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The study showed the area could support both the shopping center and about 300 units of apartments, townhouses, patio homes and brownstones.
“We’re very excited about the project,” Centerville Mayor Brooks Compton said.
Thanks to council’s approval, the study will be included in the Create the Vision land use plan, a joint effort by Centerville and Washington Twp. to preserve the residential character of the two entities, while “encouraging the development of existing commercial areas as mixed-use centers.”
City planner Andrew Rodney said the addition of the study to the Create the Vision plan was “a priority for the city of Centerville.”
Centerville Place is a 325,000 square-foot shopping strip that houses businesses like Bath and Body Works, Great Clips, Starbucks, Kroger Marketplace and other retailers. Potential redevelopment plans show a small stage or platform toward the entrance to the development, surrounded by existing and new retailers.
The platform and green space—about an acre in size—would be used for small concerts, performances or even a movie night, according to Centerville.
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“It shows a potential developer that we aren’t just an aging suburb that expects a big box or strip center,” said Jim Durham about the potential development. “We’re willing to look at this differently, we’re willing to talk with you. We’re thinking, come think with us.”
Durham has been a member of the planning commission in Centerville since 1989.
Beyond the stage could include high-density, one and two-bedroom apartment buildings mixed with existing retailers, with vehicle and pedestrian access to the rear of the development, where brownstones or condominiums would be developed over what is currently an empty plot of land.
Along with shopping amenities, the Centerville Police Station, library and license bureau are less than a mile from the proposed development site.
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“There is essentially every good and service you could possibly need on a daily basis within a five to 10-minute walk,” said Rodney. “It really is amazing in how it’s developed that way, without somebody doing it on purpose.”
The next step for Centerville is engaging with the property owners at Centerville Place, as well as piquing the interest of potential developers.
“I hope to interact with them and share with them the story of Centerville Place and what we think could happen and the opportunities that there are at this particular location,” said Rodney.
There is about $90 million in residential projects under development from various developers in Centerville.
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