CITY OF FAIRFIELD
Quarterly Development Newsletter
|
|
Riegert Square Revitalization Advances
|
|
The commercial strip on the east side of Pleasant Avenue spanning roughly from Lindenwald Station to Little Caesars Pizza is commonly known as Riegert Square. Although it may appear to be one development, Riegert Square was constructed in multiple pieces by different owners between the mid-1960s and late-1970s and remains in separate ownership.
In 2021, the City completed the Pleasant Avenue Corridor Study, which reviewed vehicle crash data from 2017-2019. The majority of crashes in this area were related to driveways onto Pleasant Avenue. The study noted the high number and improper alignment of driveways, which results in multiple conflict points and increases the complexity of navigating through the corridor.
Following completion of the study, the City began meeting with property and business owners within Riegert Square to discuss the report findings and recommendations. Staff found that there was significant interest from the owners for the City to lead a project to consolidate driveways, improve signage, and improve the overall aesthetics of Riegert Square.
|
|
Fairfield City Council committed a portion of the City’s allocation of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support Riegert Square improvements, which are expected to cost $1.25 million. The City is now finalizing agreements with all of the property owners to establish the necessary structure, easements, and permissions to complete the project. Construction is expected get underway this summer, with major completion before the end of the year.
Once complete, the 15 access points from Pleasant Avenue will be consolidated to four major driveways. The City plans to install improved sidewalks, landscaping, pedestrian lighting, and new ground signs parallel to Pleasant Avenue, creating a greatly-improved streetscape. This project is expected to make Fairfield’s Town Center safer for autos and pedestrians, as well as a healthier location for business and job growth.
|
|
Trew Creating Technology Center |
|
Trew, an automated materials handling solutions provider headquartered on Union Centre Boulevard in Fairfield, started 2023 with a major announcement. The company is investing more than $32 million to establish a technology center to fuel corporate innovation. The project includes the creation of at least 75 new engineering jobs.
The company delivers intelligent automated material handling solutions for retail, e-commerce, distribution, and manufacturing clients enabling operations to fulfill orders efficiently and accurately. The new technology center will allow Trew to accelerate investments in developing automation technologies, warehouse execution software, and to create a demonstration, testing, and training facility.
REDI Cincinnati helped the company secure a $4 million Research and Development Grant from JobsOhio, the state’s nonprofit economic development corporation. The grant ensured that the new facility and job creation was realized within Ohio. The City is excited to see this high-tech investment by Trew.
|
|
Groundbreaking Held for Freddy's |
|
Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is officially underway following a formal groundbreaking in mid-March. Officials from the City, Fairfield Chamber, and business community gathered with red shovels to celebrate the occasion. Construction is expected to be complete by the fall.
Founded in 2002 in Wichita, Kansas, Freddy’s is one of the fastest growing quick-service restaurant chains in the country. Freddy’s is now the 12th largest burger chain in America, with sights on opening nearly 50 locations across Ohio.
The Fairfield location is in front of the Meijer store on South Gilmore Road. The new restaurant will be located in the southeast corner of the parking lot, immediately west of Dunkin. It will feature a drive-through and outdoor seating. DJ Hospitality Group, which operates other locations throughout Ohio, is the franchisee for this location.
|
|
Zoning Code Revamp Wrapping Up |
|
City staff and consultants are wrapping up the update to Fairfield’s Planning & Zoning Code, the City’s primary tool to guide the physical development of Fairfield. This code set standards as to how land can be used and developed. The goal of the update is to modernize the regulations, make the code more user-friendly, and improve the quality of the built environment for our residents and businesses.
The public is encouraged to review draft code chapters and provide feedback to City staff. To follow the process and review the proposed changes, please visit www.fairfieldzoning.com. The adoption process, which includes public hearings at Fairfield Planning Commission and Fairfield City Council, is expected to move forward this summer.
|
|
An open house was held in February to gather public input |
|
2nd Annual Fairfield Career Fest Set |
|
Fairfield area companies are encouraged to participate by staffing an exhibitor table during the event. To participate, click here.
|
|
New Industrial Building Planned |
|
Fairfield has seen a healthy supply of speculative industrial construction in recent years, but all of the projects have been larger buildings ranging in size from approximately 150,000 to 600,000 square feet. Lebanon-based Schueler Group now has plans for a smaller format speculative building.
Located at 550 Quality Boulevard in the Fairfield Commerce Center industrial park, Schueler plans to construct a 50,000 square foot industrial building on a 7.7 acre site. The new building will feature concrete tilt-up construction on three sides, with steel siding on the rear that will provide for easy expansion if required by a tenant, either immediately or in the future. The building will feature a clear height of 24 feet, three dock doors, and one drive-in door. Construction is expected to move forward in the coming months, with completion before the end of 2023.
|
|
Second Quarter Business Roundtable Announced |
|
Business Spotlight Video Series |
|
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 Three Feather Records on Magie Avenue.
To see past and future videos, follow the City on social media or visit the City website.
|
|
Other Recent Openings & Projects Underway |
|
PROPERTY HIGHLIGHT:
Patterson Place
Located on Patterson Drive in Fairfield’s Town Center area, the remaining Patterson Place tract offers nine acres for new development. Owned by Neyer Properties, the site abuts River Road to the west and Pleasant Run Creek to the north. The site provides good walkability to retail, restaurants, and services in the Town Center, making it ideal for residential or complementary uses. Build-to-suit or purchase options will be considered.
|
|
How can we help?
The Development Services Department is here to support both new and existing businesses in the City of Fairfield. If we can be of assistance, please contact Nathaniel Kaelin, Economic Development Manager, at 513-867-5345 or nkaelin@fairfieldoh.gov.
|
|
Follow #FairfieldOhioDevelopment
on the City's social media accounts:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
