Morning Briefing | Convergence Research Center planned for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

A new Convergence Research Center planned on 43 acres of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base "will impact the nation’s security for decades to come."

In today’s Morning Briefing, we tell you about plans for one of the biggest commercial projects Dayton has ever seen and what it means for the local community.

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The newsletter should take about 2 minutes, 23 seconds to read.

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Wright-Patt to make land available for $250M research center

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base is making 43 acres available for an “enhanced use lease,” a place for businesses to operate on federal land that will host what local leaders say will be a $250 million research center.

• Massive project: The planned “Convergence Research Center” development is one of the biggest commercial projects in Dayton-area history.

• Location: Planned for the west side of National Road, it involves two parcels touching on parts of Beavercreek and Fairborn, with Beavercreek and Bath townships, in Greene County.

• The plan: Some 19 years in the making, the plan is to build 600,000 square feet of new space where industry and academia can work with Wright-Patterson and Air Force decision-makers.

• Jobs: It is expected to be home to 2,500 jobs.

• What they are saying: Jerad Barnett, president and chief executive of Beavercreek developer Synergy and Mills Development, said: “Undoubtedly, this is the most exciting day in our 42-year history.”

What to know today

• One big takeaway: Montgomery County leaders have concerns with the practice of suspending driver’s licenses for failure to pay child support.

• Tip of the day: Here is a guide to a number of Super Bowl events in the Dayton area where you can watch and celebrate the big game.

• Person to know today: Chris Saunders. The Oakwood woman who just turned 96 offers life advice, including encouragement to travel.

• Big move of the day: The city of Xenia has acquired a red Chessie caboose that sits in the city’s Hub District from the Greene County Historical Society in an effort to preserve a bit of local history.

• Dayton eats: Partial to Pie Bakery has brought back its limited-time pie featuring a crust made with pretzels from Smales Pretzel Bakery and a chocolate cream filling featuring Esther Price Candies.

• Inside Ohio Politics: Read about our new project which is an effort to not only cover what’s going on at the Statehouse but provide in-depth explanation about how the political process works.

• Dayton Flyers: Here’s what to know about today’s game as Davidson comes to town.

• Photo of the day: The Boonshoft Museum of Discovery hosted its annual Hedgehog Day on Sunday. National Hedgehog Day is a Roman tradition preceding the modern “Groundhog Day.” Check out the photos by Tom Gilliam.