LIBERTY TWP.

As construction kicks into high gear on the mega retail complex Liberty Center, the township is fielding multiple building plans rushing in for the Dillards department store, apartments, hotel and other buildings to open at the site.

Applications for the zoning certificates give a first look at some of the proposed storefronts never seen before, such as Dillards.

Other renderings have been shown before, but the zoning records contain more detail than previously provided, such as drawings for AC Hotels by Marriott. Developer Steiner + Associates has also previously shown views of what the whole center and its buildings will look like with grassy common areas.

We are transitioning from that phase where there is a lot of dirt work and were going to start seeing the buildings coming vertical, which is when it really gets exciting, Justin Leyda, senior development executive for Steiner, told Butler County Commissioners the last week of August.

Construction on infrastructure such as sewer and water systems, and parking garages has already started at the site.

Following a key subdivision approval granted by Butler County Commissioners on Aug. 28, a flurry of construction activity is expected to begin. The final plat approval (contingent on the developer obtaining a surety bond) will allow Columbus-based Steiner to divide the land into up to 23 lots and sell property to the hotel operator, anchor retailers, and other partners, according to Butler County Development Director David Fehr.

In turn, that means those companies will likely begin construction on their buildings soon pending zoning approval from Liberty Twp.

Also, the developer or a subcontractor will have to apply to the county for building permits for each building constructed, and multiple permits will be issued per building, according to the county development department.

Liberty Center is the name of the approximately $350 million shopping, office, residential and dining complex under construction now in Liberty Twp. at the intersection of Ohio 129, Interstate 75 and Liberty Way. Described as the Easton of Cincinnati, and one of the biggest development deals in Butler County history, anchor tenants announced so far for Liberty Center are Dillards department store, dinner-and-movie theater CineBistro, and most recently Dicks Sporting Goods. Other named tenants include pizza restaurant Pies & Pints and AC Hotels by Marriott.

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See plans for the first buildings at Liberty Center