The Greene

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The Greene, (known as the Greene Town Center), is a mixed-use development located in Beavercreek, Ohio (an eastern suburb of Dayton in Greene County), at the exit from Ohio Interstate 675 to Indian Ripple Road. The first phase of the center opened on August 24, 2006.

The complex is an established mixed-use, office, retail, dining and entertainment center and serves as the third shopping center in the Miami Valley region. The co-owner and developer, Steiner + Associates, is known for creating similar town centers such as the Easton Town Center in Columbus as well as other centers in the Cincinnati-Newport and Kansas City region.

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[edit] Development

The Greene is being built in two phases over 72 acres of land at a cost estimated exceed $200 million when complete. The developer provided the majority of the funding, but based on the $186 million estimate, the public's share is $14.8 million, or eight percent of the total cost.[1] This is the lowest percentage bond financing in their portfolio. The location of the property is within the southeast boundaries of Indian Ripple and Stroop Roads, just off the exit to I-675.

Phase I was developed in the period of spring 2005 until its completion in 2006. The first phase will include Lane Bryant, Brio Tuscan Grille, Victoria's Secret, Cheesecake Factory, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, Black House|White Market, Chico's, Sephora's, and numerous other retailers and/or restaurants new to the Dayton area. The architect of record for the majority of the project was Meachem and Apel.

The development for Phase I will also include: a comedy club (The Funny Bone), a fitness club (Urban Active), as well as an upscale movie theater (Cinema De Lux). Phase I also includes 100,000 square feet (9,300 m²) of second-floor office space overlooking the town square and approximately 136 residential loft apartments that will become available in early 2007. The mixed-use residential buildings were designed by Torti Gallas and Partners.

Phase I celebrated its grand opening on August 24, 2006 with some tenants still under construction. Phase I is expected to be fully leased by the end of 2007.

Phase II will focus on fashion and will include the anchor department store, Von Maur. Von Maur is sometimes described as the Nordstrom of the Midwest and features fashion, accessories and beauty products, but not furniture or other department store goods. It is known for its interest-free credit card, free shipping and free gift wrapping. Like Nordstrom, Von Maur is also known for a high degree of customer service, including handwritten notes from employees following purchases. Phase II will be completed in spring 2008.

According to the owners, the estimated new revenue created will exceed $23.4 million, with $8.1 million of that in local revenue. Principal beneficiaries are Greene County and Beavercreek City School District, followed by the city of Beavercreek.[2]

The owners want to make an impression of a central-style environment that becomes a civic center for outdoor concerts, holiday events and a family gathering space during the both the summer and winter, in particular children playing in the random pattern pop-up fountain during the summer. Research from other Steiner projects has evidenced that the number of visitors is essentially unaffected by seasonal weather.

The town center is designed to look like a classic American main street with public spaces, fountains, street grids and metered parking spots in front of stores. All metered parking benefits a charitable foundation. Parking in lots and garages is free.

Most of the construction work on The Greene has been completed, with all of the streets and parking structures open and ready for business. In addition to unveiling the completed town square, the center will shine with its new ornamental light poles and verdant landscaping.[3] The affluent areas of Dayton, Beavercreek, Kettering, Oakwood, Centerville, Miamisburg, and Springboro are the core market for the shopping complex.

[edit] Controversy

During construction, the shopping center was a controversial topic among people in the towns surrounding the development. The land was once a forest and Beavercreek officials have been debated on the economic impact. Opponents also question if the area can support The Greene, The Mall at Fairfield Commons and the Dayton Mall.[4]

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ Developer says community focus at heart of The Greene's concept
  2. ^ About The Green Town Center
  3. ^ http://www.steiner.com/projects/thegreene/overview.cfm
  4. ^ DaytonDailyNews: Dayton, Ohio, news and information

[edit] External links