By Scott Halasz
XENIA — With local investors in the mix, the family entertainment center proposed for Xenia Towne Square is slowly becoming a reality.
Along with Craig Toops, Xenia resident Dede Larson has formed D&D Investments, which is spearheading local fund-raising efforts for the entertainment center, originally proposed by David Beauregard of Creative Entertainment Concepts in Indiana.
The center would be located in the former Fulmer grocery store and would include bumper cars, 12-14 bowling lanes and arcade-type games similar to what one would find at a Dave & Busters or Scene 75 in Dayton. There will also be an eatery of some type, according to Larson, but a sports bar is no longer an option.
When first proposed, the timeline showed the center being open during the summer of 2015. However due to lack of funding the project was in a holding pattern. While not wanting to totally commit to a date or time frame, Larson said the hope is that the center would be completed by the end of the summer or early fall 2016.
But at a cost of nearly $3 million, the three principals are still looking for other investors.
“We are still working on the funding part of it,” Larson said. “(And) we’re still working on many different options for financing.”
She added that developers have applied for grants and are holding community fund-raisers in addition to the creation of a Go Fund Me account.
While searching for the needed capital, Larson said she, Toops and Beauregard are ready for the next step, which would entail gutting the inside of the Fulmer building.
“We are hoping to start demolition extremely soon,” Larson said.
Before getting too far in the process, the City of Xenia would need to be involved.
Developers would need the proper zoning permit and a certificate of occupancy from the Greene County Building Regulation department before it could open, Xenia City Planner Brian Forschner said.
He and City Manager Brent Merriman said they are waiting to hear from the developers.
“I very much hope that they’re moving forward with it,” Forschner said. “It would be a great amenity to have in this community.”
That’s why Larson became involved.
A mother of six, she was looking into bringing a miniature golf course and bumper cars to Xenia. When her desired location was no longer available she got in touch with Beauregard and became involved with his company’s project.
“I totally think this will help bring the community together,” she said. “It’s been voiced for some time that we need something to do in this town. The location is ideal.”
