Centerville buys more Uptown land in entertainment district

The city has CENTERVILLE — acquired another Uptown property as part of its $11.4 million plan to revitalize the area, it was announced Thursday.

Centerville officials are considering converting part of the land at 98 W. Franklin St. into parking, which is one of the priorities for the Uptown plan, according to the announcement.

The land on the south side of Franklin Street was purchased for $235,000 and is slightly more than 1 acre, according to the city. In May, the city bought a 0.2-acre parcel at 54 W. Franklin St. for $125,000.

“This is a great example of having conversations with our business owners and working together to achieve the vision for Uptown,” Centerville Development Director Michael Norton-Smith said in Thursday’s announcement.

“A valet lot in close proximity to high-end restaurants will create a safer, more convenient district,” he added.

Both properties the city has purchased are in the 113-acre entertainment district approved by the state earlier this year. However, the land in the rear of the lot at 98 W. Franklin where parking is being considered is not within the district, said Centerville Communications Director Kate Bostdorff.

The entertainment district designation allows 15 more liquor permits, which Centerville officials have said is key to attracting more restaurants and businesses.

Both properties the city has acquired are close to the town’s historic center, near where the owner of a popular Dayton Oregon District restaurant plans a new upscale dining establishment.

Manna, a new restaurant concept by Salar co-owner and executive chef Margot Blondet, is planned at 57 and 63 W. Franklin, where two buildings will be combined.

The new restaurant will have seating to accommodate 110 customers. Additionally, The Brunch Pub, which will share owners with Fireside Café in Liberty Twp., has purchased the former Las Piramides building at 101 W. Franklin.

The Uptown plan calls for improvements in and around Centerville’s historic center at the intersection of Franklin and Main Street, or Ohio 48. Construction is targeted to start in 2022.

The plan’s six main areas of focus, according to the city, include:

■ Improve walkability and reduce traffic congestion;

■ Improve parking;

■ Schedule and organize new events;

■ Focus on business development;

■ Develop branding;

■ Increase green space.