Project manager: Crossroads project making progress
It’s been four-plus years in the making
and The Crossroads of Northwest Ohio continues to get closer to actual construction.
Josh Bloomfield, project manager, told Wapakoneta Rotarians the 254-acre development in Cridersville is very close to being
shovel-ready, to borrow a phrase, as he continues to look for
investors to take a chance on this mixeduse community.
“The most expensive real estate in any city
is mixed use,” Bloomfield said, “where you have it all in one footprint.”
He and Dr. Craig Nicholson, owner of the land, hope to have it all right there at exit 118 off Interstate 75 — from single family and apartment living spaces, to retail, child care, entertainment and light industrial. The plans have integrated those concepts into one setting, which also includes a central parkarea, or green space to soften the concrete of building and roads.
Bloomfield compared their concept to Bridge Park in Dublin, a
newer development that combines upscale residential living with unique dining, shopping and attractions.
Bloomfield said his role to to “add value” to the land available for
sale, and he’s been doing that by researching what area residents would like to see — and support — in the new development.
Marketing data shows the Crossroads community could be accessible to 704,000 people who live within a 45-minute drive of the Cridersville location. He also has
data that proves major retailers, like a Costco, Target and sporting goods store (think.cabella’s or Bass Pro Shop) could draw enough shoppers to make locating in the area feasible.
Bloomfield is also targeting hotels, as the area is said to be short
by 450 beds; a regional child care facility; and a medical facility to provide an anchor to the mixeduse community.
Crossroads officials held a ground breaking/ribbon cutting in October to highlight the placement
of utilities and announce the fact they were open for business.
Bloomfield is hoping to attract investors and contractors willing to
purchase lots to building single family homes and apartment complexes. Housing studies show northwest Ohio is in a housing deficit, Bloomfield said.
“We’re behind the eight-ball for future growth,” he said. “We do have a substantive
need for housing, housing that is not subsidized.”
Adequate housing will help attract an entry level work force.
“Crossroads can help solve this crisis,” Bloomfield said, confirming construction
should begin in Spring 2023 for an a 500-unit apartment complex.
“The table is set,” Bloomfield said, adding while he continues to look for investors his also researching grant opportunities with various partners, such as the Dayton Development Coalition and Jobs Ohio. He’s also helped form a marketing nonprofit, TEN 4 WCO, whose sole purpose is to cultivate, celebrate
and communicate the stories of the 10 counties that make up West Central Ohio.
“This will be a well-planned, wellorchestrated community,” Bloomfield said. “We are ready to grow this community in West Central Ohio.”