LAKEWOOD, Ohio - New townhouses could be under construction late this year or early next on land on the east end of Detroit Avenue that has sat vacant for more than a decade.

Forest City Enterprises and its subsidiary Rockport Square LLC are partnering with developer Ryan Homes to build townhouses on the north and south sides of Detroit, near Beach and Winchester avenues, according to city officials. Thirty-five townhouses are planned for the north side of the street and 16 are proposed for the smaller parcel on the south side.

Rockport Square LLC bought about 4 acres in 2004 and built townhouses on the south side of Detroit, east of the current site. Forest City had a different partner, and Ryan Homes was not involved in that development.

The remaining property, blacktopped from its car dealership days and surrounded by chain-link fences, has sat empty.

Lakewood Planning and Development Director Dru Siley said the economic downturn about seven years ago halted development.

With the economy and housing market now improving, Ryan Homes wants to build townhouses there. They would feature exteriors of all brick on units facing Detroit, and a combination of brick and siding on some interior units. The townhouses would sell for between $200,000 and $275,000, said John Nehrenz, land manager at Ryan Homes.

Construction, including new roads and sewers, could begin this fall, with a model unit constructed by spring, Nehrenz said.

"It's a great addition to the east end of Detroit and to the community," Siley said. "We look forward to the project breaking ground and selling very quickly."

Lakewood's Planning Commission and Architectural Board of Review have approved the plans.

However, City Council still must weigh in because 11 years ago it approved a development plan for the property, but the revised plan includes fewer townhouses than originally proposed.

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