By Perry Schaible
Enquirer contributor

MASON - A development that will become part of the gateway into the city from Tylersville Road is to begin construction in May.

The Mason Planning Commission approved the final planned unit development and four site plans Tuesday night for Tylersville Crossing. The 18-acre project is on the northwest corner of Tylersville Road and U.S. 42.

Brazenhead Irish Pub, with an outdoor beer garden, and Culver's, an upscale gourmet burger and frozen custard eatery based in Wisconsin, plan locations on the property.

Both restaurants are new to the Greater Cincinnati area, said William Mees Jr., property development manager with Cincinnati United Contractors, the developer.

The project will also include office condominiums in four buildings of eight units and a 20,000-square-foot building that will serve as the headquarters of Jonathon Scott International, an executive job recruitment and placement firm in West Chester Township.

City Engineer Richard Fair said, "We really expect to have a quality product when everything's done."

He said the buildings will be brick and stone. The developer will install a grass median and new signal on Tylersville Road for better access.

Tom Louden, of Blinds Plus, said owner Dave Moushey believes development is good for Mason and wants to see more in the city.

Blinds Plus moved into a two-story brick building at the intersection five months ago.

Residents of the Birchwood subdivision, which backs up to Tylersville Crossing, were concerned about the proximity of the development to their homes.

Richard Hancock, a Birchwood resident, said he made his interest known during the first meeting and now believes the project is "without a doubt" a benefit to Mason.

"It's not just restaurants and typical office buildings, it's unique (businesses) they're bringing to Mason," Hancock said.

Cincinnati United Contractors agreed to build a 6-foot cedar privacy fence between its property and the subdivision.

A United Dairy Farmers, BP gas station and the Mason Square Shopping Center occupy the other corners of the intersection.