LAKEWOOD, Ohio -- A former car dealership in Lakewood that has been vacant since last year may soon be converted into apartments and commercial space.

Jerome Solove Development, Inc. today announced its plans for an estimated $25-30 million redevelopment of the former site of Steve Barry Buick, a car dealership at 16000 Detroit Ave. that went out of business last spring.

The Westerville developer is proposing two “mid-rise” buildings with 150 market-rate apartment units, as well as a 5,000-square-foot building “for commercial and complementary uses,” according to a news release. Current plans also include 186 surface and covered parking spaces, a pool deck, community room, fitness center, open space for public use and other residential amenities.

The site JSDI wants to develop encompasses four parcels on about 2.7 acres. The parcels are located on both sides of Detroit Avenue and are bounded by Rosewood and Cranford avenues.

The project “will result in an uninterrupted and engaging pedestrian corridor along Detroit Avenue,” JSDI said. “The project will create vibrancy and energy and essentially expand westward the feel of downtown Lakewood.”

The planned project marks the developer’s second investment in Lakewood. JSDI is currently going through the zoning process for a multi-family residential project at Detroit Avenue and Bunts Road.

“We are extremely excited to announce yet another exciting investment in Lakewood and bring our proven high-quality living concept to second location on Detroit Avenue,” JSDI owner and president Jerry Solove said in a written statement. “We look forward to working with the city and neighbors, and anticipate breaking ground in late 2019.”

In an interview, Solove noted that, between the two projects, his firm’s investment in Lakewood is significant; the cost of the first project is estimated at $35-40 million. “We have a lot of respect and admiration for the city and are very pleased with the communication that’s taken place so far,” he said. “We look forward to being long-term members of the community.”

Bryce Sylvester, director of planning and development for the city, expressed excitement about new development coming to the vacant Barry Buick site. “This provides an opportunity to expand the diversity of housing in our city. It also broadens our economic base,” he said. “These would be new residents that would be moving in to our city, and we think that it could tie really nicely into the vibrancy of the Detroit Avenue corridor.”

In terms of next steps, JSDI must get approval from Lakewood’s planning commission and architectural review board. The project will be discussed at meetings of those boards on March 7 and 14, respectively, but Sylvester said it will likely take several meetings before final approval is granted.

JSDI specializes in developing apartments, student housing and shopping centers, according to its website. The firm has developed several student housing and residential projects in Columbus and Texas under a brand called “The View.” JSDI’s Lakewood projects will be developed under that brand, as well.

The site is currently owned by Fairlane Realty Co., according to Cuyahoga County property records.