DAYTON — As Premier Health officials look to let go of the company’s downtown Dayton system support building because of a change in workplace needs, there are others looking to buy and develop property in the core of the city.
>> RELATED: Premier Health to explore selling downtown Dayton high-rise
Brent Crawford, the principal and founder of Crawford-Hoying, a developer outside Columbus, has bought more than a dozen properties in Dayton and plans to add an office here.
“Everything we’ve added to the district in the region has done extremely well,” Crawford told News Center 7’s Gabrielle Enright Thursday night.
Crawford said Crawford-Hoying saw the announcement Thursday about Premier’s desire to sell its Premier System Support building, “but from an acquisition perspective, it doesn’t fit our criteria right now. Part of it is that we’re working to create a destination around the park and those properties that surround it.”
Chris Bhai, general manager at Brixx Ice Company, which is located in the area around the park, said business has disappeared since the pandemic.
“When everyone worked from home. none of those jobs would be available,” Bhai said.
Working from home is the main reason why officials of the Ministry of Health announced their intention to put the high-rise building up for sale. At one point, about 1,000 people worked in that building. Now, about 200 are there.
“This significant change, combined with Premier Health’s need to strengthen its financial position, has contributed to a decision to sell the building,” a Premier spokesperson told News Center 7 late Thursday afternoon.
Bhai entered Dayton 20 years ago and wants others to do the same now.
“I believe there are enough people to support the level of business that continues to come here.
“I talked to the co-owner of the nearby Uno’s pizzeria and grill. They said they lost 70 percent of their lunch business after the pandemic and Premier Health employees started working from home.
Premier officials have told News Center 7 they are committed to Dayton and even after the building sells, Premier plans to lease space in the building.
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