CH Council to consider Meadowbrook and Lee development legislation on July 16
A page from the Cedar Lee Connection June 11 presentation to CH City Council shows the team's vision for the site.
Two development teams, Newland Developments, LLC and Cedar Lee Connection, pitched their proposals for the one-acre Meadowbrook and Lee site to Cleveland Heights City Council on June 11. Selected from among four applicants who had responded to the city’s RFQ, both had similar plans for the site. Both suggested multiuse commercial and residential structures that are four or five stories tall. Each proposal also required capital investments of $20 million, sustainable design and tax abatements.
The pitch from Newland Developments, LLC targeted millennials in the age range of 25 to 35. Architect Eric Newland said he planned to capitalize on the younger demographic and older parents whose children have moved out. Newland proposed to build restaurant, retail and fitness space on the ground level, and leave 20,000 feet for offices or apartments.
Cedar Lee Connection, proposed a “V”-shaped building with a public gathering space. The team’s plan called for a “Tullamore gateway,” a covered walkway that would connect the residential units and the Cedar Lee parking garage. This proposal included up to 20,000 feet of restaurant and retail space, and a possible 10,000 square feet of co-working space.
A second reading of legislation to further the development is scheduled for the next city council meeting on July 16. Economic Development Director Tim Boland anticipates that council will authorize City Manager Tanisha Briley to enter into a memorandum of understanding, a short agreement that lists main points of development to pursue, with Cedar Lee Connections. Eventually, Boland says, this will lead to a development plan, which must be approved by city council.
It is too early in the process to secure funds for the development plans. The development team is expected to secure some resources, along with bank financing and tax increment financing, which is what was approved for the Top of the Hill project.
“The city sees the Meadowbrook and Lee redevelopment as a critical step in the overall economic health of the Cedar Lee district,” said Boland.
Information about the Meadowbrook and Lee redevelopment project is available on the city's website.
Julie Hullett
Julie Hullett, a 2018 graduate of John Carroll University, is thrilled to serve as a summer intern for the Heights Observer. She spent her college years working for The Carroll News, WJCU and the Society of Professional Journalists. Julie also held internships with the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio, ABC News and the Office of Congresswoman Marcia Fudge. One day, Julie hopes to connect her community through the art of storytelling.