Former Salem Mall & Sears Redevelopment

Redevelopment Overview

In fall of 2019, the Trotwood Community Improvement Corporation (TCIC) acquired the former Sears building through bankruptcy. As the last piece of the former Salem Mall not under the ownership of the Trotwood community, this provided for the city and TCIC to conduct a comprehensive redevelopment of the site 56 acre site.

Since taking ownership in 2019, the TCIC has been working toward a community driven redevelopment of the building. As part of this process, community input into the redevelopment of the building has been a primary goal of the TCIC. Therefore, in 2020 the TCIC partnered with a planning class of undergraduates from the Ohio State University to conduct an initial stakeholder interview process. This process helped provide direction to the TCIC for the next steps in planning the redevelopment of the site and former Sears building.

In spring of 2021, the TCIC made an application for a "Congressional Project Funding" to support the capital stack required for the redevelopment of the site and former Sears building. Utilizing the direction provided by the OSU planning course stakeholder engagement, we were successful in receiving support from Congressman Turner to request direct funding from Congress. This application was focused on the following key components:

Food Access- The TCIC intends to work with local food entrepreneurs to create a market in the former Sears building auto center, to create space for residents to purchase primarily locally sourced produce and food products. This will include, but will not be limited to, creation of a "food hall" for local food entrepreneurs/restaurateurs to launch their businesses in a centralized, accessible location.
Entrepreneurship Support & Space- The TCIC intends to create space and wrap around services for Trotwood's small business and entrepreneurship community. Through locating possible co-working space, vendor space, and support services, this redevelopment will act to support and grow our small business community.
Workforce Development Opportunities- The TCIC is working with workforce development institutions to develop partnerships to locate within this facility. Given the changing workforce needs for regional businesses and the opportunity for Trotwood and area residents to fulfill these opportunities, we want to provide access to the resources for residents to up skill and receive certifications to step into these new roles.

As this redevelopment moves forward, additional opportunities for residents and stakeholders to provide input will be available. Whether that is in the form of on site events or online opportunities, like virtual sessions or surveys. Please check back in for more details.

Opportunities to Provide Input

On Friday, December 3rd the TCIC is hosting an opportunity for residents and stakeholders to provide input on one of the components of the redevelopment-- the Food Access component.

The TCIC has had the opportunity to work with a class of University of Dayton students to design a hydroponics system with an educational community kitchen and market; with technical assistance from Cross Creek Hydroponics.

This event is to provide residents a draft visual representation to provide input and feedback on related to this component of the redevelopment.

If you can't make the event or would like to complete a survey related to this event, please click the button below:

Food Access- Community Interest survey

More opportunities to provide input
to be announced in early 2022!

News Articles on the Project

Salem Mall, Sears redevelopment a top priority for Trotwood
Dayton Daily News | March 5, 2021

Trotwood's new vision for the long-awaited Salem Mall redevelopment
Dayton Business Journal | May 12, 2021