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A beleaguered development in Independence has narrowly avoided foreclosure, and the project’s owner is once again plowing ahead.

Independence Station, a half-completed medical center in the city’s downtown area, was scheduled for a sheriff’s sale on Friday. The city initiated the action because developer Steven Ribeiro failed to pay approximately $600,000 in system development charges. In late April, Ribeiro secured a bridge loan to pay the fees, and the sale was canceled.

David Clyne, Independence’s city manager, said staffers haven’t met with Ribeiro yet to learn more about his plan, but this latest development is a good sign.

“I think from our perspective, it’s good news,” Clyne said. “That somebody was willing to invest in that property at this late date, and invest in him as a developer of that property at this late date is a good story for the community.”

The 57,000-square-foot project has sat unfinished since 2005, when Ribeiro ran into financial troubles and was sued by his general contractor. Now Ribeiro is working to secure construction financing and complete the facility, which he envisions as a hub for medical research and development, and health-oriented community services. More information on the project is available at .

“We’ll have more announcements in the future; we’re working night and day on it,” Ribeiro said. “We have a lot going on and so we’re getting all that packaged up and getting ready to get back at it.”