The number of small businesses and residential projects in Hamilton has not declined; if anything, it is only growing more common.
As apartment complexes, condos, housing projects, and restaurants continue to flood the city, developers from outside Hamilton are taking notice. As a legacy city, there isn't much land left, so they are tackling the toughest of projects and adaptive reuse of our old mills and vacant buildings.
Bloomfield & Schon, a developer with multiple properties throughout southwest Ohio, is redeveloping the old Shuler & Benninghofen Woolen Mill in Lindenwald. “The more difficult something is, the more we’re attracted to it,” Adam Bloomfield from Bloomfield & Schon said. “These types of projects can be very difficult, but also when they’re successful, there’s a lot of reward. Part of that reward is you become part of the community these structures are a part of.”
"The more difficult something is, the more we're attracted to it," Adam from Bloomfield & Schon said. "These types of projects can be very difficult, but also when they're successful, there's a lot of reward. Part of that reward is you become part of the community these structures are a part of."
Built in 1893, the mill was the result of a partnership between Asa Shuler and John W. Benninghofen, producing blankets and paper mill felts, according to the Butler County Historical Society. The quality of the items was well known in markets worldwide, and the mill employed Hamilton families for decades.
The Lindenwald building was the third structure the company operated in, each one growing larger, signaling the success of the partnership. After a merger with Orr Felt Co. in Piqua, Ohio, Shuler & Benninghofen ceased operations in 1967.
"Looking at the Shuler & Benninghofen Mill, we know this is a component of the community. We're very excited to be a part of that community and to reactivate the center of their neighborhood business district.
"I think that's what has attracted us to this project. We see a lot of similarities in the community. It is a very strong community, one that cares a lot about the neighborhood and wants to make it a better place. We want to try and support that mission as best as possible."
Bloomfield & Schon is no stranger to large-scale renovation projects. The company took over a cartridge factory in Maineville, Ohio, near Kings Island, and turned it into a 134-unit apartment complex. It has also renovated an old Ford factory, completed in 2003, and a former can factory, which finished renovations in 2011. Adam said the transformation of the can factory shares similarities with Bloomfield & Schon's plans for the Shuler & Benninghofen mill.
"If somebody would take on this task of redeveloping a very blighted property in the middle of their business district, it would change the neighborhood. That's what we see here. The physical components of this building are unique. The original structure is a timber frame, something we have not worked with before, but we're very excited to get into it."
The building will feature 125 studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom units available for rent.
"It’s a great time for Hamilton. We’re impressed with everything that has happened economically with Spooky Nook and 80 Acres Farms. I think there's a lot of momentum in Hamilton right now."
This new investment follows a surge in developers investing in the city last year. PLK Water Cove is an upcoming development of apartments and houses behind the Meijer in Hamilton. The two-story direct-entry design gives the units more of a townhouse or condo feel compared to traditional apartments.
With locations throughout Cincinnati, Florence, and Covington, PLK realized it made sense to enter the Hamilton real estate market. The company started work on the construction site behind the Meijer off Eden Park Drive for the Water Cove development before the holidays in 2023. Their clubhouse, which closely resembles the properties as a model home, was completed in September 2024. Each unit focuses on style and design, featuring granite countertops, wood floors, and center kitchen islands.
"Hamilton's really been on a growth spurt lately, and one of the things we noticed is that this demographic appeared to be the most underserved in terms of new products in the area," PLK's Nick Lingenfelter said.
"What we realized is that there's definitely a need for people who need two and three-bedroom units. It felt like this was an underserved area and demographic we wanted to reach. We really like this product a lot. In the city, we've got a lot of studio and one-bedroom units, but when the opportunity affords itself, we would always love to build two- and three-bedroom houses because that rent is usually more long-term."
Brandon Homes will soon begin construction in The Estates of Westfield Place. The subdivision located just off NW Washington Boulevard has 39 lots. This accessible luxury subdivision offers six floor plans, including one or two-story options - all with unfinished basements. Brandon Homes noted the exceptional growth Hamilton has experienced. “Hamilton has been making many positive changes, we love the diversity of the city.” Brandon Homes expects to build two to three homes per year. The Estates of Westfield Place offers a haven of luxury and tranquility while being minutes away from Hamilton's downtown business and entertainment district. This luxury subdivision will diversify and positively impact the home portfolio in Hamilton.
North Ridge Realty Group, led by Hamilton native John Stretch, has also taken it upon itself to diversify the city’s housing options. On the corner of B and Main Streets, on the riverfront, sits the Hamilton Riverfront Luxury Flats.
Stretch said former City Manager and current CEO of Butler County Finance Authority, Joshua Smith, encouraged him to renovate the space, highlighting the river views and energetic traffic on Main Street.
"Joshua would be on his walk to or from home many years ago, and he was like, ‘Stretch, when are you going to do something on that second and third floor? They've got great views.’ So we finally made the plunge, and we're really excited about the property. It’s been in our family for about 35 years."
Eight units on the second and third floors above the soon-to-be Megumi Hibachi and Ramen, and one extra unit in the building adjacent, have been completely revitalized. The space has served many different purposes over the years, including a boarding house, ballroom, and art gallery.
"The building was built 170 years ago," Stretch told The Hamiltonian. "It was finished around 1859, and as far as I know, the second and third floors had been vacant for 40 to 50 years.
"It was a complete gut. We had all new utilities—electric, water, plumbing—all new infrastructure."
The interior of the building is unrecognizable, boasting 16-foot ceilings on the third floor, clean finishes, stainless steel appliances, large walk-in closets, granite countertops, and in-unit washers and dryers. Each unit is pet-friendly and also has a private parking space. These apartments are believed to be the largest one-bedroom units in the area, with competitive rates compared to price per square foot.
Stretch plans to have construction finished by Feb. 28, with units available for rent starting March 1.
“I’m extremely proud of Hamilton, and I’m very proud of our City leadership for getting us here—from the government and City Council to our City Manager to all the stakeholders and people who have invested their money. It doesn’t take just one person, right? We have an incredible team — from economic development to zoning and other departments — that has been rallying local stakeholders and business owners. It took a whole team. “I’m extremely proud of the energy and the growth.”
Within the next year, Hamilton will see at least 320 additional apartment units.
