Over the years, a glance down Hamilton’s tree lined, Dayton Street has changed. Restaurants, a hotel, apartments and entertainment options have all selected sites near this sweet spot, on the edge of German Village and steps from downtown. A collection of historic buildings along the street remains preserved. At one time. it was home to more than 1,000 Ohio Casualty employees. The company vacated the site in 2010.
Then in 2018, the property began to transform. The new owner created two floors of modern housing for residents looking to live near downtown, as it too experiences resurgence. Many of the available units have been filled, with a running wait list and another floor of apartments on the way. This success will help generate additional development on site.
The entirety of the Third & Dayton redevelopment, orchestrated by property owner, IRG and championed by the City of Hamilton, will involve additional redevelopment of its 428,000 sq. ft. site, including a possible hotel, restaurants, co-working, retail and office space.
Los Angeles-based IRG is nationally known for its adaptive re-use projects throughout the country, working to reposition properties acquired from companies like Goodyear, Pfizer, Weyerhaeuser and GM.
“We have received such warm support for this project,” said Justin Lichter, Vice President of IRG. “From the City of Hamilton and the Chamber of Commerce to former Ohio Casualty employees, the community has such fond memories of the property and its energizing to see everyone come together to make this project a reality.”
As the developer and city look head to the future of Third & Dayton, it will likely work in conjunction with other local successes like nearby RiversEdge Amphitheater at Marcum Park and the 637,824 sq. ft. Spooky Nook Sports complex expected to be completed in 2021.
“It’s an exciting time to move to Hamilton,” said Jeff Boyle of Jeff Boyle Group, the firm managing apartment leasing at Third & Dayton. “We’re seeing a diverse population interested in the property: families, college students, and those who work in the downtown are.”
Within a week of an open house event in March, nearly all available apartments were leased.
“I think it’s largely because of the accessibility and walkability of the riverfront area and downtown. You can go to work, visit a brewery, watch live entertainment or take a bike ride all within a few blocks,” said Boyle.
IRG continues finalize plans for the rest of the redevelopment, but already, restaurants, retail and office tenants are scheduling tours and engaging the proposal process.
“We knew this was going to take off quickly,” said Lichter. “It is happening at the right time, in the right place – the growing, dynamic Hamilton market. We are so excited to see Third & Dayton begin a new chapter in its history.”