A Plan For Meadowbrook And Lee Could Be Finalized By Summer

The City of Cleveland Heights sent requests for proposals to developers and architects in November, asking for their ideas for the vacant, grassy space on the corner of Meadowbrook Boulevard and Lee Road.

The city received three proposals for the property, and officials have interviewed each developer. They've selected one group they'd like to move forward with, but a development agreement has not been signed.

"We’ve selected a market-rate apartment and office retail concept for the project," said Howard Thompson, economic development director for the city, adding that officials are meeting again with the group at the end of April. "We're currently just trying to finalize some final designs, some parking issues and the financial package itself."

Though Thompson could not yet reveal the name of the developer, he said they are based in Northeast Ohio and could potentially bring 40 to 80 jobs to the area. He said he hopes plans are finalized by summer.

The space, which the city bought last year for $60,000, has been vacant for about five years, and Cleveland Heights Mayor Ed Kelley said he's anxious to start the project.

"We're still in the beginning stages to some extent," Kelley said. "... But I really want a shovel in the ground in the fall."

The city initially tried to develop the nearly one-acre property in 2007 and 2008, Thompson said, but then the economy soured.

Thompson said they'll review parking, the building design, the city's proposed sustainable amendments to the zoning code and other considerations in the next few weeks. 

"I hope, in the next three weeks, we can (announce) the name of the group."