Business & Tech

Plans For the New CVS in Lakewood Moving Forward

Demolition of the church, and construction of the pharmacy, could be under way by the fall.

Plans to build a CVS on the site of the abandoned St. Paul Lutheran Church on Detroit Avenue are moving forward.

Demolition of the church — and construction of the pharmacy — could begin as early as August.

The multi-million-dollar project received the green light earlier this year from the city’s planning commission and the Architectural Board of Review.

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The only hurdle left for developers is next week's inspection of the plans by the city’s building and fire departments.

Developers have been working with the city since January to make sure that the design of the building fits the architectural style of the area.

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“This is going to be turned into a tax producing property — both income and property taxes, and I think the design is going to be a benefit to the community,” said Dru Siley, the city’s assistant director of planning and development.

Plans call for the 14,000-square-foot, red brick structure to be built near the street (catering to the city’s walkability); a parking lot that’s in the rear of the building; and large windows facing Detroit Avenue.

The property — from 15501 to 15523 Detroit Avenue — would extend from Lakeland to Arthur avenues. The building adjacent to the church, which houses , would also be demolished.

City officials have said it’s been difficult to find a reuse for the 107-year-old church — which has sat vacant for the past several years.

The holds the right of salvage, meaning the stained glass windows, pews and lights will all be saved. 

The store is expected to open by April 2012.

Siley said he doesn’t know what will become of the space at 15311 Detroit Avenue .

“I don’t think it will stay empty too long,” he said.

 


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