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SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — Burnett Plaza, built in 1974, no longer looks like it was caught in a time warp.

The 140,000 square foot strip center at South Burnett Road and Lexington Avenue was purchase by Eidi Properties in March 2008. In just a few months, Eidi has remodeled the center's facade and secured five new tenants.

"A deal with a retailer to fill the 34,000-square-foot anchor spot is ready to be inked and that will drive a great amount of traffic into the center," said Ramy Eidi, owner and managing partner of Eidi Properties.

Other new tenants will include a taqueria, a shoe retailer, a handbag retailer and a silk screen and sign manufacturer.

Eidi Properties is a Toledo-based commercial real estate company with properties in northwest and southwest Ohio and southeast Michigan.

Eidi said he has received supportive calls from residents who are thrilled that his company is investing in improving the area.

Louie Merchant, of Code U uniform shop located in the center, said her customers have noticed, too. "We've had lots of comments about how much better things look," she said.

The face-lift hasn't increased Code U's customer traffic yet, but Merchant said she thinks more customers are on the way.

"We're waiting for the new tenants to move in and hope that increases our sales and number of customers into the store," she said.

After redeveloping Burnett Plaza and spending time in the community, Eidi said his company has decided to investigate other property ownership opportunities in Springfield.

"That's how we do things," he said. "We want to improve the area."

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0371 or elroberts@coxohio.com.