MONTGOMERY, Ohio — A major intersection in Montgomery will soon go through a complete transformation that city officials hope will turn it into a main gateway for the community.
Construction begins in early 2020 for both a $160 million mixed-use development and an $8.2 million roundabout at Montgomery Road and Ronald Reagan Highway. Major portions of the projects will happen nearly simultaneously.
It was previously called the Gateway Redevelopment Area, and it sits on property previously occupied by the former Marge Schott Chevrolet and Williams Ford car dealerships. Gateway Partners is the developer for the project that will include both public and private investment, according to a city spokesperson.
"Now that we're closing in on actually starting construction of the development, we wanted to rebrand the project," Assistant City Manager Tracy Roblero said.
Roblero also said the name Montgomery Quarter is a way to connect the city to its sister city in France.
"Phase one of the Montgomery Quarter project will include a mix of uses, office, restaurant, retail, a boutique hotel and luxury lifestyle apartments, " Roblero said.
One-hundred-forty-eight apartments are planned with rents ranging from $1,200 to $1,500 per month.
"We think that the demand for living in downtown Montgomery will be extremely high," Roblero said. "We have residents calling every day looking for new places to live in Montgomery and downsize in Montgomery."
She said she believes the location will be attractive to residents looking for a walkable community that gives them easy access to downtown Cincinnati.
"Millennials and baby boomers are looking for places where they can live, work and play all in the same location," she said.
Phase two will include additional mixed-use development. The idea is for all of it to connect with the current downtown Montgomery. The additional project will double the size of Montgomery's business district. It will also bring about 1,300 jobs to the area.
"We are looking at office jobs, as well as restaurant, retail and hotel workers," Roblero said.
The new development is expected to give a boost to the current, older downtown Montgomery.
"One of the challenges that we've had for years is that everyone loves our quaint downtown, but they don't necessarily shop there," Roblero said.
The new buildings will also blend with the current architectural style of downtown Montgomery, in accordance with current zoning.
"Making sure that this development is cohesive with our downtown is extremely important to the city," Roblero said.
The roundabout is expected to be completed by June 2021. The final phase of the Montgomery Quarter is expected to be completed sometime in 2025.
