“The vacant building had fallen into distress over time and eventually represented a nuisance,” said Jeannie Peyton, the city of Trotwood’s interim Planning & Zoning Administrator. “It was also the target of vandalism that is costly to both the owner and the community.”
The city of Trotwood did not declare the structure a nuisance and the center’s owner was responsible for the demolition, which costs $50,000, according to Peyton and a building permit filed with the Montgomery County’s Building Regulations Division.
It is unclear how long the structure has been vacant or what the plans are for the property once the demolition is complete. The demolition must be completed by Nov. 25, according to the permit. It is unclear if it will take that long to demolish the structure.
The commercial building is owned by Satek LLC, located at 522 Grand Ave. in Dayton. Business records filed with the Ohio Secretary of State’s office indicate Satek is incorporated to M. Scott Shapiro. The Grand Avenue address is also the location of the M. Scott Shapiro Real Estate company and the Commodore Apts. Co, according to records filed with the Montgomery County Auditor’s office and an online search by this newspaper.
A man who answered the phone at the Grand Avenue address would not identify himself or comment on the demolition and said the owner of Shopkeepers Village was out of town.
Peyton said city officials would love to see some development at the site that not only benefits the owner, but the city as well.
“The elimination of a blighted structure always opens up development opportunities,” Peyton said. “The city would entertain typical and creative ideas to move toward a new reality on this site, much like we have elsewhere along the Salem Corridor.”
It is unclear how old the structure was.
Tommy Owens of Owens Entertainment and Advertising in Dayton said he remembers going to functions in the 1980s at The Backstage, which was inside the former shopping center.
“You are talking about the biggest parties ever. People coming from everywhere. No confrontations. That’s what The Backstage was,” Owens said.
Even though the building holds many memories for Owens, he hopes its replacement - if any - will improve the community.
“We need a community store. We need a community place where people can go and buy clothes,” he said.
Kent Anderson, a Trotwood resident who lives near the former shopping center, said he was disappointed that the building was being demolished.
“It only serves as a reminder that Trotwood is dying and with the demolition of every building is the reduction in my property value and those around me,” Anderson said. “Property investors have come in and helped drive the values down.”
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