Forest Fair Mall opened in the late 1980s as the second largest mall in the state of Ohio, measuring nearly 1.5 million square feet. Straddling the border of Forest Park and Fairfield (hence the name), the mall has the distinction of being located in two cities, two counties, and three school districts. In 2004, a major $70 million renovation was completed and the mall became known as Cincinnati Mills. In recent years, the mall has suffered from high vacancy and deferred maintenance. Kohl’s, the last remaining tenant, closed at the end of March. 

Mall construction underway in the late 1980s

The property now has an opportunity to be redeveloped by Hillwood, a major real estate development firm based in Texas. Hillwood has received approval of zoning changes that will facilitate the development of approximately 55 acres of the 100 acre mall site into a Class A business park to be known as Park 275. The proposed business park will mostly be located within Forest Park, on the eastern side of the property. Hillwood hopes to close on the property in the second quarter of 2025.

Hillwood’s proposed project includes full demolition of the mall and parking structure. The demolition will be funded in part by a $7.9 million demolition grant secured through the Butler County Land Bank and Ohio Department of Development. If the project moves ahead as planned, demolition could begin this summer and is expected to take nearly a full year to complete. 

Rendering of proposed Park 275 development

The project will create a new development opportunity on approximately 45 acres located along the western side of the property behind the restaurant outparcels that front on Gilmore Road. This property will now be shovel-ready, unencumbered by mall buildings and past financial incentives. 

Core & Main, a distributor of water, wastewater, storm drainage, and fire protection products, has announced plans to occupy a new 30,000 square foot building at 9451 Seward Road to support its growth. This $4.6 million investment will relocate 20 existing jobs from its existing facility on Production Drive and create at least four new full-time positions within three years, with an anticipated future payroll exceeding $2.5 million annually. Fairfield City Council approved a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) agreement to support the project. Construction is expected to begin this spring and be largely completed before the end of 2025. This project is expected to boost both income and property tax revenue while contributing to job growth in our community.

Rendering of new Core & Main facility

The return of Flavors of Fairfield is bringing a summer-long culinary journey to the community, inviting residents and visitors to explore locally owned global eateries. Flavors of Fairfield showcases a diverse array of international cuisines, including flavors from China, Ghana, India, Italy, Mexico, Nepal, Peru, Puerto Rico, Thailand, Turkey, and more.

Flavors of Fairfield is set to run from May 9 to August 10, with participants encouraged to check in at four or more participating restaurants to earn rewards. Prizes range from souvenir insulated totes to entries for three $1,000 gift cards to Jungle Jim’s International Market.

The promotion, a collaboration between the City of Fairfield and Travel Butler County, has garnered attention from Cincinnati and statewide media. The 2024 promotion attracted participants from over 150 zip codes, highlighting Fairfield’s many global restaurants and bakeries that make the City a vibrant culinary destination.

To participate visit: www.flavorsoffairfield.com

REDI Cincinnati, the regional economic development organization representing Greater Cincinnati, recognized five local organizations with James A. Wuenker Growth Awards at its annual meeting in March. Growth Awards are given annually to projects announced in the previous year that significantly impacted the economic vitality of the Cincinnati region. Fairfield projects were awarded two out of the five awards granted, recognizing the significant expansions of Pacific Manufacturing and Schneider Electric. 

Pacific Manufacturing

Pacific Manufacturing Ohio, a tier one auto parts manufacturer, was recognized for embarking on its ninth major expansion since beginning operations in Fairfield in 1990. This expansion, located at 550 Quality Boulevard will add 96 new positions, bringing the total number of employees to nearly 1,000 with a projected payroll of $44.7 million annually. The total investment of the project exceeds $70 million. This expansion will allow Pacific to better serve their clients including Toyota, Subaru, and Honda. 

Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric, a Fortune Global 500 company, was also recognized for its two separate, but related significant expansions in Fairfield and Fairfield Township. The two projects represent a $75 million investment, including new building construction, existing building renovations, and new machinery and equipment. Schneider will manufacture, service, and install sophisticated electrical components for data centers and other high-tech operations for customers around the world out of these two facilities. 

The first-ever Focus on Fairfield event was held at the Community Arts Center, drawing over 125 attendees from Fairfield and Fairfield Township. Hosted by the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, the event provided a platform to discuss key developments in both the City and Township. The event created an opportunity for individuals to learn more about the various projects shaping the community’s growth, from economic developments to infrastructure improvements. City Manager Scott Timmer presented highlights from the City of Fairfield.

Watch the Focus on Fairfield hype video featured at the event:

Bank of America is constructing a new branch located at 780 Nilles Road. The new facility represents a more than $3 million investment in the Town Center. A private developer acquired and demolished an older office/commercial building located between Donatos and Strickland Brothers to create the development site. This branch, which will feature two drive-thru ATM lanes, will provide additional banking services to residents and businesses in the area, further enhancing the local community's financial infrastructure. 

Demolition to prepare new bank location

Congratulations to Cincinnati Financial Corporation, parent company of The Cincinnati Insurance Companies, on celebrating an incredible milestone – 75 years of excellence! Founded in 1950, Cincinnati Insurance has been a cornerstone of our region, offering a range of personal, commercial, and life insurance products exclusively through independent agents. Cincinnati Financial moved to Fairfield in 1985, constructing the first of three office towers that the company now occupies. We are proud to have Cincinnati Insurance as a valued business in our city and look forward to many more years of success.

Ohio’s TechCred Program gives employers the chance to upskill current and future employees. Employers who submit successful applications will be reimbursed up to $2,000 per credential when employees complete eligible technology-focused training. Many of these trainings can be completed online!

For a credential to qualify, it must be:

• Short-term; less than one year to complete
• Technology-focused
• Industry-recognized



Visit TechCred.Ohio.gov to learn more!

The Fairfield Business Spotlight video series highlights new and expanding businesses, new development projects, and other economic development news across Fairfield. The series recently visited Tiny Bistro, which is located in front of the Ohio Valley Antique Mall on Route 4.

To see past and future videos, follow the City on social media or visit the City website.

375 Northpointe

Located near Le Saint Drive and Muhlhauser Road, 375 Northpointe has 203,500 SF of flex industrial space. This property features 25 docks and 3 drive-ins. The property is listed for lease by Cushman & Wakefield.

To learn more about the property, click here.