As published in Toledo Business Journal - March 1, 2021
Rendering of the Village of Ottawa Hills’ desired character for the commercial space
Ottawa Hills planning $35M project
Plan to redevelop 7.7 acres into mix of residential and commercial space
The Village of Ottawa Hills is planning a $35 million redevelopment of an initial 7.7-acre site into a mix of residential options and a small commercial area.
According to John Wenzlick, Village administrator, chief of police, Village of Ottawa Hills, given that the site currently houses the Village hall, police station, and service department, relocating those facilities is essential to making the site available for redevelopment. Ottawa Hills is seeking a developer who will work with the Village to develop mixed used opportunities, but also to help finance and build a replacement for the existing facilities.
“2015 was the centennial year for the Village. In 2016, the Village initiated a vision plan that charted a path for building on its continued success. As a result, five pillars were established to move the Village into the next century. The five pillars are creating a unique Village center; diversifying housing; enhancing the local image and brand; increasing community events; and enhancing existing services, amenities, and property values,” explained Wenzlick.
According to Wenzlick, the existing hall is 100 years old and obsolete for many current functions of the Village government. Additionally, the police and service departments are more than 50 years old and in need of updates. A fire station that is part of the current hall is also no longer in use.
“Rather than invest significant dollars into upgrading the existing facilities, there is an opportunity to accomplish many of the goals of the vision plan by creating a new ‘Village center.’ Our concept includes new facilities, as well as enhanced residential and commercial offerings. The new residential options, including rental units, provide more alternatives for residents who might want to downsize, yet stay in the Village,” said Wenzlick. “It is also our intent to attract young professionals and to provide more living choices for young people, small families, and seniors, while increasing our tax base. Attracting young professionals, families, and others to the Village will promote a stronger sense of place and pride. The project will complement current housing choices by adding additional entry level and senior living options.”
The Village distributed a request for qualifications (RFQ) in mid-December. There was then a pre-bid meeting, a deadline for questions, responses to questions, and RFQ submittal throughout January and February. Interviews were to begin the week of February 22. The shortlist notification is on March 2, and proposal preparations for shortlisted firms are throughout March. A selection is anticipated by April 6, followed by contract negotiations and community input, after which a notice to proceed will be initiated.
“It is hoped that the selection will be complete and a notice to proceed will occur in mid-to-late spring 2021. The project is anticipated to take two years to design and construct,” said Wenzlick.
Rendering of the Village of Ottawa Hills’ desired character for the residential space
OHM Advisors has been working with the Village on the vision plan, master plan, and will serve as the owner’s representative. Once a developer has been selected, Wenzlick assumes that the proposal will include a full design/build team to implement the project.
The new Village hall, according to Wenzlick, has been designed on a conceptual basis to allow for efficient staffing and security, while preserving the openness and neighborly feel that makes Ottawa Hills special.
“Community meeting space will be included in the building, which will open up onto an event lawn for community functions. The police department is also part of this building, housing space for officers, locker rooms, appropriate police functions, and administration. The service department will be relocated to a site yet to be determined, but will include vehicle maintenance and storage, as well as material and equipment storage,” said Wenzlick.
In regards to the housing options, Wenzlick noted that market studies have been completed, showing the need for a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units.
“It is envisioned that there will be a ‘podium’ building containing flats, with parking beneath, as well as townhomes with attached garages. All parking will be screened, and community amenities include meeting and party rooms, perhaps a pool, a patio with a fire pit, soft seating, and fitness / movie / game rooms,” said Wenzlick. “The units are envisioned to be at the higher end of the market. The community will have a pedestrian orientation and will be connected to the bikeway, as well as walkable distance to White Field – the newly constructed Ottawa Hills recreation space.”
According to Wenzlick, units will be constructed of quality materials including walkable streets, front stoops, landscaping, and visual interest at street level.
“The podium building will be a maximum of four stories tall with the parking beneath and screened from view. The townhomes will be two to three stories with attached one- and two-car garages. Buildings will be designed to match the materials and character of Ottawa Hills and will have residential appearance based on design standards established in the RFQ,” he continued.
Overall, the project will provide a civic center, as well as state-of-the-art facilities for the Village, boost property values, enhance the image of the community, and provide a selection of housing options currently not available.