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Signs point forward for revitalized plaza
(by Sue Reid - February 22, 2012)
Signs point forward for revitalized plaza
By SUE REID
While he was not asking for formal approval at last week's Solon planning commission meeting, Phillip Bishop, vice president of Echo Development, gave a project review status. It included completed elevations for the proposed retail out-parcel building and the redeveloped portion of the existing Solar shopping center.
Mr. Bishop said space in the shopping center is "leasing up quickly," and there are only a few vacancies left. "It is a great sign of the revitalization of the center," he said of the plaza at the southeast corner of SOM Center (Route 91) and Aurora (Route 43) roads. "We are excited about that."
Visconsi Cos. is handling the leasing.
Mr. Bishop presented color elevations that follow the Western Reserve architectural design concept. The elevations have been under development through administrative work sessions over the past several months. "It is a work in progress," he said of the project. "Work is ongoing, and we've done a lot."
He said the phase-one environmental investigation is completed, as well as a wetland report and traffic study.
Mr. Bishop included information about the landscape and buffering plan, the lighting plan, including historic fixture details, the Dumpster enclosure and a slightly revised site plan, designating additional green space.
Plans are to submit required project information prior to the planning commission's Feb. 28 meeting so that final plans can be ready for consideration that evening, he said.
Based on comments from city officials, Mr. Bishop said, some minor changes were made. They include lining up some drive aisles, adding landscape islands in the parking field and making them bigger and widening buffer areas around the perimeter.
An earlier 20,000-square-foot footprint that was shown for a junior tenant where the Giant Eagle supermarket currently is located has been shrunk to 17,000 square feet. An end-cap unit facing into the shopping center was added as a result.
Mr. Bishop showed the commission a three-dimensional orientation of what the new Giant Eagle store would look like.
He said he is working out final details with Solon Planning Director Robert S. Frankland regarding the planned Get-Go gas station.
Once the new Giant Eagle is built, that space will be prepared for a new tenant, he said.
"We are making great progress and can see the finish line, albeit a month and a half away,," Mr. Bishop said. "Everything is falling into place."
Commission member William M. Mazur said, "You are making excellent progress, and we look forward to continued progress by our next meeting."
Remaining project information to be provided includes completion and submittal of the proposed Get-Go elevations, finalization of the proposed landscape and buffering plan, a proposed rear elevation for the redeveloped portion of the Solar shopping center building, designation of banked vehicle and pedestrian cross access points, finalization of the retail out-parcel and redeveloped shopping center facades and a lot-consolidation plat.
All city reviews must be completed prior to April 12, if Echo is to meet the schedule imposed by the Perlick-Caplin family, current owners of the shopping center, for the sale of the site.
"At the end of the day, we are excited and hope the city is excited for the look of the new development being proposed," Mr. Bishop said.
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