Caroline McKinney, Economic Development Director for Liberty Township, Ohio, is seeing a vision come to fruition after eight years of planning, hard work and dedication. The New Liberty Center is now open!
Caroline and the Liberty Township team began working with Steiner + Associates to bring a “mixed-use” commercial development to Liberty Township, about eight years ago. When the economic downturn occurred in 2008, the development team chose to pause the project. A couple years later, they were back in front of the Township ready to move forward.
Liberty Township has historically been a “bedroom community,” which means the majority of property is residential (only 3% commercial property). The goal is to reach 18% commercial, as to not overwhelm residents, but also to balance the community. They are conscious of the need to balance residential and commercial property to create more jobs and increase tax revenue.
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There are nearly 40,000 residents in Liberty Township. The goal is to get on the map as a viable option for commercial development. Having Cincinnati Children’s Liberty Campus in the township is a great indication that Liberty Township indeed is a viable option.
As Cincinnati and Dayton continue to converge, there is a market for shopping and entertainment along I-75. This is an excellent time for Liberty Center to come to fruition. Phase I is on 65 acres, but Steiner + Associates own another 35 acres in Liberty Township that they can use for future additions.
Although Liberty Township is still rural and only 50% built out, having I-75 and Liberty Way makes Liberty Township an excellent place for retail office and entertainment.
Liberty Center includes residential, entertainment, retail and office space. It officially opened for business on October 22, but many businesses continue to move in. The first phase should be complete in December. The second phase may include a grocer and an expansion across the street.
Steiner + Associates have already brought White Barn, Express, Bath and Body Works, Macy’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Banana Republic, Torrid, Victoria’s Secret, Pandora, Sunglass Hut, White House Black Market, and Francesca’s into Liberty Center, as well as entertainment like The Funny Bone and Cobb 15 Luxury Theatres.
Restaurants including Cheesecake Factory, Brio and Kona Grill, have been placed throughout Liberty Center, and there is also an indoor mall with other food options like Five Guys Burgers and Fries.
There is a 120-room AC Hotel by Marriott on the grounds, 200 residential units, as well as green space, fountains and stages for concerts and other events. Parking has not been forgotten. There are metered parking options throughout the development as well as parking lots and garages.
Steiner + Associates developed Easton in Columbus and The Greene in Dayton. They were confident they could design something even better for Liberty Center with the help of their past experience.
Many of the companies filling the complex are hiring, which means hundreds of new jobs! For more information, go to www.Liberty-center.com.
We would like to thank Caroline for coming to OfficeKey to present. We are glad to support surrounding communities in their endeavors!
