City officials are teaming up with private investors on a massive $ 1.3 billion project that would bring a movie studio, concert hall and theme parks to the banks of the Great Miami River in Middletown.
Called “Hollywoodland,” the entertainment-themed mixed-use project would encompass more than 50 acres near historic downtown Middletown, according to a press release from the city, which is partnering with the project with the investment group. Main Street Community Capital real estate. LLC.
Development plans include:
- a pre- and post-production studio and sound stages;
- an indoor amusement park with themed rides and games;
- an indoor performance and concert hall that can accommodate touring Broadway productions;
- an entertainment district, a comedy club and a variety of bars and restaurants;
- a new convention center and a convention center hotel;
- a family hotel and a water park;
- a boutique hotel located in the redeveloped First National Bank building;
- a mix of luxury apartments and condos;
- a combination of underground garage and terrace parking with a minimum of 3,000 spaces.
Earlier this year, the Cincinnati metro area, which includes Middletown, was named one of the best places to live and work as a filmmaker by Moviemaker Magazine.
“There are big bones in this region, and we look forward to working with the city and community members to launch a film and entertainment district, permanently bringing the film industry to the state of. ‘Ohio,’ said David-Elias Rachie, founder and member of Main Street Community Capital.
Middletown City Council is due to vote on the project, which is expected to attract visitors from Cincinnati, Columbus and elsewhere in the Midwest, on October 21 after hearing a presentation from the developers on Tuesday.
If approved, the city will use $ 7.5 million in federal pandemic relief funds for design, engineering, financial structuring, and other pre-close and due diligence efforts before construction. , according to the press release.
“This is a unique opportunity to take full advantage of a myriad of local, municipal, state and federal incentives that we have found a way to access and, in turn, change the future of our city. Middletown City Manager Jim Palenick said in a statement.
Hollywoodland, which would rival the development of The Banks Downtown, is expected to create thousands of new jobs and attract around 3.5 million visitors per year to Middletown.
“This will be a transformational redevelopment opportunity for Middletown,” said Palenick.
Hollywoodland Master Plan
