“We hope to bring as many first-to-market retailers as we can, but there are also some very well-known brand names not in Butler and Warren counties yet that we hope to bring as well,” said Anne Mastin, executive vice president of retail real estate for Steiner.
The first phase of Liberty Center opening this fall consists of about 1.1 million-square-feet of space being built in Liberty Twp. at the intersection of Liberty Way, Ohio 129 and Interstate 75. Three anchor tenants — Dillard's department store, dinner-and-movie theater CineBistro and Dick's Sporting Goods — have been announced along with AC Hotels by Marriott for opening at the site. Previously announced restaurants include Brio Tuscan Grille, Cheesecake Factory, Kona Grill and Pie & Pints.
A series of new tenant announcements are expected to be made this year ahead of Liberty Center’s opening. According to Liberty Twp. trustees, the number of new business openings will about double the township’s business base.
Without naming any more specific tenants, anxious shoppers can expect to hear in the coming months about junior fashion retailers, and contemporary fashion retailers for young professional generations to be signed, Mastin said.
Flip Side, a chef-driven burger, shake and craft beer concept using exclusively Ohio raised, grass-fed beef, will open its first southwestern Ohio location at Liberty Center, she added.
“There’s so much competition in that category, so we wanted to make sure we have the right burger user for Liberty Center,” she said.
The Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant offers stand-up comedy in a showroom along with a complete menu of food and drinks, according to Steiner.
“We’re right in the heart of the metroplex and the growth in the Butler, Warren area up Interstate 75 is nothing short of spectacular,” Mastin said. “We are building a shopping center for the next 50 years.”
“We know there’s pent up demand and people are looking forward to what we’re developing.”
A public financing deal closed last November to help fund Liberty Center, with the developer borrowing approximately $49 million in funding backed by taxpayer dollars when including a $12 million loan from Ohio Water Development Authority, and bonds issued by Butler County, Liberty Twp. and Liberty Community Authority.
About the Author