Signs of Life at Pearl and Whitney

A new developer is seeking retailers to build on the vacant

WXZ Development Inc. has posted signs at the long-stalled retail site, where two previous developers have run into financial trouble and abandoned their projects.

But both city officials and the company say it is too early to say what plans are for the corner.

A spokeswoman at WXZ relayed a comment from the development department that the company is still "working through the details" and has no plans for the property yet.

The parcel has been tied up in foreclosure since the Toledo-based Timberstone development group ran into financial obstacles and bowed out in 2009.

Mayor Tom Perciak said this week he has no information about WXZ's intentions, and is not sure if the company is buying the property or is seeking builders on behalf of the bank.

"We've had many people come in and talk to us about a project on that site," Perciak said.

He has said litigation involving the property has held up any potential projects.

WXZ's website says the Fairview Park firm is the "preferred developer" for several retailers, including Advance Auto Parts, Ride Aid and Sherwin-Williams. The company, which also develops residential projects, was also recently contracted to develop a McDonald's in North Ridgeville, the website says.

Residents were promised a major retail project, to be called Renaissance Park, that would include a grocery store and a mix of other retail and restaurants by original developer David Lewanski, who in late 2005 said he had commitments from Lowe's, Bed Bath & Beyond and Circuit City to locate there.

Lowe's and  have been constructed so far.

When Lewanski left, Timberstone proposed a multi-phased project that would include smaller retail stores, restaurants and office space. 

Timberstone's other Strongsville project, a Kindercare on an outlot at Westfield SouthPark, was also abandoned mid-construction.