INDEPENDENCE, OHIO — The City of Independence has approved a series of area development plans and selected Cleveland, Ohio-based Fairmount Properties LLC as a development partner. The city, located about 12 miles south of Cleveland, plans to develop and redevelop various city-owned property in downtown Independence, including the former Independence Middle School, and a 33-acre site in the Northwest Quadrant of Rockside Road.
The overall plan focuses on bringing much-needed residential, commercial and public amenities to the community, while the initial scope of the development planning will concentrate on adding new for-sale residential choices to the downtown market. Additionally, a complementary neighborhood retail component is included in the initial planning, which will expand housing options for young professionals, empty nesters and downsizers.
The vision for the 33-acre, city-owned property is a mixed-use district with a corporate focus that also incorporates ancillary retail, restaurant, entertainment and residential uses within a compact and walkable street pattern.
The city and Fairmount will immediately begin the pre-development process for the projects. The anticipated completion for the initial phases of development is scheduled for 2017.