NORTH OLMSTED, Ohio -- North Olmsted in 2023 had two new home construction projects come to fruition.
That’s about to change with the city this week naming Triban Investment and Drees Homes as the developers of a new residential development planned for the 11.2-acre former Forest Elementary School property, which is owned by North Olmsted.
“This is something that has been almost a year in the making,” North Olmsted Mayor Nicole Dailey Jones said. “To be able to offer different types of housing only means that our current residents and those that are interested in moving here will have options.
“Also it’ll serve older adults who might want to remain in our community but need a different type of house. It’s exciting to be able to offer that diversity. This is a generational thing because we just haven’t had these kinds of housing developments for such a long time.”
Using North Olmsted’s recently completed comprehensive house study as a guide, the city created a five-member committee -- comprised of city leaders and a Forest Ridge resident -- to select the developer.
Five entities responded to the city’s statements of qualifications (S.O.Q.) with three interviews leading to the unanimous selection of Triban Investment and Drees Homes.
Located at the southern end of Hampton Drive, the new development is expected to include a housing density between 4.25 and 4.5 units per acre resulting in 50 homes.
Tentatively called Forest Commons, the development also includes a park.
“The price point is between $350,000 and $550,000,” North Olmsted Director of Economic and Community Development Max Upton said.
“The interesting thing about this development is there are going to be attached homes, townhomes and then also single-family homes in one development.”
In 2022, the city purchased Forest Primary and Spruce Primary schools for a combined $4 million.
The plan at the 12.34-acre Spruce Elementary School property is to add recreational greenspace -- such as football, soccer or lacrosse fields -- as well as a retention basin enhancing stormwater management in the area.
The 11.2-acre former Forest Elementary School property in North Olmsted. (John Benson/cleveland.com)John Benson/cleveland.com
As for the sale of the Forest school land, North Olmsted is receiving $1.25 million with Upton noting site control over future use of the property was worth the investment.
“You kind of hold all the keys and you’re able to make sure that what is built is ultimately what is needed in the community,” he said.
“That to us is incredibly valuable.”
The timeline of construction at the Forest school site includes underground infrastructure going in this fall with new housing units arriving next summer and a complete build-out expected through 2026.
“We’re going to continue to take every opportunity that presents itself to make improvements and offer residents and others interested in locating here in North Olmsted housing options that meet their needs,” Jones said.
Read more news from the Sun Post Herald here.