CITY OF FAIRFIELD
Quarterly Development Newsletter
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A Banner Year for Industrial Growth
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As we look back on 2021, exceptional growth was realized in industrial development in the City of Fairfield. The first two buildings at Fairfield Commerce Park were completed, and construction of the third building exceeding 615,000 square feet is now well underway. Another new industrial park was announced for the Seward Pointe property and upgrades were made to the former Fisher Body plant to add leasable space (see articles below). Expansion of existing industrial companies also contributed to this growth, including projects at ART Metals Group, Pacific Manufacturing, and Koch Foods (see Koch article below). This industrial activity is driving substantial job creation in the city that provides critical revenue to support high-quality public safety services, infrastructure, and quality of life improvements.
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Koch Foods Announced Major Expansion |
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Already one of the city’s largest employers, Koch Foods has announced another expansion project at its campus on Port Union Road. The company has purchased an additional 18 acres directly north of the site and accessible from Commerce Center Drive. On the new acreage, the company plans to construct a second manufacturing plant exceeding 400,000 square feet.
The new building will initially accommodate two food production lines and 400 new jobs. Up to three additional lines could also be installed in the future. The initial phase represents private investment of more than $220 million. The city plans to expand water and sewer capacity to serve Koch and the surrounding industrial growth. JobsOhio and the Butler County Port Authority are also providing financial support for the project.
Koch Foods began operations in Fairfield in 1999 and currently employs approximately 1,200 people. The company has expanded several times, the largest of which was completed in 2016. Koch is a vertically integrated poultry products manufacturer specializing in chicken and other proteins.
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New Industrial Park Planned |
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Brennan Investment Group, a real estate development firm based in suburban Chicago, Illinois, plans to construct a new, two-building Class A industrial park on a 33 acre site adjacent to Takumi Stamping. The developer has assembled multiple parcels to provide access from both Seward and Symmes Roads.
The $42.5 million industrial park, to be known as Seward Pointe Commerce Park, will be targeted for a variety of light industrial uses. The two proposed buildings are expected to exceed 425,000 total square feet. Construction is set to begin in spring 2022 and be completed within a year. The city supported the project with a performance-based property tax abatement that requires specific job and payroll to be created at the site.
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Fisher Park Revitalization Continues |
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Fisher Park, the former General Motors Fisher Body facility at Route 4 and Symmes Road, saw significant investment in 2021. Plymouth Industrial REIT, owner of the facility since 2019, has invested more than $4.5 million to upgrade restrooms, install LED lighting, and to create 153,600 additional leasable square feet.
The additional space was created by constructing new floors over the eight former press pits that were originally part of Fisher Body’s auto chassis assembly lines. The newfound area has 40-foot clear height ceilings, 400 lbs. per square foot loading, and 30 ton cranes over each bay. The project required 8,000 square yards of concrete to complete and half of the space has already been leased.
Fisher Park was constructed by General Motors in 1946, predating incorporation of the City of Fairfield by nearly a decade. The plant was the city’s largest employer until its closure in 1988. Thanks to the cooperation of the city and the investments of past owners and Plymouth Industrial REIT, the facility has been repurposed into a multi-tenant industrial park. Major tenants include Commonwealth, Deufol, Gardens Alive, Metalworking Group, and Watch-Us.
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Fairfield Chamber Survey Provides Insight |
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For more than a decade, the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce has supported the city’s economic development efforts by circulating a business survey to small businesses around the community. The goal of the survey is to gather feedback on the business environment in the city and to respond to common or specific concerns of businesses. Each year, more than 100 surveys are completed.
The city takes the feedback seriously and follows-up with businesses that request city contact. In late 2020, feedback was received from Pfefferle Tire and Auto on Nilles Road. Pfefferle desired to establish permanent signage but faced hurdles given zoning requirements and the narrow size of its parcel. The city explored options and determined the best solution would be to partner with the neighboring property owner for combined signage. The city then helped to coordinate both property owners and several businesses to install a new shopping center sign with improved aesthetics and landscaping. The property owners also took the opportunity to make other upgrades, including parking lot resurfacing. Although small in scope, the improvements make a big difference in the curb appeal of the Town Center and the nearby businesses.
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Rapid COVID-19 Testing Offered in Fairfield |
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Fairfield-based DNA Diagnostic Center (DDC) has opened a rapid COVID-19 testing center in the parking lot of its facility at 1 DDC Way, near the intersection of Route 4 and Muhlhauser Road. DDC offers a quick (15 minute) on-site antigen test result for travel and other purposes, as well as a lab-verified PCR diagnosis (24 hours).
DDC can also partner with employers to arrange for pre-paid testing for their employees. This allows businesses to have employees test and make a quick determination about returning to work.
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Harbin Park Improvements Underway |
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The first phase of the renovation project at Harbin Park is now underway. With this renovation project, the city intends to reclaim the park as a regional destination. The park has hosted thousands of visitors each year through special events, family gatherings, and more. Harbin Park, established first as Fairfield Municipal Park in the late 1970s, has a plethora of amenities for the enjoyment of residents and visitors alike. With its diverse geography, the park offers a unique charm that provides a great escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Phase 1 includes the recent completion of the perimeter loop trail, allowing visitors to walk, run, or bike. Other improvements during Phase 1 will include a community gathering space with the new construction of the Overlook Pavilion. The new Overlook Pavilion will host informal and formal community gatherings which currently occur in an organic way; most notably, during a snow storm as the most popular snow sledding hill in the area. The Overlook Pavilion will be formally programmed by staff to create community engagement for our residents and visitors through casual ice cream socials, small musical performances, and s’mores around the fire pit. This phase of the project will also feature a year-round restroom facility that will be accessible for children and adults of all ages and abilities.
Planning for Phase 2 is currently underway and will be moving from the conceptual stage to the architectural and engineering phase in the next few months. An initial concept from Human Nature Architects is shown below. The concept of Phase 2 includes a new picnic shelter, additional parking, an interactive water play area, nature playscape components, and modern play equipment. This plan replaces the current playground and picnic shelter area that are both nearing 30+ years of use.
Residents and staff alike are very excited about this project, which has been seven years in the making. Stay tuned for more updates on the Fairfield Parks and Recreation Facebook page: www.facebook.com/FairfieldParks
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Minority- and Women-Owned Businesses Loan Program Launched |
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The Ohio Department of Development has announced two new loan programs to assist businesses owned by minorities and women:
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Women’s Business Enterprise Loan Program: These loans will be offered at or below market rate and currently are up to 3%. The minimum loan amount is $45,000 up to a maximum of $500,000. Loans will be repaid within 10 years for equipment and machinery and 15 years for owner-occupied real estate. Businesses must be 51% ownership and control by women or be certified as a Women-owned Business Enterprise (WBE).
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Ohio Micro-Enterprise Loan Program: These loans will have a 0% interest rate. The minimum loan is $10,000 up to a maximum of $45,000. Loans will be repaid within five years for permanent working capital and seven years for equipment. Businesses must be certified as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) or a Women-owned Business Enterprise (WBE).
Information about the loans, including program guidelines and fact sheets, can be found online at Minority.Ohio.Gov. Click on Access to Capital on the left side of the webpage to find a list of all of the Minority Division’s financial resources. For more information or to start the application process, email [email protected].
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To attend or sponsor the event, contact Marcia Burkhardt at the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce at (513) 881-5500 or [email protected]. Individual tickets are $35.
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City Revamping Zoning Code |
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Last fall, the city launched a project to comprehensively review and update Fairfield’s Planning and Zoning Code. This code guides development throughout the community. It sets standards as to how land can be used such as placement of a building on a lot, how tall a building can be, and the type of signage that can be used to advertise a business. The current code language was originally adopted in the 1980s and has been updated in segments over time. The update process follows the completion of the 2019 Fairfield Forward Comprehensive Plan, which provides a vision and recommendations for improvement of the community.
A major goal of the code update is to reorganize and streamline the zoning code to make it easier for residents, business owners, and land developers to understand the intent and application of zoning codes. The process will also explore opportunities to optimize review and approval processes.
The city has engaged the professional planning firm of McBride Dale Clarion to lead the project in coordination with city staff, an advisory committee, and city council. The update process is anticipated to take approximately 18 months and will include public outreach to allow interested parties to provide feedback, ask questions, and make suggestions. All changes recommended as part of the process would require final approval by city council.
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Other Recent Openings & Projects Underway |
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PROPERTY HIGHLIGHT:
Fairfield Professional Building
Located on Route 4 between Nilles and Winton Roads, the Fairfield Professional Building offers up to 28,500 feet. The property was recently renovated, including construction of a new front addition in 2018. The building is fully climate controlled and offers both office and warehouse space. Retail uses could also be easily accommodated in the front portion of the building. Agent Daren Murrer has the building listed for sale or lease.
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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 [email protected].
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Follow #FairfieldOhioDevelopment
on the city's social media accounts:
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