Lakewood’s newest mixed-use development, Westline, will start leasing apartments as early as spring 2026, according to developers. The development sits at the site of the former Barry Buick lot at 16000 Detroit Avenue.
Developers, designers, and construction workers have been hard at work prepping the 2.7-acre property, which stretches from the Westlake to Rosewood intersections. The development, described as a “ boutique apartment community,” offers 124 market-rate one- and two-bedroom apartments, ranging from 665 square feet to 1,000 square feet.
Angela Byington, Lakewood’s planning and development director, said the development implies new life for a previously dull stretch of Detroit.
“On the north side and the south side, there were vacant buildings, and it all became vacant land,” Byington said. “It’s been unproductive for some years now.”
The project aims to bridge an affordability gap in Lakewood through the city’s Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) plan.
“Since they’ll be providing more than 100 units, (the project) means abatement for 15 years. Then they’ll be required to provide 20% of the units at an affordable rate,” Byington said.
Some Lakewood residents celebrated the upzoning as a positive opportunity, while others fear the project could contribute to Lakewood’s gentrification.
Residents enjoy new plans for a formerly dead stretch of Detroit Avenue
Alexandra Hodson grew up down the street from the former Buick lot.
“It was pretty ugly,” Hodson said. “It was kind of a parking lot that people just walked through. The cement was messed up, the pavement was rough.”
Hodson said the new developments will be an adjustment, but a pleasant one. When a concept rendering was revealed, Hodson noticed that the developers had opted for a less modern look, taking care not to disregard the aesthetics of the surrounding architecture, with its quintessentially “Lakewood” style.
“It definitely looks different – it kind of looks like Ohio City. But I’m glad it’s not all grey,” they said.
Sarah Bond, who lives on Westlake Avenue, just north of the development site, said she looks forward to the new builds – but not all of her neighbors do.
“It was a big discussion. I know a lot of people were really upset about it – I don’t know why,” Bond said.
“Like, you’re changing the skyline, big deal. I would much rather have a well-maintained apartment building in that spot versus this ugly, vacant, dilapidated, eyesore of a parking lot,” she said.
Byington stated demand for housing in Lakewood is high, and new stock is crucial for replenishing the population. High population density encourages federal funding, community development and opportunities for Lakewood’s businesses and organizations.
According to the US Census Bureau, Lakewood lost almost 3,000 residents from 2010 to 2020.
“Lakewood is known for its density, and we’ve lost people over the decades. We’re trying to build it back up,” Byington said.
A desire for amenities
The majority of rental units throughout Lakewood were built before 1950. Many historical units are preserved in their original form. With the charm of an older rental space comes a lack of modern amenities.
The Westline development will include an on-site fitness center, bike storage, brand-new appliances, reserved parking spots and more.
“I thought it might be kind of cool to go and move there and live in a brand new place with a dishwasher and some of the amenities I don’t have,” Bond said.
It’s the potential cost of living in the building that deters Bond.
“I think that rent is probably going to be a lot more than they originally assessed,” Bond said. “I’m curious to see who actually moves in there. You look around at Lakewood in general, and you can’t get a house for under $300,000 in Lakewood. I make a lot, and I can’t afford that. I’m like, ‘Who is buying these?’”
The question of a changing Lakewood
Some Lakewood residents question whether private development was the right choice for the Buick lot, and if development projects like Westline will hinder renting families.
“Lakewood is an old little town, and I just wish that it could stay like that,” said Jennifer Baum, a Lakewood resident.
“It’s all about the community, and we’re starting to lose people who can’t afford to live here with children and raise their kids. These kinds of developments don’t help,” Baum said.
Baum said people willing to pay high rents for luxury apartments could start a trickle-down effect – attracting a wealthier demographic, and pricing out born-and-raised Lakewoodites.
Jack Ryan, a graduate student at Cleveland State University studying Urban and Economic Development, wondered if the developments could have a positive impact on old-stock renters.
“When newer, more expensive things go up, it filters the town’s residents. The ones who can afford it will go in, which will free up the older stock,” he said.
But the market, Ryan said, is never that easy or predictable. Tenants willing to pay more for newer, luxury apartments could increase the base rent of all properties in Lakewood, both new and old.
But not all residents have the same concerns. Bond believes the Westline development will be a net good for her neighborhood and for the city as a whole.
“Lakewood needs to stay competitive with the housing and amenities they offer if we want to stay an up-and-coming area,” Bond said. “As house prices increase more and more, there will be fewer people who can afford to buy a house in Lakewood. So this is another way for people to be able to live here and make money for the city.”
The Westline developer did not respond to a request for comment.
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