Grandview Heights: Grandview Yard

August 12, 200816 yr

Grandview Yard, Gowdy Field projects chase clean-up cash

Business First of Columbus - by Brian R. Ball

Friday, August 8, 2008

Two Central Ohio projects will compete for money from the Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund this fall when the state splits the latest round of funding to redevelop former industrial sites. Developers of the Grandview Yard project in Grandview Heights and a Columbus site nearby were the only ones in the seven-county region to submit plans to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency in time to qualify for the fifth round of Clean Ohio funding since 2002. Complete proposals must be submitted by Aug. 25.

If approved, the money could help Grandview Yard developer Nationwide Realty Investors Ltd. build a 120,000-square-foot office building for an undisclosed tenant off Goodale Boulevard. The state money also could prompt Columbus developers Daimler Group Inc. and Wagenbrenner Development Inc. to extend development of Gowdy Field, a former landfill where they have developed 300,000 square feet of office buildings in the past three years. The developers used $3 million in earlier Clean Ohio grants to clean the site.

August 25, 200816 yr

Grandview Yard Redevelopment

Ordinance to designate blighted area OK'd by City Council

Wednesday, August 20, 2008 - 1:06 PM

By ALAN FROMAN, ThisWeek Staff Writer

Grandview Heights City Council approved an ordinance Monday determining the Grandview Yard project area is a blighted area as defined by Ohio Revised Code. The ordinance accepts and adopts the blight study of the project area conducted for the city by D.B. Hartt, which found the Grandview Yard area meets the standards of a blighted area. The city is looking to establish a Tax Increment Financing agreement for the project area to help pay for infrastructure improvements needed for the development.

Council's economic development committee voted Aug. 8 to recommend approval of the ordinance following a series of meetings regarding the legislation. Several owners of property in the project area expressed concern about the ordinance. Those concerns were mostly allayed when language was added to the ordinance stating the city is adopting the blight study for the purpose of using tax increment financing and that the study will not be used to take property by eminent domain.

August 25, 200816 yr

Wary Grandview businesses no longer fear 'blighted' label

City won't use eminent domain

Monday, August 25, 2008 3:02 AM

By Martin Rozenman THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Several businesses in the proposed Grandview Yard area breathed a figurative sigh of relief last week. The Grandview Heights City Council designated the area as "blighted," which opens the door for the city to use heavy-handed means to buy property there. But council members amended the legislation to promise that the city will not resort to eminent domain.

City officials and area business owners estimate that fewer than 10 of more than 30 businesses in the area plan to stay. Several said they have had discussions with the developer, Nationwide Realty Investors. For businesses such as Chelsea House Design Center and Capital Wholesale, it means they can remain at locations their owners consider ideal, even in the shadow of Grandview Yard.

September 5, 200816 yr

City seeks funds for Goodale upgrades

Wednesday, September 3, 2008 - 10:33 AM

By ALAN FROMAN

ThisWeek Staff Writer

Grandview Heights City Council Tuesday night approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to apply for financial assistance from the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) for improvements to Goodale Boulevard. The improvements would include the addition of a westbound lane on Goodale from Olentangy River Road to Northwest Boulevard, city engineer Andy Fruehling said. Other improvements would include planing and resurfacing of the roadway, the addition of two traffic signals and an elevation of the roadway to allow for water and sewer line improvements.

The city is applying to the OPWC for a $2-million loan and a $2.2-million grant to help pay for the Goodale improvements. The city would be required to provide $500,000 in matching funds. To qualify for the funding, work on the Goodale project would have to begin by March 31, 2010. One concern raised by council members is how the city will come up with the $500,000 in matching funds.

September 11, 200816 yr

City examines housing needs at Yard project

By DONAVON CAMPBELL

Published: Monday, September 8, 2008 2:06 PM EDT

Columbus Local News

The city of Grandview Heights last week took another step forward in the process to acquire tax-increment financing to help pay for improvements that will usher in the Grandview Yard development project. Grandview City Council voted 7-0 at its Sept. 2 meeting to approve an ordinance that authorizes Mayor Ray DeGraw and Director of Administration and Economic Development Patrik Bowman to file an application for the certification of a workable housing program with the Ohio Department of Development.

September 16, 200816 yr

City applies for $3-million CORF grant

Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - 12:16 PM

By ALAN FROMAN

ThisWeek Staff Writer

The City of Grandview Heights is applying for a $3-million Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund (CORF) grant to help support the clean-up and redevelopment of 25.2 acres of property located at 842 W. Goodale Blvd. The site is a portion of the property Nationwide Realty Investors will be redeveloping for the Grandview Yard project.

Although the city is the applicant, the grant would be used to support the clean-up and infrastructure improvements in the project area that will result in the development of 638,700 square feet of commercial and residential space for the project's committed end user, Equity, Inc, Bowman said.

October 9, 200816 yr

GRANDVIEW YARD

Council sees development agreement

Wednesday, October 8, 2008 - 2:16 PM

By ALAN FROMAN

ThisWeek Staff Writer

Grandview Mayor Ray DeGraw Monday night presented city council with a draft copy of a redevelopment project agreement between the city and Nationwide Realty Investors for the Grandview Yard project. "I think this is a version we finally feel comfortable to bring forward for adoption," DeGraw said. The draft agreement states the Grandview Yard project will include office, retail and residential development.

The total value of the private development is expected to be greater than $500-million. The estimated value of on-site public improvements is $126.5-million, while adjacent public improvements are expected to cost an estimated $35.5-million. Public improvements may include acquisition of property for conveyance to the public, improvements to streets, streetscape and utilities and construction of public parks and plazas and structured parking.

October 18, 200816 yr

City hopes Yard clears economic hurdles

The current downturn and new prevailing wage rules have made NRI's development plans 'scary for everybody.'

By DONAVON CAMPBELL, COLUMBUS LOCAL NEWS

Published: Monday, October 13, 2008 - 2:06 PM EDT

The much-anticipated Grandview Yard project recently has met up with a triple threat of new obstacles. A new interpretation of the state's prevailing wage laws called for by Gov. Ted Strickland, a dispute among Grandview Heights City Council members over cost details in a memorandum of understanding between the city and private developer Nationwide Realty Investors, and questions about the current economic environment all could affect the timeline, cost and final form of the project.

City officials discussed the immediate future of the project in both a regularly scheduled City Council meeting Oct. 6 as well as an economic development committee meeting Thursday, Oct. 9. As a result of those meetings, City Council was expected to approve a pair of ordinances to deal with both the prevailing wage question as well as the memo of understanding in an emergency meeting scheduled for Monday, Oct. 13.

October 22, 200816 yr

Council approves Yard memorandum

Wednesday, October 15, 2008 - 1:45 PM

By ALAN FROMAN

ThisWeek Staff Writer

Grandview Heights City Council Monday unanimously approved a resolution adopting the memorandum of understanding between the city and Nationwide Realty Investors. The memorandum is an outline of the understanding between the city and Nationwide as to the feasibility of the redevelopment of the former Big Bear site for the Grandview Yard project.

October 31, 200816 yr

Chamber hopes NRI bigwig will shed light on Yard plans

By DONAVON CAMPBELL, COLUMBUS LOCAL NEWS

Published: Monday, October 27, 2008 2:06 PM EDT

The Grandview-Marble Cliff Area Chamber of Commerce will give local business owners an opportunity to talk to a man who, whether they know him or not, has probably been on their minds a lot lately. At its monthly luncheon Nov. 13, the chamber will host a forum with Nationwide Realty Investors President and Chief Executive Officer Brian Ellis, who will speak to business owners in the area about the potential economic impact of the Grandview Yard project.

November 14, 200816 yr

State will help clean up Yard

The polluted 'brownfield' may get more than $800,000 from the Ohio EPA after being deemed a high priority

By DONAVON CAMPBELL, COLUMBUS LOCAL NEWS

Published: Monday, November 10, 2008 - 2:06 PM EST

When the former site of a large industrial complex such as the Big Bear warehouses in Grandview is cleared away, it's not always just the visible flotsam and jetsam that's left behind. Grandview Heights city officials have received word that their application to the Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund Grant was ranked high enough by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to be awarded state money to help clean up the area.

The city of Grandview submitted a study in August of the 10.46-acre "brownfield" at 842 W. Goodale Blvd. on the future site of the Grandview Yard project. "Most of (the pollution) is from heavy metals in the soil," said Patrik Bowman, the city's director of administration and economic development. According to the application, the city has asked for $847,753 to help clean up the area.

November 21, 200816 yr

NRI president: 'Lots of irons in fire' at Grandview Yard

The (at least) $500 million project should be considered "long-term," says Brian Ellis, and no leases have been signed --but the economic slowdown hasn't deterred behind-the-scenes work.

By DONAVON CAMPBELL, COLUMBUS LOCAL NEWS

Published: Friday, November 14, 2008 - 11:26 AM EST

Local businessmen and women crowded a banquet room at the Buckeye Hall of Fame Cafe for the monthly Grandview-Marble Cliff Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon Thursday, Nov. 13. The featured speaker for the event was Nationwide Realty Investors Chief Executive Officer and President Brian Ellis; his topic for the day was an update on the much-anticipated Grandview Yard project.

"Not a lot has happened that is visible," said Ellis about the 80-acre area between Goodale Boulevard and Third Avenue where the Yard is expected to take root. "But there has been a lot that has happened behind the scenes." However, Ellis cautioned that people who suspect major movements have been happening "behind the scenes" may be disappointed. "We have a lot of irons in the fire," said Ellis. "It's really a long-term project and I think that benefits the community."

November 27, 200816 yr

Looks like NRI is moving ahead with the Yard. Good for Grandview.

November 27, 200816 yr

City zoning code should be prepared for Grandview Yard, officials say

By DONAVON CAMPBELL, COLUMBUS LOCAL NEWS

Published: Friday, November 21, 2008 - 5:50 PM EST

Members of the Grandview Heights Planning Commission began discussing life around the Grandview Yard project at a Wednesday, Nov. 19 meeting. The discussion led to a decision by the commission to begin looking at possible changes to the city's zoning codes with an eye toward preserving the character of the community.

On the heels of Nationwide Realty Investors CEO and President Brian Ellis' Nov. 13 address to the Grandview-Marble Cliff Area Chamber of Commerce, the question was raised of what, if anything, the planning commission could be doing to ready the city itself for the changes on the horizon.

November 27, 200816 yr

I can't help notice but how easy it is for suburban development to go forward, but if it's urban retail no way. This will only hinder it further and I wonder what this means for current retail on Grandview Ave and for any future infill developments. I'm just sick of this cars-first mentality which has totally trashed every major street in Columbus except for some of High St. Is Nationwide going to push for sharrows and traffic calming so that cyclists still have 3rd Ave as a viable option to cross east-west instead of gearing it towards a bunch of speeding consumers and turning it into another 5th Ave? I doubt it.

December 7, 200816 yr

Grandview chasing money to clear way for Nationwide development

Business First of Columbus - by Brian R. Ball

Friday, December 5, 2008

Redevelopment of Grandview Heights' industrial district should begin with street construction next year, even though the city and developer Nationwide Realty Investors Ltd. have yet to work out a financing plan for the $60 million it may take to improve access to the district's 80-plus acres. Financing plans for the proposed Grandview Yard development suffered a setback in November, when the project failed to qualify for a $5 million Job Ready Sites Program grant from the Ohio Department of Development.

But the project secured two other state grants totaling $1.9 million, and officials hope it can attract much more state and federal funding. Indeed, one top administrator said the city needs a lot more to clear the way for the $500 million to $600 million Nationwide Realty intends to spend building the office, retail and residential project. "Our need is so much more than that," Patrik Bowman, Grandview Heights director of administration and development, said of the small grants.

December 9, 200816 yr

City to receive state funds for Grandview Yard roadwork

Friday, December 5, 2008 - 4:57 PM

By ALAN FROMAN, ThisWeek Staff Writer

The state Controlling Board voted Monday to release $1-million for road improvements at the Grandview Yard development. The money will be used for first phase of road improvements that will widen Goodale Boulevard and construct a new main street to serve the 80-acre development, said Patrik Bowman, the city's director of administration/economic development.

The first phase of road improvements is expected to cost around $5-million, so the funds awarded by the controlling board will pay about 20 percent of the cost, he said. The remaining cost of the roadwork would likely be paid for through a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) agreement the city is in the process of negotiating with Nationwide Realty Investors, the developer of Grandview Yard, Bowman said.

December 14, 200816 yr

Status as 'impacted city' allows TIF talk

Wednesday, December 10, 2008 - 2:27 PM

By ALAN FROMAN, ThisWeek Staff Writer

The Ohio Department of Development has designated the city of Grandview Heights as an "impacted city" and certified a plan submitted by the city detailing how it will address housing needs in the community. The impacted city designation and plan was the second of two preliminary steps the city was required to take before it can negotiate a tax increment financing (TIF) agreement with Nationwide Realty Investors for the Grandview Yard project.

The Grandview Yard development at the former Big Bear site will be an urban mixed use project expected to include office, commercial and residential components. The state now requires that the two preliminary steps be taken when a TIF is for a development that includes a residential component. The city completed the first step in August when city council approved an ordinance determining the Grandview Yard project area is a blighted area as defined by Ohio Revised Code.

January 1, 200916 yr

Project kept city hopping through '08

Tuesday, December 23, 2008 - 2:39 PM

By ALAN FROMAN, ThisWeek Staff Writer

The sagging economy may have slowed some of the momentum on Nationwide Realty Investors' planned Grandview Yard project in 2008, but there was still a lot of activity relating to the development. At Grandview Heights City Council's annual retreat last February, Mayor Ray DeGraw reported that the development is planned to include retail, office and residential uses, with expected total commercial space of between 1.5-and 2-million square feet and between 600 and 800 residential units.

January 7, 200916 yr

Macy's discussing a move to Grandview

Wednesday, January 7, 2009 - 3:03 AM

By Mike Pramik, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Macy's could replace its decades-old Upper Arlington store with a new store at the planned Grandview Yard development, central Ohio development sources said. Nationwide Realty Investors has had initial discussions with Macy's and other department stores to set up shop at Grandview Yard, the 100-acre development on the former site of Big Bear warehouses in Grandview Heights, Brian Ellis, president of Nationwide Realty, told The Dispatch.

January 9, 200916 yr

Project in backyard worries Columbus: Coleman asks for more details before committing to help Grandview Yard

Thursday, January 8, 2009 - 3:19 AM

By Martin Rozenman, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Grandview Heights' massive plan for commercial, retail and residential development between Goodale Boulevard and W. 3rd Avenue has Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman concerned. Coleman sent Grandview Mayor Ray DeGraw a letter on Nov. 24 saying he's worried that Grandview Yard will compete with Columbus and asking for more details about it.

"Columbus and the private sector have already invested significant resources, time and effort in creating new housing opportunities and attracting and retaining jobs in our Downtown and core city, including such projects as Techneglas, Children's Hospital, the Scioto Mile, the Arena District, River South and the King-Lincoln District," Coleman wrote.

January 20, 200916 yr

Grandview, Columbus continue Yard talk

Wednesday, January 14, 2009 - 1:22 PM

By ALAN FROMAN, ThisWeek Staff Writer

Grandview and Columbus officials are continuing to discuss a joint effort to secure funds for infrastructure projects relating to the Grandview Yard project. Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman has expressed concern that the Yard will compete with Columbus' investment and development in downtown and other areas. "Mayor Coleman needs to be satisfied that the development is not done at the risk of all the millions of dollars (Columbus) has invested into downtown Columbus," said Dan Williamson, a spokesman for Coleman. "He's looking for more information."

Grandview Mayor Ray DeGraw said the Grandview Yard project will benefit Columbus and not just his community. "We believe it will promote activity in Grandview and Columbus," he said. By working together on the Yard, the two communities can create a synergy that will bring new jobs and benefit downtown, the Ohio State area and Columbus' tech corridor, DeGraw said. "I think what (Coleman) is looking for is more detail and proof that this project will not hurt Columbus," Williamson said. "He's asking, 'what guarantee can you give me?'"

January 20, 200916 yr

Ugh. Shoot it down already.

February 6, 200916 yr

DeGraw: Grandview Yard first phase should begin in spring

Wednesday, February 4, 2009 - 12:16 PM

By ALAN FROMAN, ThisWeek Staff Writer

Grandview Heights Mayor Ray DeGraw told the Grandview school board Saturday he expects work on the first portion of the Grandview Yard project to begin in the spring. That initial portion will likely involve three parcels along Goodale Boulevard, DeGraw said. Work on the first phase could begin by June 1, Bowman said.

A Tax Increment Financing agreement will be needed for the first phase, he said. The city will likely present the school district with details of the TIF agreement later this month. The city's goal is to "bring (the school district) on board" for the TIF process, DeGraw said. "Our goal has always been to get as much money to the schools as we can," he said.

February 14, 200916 yr

Big Bear cleanup gets cash from state

$847,753 given to help make way for Grandview Yard

Thursday, February 12, 2009 - 3:29 AM

By Martin Rozenman, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Grandview Heights will get nearly $850,000 to clean up environmental problems at Grandview Yard. The State Controlling Board announced that it will release $847,753 in Clean Ohio money for work at the site of the former Big Bear warehouse complex.

Grandview Yard is a planned $500 million project on about 80 acres of the suburb's eastern border. It would employ 5,000 people and house about 1,000, and it could more than double Grandview's tax revenue to nearly $10 million a year, city officials have said. The long-term project is intended to turn the blighted area into a mix of offices, stores, restaurants and housing. Nationwide Realty Investors, which developed the Arena District, is the developer.

February 21, 200916 yr

Nationwide to file application for first Grandview Yard project

Thursday, February 19, 2009 - 2:19 PM

By ALAN FROMAN, ThisWeek Staff Writer

Nationwide Realty Investors is expected to make a presentation about the first phase of the Grandview Yard project at the March 18 Grandview Planning Commission meeting. Director of administration/economic development Patrik Bowman told the commission Wednesday the proposed first phase would likely include a development of at least three buildings on about four to six acres on the Goodale Boulevard side of the project area.

February 28, 200916 yr

Keeping Grandview Yard pedestrian-friendly one of Planning Commission's top concerns; parking, zoning also are issues

By DONAVON CAMPBELL, COLUMBUS LOCAL NEWS

Published: Tuesday, February 24, 2009 - 9:37 AM EST

With the first phase of construction at Grandview Yard drawing near, Grandview Heights Planning Commission members are faced with the job of creating new zoning standards that could shape the city's future. At a regularly scheduled meeting Wednesday, Feb. 18, commission members discussed not just the Yard itself -- expected to be a roughly 90-acre mixed-use redevelopment in the southeastern corner of the city -- but how the project ultimately will impact, and hopefully integrate with, the rest of the community.

March 18, 200916 yr

Overview of likely variance requests for Grandview Yard plans presented to Planning Commission

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

By ALAN FROMAN, ThisWeek Staff Writer

A representative of the design firm working with Nationwide Realty Investors on the Grandview Yard project presented the Grandview Planning Commission with an overview of the variances and modifications to city code the developer will be seeking for the project's first phase. MSI principal Keith Myers spoke during a March 4 workshop the commission held to discuss the upcoming applications for the first phase of the Yard. The developer will be seeking approval of a subdivision plat, conditional uses and a site plan review. Nationwide plans Grandview Yard to be an 85-acre mixed use development, including retail, office and residential elements. The development area includes the former Big Bear warehouse property between Goodale and Third Avenue.

March 18, 200916 yr

Economics of Yard project outlined

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

By ALAN FROMAN, ThisWeek Staff Writer

Mayor Ray DeGraw last week presented Grandview Heights City Council's economic development committee with an overview of the anticipated economics of the Grandview Yard project. The committee is holding a series of meetings regarding the Yard as Nationwide Realty Investment prepares to unveil its plans for the first phase of the mixed-use project. DeGraw said the economic projections are based on a set of current assumptions about the project. The assumptions were provided by Nationwide. Those assumptions include a total of 1.1-million square feet of office space; 450,000 square feet of retail space and 475 residential units, he said.

Private investment is expected to total $500-million, DeGraw said. Once completed, the project is expected to generate $5-million in annual income taxes and have new property evaluation of $154-million. The public investment for on-site is expected to total $77.4-million, he said. The costs will include $10.22-million for public right of way acquisition; $4-million for parks; $18.48-million for streets; $19.68-million for utilities; and $25;million for parking.

March 18, 200916 yr

^The previous two ThisWeekNews articles are from last week. Just getting around to posting them. Article one is a presentation from Grandview Yard developer representatives to the Grandview Planning Commission. Article two is Grandview city officials estimating revenues from the Grandview Yard project.

However, below is an article in today's Dispatch. Columbus Mayor Coleman and his staff are now looking like they are not going to play nice with tiny little Grandview...

March 18, 200916 yr

City wants chunk of profit

Columbus' request for $37 million, tax money unwelcome

Wednesday, March 18, 2009 - 3:25 AM

By Martin Rozenman and Robert Vitale

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Columbus wants a piece of the profit from a development planned just outside its border, and it's threatening to fight federal aid for Grandview Heights unless the suburb ponies up. Columbus officials want $37 million over the next 30 years from the Grandview Yard project, and they want all of the income taxes from jobs that move there from Columbus.

Grandview Heights has offered $20 million, and officials there say they'll share only a portion of the taxes from relocated jobs if Columbus does the same. "You can't expect (100 percent of income taxes)," said Patrik Bowman, the suburb's director of administration and development. "People are going to move."

March 18, 200916 yr

Yes, it is too close for comfort. I'd rather see this shot down than go forward at all. If there's going to be development, make an east-west Grandview Ave-like street(s) with plenty of residential development. Grandview Ave is right in front of their faces showing that you don't need parking lots for a successful commercial area.

April 1, 200916 yr

Now Franklin County is getting involved in the Columbus vs. Grandview Yard situation. Local political turf battles - gotta luv em. Or not.

Grandview Yard gets boost

County backs suburb over Columbus for development grant

Wednesday, April 1, 2009 - 3:08 AM

By Barbara Carmen, The Columbus Dispatch

As the mayor of Columbus fights to block city jobs from moving -- down roads he builds -- to a Grandview Heights development, the tiny suburb yesterday snagged a victory over the big city. Grandview Yard is up for a state development grant, and Columbus Commons is not. The money, while not enough to build or block either multimillion-dollar project, is still nice -- as much as $750,000.

Both are signature development projects for their mayors: Ray DeGraw in Grandview and Michael B. Coleman in Columbus. Both are ready to roll this summer. Franklin County commissioners, however, can choose only one project every two years to recommend for an Ohio Department of Development Industrial Site Improvement Fund grant. And Grandview Yard has something Columbus Commons does not: Partners with money. Grandview is working with Nationwide Realty Investors, which developed the Arena District and Franklin County's new baseball stadium in Columbus.

April 10, 200916 yr

City's goal: Yard built out in decade

By DONAVON CAMPBELL, COLUMBUS LOCAL NEWS

Published: Monday, April 6, 2009 - 1:45 PM EDT

Grandview Heights officials say that while no concrete schedule for the project has been laid out, they hope to see the vast majority of Grandview Yard built out in 10 years' time. The time frame was addressed during a presentation by Mayor Ray DeGraw and Director of Administration and Economic Development Patrik Bowman of the first draft of a development agreement between the city and Nationwide Realty Investors during an economic development committee meeting Thursday, April 2.

"I think we're really anticipating that all the building will be done in the next 10 years," said Bowman, adding that the economy still will play a major role in how the timing of the project plays out. "Really, all we're doing right now is trying to capture the increase in values we think is going to happen as this project gets moving."

May 4, 200916 yr

Community entertainment district designation sought for Grandview Yard

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

By ALAN FROMAN, ThisWeek Staff Writer

Nationwide Realty Investors has filed an application with the city of Grandview Heights seeking designation of the Grandview Yard project area as a community entertainment district. The designation, required by the Ohio Revised Code, would allow the developer "to attract and retain restaurants and other quality entertainment establishments to Grandview Yard," NRI President and COO Brian Ellis wrote in a letter accompanying the application.

Mayor Ray DeGraw presented Grandview Heights City Council with the application Monday and asked that the clerk of council proceed with public notices, and that city council begin taking steps to approve the application through the passage of legislation.

May 4, 200916 yr

"NRI's application states that Grandview Yard will include 'a combination of indoor and outdoor venues to provide entertainment, retail, educational, social, sporting and cultural opportunities for the Grandview Heights community.'"

It was my understanding there'd be a pony in this for me too.

May 4, 200916 yr

"NRI's application states that Grandview Yard will include 'a combination of indoor and outdoor venues to provide entertainment, retail, educational, social, sporting and cultural opportunities for the Grandview Heights community.'"

It was my understanding there'd be a pony in this for me too.

Yeah, that developer application language is pretty funny! NRI applied for and received the same designation for their Arena District development. Basically, obtaining a Community Entertainment District designation from the State of Ohio helps the restaurants and bars within that district get State liquor permits. So a Community Entertainment District is where a community can entertain itself ... by getting drunk ... in an upscale classy way?

:drunk: (Sorry, I couldn't resist the drunk smiley!)

May 15, 200916 yr

City pursues civic facilities at Yard

Though nothing's set in stone, Grandview leaders are mulling the possibility of an arts center, city hall or other public building as part of the planned development

BY DONAVON CAMPBELL, COLUMBUS LOCAL NEWS

Published: Monday, May 11, 2009, 4:42 PM EDT

Grandview Heights City Council members say they would like to see some kind of "civic component" as part of Grandview Yard. During an economic development committee meeting last Wednesday, May 6, council members discussed the possibility of adding a public building or space to the Yard.

Council President Steve Reynolds said no discussion had begun about what that space might be, but suggested anything from a cultural arts facility, educational or recreational facilities or simply public meeting space. Council member Anthony Panzera said he would even consider building a new city hall at the Yard as an option. "I don't have a preference at this point," Panzera said, "but we need to start to discuss it in order to plan for it later."

May 19, 200916 yr

Breaking news on the Grandview Yard project in Grandview Heights

Capitol Square acquires stake in Grandview Yard

Company also boosts interest in Arena District

Tuesday, May 19, 2009 2:03 PM

By Marla Matzer Rose, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Nationwide Realty Investors' Grandview Yard project has attracted an investment from Capitol Square Ltd., the real-estate arm of The Dispatch Printing Company, publisher of The Dispatch. Capitol Square has acquired a 20 percent interest in the project, which is being developed on the site of the former Big Bear warehouse and will include a combination of office, residential and retail space.

Capitol Square has also increased its ownership stake in the Arena District to 20 percent from the previous 10 percent, the companies announced this afternoon. Nationwide has built the $750 million, 75-acre Arena District over the past decade.

May 20, 200916 yr

Grandview Yard will do to Grandview Avenue what Easton did to Downtown Columbus and will do again what Easton did to Downtown. Why would the mayor of Grandview want that?

May 20, 200916 yr

Grandview Yard will do to Grandview Avenue what Easton did to Downtown Columbus

:?

Easton, among others, killed City Center, not downtown (downtown was already dead before Easton). And Grandview Ave certainly is not City Center. I'd consider it more like a tiny Short North, which last I checked, still seems to be humming along despite Easton, Polaris, and Tuttle.

While I'd PREFER this kind of momentum to be focused on the center of downtown (hey, Capitol Square Ltd, why not actually do something ON Capitol Sqaure), I don't think this proposed development will hurt the downtown area as whole. If anything, I'd imagine it could complement the development already taking place in the area, such as Gowdy Field, 5th Ave, 3rd Ave, Grandview Ave, and the Arena District. All we need is something to tie it all together, something that rhymes with "bright snail"... :wink:

May 21, 200916 yr

Grandview Yard will do to Grandview Avenue what Easton did to Downtown Columbus

Easton, among others, killed City Center, not downtown (downtown was already dead before Easton). And Grandview Ave certainly is not City Center. I'd consider it more like a tiny Short North, which last I checked, still seems to be humming along despite Easton, Polaris, and Tuttle.

I'd tend to agree with CMH_Downtown on this one. With the exception of the Panera, everything on the Grandview Heights part of Grandview Ave. is a local business, and not apt to be duplicated at Grandview Yard. I'd expect those businesses will be able to co-exist with the ones at GY, which I assume will wind up being mostly national chains. And really, most of the places on Grandview Ave. are specialty shops or destination places and not like a drug store or grocery store where you'd want to get in and out quickly and thus convenience of parking would be a big factor in deciding to go there or not. So I would guess people will continue to go to Grandview Ave. and that strip won't be overly damaged by GY.

I'd tend to think the Shoppes on Lane Ave. and maybe Lennox (although they have a fairly captive audience of OSU students there) will be more threatened by Grandview Yard, since they're more likely to have some overlap in terms of who sets up shop there. I could see people who have been driving to those places from Grandview or even VV/HW deciding to go to GY instead because it's closer. And others going just because it's the new place.

May 22, 200916 yr

I agree that Grandview Yard isn't going to hurt Grandview Ave much. Might even strengthen it with increased spending in the area.

I do think Grandview Yard is going to draw any sort of potential for national chain retail away from Downtown though. And local retail analyst guru Chris Boring agrees (about a third of the way down):

http://www.columbusunderground.com/the-past-present-and-future-of-retail-in-columbus

<i>Chris says - "Well, I thought that they had a chance to redevelop and reposition City Center in the market to be more of a local shopping center rather than a regional shopping center… but I think the opportunity disappeared when we saw the plans for Grandview Yard. I think that’s going to end up being the retail vehicle that serves the central part of the city.

I think the future for downtown retail, not only in Columbus but in a lot of downtowns across the country, is going to be entrepreneurship. I think we are going to see a surge of retail start up businesses for a number of reasons."</i>

It doesn't bother me too much that chains/bigbox are headed to GY while Downtown is ripe for the independent businesses, but the bigger stores are the ones with money to spend on new builds and higher rents. And there are specific chains that I'd love to see downtown... Target, Apple, Crate & Barrel, etc.

And at the end of the day, it's still a good thing to have a company like Nationwide (via NRI) investing so much money into core neighborhoods such as Grandview. They could be building New Albany Yard or Pataskala Yard or Grove City Yard. But instead they're turning a wasteland of half-empty industrial and manufacturing buildings into something that will serve a much greater function to people who live in the downtown core.

May 29, 200916 yr

City could buy Yard land for public improvements

Potential uses range from parks and streets to a parking lot or a new city hall

By DONAVON CAMPBELL, COLUMBUS LOCAL NEWS

Published: Friday, May 22, 2009 5:59 PM EDT

The city of Grandview Heights may purchase a part of the Grandview Yard site from Nationwide Realty Investors. Director of Administration and Economic Development Patrik Bowman said the city is in discussions to purchase a portion or portions of the land at the Yard as part of a pending development agreement between the two entities. The project is expected to comprise roughly 90 acres in the southeastern portion of the city.

The agreement is being reviewed by committee and should go before the council as a whole sometime in June, Bowman said. "There is land purchase involved in the development agreement," Bowman said. "NRI is proposing that the town, as part of its partnership, buy the land for certain public improvements." Though no specific terms have been finalized, land purchased by the city could become home to streets and roads, parks, utilities or even a parking lot, Bowman said.

June 27, 200915 yr

Residents list Grandview Yard concerns as city takes notes

By DONAVON CAMPBELL, COLUMBUS LOCAL NEWS

Published: Monday, June 22, 2009 5:24 PM EDT

Grandview Heights city officials are asking residents how they want Grandview Yard to mesh with their community. The city hosted a public workshop June 16 at Stevenson Elementary School to get feedback from area residents about their hopes and concerns for both the Yard and how it will effect their neighborhood. More than 40 residents and property owners from the southeastern area of town -- the area adjacent to the future 85-acre project -- showed up to the workshop, where they worked in groups to construct lists of opportunities and concerns and pored over maps of the area.

"This is the start of the planning process," said Greg Dale, a consultant working with the city throughout the planning process. "How can all of (Grandview Yard) fit in with the community as a whole?" he said. One of the recurring concerns that emerged out of residents' comments was the need for a residential buffer along Northwest Boulevard to help the mixed-use Yard mesh more fluidly with the existing neighborhood. The project area stretches from Goodale Boulevard to Third Avenue.

July 9, 200915 yr

First tenants at Grandview Yard unveiled

Business First of Columbus - by Brian R. Ball

Plans for the first phase of the Grandview Heights mixed-use development include a 126-room hotel, a fitness center and a 90,000-square-foot office building. Plans filed with the city July 7 show developer Nationwide Realty Investors Ltd. wants to build the first $40 million worth of projects as it continues planning for the broader, $500 million to $600 million redevelopment on 90 acres in the suburb’s industrial core.

The city’s planning commission will consider the Hyatt Place hotel, Urban Active fitness center and a planned Jason’s Deli in the office building as conditional uses. The preliminary and final development plan must go through the commission as well as Grandview Heights City Council. Dublin-based M&A Architects, the designer of the three-story office building, plans to occupy at least 20,000 square feet on the top floor.

The plans mark the first projects presented to the city for approval since Nationwide Realty first began acquiring the former Big Bear Stores Co. distribution complex and surrounding properties in May 2006.

July 9, 200915 yr

Grandview Yard's tenant list to include a Hyatt

Fitness center, deli, architects in mix

Thursday, July 9, 2009 3:10 AM

By Marla Matzer Rose, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

A Hyatt Place hotel, an Urban Active Fitness Center and Jason's Deli are among the first tenants expected to open in the Grandview Yard project, to be built on the site of the former Big Bear supermarket warehouse. "Location is really key to this project and the interest we're getting in it," said Brian Ellis, president and chief operating officer of Nationwide Realty Investors, which is developing the 80-acre project. "We think the large fitness facility and the hotel will both be great amenities for the first and future phases of the project."

Detailed plans for that first phase, with an estimated price tag of $40 million, were presented to Grandview Heights' planning commission this week. Nationwide expects to invest between $500 million and $600 million in the project over the next five to 10 years. Dublin-based M+A Architects is the first office tenant to be disclosed for the initial phase of the project, set to open in fall 2010 on the eastern edge of Grandview Heights. The company will design the three-story office building it will occupy and will set up shop in 24,500 square feet on the top floor.

Nationwide announced in May that Capitol Square Ltd., the real-estate arm of The Dispatch Printing Company, publisher of The Dispatch, had taken a 20 percent stake in the Grandview Yard project.

July 9, 200915 yr

To be honest I'm quite pleased with the announced tenant list for the first phase. The Hyatt Place hotel won't take anything from downtown, and should actually just complement the line of hotels that already exist along Olentangy River Rd. from W. 5th Ave. all the way to W. North Broadway. If anything, it will be a great replacement for the recently demolished HoJo Inn along Dublin Rd. and Grandview Ave.

M+A Architects is a Dublin firm, so having them expand closer to the center of the city is definitely a positive step. And the Jason's Deli will bring a new restaurant to Columbus' dining pallate. My only worry would be the opening of the Urban Active in Grandview Yard. Metro Fitness maintains a gym on Long St. downtown. Along with the Arena District Athletic Club and smaller clubs like Snap Fitness, I wonder if there's enough demand in that area of Columbus for all to exist.

July 14, 200915 yr

1st Grandview Yard tenants setting tone for project

Business First of Columbus - by Brian R. Ball

Friday, July 10, 2009

The $40 million first phase of Grandview Yard will reflect the work-live-play approach developer Nationwide Realty Investors Ltd. hopes to create after spending three years assembling land and planning for the project. Construction of the 12-acre phase could begin as early as August with a 126-room Hyatt Place hotel, a 42,000-square-foot Urban Active fitness center and a 96,000-square-foot office building anchored by M&A Architects, which will move to Grandview Heights from Dublin. The office building will include Jason’s Deli, a Beaumont, Texas-based luncheon chain that recently arrived in Central Ohio with a shop in Dublin.

While the entire 90-acre Grandview Yard project may ultimately include nearly 2 million square feet of commercial development, the developer is anxious to get the first three buildings up so the community can see what is in its future and to prove the project will move ahead despite difficult times for commercial real estate, officials said. The initial phase also calls for about 500 parking spots in a two-level parking deck. “We want to get the project in the ground,” said Nationwide Realty President Brian Ellis. “It will really set the tone for what Grandview Yard is going to be over time.”

July 14, 200915 yr

Hyatt hotel, fitness center up first for Grandview Yard

Proposed site plan for initial development of Grandview Yard, submitted to Grandview city officials by Nationwide Realty Investors Thursday, July 9. The $40 million development phase includes a six-story Hyatt Place hotel, a three-story, 96,000-square-foot office and retail building, a two-story Urban Active Fitness center and a 509-space parking garage.

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