MIDDLETOWN, Ohio — Developers are bringing new life to the corner of Central Avenue and South Main Street, converting a vacant building into apartments and a new commercial space.
“This brings residents downtown and that’s a key part of the revitalization of the community,” said Mayor Larry Mulligan, “having those permanent residents down here.”
Goetz Tower has been vacant for nearly ten years.
Mica Glaser Jones owns The Windamere event venue located across the street. She said she’s been watching — and waiting — for something to fill the empty space.
“Any time you can restore a building and repurpose is better than tearing anything down and building new,” she said. “It’s very exciting for this building that has a lot of history to get another chapter.”
City officials, developers and business owners celebrated the kickoff of the $3.5 million project Wednesday morning.
When the work is done, Goetz Tower will house 15 apartment units with one-to-two bedrooms each. Some will include a balcony overlooking downtown.
The first floor will be entirely commercial space. That means more foot traffic for current business owners.
“I’ve been walking by the windows like ‘Come on, let’s do this,’” Glaser Jones said. “So yes, it’s finally here. So I’m super excited for today.”
The mayor said to expect more housing development projects in the downtown area.
“We’ve seen a lot of interest from people in downtown Middletown from folks outside,” Mulligan said. “This will be the keystone, get things started.”
Builders anticipate the first floor of apartments will be compete by mid-October. The rest of the tower will be finished by the end of spring 2020 if all goes as planned
