Comprhensive Renovations
Client: Bond Hill Community Urban Development Corporation/Glazer Enterprises/City of Cincinnati, Office of Economic Development
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

Project:
One of the United States first outdoor shopping malls from the 1950s had undergone serious deterioration and economic disinvestment for many years; effecting the overall image as well as the regional economic base for three surrounding communities. This shopping area needed a creative resolution, which would also bring back direct benefits in terms of jobs and economic reinvestment.

Details:
As a key member of the Development Corporation Economic Development Committee Charles Alexander masterminded the creation of a three-way nonprofit and for profit partnership to begin the renovation of Swifton Shopping Center into the new Swifton Commons Mall. The plan called for the owners to apply for and get awarded a Federal Urban Action Grant of nearly $5.2 million, which they would match with $6.8 million. For the community sign off on this grant the owner would create 600 jobs with 85% of those being local (Bond Hill and Cincinnati) residents full and part jobs; hire a resident as the mall manager; utilize local professionals (Architects, Engineers, etc.) for needed services; provide an annual stipend to the non-profit for general operating funds; and give the community a percentage of stock ownership in the new Swifton Commons Mall.

With the exception of the last request all others were met, the grant signed and awarded and Swifton revitalized. It lasted in full operation for 10 years with the same local manager successfully in place.

The demise of the mall began when the original owners sold it to the Simon Brothers and its economic life was quickly snuffed out.