The proposal by Dayton Hydroponics is the fifth parcel – about 20 acres combined - in the past year targeted for demolition on a one-mile stretch of Dixie along the Great Miami River from I-75 to the West Carrollton Civic Center.
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The latest move in the vision to redevelop the Dixie/Central Avenue corridor into a multi-million dollar entertainment district, city officials said, shows particular promise on two fronts: it includes private-sector investment and will bring new retail space.
“This project, I think, is a good example of what we are trying to accomplish in the corridor,” according to West Carrollton City Manager Brad Townsend. “Remove (vacant) existing buildings that are beyond their useful life so that the private sector will be encouraged to reinvest.”
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Townsend likened Dayton Hydroponics’ plans for the former Duke’s Restaurant site to the Kettering Health Network’s announcement last year of its intent to build a medical office building – a service that is lacking in that business district – at 744 E. Dixie.
That is the former site of Sonny’s Auto Spa, which sat on 3.84 acres that will be transformed as part of a three-way deal with the city and the Montgomery County Landbank program.
“In this case, though, a private sector entity is taking the initiative to remove the building and build new retail space,” Townsend added.
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Dayton Hydroponics’ plans call for a new structure of about 10,800 square feet – twice the size of the former restaurant - with about 4,800 square feet projected for retail space, according to the city.
The opportunity to lure new retail tenants in that district is a welcome challenge, said West Carrollton Economic Development Director Michael Lucking.
“I am excited about that,” he said. “So either directly or indirectly, it will add some retail opportunity.”
Lucking said he expects Dayton Hydroponics to demolish the site this spring and begin construction later in the year.
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Other land along Dixie targeted by the city for redevelopment includes:
-Carrollton Plaza: The city last year bought 13.75 acres next to I-75, land seen by local officials as a cornerstone for the entertainment district plan along the river. The $3.2 million project includes the planned demolition of buildings at 1100 to 1192 E. Dixie.
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-The former West Carrollton Car Wash: This summer the city demolished the former business at 518 E. Dixie it has owned since 2013. No plans have been announced for the 0.324-acre site since the demolition, funded by a $20,000 Community Development Block Grant, according to the city.
-Colyer's Automotive: The city plans to buy the land at 429 E. Dixie, the western end of the Dixie/Central split. It plans to demolish the building using grant funds, which are expected to cover 75 percent of the estimated $183,000 cost. Townsend said the city has long-range plans to convert the 0.191-acre parcel into a small park, similar to The Point at eastern end of the Dixie/Central split.
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DIXIE REDEVELOPMENT
In the past year several parcels of Dixie Drive land totalling nearly 20 acres of land have been targeted for demolition. They include:
-429 E. Dixie: City plans to buy a 0.191-acre parcel where Colyer's Automotive sits with long-term plans for a small park.
-518 E. Dixie: The former West Carrollton Car Wash was demolished last year. It sat on 0.324-acres the city has owned since 2013.
-630 E. Dixie: Consists of 1.4 acres Dayton Hydroponics bought last year. The company plans to build a new structure and move from its Ohio 725 location.
-744 E. Dixie: The former Sonny's Auto Spa was torn down last year. Kettering Health Network announced an intent to build a medical office on the 3.84 acres.
-1100-1192 E. Dixie: The city last year bought 13.75 acres that includes the Carrollton Plaza. Demolition of the plaza is targeted for later this year.
SOURCE: City of West Carrollton
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