Pierce Township site a box office smash

The ‘Pierce Point’ $10 million development project in Pierce Township got underway with a bang Oct. 3.

Demolition of the existing structures on the 11 acres of prime real estate, located on West Ohio Pike (S.R. 125) at the intersection of Bach-Buxton Road, commenced after owners Joe and Pat Perin decided to get “re-energized” and go into the land developing business.

The anchor, or first tenant of the new county development, will be the Pierce Point Cinemas. The ten-screen cinema complex, which will be a state-of-the-art theater (complete with stadium seating and rocking love seats), will hold a groundbreaking ceremony early next month with a grand opening scheduled for early Spring 2008.

The rest of the large parcel of property will be divided into six outlots that the Perins’ are hoping will attract prestigious restaurants, retail shops, and other businesses.

The total development of Pierce Point is estimated to be in excess of $10 million.

The property, which used to be the location of a Van Leunen's and an All About Sports shop (the buildings were built in the early 70's), was purchased by the Cincinnati native couple ten years ago.

Since that time, the Perins' have been living in Maui, Hawaii, living what Pat enthusiastically describes as a "laid-back life-style."

"Well, we have been waiting for things to transpire in the right way," Pat Perin said at the demolition ceremony. "We have had loads of offers over the years for what we call our Sleeping Beauty, and now the time is right."

Pierce Township trustee Gregg Conrad said that Pierce Point, and the surrounding area, will become a keystone for the commercial base in the township.

"Today is just another step of the success that Pierce Township is showing Clermont County," he said. "We are all very excited to be a part of it."

Land use facilitator Chris Tetrault, of Tatro, Inc., is one of those people excited to be a part of the new development at Pierce Point.

"Being involved in this project has given me a chance to impact the community in a positive way for all the stakeholders and residents in Pierce Township," he said while the wrecking ball was in full swing. "It is an exciting project that will benefit the immediate and surrounding communities."