amped91

I’m sure that’s got more than one UA NIMBY fuming 😂

Cracked column at Ohio State Wexner Medical tower leads to replacing portion of facade “A cracked column inside the 27-story inpatient tower under construction at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center has led to the need for more repairs. Crews will remove, repair and replace panels on a portion of the west facade after inspections found that the column issue had impacted weather-sealing, university spokesman Dan Hedman said via email. The repair applies to about 10% of the cladding installed so far and will represent about 4% of the entire building exterior. "The university is working with the contractor and our expectation is that the contractor will be responsible for the cost," Hedman said, although that amount has yet not been estimated. "This is limited to a small portion of the west side facade and there are no structural implications related to this work." Construction at first resumed for all but the immediate area around the column, and the site fully reopened Dec. 5.“ https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/12/14/osu-hospital-tower-cracked-column-facade-repair.html

Hmm, I don’t remember that one! It’s been posted on here, though, that Bojangle’s first Cbus area location will be opening on Hilliard-Rome soon!

I don’t think any residential. This is from the article: ”Here's a summary of what's been proposed on the 15.7-acre site, which will total 326,000 square feet: - A 128,420-square-foot office building - A 75,000-square-foot office building - 123,000 square feet of retail/dining and entertainment space - 512-space parking garage for the larger office building - 300-space parking garage for the smaller office building - Updated landscaping and gateway features” Seems like a big missed opportunity to not include residential. One of the office buildings should be swapped for condos and/or apartments, and I think the developer would have more success. From what I’ve read on here and news sites, though, Worthington leadership sounds pretty backwards, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they wouldn’t allow residential.

Maple Street Biscuit Co. opening first Ohio restaurant at Polaris “A growing biscuit-centric restaurant brand will open its first Columbus location Jan. 5. Maple Street Biscuit Co. will begin serving its biscuit sandwiches, biscuits and gravy, waffles and more at 7 a.m. that day at 1310 Polaris Pkwy. Regular hours will be 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Nashville-based brand has more than 55 restaurants. The Polaris site isn’t just its first in Columbus, it’ll be the first in Ohio.” https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/12/13/maple-street-biscuit-co-opening-first-ohio-restau.html

👎🏼 North High Brewing closing its original Short North bar “North High Brewing will celebrate 10 years of business in the Short North Dec. 28 — and then close that location for good. Though the Columbus craft brewery is growing with new brewpubs planned in Central Ohio and elsewhere, founders Gavin Meyers and Tim Ward decided to not renew their lease at the 1288 N. High St. space where they launched the business. “Our customers want outdoor space and a more family friendly atmosphere,” Meyers said. “When Tim and I started 10 years ago neither of us had kids. We weren’t living in the suburbs. We feel like we’re moving with our customers.” The Short North space has struggled since 2018, first from the impact of neighboring construction, then due to the Covid-19 pandemic.” https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/12/13/north-high-brewing-closing-its-original-short-nort.html

New Comedy Club “The Attic” Opening in Olde Towne East “The upstairs spot formerly known as Our Bar and Arcade Super Awesome has been reborn yet again — this time as a comedy club called “The Attic”. The 100-seat venue is opening this weekend, with many scheduled events slated for 2023. When Mikey’s Late Night Slice announced it would be taking over the former Yellow Brick Pizza space on Oak Street, they also acquired the upstairs — but the team wasn’t quite sure what to do with it immediately. “We had some ideas on a couple of themed bars, because we knew that whatever we did up there, it had to have a strong concept,” explained Mikey Sorboro, Late Night Slice Owner and co-creator of The Attic. “We couldn’t just open some regular bar and draw people upstairs.” As Sorboro got the Olde Towne East pizza shop up and running, he met comedian Bo Stenger and the idea for a comedy club came together pretty quickly.” More below: https://columbusunderground.com/new-comedy-club-the-attic-opening-in-olde-towne-east-we1/ & https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/12/14/mikeys-late-night-slice-adding-a-comedy-club-to-i.html

Some interesting tidbits from CBF’s weekly Punch List feature: How Central Ohio fared in the latest round of transformational mixed-use tax credits “According to state score cards obtained by Columbus Business First, the two Central Ohio projects awarded scored high in the following categories: committed financing, end-use commitment, walkability, job creation and community impact. The state had a preference for projects with more committed tenants or end users, projects in areas of walkability and those creating more payroll or economic activity, according to the presentation made at the Tax Credit Authority meeting last week. The community impact category is the only category scored subjectively; both The Merchant Building and Grandview Crossing projects got seven out of 10 points in this category.” https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/12/12/tmud-state-tax-credit-central-ohio-round-two.html Wonder if that means the Merchant Building already has some office and retail tenants lined up? Or if, rather, having the market expansion and hotel component is what helped them score higher there? Also interesting to note that although total Central Ohio projects receiving awards was lower this round (2 compared with 5 last round), the total amount of money coming into the area ($40.3 million v $32.7 million) is still higher thanks to the huge award given to the MB ($34 million).

Worthington approves final piece of $140M High North development, seeks anchor tenant to move project forward “The $140 million transformation of a Worthington mall has secured final approval from the city, but an anchor tenant is needed for the project to move forward. The Worthington Architectural Review Board and Municipal Planning Commission voted to approve two items related to the High North project at its most recent meeting, setting the stage for the Shops at Worthington Place redevelopment to forge ahead. The approvals were for the northern office component of the mixed-use development, which is a main focal point of the project. The city previously approved the southern office building, and with the north office receiving the OK, the project now has all necessary approvals in place, according to Worthington Economic Development Director David McCorkle. Zoning, architecture, incentives and other items were among the components of the project the city authorized at previous meetings. "We are still in a little bit of a holding pattern on the project until office tenant(s) are secured for the space, as the redevelopment will not happen speculatively," said McCorkle, who is Worthington's assistant city manager in addition to his role as economic development director. But if anchor tenants are secured and the project gets off the ground, McCorkle said it would be a huge boost for the city.” https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/12/13/worthington-high-north-project-final-approval.html

Busy night for City Council last night! Additionally, the rezoning for the South Franklinton mental health crisis center was approved. Columbus City Council Approves Funding for E-Bike Rebate Program “Columbus City Council last night approved legislation allocating $250,000 to establish an e-bike rebate program that would be administered by Smart Columbus. “Transportation is the leading contributor to climate change in Columbus and working class residents often have limited choices about how to get around,” said Councilmember Lourdes Barroso de Padilla, in introducing the legislation. “In light of these facts, the city of Columbus is excited to launch this pilot e-bike discount program.” “I know folks are probably very excited about their e-bike rebate, but we’ll officially launch the program in spring [and] we’ll announce more details as the program is further developed,” Barroso de Padilla said at the council meeting. Also approved during last night’s meeting was $100,000 of funding to be allocated to two new programs – a pilot project meant to reduce speeding on Thurman Avenue (between South Champion Avenue and Lockbourne Road), and an effort to build new “mobility hubs” throughout the city.“ https://columbusunderground.com/columbus-city-council-approves-funding-for-e-bike-rebate-program-bw1/

A few updated renderings for the UBC redev on Lane. Looks like a public mural was added, a height step back, bigger windows, and slightly reconfigured entrance.

I figured something was in the works—either that or a lawsuit. Probably both. So much for home rule. I don’t really agree with the ban, but I really don’t think the state should be able to swoop in and kill anything the cities try to do.

Gross, what’s the point of that? Was that rendering included with the new submission? Because it doesn’t look like it reflects the change.

Even more restaurant news for Clintonville. This would def be an improvement to the building exterior: More restaurant space in the works in Clintonville “The owner of the professional building at 3400 N. High St. is seeking variances to allow for the construction of a first‐floor restaurant and exterior patio in the existing 4‐story office structure. Steve Hutchinson, owner of Broker One Realty Inc., said he is in the process of building a 4,700-square-foot space with an additional 1,100-square-foot patio that has heating elements, making it useable for about eight months out of the year. The Clintonville Area Commission on Dec. 1 recommended approval of the variance. The Columbus Board of Zoning Adjustment would have the final say. A restaurant, which has not been identified, should be ready to open by June.” https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/communities/clintonville/2022/12/12/more-restaurant-space-in-the-works-in-clintonville/69720792007/

Hmm. City council approves ban on sale of flavored tobacco products in Columbus “Columbus City Council voted Monday night to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products in the city. The ban, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2024, includes menthol cigarettes and flavored vaping products. City leaders have recently shown support for banning flavored tobacco products, saying tobacco companies target minorities and children. City council announced a $1 million proposal to help people quit smoking. Council says the campaign will help connect people to resources that can help them quit smoking.“ https://www.10tv.com/mobile/article/news/local/city-council-approves-ban-flavored-tobacco-products-sales-in-columbus/530-1fc9c81f-e0d2-4570-acee-770957496369 This one is definitely a good thing, though:

What’s that mean? Going out of town for awhile?

Minority-owned housing project breaks ground for affordable homes in Driving Park “A minority-owned housing project born from the COVID-19 pandemic is breaking ground in Columbus, aiming to offer affordable units for underserved communities. Everett Sanders of New Albany is partnering with a Franklin County nonprofit to construct an affordable townhouse-style duplex on Mooberry Street in Driving Park, targeting a late 2023 completion date. Co-owner of Lasting Legacy Real Estate Development, Sanders hopes he can have a tangible impact on the community. A shift to affordable development is appropriate given the city’s housing crisis disproportionately affecting minority communities, Sanders said. A report by the Building Industry Association of Central Ohio found 14,000 to 19,000 homes need to be built each year due to Ohio’s population growth, instead of the 8,000 to 9,000 constructed annually over the last decade. Conflating the issue, Black Ohioans are 33% more likely to experience severe housing problems, according to the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. Sanders partnered with the Affordable Housing Trust (AHT) to bring his vision to fruition. Since 2001, the organization has been a non-profit lender to develop affordable housing opportunities in Columbus and Franklin County. Along with Sanders’ development, AHT has completed more than 200 projects and provided more than $250 million in funding.” https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/real-estate/minority-owned-housing-project-breaks-ground-in-driving-park/?fbclid=IwAR3V2Iwcky84ZWQfanF2R4M5f8FYQSmQiYsXjUVg4bMylq3iD-LoWy979Fg&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

I remember walking around this building while visiting Lancaster this past summer and thinking that it could make for a good redevelopment opportunity. Glad someone else thought the same. Former shoe factory in downtown Lancaster eyed for $20 million mixed-use redevelopment “An historic building in downtown Lancaster is being eyed for a $20 million mixed-use redevelopment project. Located at 219 N. Columbus St., the building was constructed in the early 1900s as a shoe factory. Now a developer wants to convert it into a 130,000-square-foot apartment complex that would also include short-term rental units and commercial space. The project is the brainchild of Robert Schilling and his company, Columbus-based Urban Restorations. Nicholas Schilling of Urban Restorations said they are in contract to acquire the property from Zebco Industries, a foam and packaging company located next to the building. The developer has applied for an Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit for the project. The application requests $3.3 million in tax credits for the $20.3 million project. The Ohio Department of Development will announce if the project received these tax credits on or before Dec. 31. If the project moves forward as planned, it will bring 60 apartments and five Airbnb units to the building. A commercial/retail area also is planned. The apartments would be built on the second and third floors, and would consist of six studios, 24 one-bedroom units and 30 two-bedroom units. The first floor would include the commercial/retail area and Airbnb units.” https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/12/12/lancaster-shoe-factory-mixed-use-redevelopment.html

Sorry for the poor quality, but I’m at work and noticed a new tower crane has bloomed. It looks like it should be near the Kingsdale redev?

While it might not be as “sexy” as some of the other development going on in Franklinton, I think the new mental health and addiction crisis center will still play an important role in serving the community. While it’s been planned for the past several years, it sounds like the new facility will break ground soon on a currently vacant lot in South Franklinton. From the Dispatch editorial board: 'Warm, welcoming' $59 million crisis center will be game changer for Columbus “If all goes as planned, ground will be broken next month on a game-changing, patient-focused facility designed for those in the midst of mental health and substance emergencies. Columbus City Council on Monday will be asked to rezone land for the $59 million Franklin County Mental Health and Addiction Crisis Center on Harmon Avenue spearheaded by Franklin County, Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board of Franklin County and the Central Ohio Hospital Council. The round-the-clock, home-like center which will be operated by RI International, a company that provides mental health and substance abuse services around the nation including the new Crisis Now Receiving Center in Montgomery County. Set to open in 2025, the center will have outdoor spaces for staff and patients and serve anyone 18 or older regardless of immigration status, insurance or residency.“ https://www.dispatch.com/story/opinion/editorials/2022/12/11/what-is-the-franklin-county-mental-health-and-addiction-crisis-center/69706846007/

Slammers to open new restaurant and bar in University District “Slammers is set to open a location on campus next month. The Slammers offshoot, Slammie's on High, will be located in the University District at 1607 N. High St., the former home of Aracri Pizzeria, which closed last month. The co-owners are Slammers managing partner Carson Nethers, assistant general manager and liquor manager Matthew Johns and Ryan Skehan. Johns will oversee the food and drink programs, while Skehan will serve as a managing partner at Slammie's. Nethers said they were looking to expand Slammers, and the opportunity to open a location on campus was presented. He said Aracri Pizzeria owner Palmo Aracri, who opened Aracri Pizzeria on Gay Downtown early this year, was looking to get out of the N. High Street location.“ https://www.dispatch.com/story/entertainment/dining/2022/12/11/slammies-on-high-to-open-on-osu-campus-in-january/69709667007/

Shot of Green House through the fencing.

A few shots of the progress that continues on the Trolley Barn rehab:

Pretty close. The vacant land here, with the senior living home at the more southern pin.

Perhaps a resolution to this saga? Central Ohio Community Improvement Corp. and developer reach deal regarding delayed west Columbus project “The Central Ohio Community Improvement Corp. and a developer it had selected to develop a west Columbus site have reached a potential deal following a dispute regarding a lack of progress at the site. COCIC and developer First Global Investments had been at odds over the planned Prairie Village development at 4436 Westport Road in Prairie Township. But no permits have yet been filed or approved, and COCIC CEO Curtiss Williams says the project is behind the schedule agreed to when the organization sold First Global the land. That sale happened in January 2020, according to Franklin County Auditor records, and the agreement included a clause that COCIC could buy back the land if First Global Investments hadn't developed it by late spring 2022. After that time period passed, COCIC made an offer to buy back the land. Williams said he set a closing date of Dec. 7, after which legal action could have been taken, but late on Dec. 2, First Global's attorney reached out to COCIC's attorney and said the developer would put the deed to the property in escrow. Now the two parties are working through that process and working on a new agreement, Williams said. This new deal will also have a schedule, yet to be determined, including a new date for when First Global must start construction.“ https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/12/09/cocic-first-global-investments.html