Union Village Provides Learning Opportunity for Future Architects, Planners and Builders

Union Village Project Manager Matt Obringer spoke to students in a Kings High School architecture class recently about his role developing a community unlike any other in southwest Ohio.

Obringer discussed the consequences of urban sprawl, and how urban planning can result in more beneficial and attractive land use.

“The idea of creating urban places is not a new one,” Obringer said. “It’s how towns, cities and neighborhoods across the country were traditionally built.”

A passion for quality urbanism is what led Obringer to Union Village, where he’s overseeing the groundwork for the 1,230-acre community. Site development began at Union Village in July 2018 and new home construction will begin late summer 2019. 

Union Village is the only ground-up development in the area built on the 10 new urbanist planning principles, including mixed housing, walkability and traditional architecture. In addition to a variety of housing, the award-winning master plan includes 1 million square feet of commercial space including retail, restaurants and offices. It also includes a 200-acre greenway system of meadows, woodland parks and pathways. More than 25 percent of the development will be green space.

Obringer first learned of the unique project while working as senior planner at the Warren County Regional Planning Commission (WCRPC), where he was employed for six years. He earned a master’s in finance and real estate from the University of Cincinnati Lindner College of Business and a bachelor’s in urban studies at Wright State University. He is licensed by the American Institute of Certified Planners.

“What really appealed to me about this project was its uniqueness to our region,” Obringer said. “It's things like front porches, tree-lined streets, and the ability to walk to the corner store a block away that makes the project special." 

Media Contact:  Sara Cullin | (513) 383-5627