The building at least initially was probably a lively hub of activity, with a bowling alley, theaters, multiple restaurants, etc - way before the Lennox was even contemplated

 

But the Drake's days have long been numbered, as the University really let it go to seed since at least the late 90s. It's only a matter of time before the Towers meet the same fate

 

Edited November 9, 20231 yr by NW24HX

5 minutes ago, NW24HX said:

The building at least initially was probably a lively hub of activity, with a bowling alley, theaters, multiple restaurants, etc - way before the Lennox was even contemplated

 

But the Drake's days have long been numbered, as the University really let it go to seed since at least the late 90s. It's only a matter of time before the Towers meet the same fate

 

They need to reclad and gut the towers. But they're a great part of the skyline - just needs more glass.

15 minutes ago, columbus17 said:

They need to reclad and gut the towers. But they're a great part of the skyline - just needs more glass.

 

I agree competely! But I'm not convinced the University feels the same

 

13 minutes ago, NW24HX said:

 

I agree competely! But I'm not convinced the University feels the same

 

Pretty sure they are already planned to come down. I feel I read that in this thread. I don’t think there was a date or anything, but it’s in the plans. 

12 hours ago, VintageLife said:

Pretty sure they are already planned to come down. I feel I read that in this thread. I don’t think there was a date or anything, but it’s in the plans. 

Per the Framework 3.0 plan, more dorms will be added to the south dorms area along W. 11th There are other spots too. Once they have the housing the towers will come down.

 

Just now, Pablo said:

Per the Framework 3.0 plan, more dorms will be added to the south dorms area along W. 11th There are other spots too. Once they have the housing the towers will come down.

 

That’s what I thought. I think they should replace the towers with a 15+ story very dense building with some ground floor stuff. Seems like way too big of a spade to leave empty or use as athletic fields. 

But OSU does need more intramural fields since Carmentonville will eat up all of West Campus

The towers don't fit in to the long term plan. They serve a purpose visually and that's about it. Modern campus life I'd driving OSU to rethink towers in an isolated part of campus and push residential to High, Lane, and south campus where university and private development will lead to more vibrant residential districts. I've said it before, even renovated, the function of high density residential towers away from restaurants, bars, stores, etc is dwindling quickly. I support renovations in to other purposes perhaps but what is the demand for that much other space. Maybe a hotel but even then, is that viable?

 

Fun aside. OSU has a ton of empty rooms this year. Not beds. Rooms.  As in enough that they could mothball at least one full residential building this academic year, potentially up to two. There are a number of factors but still mind boggling to learn. 

Edited November 9, 20231 yr by DTCL11

19 minutes ago, DTCL11 said:

The towers don't fit in to the long term plan. They serve a purpose visually and that's about it. Modern campus life I'd driving OSU to rethink towers in an isolated part of campus and push residential to High, Lane, and south campus where university and private development will lead to more vibrant residential districts. I've said it before, even renovated, the function of high density residential towers away from restaurants, bars, stores, etc is dwindling quickly. I support renovations in to other purposes perhaps but what is the demand for that much other space. Maybe a hotel but even then, is that viable?

 

Fun aside. OSU has a ton of empty rooms this year. Not beds. Rooms.  As in enough that they could mothball at least one full residential building this academic year, potentially up to two. There are a number of factors but still mind boggling to learn. 

Replacing them with a decent sized hotel would actually probably be really smart. How many OSU fans would love to stay that close to the Shoe. The Blackwell seems to fill up pretty quickly during football season, so I’m sure another one would have no problem. 

Or you could turn the towers into Ohio's first Yotel.  The rooms are of similar size.

 

8 minutes ago, VintageLife said:

Replacing them with a decent sized hotel would actually probably be really smart. How many OSU fans would love to stay that close to the Shoe. The Blackwell seems to fill up pretty quickly during football season, so I’m sure another one would have no problem. 

 

That would actually be a great idea. It might be impossible to make it work financially, due to the extensive renovations that would be needed, but if you could make it work it could result in a really cool hotel. 

38 minutes ago, VintageLife said:

Replacing them with a decent sized hotel would actually probably be really smart. How many OSU fans would love to stay that close to the Shoe. The Blackwell seems to fill up pretty quickly during football season, so I’m sure another one would have no problem. 

You mean you don't want to stay at the Red Roof Inn on the other side of the river?!

2 hours ago, TIm said:

You mean you don't want to stay at the Red Roof Inn on the other side of the river?!

I’m actually surprised by the lack of hotels actually on campus. Seems like you would get fans and students visiting willing to stay in them. 

2 hours ago, VintageLife said:

I’m actually surprised by the lack of hotels actually on campus. Seems like you would get fans and students visiting willing to stay in them. 

They get to stay on the ones on Lane Avenue... in Upper Arlington. And then walk lol.

Don't forget that OSU still has plans for a hotel at 15th + High, which hopefully we hear more about soon ... 

10 hours ago, cbussoccer said:

 

That would actually be a great idea. It might be impossible to make it work financially, due to the extensive renovations that would be needed, but if you could make it work it could result in a really cool hotel. 

I meant an entire new building. Not renovating the towers. They would have to spend insane amounts of money to make those hotel worthy.

What are the Towers like inside anyway? As in do they lend themselves to another use without jackhammering a bunch of concrete? I haven't been in most OSU buildings... I've spent the most time in the Shoe and coincidentally The Drake.

4 minutes ago, GCrites said:

What are the Towers like inside anyway? As in do they lend themselves to another use without jackhammering a bunch of concrete? I haven't been in most OSU buildings... I've spent the most time in the Shoe and coincidentally The Drake.

 

Here is a YouTube link from 2021 

 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=f57cJncmCzQ

OK, so they wouldn't have to jackhammer each wall in the living spaces for example since it's done with drywall rather than CMUs or laminated block like in a lot of college structures from that era. Discretion was the better part of valor in a time when it was often lacking in university construction (around Vietnam).

12 hours ago, VintageLife said:

I meant an entire new building. Not renovating the towers. They would have to spend insane amounts of money to make those hotel worthy.

 

Or just turn it into a Knights Inn and call it a day.

21 hours ago, VintageLife said:

I’m actually surprised by the lack of hotels actually on campus. Seems like you would get fans and students visiting willing to stay in them. 

 

Campus Hotels are difficult. Let alone multiple. Sure there's demand for some sporting events, graduation, etc, but that's not usually enough to sustain them. If univerosty demand enough was enough to sustain it, the Blackwell wouldn't need tomarket for hosting non-university related events like weddings, conferences, etc. But they need that to fill the gaps. Many campus hotels cost more to run than the revenue generated. So having one successful hotel is great, pushing for more than that might be pushing luck. There were once large hotels on Lane already that investment and continued operation wasn't feasible and I'm sure by now other hotel operators and or developers would have scooped up property and started one. It's also likely a factor in the slow walk for the 15th St hotel. If the demand was hot, it would be a higher priority but my guess is they want it, but can live without it while they wait out to see if it's worth building while construction costs are high. 

I've got a term for the disadvantages of doing business around campuses. It's called "No Christmas".

 

Ohio State, Honda announce advanced battery center partnership for research, job training

 

"Ohio State University's Carmenton innovation district is adding a new research and development center dedicated to battery cells.

 

Backed by $15 million from Honda, Ohio State University announced on Monday that it will build a new center to advance battery cell research and development meant to also serve as a training hub for students and workers.

 

The project will include the renovation of a 25,000-square-foot facility in Ohio State's innovation district at 1305 Kinnear Rd. It is scheduled to open in April 2025.

 

For Honda, the creation of the center continues its work to transform Ohio into a hub for manufacturing its electric vehicles.

 

The project has secured $22 million in commitments to date, including $4.5 million in federal funding.

 

The center will serve as a hub for academic and industry connections across chemical and physical sciences, engineering, business and policy."

 

https://www.dispatch.com/story/business/manufacturing/2023/11/13/honda-commits-15-million-for-ohio-state-battery-cell-research-center/71566324007/

 

 

For what it's worth, as an OSU student, I've never met anyone who had a good experience in the Towers (besides saying the shared struggle builds character/friendship lol) - They're an outdated relic of misguided 1960s era urban planning. They're incredibly far away from campus and even though the buildings look cool from a brutalism perspective (and from giving the campus a mini-skyline), they're just functionally obsolete going forward. The North and South residential areas are so much better places to live from a planning standpoint. They're super vibrant, have great access to greenspace, classroom buildings, restaurants, gyms, and other amenities. In fact I'd say they're models for what colleges (or cities in general) everywhere should be doing. It makes perfect sense to me that the university would want to just expand those residential districts even if there's some sentimental value in the Towers. 

10 hours ago, Dblcut3 said:

For what it's worth, as an OSU student, I've never met anyone who had a good experience in the Towers (besides saying the shared struggle builds character/friendship lol) - They're an outdated relic of misguided 1960s era urban planning. They're incredibly far away from campus and even though the buildings look cool from a brutalism perspective (and from giving the campus a mini-skyline), they're just functionally obsolete going forward. The North and South residential areas are so much better places to live from a planning standpoint. They're super vibrant, have great access to greenspace, classroom buildings, restaurants, gyms, and other amenities. In fact I'd say they're models for what colleges (or cities in general) everywhere should be doing. It makes perfect sense to me that the university would want to just expand those residential districts even if there's some sentimental value in the Towers. 

Wouldn't mind seeing a conversion -  someone could definitely use the space.

Interesting news for Columbus sports. Ohio Stadium winterization - primarily for hosting a potential playoff game in the new format - could finally open the door for a CBJ Winter Classic. I'm not sure what the cost to winterize the Shoe would be, but a Winter Classic and/or round of 12 CFB playoff game would certainly cover the cost.
 

 

34 minutes ago, NorthShore647 said:

Interesting news for Columbus sports. Ohio Stadium winterization - primarily for hosting a potential playoff game in the new format - could finally open the door for a CBJ Winter Classic. I'm not sure what the cost to winterize the Shoe would be, but a Winter Classic and/or round of 12 CFB playoff game would certainly cover the cost.
 

 

I’m sure the football program makes enough that they could cover the cost with no extra games. Would love for this to finally happen, hockey at the shoe would most likely be a sell out. 

8 hours ago, NorthShore647 said:

Interesting news for Columbus sports. Ohio Stadium winterization - primarily for hosting a potential playoff game in the new format - could finally open the door for a CBJ Winter Classic. I'm not sure what the cost to winterize the Shoe would be, but a Winter Classic and/or round of 12 CFB playoff game would certainly cover the cost.
 

 

So like, enclosing it? Covering the roof?

21 minutes ago, columbus17 said:

So like, enclosing it? Covering the roof?

 

It would be more about making sure the mechanicals can function in the winter. Many concessions, restrooms, etc likely have their water shut off during the winter to prevent burst pipes.

27 minutes ago, columbus17 said:

So like, enclosing it? Covering the roof?

 

No, doing things like insulating water pipes and other utilities, I believe. The stadium essentially gets turned off after the last game of the season because most utilities aren't insulated. Water pipes would burst all over the place if they attempted to host a CBJ game in January because most areas aren't insulated.

1 hour ago, cbussoccer said:

 

No, doing things like insulating water pipes and other utilities, I believe. The stadium essentially gets turned off after the last game of the season because most utilities aren't insulated. Water pipes would burst all over the place if they attempted to host a CBJ game in January because most areas aren't insulated.

Ah that makes much more sense - I know they did some structural improvements recently as well, so it's not off the realm of possibilities.

Interesting nugget of info here, unfortunately the meeting has already happened... Maybe we'll see an article pop up in the near future

 

Notice of Public Meeting Monday, November 13, 2023

 

Marker Investments has recently acquired properties previously owned by Hometeam Properties. As Marker Investments partners with Harbor Bay Ventures to consider development opportunities around West 9th and North High Street, Harbor Bay Ventures is interested in learning more about the surrounding neighborhoods and neighbors’ views. This is a conversation to share ideas.

 

https://universityarea.org/2023/11/public-notice-of-meeting-to-be-held-november-11-2023-from-6-8pm-at-cml-northside-branch/

 

I've been hoping Harbor Bay would pop up here. They're a Chicago developer who specialize in mass timber construction, and recently completed the Intro project in Cleveland

 

https://harbor-bay.com/projects/projects-intro/

 

Anyone else heard anything?

 

Or have some time to troll the Auditor's site to see which properties Hometeam owns around 9th/High?

 

Edited November 15, 20231 yr by NW24HX

1 hour ago, NW24HX said:

Interesting nugget of info here, unfortunately the meeting has already happened... Maybe we'll see an article pop up in the near future

 

Notice of Public Meeting Monday, November 13, 2023

 

Marker Investments has recently acquired properties previously owned by Hometeam Properties. As Marker Investments partners with Harbor Bay Ventures to consider development opportunities around West 9th and North High Street, Harbor Bay Ventures is interested in learning more about the surrounding neighborhoods and neighbors’ views. This is a conversation to share ideas.

 

https://universityarea.org/2023/11/public-notice-of-meeting-to-be-held-november-11-2023-from-6-8pm-at-cml-northside-branch/

 

I've been hoping Harbor Bay would pop up here. They're a Chicago developer who specialize in mass timber construction, and recently completed the Intro project in Cleveland

 

https://harbor-bay.com/projects/projects-intro/

 

Anyone else heard anything?

 

Or have some time to troll the Auditor's site to see which properties Hometeam owns around 9th/High?

 

Won't be tall I can bet - probably student housing.

Edited November 16, 20231 yr by columbus17

The issue comes in the fact that Hometeam manages most of properties on this block but only owns a couple plots, mostly mid century apartment buildings. They own more further west than this as well. The question then becomes whether or not they are also going to be able to collect more properties. But they also manage many of the historic homes that would be a shame to see go. There's definitely opportunity for Pavey type development but getting to know the neighbors and the opinions may be more than they expect if they get Pavey and High/Lane type opposition.

 

 

Edited November 16, 20231 yr by DTCL11

This months renderings for Up Campus at 16th 

 

 

I didn't hate the prior version but hopefully turning the east bump out in to a gable roof mimicking and scaling up from the neighboring property will help appease the commission. 

8 minutes ago, DTCL11 said:

I didn't hate the prior version but hopefully turning the east bump out in to a gable roof mimicking and scaling up from the neighboring property will help appease the commission. 

I think this looks really bad, but yeah one of the commissioners was complaining that the height on that side wouldn’t work because of the house.
I think people forget that these are college kids and they don’t really care about that stuff. They live in a city and walk most places, they could care less if there is a 6 story building next to their 3 story rental. 

Did they just leave out half the windows? That's a whole lot of blank wall. 

13 minutes ago, jonoh81 said:

Did they just leave out half the windows? That's a whole lot of blank wall. 

 

Just trying to keep in the neighborhood architectural precedent Lincoln and Morril set before they are gone.

Edited November 16, 20231 yr by DTCL11

38 minutes ago, DTCL11 said:

 

Just trying to keep in the neighborhood architectural precedent Lincoln and Morril set before they are gone.

I hate admitting it but I really like those towers. They have a star wars vibe. I just want the tan to be replaced by glass and we're good. Would be a great drees replacement - compsci people are pretty antisocial.

 

Found a few pictures of Phase 2 of the Cannon Drive Relocation.  These are from the end of September 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was just checking the webcam at the Drake.  From what I could tell in the dark, it looked like the tallest part of the building is gone!

22 minutes ago, Luvcbus said:

 

Found a few pictures of Phase 2 of the Cannon Drive Relocation.  These are from the end of September 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was just checking the webcam at the Drake.  From what I could tell in the dark, it looked like the tallest part of the building is gone!

That was fast - it was there this morning! Still upset knowing they had no reason to raze it. The stadium is starting to become an awkward, isolated part of campus and I'm not a fan. The whole cannon project is really getting on my nerves in general - I think they're dropping the ball majorly on doing this one right.

6 hours ago, columbus17 said:

That was fast - it was there this morning! Still upset knowing they had no reason to raze it. The stadium is starting to become an awkward, isolated part of campus and I'm not a fan. The whole cannon project is really getting on my nerves in general - I think they're dropping the ball majorly on doing this one right.

I think they are pretty limited on what they can do because it is a flood wall. I have no idea but I would think the army corps of engineers did this, didn’t they? 
 

I get wanting to save these buildings and it sounds like the Drake was pretty amazing back in the day. Like the other poster said, these buildings are really far off the beaten path of what students do. They are just in awkward areas now and probably would be best used for natural greenery now. 
 

i personably like the relocation and it sucks that so many mature trees are gone, but it will look really good once it’s done and grown in. 

9 hours ago, Luvcbus said:

From what I could tell in the dark, it looked like the tallest part of the building is gone

 

*Just checked the webcam again, now that it's light outside...  The tallest part of the building is currently being tore down but it's not completely gone yet

 

West Campus Natural Gas Power Plant 

 

From 315N

 

 

On 11/15/2023 at 12:09 AM, VintageLife said:

I’m sure the football program makes enough that they could cover the cost with no extra games. Would love for this to finally happen, hockey at the shoe would most likely be a sell out. 

The football program literally makes enough money for all other OSU athletic programs (except Men's basketball) to operate at a loss. Men's basketball turns a slight profit and football rakes in 10s (100s?) of millions.

45 minutes ago, TIm said:

The football program literally makes enough money for all other OSU athletic programs (except Men's basketball) to operate at a loss. Men's basketball turns a slight profit and football rakes in 10s (100s?) of millions.

They reported a net profit of $40 million or something and $109 million in revenue. Men’s basketball and the wrestling program brought in over $1 million. Not sure if that means combined or each. 

I'll be curious to see what else OSU has in mind. Assuming it is a potentially costly endeavor to make the stadium useful year round, I'm fairly certain they wouldn't consider such an expensive endeavor for the sole purpose of hosting a single exhibition game of an unaffiliated team. Other teams use baseball stadiums for the same purpose and I'm sure Huntington could also be used or even the new Crew Stadium.  They aren't aiming for 100,000 or even half that for a hockey game. Huntington and Crew can easily hold a reasonable crowd.  There's SURELY more to this than a single NHL game, right? Or a playoff game? Concerts? Or....

 

To my knowledge, the Browns have not announced where they intend to play while their stadium in Cleveland is out of commission 2026-2028. Watch that space for potential influence. 

 

 

 

 

Edited November 17, 20231 yr by DTCL11

19 minutes ago, DTCL11 said:

I'll be curious to see what else OSU has in mind. Assuming it is a potentially costly endeavor to make the stadium useful year round, I'm fairly certain they wouldn't consider such an expensive endeavor for the sole purpose of hosting a single exhibition game of an unaffiliated team. Other teams use baseball stadiums for the same purpose and I'm sure Huntington could also be used or even the new Crew Stadium.  They aren't aiming for 100,000 or even half that for a hockey game. Huntington and Crew can easily hold a reasonable crowd.  There's SURELY more to this than a single NHL game, right? Or a playoff game? Concerts? Or....

 

To my knowledge, the Browns have not announced where they intend to play while their stadium in Cleveland is out of commission 2026-2028. Watch that space for potential influence. 

 

 

 

 

They very much could sell out for nhl games. They have sold out Michigan stadium for hockey matches before. Once for Michigan vs Michigan State and then for a red wings vs maple leafs match 

19 minutes ago, VintageLife said:

They very much could sell out for nhl games. They have sold out Michigan stadium for hockey matches before. Once for Michigan vs Michigan State and then for a red wings vs maple leafs match 

 

That seems insane to me for hockey, especially in Central Ohio but I guess if they build it, they will come. More power to them. But still think they want more. 

 

Honestly, I want more. Winterize it. Reclad it. Light it up with dynamic lighting. Redo and expand the main plaza if not more of the lots as well. Bring in some really innovative developer and design minds to make it more than what it is. Especially with the money they have, they really can start thinking about large scale modernization inside and out. Not just a piecemeal approach they have had for decades.  But I get it. They don't *need* to because there's enough fans that don't care about that stuff and they rest on that handily selling out. 

Edited November 17, 20231 yr by DTCL11