2018 Dream House to be built in Mentor

House will be in Lakeshore Highland Development

The 25th year of the popular Lake County YMCA Dream House project will be marked with a home in Mentor.

The 25th year of the popular Lake County YMCA Dream House project will be marked with a home in Mentor.

Less than a week after the 2017 Dream House winner was named, Mentor city officials and the Lake County YMCA have announced that the site for the 2018 Dream House will be in the new Lakeshore Highlands Development, southwest of the Lake Shore BoulevardRoute 44 interchange.

The house will be located at s/l 13 on Eaglet Place, a street named in recognition of the nesting bald eagles at nearby Mentor Marsh Nature Preserve.

Greg Sommers of the Sommers Real Estate Group, developer of Lakeshore Highlands, said he’s pleased to once again team up with the YMCA. The Chardon-based company also worked with the Lake County organization for the 2015 Dream House in Concord Township’s Concord Ridge Development.

“They’re great to work with,” Sommers said. “It’s obviously a great cause. All the stars aligned for the project. Hopefully it will be one of the best ones they’ve ever done.”

He noted that accessibility and ample parking are

two factors that will assist Dream House visitors.

JEMM Construction, based in Painesville, will custom design and build the home. It’s the company’s first time working with the project.

“For us it’s more than just building a Dream House,” said owner Josh Edgell. “It’s helping their organization and the community.”

Josh Silvis, an estimator for JEMM Construction, added that “It’s a big honor for us to be associated with the YMCA Dream House, especially being part of the 25th anniversary. It’s exciting for us and everybody involved.”

Preliminary plans call for a colonial-style home with approximately 3,250 square feet in the first and second floors and about 1,000 square feet in the lower level. It will include four bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, great room, office and three- car garage.

“Many exciting plans are in the works for the 25th Dream House and visitors will enjoy more of the same incredible designer wow factor that ticket buyers have come to expect from this project that provides direct positive impact for so many in all of Lake County communities,” said Dick Fraser, the YMCA project’s steering committee chairman. “Starting this early will

only increase and maximize the power of our collaborations.”

Mentor City Manager Ken Filipiak said the city is pleased to host the Dream House for its silver anniversary.

“It’s always good for the community to get that positive attention,” he said.

The 2017 Dream House on S.O.M. Center Road in Willoughby, valued at approximately $500,000, was won by Ron Fatica of Willoughby.

Money garnered from the fundraiser is used to enhance the Lake County YMCA programs and facilities.

“It is not yet determined how proceeds from the 2017 Dream House will be used, but each of the Lake County Y branches are beginning to determine what renovations they would like to make and new equipment that would best meet the needs of their members,” said Scott Taylor, Lake County YMCA’s chief advancement officer.

Those interested in donating products, services, or being a monetary sponsor for the 25th Y Dream House should contact Project Coordinator Kirk Stonebrook at kirkstonebrook@gmail.com or Steering Committee Chair Dick Fraser at dick@fraservideo.com for more details and promotional opportunities.