Development could start this year on the 39 homes slated for the site of the former Briarcliff School at the intersection of West Barrett Street and 39th Ave West near the water tower. Bellevue based Lexington Fine Homes says they have submitted the development plans to the city for review. Following approval Lexington plans to start construction on the streets and sidewalks along with underground improvements.
“I’m very hopeful that we will have those approvals this summer and will be able to start development this year,” said John Cochenour, Lexington Fine Homes. “While there are a few more steps in the process, hopefully that would allow us to start home construction next year.”
Cochenour said that prices have not been determined yet and they won’t be available until they are closer to the start of home construction. Lexington primarily builds luxury homes on the Eastside.
The Briarcliff School was closed for a number of years before it was sold by the Seattle School District to Lexington in 2003. Since then, construction has been delayed as neighborhood groups opposed the project saying it amounts to sticking a dense subdivision in the middle of an older neighborhood of single-family homes. Critics contend that with so many houses on such small lots there will be traffic problems and congestion.
The Lexington Fine Homes website says they are working with the Hackworth Group Architecture/Planning to create homes that meet today’s homebuyer’s needs, while reflecting the style that is distinctly Magnolia. “Hopefully we’ll be good neighbors during this extended process,” said Cochenour.
