Versant, OIG to ask for Sugar Camp modifications

By Dolores Winkler Wagner

A joint request by the Versant Group and the Oakwood Investment Group for modifications to the original plans for Sugar Camp is scheduled for a hearing by the Oakwood Planning Commission at their regular meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, April 9 at 4:30 p.m. at the Oakwood Community Center. The proposed changes involve the planned commercial office building as well as the placement and modification of some of the residential properties.

According to Herold Williams, CEO of the Versant Group, the amendments replace the professional building with a residential component; add two new seven-story residential units and four six-unit buildings; and convert a portion of the planned attached doubles to two single units each.

The first proposed change involves the commercial office building scheduled to be situated at the new north entrance of Sugar Camp at Springgrove Avenue. Versant is seeking to replace this 30,000-sq.-ft. building and parking lot with four individual Towne Home Villas. Each of these villas would contain six units. (See lower left corner of the illustration.)

A second amendment introduces, for the first time, two seven-story, mid-rise West Pointe Residences to be located at the northwestern tip of Sugar Camp. (See lower right corner of the illustration.) Each building contains 20 units. Built at a low elevation, the buildings would not be visible from Schantz Avenue, yet would provide most units with a downtown view of Dayton.

In another change, the double patio homes planned along Far Hills Avenue would be separated into single residences.

If adopted, these amendments will have two main effects, according to Assistant City Manager Jay Weiskircher. The number of housing units would increase from 125 to 147 and the replacement of the commercial office building with the four-story Town Home Villas would provide an improved view of Sugar Camp from Far Hills Avenue. According Williams, housing density will not be affected.

Several factors spurred the request for modification of the Sugar Camp. “The market for office buildings in the central Dayton market, including Oakwood, is not very good at this time,” said Williams. He also believes there is a large interest in condominium space, which would be satisfied by the two new West Pointe mid-rise residences.

If Planning Council approves the request for the amendments, the proposal will go before City Council for approval or rejection at its next meeting on May 5. If approved, ground-breaking for this residential component of Sugar Camp would take place this spring.

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Celebrate spring at The Farm

The Oakwood Historical Society announces its spring fund raising event on Sunday, April 13, to support the society and the restoration of the Homestead. A tour of “The Farm” at 1911 Ridgeway Rd., John Gray’s unique mountain cabin style home on 10 acres, has many features worth seeing. With the advent of spring, he wants to share the blooming of 77,000 daffodils in the park-like setting at the front of his house.

Scheduled from 1 to 4 p.m., the event includes a guided tour of the home and a chance to relax under a tent in the gardens, while enjoying punch and pastries. A musical program by the Blackbird Quartet, an Oakwood High School group which has received rave reviews in recent weeks. The performance will be at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for youngsters from age 6 to 12 if purchased in advance. Five and under, accompanied by adults are at no charge if accompanied by advance ticket purchasers. No strollers please. On the day of the event, cash purchasers are welcome at $30 for adults, $15 for 6 – 12 youth and $5 for children under 5 years. Advance ticket sales by mail only closes Friday, April 11.

Mail request with check to Teresa Prosser at 315 Harman Blvd., Dayton, OH 45419.

St. Paul’s youth group benefit concert April 12

The public is invited to attend a benefit concert on Saturday, April 12, from 7-9 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 30 West Dixon Avenue, in Oakwood. The concert is presented by the St. Paul’s 2008 Confirmation Class – comprised of ninth graders from various local schools – and will benefit the Valle de Angeles Children’s Orphanage, located near Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

Featured performers include the Blackbird String Quartet and other special guests. The quartet includes Oakwood students Clara Hofeldt and Ellen Milligan on violin, Josh Halpern on cello, and Amy Malone on viola.

The Valle de Angeles Orphanage, sponsored by Children’s Villages S.O.S., recently lost its main source of funding.

The concert is free, and donations for the Valle de Angeles Orphanage will be graciously accepted throughout the evening. During intermission, drinks, cookies and assorted baked goods will be available.

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