This website serves as the landing place for detailed information for the former Trinity Church Site. The drop-down menu to the right provides basic information about the property. Please continue to check the website for updates throughout the process.
October 29, 2019
Scalish Construction Selected for Adaptive Reuse of the Trinity Church Site
The multi-round, competitive selection process for the adaptive reuse of the Trinity Church Site (16300-16400 Detroit Avenue) has resulted in the selection of Lakewood-based developer Scalish Construction.
After acquiring the site in 2018, the City released a request for qualifications designed to identify adaptive reuse proposals that would deliver outstanding value to the community through high-quality design and economic activity. Proposals were evaluated by a volunteer resident panel and city staff through two rounds of review, including an in-depth exploration of the proposed financial deal structure.
“Scalish Construction is thrilled to have been chosen to develop the Trinity property. Our mission is to honor Northeast Ohio’s past while building its future in a responsible way,” said Frank Scalish, President of Scalish Construction. “This project will not only help accomplish those goals but will also stimulate commerce, provide jobs and will ultimately prove to be an exciting addition to Lakewood’s evolving landscape.”
Scalish partnered with Dimit Architecture and Historic Preservation Group LLC to propose “a cutting-edge boutique development built with a community focus that incorporates the preservation of existing structures and historically sensitive new construction.” The proposed vision for the project includes spaces for retail, dining, office, residential, and several public areas for people to gather, including a gazebo with green space, a publicly accessible seating area, and a bocce court. Scalish will move its headquarters location to the Trinity Site, which will allow its company to grow in Lakewood for many years to come.
“This is a great example where government uses its resources to secure an outcome that is more aligned with our community vision than what the marketplace would otherwise deliver,” said Mayor Mike Summers.
The project will be the first in Lakewood to follow the IWBI WELL certification path, as well as standard TRUE certification. Both certifications align well with Lakewood’s sustainability goals and initiatives. The certifications will set the project up to define, pursue and achieve zero waste goals, cutting carbon footprint, supporting public health and ecosystems and advancing a green economy. Other sustainable features will include a small solar array, an educational community garden with rainwater recycling, bicycle parking for tenants and guests, electric car charging stations for tenants and patrons, and the option for a green roof.
“This process resulted in the best outcome for Lakewood residents. By acquiring the Trinity Church site in 2018, we prevented another fast-food drive-thru in our community and maintained a focus on not only preserving Lakewood, but adapting for its second century,” said City Council President Sam O’Leary.
The next step will involve working with Lakewood City Council to review and approve a development agreement with Scalish Construction. Following the development agreement approval, the project would go through City board and commission approvals and permitting in the building department. If approved, the project will create over 30 new jobs at this site and generate new real estate tax revenue, which will benefit the Lakewood City Schools and the community at large.
“I look forward to working with City Council, Scalish, and our resident-led boards and commissions to realize the full potential of this project for our community.” said Bryce Sylvester, Planning Director.
To view the full response to the RFQ and sample renderings, visit http://www.lakewoodoh.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/TrinityRFQ_Scalish_Rudge_Dimit_P.pdf.
September 3, 2019
Five applications were submitted in response to the Request For Qualifications. Submissions were reviewed based on the evaluation criteria provided in the RFQ, in addition to qualitative feedback as the proposals. The three top applicants were called to interview with the panel. The panel recommended two teams to move forward to Round Two of the process. These teams are:
Their responses to the RFQ are linked above.
Round Two will include a more in depth proposal, including the teams’ financing strategies. The objective of this process is to select the best and most qualified development team that will develop the Trinity Church Site consistent with the goals and objectives in the RFQ as well as the Community Vision.
June 12, 2019
In response to several requests, we have scheduled a second walk- through for Tuesday June 18th, 9am -10am.
Attendees must have attended the mandatory pre-submission meeting to be eligible to attend the second walk- through.
If you plan on attending the second walk-through, please RSVP to Michelle Nochta at : michelle.nochta@lakewoodoh.net by the end of the day on Monday June 17th.
If you are planning on bringing a team member who was not at the mandatory pre-submission meeting, please include that information in your e-mail.
May 21, 2019
The City of Lakewood is excited to launch the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for 16300-16400 Detroit Avenue. This is the first step of a two step process to select the best and most qualified team for the adaptive reuse of the former Trinity Church site. Responses to the RFQ are due on July 2, 2019. Attendance at the Pre-Submission Meeting on June 5, 2019 is mandatory.
Presentation will be given in the auditorium at City Hall at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday June 5, 2019. Tour of the site and buildings to follow.
To download the RFQ, click here.
Trinity Church Site
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Timeline+-
- May 21, 2019: Release the RFQ
- June 5, 2019: Mandatory Pre-Submission Meeting
- July 2, 2019: Responses due
- July 2019: Schedule interviews with the top submissions with the review panel
- August 2019: Round 2 top submissions from 1st round are invited to submit detailed responses for Round 2
- August/September 2019: Select the best and most qualified development team and project
- Fall/Winter 2019: Recommendation to City Council
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Questions+-
All questions shall be submitted in writing to:
Michelle Nochta michelle.nochta@lakewoodoh.net
All questions from interested teams must be submitted in writing by the end of business on Tuesday June 11, 2019. Responses will be posted to the website by the end of business on Friday June 21st.
Trinity RFQ -Questions and Answers – Round 1, June 11, 2019
Has the City of Lakewood conducted and EPA Phase I site assessment for the Trinity Church site? And, if so, will the EPA Phase I site assessment be provided to the team? Has the city conducted any structural assessments?
The city has not conducted an EPA Phase I or any structural assessments. There is an ACM survey that was ordered two years ago by another entity. It is available on the website and is to be used for informational purposes only.
What incentives are available? Is tax abatement available?
The city is willing to invest in a project that delivers on the goals and objectives explained in the RFQ. Tax abatement and tax increment financing are financing tools that are not preferred. The city would prioritize funding requests that are one-time investments tied to physical improvements to the building(s) and the site, as has been the case for other projects the city has provided strategic investment in recent years. Any potential investment would likely come at the beginning of the project for improvements to the property or could be structured through the sale price of the property.
Below are two programs that may be relevant to proposals:
Storefront Renovation Program – Storefront Renovation Program
Incentives for Qualified Projects
LOAN
0% loan up to 80% of eligible cost, or a maximum of $50,000 per project.
In addition, minor rebates available for architectural fees, signage, exterior accessibility improvements designed to use best efforts to meet ADAAG guidelines, and electrical code improvements.
REBATE
Rebates up to 40% of total eligible costs, not to exceed a maximum of $30,000 per project.
SBA Grant – SBA Program
The program provides small businesses meeting the following requirements with 15% of total project costs up to $50,000 as a forgivable 3-year loan. The Program Summary provides additional information and a Crain’s article about the program can be found at http://bit.ly/2BIpQiQ.
- 10% owner equity injection;
- 75% financing via an SBA-backed loan from a participating lender;
- consultation with an SBA Small Business Development Center (SBDC);
- creation of new jobs
Is the city of Lakewood open to a long-term lease agreement?
The city is open to all proposals. A deal structure that involves the transfer of the property is preferred.
Does the re-purpose of the church require sprinklers to be installed?
Fire code requirements are complex and vary greatly depending on the specifics of the proposal. Please consult a design and code professional to assist with the analysis.
Will the city provide any special accommodations for parking?
Parking will be subject to the standard review process and all applicable requirements. Please review Chapter 1143 of the Zoning Code for the requirements related to parking. There are options to seek Planning Commission review of a parking plan that does not meet the requirements of the code. Providing adequate off-street parking, on site or via shared parking agreements, is a very important component of any proposal.
Does the city of Lakewood offer any grant programs for non-profit entities?
The city is willing to invest in a project that delivers on the goals and objectives explained in the RFQ. Tax abatement and tax increment financing are financing tools that are not preferred. The city would prioritize funding requests that are one-time investments tied to physical improvements to the building(s) and the site, as has been the case for other projects the city has provided strategic investment in recent years. Any potential investment would likely come at the beginning of the project for improvements to the property or could be structured through the sale price of the property.
What are the top 3 uses the city would like to see?
No specific uses have been pre-determined. Please consult the RFQ document and review the Community Vision documents for guidance.
For our purposes, the price of $625k is too high. Is that the price for the church, or is that up for negotiations?
The city is willing to invest in a project that delivers on the goals and objectives explained in the RFQ. Tax abatement and tax increment financing are financing tools that are not preferred. The city would prioritize funding requests that are one-time investments tied to physical improvements to the building(s) and the site, as has been the case for other projects the city has provided strategic investment in recent years. Any potential investment would likely come at the beginning of the project for improvements to the property or could be structured through the sale price of the property.
Is adaptive reuse the favored approach for the church, or for all the existing structures?
The city does prioritize the adaptive reuse of the church building before the classroom addition and retail buildings on site. The classroom addition and retail buildings do not need to be part of the adaptive reuse but may be incorporated if they add value to a team’s vision and plans for the site.
Ideal RFQ would meld all structures? Can they merge ideas?
The city is open to all proposals and we look forward to your creative solutions.
Are any of the structures designated historic?
Currently, none of the structures are designated as historic.
Do we know the current condition of the boiler system?
The boiler has not been turned on in two years. Its current condition is untested.
Is there any chance we could see the church property a second time?
Yes, we scheduled a second-look walk-thru for Tuesday June 18th from 9-10 am. Information was sent out to the pre-submission meeting attendees. To attend the second-look walk-thru your team must have had representation at the mandatory pre-submission meeting held on June 5, 2019.
How would one calculate the tax on the property? Is the tax payable monthly or quarterly? Would the new tax rate be calculated on the final agreed upon transaction amount?
Tax rate is determined by Cuyahoga County and payment plans are at the County’s discretion. The tax rate is based on several variable factors including the value of the proposed improvements. Please contact the County or a financial real estate professional for more information.
Please contact Cuyahoga County Property Tax Division for assessments and payment options.
Joseph Micciulla
Cuyahoga County Fiscal Officer Office
jmicciulla@cuyahogacounty.us
(216) 698-6435 -
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