Developer Selected For Former Trinity Church Site In Lakewood

LAKEWOOD, OH — Scalish Construction has been picked to redevelop the Trinity Church site on Detroit Avenue in Lakewood. The company's proposal for the land includes space for retail, dining, residential units and public areas for gathering, including a gazebo, bocce court and green space.

“This is a great example where government uses its resources to secure an outcome that is more aligned with our community vision than what the marketplace would otherwise deliver,” said Mayor Mike Summers.

The city of Lakewood acquired the site after Trinity Lutheran Church closed its doors in 2018, when its congregation moved to a new site on West Clifton Boulevard. The building was deconsecrated on Jan. 14, 2018.

According to a post from Judy Feskko, a Trinity Lutheran member, the congregation voted unanimously to sell its Detroit Avenue property. The city later purchased the property from the church.

The church is 5,500 square feet, with an additional 7,000 square feet of classrooms. There are about 40 parking spots on the site and an additional retail site with 4,300 square feet of space.

Once the property was in municipal hands, the city released a request for qualifications to identify a developer for the site. The proposals were evaluated by a panel of volunteer residents and city staff. There were two rounds of review, including an in-depth exploration of the proposed financial deal structure.

Now that Scalish Construction has been selected, Lakewood City Council will review the development agreement. If the agreement is approved, the project would go through the city board and commission approvals and permitting in the building department.

The proposed development would create 30 jobs and new real estate tax revenue to benefit the Lakewood Schools and the community at large.

“I look forward to working with City Council, Scalish, and our resident-led boards and commissions to realize the full potential of this project for our community.” said Bryce Sylvester, planning director.

Scalish Construction would be one of the first tenants in the new space. The company is planning to move its headquarters to the site.

“Scalish Construction is thrilled to have been chosen to develop the Trinity property. Our mission is to honor Northeast Ohio’s past while building its future in a responsible way,” said Frank Scalish, president of Scalish Construction. “This project will not only help accomplish those goals but will also stimulate commerce, provide jobs and will ultimately prove to be an exciting addition to Lakewood’s evolving landscape.”

The full proposal, including renderings, from Scalish can be viewed online.