Historic Dublin Gives a Welcoming Toast to BriHi Square

DUBLIN, Ohio (May 15, 2008)

Historic Dublin gave a Sláinte Thursday “To Your Health!” toast this evening to the groundbreaking for BriHi Square, a new mixed-use development at the intersection of Bridge and High Streets. City leaders, Historic Dublin Business Association representatives, and many community members joined project developer The Stonehenge Company in celebrating the revitalization of Historic Dublin.

Earlier this year, Dublin City Council unanimously voted in favor of the 22,000-square-foot development that will feature commercial, restaurant and retail businesses in two, two-story buildings along with a public plaza, water features and public parking. BriHi Square is an estimated $9 million project that represents a public-private partnership between the City of Dublin ($3 million investment) and The Stonehenge Company ($6 million investment).

“BriHi Square is the project we have been waiting for,” Cathy Boring, vice mayor, City of Dublin, said. “It complements the Historic District’s existing architecture and aesthetics. It will expand the retail, dining and office options and bring more people to the area, adding to the vibrancy of the BriHi District.”

Crews will begin staging the site for construction in the next two weeks and physical construction will begin in June, according to Mo Dioun, president, The Stonehenge Company. Portions of the project are expected to be completed throughout spring 2009. A grand opening is anticipated for next summer.

“Although this land is less than an acre in size, it is a high-profile piece of real estate where quality and detail cannot and will not be compromised,” Dioun said. “Through the support of and in collaboration with city leadership, we’ve been able to put together a creative and distinct plan that will reflect Dublin’s energy and vibrancy while complying with historic district codes. BriHi Square will be a gathering space that is uniquely Dublin.”

The City of Dublin plans to use a tax increment financing (TIF) strategy to fund its portion of the expenses of the project. The Stonehenge Company collaborated with the City of Gahanna on a similar TIF initiative for the Creekside Gahanna mixed-use development that opened earlier this month. Last year, the Council of Development Finance Agencies recognized Creekside Gahanna as the nation's finest and most successful tax-increment financing project.