A $10 million music center has been proposed to anchor the $220 million Heights development here, and construction could start as early as next year, city officials said.

An outdoor venue that would seat between 4,000 and 5,000 people has been proposed for the commercial portion of the development, according to Councilman Mark Campbell. A location has not been determined, but it would be built near the Interstate 70 and Ohio 201 interchange.

City council is expected to vote on legislation Monday night to budget $100,000 in order for city staff to perform due diligence on the proposal. No new tax dollars will be used to pay for the study. The money will come out of a TIF fund that was set up in April 2003.

Money to fund the music center itself has not yet been identified, Campbell said.

“It’s a substantial proposal,” Campbell said. “This isn’t a $1 million pavilion.”

Campbell said the cost of the venue would be around $10 million to construct, and it would host concerts and bands.

Once complete, the city hopes the music center would then attract restaurants, hotels and other amenities in that area.

“What do we have going for us? Our location,” Campbell said. “It would generate traffic and be a regional draw. This has the potential to put Huber Heights on the map.

“It’s the next logical step in developing the Heights,” he added. “One bite at a time.”

The city unveiled the new $1 million Eichelberger Amphitheater at The Heights Labor Day weekend, and Campbell said that venue will only host community events.

“If it goes through, it’s going to be a great regional draw,” Mayor Ron Fisher said. “I’m very positive about it. It’s a good thing for us. We’re not asking taxpayers for money out of the general fund.”

The $6 million Kroger Aquatic Center at The Heights recently concluded its first season of operation, and it exceeded the city’s expectations.

It generated more than $550,000 in revenue — netting a profit of $114,375 — and attracted 86,977 total visitors.

“If we do build a first-class music center and hire a legitimate, top-notch management group to schedule concerts and performances, I think it will duplicate the success we achieved at the aquatic center,” Campbell said.

If the legislation passes Monday night, Campbell said city staff will begin working on the project the next morning. The city’s due diligence should take about 90 days, he said.