Five community partners have come together to ensure the revitalization of the Montgomery County Fairgrounds will support community and economic development as well as complement the growth and positive momentum already occurring in the area.

Montgomery County, the City of Dayton and the Montgomery County Agricultural Society have agreed in principle to a deal for the County to sell the Fairgrounds to the University of Dayton and Premier Health, who plan to redevelop the 37-acre site. Today's announcement is the first step in this collaborative purchase process. In the coming weeks, all of the partners will work together to finalize a purchase package of $15 million from several sources. A purchase agreement is expected to be completed in mid-January.

The University and Premier will jointly own the land and plan to work on redevelopment options with community partners.

The five parties are working on closing on the property in the spring. Under the agreement, the Montgomery County Fair and the Dayton Horse Show would go on as scheduled in 2017 with Premier and the University jointly taking possession in the fall of 2017.

After the City of Dayton, Montgomery County and the Montgomery County Agricultural Society rejected two development proposals Nov. 30, conversations about acquisition and redevelopment began with Premier and the University.

Quotes – County, City, UD, Premier, Agricultural Society

Montgomery County Commissioner Dan Foley

"We're feeling good today. It's taken more than three years of effort by many partners. The County's intent all along was to redevelop the current fairgrounds property to continue the economic momentum in the City of Dayton's southern corridor, and build a better location to highlight Montgomery County's agricultural economy. It wasn't easy. But we feel it's the best possible outcome for our community as a whole.”

Eric F. Spina, President – University of Dayton

"It's important to the University, the city, the county, and Premier Health that future development contribute to and complement investments that have been made in the area. We are pleased to join with these community partners to ensure the Fairgrounds development is compatible with the University's interests, offers possibilities for growth, and, at the same time, supports the Dayton community in a meaningful way."

Mary Boosalis, President – Premier Health

"The collaboration between Premier Health, University of Dayton, the county, the city, and the Montgomery County Agricultural Society positively demonstrates how organizations can work together to foster growth and development in a region that will have a significant impact on the community in the future. Premier leaders have long understood the importance of this location. Thanks to the collaboration of all the parties involved, the time is now right to move forward."

Shelley Dickstein, Dayton City Manager

"We are excited to see the University of Dayton and Premier Health collaborate on the redevelopment of the Fairgrounds. Both organizations have been strong partners of the City, and we look forward to supporting them in this new endeavor."

John Yancik, President – Montgomery County Agricultural Society

"The Montgomery County Agricultural Society echoes the comments from Premier Health and the University of Dayton, two longtime Dayton institutions who will redevelop the fairground property in the community's best interest. We now continue our search for a new home, but a reminder 'The Montgomery County Fair' will take place July 10-15, 2017 right here on south Main Street across from Miami Valley Hospital."