City of Lakewood Enters Formal Agreement to Redevelop Former Lakewood Hospital Site

Community vision to be achieved through mixed-use project that adds hundreds of housing units, retail space, and a public plaza in the heart of Downtown Lakewood

On Monday, December 16th, the City of Lakewood approved a formal agreement for redevelopment of the former Lakewood Hospital site by the development team of CASTO Communities and North Pointe Realty CASTO Communities. This final agreement sets the stage for the $119 million project to break ground in 2025, bringing hundreds of housing units, thousands of square feet of new retail space, and an inviting public plaza to the heart of Downtown Lakewood.

“The City of Lakewood is excited to have a final agreement in place that achieves the goals our residents established during the initial visioning process for this site,” said Mayor Meghan F. George. “This development will deliver hundreds of housing units with diverse options; thousands of square feet of new commercial space; new jobs and income tax revenue; a welcoming public space; high quality architectural and environmental design; historic preservation of the Curtis Block; and increased activity in the heart of Downtown Lakewood.”

City of Lakewood Economic Development & Planning Director Angie Byington explained the key aspects of the development, which will include both new construction and the renovation of the historic Curtis Block:

• Housing: 305 total units of housing, comprised of 293 new apartment units (including a number of affordable units) spread across three buildings, five fully renovated units in the Curtis Block, and seven townhomes on Belle Avenue;
• Commercial: approximately 25,000 square feet of new ground floor retail in addition to the renovation of the Curtis Block historic first floor retail space, all of which will add new energy to Lakewood’s already bustling downtown business district;
• Outdoor Community Space: a 17,000 square foot plaza and community space (situated between the Curtis Block and the five-story mixed-use building at Belle and Detroit) that will be used for frequent public events and gatherings. This plaza is in addition to a similar sized new public pocket park further south in the development and a linear park along Belle Avenue;
• Parking: a total of 567 structured parking spaces, including a 536-space parking garage that will serve the development and also provide additional public parking, and another 31 garage spaces in the five-story mixed-use commercial / apartment building;
• Design Aspect: key elements of the design will promote downtown vitality and walkability, including a pedestrian walkway behind the Curtis Block that connects the public community space and another new connection between Marlowe and Belle Avenues.

Lakewood City Council President Sarah Kepple commented, “The community’s goal for the Downtown Development has always been about maximizing, in every sense, the opportunity before us. Thanks to public involvement, the work of the Administration, and our development and school partners, this project not only creates a new tax base where none has ever existed, but also delivers historic preservation, affordable and accessible housing, public art and green space, and further bolsters the density and vibrancy of the heart of our city.”

Maggie Niedzwiecki, Superintendent of Lakewood City School District added, “The success of our city and our school district is intrinsically linked. This development is a once-in-a-generation project that will strengthen Lakewood as a desirable place to live and raise a family. Our Board of Education and our district administration are proud to partner with the city to help make this long-awaited development come to fruition.”

The development team also expressed excitement that the agreement was now in place and the project could move forward. Brent Sobczak, President of CASTO Communities stated, “We are thankful to all the parties who worked over the years to get this project to this point. It took a lot of perseverance and collaboration to work through all the challenges associated with the project. Ultimately, all the hard work and patience will pay off with a development that we can all be proud of.”

Mayor George recognized those who played a significant role in achieving this milestone for Lakewood. “There are many partners that deserve specific praise and recognition in their efforts to make today possible,” she said. “On the City side, we are thankful for the work of multiple administrative departments and the dozens of public meetings and briefings held over the years. Thank you to City Council and Council President Kepple for their work tonight and cooperative efforts over the last weeks and months to bring tonight’s vote to the floor. Thank you to the City’s Boards and Commissions that were efficient and steadfast in their work and devotion on a volunteer basis to support this.”

“We view this project as a collective win for the City of Lakewood and the School District, and appreciate the leadership and support of Superintendent Maggie Niedzwiecki, Board of Education President Michael J. Callahan and their respective staff and board members as well, for partnering with the City on a mutually beneficial compensation agreement that allows the city and school district to share equally in the project. Lastly, we cannot be more grateful for CASTO and North Pointe and their leadership team or ask for a better development partner in this project and for their investment in the City. This process required tremendous patience, dedication, and creative solutions to get to today’s approval, and we look forward to seeing the site come to life again as construction begins in 2025.”