In May of 2015, the plan for a senior development was proposed at the city’s Planning Commission meeting. Gross Builders proposed to build a development of four, four-story luxury apartment buildings and a clubhouse with an outdoor pool and fitness room. The development will offer 288 suites of one and two bedroom apartments for people, aged 55 and older. “The style of the buildings are taken from cues from the craftsman style, with natural materials and low, sloping roofs, said Rick Porter, In-house Architect for Gross Builders.
The proposal came after the change in the city’s zoning which added Senior Citizen District to the code, which was a portion of the Master Plan. During the Master Plan process, discussion took place regarding the desire to have an option for senior citizens who would or could no longer remain in their homes, but wished to continue to reside in North Royalton. There are some senior-specific housing options in the city, but not luxury apartments. “There really are no luxury senior products in the southwest suburbs, said Gross Builders Director of Construction and Development Ken Starrett. “This is an incredible location.”
“It looks like this project is going to be a first-class addition to our community,” said Mayor Bob Stefanik. He went on to say that, “ this really fits the bill from the wishes of the Master Plan.”
The development, called Royalton Place, will be located just west of the Woodcroft Glen development on Royalton Road, and will be situated on 26.2 of the 33-acre property at the northeast corner of Royalton Road and York Road. The remaining six acres, which flanks Royalton Road, is zoned as General Business. About 18 acres will be set aside as green space. The proposed drawing shows the main entrance coming in from the west, on York Road. It also shows a tie in from Woodcroft Glen, which exits at Royalton Road.
Gross Builders has been a fixture in North Royalton for many years. The business started in 1916 with Isadore Gross, who began building homes in Ohio. They currently operate 55 and older apartment complexes in Twinsburg, Solon and Parma, and a 62 and older location in Parma. They also offer 55 and older homes in Solon. They have been a presence in North Royalton for many years. Not only are they headquartered here, but own several apartment complexes here.
The city has issued permits for grading and storm water management, according to North Royalton Building Commissioner Dan Kulchytsky. Gross Brothers is currently preparing for the building permits. Building 1 and 2, 20,420 square feet each and their associated garages, which are located closest to York Road, will be the first to be constructed. The clubhouse and amenities are expected to be constructed simultaneously. The development will offer amenities, such as picnic and grill areas, an outdoor pool, meeting rooms, walkways and green areas. The goal is to open this phase in the summer of 2018.

By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer