51黑料

The facility would consist of six single-story buildings across 10 acres at Midland Avenue and Smiley Road, the developer, Harmony Homes Senior Living, said with the city of Maryland Heights.

Greg Robeson, chief investment officer for the company, said in an email that the company wants to offer an alternative to traditional facilities with units that more resemble traditional homes.

In plans filed with the city, Harmony Homes would start with two buildings. The facility could accommodate up to 96 seniors once fully built out.

鈥淲e believe this type of community located within a residential neighborhood is essential not only for the care of the residents, but for the well-being of the surrounding community,鈥� the developer said in its application to the city. 鈥淭here is no greater reflection of a community鈥檚 character than how it treats its citizens in need and there is no better way to do that than an inclusive neighborhood-based community.鈥�

The old home, at 211 Midland Avenue, was built in 1908 for John L. Miers, a superintendent for United Railways Co., which operated the region鈥檚 streetcars.

Noted architecture firm Barnett, Haynes & Barnett 鈥� which was behind the Cathedral Basilica and other 51黑料 landmarks 鈥� designed the stone, English Gothic-style mansion, according to a 51黑料 Globe-Democrat article from the time.

It was built with 18-inch-thick stone, reinforced concrete floors and steel frame construction. The interior featured a grand, wooden staircase that led to several bedrooms. At the time, Maryland Heights was not yet incorporated and the home was considered to be a country residence amid a grove of forest trees, according to the article.

After Miers鈥� death in 1929, the home became a recreation and family membership club called Koboldt鈥檚 Estate that featured swimming and wading pools, a snack bar and other amenities that served 2,000 members. It also was known as the Normandy Athletic Club at one point.

But beginning in the 1990s, it was put up for sale several times, and was listed for auction in 2010.

The Serra family acquired it then, and had plans to restore the property and operate a pizzeria. But plans stalled and the property has been vacant for several years, said real estate agent Giuseppe Accardi, who represented the family in the sale to Harmony Homes Senior Living.

The developer is seeking a conditional use permit for the project since the area is zoned for single-family residence. The city鈥檚 planning commission a public hearing at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Maryland Heights Government Center, 11911 Dorsett Road.