Urban blight to vibrant park? Lakewood has plans for defunct grocery-store property
Lakewood residents who once shopped at a now-defunct grocery store might soon see an adjacent property transformed into a public park.
The city of Lakewood announced Thursday it intends to buy part of the former QFC-anchored strip mall, namely the spot where Cascade Bagel & Deli once stood. Officials say they aim to ensure that downtown is an inviting, pedestrian-friendly space.
“The City Council looks forward to completing the acquisition of this long vacant and neglected parcel within our Central Business District,” Lakewood Mayor Jason Whalen said in a Thursday news release. “Residents will be well-served by a vibrant, urban park with amenities, including a possible splash pad for residents to enjoy.”
The property is positioned between Motor Avenue, Gravelly Lake Drive and Bridgeport Way, according to the news release. The city offered to pay the full appraisal amount of $1.35 million in a letter to Emmert Lakewood Center LLC, the property’s owner.
Efforts by The News Tribune to reach Terry Emmert of Emmert Lakewood Center LLC for comment were not immediately successful.
The potential park would sit on a 1.58-acre parcel of land. A city spokesperson told The News Tribune that its design and funding would likely be hammered out after the property has been acquired.
Lakewood City Council has dreamed of introducing public parks to that area as part of its long-term vision, plus pedestrian paths leading to restaurants, shopping and residential areas, according to the news release.
“The purchase of this key piece of property allows us to move forward with its vision,” Whalen said. “It will serve as a catalyst for private investment and development.”
This story was originally published April 12, 2024 at 5:30 AM.
