ANTWERP, Ohio (WANE) -- An idea more than a decade in the making that would bring a large-scale mixed-used development to Antwerp is on the verge of coming to fruition. On Tuesday, Paulding County Economic Development, Inc. (PCED) announced that an Ohio-based development group named BMJW Investme nts LLC closed on three properties on the southern edge of Antwerp that total approximately 89 acres. Dubbed Antwerp Square, the land will be turned into a mixed-use development that will contain residential, retail and commercial spaces, including the possibility for restaurants, a travel plaza and a hotel. The Antwerp/Payne/Paulding County Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) worked alongside BMJW Investments to develop purchase agreements for the three properties. "I'm very proud of all that worked to make this happen," CIC President Tom VanVlerah said. "Past and current members of the CIC team have invested lots of time to bring this development to where it is now. We are thankful for all the support and effort, and to BMJW Investments, and we look forward to seeing the future of Antwerp possibilities." Antwerp Community Church, shown in the background, sold 8 acres of property to BMJW Investments Inc. to make part of what will become Antwerp Square. (Photo provided by Tim Copsey, Paulding County Economic Development) This photo shows a portion of the 89 acres that is set to become a mixed-use development called Antwerp Square. (Photo provided by Tim Copsey, Paulding County Economic Development) According to the PCED, the project has been on the county's radar since the completion of the current version of U.S. 24 in 2012. Antwerp Square will be located on the northeast corner of the intersection of U.S. 24 and State Road 49, and officials believe the area has "unlimited potential for future growth." "This type of forward thinking, collaboration and investment is what Paulding County needs," PCED Director Tim Copsey said. "This project provides us an opportunity for overall population growth, increase in student count and a capacity for business growth. It is exciting to get this project past the point of a dream and actually taking place." Some of the 89 acres are located outside of village limits, but the property is expected to be annexed into Antwerp after the Paulding County Board of Commissioners reviews the project. The PCED also intends to conduct an updated hotel study to decide if a hotel would find success at Antwerp Square. According to the organization, a hotel has not been built in Paulding County in decades. Construction could begin in 2025 pending agreements with potential buyers of at least two subareas within the development. ...read more read less