Middletown City Council will hear the first reading of emergency legislation that could lead to a “monumental” project that could transform the downtown and attract millions of tourists annually to the city, according to the agenda for tonight’s meeting.

Main Street Community Capital and its development partners are expected to make a presentation tonight on the mixed-use development called “Hollywoodland.”

The emergency legislation will have two readings: tonight and Oct. 21, according to the agenda.

The project, if approved by the city council, is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, the city said. It will include nearly 11 acres of city-owned land near the Great Miami River and encompass more than 50 acres of the historic downtown.

The city said the project could lead to thousands of jobs, and the “unprecedented spin-off and multiplier effect” of millions of yearly visitors to downtown Middletown.

“‘Hollywoodland’ can truly transform the community to make Middletown a destination – both regionally and nationally.” according to the staff report.

The ‘Hollywoodland’ development is expected to include:

• A destination hotel and attached, a publicly-owned convention center with a roof-top bar, themed restaurant, and assorted amenities.
• A second, family-oriented hotel and water park.
• A third, historic, boutique hotel located within the adaptively-redeveloped First National Bank building.
• A major, indoor entertainment and concert venue for large, nationally, and internationally acclaimed artists and touring Broadway productions.
• An indoor amusement park containing multiple, themed entertainment-based rides, virtual reality experiences, immersive entertainment opportunities, and integrated retail, food, and beverage.
• Structured and integrated underground deck-based publicly-owned parking with more than 3,000 spaces.
• On-site, mid-rise, luxury, market-rate apartment units and/or condominiums.
• Permanent, pre-and post-production motion picture studio sound stages and support offices and infrastructure.
• Multiple, restaurants, bars, brew-pubs, and cafes, and a likely comedy club.
• Integrated fashion, electronic, lifestyle, convenience, and recreational retail.

Judging by the renderings – there looks to be a few coasters that will be a part of the new indoor theme park… So that’s great for anyone who lives in this area or is visiting Kings Island!

What do you think about Hollywoodland?

Do you think it will actually get built? Let me know in the comments!