), fixes up abandoned homes in a one-square-mile section of the five-square-mile neighborhood.
The project started as a response to Slavic Village's housing crisis, which started in 2007. By 2013, the neighborhood had more than 1,200 abandoned properties.
"It was a scary time," Pughe told Business Insider.
Over the past five years, the team has completed more than 200 renovations. The first home, pictured below, sold for $52,000 in 2013.
SVR demolished around 500 residences that couldn't be saved in Slavic Village, one of Cleveland's oldest neighborhoods.
"Some of the 100-year-old homes weren't built to last 100 years," Pughe said. "But many were built extremely well and had a lot of character. We tried to save those."
... as well as new kitchen cabinets, countertops, appliances, bathrooms, and hardwood flooring. The plumbing and electrical systems were also replaced.
The home at 3651 East 63rd Street had laid abandoned for about a decade. Another vacant property next door was demolished.
The team also re-carpeted the interior and replaced the kitchen cabinets and countertops. It sold in December 2017 for $71,900.
The inside was a different story.
In the garage, there was a nearly-collapsed ceiling and an abandoned car. The windows in the back were also boarded up.
The team gutted the three-bedroom home and painted it two shades of blue.
Its current listing price is $71,900.
Inside, SVR built a custom handrail for the stairs, knocked down a wall to open up the floor plan, and gave the home a new kitchen.
The three-bedroom home didn't let in much natural light, and the kitchen wallpaper was unflattering.
The team kept the staircase's original oak banister and restored the wooden paneling in the foyer and closets.
"We strove to save the historic nature of the home," Pughe said.
More than 700 homes still lie vacant in Slavic Village, but Pughe said her team won't stop until they're all fixed up.
While SVR is now selling its renovated homes for more money than when it launched, the company is more focused on improving the neighborhood and providing affordable housing for longtime residents.
"We don't really seek to make large profits," Pughe said. "It's more about rehabbing the homes, and building new opportunities for homeownership and racial equity."