Developer planning homes at quarry site in Monroe Charter Township
2/20/2008MONROE - A Toledo developer plans to create a community of waterfront homes and businesses on the perimeter of the former France Stone quarry in Monroe Charter Township.
The development on the 200-acre water-filled quarry could eventually consist of more than 100 ranch-style homes as well as retail and office space, said Keith Brown, a real estate agent who has been involved in housing developments in Toledo.
Jeff Savage of Monclova Township is a partner in Mr. Brown's company, Waterfront Developments LLC.
Mr. Brown said "Quarry Lake" will appeal to the segment of the housing market that likes living on the water and would include empty-nesters who are downsizing and young professionals.
"Our slogan is 'Where staying home feels like a vacation.'
"We believe that people want to value the quality of day-to-day life and enjoy as much as you can when you are here," he said.
Mr. Brown said the construction will begin in the spring on the development's first phase at the east end of the lake near Hull and East Dunbar roads, where 22 condominiums are planned.
The development, which would encompass most of the two miles of shoreline, would be done in up to 12 phases. Also, a mixed development of work space and residential units is envisioned for the west end of the quarry.
Mr. Brown said he has options to purchase about 90 percent of the land surrounding the quarry from William Gross, who bought the property in 1999 from France Stone Co.
The condos will start at $155,000 for a 1,100-square-foot unit. Larger 1,400-square foot condos will sell for $175,000.
"We are looking at plans for bigger floor plans based on market demands. If buyers want larger units we can accommodate them," he said.
Over the last several months, the developer and Mr. Gross have made requests to township trustees to have land rezoned from single-residential use to zoning that will permit the construction of multifamily homes. Nearly nine acres of the property have been rezoned.
However, township officials have rejected requests to build some units within the required 50-foot setback from the lake.
Kim Fortner, zoning enforcement officer, said the developers have not submitted specific plans for township approval. "We haven't seen a site plan yet," she said.
Mr. Brown said the complex would eventually include a clubhouse and swimming pool that would be available to residents.
Contact Mark Reiter at:
markreiter@theblade.com
or 734-241-3610.