FALL

2008

Phoenix Project Makes Great Strides

The Phoenix Project, established in 2004, is a public-private partnership that is investing millions of
dollars in redevelopment activities in the greater Fairview neighborhood, located in the city of Dayton.

This urban neighborhood is home to Good Samaritan Hospital, one of the area’s largest employers,
and an institution that has served families in the greater Dayton area for over 75 years. Over the last
decade, the neighborhood surrounding the hospital had begun to decline and the impact of predatory
practices and high foreclosure rates destabilized the housing market. The hospital was very
concerned about the impact these declines had on its ability to recruit and retain staff, obtain
patients, and protect the safety of visitors to their facility. This concern was shared by leadership of
the City of Dayton who believe strong neighborhoods are vital to the city’s overall health and
growth opportunities.

The Phoenix Project is a partnership between Good Samaritan Hospital, the City
of Dayton, residents of the Phoenix area and CityWide Development
Corporation, all whom have a stake in the revitalization of the Fairview
neighborhood. As project manager, CityWide Development is
responsible for the implementation of the project’s
Strategic Plan, which includes acquiring property,
building new housing and creating a new civic
space, known as Fairview Commons.
continued inside...
Phoenix Project
Makes Great
Strides continued

Neighborhood Development Director George Snyder explains,

“Much of the work that has gone on so far focuses on the civic
and social aspects of community development, things you can’t
necessarily see. Great strides have been made in reducing crime
through community policing, strengthening neighborhood groups
through community organizing and providing new opportunities
for youth. Fairview has become a stable neighborhood filled with
supportive residents.”

PROGRESS ON THE INTERIOR

On the inside, many projects are beginning to take shape, including
the construction that is soon to begin on Fairview Commons and the
new Fairview PK-8 Dayton Public School. The school will be situated
at the center of the neighborhood and will be part of the Commons,
which will serve as multi-use, park-like area for residents and will The red areas indicate the areas of concentration of the Phoenix Project. The asterik marks the Gateway.

be connected by walkways to Good Samaritan, the City of Dayton residents representing the surrounding neighborhoods of Dayton View Triangle,
Park and Pool and new housing. Fairview and Sunnyview-Catalpa Park.
Along with the Commons, CityWide has been aggressively working to purchase The Gateway was officially dedicated on October 14th and should be completely
dilapidated properties. These properties are being cleared to make way for the finished by the end of the year. The three corners were longstanding community
new school and the construction of new housing. There are also financial eyesores, but have now been transformed into a place of beauty. With wrought iron
incentives to encourage existing residents to fix up their homes and for those fencing, attractive brick columns, period lighting, and native trees and flowers, this
looking to purchase a home in the area. Good Samaritan has also created a new green space is a symbol of community revitalization.
special benefit for their employees known as “Home Choice” to encourage
“The Salem and Catalpa Gateway shows the community that they are truly entering
their investment in the community.
an area that is improving,” says Snyder. “The goal is to change the
Recently, the Phoenix Project was awarded tax credits from the perception of these neighborhoods and make the entire
Ohio Housing Finance Agency. These funds will allow the community more welcoming and attractive to visitors to the
project to implement the first phase of its housing neighborhood and Good Samaritan Hospital.”
initiatives: the construction of 33 lease-purchase
The Phoenix Project is a long-term effort to improve
single family homes. These homes are designed to
this northwest Dayton neighborhood. With a
help working families achieve homeownership
brand new school, the Fairview Commons and
while building their personal assets.
new housing opportunities, the neighborhood
is well on its way to becoming a thriving part
of the greater Dayton community.
SALEM GATEWAY
WELCOMES VISITORS For more information on this project, or to
inquire about loan options and incentives in
One of the first visible signs of change created by
the Phoenix area, contact George Snyder,
the Phoenix Project is nearing completion at the
Director of Neighborhood Development for
intersection of Salem Avenue and Catalpa Drive, the
CityWide Development at (937) 853-2535 or visit
south entrance of the Fairview neighborhood. The
www.phoenixprojectdayton.org.
gateway was designed by Envisionworks and a team of

Fresh Face for a

Dayton Treasure
Jay’s Seafood restaurant has been an icon in Dayton since the 1960s. Jay’s is located at 225 East Sixth Street in the
historic Oregon District, allowing for easy access from nearly anywhere in Dayton. Visitors to Jay’s
enjoy the antique ambiance, superior service, and above all, the best seafood in the region. In
fact, in order to ensure that the food is always of the highest quality, Jay’s has fresh fish and
shellfish flown in four times a week from Boston, Massachusetts; Portland, Oregon;
Florida; and Lake Erie.

The restaurant was originally an 1862 grist mill, and since has undergone many
transformations. Just recently, after years of withstanding weathering, Jay’s was
ready for a fresh coat of paint. To help brighten the restaurant and maintain its
place as a premier Dayton dining location, Jay’s worked with CityWide
Development to secure the necessary financing to complete the painting project.

“Some people may not know it, but Jay’s Seafood was one of CityWide’s first ever
loans back in the 1970s,” said Brian Heitkamp, CityWide Economic Development Director.
“Having Jay’s as part of the Dayton business community is a tradition here, and CityWide is
happy to help keep this local treasure looking its best.”

Jay’s Seafood is open Monday – Thursday, 5 – 10pm; Friday and Saturday, 5 – 11pm; and Sunday
5 – 9pm. During December, Jay’s also holds special holiday hours at lunchtime, from 11:30am – 2pm
daily. For more information on Jay’s Seafood restaurant, visit www.jays.com.
 Construction of
Tech Town’s
Creative Technology
Accelerator (CTA)
CityWide President Steve Budd welcomes Ohio
is Underway! Construction begins at the Tech Town site.
Governor Ted Strickland to the Tech Town site.

The construction of Dayton’s Tech Town has been much anticipated, and now visible Group will also continue to develop models for the next phases of building. In addition,
progress can be seen. The development’s first building, the CTA, recently celebrated an some landscaping will be installed as construction moves ahead. Finally, reservations
important milestone: all steel framing was completed, paving the way for floors, walls, are currently being taken for the CTA’s companion building, with construction set to
ceilings, and stairwells to be put into place. According to Messer Construction, project begin during summer 2009.
manager at Tech Town, the exterior of the building should be framed and closed before
Recently, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland visited the Tech Town site at the request of
winter, keeping the project on schedule for a mid-2009 opening. The project continues
Dayton Mayor Rhine McLin. Governor Strickland was on hand to review the status of the
its movement into the future with support from partners including CityWide and the City
project and to discuss the City’s request for $3.5 million towards the construction of the
of Dayton.
next building. The Governor enjoyed meeting the
The 45,000-square-foot CTA building is already 100% CityWide and City of Dayton team members and
leased. Future occupants include the Institute for expressed his support in the continuance of Tech
Development and Commercialization of Advanced Town’s expansion.
Sensors Technology (IDCAST), Weston Solutions, Inc.,
Tech Town offers a unique technology support system
and the Dayton RFID Convergence Center (DRCC). Led
that emanates from business, academic, and military
by the University of Dayton, IDCAST will be the anchor
uses. Businesses and local universities contribute
tenant in the CTA. Pennsylvania-based Weston
even more to the research and development going on
specializes in sustainable solutions for environmental
at the base. As a result of serving as collaboration
restoration, property redevelopment, green building,
facilitator, Tech Town further strengthens Dayton's
and clean energy. Rounding out the CTA occupants is
role as a technology leader.
DRCC, an economic development organization that
aims to attract and develop RFID-based businesses. For more information on Tech Town, please
contact Norm Essman, Redevelopment Director, at
The next steps in the Tech Town development involve
(937) 853-2529 or nessman@citywidedev.com.
the demolition and removal of the remaining structures
The CTA is the first of 10 buildings at
on the property. Designers from The Architectural Tech Town and is expected to open mid-2009.

Blooming in Dayton’s Business Community

Mark Brueninghaus knows that flowers can say a lot when words just aren’t enough. That’s why he opened The
Flower Shoppe in the Genesis neighborhood. Brueninghaus has over 20 years of experience in the floral industry
and in 2003 he decided to follow his dream of opening his own floral boutique.

As a growing Dayton business thriving on word-of-mouth referrals, The Flower Shoppe is known for its trendy,
elegant, and creative floral designs. Services include fresh cut arrangements and blooming plants for a variety of
occasions, with an emphasis in weddings and special events, as well as funerals, birthdays, home décor, and more.

Active in the Dayton community development scene, Brueninghaus is a member of the Rubicon Park Business
Association, a group of business leaders focused on issues such as traffic, crime, and attracting new businesses
within the Genesis neighborhood. This neighborhood revitalization project consists of partnerships between the
University of Dayton (UD), Miami Valley Hospital, the City of Dayton, and CityWide Development Corporation, and it
aims to spur redevelopment in the areas around UD and the hospital.

Knowing CityWide’s commitment to the Genesis project and the availability of the Neighborhood Business
Assistance Program (NBAP), Brueninghaus was able to secure a low-interest loan that allows him to fully acquire
the Brown Street retail shop. Brueninghaus believes that his flowers bring style to all of his clients’ special
occasions. And, his newly renovated retail space, made possible by the NBAP program, is evidence of his unique
and stylish twist.

As business continues to grow, Brueninghaus intends to upgrade at least two part-time positions to full-time, as well
as add another part-time employee to handle increasing demand. The Flower Shoppe is located 1132 Brown Street.
For more information on The Flower Shoppe, visit www.theflowershoppe.com or call (937) 224-7673.

Business Incubator Propels Dayton into the Future

In 2007, the Dayton City Commission approved a $1.4 million, four-year the financial or infrastructure capabilities to stand alone right away. The DRCC
agreement with CityWide Development to create the for-profit Dayton Radio will offer resources such as lab space and access to engineers and other
Frequency Identification (RFID) Convergence Center (DRCC). This business professionals, allowing companies to focus on their business and technologies
incubator will provide start-up assistance to RFID, sensor, and data management as they grow. Once companies are ready to move on from the DRCC, they will
and mining technology businesses. have the opportunity to locate permanently in Dayton, potentially bringing
hundreds more technology jobs to the region’s economy.
The DRCC is part of a regional effort to secure Dayton’s place as an international
leader in the emerging RFID industry, creating at least 100 jobs at an average The RFID industry is an emerging technology field that has the ability to track
salary of $80,000 just on its own. As one of Tech Town’s Creative Technology nearly anything, including inventories, animals, and pharmaceuticals. RFID is
Accelerator tenants, DRCC will be seeking up to 20 poised to replace barcode technology in
companies to locate within the program at Tech widespread commercial applications. The Dayton
Town and take advantage of the $6 million state-of- region, with the location and commercial and
the-art facility. technical capital considered necessary to establish
an industry hub, looks forward to being on the
As a business incubator, the DRCC will host and
leading edge of future RFID advancements.
support new RFID companies that may not yet have
 The CityWide
Tough Times? CityWide Can Help! Economic
In the current economy, businesses are reporting that it is (e.g. banks and credit unions) and Certified Development Development
becoming more and more challenging to secure financing for Companies, like CityWide. Typically financing 40% of a project,
Team
projects and for growth. The economic development team at the SBA 504 generally requires only 10% down payment of
CityWide understands these challenges and is eager to provide equity from a company or a business owner. Interest rates are Steven J. Budd,
alternative financing opportunities. fixed for either 10 or 20 years. President
sbudd@citywidedev.com
Now, more than ever before, thinking outside the box can help (937) 853-2547
get deals done. Partnering with CityWide allows for flexible NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESS
A S S I S TA N C E P R O G R A M ( N B A P ) Brian Heitkamp,
financing structures that typically require less equity injection
The NBAP program is offered to City of Dayton businesses with Economic Development Director
from the business and lower credit exposure for the senior bheitkamp@citywidedev.com
annual revenues below $1,500,000. NBAP loans are able to fill
lending institution. Lenders are finding that by working in tandem (937) 853-2533
gaps up to $50,000 with low fixed interest rates of 5% and as
with CityWide, they can deepen their long-term relationships
with current customers by using economic development dollars
low as 3% in targeted corridors. This program can be utilized to Caitlin Bortolotto,
finance real estate acquisition, new construction, and Business Development Officer
as a source of funds, creating a win-win for the lender and the cbortolotto@citywidedev.com
renovation; business acquisition and mergers; machinery and
borrower. To discuss gap financing structures to further a (937) 853-2563
equipment acquisition; and working capital.
potential project, contact Brian Heitkamp, Caitlin
Bortolotto, or John Krebs or visit our website at
John Krebs,
Business Development Officer
www.citywidedev.com/financing.cfm ENTERPRISE OHIO
I N V E S T M E N T C O M PA N Y ( E O I C ) jkrebs@citywidedev.com
(937) 853-2561
EOIC provides capital in wide array of creative
CITYWIDE DIRECT lending alternatives to area businesses. It is our
LOAN PROGRAM Steve Nutt,
most flexible program, offering the potential to fill Strategic Development Director
City of Dayton businesses can take advantage of the
gaps in various scenarios that secure financing for snutt@citywidedev.com
Direct Loan program for a variety of projects, including real (937) 853-2539
projects and for growth. Loan structures could include
estate acquisition, new construction, or renovation; business
mezzanine debt, subordinated debt, and the availability of Janet A. White,
acquisition and mergers; machinery and equipment acquisition;
equity capital. Housing and Economic
and working capital. Benefits of the program include a low down
Development Services Director
payment, reduced interest cost, no prepayment premium, and jwhite@citywidedev.com
quick turnaround time on the approval process. WELL FIELD PROTECTION (937) 853-2541
FUND LOAN PROGRAM
Companies located on the Well Field Protection Area are able to Carolyn Henn,
SBA 504 LOAN PROGRAM obtain loans that are forgivable or with 0% interest. Projects or Marketing Coordinator
Companies in the Dayton region can take advantage of great businesses that reduce or abate risk to the groundwater supply chenn@citywidedev.com
savings by leveraging the benefits of the SBA 504 program, (937) 853-2543
via chemical inventory reduction or environmental remediation
a unique lending partnership between conventional lenders and protection would qualify. www.citywidedev.com

www.citywidedev.com

www.citywidedev.com
Dayton, Ohio 45402
8 North Main Street