Frustrated developer spikes plans for Maize and invests in Douglas Design District

Decatur Square, a new residential community Ian Dopps planned for Maize, won’t happen after all.

“Our plan is to sell our properties and reinvest in more affordable, developer friendly areas,” Dopps said in an e-mail.

He planned what he called a “cool project” near the southwest corner of 45th and Tyler with about 20 homes for rent and commercial on the hard corner.

Dopps wanted the homes to have steep roof lines and some fun colors, kind of a Colonial style with a modern touch.

In his e-mail, Dopps said the city had approved his plans and then said sewer would not be brought to his development, which Dopps said had been discussed, and that the significant expense would be passed to him.

In an e-mail, City Administrator Richard LaMunyon said the city has received questions from Dopps’ attorney and that it would be inappropriate to comment.

Dopps said he “ended up investing the funds from this project into the sprawling Douglas Design District.”

He bought the B.H. Cornelius House early this year. It’s a historic home at 2925 E. Douglas that some investors converted to apartments a couple of years ago.

“It’s a wonderful place to invest in,” Dopps said of the district. “The properties are not over leveraged by specials, the city it beautifying it, and the residents take great pride in their community.”

This story was originally published April 8, 2019 at 4:50 PM.