Wright-Patterson Air Force Base announces 50-year agreement for 43.5 acres development

  • Published
  • By Jack Gardner
  • 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  

Leadership of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, alongside state officials, announced a major agreement Monday to develop 43.5 acres at the base through a 50-year Enhanced Use Lease with Synergy CRC LLC on Feb. 3, 2025.

Under the EUL program, the Department of the Air Force is partnering with Synergy CRC to develop the land for commercial use, including the construction and management of eight office buildings located outside the installation's fence line.

The agreement will provide both the Air Force and Synergy with mutual benefits.

U.S. Air Force Col. Dustin Richards, 88th Air Base Wing and Installation commander, joins local government officials celebrating the announcement of the Enhanced Use Lease Agreement Feb. 3, 2025, in Beavercreek, Ohio.

U.S. Air Force Col. Dustin Richards, 88th Air Base Wing and Installation commander, joins local government officials celebrating the announcement of the Enhanced Use Lease Agreement Feb. 3, 2025, in Beavercreek, Ohio. Construction for the 50-year Lease with Synergy CRC LLC will develop the land for commercial use including constructing and managing eight office buildings which will be located outside the installation’s fence line. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jack Gardner)
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“This is a tremendous opportunity and a win-win situation for the Air Force and our local community,” said Col Dustin Richards, commander of the 88th Air Base Wing. “This EUL reinforces our commitment to civilian-military partnerships and will facilitate new business opportunities while meeting the base’s need for additional workspace. I want to thank all our local community and Air Force partners, to include the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center, Air Force Civil Engineer Center, the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force and Synergy who, through their guidance and support, were key to making this joint effort a reality.”

The project will be built in phases, with construction expected to begin in 2025. The total cost is estimated at $250 million.

The development will include office spaces for industry, academia, and other organizations, as the Air Force gains long-term “rent-free” office space in return.

“Not only will this be one of our largest projects ever, but this will also be one of the largest commercial projects in the history of Dayton,” said Jerad Barnett, President & CEO of Synergy and Mills Development. “I really do have to pinch myself that we got this EUL signed. It’s been a labor of love for so long.”

U.S. Air Force Col. Dustin Richards, 88th Air Base Wing and Installation commander, speaks to local government officials on the announcement of the Enhanced Use Lease Agreement Feb. 3, 2025, in Beavercreek, Ohio.

U.S. Air Force Col. Dustin Richards, 88th Air Base Wing and Installation commander, speaks to local government officials on the announcement of the Enhanced Use Lease Agreement Feb. 3, 2025, in Beavercreek, Ohio. Construction for the 50-year Lease with Synergy CRC LLC will develop the land for commercial use including constructing and managing eight office buildings which will be located outside the installation’s fence line. (U.S. Air Force photo by Jack Gardner)
Photo Details / Download Hi-Res

In general, EULs are lease agreements between the Air Force and either public entities or private developers to create mutually beneficial commercial projects on non-excess, underutilized Air Force real property.

 In exchange for leasing property, the Air Force receives cash or a combination of cash and in-kind consideration, for no less than fair market value.

“The population of Wright-Patt is growing” said Col Richards, “and in one area, we are not growing just to grow. We’re growing because the capabilities and the activities that go on at Wright-Patterson are exactly what the nation needs in this time.”