LIBERTY TWP.

The multimillion dollar mixed-used retail, residential and office development proposed for Liberty Twp. has signed its first tenant, according to representatives of the developer.

The clothing store Dillards has signed a lease to build an approximately 200,000-square-foot flagship store, said Brock Schmaltz, spokesman for Columbus development company Steiner + Associates.

The development is to be located on about 100 acres at the intersection of Liberty Way and Ohio 129 along Interstate 75.

Original site plans called for three anchors for the project two approximately 125,000-square-foot department stores and a movie theater, Schmaltz said.

That hasnt changed, Schmaltz said.

Because of the Dillards lease, the store will take up more space than first proposed, so the second department store anchor Steiner is looking to lease will be a retailer that offers something different and occupies a smaller space, closer to 50,000-square-feet, Schmaltz said. Combined, Dillards and a second anchor department store will still fill a total 250,000-square-feet of retail space.

Site plans have also been updated to include a hotel, Schmaltz said.

Construction is now set to start October this year, with the approximately $300 million first phase of the development looking to open fall 2015, he said.

Progress is pending on a deal with Butler County on a Tax Increment Financing District to help finance infrastructure (streets and parking) for the newly named Liberty Center. The previous working title had been Liberty Town Center.

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Liberty Twp. retail development signs first tenant, changes site plans