BUSINESS

Painesville OKs developer for site of former LakeEast Hospital

Staff Writer

Columbus CEO

Painesville City Council approved a developer for the site left vacant when Lake Health's LakeEast Hospital moved to Concord Township in 2009.

David Knott of Knott Construction will move forward with preliminary planning of what is expected to host residences and various types of commercial properties.

Council approved Knott at its regular Dec. 16 meeting.

"It will be a mix of some local unique shops and then some national chains, a good fit to transition the area between (Lake Erie) College and the downtown," said Painesville Economic Development Coordinator Cathy Bieterman.

Painesville's square and Veteran's Park are less than a mile away from the proposed site.

One of the goals of Painesville's long-term development plan is to make the city a more walkable destination, with homes near to the central area.

Bieterman said Knott is looking into a grocery store that would fit the demographic of the city while not competing with nearby Giant Eagle or IGA.

She said the city chose Knott because of his unique quality of work.

"Really (it was) the building materials he uses, the way he looks at a project to make sure it's a sustainable project as well as some green elements in his work stood out in terms of craftsmanship," she said.

He has worked on such projects as the Larimar condominium/townhouse development in Willowick and Icon Plaza in Concord Township.

Bieterman said Knott is separated from other builders because he focuses on more than just the facade of a building.

He is known to include interior details such as rounded walls or lighting that set his designs apart, Bieterman said.

"He carries that facade throughout that whole building and the detail in the interior takes it to another level in terms of aesthetic quality of the interior space," she said.

Bieterman said plans for the site are expected to be finished in March.

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