Park, amphitheatre proposed for Cornerstone development

The amphitheatre would be used for small performances.

A park with an amphitheater on about 18 acres is being proposed for the Cornerstone of Centerville North.

The park and 150 to 200 seat amphitheater are part of the final phase of development at the 157-acre mixed-use development on the old Dille Farm property.

“We wanted some buffering between the residential and commercial areas,” said George Oberer, CEO of Oberer companies, Cornerstone developer. said Oberer. “We decided a park would be a nice buffer and amenity not only for the residents, but for the retail component, as well.”

Cornerstone is home to retailers like Costco Warehouse and Cabela's and restaurants like Bagger Dave's Burger Tavern, Chick-fil-A and Cheddar's. A Kroger store is scheduled to open in 2017. Hotel, housing and office space are also planned.

The idea for the park developed because of a natural drainage area, an existing pond and nice trees on the property, Oberer said.

The park has been designed to draw visitors in to gather and relax in open spaces and groomed parkland. Visitors will be able to sit together and experience live entertainment at the proposed amphitheater.

“It will be a very passive type of amphitheater that allow for small performances,” said Oberer.

As a small, permanent structure, the amphitheater will serve as a stage for local artists to perform on while visitors shop or sit in the surrounding proposed plazas. Oberer also said developers plan for retailers in the development to be able to take advantage of the amphitheater to hold promotional events or seminars for visitors.

The estimated cost for the park and amphitheater projects is $1.5 to $2 million dollars.

“It’s just really an opportunity for folks to come and enjoy several hours eating, drinking, shopping and then walking around some of the amenities that are going to be a part of The Village and the park,” said Andrew Rodney, Centerville’s city planner, of this phase of the Cornerstone development.

A public hearing will be held in the Council Chambers of the Centerville Municipal Building, 100 West Spring Valley Road, on Aug. 30 to discuss the rezoning about 18 acres of the property to be used for the park.

Oberer estimated work on the park and amphitheater, if approved, would not begin until spring 2017 or later. Phase three, which includes adding more retail space and a hotel to Cornerstone North, is expected to begin by the end of the week as crews begin working to extend the sites infrastructure.

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