Washington Twp. eyes development of Tim Hortons on 725, vacant for 5 years

Property has received 35 nuisance violations since restaurant closed in 2017

WASHINGTON TWP., Montgomery County — Sitting vacant at the northeast corner of busy Ohio 725 and Congress Park Drive, the former Tim Hortons restaurant has seen better days.

The restaurant, which shut its doors at 665 Miamisburg Centerville Road in early May 2017, has accrued 35 nuisance violations from Washington Twp., for things such as tall grass and weeds, junk and graffiti, and commercial vehicle parking, according to records obtained by this media outlet. However, there are no open nuisance violations at the property today.

This story is part of the Dayton Daily News’ continuing examination of commercial properties that have sat vacant for years on busy local roads.

Washington Twp. spokeswoman Kate Trangenstein said property maintenance is the responsibility of the property owner, and the company in this case has been paying the property taxes, which includes assessed amounts from nuisance abatements totaling thousands of dollars.

“This particular site is challenging in regard to a lack of responsiveness and stewardship on the part of the property owner,” Trangenstein said Monday.

Constructed in 1980, the 2,820-square-foot building is owned by Tim Donut U.S. Limited Inc. Gone is the signage on the front of the building, plus a monument sign along Congress Park Drive and a “for lease” sign along Ohio 725. Prior orders to abate nuisances remain affixed to the building’s door.

Tim Hortons officials could not be reached for comment as to why the location has not been sold and what it plans to do moving forward.

Columbus-based CT Corporation System, the property owner’s registered agent, told this news outlet it can accept services and processes on behalf of Tim Hortons but cannot comment on the business dealings of the coffee house and restaurant chain.

Trangenstein said the site is on the township’s radar as “a prime opportunity for development” along its downtown Miamisburg-Centerville Road corridor.

“Obviously, we can’t speak to Miamisburg-Centerville Road once it crosses into the incorporated city (of Centerville), turning into East Franklin Street, and the state of properties along the stretch that intersects with Clyo Road,” she said. “However, we have seen tremendous investment and development on the township side of the corridor.”

She said that includes a façade improvement to the Yankee Station shopping center and business development, such as the opening of new restaurants, Including Old Scratch Pizza in October 2019, Panera Bread in September 2021, Crumbl Cookies in February 2022 and more. Panda Express is also expected to locate on that stretch in the near future.

“So as far as marketability goes, that location is well-suited for redevelopment, should the property owner be willing to engage in that conversation,” Trangenstein said.

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