New restaurant announced in first project of Dayton Mall plan

— One of the first redevelopment projects of the Dayton Mall Area Master Plan will soon begin at the now closed Sears Auto Center, according to Miami Twp. officials. 

The project calls for an Outback Steakhouse and space for an additional tenant at the Dayton Mall site. 

Miami Twp. leaders have spent a year constructing a redevelopment plan with property owners Seritage Growth Properties. 

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“We are encouraged that Seritage Growth Properties views our area as a strong growth market for them to invest the resources into redevelopment of the auto center site,” Chris Snyder, Miami Township community development director, said. 

Township officials said the new site will significantly enhance the landscaping and aesthetics of the building as it is transformed from an auto center into new restaurant and retail spaces. 

Redeveloping the area of the mall has been discussed as a long-term possibility since Miami Twp. and Miamisburg officials began studying long-range plans for the mall area earlier this decade.

In December 2015, when the Dayton Mall area master plan was adopted by a joint panel of officials from both communities, planners said the goals of both Sears and local officials would create opportunities for redevelopment.

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“We have discussed with Seritage how this project will fit within our long-term strategy for the mall site. Seritage has worked with us to meet many of the new design standards as they completely renovate the existing structure,” Snyder said.