LAKEWOOD, Ohio — After years of delays and challenges, Lakewood officials broke ground Thursday on a major development that will transform the vacant site residents have nicknamed "The Pit" into a bustling mixed-use project.

The six-acre parcel on Detroit Avenue — the former site of Lakewood Hospital — will soon hold over 300 apartments, more than 550 parking spaces, retail space and community areas.

"Well, here we are. We're finally here," said Lakewood Mayor Meghan George. "Again, a lot of hard work by a lot of individuals and we're here and we're gonna be bringing a very quality development to downtown Lakewood."

Seven years in the making

The project has been in development since 2018, when Tristan Rader, now a state representative, cast his first vote as a member of Lakewood City

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