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StumbleuponLocation, amenities, schools key to Beavercreek's success
Sunday, November 16, 2008
BEAVERCREEK — In the last two weeks alone, Kettering Health Network announced it would build a $100 million medical center on land in what has become the city's fastest growing business corridor and City Council members approved a massive expansion of the city's Kroger.
A luxury department store, Von Maur, recently opened in Beavercreek's much envied shopping location, The Greene, and new and existing homes continue to sell at a robust pace compared to the area market.
"I think Beavercreek is in a lucky position," Vann said. "There's a lot of new things happening and a synergy toward success."
Propelling that "synergy" is the Base Realignment and Closure process, which is expected to continue to draw defense contractors, support industries and military transplants to the area. City leaders hope good schools, low taxes and proximity to the base will help continue their luck in drawing these military-related businesses and families to Beavercreek.
"I really think we are in the right location, being close to Wright-Patterson and Wright State," said Clete Buddelmeyer, director of the Beavercreek Chamber that boasts 645 members. "I believe this place has a sense of community you don't find everywhere."
Exception to the rule
National magazines like Forbes may be quick to write an obituary for the region, calling the Dayton area dying, but you wouldn't know it a mere six miles from downtown.
Construction is prevalent, stores are busy, foreclosure rates are low and city leaders' outlooks are conservative but bright.
As much of the Miami Valley region reels from the recession, Beavercreek continues to prosper, although at an admittedly slower pace.
The city has seen millions in economic development this year, capped by news two weeks ago that Kettering Health Network, one of the region's larger employers, plans to build a $100 million facility in the city.
So what is Beavercreek doing right, and can other cities emulate it?
"I don't know that I want to tell you," said Clete Buddelmeyer, only half joking. The director of the local chamber of commerce, with nearly 650 members, doesn't think there is any magic formula, but he does believe civic pride, strong schools, good municipal management and, most of all, location have a lot to do with the city's success.
So does Beavercreek Mayor Julie Vann. But Vann also is the first to admit being, "in the right place at the right time" plays a big part.
Being right outside Wright-Patterson Air Force Base helps the city attract new businesses and residents as the Base Realignment and Closure process nears, according to local and regional officials. The city has already seen several defense contractors relocate to the area or expand, including aerospace firm ATK, Internet technology consultant CACI and the computer systems company CSC.
Mills Morgan Development has built a $170 million corridor of offices, home to many high-tech jobs in the city, across from the base and Wright State University.
"The base is just a major anchor for jobs in the area with people moving in and out, causing them to buy and sell homes," said Walt Hibner, of the Dayton Area Home Builders Association.
Housing starts continue to be steady, and Jeff McGrath, Beavercreek planning director, expects nearly 75 new homes to built in the city this year. That's the lowest number in two decades — down from the more than 120 of each of the last two years. It's also far from the more than 200 that were built in the boom years of 2004 and 2005, but still a respectable number, McGrath says. Existing homes have been known to sell in a day.
"Obviously you can't downplay the importance of the school district of the amenities we have here in the city," McGrath said.
Beavercreek schools, rated excellent by the state seven years running, recently convinced voters to approve an $84-million tax issue to build and renovate schools. The district is 1,200 students over capacity.
As for amenities, Beavercreek continues to land all the latest trends in shopping and entertainment. Money magazine recognized the city as one of the 100 best places to live in 2007.
The Greene is finishing construction of the second phase of an outdoor mall that brought more than 1 million square-feet of commercial space to the city. Von Maur, a luxury retailer often compared to Bloomingdales or Nordstrom, opened a few weeks ago at the shopping center.
All this doesn't mean Beavercreek is immune to the worsening economic conditions. Finance Director Bill Kucera said in late October that all city departments were pruning back their budgets, preparing for a lean 2009.
And not everyone is on board with the city's rapid pace of residential and commercial growth. Longtime residents have often fought new developments in the city, and their objections proved somewhat prophetic in summer 2007, when drought conditions and high demand for water forced county officials to ban lawn irrigation in the city.
Still, Beavercreek is well-positioned to continue to grow well into the future.
"I think it is just a great place for families and businesses," said Mayor Vann. "Beavercreek is well positioned to weather the storm."
