Lorain could see luxury apartments in 8th Ward

LORAIN — Developers for a far west side luxury apartment complex came before Lorain City Council on Monday evening. Silverhills at Lorain looks to bring about 200 luxury units to the city at the corner of Kolbe Road and West Erie Avenue, across West Erie Avenue from Fire Station No. 7. The main building would be four stories tall, with six two-story cottage houses also on the site. The main building would have about 170 units, while the two-story cottages would have 30-some units between them, Silver Hills Development principal developer Seth Mendelsohn told City Council during a public hearing on the plan. Silver Hills Development has other properties in Cleveland and Florida, he said. Many of the apartments would be smaller one-bedroom units — some with dens to cater to individuals working from home — and all would have balconies or patios depending on their level, to take advantage of the lakefront views, said civil engineer Jeff Plautz of Neff and Associates. The apartments would be market rate, with one-bedroom units estimated between $1,450 and $1,550 per month, Mendelsohn said. The complex would not take vouchers, he said. He said the city doesn't have luxury apartments like this, and felt it would be a nice addition to the community. He estimated the company could break ground in early summer, once it gets the city's final approval. Councilman Josh Thornsberry, D-8th Ward, who represents where the apartment complex is proposed, said he's visited The Edison at Gordon Square in Cleveland, a similar-style apartment building with high-end amenities, and said the apartments are really nice. He said the biggest concern he's heard from residents is whether there are enough young professionals in the area to justify rents at that price point. But he argued that with two elevators proposed for the building, senior citizens could be the alternative resident if young professionals aren't enticed to the area. Deborah Flaherty, of Lorain, questioned whether people would pay premium rents to live across from the fire station and hospital — hearing sirens and helicopters coming and going at all hours. Nearby resident John Rewak expressed concerns about whether the apartments would fill given the proximity to the Norfolk Southern railroad — which would abut the apartment property. He suggested the parcels should be commercial, as there's enough housing in the city already. The plan was approved by the city's Planning Commission on Feb. 1. A final development plan will need to be approved by City Council before the project can move forward. Contact Carissa Woytach at (440) 329-7245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.