High Demand for New Housing in Berea

Andy McDonald

In Berea, the demand for new housing remains high, with new rental units being leased quickly. This information was shared by Donna Angel, the City of Berea Director of Business and Tourism Development, during a recent discussion with the Berea City Council Economic Development Committee. Angel specifically highlighted the rapid pace of housing construction near I-75 exit 77, as well as the announcement of new businesses intending to open in Berea’s northwest end.

Rapid Leasing and Selling of Properties

Angel mentioned that the Harvest Commons development, which consists of new apartments and townhomes on Pauline Drive, is almost sold out due to a high demand for rental properties. Similarly, houses in the Fincastle Subdivision have mostly been sold. However, it is interesting to note that around 50% of the workforce in the Berea Industrial Park actually commutes from outside of Berea.

New Businesses and Restaurants

In relation to new businesses near exit 77, Angel disclosed that two chain restaurants, which are not currently present in Berea, are seeking state permission for driveways allowing drive-thru access off of Highway 595. While the names of these restaurants have not been announced yet, they will be revealed soon. Additionally, a restaurant called Nuevo Vallarta is awaiting alcohol license approval and is expected to open at exit 77. The Smokehouse Grill is also transitioning to new ownership, while Giovanni’s Pizza has received positive reviews since its recent opening at the former Dinos/Huddle House location.

Moreover, there are plans to build a campground near exit 77. The property, covering around 6.5 acres, will cater to the growing camping and RV market. Representatives from the campground business are seeking an entrance onto Highway 595 near Guynn Road. Angel noted that the campground industry has experienced a surge in popularity since the start of the pandemic.

Transformation of Creekside Lodge and Positive Business Developments

The Creekside Lodge at 330 Walnut Creek Drive is currently undergoing a $1 million renovation to become Yonder Behavior Health. This facility will offer treatment to patients dealing with substance abuse and mental health issues. Contrary to rumors, the center will be a hospital rather than a halfway house or methadone clinic. An open house will be held soon to introduce the community to the center’s offerings.

Additionally, Angel reported various other positive business developments in Berea. These include:

• Just Love Coffee, which will soon open at the old Mario’s Pizza location.
• Bert’s SpeakCheesy, a spinoff from a popular food truck, is waiting for equipment to fully open its brick-and-mortar restaurant on North Broadway. It specializes in gourmet cheese sandwiches.
• The Fairmont Inn is being upgraded and transformed into a Comfort Inn Suites near exit 76.
• The spec building on Farristown Industrial Road has been leased and will serve as a holding center for Hyster-Yale equipment.
• Motor Wheel and Hitachi Electric Motor continue to hire employees, with Hitachi now running a second shift and securing another contract with Honda.
• Berea’s efforts in promoting regionalism and intergovernmental cooperation have earned it recognition in a Kentucky City magazine article. Examples of this include collaboration to retain skilled workforce at the Bluegrass Army Depot and the development of the Central Kentucky Regional Airport.
• The owner of the DC USA building in the Berea Industrial Park has agreed to sell the property, which sits on 9.6 acres of land.
• Area Plumbing & Electric on Richmond Road will relocate to a new location on Kentucky 21 East.
• The Dollar Tree is preparing to open at the former Berea Rite-Aid location, offering a selection of frozen foods.
• A business has applied for a license to sell packaged liquor at the new Shell station complex on Highway 595 near exit 77.
• The city’s tourism slogan, currently “Where Art’s Alive,” will be reworked when the water tower near Chestnut Street is repainted. The new slogan may incorporate phrases like “Craft Your Adventure” to showcase Berea’s appeal to outdoor enthusiasts, while also acknowledging its status as the state’s folk arts and crafts capital.

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