Dillin plans $2.5 million worth of improvements to the building facade and mechanical units, plus tenant improvements and other necessary upgrades to the building and the site.
Credit: Jim Noelker
Credit: Jim Noelker
“We’ve been working on this project for a few years now,” said President Larry Dillin. “Xenia is a great community. We are excited to be a part of bringing this specific site back to life with renewed energy and fresh look, which this city and the community deserves.”
The name change was in part because of negative connotations with the former Towne Square, evidenced by public feedback during the city’s community engagement efforts on the project.
“There was strong support for an overall rebranding,” said Aaron Horn, who is leading the project for Dillin. “The Market District is representative of the redevelopment plan and the overall goal of restoring Xenia’s downtown vibrancy.”
Xenia Mayor Sarah Mays said the rebranding is to start a “fresh chapter” for the city’s downtown.
“We are thrilled to see this project getting under way,” she said. “The city has worked hard to get the right partner and the right plan in place to add to our downtown in a meaningful way. We are excited to see the first piece coming to life.”
Weather permitting, the company is projected to begin renovations before the end of this year, according to Horn. He said building design plans are out for final bid, and that the company is “working with both existing and potential new tenants to get started,” although any new tenants for the building have not yet been announced.
The overall Xenia Towne Square project was rebranded to Xenia Market District to “reflect the historic aspects of the site,” according to the company, pointing back to before the 1974 tornado. The plan for the 15.5-acre site located between Main and Church Streets and west of the county courthouse, is to restore much of the “downtown, walkable, mixed-use feel,” the developer said.
The rebrand of the project was completed by Ohio artist Joshua Janes, according to Dillin.
“The final logo leans toward a business feel for the area, reminiscent of the old-style marketplace,” Janes said. “The framework around the MARKET is intended to reinforce structure and the community it encompasses.”
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