By Jerry Masek
Using a space as large as Public Square, conceptual plans for the new West Park Plaza were presented to the Far West Design Review Committee this morning. Developers said they have some retail commitments, but are not ready to offer names. Earlier, Ward 17 Councilman Charles Slife said plans included at least one national retailer.
Calling the plan “a work in progress,” developers proposed to:
* Divide the vacant Kmart building into three retail spaces.
* Add a drive-thru coffee bar near the intersection of Lorain Avenue and West 150th Street.* Demolish a 24,000 square foot building that housed Dollar General on the east end of the property, ay14651 Lorain Ave.. Build a new structure there, which will house a grocer. Rubin’s Deli, a popular eatery, plans to move to the north side of Lorain Avenue in the same area.
* Demolish the mixed-use Marquard Building, 14737 Lorain Ave.
* Add a ground-level landmark sign on the northwest corner, at West 150th and Lorain Avenue.
* Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen will remain, as that site is not owned by the developers.
A community meeting to discuss the proposed development begins at 6:30 pm on April 14, hosted by West Park Kamm’s Neighborhood Development. To register for that meeting, go to http://westparkkamms.org/event/kmart-redevelopment-4-14-21/
The committee will vote on the proposed development after residents have had a chance to comment. Later, the proposal will move to the City Planning Commission.