July 16, 2024Jul 16 I'll stand alone and say absolutely not. Wiping out another entire block without any attempt at preservation. Pass. Again, when it's all gone, it's gone.
July 16, 2024Jul 16 21 minutes ago, DTCL11 said: I'll stand alone and say absolutely not. Wiping out another entire block without any attempt at preservation. Pass. Again, when it's all gone, it's gone. They aren't wiping out the entire block, but I agree. I'm not a fan of the demo plans. I would prefer to see them, at the very least, do something like the AC Hotel on Park Street and preserve the facades while building over top.
July 16, 2024Jul 16 If the Dirty Frank's building and the others could be restored to their original brick look, that would definitely be my preference as well, but I'm not sure how possible that is because the buildings look totally stripped of anything resembling an architectural feature. I'm pretty much always for preservation and adaptive reuse, and I think that's certainly doable for this project if there is any will for it. I doubt there is any real pushback from the commission, though, in either preservation or design. Edited July 16, 2024Jul 16 by jonoh81
July 16, 2024Jul 16 Is the Hadley’s building staying? It looks like it to me? Hadley‘a just closed and I thought maybe this plan had something to do with it, but I guess not. Losing Dirty Franks and Little Palace would hurt my heart.
July 16, 2024Jul 16 Author 9 minutes ago, smjjms said: Is the Hadley’s building staying? It looks like it to me? Hadley‘a just closed and I thought maybe this plan had something to do with it, but I guess not. Losing Dirty Franks and Little Palace would hurt my heart. Nope, Hadley’s is on the next block south, owned by DeHayes.
July 16, 2024Jul 16 Author 3 hours ago, VintageLife said: The building on the north corner makes even less sense. It’s just a blank wall, why?? I don’t like being a naysayer about projects, but will 100% be sending emails to the commission about this crap. Tbh, that building is the ugliest (and newest) in that lineup, and the one I’d most like to see go. It says it’ll be a pocket park and mural in that area.
July 16, 2024Jul 16 41 minutes ago, smjjms said: Is the Hadley’s building staying? It looks like it to me? Hadley‘a just closed and I thought maybe this plan had something to do with it, but I guess not. Losing Dirty Franks and Little Palace would hurt my heart. Little palace would be staying.
July 16, 2024Jul 16 I believe the buildings that are still brick that house Little Palace will remain. Red Velvet Cafe and the remaining buildings south to Cherry St will be demolished and the small psychic gallery on the North end of these buildings would be removed for the small park. The owners clearly want the building to have a presence on 4th street, hence the removal of 16 bit, dirty franks, and where Red Velvet stood. I'd prefer these building remain untouched and the old design to remain, but taken to 23 stories. If the developer needs a 4th street frontage for their proposal, I'd prefer it stand directly across 4th street.
July 16, 2024Jul 16 Maybe Dirty Frank's could move into the Hadley's space. With 16 bit moving eventually to the peninsula, that would limit the damage to the existing businesses in the area. Only the psychic would be out of luck, and you would have thought they'd seen this coming.
July 16, 2024Jul 16 So I will say the buildings they did keep are those with the most in-tact historic architecture: It would be nice if they kept/re-constructed the facade of 183-189 Rich St (the old Spoonful Records location) as that one also has some merit: Definitely silly to demo that corner building (although it is ugly) without a really compelling pocket park/entry to the new tower PLUS an activation of that new blank wall of the existing heritage building -- punch some windows or throw on a mural in photoshop, come on people!
July 16, 2024Jul 16 5 hours ago, DTCL11 said: I'll stand alone and say absolutely not. Wiping out another entire block without any attempt at preservation. Pass. Again, when it's all gone, it's gone. That’s my biggest reservation to this. I’d really miss the more human scale of those smaller buildings, regardless of their architectural significance.
July 16, 2024Jul 16 In a city plagued by so many proposals that have succumbed to height reductions, it's refreshing to see this one alive and growing! I too was disappointed to hear that several existing buildings would be demolished in the process. But after looking them over, the net return would be worth their sacrifice. I do hope that in the design review process the can find a way to integrate them, but not if it's detrimental to the project's feasibility, proposed height and timetable for construction (that latter of which I hope is soon!). I completely agree with @FudgeRounds about the human scale of the current streetscape, though. Hopefully that's taken into account if keeping the current structures ends up being completely off the table.
July 17, 2024Jul 17 Proposed downtown Columbus tower grows in height A proposed downtown Columbus tower has grown in height and scale. Bluestone Brothers Capital is proposing a 23-story mixed-use building with 290 apartments and a five-story commercial building for 199 E. Rich St. The project is proposed to span the entire block bounded by East Rich, South 4th, East Cherry and South Young streets. The proposed project would demolish buildings that include businesses such as Dirty Frank's Hot Dog Palace and 16-Bit Arcade. Bluestone Brothers owns the building at 199 E. Rich St., but the other parcels – 175 E. Rich St., 183-189 E Rich St. and the buildings along 4th Street – are not owned by Bluestone Brothers according to the Franklin County Auditor's site. The Rich Street buildings are owned by an LLC dubbed Rico 199. The buildings along 4th Street are listed as having multiple owners on the auditor's site. More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/07/16/bluestone-brothers-rich-street.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
July 17, 2024Jul 17 Author Bluestone Brothers adds 110 apartments, still plans a grocery store for downtown Columbus development “The developer behind a large mixed-use development in downtown Columbus has added over 100 apartments to a previously proposed project, but still plans on trying to land a grocery tenant for the neighborhood. “Our goal from the beginning has been to enhance the vibrancy of the Mohawk Market District,” said Stanley Lan, CEO of Bluestone Brothers, in an emailed statement. “We are excited about these recent additions to the development." Lan said that Bluestone Brothers remains committed to bringing a grocery store downtown. Bluestone Brothers' statement said that it hopes to welcome Dirty Frank's back to the development when construction is finished. Dirty Frank's was not able to be reached for comment.“ https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/07/17/estrella-grocery-store-downtown-columbus.html
July 17, 2024Jul 17 If we get some sort of grocery store out of this, I'd say the whole thing would be worth it. I'm not going to get too caught up about losing a couple unremarkable small old-ish buildings if it means we get a 265' tower which contains a grocery store and commercial space lining both streets. If you put a grocery store in this spot, I think we'll see the other surface lots in the surrounding area start to vanish pretty quickly.
July 17, 2024Jul 17 7 minutes ago, cbussoccer said: If we get some sort of grocery store out of this, I'd say the whole thing would be worth it. I'm not going to get too caught up about losing a couple unremarkable small old-ish buildings if it means we get a 265' tower which contains a grocery store and commercial space lining both streets. If you put a grocery store in this spot, I think we'll see the other surface lots in the surrounding area start to vanish pretty quickly. 100% agree. Putting a grocery here would cater well to the growing Grant/Ohio Health campus, provide options for Holiday Inn and Sheraton guests, as well as serve the increased residential in the area (Preston Centre, Gilbert, Estrella and Greyhound station redevelopment). As mentioned, it would also make the remaining surface lots/empty storefronts in this area of downtown far more appealing. Really hope civic leaders recognize this and work towards its quick approval.
July 17, 2024Jul 17 I swear someone at CBF reads these forums 😂 Bluestone Brothers adds 110 apartments, still plans a grocery store for downtown Columbus development By Bonnie Meibers – Staff reporter , Columbus Business First Jul 17, 2024 The developer behind a large mixed-use development in downtown Columbus has added over 100 apartments to a previously proposed project, but still plans on trying to land a grocery tenant for the neighborhood. https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/07/17/estrella-grocery-store-downtown-columbus.html Not much detail in the article other than reaffirming their commitment to attracting a grocery tenant to the development.
July 17, 2024Jul 17 7 minutes ago, CMHOhio said: I swear someone at CBF reads these forums 😂 Bluestone Brothers adds 110 apartments, still plans a grocery store for downtown Columbus development By Bonnie Meibers – Staff reporter , Columbus Business First Jul 17, 2024 The developer behind a large mixed-use development in downtown Columbus has added over 100 apartments to a previously proposed project, but still plans on trying to land a grocery tenant for the neighborhood. https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/07/17/estrella-grocery-store-downtown-columbus.html Not much detail in the article other than reaffirming their commitment to attracting a grocery tenant to the development. The only reason we were talking about a grocery store is because @amped91 already posted that CBF article in this thread.
July 17, 2024Jul 17 1 hour ago, cbussoccer said: The only reason we were talking about a grocery store is because @amped91 already posted that CBF article in this thread. Oops, totally missed that this morning. Hadn't had my coffee yet. 😅
July 17, 2024Jul 17 3 hours ago, amped91 said: Bluestone Brothers' statement said that it hopes to welcome Dirty Frank's back to the development when construction is finished. Dirty Frank's was not able to be reached for comment.“ Nah, hopefully dirty Frank’s can find another similar location to what they already have.
July 17, 2024Jul 17 3 hours ago, CMHOhio said: 100% agree. Putting a grocery here would cater well to the growing Grant/Ohio Health campus, provide options for Holiday Inn and Sheraton guests, as well as serve the increased residential in the area (Preston Centre, Gilbert, Estrella and Greyhound station redevelopment). As mentioned, it would also make the remaining surface lots/empty storefronts in this area of downtown far more appealing. Really hope civic leaders recognize this and work towards its quick approval. I am 100% for a grocery store in this area, and I hope the rezoning reform is passed before the commission requires 1000 parking spots for shoppers.
July 17, 2024Jul 17 Author 50 minutes ago, VintageLife said: Nah, hopefully dirty Frank’s can find another similar location to what they already have. Hopefully fill the Hadley’s spot?
July 17, 2024Jul 17 40 minutes ago, amped91 said: Hopefully fill the Hadley’s spot? I kind of thought that, but that space is too big and too bright haha
July 17, 2024Jul 17 1 hour ago, KyleofColumbus said: I am 100% for a grocery store in this area, and I hope the rezoning reform is passed before the commission requires 1000 parking spots for shoppers. There are no parking requirements downtown.
July 18, 2024Jul 18 On 7/17/2024 at 12:29 PM, amped91 said: Hopefully fill the Hadley’s spot? Just looked at google maps, I forgot that 244 s 4th in between el Camino and little palace is empty. Dirty Frank’s could possibly move into that, but I think it’s even smaller than their current spot. sorry, I went back and looked again, 244 is part of little palace, I meant the unit at 234 is open. It also looks like it would be similar size, so if they do work with the developer that would be a great spot. Edited July 19, 2024Jul 19 by VintageLife
July 18, 2024Jul 18 Author Missed this little tidbit in yesterday’s article: Hadley's exits the downtown dining scene “It's in an area of downtown that could see some major changes in the coming years, potentially spurring its decision to close. "The building’s ownership has received offers to purchase the building and the parking lot that they are currently reviewing," James Ball, director of operations at Crafted for You, said in an email. "Unfortunately, those offers have different plans for the retail space." The building is across the street from a proposed 23-story mixed-use development that will go before the Downtown Commission next week. "Since the lease term on the retail space is reaching its end in the coming weeks, we decided to stop operations so we could re-position staff at our other locations," Ball said.” https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/07/17/hadleys-closes-downtown-columbus.html
July 18, 2024Jul 18 23 minutes ago, amped91 said: Missed this little tidbit in yesterday’s article: Hadley's exits the downtown dining scene “It's in an area of downtown that could see some major changes in the coming years, potentially spurring its decision to close. "The building’s ownership has received offers to purchase the building and the parking lot that they are currently reviewing," James Ball, director of operations at Crafted for You, said in an email. "Unfortunately, those offers have different plans for the retail space." The building is across the street from a proposed 23-story mixed-use development that will go before the Downtown Commission next week. "Since the lease term on the retail space is reaching its end in the coming weeks, we decided to stop operations so we could re-position staff at our other locations," Ball said.” https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/07/17/hadleys-closes-downtown-columbus.html Hadley’s lasted longer than it should have. It was okay food, but it was run terribly and the food came out super slow and there was always 1 person working. I'm happy to see that connect will not own another building and hopefully a developer can add something to that parking lot and make it amazing.
July 19, 2024Jul 19 7 hours ago, VintageLife said: Just looked at google maps, I forgot that 244 s 4th in between el Camino and little palace is empty. Dirty Frank’s could possibly move into that, but I think it’s even smaller than their current spot. sorry, I went back and looked again, 244 is part of little palace, I meant the unit at 234 is open. It also looks like it would be similar size, so if they do work with the developer that would be a great spot. Not done with this, I said the wrong building, the correct one u was looking at would put them next to the pocket park. It could be cool if they installed a walk up window on that wall and had some seating in that park. The building does look a little smaller, but it could probably work. 234 S 4th
July 23, 2024Jul 23 Developer of proposed downtown Columbus tower gets pushback on demolition plans The developer behind a proposed downtown Columbus tower may tweak the design of the project after feedback from the Downtown Commission. The commission Tuesday considered the project from Bluestone Brothers Capital on a conceptual basis, meaning no action was taken. Bluestone Brothers is proposing a 23-story mixed-use building with 290 apartments and a five-story commercial building at 199 E. Rich St. ... Commissioner Bob Loversidge said that density needs to be balanced with keeping the rhythm of the old architecture. "There are plenty of empty parking lots you could densify without tearing down old buildings," Loversidge said. More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/07/23/199-e-rich-follow-up-downtown-columbus.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
July 23, 2024Jul 23 12 minutes ago, ColDayMan said: Developer of proposed downtown Columbus tower gets pushback on demolition plans The developer behind a proposed downtown Columbus tower may tweak the design of the project after feedback from the Downtown Commission. The commission Tuesday considered the project from Bluestone Brothers Capital on a conceptual basis, meaning no action was taken. Bluestone Brothers is proposing a 23-story mixed-use building with 290 apartments and a five-story commercial building at 199 E. Rich St. ... Commissioner Bob Loversidge said that density needs to be balanced with keeping the rhythm of the old architecture. "There are plenty of empty parking lots you could densify without tearing down old buildings," Loversidge said. More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/07/23/199-e-rich-follow-up-downtown-columbus.html I’ll say it again, I don’t necessarily hate adding a 5 story, I just think it should be a way better design, that matches the area. It should also be ground floor retail and apartments, not just commercial/office.
July 23, 2024Jul 23 3 hours ago, VintageLife said: I’ll say it again, I don’t necessarily hate adding a 5 story, I just think it should be a way better design, that matches the area. It should also be ground floor retail and apartments, not just commercial/office. The 5 story part is planned to have retail, per the article Quote This new deal, Lan said, will allow for more commercial in the proposed project, as the 23-story building is primarily parking and residential with some ground floor retail. The five-story commercial building is proposed to have retail and office within it.
July 23, 2024Jul 23 3 hours ago, VintageLife said: I’ll say it again, I don’t necessarily hate adding a 5 story, I just think it should be a way better design, that matches the area. It should also be ground floor retail and apartments, not just commercial/office. The design is horrid. It looks like crap. Reminds me of a trashy 70s office tower. Complete no.
July 23, 2024Jul 23 1 hour ago, Imwalle said: The 5 story part is planned to have retail, per the article I know that, I’m saying it should be just ground floor retail without the office space. It should have 4 floors of more apartments.
September 17, 2024Sep 17 Downtown Columbus tower proposal tweaked to preserve Dirty Frank's, 16-Bit buildings The design of a proposed downtown Columbus tower project has been tweaked to save the Dirty Frank's Hot Dog Palace and 16-Bit Bar + Arcade buildings. Bluestone Brothers Capital will bring a proposal for a 24-story tower with 290 apartments at 199 E. Rich St. before the Downtown Commission next week. The project is proposed to span the entire block bounded by East Rich, South 4th, East Cherry and South Young streets. The developer was last before the commission in July. More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/09/17/rich-street-buildings-preserved.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
September 17, 2024Sep 17 24 minutes ago, ColDayMan said: Downtown Columbus tower proposal tweaked to preserve Dirty Frank's, 16-Bit buildings The design of a proposed downtown Columbus tower project has been tweaked to save the Dirty Frank's Hot Dog Palace and 16-Bit Bar + Arcade buildings. Bluestone Brothers Capital will bring a proposal for a 24-story tower with 290 apartments at 199 E. Rich St. before the Downtown Commission next week. The project is proposed to span the entire block bounded by East Rich, South 4th, East Cherry and South Young streets. The developer was last before the commission in July. More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/09/17/rich-street-buildings-preserved.html No rendering?
September 17, 2024Sep 17 16 minutes ago, columbus17 said: No rendering? I would guess it is the exact same, just a story taller now.
September 17, 2024Sep 17 33 minutes ago, VintageLife said: I would guess it is the exact same, just a story taller now. Ah. Yeah they’ve been trying to add to the height every time they look at it haha
September 17, 2024Sep 17 57 minutes ago, columbus17 said: Ah. Yeah they’ve been trying to add to the height every time they look at it haha If they actually get it down, I’m here for it. I still wish it had more of the architecture from the original rendering though.
September 17, 2024Sep 17 4 minutes ago, VintageLife said: If they actually get it down, I’m here for it. I still wish it had more of the architecture from the original rendering though. It will. What was released was a very, very rough concept meant to convey massing. Normally projects don’t scale up like this one did, which is why a less finalized design was presented.
September 18, 2024Sep 18 19 hours ago, ColDayMan said: Downtown Columbus tower proposal tweaked to preserve Dirty Frank's, 16-Bit buildings The design of a proposed downtown Columbus tower project has been tweaked to save the Dirty Frank's Hot Dog Palace and 16-Bit Bar + Arcade buildings. Bluestone Brothers Capital will bring a proposal for a 24-story tower with 290 apartments at 199 E. Rich St. before the Downtown Commission next week. The project is proposed to span the entire block bounded by East Rich, South 4th, East Cherry and South Young streets. The developer was last before the commission in July. More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2024/09/17/rich-street-buildings-preserved.html We get a tall building AND hotdogs?!?! That's a win-win in my book.
September 18, 2024Sep 18 38 minutes ago, TIm said: We get a tall building AND hotdogs?!?! That's a win-win in my book. Particularly a taller building in an area that can really use it!! Very happy about this!
September 18, 2024Sep 18 2 hours ago, Gnoraa said: Particularly a taller building in an area that can really use it!! Very happy about this! I wonder how easy it would be to get a hotdog downstairs and then consume it on the roof.
September 18, 2024Sep 18 28 minutes ago, TIm said: I wonder how easy it would be to get a hotdog downstairs and then consume it on the roof.
September 19, 2024Sep 19 18 hours ago, Pablo said: Is this to launch the hotdogs up to me on the roof or to launch me with my hotdogs onto the roof? Either is fine.
September 20, 2024Sep 20 Proposed Tower Grows to 24 Stories, Dirty Frank’s Building to Remain Plans for a large tower near the intersection of East Rich and South Fourth Streets have been tweaked once again and will be presented to the Downtown Commission next week. Last year, local developer Bluestone Brothers proposed a 19-story, 180-unit building on the site. In July, a second iteration of the design called for a 23-story, 290-unit building on an expanded footprint, meaning that the existing buildings holding Dirty Frank’s and 16-Bit Bar+Arcade would both be demolished to make way for added commercial space. Commissioners advocated for preserving the buildings, and this month the developer is back with a design that keeps them intact. The new proposal calls for a tower that has less commercial space but is one story taller, so the total number of residential units stays the same (290). The size of the parking garage decreased slightly from the previous proposal (from 347 spaces to 327). Another change made in response to feedback from the commission is concerning plans for the three-story building at 232 S. Fourth St. The existing building will still be torn down, but instead of open park space, a new concept is being presented this month that proposes building a two-story metal and glass structure that would extend to the corner. https://columbusunderground.com/proposed-tower-grows-to-24-stories-dirty-franks-building-to-remain-bw1/ Edited September 20, 2024Sep 20 by CbusG
September 20, 2024Sep 20 13 minutes ago, CbusG said: Proposed Tower Grows to 24 Stories, Dirty Frank’s Building to Remain Plans for a large tower near the intersection of East Rich and South Fourth Streets have been tweaked once again and will be presented to the Downtown Commission next week. Last year, local developer Bluestone Brothers proposed a 19-story, 180-unit building on the site. In July, a second iteration of the design called for a 23-story, 290-unit building on an expanded footprint, meaning that the existing buildings holding Dirty Frank’s and 16-Bit Bar+Arcade would both be demolished to make way for added commercial space. Commissioners advocated for preserving the buildings, and this month the developer is back with a design that keeps them intact. The new proposal calls for a tower that has less commercial space but is one story taller, so the total number of residential units stays the same (290). The size of the parking garage decreased slightly from the previous proposal (from 347 spaces to 327). Another change made in response to feedback from the commission is concerning plans for the three-story building at 232 S. Fourth St. The existing building will still be torn down, but instead of open park space, a new concept is being presented this month that proposes building a two-story metal and glass structure that would extend to the corner. https://columbusunderground.com/proposed-tower-grows-to-24-stories-dirty-franks-building-to-remain-bw1/ This is better. However, the main structure is still a giant box with no depth or detail. Furthermore, the front facade needs broken up. I like the design on the corner but that shouldn't continue to the actual main structure. It needs variation. They need to continue to move back to the original design details.
September 20, 2024Sep 20 1 hour ago, columbus17 said: This is better. However, the main structure is still a giant box with no depth or detail. Furthermore, the front facade needs broken up. I like the design on the corner but that shouldn't continue to the actual main structure. It needs variation. They need to continue to move back to the original design details. I personally think the new extension is a huge improvement, and the 4th street buildings all remain except for the small end unit (which I thought looked out of place compared to the other structures). The height even increased to 24 stories! yes, the building is still a giant box, but I still say proceed.
September 20, 2024Sep 20 28 minutes ago, KyleofColumbus said: I personally think the new extension is a huge improvement, and the 4th street buildings all remain except for the small end unit (which I thought looked out of place compared to the other structures). The height even increased to 24 stories! yes, the building is still a giant box, but I still say proceed. I agree, it could be better but it doesn’t look bad and if we get a 24 story downtown this will be a huge win. it kind of gives me 711 N High vibes, just on a bigger scale.
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