A Columbus developer is proposing a 30-story tower on N. High Street, the tallest new Downtown building in three decades.

https://www.dispatch.com/business/20200710/30-story-tower-proposed-in-downtown-columbus

 

 

Great news! Not sure I am a fan of that screen, but I think the rest of it is looks pretty good. 

7 minutes ago, VintageLife said:

Great news! Not sure I am a fan of that screen, but I think the rest of it is looks pretty good. 

Yeah I would prefer something similar to the other side...but still GREAT NEWS!! Overall I love it!!!!!  It would help fill in that gap between the Capitol Square towers and the cluster farther up High Street. 

Awesome news!

 

This announcement kinda comes as a surprise.  Although, the developer - who previously converted the neighboring historic 12-story Atlas Building into apartments - did say he wanted to do a "second phase tower" of some sort back in 2015 -- see this Atlas Building thread in the Completed Projects section.  Great news that it is advancing.

 

Here's the Dispatch article's alternate link, which should be fully readable for everyone:

 

https://www.thisweeknews.com/business/20200710/30-story-tower-proposed-in-downtown-columbus

I may be contrarian and say I like the screen. If it is going to be used for visual interest and not the standard billboard, I think it makes a good impact. 

 

I love how different it is to anything we've seen proposed.

1 minute ago, DTCL11 said:

I may be contrarian and say I like the screen. If it is going to be used for visual interest and not the standard billboard, I think it makes a good impact. 

 

I love how different it is to anything we've seen proposed.

Yea, the board sounds like it will be similar to those digital help boards all over the city.  It's not just a lame advertisement billboard, but can be used to display all kinds of cool messages and visuals.

Didn't expect to randomly see something like this today.  Awesome news!

Like said above, this will really help fill the gap between the groups of high-rises along High and will add a lot to the overall skyline. Super exciting!

Yes, just so much yes to this.

Just going by the renderings and speculating and all, with the Atlas at around 165 feet high this looks in the 350 up to maybe 400 foot range to me.

Wow this looks amazing! There will almost certainly be push back on the video screen, but oh well. Unlike Millennial Tower, I think we can be very confident that this will get built because everyone behind this is the real deal. 

 

In terms of height, I think this will definitely break the 400' mark assuming they don't drop any floors. 

 

Assuming this gets built, there will only be about 5 empty lots left along High Street between 70 and 670. Included in that total is the pathetic FedEx print shop at the corner of High and Spring. I can't imagine the lot next to the Madison building remains vacant for much longer. I would imagine the lot next to Elevator Brewery will get built on fairly soon if this gets built. Given the amount of growth in the River South District, I can't imagine the vacant lot at Main and High stays vacant for much longer. That leaves the the skinny surface lot at High and Lynn next to One Columbus Center tower. That one will be difficult to build on, but would be a great spot for a tall skinny tower...

4 minutes ago, cbussoccer said:

Wow this looks amazing! There will almost certainly be push back on the video screen, but oh well. Unlike Millennial Tower, I think we can be very confident that this will get built because everyone behind this is the real deal. 

 

In terms of height, I think this will definitely break the 400' mark assuming they don't drop any floors. 

 

Assuming this gets built, there will only be about 5 empty lots left along High Street between 70 and 670. Included in that total is the pathetic FedEx print shop at the corner of High and Spring. I can't imagine the lot next to the Madison building remains vacant for much longer. I would imagine the lot next to Elevator Brewery will get built on fairly soon if this gets built. Given the amount of growth in the River South District, I can't imagine the vacant lot at Main and High stays vacant for much longer. That leaves the the skinny surface lot at High and Lynn next to One Columbus Center tower. That one will be difficult to build on, but would be a great spot for a tall skinny tower...

I really wish Day Companies would do something with the Madison building. It’s such an eyesore at this point. A rehab would be great but if it’s too costly then knock it down and replace it.

1 hour ago, cbussoccer said:

Wow this looks amazing! There will almost certainly be push back on the video screen, but oh well. Unlike Millennial Tower, I think we can be very confident that this will get built because everyone behind this is the real deal. 

 

In terms of height, I think this will definitely break the 400' mark assuming they don't drop any floors. 

 

Assuming this gets built, there will only be about 5 empty lots left along High Street between 70 and 670. Included in that total is the pathetic FedEx print shop at the corner of High and Spring. I can't imagine the lot next to the Madison building remains vacant for much longer. I would imagine the lot next to Elevator Brewery will get built on fairly soon if this gets built. Given the amount of growth in the River South District, I can't imagine the vacant lot at Main and High stays vacant for much longer. That leaves the the skinny surface lot at High and Lynn next to One Columbus Center tower. That one will be difficult to build on, but would be a great spot for a tall skinny tower...

With this proposal, and all of that in mind, I wonder if it will encourage the Capitol Square proposal to look at moving forward soon.  I believe they were looking for a Q1 proposal, but then delayed it with the pandemic.  If they see other movement, maybe it will give more confidence.  The article mentions that Schiff is very confident about the finances for this building.

Edited July 10, 20204 yr by TH3BUDDHA

Well this news totally caught me off guard today, but it such a good way!

 

Overall, I really like the proposed design and I'm certainly a big fan of the height. It will definitely help fill in the skyline between the cluster of buildings on the north side of downtown and Capitol Square, as other have mentioned. I think the mesh screen as proposed is far more palpable that what Arshot was proposing with Millennial Tower; hopefully the Downtown Commission feels the same way. I love that Schiff is so bullish on being able to make this concept a reality and his desire to make it known to the community at a time like this. I hope the process to get to a completed project remain favorable for him and his team.

 

Anyone care to make a mock-up of this proposal superimposed on the current Columbus skyline? Maybe with some Market Tower, Hilton 2.0, and Capital Square tower thrown in for good measure? 

Like all others said, this would be a great skyline filler between William Green and Rhodes.  And I do like the screen and height.

1 hour ago, cbussoccer said:

I think we can be very confident that this will get built because everyone behind this is the real deal.

I was going to comment asking how likely it is that we'll actually see this get built, so it's good to hear this.

This is amazing! The electronic screen is an homage to the dead Millennial Tower.

Damn, that an awesome addition to add some flare to the Columbus skyline.

8 minutes ago, TH3BUDDHA said:

I was going to comment asking how likely it is that we'll actually see this get built, so it's good to hear this.

I feel Schiff has a pretty solid track record for delivering on their proposals (711 North High, Hubbard Park Place, Atlas,  Aston Place, Trotter's Park) relative to other "developers" in town *cough* Arshot *cough*

 

They admittedly say they are not in a rush on this project, but they see the demand for condo's in downtown Columbus, rather than just apartment after apartment and even with Covid, this project would be something that comes online once Covid is basically "solved".

 

I'm sure designs will change as they do, but I still feel we are more on solid ground with Schiff than with some other wishy washy developers in the past.  Just my opinion though.

Edited July 10, 20204 yr by Gnoraa

1 minute ago, Gnoraa said:

I feel Schiff has a pretty solid track record for delivering on their proposals (711 North High, Hubbard Park Place, Atlas,  Aston Place, Trotter's Park) relative to other "developers" in town *cough* Arshot *cough*

 

They admittedly say they are not in a rush on this project, but they see the demand for condo's in downtown Columbus, rather than just apartment after apartment and even with Covid, this project would be something that comes online once Covid is basically "solved".

 

I'm sure designs will change as they do, but I still feel we are more on solid ground with Schiff than with some other wishy washy developers in the past.  Just my opinion though.

I was interested in how he brought up that people mention that there isn't a strong market for condos here.  Haven't the Arena District condos performed pretty well?

1 minute ago, TH3BUDDHA said:

I was interested in how he brought up that people mention that there isn't a strong market for condos here.  Haven't the Arena District condos performed pretty well?

They have, Parks Edge phase 1 and 2 filled up quite fast, and I'm going to assume final phase 3 will as well.  A buddy of mine is very interested in condo living downtown, however his complaint has always been the lack of inventory/diversity for what he is looking for.  There is a market, yes primarily people that have some money or have done well and retiring that would love a downtown condo, however the inventory is so limited.  With Columbus' continued population growth I'm confident we will see more condo developments in the future.  Maybe this is just the tip of the iceberg so to speak?

Wow, definitely didn't expect this! How incredibly exciting and I really like it, screen and all.

Great news- certainly better than the 12-story hotel they were originally talking about for this site- but please, please, please do not let this be another fake-out like Millennial or aspirational height that ends up getting reduced with every future rendering.

Just now, jonoh81 said:

Great news- certainly better than the 12-story hotel they were originally talking about for this site- but please, please, please do not let this be another fake-out like Millennial or aspirational height that ends up getting reduced with every future rendering.

 

I believe that hotel was proposed for the lot next to the Madison building. This is being planned for a different lot. 

What is interesting is the bet on the Condo Market. Its something downtown has significantly lacked. This might be the biggest bet on condos downtown since Miranova, unless you want to combine all the Parks Edge towers into one? 

 

And as mentioned above, if successful, perhaps it can push Capitol Square or even Millenial back to life if Schiff can show that a difference equation for usage can be successful. 

Edited July 10, 20204 yr by DTCL11

I know we've been growing at a pretty solid clip pre-Covid and honestly continuing throughout. But to me this will be the catalyst to the next step.  Why you ask?

 

Granted this project is not as tall but when I first went to Austin back in early 2011 "The Austonian" had just been completed and the city was on the verge of a dramatic change.  Fast forward to 2016 and 23 buildings 15 stories or taller have been constructed in "downtown" Austin.  We've had an influx of 10+ stories in recent years and now have 6 proposed/under construction. 

 

If this building takes off expect the Market Tower, Capital Square and "Millennial" to follow suit. Probably even 2-3 that we don't see coming. That combined with the Scioto Peninsula project and we are still poised to explode, sit back and enjoy development lovers!

30-Story Hotel and Condo Building Proposed for Downtown

 

 

At a time when the coronavirus pandemic and a troubled economy have led to a slow-down in new development proposals, Michael Schiff is ready to bet big on Downtown Columbus.

 

The local developer today unveiled a proposal to build a 30-story tower on the east side of North High Street, between Spring and Long streets. The building would replace a surface parking lot that sits just north of the historic Atlas Building, which Schiff renovated into apartments in 2014.

 

“Everybody told me I was crazy [to take on the Atlas project], but thank God it’s been successful, and hopefully even helped to contribute to the transformation that we are now seeing,” Schiff said, mentioning The Nicholas on High Street, and other development activity in the area.

 

The new plan calls for a 30-story tower on the northern portion of the site, separated from the Atlas Building by a five-story building that would hold a parking garage as well as office and retail space. The taller building would be split evenly between condominiums on the upper floors and a hotel on the lower half.

 

More below:

https://www.columbusunderground.com/30-story-hotel-and-condo-building-proposed-for-downtown-bw1

 

9 hours ago, wpcc88 said:

I know we've been growing at a pretty solid clip pre-Covid and honestly continuing throughout. But to me this will be the catalyst to the next step.  Why you ask?

 

Granted this project is not as tall but when I first went to Austin back in early 2011 "The Austonian" had just been completed and the city was on the verge of a dramatic change.  Fast forward to 2016 and 23 buildings 15 stories or taller have been constructed in "downtown" Austin.  We've had an influx of 10+ stories in recent years and now have 6 proposed/under construction. 

 

If this building takes off expect the Market Tower, Capital Square and "Millennial" to follow suit. Probably even 2-3 that we don't see coming. That combined with the Scioto Peninsula project and we are still poised to explode, sit back and enjoy development lovers!

I would love a new batch of high rises to be built in Columbus, but please don’t turn Columbus into Austin. It’s become such a soulless city. 

I just hope the little one-story FedEx Office just to the north on the corner of Spring and High stays forever. This block is the epitome of contemporary Columbus ?

Edited July 11, 20204 yr by jebleprls22

Current site conditions (Sat. 7-11-20)

 

40 minutes ago, NorthShore647 said:

Current site conditions (Sat. 7-11-20)

 

So ripe for a tower. Fingers are still crossed. Would be awesome if it could get started by 2022.

On 7/11/2020 at 2:23 PM, jebleprls22 said:

I just hope the little one-story FedEx Office just to the north on the corner of Spring and High stays forever. This block is the epitome of contemporary Columbus ?

 

I remember when that was a Lum's restaurant. ?

 

Edited July 13, 20204 yr by Pablo

1 hour ago, Pablo said:

 

I remember when that was a Lum's restaurant. ?

 

 

Very cool photo. I did not know of the building's previous history as a restaurant. I've always despised its existence, but there is a nostalgia to it. I imagine it will eventually be torn down for something else (please not a surface lot).

 

Also, love the lady in the fur coat on the corner with the hair and heels. So late-70s chic.  

2 hours ago, CMHOhio said:

 

Very cool photo. I did not know of the building's previous history as a restaurant. I've always despised its existence, but there is a nostalgia to it. I imagine it will eventually be torn down for something else (please not a surface lot).

 

Also, love the lady in the fur coat on the corner with the hair and heels. So late-70s chic.  

 

#1.. what the hell is a Lum’s!? ???

 

#2. Have no fear, less than 0% chance that becomes a surface lot.

2 hours ago, CMHOhio said:

 

 

 

Also, love the lady in the fur coat on the corner with the hair and heels. So late-70s chic.  

 

Di-vine, dahhling

1 hour ago, wpcc88 said:

 

#1.. what the hell is a Lum’s!? ???

It was a Florida chain with over 400 locations in the 70s. 

The Harmony Tower site has been a parking lot for a long time. Here’s a photo from 1973 with billboards on the north face of the Atlas Building. I forgot High used to be a 6 lane road. 
 

 

12 hours ago, Pablo said:

It was a Florida chain with over 400 locations in the 70s. 

I hate that I am also old enough to remember these.

12 minutes ago, Pablo said:

The Harmony Tower site has been a parking lot for a long time. Here’s a photo from 1973 with billboards on the north face of the Atlas Building. I forgot High used to be a 6 lane road. 
 

 

I wonder what was originally here? I will have to look at old pics of Cbus and see if I can find out. 

 

*LOL at the "happy face" sign-so 70's!

Edited July 14, 20204 yr by Toddguy

21 hours ago, 614love said:

So ripe for a tower. Fingers are still crossed. Would be awesome if it could get started by 2022.

Yes. I would like this Harmony Tower to get built here. But is it too much to hope for to want a Harmony 2 Tower matching it to be built on the lot at Elm and High across from The Nicholas? I mean there is a big parking garage right there behind the site and all already....just sayin' and all.

1 minute ago, Toddguy said:

Yes. I would like this Harmony Tower to get built here. But is it too much to hope for to want a Harmony 2 Tower matching it to be built on the lot at Elm and High across from The Nicholas? I mean there is a big parking garage right there behind the site and all already....just sayin' and all.

 

There were plans for a 12-story hotel there a few years ago, but they never went anywhere. 

2 minutes ago, cbussoccer said:

 

There were plans for a 12-story hotel there a few years ago, but they never went anywhere. 

I remember those. So if it ends up being a ground floor of retail then some parking levels...then 12 floors of hotel with 12 more floors of condos/apts. on top of that...I won't complain.. ?

If they do build this, I am hopeful it will create a big shift in more storefronts filling up downtown. This tower would have a good number of residents that would need places to go.

9 minutes ago, VintageLife said:

If they do build this, I am hopeful it will create a big shift in more storefronts filling up downtown. This tower would have a good number of residents that would need places to go.

Well in the CU article Schiff states that it would only need to have 15-45 units so it would not really have that many residents. I would think maybe 100 or so at most. The office and hotel would provide more people than that. I would hope that lower stuff off of High like the Neighborhood Launch area with much of that not having much of any retail might add to more residents for High street retail which would only be a few blocks walk away. 

 

That Industry building alone will provide probably 300-400 people in 234 apartments.

29 minutes ago, Toddguy said:

Well in the CU article Schiff states that it would only need to have 15-45 units so it would not really have that many residents. I would think maybe 100 or so at most. The office and hotel would provide more people than that. I would hope that lower stuff off of High like the Neighborhood Launch area with much of that not having much of any retail might add to more residents for High street retail which would only be a few blocks walk away. 

 

That Industry building alone will provide probably 300-400 people in 234 apartments.

True, I guess I didn’t put that together. Either way, high end condos would be great. Yeah the industry building is amazing. 

1 hour ago, Toddguy said:

I wonder what was originally here? I will have to look at old pics of Cbus and see if I can find out. 

 

The Grandview Heights / Marble Cliff Historical Society has a whole page on the building, which includes some nice looks at what used to sit where the parking lot is now.

16 minutes ago, icheb42 said:

 

The Grandview Heights / Marble Cliff Historical Society has a whole page on the building, which includes some nice looks at what used to sit where the parking lot is now.

Great find. I wish they would make some reference to this in the new design

2 hours ago, icheb42 said:

 

The Grandview Heights / Marble Cliff Historical Society has a whole page on the building, which includes some nice looks at what used to sit where the parking lot is now.

Thanks. I was hoping it would not be anything very impressive. I was wrong. That page as some good pics-I especially like the one looking up High Street with the Chittenden Hotel right about across the street from this point shown.

 

*It would be cool if some developer built an apartment building somewhere around there that looked like the old Chittenden-they could even call it that.."The Chittenden".

Edited July 14, 20204 yr by Toddguy

I cobbled together a few massings with Harmony Tower, Hilton and North Market. Harmony (if built at 30 stories and ~350 ft) would help fill in one of the biggest gaps in the skyline. 

 

 

 

 

Well done! Now if only we could get Millennial Tower built to fill in the gap between the Franklin County Courthouse and everything else in the last picture. Also, the view in that third picture is really going to change over the next couple years as Gravity 2.0 and the Scioto Peninsula developments rise. 

 

17 minutes ago, cbussoccer said:

Well done! Now if only we could get Millennial Tower built to fill in the gap between the Franklin County Courthouse and everything else in the last picture. Also, the view in that third picture is really going to change over the next couple years as Gravity 2.0 and the Scioto Peninsula developments rise. 

 

I agree, even separate from Gravity and the CDDC projects, I feel West Broad in general has huge long term potential ongoing.