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Oxford construction: a work in progress

Erin Bowen

Progress-and possibly a new skyline-are on the horizon for the city of Oxford.

Oxford City Planner Kathy Dale said that despite the floundering economy, new construction and development projects are being proposed.

"Things are going well," Dale said. "Considering the economy, it's encouraging to see development. You hear about people losing their jobs and builders backing out, but we are seeing new projects all the time."

In fact, Dale said the next scheduled planning commission meeting May 13 at the Oxford Courthouse expects to hear six or seven potential proposals for future developments, which Dale labeled as phenomenal.

Oxford City Councilor Richard Keebler said while progress is a good thing, he is skeptical as to the types of development the city could see.

"I think it's somewhat in the air as to what people would like to see," Keebler said. "It's hard for a business to survive in a town this size."

Keebler addressed the common suggestion for more restaurants in the area. According to Keebler, simply building new restaurants is not the solution.

"Look at the openings in Stewart Square," Keebler said. "Unfortunately, we only have a large population for nine (or) eight months when you factor in vacations. The question is, what type of business could survive in Oxford?"

In contrast to commercial development, Dale said several new housing projects have been popping up throughout Oxford.

"We have the construction of (The lofts of) Bella (Place) going on," Dale said. "The owners also own Pure Body (Essentials) and that vacant building. They are looking at gutting the interior and remodeling the exterior into a new project."

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Additionally, Dale said houses are being built off Hunter Woods Drive and a small subdivision is being constructed on Gardenia Drive, off Kerr Road. Dale said 46 new condominiums may be developed adjacent to College Suites in Southpointe.

As developments move in, Keebler said he would like attention focused on vacant lots.

"I would most like to see the redevelopment of old lots instead of new developments," Keebler said. "I would like to see the reworking of the old Wal-Mart site and the vacant spaces uptown."

Keebler said four existing Oxford developments and lots are in line for change in the near future.

Wild Bistro, High Street

With the initial construction phase of remodeling and an addition completed by Whisenhunt Construction, Dale said the interior of the Chinese restaurant is awaiting the finishing stages. Dale said the owners of the restaurant have applied to Oxford's HAPC for a sign and will receive a decision May 7.

According to Dale, once the interior work begins, the restaurant will be quick to open.

While the projected grand opening is still unknown, Dale said the restaurant should be open in the fall of 2008.

Stewart Square, southeast corner of Spring Street and College Avenue

According to Pam Lindley, manager of Hotel Development Services, LLC, Stewart Square's current retail and office tenants include CVS, The UPS Store, Luna Blue Salon and First Financial Bank. Lindley said The Lofts of Stewart Square are 100 percent occupied and leased for the 2008-09 Miami University school year.

Lindley said, however, that more room exists for future development.

"In total, we have approximately 16,000 square feet of retail space and 3,620 square feet of office space currently unoccupied," Lindley said.

Lindley said her company has seen interest in potential development for the empty space.

"We have been targeting family-style restaurants and retail clothing," Lindley said. "There have been a lot of interested parties and some which we are still trying to work out their plans. We have seen some very innovative ideas and hope to see something materialize soon."

According to Lindley, phase three of the development of Stewart Square will include new student housing, similar to the currently existing space.

"We will offer seven three bedroom, three bathroom units, and three two bedroom, two bathroom unites for a total of 27 tenants in this building," Lindley said. "We plan to construct a second building in the rear parking lot with four townhouse style units. Each of these will have four bedrooms and two bathrooms."

Lindley said these units should be available for rent in the fall of 2009.

Old Wal-Mart site, Locust Street

A new plan for the site abandoned for its College Corner Pike successor is set to appear before the planning commission for the May 13 meeting, according to Dale.

Dale said that although there was an interested party in 2007 for a mixed commercial and residential site, the plans fell through. According to Dale, the new plan would include the construction of 68 student-housing units, a hotel and also a small commercial site off Locust Street.

Following the meeting, Dale said the plans will be more concrete.

"(The prospective client) will be asking for feedback," Dale said. "Then they will decide if they will formally apply."

The vacant Wendy's building, southwest corner of High and Main streets

The green tarp may soon leave the busy corner of High and Main streets.

According to Matt Rodbro of Red Brick Property, Inc., the vacant lot is owned by Buck Rumpke, president of Main & High Development.

Rodbro said applications for the site have been submitted to both the HAPC and BZA and are awaiting approval before initial construction work can take place.

Rodbro declined release specific details concerning the future replacement for the Wendy's lot.


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