After sitting idle for years, the former K-Mart property on Navarre Avenue in Oregon, Ohio, is set to see new life. City officials have announced that construction work will begin within weeks, with the first structure expected to break ground as early as May. The news marks a significant step forward in transforming a long-empty site that has been the subject of multiple failed proposals over the years.

The property, which once housed a bustling K-Mart store, has remained vacant since the building was demolished. While a handful of development ideas surfaced in the past, none gained traction or reached the construction phase—until now.

Announced in 2023, a mix of commercial tenants including Home2 Suites, Olive Garden, Balance Pan-Asian Grille, and Beerhead Bar & Eatery were initially lined up for the project, dubbed Oregon Town Center. At the time, construction was tentatively scheduled to begin toward the end of 2024. However, city leaders say the momentum has shifted and this time, it's for real.

Oregon Mayor Mike Seferian shared encouraging updates, stating that River Rock Property Group, the developer leading the project, has officially signed leases with three restaurant businesses. While he didn’t disclose the names of the restaurants, he hinted that the interest in the site is growing beyond just food establishments.

“The developer we currently have is more set to today’s time types of retail developments, versus what we believed was current when we first started this project,” Seferian said, reflecting on the project’s evolution.

The new plans promise to reenergize a key section of Oregon’s commercial district. In addition to the planned restaurants, the area is already seeing growth: a Sheetz gas station is currently under construction nearby and is expected to open in the coming months. A Waffle House is also confirmed to begin construction soon.

Local residents are expressing cautious optimism after watching the space remain undeveloped for so long. Amanda Birner, who lives nearby, emphasized how vital the area is for her family’s day-to-day life.

“I come here for all of my shopping," Birner said. "We come here for food. We definitely like to eat out and get the kids out of the house.”

Though the full build-out of the site will take time, the city expects construction to continue throughout 2025, gradually reshaping the long-overlooked property into a modern retail and dining hub.

The project is seen not just as a boost to Oregon’s commercial scene, but also as a symbol of persistence—one that demonstrates the potential to breathe new life into underutilized urban spaces.

As Oregon’s population continues to grow and demand for local amenities rises, developments like this are expected to play a key role in both economic revitalization and community engagement.

Originally reported by Andre Norills in WTOL 11 News.