Anderson Real Estate wants to build the third leg of its Rookwood shopping and office complex along Interstate 71, but the developer first must buy 77 homes and several commercial buildings to make the project reality.

        The developer envisions up to 500,000 square feet of office and some retail for a wedge of property bordered by Edmondson and Edwards roads and Interstate 71 in Norwood.

        “We are looking to see what will work and what doesn't work,” said J.R. Anderson, the firm's director of development.

        The 11-acre site is much smaller than the 50-plus acres for Rookwood Commons and Rookwood Pavilion, so the expansion will need to be more dense, he said.

        Mr. Anderson has discussed some details of the development with the city of Norwood, including a possible parking garage.

        Another developer, Ackermann Group, recently purchased and demolished 17 homes at a nearby site across Interstate 71.

        The city approved a tax increment financing deal that will allow Ackermann to pay for the parking garage with property taxes gener ated by the development. The developer plans to build an office tower and retail, but construction hasn't started.

        Rookwood's expansion could depend on how quickly the economy rebounds and whether Anderson can reach deals with property owners.

        So far, Anderson purchased two homes and is negotiating with several other residents now penned in by commercial development.

        Some property owners have been receptive to Anderson's plans. Others “want a fortune” for their homes, Mr. Anderson said.

        The city created an urban renewal zone three years ago to assist Anderson in purchasing homes for the Rookwood Commons expansion. Such a designation allows the developer to acquire properties through eminent domain at fair market price if purchase negotiations falter.

        City officials say it's too early to say whether the city would offer that support for this expansion.

        “It is just exploratory at this point,” said Rick Dettmer, the city's director of development. “We're not surprised, and from what I understand, the property owners there are not surprised.”

        Despite the slow economy, several retailers are still interest ed in expanding at the site sandwiched between Norwood, Oakley and Hyde Park, Mr. Anderson said.

        The office building at Rookwood Commons leased quickly, too, prompting other developers to hustle to erect another building along Interstate 71 between Kenwood and downtown.

        Yet with high vacancies and sluggish demand for office space throughout Greater Cincinnati, no developer has been willing to add more space in recent months. And the Ackermann office tower will provide even more competition to snare tenants.

Castrucci Chevrolet to open body shop

        Mike Castrucci Chevrolet and Oldsmobile on Monday will open its first Tristate collision repair shop, in Milford.

        The new shop will be on a six-acre site at Interstate 275 and U.S. 50 near the new River's Edge shopping center anchored by Target and Showcase Cinemas.

        The 18,000-square-foot repair shop, located across the street from Mr. Castrucci's automobile dealership, will service all types of foreign and domestic vehicles. The auto dealer has hired a staff of 20 painters and body shop technicians.

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