Lakewood Heights Neighborhood Association

New Construction In Lakewood

Jan 03, 2008

So, what?’s all the construction on Abrams at Belmont? Back in August 2006, Lakewood Heights Neighborhood Association met with representatives from Wachovia Bank to discuss their plans for building a new bank in Lakewood. After reviewing their initial proposals, it was clear that their plans for a suburban-style, modern glass and steel building with a huge parking lot out front and a 6-lane drive-through were completely out of line with the character & history of Lakewood ?– and City code! LHNA joined forces with several other local neighborhoods to work directly with residents and the designers for Wachovia Bank. What resulted was a solution to reduce the traffic conflicts & mass of concrete, and provide and appropriate building style, incorporate the old filling station, allow for retail shops on half of the lot, and provide a pedestrian-friendly solution ?– all in line with city code and the spirit of Lakewood Shopping Center.
As you can see by recent construction, that design is underway and the bank is scheduled for opening this year. The design will incorporate the historic filling station at Abrams and Belmont, provide parking behind the building (out of sight), one third the number of drive-through lanes, wide walkways along Abrams, enhanced street lighting with benches, and HALF of the concrete expanse!! The still-vacant half of the lot will be future one-story shops fitting the style of Lakewood!!

Wachovia demonstrated a great cooperative spirit in meeting neighborhood needs, and LHNA was instrumental in the process, helping to ensure that the vitality, safety, charm, and character of Lakewood and our neighborhoods would be sustained!
Your participation in this process and its results are proof that neighborhoods working together are powerful !