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Hicks Manor's makeover will begin once the city of Fairfield approves its new digital sign.

The plaza on the corner of Magie Avenue and Ohio 4 will be renamed Cornerstone Plaza, said Martha Tipton, COO of TB Properties.

In February, TB Properties, owned by Tom Burer, closed on the strip mall for just more than $1.79 million. Four months later, Tipton said she and Burer are now waiting on city approvals to move forward with the "sizeable" investment.

"There's kind of a personal passion not to see what was a vibrant family-friendly retail market to have it not just fade off into the sunset," said Tipton, who along with Burer are lifelong Fairfield residents.

Since gas is around $4 a gallon, Tipton said people may not drive to the big malls if they can shop locally.

"We're hoping the timing is right for shopping local," Tipton said. "I do think people will refocus shopping locally, and the other alternatives are some distance."

Tipton said the enthusiasm of the plaza's tenants has her and Burer excited.

Fairfield Flooring moved on May 29 from Mack Road to Hicks Manor to help increase its walk-in traffic.

General Manager Barry Butler said the new name will help shed the dated sound of the plaza.

"One of the things we were concerned with when we were thinking of moving here first was the name of the place," he said. "I think the new name will help tremendously as well, and we're kind of counting on that."

Bonanza Steakhouse owner Bob Rhodenbaugh said the upgrade will likely bring in new clientele.

"It's going to be real interesting of how that turns out," Rhodenbaugh said. "It's got to be better than what it is."

Tipton wasn't ready to announce prospective tenants, but said there are a couple of prospects for the vacant space — about 13,500 square feet.

Once the approvals are completed, Tipton said it could take 60 to 90 days to complete the revitalization work, barring any major delays.

Businesses will operate during the construction.

Tipton hopes the construction will spur other business owners and strip mall owners to improve their properties to a less antiquated or dated look.

"We've put a lot of thought not only to make it attractive, but to make it the next focal point," Tipton said. "This is vintage Fairfield, and I think it is very pivotal to the northern end of the corridor revitalization."

Contact this reporter at (513)

755-5112 or mpitman@coxohio.com.