The manner in which the entire project - estimated to cost between $20 million and $25 million - has moved forward is encouraging, said developer Greg McCann, vice president of USC Properties.
“I’m very optimistic,” he said Wednesday. “We’ve now got most of the approvals we need. We’ve got the rezoning done. We’ve got the final development plan for the roads and infrastructure. We have the apartments that have obtained preliminary approval….We have Universal I in for their (plan) approval. Everything is going well.”
The apartments are planned on more than 10 acres next to Waldruhe Park, a 53-acre preserve owned by the city of Dayton. The plan calls for more than 3 acres of green space surrounding eight buildings for housing, a clubhouse, a pool, a maintenance facility, and direct access to a regional bike path and the park, plans show.
The residential element will include 16 more units than initially proposed. Trustees’ approval of the plan would bring 500 upscale apartments to Miami Twp.’s southern corridor of Ohio 741, as plans for the 274-unit The Flats at Austin Landing have been given the green light.
The Austin Park housing will consist of 116 one-bedroom apartments and 100 two-bedroom dwellings in two- and three-story structures, plans indicate. Units will range from 765 to 1,262 square feet with an average size of 933 square feet, and the complex will have a “park-like atmosphere,” McCann has said.
Universal 1’s plans call for a 2,500 square foot site occupying nearly an acre at the corner of Ohio 741 and Miami Village. Plans indicate the credit union to have a drive through, said Kyle Hinkelman, deputy director of community development for the township.
The credit union reportedly will close its Dayton Mall location at 2700 Miamisburg-Centerville Road when the Austin Park site opens. However, attempts to reach Universal 1 officials were unsuccessful.
McCann said he understands Universal 1 will begin construction this spring, “as soon as they get an approval and as we commence on infrastructure improvements.”
Meanwhile, discussions for prospects on two remaining lots fronting Ohio 741 are continuing, he said.
“We are continuing to market the property. We are in some very preliminary discussions,” McCann said.
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