May 1, 2017 [Carol Kovach, special to cleveland.com]
LAKEWOOD, Ohio – One of Lakewood’s newest homes is about to go on the market.
The 1,425-square-foot, two-story house was built by Prairie Stone Group on a vacant lot at 1427 Scenic St., in the city’s West End.
Ian Andrews, executive director of LakewoodAlive, said the project was a cooperative venture among the city, LakewoodAlive, the Cuyahoga County Land Bank and Prairie Stone Group, owned by Lakewood resident Dana Paul.
City officials, LakewoodAlive staff, neighbors and others toured the new home during an open house hosted by Paul on April 26.
The three-bedroom, 21/2-bath house with a full basement, deck and 11/2-car detached garage was built on a lot LakewoodAlive obtained from the land bank, Andrews said. Although LakewoodAlive and Prairie Stone have been involved with residential rehabilitation/renovation projects, Andrews said this is the first new home for both.
LakewoodAlive identified the property in spring 2015, Andrews said, and received title to the site from the land bank in January 2016. In March, the land was transferred to Prairie Stone Group and a groundbreaking took place on May 18, 2016.
Andrews said LakewoodAlive sought proposals for the property and Prairie Stone Group was selected. He said the plan was to have the house integrate into the neighborhood.
“There were some challenges with the lot,” Paul said, noting it is narrow — about 35 feet wide – and about 99 feet deep. He said a typical Lakewood lot is at least 40 feet wide.
Paul said the house, which he describes as a “craftsman cottage home,” has an open, flex-space concept on the first floor, with the living room, dining area and kitchen flowing from the front to the back of the house, where large glass doors open to a patio. A large island in the middle of the kitchen area can provide seating as well as storage. Kitchen appliances – a gas stove, large refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher and garbage disposal – are included. Cabinets are quarter-sawn oak and a large quarter-sawn oak bench with storage is a focal point of the first floor, Paul said.
There is hickory hardwood flooring throughout the house and there are heated tile floors both full bathrooms upstairs. The master bedroom has a large, spa-like bathroom complete with a walk-in shower.
“Laundry connections are on the second floor,” Paul said, adding there are plumbing connections in the basement in case the homeowner wants to add a third half-bath. Individual water connections were installed for each fixture, which Paul said will be more efficient.
He pointed out special, locally made floor tiles in the front entrance way. As is typical of many Lakewood homes, there is a front porch. Large windows on the wall along the staircase to the second floor offer a view of the Rocky River Reservation of the Cleveland Metroparks.
Paul said he had been thinking about building a new, single-family home when this opportunity arose. He said the house will be listed for $317,000 on Zillow and craigslist. More information and photos can be found on the Prairie Stone Group website, prairiestone9.wixsite.com/scenic-house.
“The challenge was there,” he said, adding he’s received positive response from neighbors and others who have seen the house. “I’d like to build more new homes,” Paul said.