It’s not even Spring, yet some major construction projects around the city are either in full swing, or are in the works to start soon. Three projects are in the mid and southwest section of the city.
Royalton Place, the 33-acre senior development that was proposed by Gross Builders is now becoming a fixture at the corner of Rt. 82 and York Road. The first building of four, four-story luxury apartment buildings, complete with a clubhouse, fitness room and outdoor pool, is progressing. The development will offer 288 suites of one and two-bedroom apartments for people, aged 55 and older, offering apartments totaling 850, 1,100 and 1,300 square feet.
Six acres, which flanks Royalton Road, is zoned as General Business. Building 1 and 2 and their associated garages are located closest to York Road. The first building is expected to be completed this summer and the second building is expected to start late summer/early fall, with completion next year.
Work on the Bennett’s Corners development is set to begin. The construction of a Speedway gas station is expected to start the first week of March, according to North Royalton Economic Development Director, Tom Jordan.
The ultimate plan that was proposed includes five buildings that will offer retail and office space off of West 130 Street, between Bennett and Boston Roads. On the Boston Road side of the property proposes 2.3 acres for about 12 single family town homes.
The first phase of the project is being split into two parts. The first part involves the building of a 4,600 square foot Speedway Café at the northeast corner of West 130 Street and Boston Roads and a main drive that will be located directly north of that. Site work for the entire property began last spring, with grading, prep work and stormwater work taking place. The second portion of phase one will be a one story retail building that will be located at the southeast corner of West 130 and Bennett Road. According to Jordan, the only plan at this time is the construction of the entryway drive and the Speedway. It is expected to take about three months, with an opening projected for summer. At this time, no plans have been submitted for phase 1 retail yet.
On January 3, the city’s Planning Commission approved final site plans for an additional building at the York Road Commercial Park. The park is owned by Pierre Zanin, who also owns the Royalwood Center at State and Royalwood Roads. The new 8,800-square-foot building will be constructed in the back of the property, located at 13688 York, north of Rt. 82. There is currently two other buildings on the property. According to Jordan, some construction documents have been submitted and construction is expected to begin when weather breaks.

By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer