VERMILION, Ohio -- Vermilion’s famed Waterwood Estate is slated to become a luxury lakefront “wellness community” by early 2025, with some homes selling for near $1 million.
The sprawling 38,000-square-foot mansion and 160 acres of lakefront property with its own marina will be turned into a resort with new condos, townhomes while also preserving the mansion, according to plans by architecture firm AoDK and developer DiGeronimo Companies, which paid $3.6 million for the estate in 2020.
“It is a wellness community,” said Kim Crane, of Kim Crane Real Estate Group of Howard Hanna, which is handling the home sales ”So they’re kind of focused on a retreat for those wanting to get away from the hubbub of city life.”
The mansion was built in 1991 for the drop ceiling inventor Donald Brown and his wife, Shirley, both of whom died in a 2010 plane crash. The resort will feature a lakefront outdoor pool deck, event center, a cabana bar and lounge and a fitness center.
Non-residents will only be able to enjoy the upscale restaurant by making reservations.
Early renderings show that there will be two 6-floor condo buildings called “The Meadows” that will house 70 one-story units with balconies facing the lakefront. The Meadows will also feature a luxurious rooftop area and 35 garage parking spots.
Prices for the condos start at $650,000, with up to three bedrooms.
“It’s really getting people’s attention. To have this kind of view and opportunity ticks a lot of boxes for people,” Crane said.
The estate will also have a small community of 27 multilevel townhomes divided into two rows that will be known as “The Bluffs Townhomes,” with a starting price of $890,000.
One row will have rooftop decks and a walkout level to the lake. The homes will have balconies as well.
Crane said that in just the last week, they have reserved two of them.
“We’re seeing some people who are in Florida half the year wanting to use the homes as a weekend spot,” she added. “They’re, not too far of a drive from the heart of Cleveland, so it’s a nice getaway without going all the way to the islands and a little less of a driving commitment.”
Amenities will include a private marina and beach.
“There’s something for everyone here,” Crane said. “We have some empty nesters wanting to downsize and be on the lake. It’s for young adults and all age ranges really, who embrace the idea of a healthy community, nature, lifestyle, food and exercise.”
Developers will break ground this summer with the hopes of being able to open by end of 2024 and early 2025.
Megan Sims covers real estate for cleveland.com. See previous work at this link.
Also:
St. Ignatius tweaks $30M renovation plan in advance of returning to Cleveland Landmarks Commission
Ad Choices