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One of downtown Dayton’s leading residential developers plans to build about 14 townhomes that will diversify the type of housing product available in the urban core.
Charlie Simms’ sixth housing project downtown — located at Fourth Street and Patterson Boulevard — will be a departure from the traditional-style brick homes he is well known for, which include the Brownstones at 2nd and Monument Walk developments.
The roughly $4.2 million housing project is called City View and will have a contemporary appearance and design that is reminiscent of the colorful Litehouses, which are located about a block north on Patterson Boulevard.
Many housing units that are under development or planned for downtown are rentals, but Simms’ projects have helped ensure that Dayton has a healthy mix of urban living options that includes owner-occupied homes, local officials said.
“I think it’s very important for our downtown community to have a broad array of different housing options,” said Sandy Gudorf, president of the Downtown Dayton Partnership.
Charles Simms Development has signed an agreement to purchase a half-acre parcel at Patterson Boulevard and Fourth Street from the Dayton Metro Library.
The parcel sits just north of the library system’s operations center, located in the former Hauer music building, which today serves as the temporary main library.
The library will use some of the property for parking.
But the frontage along Patterson Boulevard will become about 14 three-story townhomes with roof-top decks and two-car garages. There will be a six-unit and an eight-unit building.
Each home also will have two additional parking spaces in front of the garage. The homes are expected to sell for between $300,000 to $350,000.
The homes will offer two bedrooms — with an option for a third — and either 2.5 to 3.5 bathrooms, said Simms, president of Charles Simms Development.
The homes, which will be about 1,750 square feet and constructed predominantly of brick, will have open rooftop areas that are partially covered and offer water utilities and possibly gas for grilling, Simms said.
“They will offer some very nice views,” he said.
The location is close to the renovated main library, which is undergoing a $64 million upgrade. The business strip of the Oregon Historic District is just a couple blocks away.
The attached homes will offer a modern style that fits in with the urban-inspired designs of the new library and the addition on the Hauer building, said Tony Kroeger, Dayton city planner.
“It will add a contemporary, progressive look to that part of downtown and should mix in really well,” he said.
Groundbreaking on the project is expected to take place in the fall, with the homes opening in late spring.
Charles Simms Development is currently constructing 24 townhomes situated near Fifth Third Field and 2nd Street Market called the Brownstones on 2nd.
The firm also is developing 17 upscale townhomes at Monument Avenue at Ludlow Street known as Monument Walk.
Simms also built the Patterson Square, Rubicon Square and Patterson Place townhouse developments.
“The demand (for downtown housing) is probably a little stronger than it was five years ago,” Simms said.
Lots of new housing is proposed for downtown, opening soon or is under construction. But most of it is rental product.
This includes the Art Lofts in the Dayton Arcade, the Delco lofts, the Water Street Flats, the Flats at South Park and the urban-style lofts proposed for the 210 Wayne Avenue building.
Other recently announced housing proposals include new apartments in the Grant Deneau Tower and the Centre City Building.
Most of the rehabilitation projects are seeking historic tax credits, which require the properties remain income-producing properties, like apartments, for a set period of time.
But there is a strong demand for owner-occupied housing, and Simms is delivering the kind of product that is especially appealing to empty-nesters and working professionals, local officials said.
Revitalizing downtown takes attracting a wide variety of new residents, including baby boomers and millennials, who want distinct and interesting living choices and who have different needs, said Gudorf, with the downtown partnership.
Some families have kids and require multiple bedrooms, while other buyers need far less space.
Monument Walk homes are elevator ready, very large and cost $400,000 or more, which appeals to some older people with high incomes.
The Brownstones at 2nd are smaller and cost less, and have lured some young professionals.
A diverse group of people living downtown will support local businesses and help create a more thriving and vibrant environment, Gudorf said.
The City View project will help make the area around the expanded Dayton library a destination for learning, living and other community activities, said Tim Kambitsch, Dayton Metro Library executive director.
“The City View townhomes will add to the synergy surrounding the main library expansion,” he said.
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