WEST CHESTER & LIBERTY TOWNSHIPS, OH – After a decade of planning, approvals, and development changes, construction has officially begun on the long-anticipated Village North mixed-use development, a 49-acre project spanning West Chester and Liberty townships.

The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Wednesday, brought together local officials and developers who marked the beginning of what they hope will become a vibrant urban-style destination combining retail, residential, and community space.

“Good things happen to those who wait. It’s been frustrating at times. This is a very complicated project,” said Mark Welch, West Chester Twp. trustee, at the ceremony.

First introduced over 10 years ago and formally approved in 2018, the Village North project has faced multiple delays due to developer turnover and logistical hurdles. Now, with site work underway, the vision for a walkable, multi-functional hub is coming into focus.

“This is exactly the kind of project I’ve been talking about for West Chester and Liberty for some time and I call it urbanesque,” Welch added.

“To me (that) means that you’ve got quality living next to retail and other types of business uses so that people can walk to their destinations … and enjoy a wonderful lifestyle.”

Phase One Launches with Retail and Dining Spaces

The first phase will take place on 12.6 acres at the northwest corner of Liberty Way and Butler-Warren Road. It includes 91,000 square feet of space across three buildings, along with two out lots, and is being developed by Clous Road Partners and the Sansone Group.

“The focus will be on retail, restaurants and services,” said Grant Mechlin with the Sansone Group.

Mechlin noted that while no additional tenants have been finalized beyond Whole Foods, announcements are expected later this summer. Possible additions include boutique retailers, coffee shops, medical offices, wellness services, and fitness concepts.

The development’s centerpiece is a new 40,000-square-foot Whole Foods Market, set within a 49,000-square-foot anchor building.

“While there have certainly been some challenges along the way… one thing is clear,” said Max Davis of Clous Road Partners.

“You can’t rush a project of this scale. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of West Chester and Liberty townships.”

All buildings in Phase One are expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Future Residential and Community Amenities Planned

Plans for the Liberty Township portion include multi-family housing, patio homes, and additional retail. Construction on those sections will begin after final design approvals and builder selections are made, according to Davis.

Beyond just buildings, Village North will emphasize connectivity and community through sidewalks, walking paths, courtyards, and public gathering spaces for casual interaction or planned events.

Originally reported by Journal News.