Transforming Lakewood Heights: How One Developer is Revitalizing a Neglected Neighborhood
In a powerful demonstration of community-focused development, Omar Ali has turned his extensive research and significant investment into a transformative project that is reshaping the Lakewood Heights area. After conducting a comprehensive study of the neighborhood, Ali has created a business center that serves as a beacon of economic opportunity and community renewal.
Located next to the formerly abandoned Lakewood Elementary building, Ali’s $12 million renovation of a former church has created a vibrant hub for Black-owned businesses. The Ali at Lakewood Center is more than just a physical space—it’s a symbol of potential and progress.
The facility now hosts a diverse range of businesses and services, including:
- A welcoming coffee shop
- A massage and yoga center
- Professional therapy services
- An adjacent garden
- A spacious 3,600-square-foot event center
With plans to invest an additional $40 million in the Southside neighborhood, Ali is demonstrating a long-term commitment to community development. His approach goes beyond mere construction, focusing on understanding the area’s history, engaging with residents, and creating spaces that empower local entrepreneurs.
Ali at Lakewood stands as a testament to thoughtful, community-driven urban development—transforming neglected spaces into opportunities for growth, connection, and economic empowerment.
