Unique historic building in West Carrollton waiting for a new life

There are ample prospect sites in the Great Miami Riverway for developers looking for new opportunities. Former industrial sites and historic buildings are ready to be redeveloped into businesses and become valuable assets to Riverway communities. One of these unique opportunities is the former Friend Paper Company office building in the City of West Carrollton.

Built in 1871, the building was part of the paper production industry that dominated West Carrollton’s downtown until 2001. Through strategic acquisition and targeted demolition, the City of West Carrollton is looking to find a new use for this iconic building and is currently seeking interested developers.

According to Mike Lucking, Director of Economic Development for the City of West Carrollton, the Friend building represents multiple redevelopment opportunities such as a micro-brewery, distillery, or the kind of co-working space that is popular for start-up companies.

What makes the Friend building even more appealing is its close proximity to the new $4.5 million recreation facility Miami Valley Sand, a 17-court sand volleyball facility complete with restaurant and bar. 300-500 people will come to Miami Valley Sand on a given evening, and the Friend Paper building can help drive traffic and also benefit from the Miami Valley Sand facility. Miami Valley Sand includes a 44,000 square-foot indoor recreation facility and 38,000 square-foot outdoor courts.

The City of West Carrollton created a master plan that also calls to create access from the Friend building and Miami Valley Sand to the Miami Bend Park, the Great Miami River Recreation Trail and the Great Miami River.

Are you interested in this unique buidling, or know someone who may be? Contact Mike Lucking, City of West Carrollton, at 937.604.9695 or mlucking@westcarrollton.org.