The Challenge
In search of a new, larger headquarters location to meet the needs of its growing business, MedShip chose to invest in downtown Camden—the owner’s hometown.
The company purchased two properties on S. Main Street in the heart of the city. The buildings were in an ideal location for MedShip’s needs but were in poor condition. Constructed in 1890, they were more than 130 years old and had received little to no investment since their conversion from retail to multi-family housing in the early 1990s. The dilapidated buildings had been vacant since 2017 and 2021, respectively. The unoccupied, unused buildings were a detriment to what had once been a vibrant downtown. The project’s supporters hope MedShip’s investment will serve as an anchor to catalyze additional investment in downtown Camden, including offices, retail, and public spaces.
The Solution
MedShip’s new headquarters includes 8,000 square feet of offices and new off-street parking—Camden’s most significant investment in decades. The plan, entitled “Celebrate Camden,” provides a roadmap that will guide the village in enhancing and redeveloping the downtown area.
One year later, MedShip announced plans for another major expansion—this time for a further revitalization of the village’s downtown. The project includes the creation of 30 jobs and retention of 14 jobs, as well as the purchase and renovation of a vacant historic building adjacent to their headquarters in Camden. Additional projects slated for downtown development include the Camden Tech Center, a $1.4 million mixed-use facility that will provide community gathering space, and a $2.5 million renovation to Camden Town Hall.
The Results
44 created and retained jobs
8K square feet
$750K invested by JobsOhio
$1.8M in new property value
$2.2M total payroll
$2.2M in catalyzed investments
MedShip’s new headquarters represents a unique opportunity to spark continued investment in Camden’s downtown business district. This rural community’s vision for a renewed downtown and their commitment to making it a reality perfectly fit the goals of JobsOhio’s Vibrant Communities Program.
-Julie Sullivan, Vice President of Regional Development, Dayton Development Coalition