Local builder commits to urban living

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Charlie Simms' family has been building homes in the Dayton region for four generations. He continues that legacy today, but he's taken a much different path. A path that has led him to downtown Dayton, where many will say Simms is responsible for the downtown residential building boom.

"I was skeptical. I'll be the first to admit, to do that downtown," Simms said about his venture into the city's center. He said his initial concern was downtown Dayton's image.

"Their was a market trending around the country to revival of urban living so we decided to give the city of Dayton a chance."

In May 2011, Simms invested $3 million downtown on Patterson Square, building high-profile, low energy condominiums at the corner of First Street and Patterson Boulevard.

Another Simms development is Rubicon Square - 14 new Craftsman style town homes in the shadow of Miami Valley Hospital.

"We've always followed the market and trends, Simms said. "Washington Township, Centerville was extremely popular. Beavercreek became very popular and downtown Dayton now is where the market wants to live."

Simms credits the city's fast track pre-development team as a reason for the sudden surge of success downtown.

"I was a little intimidated," Simms said about that experience. "There was like 20 people in the room. We laid out all the plans and it was a thorough discussion. I'm telling you it was the best thing I'd ever seen."

He said developing Patterson Square and Rubicon Square has allowed him to bring to market an entirely new brand of condo living that's now catching on across the country which he calls urban living for the suburbs.

Simms said buyers like brick on the inside and exposed ceilings so it looks like a New York City loft.

Looking around at his various developments, Simms is satisfied. "I feel really good about my building in the future downtown Dayton and continuing in the suburbs and in downtown."