OGDEN -- The head of a California- based company said Tuesday night he's excited about the possibility of contributing to the city's renaissance by undertaking the Ogden River Project.
"We are very impressed with what the city has done in the last five to seven years to attract the outdoor industry," Jeff Lee, president of Lee Homes, said following a brief presentation to the city council.
"We are optimistic about the project, but there is a long way to go."
Lee Homes, based in Marina del Rey, Calif., has submitted a master plan agreement to the Ogden Redevelopment Agency, made up of the city council, for the 60-acre mixed-use development that would straddle the Ogden River from 18th to 20th streets and Washington Boulevard to Wall Avenue.
The city council did not discuss the agreement or question Lee about the proposal Tuesday night.
However, Council Vice Chairwoman Susan Van Hooser thanked Lee for his interest in Ogden.
It may be a few weeks before the RDA schedules a meeting to consider the master plan agreement, said Bill Cook, the city council's executive director.
Lee told the council that Lee Homes, which has been in operation for 55 years, has had extensive redevelopment experience in Southern California.
In addition, he said, his company became aware of the river project because his father, Harlan Lee, chairman of Lee Homes, is a close friend of Gadi Leshem.
Leshem is affiliated with Ogden Riverfront Development LLC, which owns about 60 percent of the property in the project area. The remaining parcels belong to the city and other individuals.
Lee said his proposal for the river project includes the construction of about 1,000 residential units, including 96 single-family homes. The plan also calls for 300,000 square feet of commercial and retail space as well as open space.
A complete buildout of the project could take up to 10 years, Lee said, and his company would like to begin construction by the end of the year.
Lee Homes would likely partner with other developers on various aspects of the project. The company could also buy some properties from Ogden Riverfront Development or work in conjunction with the firm to build on some parcels.
Work on the river project would be Lee Homes' first venture outside of California, which has seen a downturn in housing construction because of the slumping national economy.
Regarding his company's interest in the river project, Lee said, "You have got to go where there is opportunity."
Related link: This article is a topic of discussion at Weber County Forum.
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