Benkin Building Project to convert historic building into pizzeria in Tipp City

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By Blythe Alspaugh

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TIPP CITY — A resolution authorizing the installation of a four-inch fire line for the Benkin Building was approved by Tipp City Council Tuesday.

The Benkin Building is located at 14 E. Main St. in Tipp City and was previously owned by the Staub family for decades. Under acquisition by Woodard Development, a Dayton-based real estate developer, the Benkin Building is planned to be converted into a restaurant, Nate’s — A Neighborhood Pizzeria.

The restaurant is planned to be a community focused pizza and entertainment concept that will feature locally owned and sourced wood-fired and pan style pizzas, as well as subs and salads along a full service, locally inspired bar and beer options. Additionally, the restaurant will offer arcade-style entertainment and private rooms on the second floor.

Woodard development is investing an estimated $400,000 into the project and is expected to create roughly 17 jobs in Tipp City with the construction of the restaurant. The resolution also waives the $6,870 connection fee of the fire line. The cost of the fire line is not to exceed $6,000.

The resolution passed in a 5-1-0 vote, with council member Ryan Liddy abstaining.

Steve Staub, who formerly owned the Benkin Building, said that his family had received several offers when they listed the building for sale three years ago that including using the building for an antique hall, a clothing store and a flea market. Ultimately, Staub wanted to go with something that he and his family felt would be best for Tipp City.

“We’re really excited to welcome (Woodard) to the community, something we’ve worked hard to achieve,” Staub said.

Downtown Tipp City Partnership Executive Director Kim Bulgin spoke on behalf of businesses in downtown Tipp City, saying that they were excited to welcome Woodard into the community and to have the addition of Nate’s into the business landscape of downtown.

“Our goal is to make Tipp City a dining destination, and so by adding this restaurant, we’re one step closer. We all love food; food gathers us. We gather for food and fellowship, and the concept that they’re bringing to this as well — we don’t have a place like that downtown, especially for the youth. It’s going to bring in our youth, it’s going to attract and retain the younger generation so that they’ll stay in our town,” Bulgin said.

Council also passed a resolution authorizing and directing City Manager Tim Eggleston into a community reinvestment area agreement with Woodard Development in a 5-1-0 vote, with Liddy abstaining.

Council unanimously passed the following items at Tuesday’s meeting:

• An ordinance modifying current language in chapter 37 of the Tipp City Code of Ordinances regarding insurance and holidays; and

• This resolution declaring a 2017 Ford Police Interceptor Utility, 2018 Ford Police Interceptor Utility, 2006 Dodge Water Department Truck and a 2005 GMC 2055 HD Park Truck as surplus property and authorizes their disposal as the most cost beneficial means as determined by Eggleston.

The next regular meeting of Tipp City Council will be held Monday, March 7 at 7:30 p.m.

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