Springboro opens 1st building in 62-acre city center redevelopment

It is expected to anchor the six-acre redevelopment of the former Springboro IGA Plaza, once the social center of the community.

Wright Station is also expected to feature a restaurant, pilot brewing, taproom and distribution for Dayton-based Warped Wing Brewing. Other developments are expected over the next five years.

“Wow, what a beautiful amenity for the community,” Mayor John Agenbroad as he stepped into the building. “It all started with a plan and now we are going to make it happen.”

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The city purchased the land and deteriorating shopping center, on the northwest corner Ohio 73 and Ohio 741, Central Avenue and Main Street, for more than $3 million.

Demolition began in 2016 on the supermarket and other plaza buildings. Buildings on three of four corners were also demolished during work improving the crossroads intersection.

“Now look what we have. A beautiful amenity for the community,” Agenbroad said. It’s so exciting for Springboro.”

While moving forward on Wright Station, city staff this week opened discussion with the Springboro Planning Commission on plans for a 62-acre “urban village” around the intersection and including Wright Station.

City officials expect to develop Wright Station within five years, while leaving it to property owners within the village boundaries to determine build-out for the larger area.

By the end of January, city officials hope to have new zoning in place, expediting development of the urban village district.

This weekend, VIP tours and a public open house were held at the performing arts center.

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Next week, the Springboro Chamber of Commerce is expected to move into offices, followed by Center Stage Dance Studio, previously located in the IGA plaza, and the new Springboro Community Theatre.

“The Theater features a 143-seat community theater for different live productions,” City Manager Chris Pozzuto said.

The theater organization, previously the Playhouse South Community Theater Group, most recently based in Kettering, is to premier its first production, The Marvelous Wonderettes, in the new theater at 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20.

The theater is also expected to be used for dance studio productions, chamber meetings, a speaker series and other community events.

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The chamber offices are to include an area for member businesses to use as office space.

The dance school will operate from two large studios down the hall, past the Premier Health Theater.

“What a great, exciting time,” Agenbroad said. “We’re not done yet. We’re working on it.”

Last week, crews continued to work in the parking lot. Inside, two men stood inside the control room at the rear of the theater.

Behind the performing arts center, outside the former Campioni’s restaurant, contractors worked around the building and parking lot. The road into the restaurant space will serve as a third access to the performing arts center and Wright Station.

In response to questions about a business, such as a pizza parlor, moving into the former Campioni’s, Pozzuto said in an email, “No one has filed any permits.”