CITY OF FAIRFIELD
Quarterly Development Newsletter
First Quarter 2020

Responding to COVID-19

The COVID-19 health situation has resulted in unprecedented impacts on our businesses and community. While many companies have struggled to sustain, we have been astonished by the innovation and ingenuity of our local businesses and talent.
Restaurants have created curbside pick-up, laundromats have added door-to-door service, small shops have taken sales online, manufacturers have shifted to making hand sanitizer and other needed items, and nearly every company has adopted new policies and procedures to keep their employees safe. Furthermore, many development projects and business openings in the City of Fairfield remain on track, as highlighted below. We offer our thanks and gratitude to all of our business leaders and community members that have worked diligently to keep our citizens safe and our economy moving forward during this time.

BUSINESS RESOURCES
State and federal agencies continue to develop guidance and financial resources to assist businesses during this time. These include low-interest and forgivable loan programs through the federal government, payment deferrals for JobsOhio loans, and reimbursements from Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation. REDI Cincinnati, a regional economic development partner to the city, maintains a comprehensive list of these resources that is available by clicking here . City staff will continue to monitor these programs and provide updates via the city's social media accounts.
MAYOR'S TOUR
In response to the COVID-19 situation, Fairfield Mayor Steve Miller launched a tour to highlight locally owned businesses throughout the city. Beginning in April, the tour was hosted using videos posted on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and the city website. Local restaurants, shops, and other businesses each shared how they adjusted and found new ways to serve their customers during this unique health situation.

To watch the videos, click here . We encourage you to continue supporting our local businesses as they work to sustain and rebuild their operations. As expressed by the mayor when reflecting on our local businesses, “Over the years, they’ve done a lot to help us…now it is our turn to give back to them.” 
Welcome to our
Inaugural Newsletter

This new quarterly e-newsletter will highlight business activity, new development, and other news and events relevant to the local business community.

Please forward to colleagues and friends; they can sign-up by emailing [email protected] .
Budget Inn Demolition Completed

Demolition is now complete at the former Budget Inn complex, which was located on Route 4 near Symmes Road. Originally constructed in the 1960’s as a Holiday Inn, the property had become deteriorated in recent years. An electrical fire in January of 2019 left the building without electricity and uninhabitable, resulting in the closure of the hotel. A new owner purchased the property in mid-2019 for redevelopment.

The new owner has also purchased adjoining property, creating an opportunity for a larger redevelopment. At this time, a new use for the site has not been determined. The city will work with the property owner in hopes of completing a quality project that will strengthen the revitalization of the Route 4 corridor.
Major New Industrial Park Planned

Indianapolis-based Ambrose Property Group has acquired 137 acres at 9450 Seward Road, most recently owned by Liberty Mutual Insurance. Ambrose is developing plans to add multiple new buildings at the site, potentially adding 1.3 million square feet in new construction. The development will be known as Fairfield Commerce Park and be marketed for e-commerce, general distribution, and manufacturing firms.

The first phase will include two large speculative industrial buildings constructed along Seward Road just north of the existing office building. Construction could begin on these buildings as early as this summer. The city is working with the developer to find a new user for the office building after Liberty Mutual relocates their operations in mid-2021.
Fairfield Company Supplies FC Cincinnati

Located on Production Drive in Fairfield, Hamilton Casework Solutions provides custom-tailored modular casework for a variety of applications, including education, medical, office, and innovation. The company works closely with customers, designers, and architects to design and construct cabinetry, desks, bookcases, consoles, and other casework to meet diverse workspace needs. Founded as Hamilton Sorter in 1966, the company has called Fairfield home since 1971. Learn more the company by clicking here .

Hamilton Casework Solutions serves clients throughout the country and exports internationally, including current hospital projects in the Middle East. Locally, the company recently supplied the high-profile Mercy Health Training Center for FC Cincinnati. Hamilton Casework Solutions worked with the team to develop custom locker units to outfit their sleekly-designed and modern locker rooms. 
WestRock Coming to Fairfield

WestRock, a major corrugated packaging company, has signed a five year lease to occupy a 329,977 sq. ft. building at 375 Distribution Circle. The building will serve as a distribution center for WestRock operations in and around Ohio, and will be staffed by a third-party logistics firm. Of interesting note, the property was once used as a distribution facility for Toys ‘R’ Us stores.
Jungle Jim's Growth Continues

There is always something new at Jungle Jim’s International Market. The Oscar Station, an event center and bourbon bar, opened in January inside the former “Snake House” along Gilmore Road. The Oscar Station is connected via monorail to The Oscar Event Center, providing a highly-unique space for wedding, corporate, and other events.

The bourbon bar is open to the public from 4 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. Additionally, construction is now underway to add 17,000 sq. ft. onto the front of the store to create a new grand entrance. The project also includes new retail spaces for Fifth Third Bank and Graeter’s Ice Cream. Additional retail space is also available for lease.
Other Recent Openings & Projects Underway
City of Fairfield Launches New Brand

In March, the City of Fairfield released new branding. “The Field is Open,” the tagline of the city’s new brand, captures the essence of the city’s business-friendly environment. In the City of Fairfield, the field is open for businesses to locate, grow, and thrive. We work to create a pro-business environment by providing high quality public services, affordably-priced water and sewer utilities, well-maintained infrastructure, and customer-focused, professional staff.
In addition to the tagline, the city has introduced a modern and colorful logo:
PROPERTY HIGHLIGHT:

22.4 Acres on Seward Road

Located in an Opportunity Zone, a 22.4 acre land site on Seward Road is being offered for sale. Zoned for industrial development, the property has frontage in two locations on Seward. Eight acres in the front of the property are also for sale, creating an opportunity for a 30+ acre site. CBRE has the 22.4 acre property listed for $2,250,000. Learn more by clicking here .
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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