Construction is officially underway in Trenton on a major civic and community development that includes a new city hall, police station and YMCA as part of a broader $32 million municipal complex.
Local officials, residents, and lawmakers gathered Thursday to celebrate the groundbreaking at 712 W. State St., the former site of a 110-acre farm known as Marconi Farm. The farmland was cleared to make way for the multi-phase public and private redevelopment effort known as Trenton Square.
Alongside the new municipal building, the city plans to invest an additional $6 million in roadway improvements, creating easier access for new businesses and neighborhoods planned around the site.
U.S. Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Troy, applauded Trenton leadership for being proactive with investment that directly supports families and civic engagement.
“(City council) just really want to do good things for the community, and it’s nice to see some of that come into fruition.”
The complex will bring a YMCA to Trenton for the first time in nearly two decades within Butler County.
“This marks the first YMCA groundbreaking in Butler County in 18 years,” said Mike Bramer, president and CEO of the Great Miami Valley YMCA.
“We don’t ever take any of this for granted. We’ll be here with you all the way through this, and we’ll see this through to success and expansion.”
City officials say the YMCA will offer youth programs, senior fitness, health services, community meeting space, and recreational amenities — all within the same footprint as municipal services and public safety.
Trenton Mayor Ryan Perry highlighted the collaboration between the city and YMCA as key to strengthening the community and boosting local opportunity.
“The collaboration between the city of Trenton and the Miami Valley YMCA represents a shared dedication to community growth, family well-being and the development of spaces that bring people together.”
State Rep. Rodney Creech, R-West Alexandria, echoed the enthusiasm.
“It’s so exciting to a see a community that wants to grow.”
Private development will rise around the complex, including:
✅ 152 townhomes
✅ 62 duplex units
✅ Future commercial pads for:
Developer Bill Davin — whose firm purchased the 110-acre farm — sold the land for the city building to the city for $1 to help advance redevelopment plans.
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The city expects to spend $38 million total on the complex and road improvements.
A $32 million public bond will finance the building, with repayment supported by new residential development revenue, according to Finance Director Matthew Mesisklis.
The new complex will replace the existing city hall at 11 E. State St. and will house:
Construction is being led by Cincinnati-based Miller Valentine, selected as the general contractor in 2023.
City leaders say Trenton Square is the start of a long-term growth strategy that gives residents more housing choices, expands local amenities, and strengthens public safety infrastructure — all while keeping services centralized.
Once complete, the project will create a walkable civic hub with parks, family-friendly gathering spaces and new business opportunities.
Originally reported by Bryn Dippold in Journal News.
