Welcome to the Future of Community Living in Southfield: Reimagining Spaces to Celebrate Legacy, Community, and Opportunity for All
The Leonhard Redevelopment Project is transforming the former Leonhard Elementary School site, closed since 2011, into a vibrant, multi-generational community hub. Surrounded by well-established neighborhoods such as Beacon Square and nearby subdivisions, this project is inspired by the values and aspirations of its residents. It seeks to celebrate Southfield’s legacy while creating a sustainable future through thoughtfully designed housing and shared community spaces.
A Storied Past: Honoring Leonhard Elementary’s Legacy Fred D. Leonhard Elementary School, located at 20900 Independence Drive, served as a cornerstone of the Southfield community for decades. Operating as a public school within the Southfield Public School District, it welcomed generations of students until its closure in 2011. Many of Southeast Michigan’s business and community leaders walked its halls, forging connections and memories that have stood the test of time.
To honor this legacy, Fodeia Group is committed to making elements of the school available to alumni and community members who wish to preserve a piece of its history. Through careful salvaging, items such as bricks, may be offered to those seeking to carry forward the spirit of Leonhard Elementary.
Welcome
Communication with Residents
Communication of demolition and construction start plans to residents, is critical to minimize disruption to the surrounding community.
The Leonhard Redevelopment Project reflects the priorities expressed by residents of surrounding neighborhoods, including Beacon Square and nearby subdivisions. With an emphasis on maintaining safety, charm, and quality, the project is designed to strengthen the community and provide opportunities for all generations.
In 2024, multiple community meetings and engagement with City leaders took place to understand the needs of residents. Our development plan has been guided by community input and a deliberate, phased approach.
We know that the residents want to know what's happening. Please be aware that the real estate development process is not a fast as some may want to believe. It is an extensive process that requires lots of planning, coordination and approvals between multiple agencies and parties before a shovel goes into the ground for new construction.
But with that, the Fodeia team knows the importance of keeping surrounding residents and businesses informed. As we continue to move the process, we will communicate with our neighbors and answer questions that the public may have, including our demolition plan, work hours, road and noise impacts as well as how residents can obtain a keepsake of the Leonhard legacy. Please visit this page frequently for updates.
All inquiries should be directed to our Community Liaison Althea Graham at: leonhardredevelopment@fodeia.com
Timeline
2011
Leonhard Elementary School closes.
2022
Fodeia Group selected as the developer after a competitive bidding process.
2023
Completion of initial environmental assessment, due diligence, and design consultant selection
2024 (Jan-October)
Community engagement begins, including surveys and public meetings to gather input from surrounding housing associations and stakeholders.
Mid-Late 2024
Predevelopment work such as demolition planning, and entitlement process.
Summer 2025
Groundbreaking + Construction