Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse, here's another view of this monstrosity.

1 hour ago, CbusG said:

Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse, here's another view of this monstrosity.

The left portion in the view of this photo looks like something that would have been built near campus in the 1970s. And all I see when I look at the parking privacy screen is a Baleen whale's mouth, which is unsettling.

Meanwhile in Chicago....look how good the podium looks on this building.

https://chicagoyimby.com/2024/10/plan-commission-approves-1200-w-fulton-street-in-fulton-market-district.html

 

The Peninsula's second phase scraps office, hotel in favor of more housing

 

The second phase of The Peninsula development in downtown Columbus eliminates an office and hotel component in favor of more residential space.

 

The new concept, which will be reviewed by the Downtown Commission on Tuesday, shows that a 150,000-square-foot office building, a 120-key hotel and a Pins Mechanical Co. location are no longer part of the plan.

 

Instead, the project's second phase now includes a 250-unit residential complex that will sit on top of a 450-space parking garage. Still featured in the plan is a 35,000-square-foot grocery store. The project will stretch the block bounded by West Broad, South Belle, West Capital and Starling streets.

 

Downtown Columbus Inc., one of the developers behind the project, stated they are exploring between nine and 10 stories of residential over the four-story garage.

 

Construction on the public parking garage is slated to begin in summer 2025, and the residential complex will begin construction by the end of 2026. The grocery store is planned to open in 2027, and the entire second phase is targeted to open in 2028.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/10/18/peninsula-phase-two-downtown-columbus-development.html

 

Ugly building. They really are dropping the ball with these value-engineered designs.

14 minutes ago, columbus17 said:

Ugly building. They really are dropping the ball with these value-engineered designs.

This one is beyond ugly. It’s not hard to just make a building look decent 

There's literally two massive parking garages on Starling St with another one an easy 3 minute walk away in the Gravity property. I'm beyond fed up with adding hundreds of parking spots when It's not needed. Those garages will never be full, not even remotely close. 

 

I'm beyond angry with this project enough to go and be vocal at the next meeting. 

5 hours ago, TIm said:

The left portion in the view of this photo looks like something that would have been built near campus in the 1970s. And all I see when I look at the parking privacy screen is a Baleen whale's mouth, which is unsettling.

The left portion actually looks like the senior high rise downtown on Main Street. Ugh! 

26 minutes ago, KyleofColumbus said:

There's literally two massive parking garages on Starling St with another one an easy 3 minute walk away in the Gravity property. I'm beyond fed up with adding hundreds of parking spots when It's not needed. Those garages will never be full, not even remotely close. 

 

I'm beyond angry with this project enough to go and be vocal at the next meeting. 

I went to Land Grant and parked at gravity in the middle of the day. The garage was nearly completely empty. I was probably one of 20 cars.

So a larger-than-expected portion of the residents don't have cars then?

1 hour ago, KyleofColumbus said:

There's literally two massive parking garages on Starling St with another one an easy 3 minute walk away in the Gravity property. I'm beyond fed up with adding hundreds of parking spots when It's not needed. Those garages will never be full, not even remotely close. 

 

I'm beyond angry with this project enough to go and be vocal at the next meeting. 

It’s even worse because they aren’t wrapped in anything and are not a type of garage that could be converted. I guess the positive is that they could also just be demoed and actual decent buildings built. 

On 10/18/2024 at 2:15 PM, columbus17 said:

I went to Land Grant and parked at gravity in the middle of the day. The garage was nearly completely empty. I was probably one of 20 cars.

There were 20 cars in there mid day?!?! That's way too many, I think we need another 600 space garage minimum for the area.

I wonder if it’s because so many of the developers life outside 270 and only hear people at say dumb stuff like, I won’t ever go downtown there isn’t any parking. Instead of listening to people who live in the city core and can park just fine 

Just now, VintageLife said:

I wonder if it’s because so many of the developers life outside 270 and only hear people at say dumb stuff like, I won’t ever go downtown there isn’t any parking. Instead of listening to people who live in the city core and can park just fine 

I can't tell you how many times I've heard "parking in Columbus is a nightmare" from people who go downtown a handful of times per year and always for some large scale event. I've never visited or lived in a city where it was this easy to get around or park in my entire life and it isn't even a competition. Even compared to Cincinnati and Cleveland, we have significantly easier traffic and easier access to downtown via car.

Yeah, I don't get the "traffic is a nightmare" comments. I guess if you have more than two cars at a traffic light it's a nightmare....

14 minutes ago, TIm said:

I can't tell you how many times I've heard "parking in Columbus is a nightmare" from people who go downtown a handful of times per year and always for some large scale event. I've never visited or lived in a city where it was this easy to get around or park in my entire life and it isn't even a competition. Even compared to Cincinnati and Cleveland, we have significantly easier traffic and easier access to downtown via car.

Yeah, the most I have ever had to walk to eat dinner or hit an event in the short north was 3 blocks. Downtown I have only had to park at most a block away from my destination. The only time I park far is for crew matches or concerts at Kemba. Even then I’m only about a 15 walk away. People are just dumb and I really wish they would stop listening to people outside the city. They aren’t the ones spending the money. Like you said, they come into town maybe a few times a year. 

24 minutes ago, VintageLife said:

Yeah, the most I have ever had to walk to eat dinner or hit an event in the short north was 3 blocks. Downtown I have only had to park at most a block away from my destination. The only time I park far is for crew matches or concerts at Kemba. Even then I’m only about a 15 walk away. People are just dumb and I really wish they would stop listening to people outside the city. They aren’t the ones spending the money. Like you said, they come into town maybe a few times a year. 

Yeah furthest I ever walk is from North Market to Lower.com Field because I wanted to eat some momo's before going to a soccer game. And it's such an easy and fairly enjoyable walk as well.

On 10/16/2024 at 8:26 PM, columbus17 said:

The project went from what should have been a thriving lifestyle community to a mediocre residential conglomerate. There's no dedicated central green space, no defining architecture, and no notable commercial with the exception of the Junto. It may be leasing, but its failed completely in its potential to be something great. 

I have to really disagree here... Especially with no central greenspace. Dorian Green has integrated really well into the Scioto Peninsula and went from an award front yard for COSI to a proper neighborhood greenspace. It makes sense to me that Belle Street could become the main retail street in the area, centered around the park. As for "no commercial" I think it's far too early in the project to doom about that - plus, the peninsula already has Maudine's and the poutine window in the alley behind The Junto - I think there obviously is a lack of retail, but from a planning perspective, I actually really like the pedestrianized retail alley they built and think it, combined with access to Dorian Green, give it a huge amount of potential.

1 minute ago, Dblcut3 said:

I have to really disagree here... Especially with no central greenspace. Dorian Green has integrated really well into the Scioto Peninsula and went from an award front yard for COSI to a proper neighborhood greenspace. It makes sense to me that Belle Street could become the main retail street in the area, centered around the park. As for "no commercial" I think it's far too early in the project to doom about that - plus, the peninsula already has Maudine's and the poutine window in the alley behind The Junto - I think there obviously is a lack of retail, but from a planning perspective, I actually really like the pedestrianized retail alley they built and think it, combined with access to Dorian Green, give it a huge amount of potential.

There was supposed to be a central greenspace the development was surrounding. That did not happen. Think a secondary Columbus Commons.

1 minute ago, columbus17 said:

There was supposed to be a central greenspace the development was surrounding. That did not happen. Think a secondary Columbus Commons.

I'd have to see the original design, but I guess my point is - is more greenspace really a good use of land in this area? We already have Dorian Green and the entire Scioto Mile within a block, and I'd argue both are already underutilized. I think that's enough greenspace personally, I'd rather see more density and perhaps some renovations to existing greenspace nearby to make it more neighborhood-oriented.

2 minutes ago, Dblcut3 said:

I'd have to see the original design, but I guess my point is - is more greenspace really a good use of land in this area? We already have Dorian Green and the entire Scioto Mile within a block, and I'd argue both are already underutilized. I think that's enough greenspace personally, I'd rather see more density and perhaps some renovations to existing greenspace nearby to make it more neighborhood-oriented.

It was a higher density development around a central greenspace. Such a space would be great for programming large events. My biggest issue is just the overall architecture and streetscapes. It leaves much to be desired, and was in no way the classical architecture this city needs.

City approves new tax incentive for second phase of The Peninsula development

 

The city of Columbus and the developers of The Peninsula have entered into a new tax increment financing agreement.

 

Columbus City Council approved the agreement for the second phase of The Peninsula development.

 

A TIF is a financing tool used by local governments to encourage development or redevelopment in a specific area, in this case, the block along Broad Street where the second phase of the project is planned. TIFs capture the future increase in property tax revenue generated by new development, and use that "increment" to fund the upfront costs of improvements, such as infrastructure or public facilities, within the designated TIF district.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/11/27/peninsula-downtown-tif.html

 

2 minutes ago, ColDayMan said:

City approves new tax incentive for second phase of The Peninsula development

 

The city of Columbus and the developers of The Peninsula have entered into a new tax increment financing agreement.

 

Columbus City Council approved the agreement for the second phase of The Peninsula development.

 

A TIF is a financing tool used by local governments to encourage development or redevelopment in a specific area, in this case, the block along Broad Street where the second phase of the project is planned. TIFs capture the future increase in property tax revenue generated by new development, and use that "increment" to fund the upfront costs of improvements, such as infrastructure or public facilities, within the designated TIF district.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/11/27/peninsula-downtown-tif.html

 

This building is uglier than The Gilbert, what an absolute joke the peninsula has become. 

I can't believe I'm going to agree with that but yes, it's uglier than...*cough*...The...*ugh* *cough* Gilbert.

It belongs at Franklin University.

 

On 10/18/2024 at 6:49 AM, CbusG said:

Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse, here's another view of this 

38 minutes ago, ColDayMan said:

City approves new tax incentive for second phase of The Peninsula development

 

The city of Columbus and the developers of The Peninsula have entered into a new tax increment financing agreement.

 

Columbus City Council approved the agreement for the second phase of The Peninsula development.

 

A TIF is a financing tool used by local governments to encourage development or redevelopment in a specific area, in this case, the block along Broad Street where the second phase of the project is planned. TIFs capture the future increase in property tax revenue generated by new development, and use that "increment" to fund the upfront costs of improvements, such as infrastructure or public facilities, within the designated TIF district.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/11/27/peninsula-downtown-tif.html

 

So no push back from city council on the design. Why even have them honestly? These developments they are approving are a complete joke! 

27 minutes ago, sono4315 said:

 

There's a financing issue. That has to be it. Too many projects have been approved and disappeared. Pizzuti coming back value engineering their design proves it. They're trying to approve anything that will add housing at this point. Its kinda funny how Linden is getting nicer developments than downtown at this point smh.

7 minutes ago, columbus17 said:

There's a financing issue. That has to be it. Too many projects have been approved and disappeared. Pizzuti coming back value engineering their design proves it. They're trying to approve anything that will add housing at this point. Its kinda funny how Linden is getting nicer developments than downtown at this point smh.

This has more to do with terrible designers and people that have no taste. Too many developers in Columbus are suburban and don’t have ideas on what a city building should be. It looks like a crappy suburban hotel that was built in the 80’s. 
 

I really wish that Wood Companies would have been down for doing the peninsula, they create beautiful buildings that look great now and will look great in the future. 

15 minutes ago, VintageLife said:

This has more to do with terrible designers and people that have no taste. Too many developers in Columbus are suburban and don’t have ideas on what a city building should be. It looks like a crappy suburban hotel that was built in the 80’s. 
 

I really wish that Wood Companies would have been down for doing the peninsula, they create beautiful buildings that look great now and will look great in the future. 

Yeah but they move at a snail's pace. They aren't in a rush and therefore aren't as pressured about the current finances.

We went from this concept to what got approved. SMH 

1 hour ago, ColDayMan said:

It belongs at Franklin University.

 

 

mmmm, window A/Cs

36 minutes ago, sono4315 said:

We went from this concept to what got approved. SMH 

That second rendering would even be better. The commission didn’t even push back at all, it honestly does seem like one of the more awful commissions. 

2 hours ago, ColDayMan said:

City approves new tax incentive for second phase of The Peninsula development

 

The city of Columbus and the developers of The Peninsula have entered into a new tax increment financing agreement.

 

Columbus City Council approved the agreement for the second phase of The Peninsula development.

 

A TIF is a financing tool used by local governments to encourage development or redevelopment in a specific area, in this case, the block along Broad Street where the second phase of the project is planned. TIFs capture the future increase in property tax revenue generated by new development, and use that "increment" to fund the upfront costs of improvements, such as infrastructure or public facilities, within the designated TIF district.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/11/27/peninsula-downtown-tif.html

 

 

They're building a 1970s Ramada Inn? I don't think I've ever seen a development- even in Columbus- crap the bed as hard as this one has. 

Edited November 27, 2024Nov 27 by jonoh81

I would still like to see more renderings of this.  Are we looking at the Broad Street Side? If so it's all parking garage!

14 minutes ago, jonoh81 said:

 

They're building a 1970s Ramada Inn? I don't think I've ever seen a development- even in Columbus- crap the bed as hard as this one has. 

Is Geis behind it? Their work is absolute garbage.

22 minutes ago, sono4315 said:

I would still like to see more renderings of this.  Are we looking at the Broad Street Side? If so it's all parking garage!

This is not the broad st side, this is Belle street looking northwest ish 

 

here is the broad st side 

 

Edited November 27, 2024Nov 27 by VintageLife

9 minutes ago, VintageLife said:

This is not the broad st side, this is Belle street looking northwest ish 

 

here is the broad st side 

 

 

Ironically, the broken link is really providing the best view of this project. 

15 minutes ago, columbus17 said:

Is Geis behind it? Their work is absolute garbage.

The renderings are from The Columbus Architectural Studio  

2 minutes ago, jonoh81 said:

 

Ironically, the broken link is really providing the best view of this project. 

Did the picture not show up? 

1 minute ago, VintageLife said:

Did the picture not show up? 

It does now. 

Edited November 27, 2024Nov 27 by jonoh81

4 hours ago, columbus17 said:

Is Geis behind it? Their work is absolute garbage.

https://www.geiscompanies.com/

19 minutes ago, Whopper Jr said:

https://www.geiscompanies.com/

Yes, that one. Their architects need their licenses examined. They try so painfully hard to value engineer buildings that they end up costing more due to redesign than if they would have just done it right the first time, and the building is still ugly.

It’s important to note that those renderings were only brought to the commission for a design review for the parking deck levels. The residential portion is being designed separately and will be brought to the commission separately. So I’m not sure how “final” these renderings are. Regardless, the massive reduction in overall size is a massive disappointment. 

1 hour ago, cbussoccer said:

It’s important to note that those renderings were only brought to the commission for a design review for the parking deck levels. The residential portion is being designed separately and will be brought to the commission separately. So I’m not sure how “final” these renderings are. Regardless, the massive reduction in overall size is a massive disappointment. 

Yeah it better be 5000 times better than whatever that crap was. Hopefully they read comments on stuff and realize that isn’t what should be built. I get that we have no say because we aren’t paying for it, but I would rather have a community behind my project than hating it all the time. 

Yeah, they might take a cue from Scottie on the original Star Trek… Under-promise and over-deliver. Instead, we get initial visions of grandeur only to have the rug pulled from beneath our feet with the final versions. That’s likely enough colloquialisms from me today. 😬

 

Happy Thanksgiving. 

On 11/27/2024 at 3:42 PM, VintageLife said:

This has more to do with terrible designers and people that have no taste. Too many developers in Columbus are suburban and don’t have ideas on what a city building should be. It looks like a crappy suburban hotel that was built in the 80’s. 
 

I really wish that Wood Companies would have been down for doing the peninsula, they create beautiful buildings that look great now and will look great in the future. 

Literally seeing this design I thought to myself "that's a hotel I'd be disappointed to pull up to because you know it's super outdated just by looking at it".

How is it that we see high rises in places like Nashville, Charlotte, and Austin go up everywhere but we can't one single good design.  I'm really excited for the Merchant Building being mostly glass because that will brighten the skyline up some. If we could add another 3 or 4, all glass high-rise buildings around downtown that would make the downtown area look more modern and fresh. 

Edited November 30, 2024Nov 30 by sono4315

32 minutes ago, sono4315 said:

How is it that we see high rises in places like Nashville, Charlotte, and Austin go up everywhere but we can't one single good design.  I'm really excited for the Merchant Building being mostly glass because that will brighten the skyline up some. If we could add another 3 or 4, all glass high-rise buildings around downtown that would make the downtown area look more modern and fresh. 

 

Because Columbus isn't pulling in the corporate money that those places are. It's not just developers. Columbus needs to attract the business dollars and staff to see that kind of vertical growth.  Companies that leave other markets favor those 3 at the moment. Things will shift eventually. But until they do, don't expect a tower boom anytime soon.  

Bible Belt and southern towns are a different breed, they have a ton of businesses moving into those areas. I also saw an article that all of those regions are having a problem with empty office buildings. 

9 minutes ago, VintageLife said:

Bible Belt and southern towns are a different breed, they have a ton of businesses moving into those areas. I also saw an article that all of those regions are having a problem with empty office buildings. 

I was reading an article that Austin is having a very hard time filling their office space downtown.