At a special public meeting held on Oct. 30, the West Chester Township Board of Trustees voted unanimously to move forward with a $18.3 million land purchase, acquiring approximately 75 acres of property located at the northeast corner of I-75 and Union Centre Boulevard. 

The township purchased this land to have better control over how the land was developed. This was an intentional decision to allow the township to steer the direction of development to better serve the community. 

The property will serve as the foundation for what is envisioned as the Mill Creek District, a transformative mixed-use development to activate a strategically located site for public use and private investment. The plan imagines a vibrant, walkable district anchored by the restored Mill Creek greenway, with opportunities for employment, recreation, and community gathering.

Located along I-75 between Cincinnati and Dayton in one of Southwest Ohio’s most visible and active economic development corridors, the site offers a rare opportunity to create a destination that connects commerce and community with the natural environment.

At this stage, the Township has completed a market analysis and created a conceptual framework that illustrates how the site could evolve over time. The framework outlines a mix of complementary uses, which could include the following:

• Research & Innovation Space: 72,000 square feet of flexible R&D, laboratory, and tech-driven workspace
• Office & Co-working Space: 454,000 square feet of modern office and co-working facilities
• Retail, Dining, and Entertainment: 140,000 square feet, including a 15,000 SF food hall, 20,000 SF boutique grocery, and a mix of casual and fine dining options.
• Residential Living: 130-150 multifamily units and 15 townhomes
• Hospitality: 80–120 room boutique hotel
• Public Green Space: 19.9 acres of restored creek corridor and green space, featuring trails and plazas for both passive and active recreation

A defining feature of the plan is the restoration and celebration of Mill Creek, which flows through the property. The greenway is envisioned as a public green space with a trail network that connects to existing infrastructure and developments such as Noble West Chester’s luxury apartment complex and GE Aerospace.

The concept represents an early vision rather than a final plan, and that the project will involve partnership with a development team. Future phases of the project will likely include additional research, public engagement, environmental studies, and site master planning.