Well, this is unexpected: 8 story hotel proposed for 8th and High.

 

 

 

 

http://www.columbusunderground.com/eight-story-hotel-proposed-for-eighth-and-high

Wow! Love it!

 

Hope it can be approved quickly with very little tweaking by the University area commissions.

Love all the hotels popping up on High.  Always wondered why they weren't there and now they're coming in force!  Very cool, people will finally be able to stay in the best parts of Columbus

Yeah, it's about time campus area had more than one "walkable" hotel and not out on Olentangy.

:x

 

Ohio State now considering recreation fields on site of St. John Arena

 

 

Though safe from the wrecking ball for now, St. John Arena could someday become the site of a large recreation area for Ohio State University students.

 

More below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2016/11/18/ohio-state-now-considering-intramural-fields-on.html

^ There's already Fred Beakman Park, which is positively enormous. Hard to believe they need more space for intramurals.

Yeah, it's about time campus area had more than one "walkable" hotel and not out on Olentangy.

 

Hehehe, "we gotta put these motels way out here on a 4-lane next to a Bob Evans or Ponderosa so that students' families can feel normal".

Graphic from a recent article about construction projects on the OSU Campus:

 

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2016/11/17/ohio-state-stresses-planning-as-1-billion-plus-spent-for-new-buildings-renovations.html

 

Target’s smaller ‘urban’ store at Ohio State to include CVS and Starbucks

 

 

The small, urban-format Target store coming to the Ohio State University campus area will include a Starbucks and CVS, according to the developer’s latest plans.

 

Edwards Cos. President Ryan Szymanski confirmed the six-story Wellington apartment complex at High Street and 16th Avenue will incorporate the trio of national merchants as part of 46,000 square feet of street-level retail.

 

More below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2017/01/13/target-s-smaller-urban-store-at-ohio-state-to.html

Ohio State could build another 1M square feet under ambitious new master plan

 

 

Ohio State University could see 1 million square feet of new space as the school embarks on its latest long-term makeover.

 

Next week trustees are expected to approve its Framework 2.0 plan after more than a year of discussions.

 

More below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2017/01/19/ohio-state-could-build-another-1m-square-feet.html

Off-campus building along High Street set for partial demolition to add parking

 

 

More than 4,100 unused square feet of the rear of the building, near High Street and West 18th Avenue, will be demolished.

 

More below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2016/09/12/off-campus-building-along-high-street-set-for.html

 

Is this approved??

^ I think so. But it's not removing a significant part of the building or anything that is visible from High St, just some unused space in the back.

 

Evolved has taken over the 2nd floor from Used Kids, and PNC is actively working on the old Tom+Chee space for their relocated branch.

Ohio State planning 450-unit apartment complex on west campus

 

 

The university's planning and real estate seeks developer to build on 10 acres on the northeast corner of Kenny Road and Woody Hayes Drive – and it must be cheaper than competitors.

 

More below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2017/01/24/ohio-state-planning-450-unit-apartment-complex-on.html

Seven Ohio State-area buildings set for demolition for 15th and High project

 

 

It could be a big month for the 15th and High project.

 

More below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2017/01/30/seven-ohio-state-area-buildings-set-for-demolition.html

Tower crane being erected at Lane and High. My commute to work on High St. is a gauntlet of construction barriers (I'm not complaining). Maybe someday Columbus contractors will learn to build a structure without taking a lane.

 

I'm going to recommend that the Dispatch do a story about how intrusive construction is in Columbus compared to other cities. Clevelanders and Cincinnatians: Does every five-story mixed-use project in your neighborhoods take over not only the sidewalk, but also a full lane or more of the street for a year or so?

Day two of the crane installation - check out the three workers at the very tip of the partially assembled crane - you couldn't pay me enough to go up there....

 

What's next for High? An Alfa Romeo dealership? Tiffany's or Gucci? How about a Burberry?

 

Watching the gentrification of the neighborhood is depressing to me. I was fortunate to be able to go to OSU when I did. Looks like community college is where kids with little means go to get an education now. Where do kids with limited means live? Hilliard? Assistance only goes so far unless you are very poor or are talented enough to get a great scholarship.

 

Anyway, it is what it is. Carry on, not trying to move the thread off it's subject.

I think OSU gets so many applications from rural parts of the state that it gets to get away with it. The rural areas are really emptying out and OSU provides the perfect launchpad for a life in Columbus which has jobs.

Watching the gentrification of the neighborhood is depressing to me. I was fortunate to be able to go to OSU when I did. Looks like community college is where kids with little means go to get an education now. Where do kids with limited means live? Hilliard? Assistance only goes so far unless you a very poor or are talented enough to get a great scholarship.

 

There is certainly a good amount of higher end/higher cost housing being constructed around OSU, but very little of it is replacing more affordable housing options. Much of the development has been along commercial corridors or on underutilized property. I do not have any data, but my gut would suggest that the 1960's and 70's era apartment buildings are less demanded with this new product, thus creating a more affordable housing option just a block off of High or Lane.

Very little remains of my mid-70s OSU world: Buckeye Donuts, Apollo's gyros, Library, Mama's, Bier Stube. Used Kids and Johnny Go's House o' Music trace their lineage, respectively to Schoolkids and Mole's Record Exchange, but Johnny Go's has been tractored out and Used Kids moved to 4th and Hudson. (The loss of record stores from a campus strip is like a canary in the coal mine for the vibrancy and authenticity that students need.) Larry's, one of the all-time great bars, disappeared a few years back. At least the Dube and Dick's Den still thrive.

 

wow now bernies? bernies???!! now that is really...oh boy. mamas. longs. and you say larrys has been gone too? geez.

 

well, this new build really has a high low bar to pass. ha.

 

please tell me the out-r-inn is still there and ok???

 

 

Watching the gentrification of the neighborhood is depressing to me. I was fortunate to be able to go to OSU when I did. Looks like community college is where kids with little means go to get an education now. Where do kids with limited means live? Hilliard? Assistance only goes so far unless you a very poor or are talented enough to get a great scholarship.

 

There is certainly a good amount of higher end/higher cost housing being constructed around OSU, but very little of it is replacing more affordable housing options. Much of the development has been along commercial corridors or on underutilized property. I do not have any data, but my gut would suggest that the 1960's and 70's era apartment buildings are less demanded with this new product, thus creating a more affordable housing option just a block off of High or Lane.

,

 

Are college students going to move into some of these new places? I do wonder about that.

 

I just hope the ground retail isn't just Starbucks and other bland national chains. What made High St. so unique could disappear quite quickly this decade.

Please tell me the out-r-inn is still there and ok???

 

Thankfully the Library and Out-R-Inn are still there and going strong.

 

I do the Cancer Crawl every year and this year they are offering a second crawl in the Short North due to the lack of bars on campus now.

please tell me the out-r-inn is still there and ok???

 

Out-R-Inn still thrives. And, despite the many losses, there still are many places to imbibe all the way from the Dube to the Stube.

^^College students are like 80% nerds now so there's not as much need for bars.

Day two of the crane installation - check out the three workers at the very tip of the partially assembled crane - you couldn't pay me enough to go up there....

 

 

Cranes are popping up all up and down High Street!

^^College students are like 80% nerds now so there's not as much need for bars.

 

I disagree. I think it has to do with a demographic shift towards kids with parents that earn more money, especially students from China. Many want nice new places and complete segregation of classes, just like home. One way to get rid of the unwashed masses is to build new places that cater to the upper class only. I see this off campus development trend happening at more American colleges than just OSU. Affordable apartments are disappearing everywhere. It's a bit disturbing to me.

 

Looking at it another way: The student population is roughly the same as when I went there in the 1990s yet there is a lot of new housing being built even while most of the older stock remains. The new apartments can't be just for students. Parents from Asia will buy some of those apartments so they can have a place to stay to visit and monitor their children. They'll be investment properties and as this trend expands it's killing the American college campus scene.

I didn't think of the international student angle.

International students do tend to be some of the biggest spenders.  Going to college in America is actually a mark of prestige in many countries around the world, including other Western countries but especially including East Asian and Middle Eastern countries, and the financial elite of those countries will very frequently send their children to American institutions, and not just the Ivies.

 

That said, Columbus is still simply a growing city and OSU's campus as recently as when I was there from 2000-2004 really did have a surprisingly sprawling feel, especially on west campus.  Meanwhile, High Street is in high demand basically from Worthington all the way to south of German Village.  Campus just happens to be part of that picture.

 

It's hard to build new affordable housing in any market, let alone a high-demand urban center.  But building new midrange and high-end housing can at least help mitigate what would otherwise be larger rent increases with existing housing.

International students do tend to be some of the biggest spenders.  Going to college in America is actually a mark of prestige in many countries around the world, including other Western countries but especially including East Asian and Middle Eastern countries, and the financial elite of those countries will very frequently send their children to American institutions, and not just the Ivies.

 

That said, Columbus is still simply a growing city and OSU's campus as recently as when I was there from 2000-2004 really did have a surprisingly sprawling feel, especially on west campus.  Meanwhile, High Street is in high demand basically from Worthington all the way to south of German Village.  Campus just happens to be part of that picture.

 

It's hard to build new affordable housing in any market, let alone a high-demand urban center.  But building new midrange and high-end housing can at least help mitigate what would otherwise be larger rent increases with existing housing.

 

It's just not factual to believe the existing older housing can ever command the rent these new apartments will. The developers are catering to a different level of clientele and will force poorer students who can't afford to live on campus to move further away.

 

OSU is a giant land grant college which used to have an active campus scene right across the street. The gentrification of this neighborhood will kill that, it already has towards south campus. Kids go all the way to Clintonville to have fun now. The only time anyone from OSU went to that area in the 90s was to hit the White Castle there along with the handful of over 21 bars. I think these new developments look great now but will be a mistake in the long term. I'll end my thoughts here, don't want to go off the reservation.

It's all about the taproom right now anyway.

International students do tend to be some of the biggest spenders.  Going to college in America is actually a mark of prestige in many countries around the world, including other Western countries but especially including East Asian and Middle Eastern countries, and the financial elite of those countries will very frequently send their children to American institutions, and not just the Ivies.

 

That said, Columbus is still simply a growing city and OSU's campus as recently as when I was there from 2000-2004 really did have a surprisingly sprawling feel, especially on west campus.  Meanwhile, High Street is in high demand basically from Worthington all the way to south of German Village.  Campus just happens to be part of that picture.

 

It's hard to build new affordable housing in any market, let alone a high-demand urban center.  But building new midrange and high-end housing can at least help mitigate what would otherwise be larger rent increases with existing housing.

 

It's just not factual to believe the existing older housing can ever command the rent these new apartments will. The developers are catering to a different level of clientele and will force poorer students who can't afford to live on campus to move further away.

 

I never implied that the existing older housing will command the rent that high-end new builds will.  Quite the opposite.  What I said was that the older housing would still have increased in price more than it actually has if there were not new supply coming on the market to absorb the higher end clientele, because then those people would still bid up the best available units and so on down the line.

 

OSU is a giant land grant college which used to have an active campus scene right across the street. The gentrification of this neighborhood will kill that, it already has towards south campus. Kids go all the way to Clintonville to have fun now. The only time anyone from OSU went to that area in the 90s was to hit the White Castle there along with the handful of over 21 bars. I think these new developments look great now but will be a mistake in the long term. I'll end my thoughts here, don't want to go off the reservation.

 

I think the hope (justifiable or not) is that neighborhoods like Weinland Park will start seeing more housing go to lower-income students as the overall campus footprint expands.

International students do tend to be some of the biggest spenders.  Going to college in America is actually a mark of prestige in many countries around the world, including other Western countries but especially including East Asian and Middle Eastern countries, and the financial elite of those countries will very frequently send their children to American institutions, and not just the Ivies.

 

That said, Columbus is still simply a growing city and OSU's campus as recently as when I was there from 2000-2004 really did have a surprisingly sprawling feel, especially on west campus.  Meanwhile, High Street is in high demand basically from Worthington all the way to south of German Village.  Campus just happens to be part of that picture.

 

It's hard to build new affordable housing in any market, let alone a high-demand urban center.  But building new midrange and high-end housing can at least help mitigate what would otherwise be larger rent increases with existing housing.

 

It's just not factual to believe the existing older housing can ever command the rent these new apartments will. The developers are catering to a different level of clientele and will force poorer students who can't afford to live on campus to move further away.

 

I never implied that the existing older housing will command the rent that high-end new builds will.  Quite the opposite.  What I said was that the older housing would still have increased in price more than it actually has if there were not new supply coming on the market to absorb the higher end clientele, because then those people would still bid up the best available units and so on down the line.

 

OSU is a giant land grant college which used to have an active campus scene right across the street. The gentrification of this neighborhood will kill that, it already has towards south campus. Kids go all the way to Clintonville to have fun now. The only time anyone from OSU went to that area in the 90s was to hit the White Castle there along with the handful of over 21 bars. I think these new developments look great now but will be a mistake in the long term. I'll end my thoughts here, don't want to go off the reservation.

 

I think the hope (justifiable or not) is that neighborhoods like Weinland Park will start seeing more housing go to lower-income students as the overall campus footprint expands.

 

The upscale clientele doesn't need to live right next to campus and probably many don't now but $$$$ are what drive these developments even if the cost is the uniqueness of OSU campus life. Nothing can be done about it now anyway, it's already happening.

I appreciate the feelings of nostalgia alumni have for their old dives, and I wish Campus Partners had been more mindful in saving the few actually historic structures faced with demolition - but much of the ongoing High St redevelopment is frankly long overdue IMHO. The new 15th/High plaza, urban Target, and hotels especially are much needed and will be assets to the entire university district community.

And on top of that, most of the off-campus housing is still quite cheap and sh!tty.  Any of the numbered streets heading towards Summit and Fourth will show you OSU still hasn't changed.  I do agree High Street's "gentrification" is troubling for alumni who miss the Larry's but as Gramarye pointed out, High Street is doing this from Worthington to the German Village. 

One thing that will lower rents of older housing is the sophomore dorm requirement.

The upscale clientele doesn't need to live right next to campus and probably many don't now but $$$$ are what drive these developments even if the cost is the uniqueness of OSU campus life. Nothing can be done about it now anyway, it's already happening.

 

One of the great things about being "upscale" is that you can sometimes splurge on more than you "need."  They probably don't also "need" many of the other amenities that these mixed-use and luxury residential buildings will come with, but they're willing and able to pay extra for them.  Capitalism.  America.  F*** yeah. :-P

It's not about missing Mean Mr. Mustard's.

 

High St. from Lane to 11th used to cater to students at OSU. Some of these new developments will not. The fact that we're comparing the off campus area to Worthington is somewhat making my point.

 

It's great there's still "shitty" off campus housing. I'm sure as this gentrification progresses of off High St. those areas will go too. BTW that housing is there because not all students have access to a trust fund.

It's not about missing Mean Mr. Mustard's.

 

High St. from Lane to 11th used to cater to students at OSU. Some of these new developments will not. The fact that we're comparing the off campus area to Worthington is somewhat making my point.

 

It's great there's still "shitty" off campus housing. I'm sure as this gentrification progresses of off High St. those areas will go too. BTW that housing is there because not all students have access to a trust fund.

 

Just an FYI, there has always been few housing ON High Street (it's been commercial forever).  You are incorrect regarding the type of businesses moving onto High Street as new bars, restaurants, and yes, even Target caters towards students.  They may not be Larry's or even No.1 Chinese (ugh), but they are still student-driven.  The reason Lennox exists is due to high student demand, which is being met 20ish years later along High Street.  If the store/bar/restaurant "doesn't make it" on High Street, it'll shut down and eventually turn into Gumby's Pizza or Larry's 2.0.  The retail/restaurant market will eventually correct itself.  My main concern with the "gentrification" of OSU's High Street is the loss of historic, unique buildings being replaced by generic brick yuppie boxes. 

 

Hell, I WISH there was a Waffle House on High Street when I went to OSU.

The biggest problem with the new development on High Street is that it's all the same. Consolidate a full block or more of real estate; justify the real-estate expense with something large and monolithic; build a boxy, 4-6 story mixed-use building with some bricks and some shiny stuff; charge rents and retail leases that are large enough to justify the cost of a big building, and too large for the average student on any mom-and-pop business.

 

Campus Partners should do what it has done with many residential parcels in Weinland Park: Issue an RFP for individual parcels and sell them to individuals or small-scale developers. Focus the whole thing on investment in the community, rather than merely invest in the real estate.

My main concern with the "gentrification" of OSU's High Street is the loss of historic, unique buildings being replaced by generic brick yuppie boxes.

 

This. I wish Edwards had restored the Wellington and incorporated it into the 16th and High project. I like seeing older buildings mixed in with new. I can certainly understand why some call this the "Eastonification" of High St. - a mono culture of block sized projects that all look about the same.

 

Demolition has begun on the block between 16th and 15th. The old Kinkos has been torn down along with apartments along 16th.

Campus Partners should do what it has done with many residential parcels in Weinland Park: Issue an RFP for individual parcels and sell them to individuals or mall-scale developers. Focus the whole thing on investment in the community, rather than merely invest in the real estate.

 

100% agreed.

This. I wish Edwards had restored the Wellington and incorporated it into the 16th and High project. I like seeing older buildings mixed in with new. I can certainly understand why some call this the "Eastonification" of High St. - a mono culture of block sized projects that all look about the same.

 

The Wellington was kind of a quintessential campus-strip building. I think it is the single greatest loss on High Street. My understanding is that the owners of the Wellington and the four-story former frat house behind it had been sitting on the buildings for years, letting them rot while while waiting for values to rise to the point they could make a killing. They got away with it because of anything-goes code-enforcement? Edwards did not buy the properties, but leased them for decades at an exorbitant rate. In a way, Edwards was victimized by unscrupulous landlords. Then again, they seemed willing to be victimized. and while Edwards has done some wonderful stuff downtown, the company's campus stuff is crap.

Ohio State updates developers on proposed 450-unit apartment complex (no Buckeye fandom required)

 

Good news for Ohio State University students interested in a proposed below-market-rate apartment complex: You don’t have to actually like the Buckeyes to reside there.

 

The university last month said it wants to hear from developers interested in building and operating 450 units on west campus. The deal would require rents be at least 25 percent below the going market rate for apartment complexes within 10 miles of the Columbus campus.

 

More below:

http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2017/02/27/ohio-state-updates-developers-on-proposed-450-unit.html

I took a walk yesterday in the 3 block construction zone between 7th and 9th. Lots to see:

 

7th and High - this huge excavation looks deep enough for 3 levels of underground parking.

 

 

The library is nearing completion.

 

Brick veneer is underway at Highline at 9th.

 

The Taco Bell site is now underconstruction - crews were preparing to work on foundations. Construction seen in the background is off of W 9th.

 

Recent renovations and new build off of High on W 9th.

 

 

Further north the elevated slab is being poured at Edwards' Wellington project

 

Excavation is underway at the "L" shaped building site at Lane and High

Pablo, you're awesome! Thanks for the great pics. I wonder if every project in the area is getting some sort of a deal with OSU to contribute their soil for the Cannon Drive project? Between the COSI parking garage and this massive hole, there's a considerable amount of dirt.

Great updates! Glad to see Taco Bell finally get underway

Further north the elevated slab is being poured at Edwards' Wellington project

 

Greatly appreciate these updates Pablo.  I noticed that your Wellington project construction photo (above) was almost exactly one month after CU's Walker posted this nearly the same angle photo at http://www.columbusunderground.com/construction-roundup-february-2017.  Walker's photo shows the underground parking level before it was covered.  Pablo's photo shows it being covered over by the ground floor slab:

 

^That's funny - what a coincidence!