The Magnolia Action Group (MAG) believes that the soil at the Briarcliff development has been built up significantly, raising concerns about where the developer intends to locate the new homes being built on the site.  Developer Lexington Fine Homes says that the grade level has not changed.  Lexington is building 39 homes on the site that used to be home to an elementary school at 39th and Dravus.

MAG has written a letter to the city Department of Development, claiming that Lexington is trying to gain maximum height – an extra 5 to 10 feet – on the homes so that most can be view homes.  They claim that this is completely out of character with the neighborhood.

The concern, as stated in the letter, is that soil appears to have been built up significantly outside the streets. 

MAG believes that the homes will loom over the neighborhood, with the look and feel of an isolated development incompatible in scale and design.

Lexington Fine Homes president John Cochenour said the grade may currently look higher due to the grading for the street, alleys and Briarcliff Lane.  He says the actual elevation of the house lots is very similar to the site elevation when the school was located on the site.

The developer of the Briarcliff homes at 39th and Dravus says that construction needs will force the closure of Dravus from east of 39th Ave West to just west of Arapahoe so the entire road can be replaced.  The road will likely be closed for the entire week of October 5th.  

“For those living adjacent to the site, we’re sorry for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience.  We will still need to repour the sidewalks on the south side of Dravus and add several wheelchair ramps on the north side,” says John Cochenour, Lexington Fine Homes.

Cochenour says they are continuing to work on the home designs and hope to start construction in early 2010 on the first few new homes.  As they move into the design phase, they are asking for input about different design and specification options. If you are considering buying a new home within the next few years and wouldn’t mind providing input, send him an email at john@lexingtonfinehomes.com.

Lexington plans to build 39 homes at the site that used to be home to an elementary school.

There is lots of progress at the site of the old Briarcliff School where Lexington Fine Homes plans to build 39 houses. This first phase of construction extends 39th Ave. W. through the Briarcliff property to Dravus Street, along with improvements to Dravus in front of the property. 

Here is the latest from the Lexington website. “We are pleased to announce that the detailed engineering drawings for the roads, utilities, sidewalks, landscaping and other development improvements have been approved by the City.  These development activities have started and are expected to be completed in late 2009.”

This is the map that shows where the homes will be located.  No prices have yet been set for the homes.

Work is now well underway at the development site at the old Briarcliff Elementary School. 

 Lexington Fine Homes is making progress on the site at 40th Ave West and Dravus Street where they plan to build 39 homes. This first phase of construction extends 39th Ave. W. through the Briarcliff property to Dravus Street, along with improvements to Dravus in front of the property.  The road development is expected to take up to six months to complete.

The Briarcliff School was closed for years before it was sold by the Seattle School District to Lexington in 2003. Construction was delayed when neighborhood groups opposed the project, contending there will be traffic problems with so many houses on small lots.  

Lexington primarily builds luxury homes on the Eastside. The company website says that “Briarcliff is special because it is being designed to emulate the older neighborhood character and scale of the grand Magnolia homes built in the early 20th century.  Our goal is to create a community that blends in and enhances the existing neighborhood nearby.”

Lexington Fine Homes has announced it will finally break ground on its proposed development at the old Briarcliff Elementary school in the coming weeks. There are 39 homes slated for construction at the intersection of West Barrett Street and 39th Ave West near the water tower. Some equipment and a work shed have now arrived at the site.

In a letter sent to neighbors, the developer say the first phase of construction will extend 39th Ave. W. through the Briarcliff property to Dravus Street, along with improvements to Dravus in front of the property. They will remove the existing fence and the remaining asphalt and install a new fence. The road development should take up to six months to complete. (Thanks David for the tip)

Here is an excerpt from the letter:

We are pleased to announce that the detailed engineering drawings for the roads, utilities, sidewalks, landscaping and other development improvements have been approved by the City. These development activities are expected to be completed during the coming summer. We are continuing to work of the home designs and hope to start construction in late 2009 on the first new home. – John Cochenour, Lexington Fine Homes

We will keep an eye on the project and bring you progress reports as construction gets underway.

This is the rendering of the project. 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. Critics contend that with so many houses on such small lots there will be traffic problems and congestion.

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.