Halleen project boosts future development
By Jeff Gallatin
North Olmsted
Published May 4, 2005

Business and city officials are moving into the future with a $4 million auto dealership expansion while keeping the spirit of the past alive at the historic corner on Lorain Road.

Ron Kula, general manager of Halleen Kia, said the new structure proposed to go in at 27706 Lorain Road as part of the dealership's expansion is designed to fit into the historic atmosphere of the area, which already has a CVS Drug Store across the street designed similarly.

"We've worked very hard with the city and a number of other people to make it a project which preserves the historic feeling of the area," Kula said. "We know it was a concern for a number of people."

Last year, city and historic group officials expressed concern about the probable demise of the historic building at the site which last housed Rebecca's Florist and a doctor's office. Officials from the city and Halleen have tried to find a way to possibly preserve the building, which is believed to be the oldest surviving commercial building in the city. It is believed to have been built prior to 1900. The officials tried to find a buyer who would purchase the building from Halleen and move it from the area.

Halleen officials also offered to let others have the building if that person or group would assume the costs of moving it from the site so the building could be preserved somewhere else and the dealership could expand. A sign offering the building has hung in the structure's window for more than a year.

"It's unfortunate in some sense, but there were no takers for the building," said Municipal Planning Director Kim Wenger, who worked with business and historic officials on the project.

"Halleen officials have worked very hard at devising a structure which preserves the historic feel of that corner with a red brick structure, historic design and landscaping," she added. "In some ways it should mirror the CVS Drugstore across the street, which has the wrought iron fencing and a historic design as well. It should suit the area."

Kula said it will give the dealership a unique appearance and feeling as compared to other automotive dealerships.

"It should be very interesting and visually appealing for people to come by and see," Kula said. "At the same time, we couldn't have done it without the Kia automotive people supporting this. They've got a good product and people are responding to it and buying it. So, we should be able to bring people into the dealership as well."

Paul Barker, a member of the municipal Historic Landmarks Commission, praised the project.

"I think they've done a great job with the building," Barker said. "Halleen did well in putting together a nice design and finding something which worked with what the Commission was looking for. The design put together by Halleen is far superior to the cookie cutter ones you normally see at Kia dealerships."

Mayor Thomas O'Grady said the city was very aware of the concerns about preserving a historic structure or at least the historic feel of the neighborhood.

"The Rebecca's structure could meet the criteria for historic preservation in age but probably not in uniqueness or of the architecture or design," O'Grady said. "There was a good faith effort by all the parties involved to find some way to preserve the structure - including even moving it, but there just wasn't any interest. It's unfortunate in some ways, but Halleen is to be commended for devising a project which is in keeping with the historic nature of the area. That being said, it's also a good project for development and expansion of the area."

City Council members also are supporting the project. Council passed related legislation April 25 pertaining to the property.

Councilman-at-large Michael Gareau Jr., chairman of council's building and zoning committee, said the project has been carefully thought out.

"It's a good project," Gareau said. "Halleen has done a good job of working with the various people and groups who have had concerns. The planning director has also done a fine job of maintaining a historic area while also encouraging a development project."

Kula said the project should bring the number of employees at the dealership up to 35 from 20. He said the dealership also will continue to work with the city to make sure the development is done properly.

"We anticipate going to the planning commission in May," he said, noting the dealership would have to do the plot and land consolidation to keep it moving.

If approved there, it would go to Council in June. Demolition and groundbreaking for the work would begin after that. Kula said dealership officials want to try and have the work done by March of next year.