Dayton Reporter

Today, Congressman Mike Turner (OH-10) announced a significant agreement between Synergy and the Department of the Air Force. The 50-year Enhanced Use Lease (EUL) will develop 43.5 acres at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to establish the Convergence Research Center. This center aims to foster collaboration among industry, academia, and government.

The announcement was made in Dayton, Ohio, with representatives from the State of Ohio, Wright-Patt, Synergy, JobsOhio, and the Dayton Development Coalition present. The formal agreement was signed on December 6, 2024.

Congressman Turner emphasized the vision behind this project: "This is an expansion of that vision... where our work to grow jobs inside the fence at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base... all marry together."

Jeff Hoagland, President & CEO of Dayton Development Coalition stated: “We're here today to celebrate a transformational partnership between the Department of the Air Force and Synergy Development.”

J.P. Nauseef, President & CEO of JobsOhio added: "It's going to be a place where industry, academia and government and innovation can happen."

Col. Dustin Richards noted that this partnership is beneficial for both parties: “Synergy is going to have this opportunity to develop the space... we're growing because the capabilities and activities that go on at Wright-Patterson are exactly what the nation needs.”

Jerad Barnett from Synergy expressed his excitement about achieving this milestone: “Not only will this be one of our largest projects ever... It's been a labor of love for so long.”

Joe Zeis highlighted Ohio's role in innovation: “That's one reason why we're here today... truly, Ohio is the foundation of innovation in aerospace and defense.”

An EUL allows public entities or private developers to create commercial projects on underutilized Air Force property. In return for leasing property, the Air Force receives cash or other considerations.

Under this agreement's terms, Synergy will develop land for commercial use by constructing eight office buildings outside Wright-Patterson's fence line. This $250 million project is set to become one of Dayton's largest commercial endeavors.