Vital Improvements will help retain and attract retailers
Neyer Properties has completed $300,000 worth of building and public improvements near the intersection of Winton Road and West Kemper Road in Forest Park.
The Forest Park Redevelopment Grant provided $30,000 to Neyer Properties to help pay for these improvements.
The Forest Park Redevelopment Grant is part of a comprehensive redevelopment plan adopted by the city several years ago. This plan was created to provide a blueprint for facilitating the redevelopment of existing commercial and residential properties, specifically near the Winton Road corridor. The grant helps the city leverage their resources with the private sector to create the greatest possible return on each taxpayer dollar.
“We are very selective when it comes to participating in redevelopment projects. Only those that involve first class partners and significant private investment consistent with the city’s redevelopment plan are even considered,” said Chris Anderson, City of Forest Park community and economic development director.
Improvements include renovation of Neyer’s 32,000 square foot retail building located on West Kemper Road, near the corner of Winton Road. The prominent retail center features Fitworks as its anchor. The renovations have also allowed for a new 6,400 square feet space to be available for lease. The space fronts Winton Road. Neyer hopes to find a retail user for this space.
“Improving the corner [of Kemper and Winton Road] is of vital importance to our community” due to the retailers and municipal buildings nearby, said Anderson. The Forest Park Municipal Center, Senior Center and Central Park are in close proximity. Neyer’s property is also near a number of strong retail stores and restaurants including Kroger, Walgreens and Skyline.
The property’s façade was repainted, signage has been upgraded, and decorative exterior lighting has been added to the building. Native landscaping with drip irrigation has also been installed along the property. Neyer has partnered with the City of Forest Park to install streetscaping along Kemper Road. The streetscaping will be completed later this year.
Fitworks, the tenant, has received a complete remodel of its interior. “These improvements are just another extension of our commitment to upgrade and improve our facilities throughout the Greater Cincinnati area. Our Forest Park location will be the first of many to offer small group training and functional fitness classes,” said John Janszen, partner at Fitworks.
On the interior, improvements included new flooring, lighting and decorative painting. Additionally, the fitness area was expanded and new showers and locker rooms were installed.
“We chose to work with Neyer Properties because it retains a long time and valued member of our business community. In addition this project is consistent with the long range goals of our redevelopment plan and contributes to our ongoing effort to improve this key gateway [the Winton Road corridor] in our community” said Anderson.
Fitworks also leases space from Neyer Properties at Neyer’s Highlands development, located in West Chester. The Forest Park location is one of seven health clubs within Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.