.jpg)
Pleasant Ridge Development Corporation (PRDC)
The Pleasant Ridge Development Corporation is a non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening and promoting the Pleasant Ridge Business District. Guided by an all-volunteer board of residents, PRDC works to support economic development, improve housing opportunities, and foster a vibrant, welcoming community. Through partnerships with residents, local businesses, and community groups, PRDC helps ensure Pleasant Ridge continues to thrive as a great place to live, work, and visit.
Meet the Board
The Pleasant Ridge Development Corporation (PRDC) is led by an all-volunteer board with diverse professional expertise that strengthens the organization’s work in community development:
Jason Chamlee
Real Estate Development & Urban Planning
Josh Willmann
Real Estate & Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), Pleasant Ridge Community Council - Vice President
Algis Aukstuolis
Advertising & Entrepreneurship
Mike Benkert
Architecture &
Real Estate
Development
Barbara Didrichsen
Communications Consulting & Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), Pleasant Streets Committee
Erin
Fay
Real Estate
Development
Matthew Ireton
Architecture &
Urban Planning
Collaborative Planning
PRDC works in close partnership with the Pleasant Ridge Community Council, the Pleasant Ridge Business Association, Residents, and Stakeholders to ensure redevelopment efforts reflect both community values and long-term sustainability.
Together, these groups successfully secured a $75,000 Grant from the City of Cincinnati in 2025 to complete an updated Pleasant Ridge Business District Urban Design plan to enable pre-development for infrastructure and key development sites.
Historic Projects and Future Plans
The Pleasant Ridge Development Corporation (PRDC) has played a central role in driving reinvestment and redevelopment across the neighborhood. By leveraging public and private resources, PRDC has secured $2.4+ million in grants that have guided tens of millions of dollars in transformative projects to revitalize key corridors, attract new businesses, and improve community amenities.
-
6099 Montgomery Road – Redevelopment of a long-vacant commercial property, now home to Goodfellas Pizza, Nine Giant, Hello Honey, and Fermentorium.
-
6112 Montgomery Road – Redevelopment of the former VFW Hall into a restaurant space, strengthening the local dining scene.
-
6042 Montgomery Road – (Former Ridge Movie Theatre) – Site control secured for future redevelopment of this landmark property.
-
6100 Montgomery Road – Acquisition of a key corner property within the heart of the business district, with redevelopment plans in early stages.
-
Lester/Montgomery (“The Ridge”) – Completion of a $30M+ mixed-use project creating 83 new residential units and improving a major gateway into Pleasant Ridge.
-
6114 Montgomery Road – Acquisition of a vacant and blighted property, now under active planning for redevelopment into a mixed-use building.
-
Neighborhood Enhancements – Installation of artistic bike racks through ArtWorks, contributing to the district’s identity and walkability.
Looking Ahead
Building on these successes, PRDC is advancing several future-focused projects that will continue to strengthen Pleasant Ridge:
​
-
Redevelopment of 6100 Montgomery Road into a multi-story mixed-use development anchoring the business district.
​
-
Reimagining of the former Burger King lot, a prominent site with significant potential for new commercial and residential uses.
​
-
Ongoing pursuit of opportunities to transform vacant and underutilized properties into productive assets for the community.
​
Together, these initiatives represent tens of millions of dollars in reinvestment and demonstrate PRDC’s commitment to long-term neighborhood vitality. By supporting thoughtful redevelopment, fostering economic growth, and ensuring community-driven planning, PRDC continues to position Pleasant Ridge as a thriving, welcoming community for residents, businesses, and visitors.
​
​