Otterbein OKs master plan concept
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
LEBANON — An integrated mixed use master plan concept has been unanimously approved by the Otterbein Homes board of trustees.
Company President and CEO Donald L. Gilmore announced today, May 20, that Phase 1 of the 20-year plan includes the development of an additional 20 acres of its property in Warren County.
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Otterbein is ahead of the national trend in developing housing that meets the needs of its current and future residents, as well as developing a community that will serve people of all ages in Warren County, company officials said.
"Our new development plan integrates additional residential and retail options for all ages into a new community," Gilmore said.
The current Lebanon campus occupies 200 acres of the 1,400-acre property in Warren County. Phase I of the project will focus on an additional 20 acres with the first residential units scheduled for occupancy in spring 2010, according to the company.
Plans call for the new "pedestrian-friendly" community to eventually include common area amenities for wellness, fitness and recreation, cultural pursuits, relaxation and dining. A town green area will feature community gathering places with fountains, gardens and parks, according to the company. This area will become the centerpiece of the Otterbein development, officials said.
Last week, the James M. Cox Jr. Foundation has granted Otterbein Lebanon Retirement Living Community in Turtlecreek Twp. $500,000 to aid in the construction of Avalon by Otterbein, an innovative "small house" neighborhood that provides extended skilled nursing care for the elderly.
The neighborhood on Otterbein's main campus on Ohio 741 west of Lebanon will be named for the late Gov. James M. Cox, an incorporator of Otterbein who served on its board of directors for years.
Cox founded Cox Enterprises, owner of several newspapers in southwest Ohio.
