NewzThe historic Manchester Inn is set to be demolished, but the developer behind its replacement says the property's story will continue through a new mixed-use development that could help bring new life to Middletown's downtown.CMC Properties Project Manager Pete Montgomery said the company sees the new Manchester as more than an apartment complex. The planned development will include more than 100 apartments and about 2,200 square feet of first-floor retail space.Montgomery said the goal is to bring more people downtown and create a built-in customer base for businesses, a strategy he believes could help fill some of the vacant storefronts throughout downtown Middletown."It's a domino effect. While most terms typically are not binding, the documents signal that both parties are serious about moving forward.Montgomery said a cafe also has expressed interest, while CMC continues to look for a boutique to join the development.The project is part of CMC Properties' broader vision for downtown Middletown.
The company also was involved in the Marcum development in downtown Hamilton, a project Montgomery said helped bring new energy to a historic downtown."We want to bring the same enthusiasm and same kind of footprint we did in Hamilton and bring it to Middletown," Montgomery said.Montgomery said he believes Middletown has an opportunity to build on its location between Cincinnati and Dayton, as well as its existing historic buildings and downtown attractions.He pointed to the potential for venues such as Middletown's Sorg Opera House to bring in entertainment and draw people from both metropolitan areas."Don't judge a book by its cover. Just because you see empty storefronts you have to move past that stuff and look at the city itself," Montgo…
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