City Seeks Development Partner for Historic Curtis Block

The city of Lakewood is looking to bring the historic Curtis Block building back to life. The city is seeking qualifications from development firms to rehabilitate and adaptively reuse the building at 14501 Detroit Avenue, also referred to as the Curtis Block building.

Development teams are invited to submit a package of qualifications. More details, including the full RFQ, can be found on the city’s website. The RFQ includes a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment, Asbestos Survey, and Structural Analysis.

“The city is open to a variety of creative partnership structures leading toward bringing the building back to life and contributing to the vibrancy of Lakewood’s downtown district,” said Dru Siley, the city’s director of planning and development. “We’re seeking a development partner for the Curtis Block who can establish the building’s viability for the next 50 years, position the property to respond to market conditions, and retain the building’s key architectural elements.”

Earlier this year, the Curtis Block was designated a historic structure per Lakewood’s local historic designation process. Additionally, the building is on one of the only remaining intersections of Detroit Avenue with all four corners still held by the original streetcar era buildings.

This Curtis Block is located in the heart of Downtown Lakewood, a thriving commercial district supported by a mix of development that meets community employment, entertainment, shopping, and service needs. The property is immediately adjacent to a 6-acre redevelopment site, and within 500 feet of the proposed $32 million dollar Cleveland Clinic Family Health Center.

All submissions must be received no later than noon on May 20, 2016.