Centerville Announces Concept Plans, Timeline to Revitalize Uptown

Kate Bostdorff
City of Centerville

Vibrant. Historic. Uniquely Centerville.

That is the vision for Uptown, the area including the Architectural Preservation District at the intersection of Franklin and Main Streets.

“Centerville’s commitment to revitalizing Uptown embodies our motto: progress and stability. We will preserve the historic heart of our community while investing in infrastructure, design and usability,” City Manager Wayne Davis said.

In alignment with its strategic plan, Centerville has ramped up its business retention and expansion efforts (BRE). Staff launched a multifaceted program in 2018 that included community business walks targeted at retail and service businesses. Representatives from several municipal departments – including engineering, police, planning and City Council – joined volunteers from BusinessFirst! to visit as many as 100 companies in Uptown in one day. BusinessFirst! is a regional BRE program focused on the Dayton region. Although much of the feedback was positive, the businesses shared concerns about a lack of parking, unclear wayfinding, traffic congestion and chronic business turnover.

To address these concerns, the City completed a comprehensive visioning process for Uptown in 2019 with a focus group of more than a dozen stakeholders representing businesses, residents, government partners and community groups.

“City Council approved the Uptown Action Plan in August 2019 as an amendment to the City’s Create the Vision comprehensive plan. Work has started already to transform this area into a more functional unique, upscale destination for shoppers and diners,” Mayor Brooks Compton said.

The Uptown Action Plan highlights six focus areas: improving walkability and reducing traffic congestion, improving parking, scheduling and organizing new events, focusing on business development, developing branding and increasing greenspace.

The accompanying handout breaks down the three phases of redevelopment and tentative timeframes: Northeast (2021-2022), Northwest (2023-2024) and Southwest (2024-2025).

Highlights of Phase 1 include:

• Redesigning existing parking areas to increase connectivity and parking spaces
• Reducing the number of private access drives for individual businesses in favor of common public parking access drives and placemaking
• Activating outdoor spaces with seating areas, greenspace, patios and additional retail space
• Creating opportunities for targeted commercial and residential development

Please learn more at centervilleohio.gov/uptown.