13 minutes ago, Tiger57 said:

"He also said that the company believes that the initial 311 complaint was made by a disgruntled former employee." - Ha!

 

https://www.columbusunderground.com/more-discrepancies-found-between-finished-buildings-and-approved-plans-bw1

While it's not great that the city had no idea that the building didn't match the approved designs, it's good to see that they actually launched an investigation due to the 311 complaint.  Maybe they will pay more attention going forward.

21 minutes ago, Tiger57 said:

"He also said that the company believes that the initial 311 complaint was made by a disgruntled former employee." - Ha!

 

https://www.columbusunderground.com/more-discrepancies-found-between-finished-buildings-and-approved-plans-bw1

 

I do not believe for a second that LC did not know what they were doing and they were nothing more than "innocent mistakes". As stated in the article, these issues are present on the newest three of their downtown builds... this is a result of value engineering at its finest. I do appreciate that LC is taking *some* action to correct the issues, but its minimal at best. I would love the city to hold more developers accountable, maybe with loss of tax abatements or incentives if not built to spec. While the issue is not rampant, developers take notice of these things and the situation could snowball quickly.

 

Additionally, I still hate and will forever trash talk Crawford Hoying and their projects for the Cherry Street bait and switch. If you're reading this, you cheap a** principals at Crawford Hoying.... just know, I HATE THEE. Thats all.

 

Edited December 20, 20195 yr by DevolsDance

3 hours ago, DevolsDance said:

 

I do not believe for a second that LC did not know what they were doing and they were nothing more than "innocent mistakes". As stated in the article, these issues are present on the newest three of their downtown builds... this is a result of value engineering at its finest. I do appreciate that LC is taking *some* action to correct the issues, but its minimal at best. I would love the city to hold more developers accountable, maybe with loss of tax abatements or incentives if not built to spec. While the issue is not rampant, developers take notice of these things and the situation could snowball quickly.

 

Additionally, I still hate and will forever trash talk Crawford Hoying and their projects for the Cherry Street bait and switch. If you're reading this, you cheap a** principals at Crawford Hoying.... just know, I HATE THEE. Thats all.

 

 

Yeah, LC definitely was definitely hoping no one would notice.  You don't do it on 3 separate buildings and act like it wasn't intentional.  

CF isn't a big fan of mine after I trashed the Cherry Street development.  I think all these issues are related to developers not being held accountable by the Downtown Commission.  You're not seeing these same circumstances in other areas of the city.

I don't understand how they don't have someone drive around and compare completed developments to the approved renderings. It can't be that hard, don't these people work or at least meet downtown. There should be a strict policy on if you don't build what is approved then you automatically lose any tax abatements or TIFS and if you don't bring the building back in spec then you are fined. This is nonsense. I couldn't pay 50% of my state taxes then blame it on a new accountant. The fact that there's any negotiation is nonsense. If the city approved a certain design you don't get to avoid it and then try to spray paint some sh*tty mural as mitigation.  

 

To whoever submitted the 311 claim, you sir, are a hero. I'll try to pay more attention to these things myself moving forward so that I can follow in your footsteps. 

The Crawford Hoying project rose quickly. 
 

 

4 hours ago, Pablo said:

The Crawford Hoying project rose quickly. 
 

 

Probably because they only built it half as tall as they should have. 

That big gray wall behind it that was meant to covered is just so lovely

DGX Debuts Downtown

 

 

Columbus’ first DGX store has officially opened its doors Downtown, offering a mix between a traditional grocery store and a convenience store.

 

Occupying 6,200 square feet of space at 166 S. High St. at the Highpoint on Columbus Commons, the store is a growing brand under the Dollar General umbrella. With grab-and-go food items, fresh produce, a coffee station and more, the concept is aimed at urban shoppers.

 

More below:

https://www.columbusunderground.com/dgx-debuts-downtown-sp1

This is fantastic. Other than the rather surprising location, a much needed asset. I wonder if this will drive the downtown CVS to up their game or even go with the A Store Model with fresh ready to go foods, sushi, etc etc. 

 

That's one thing I've always thought about Millenial is how perfect it would be for the urban CVS or Walgreens (as an alternative to the standard suggestions of a Target or Trader Joe's) seen in other cities. 

3 hours ago, DTCL11 said:

That's one thing I've always thought about Millenial is how perfect it would be for the urban CVS or Walgreens (as an alternative to the standard suggestions of a Target or Trader Joe's) seen in other cities. 

I’m thinking a new urban Kroger (like the one they just built in Cincy next to the HQ) would be really nice. Unfortunately, they probably won’t want to do that given that they have the Brewery District location. 

I'm going to check out this place today! I didn't know it was open yet. I work very close to here so I'll walk over during my lunch break. Excited to check it out. And honestly, it might be my new go-to place to pick up some things on my way home from work before I catch the bus, depending on what they have. 

Edited January 17, 20205 yr by Zyrokai

11 hours ago, cbussoccer said:

I’m thinking a new urban Kroger (like the one they just built in Cincy next to the HQ) would be really nice. Unfortunately, they probably won’t want to do that given that they have the Brewery District location. 

If not Kroger, which I would prefer because I still have brand/state loyalty deep down, but perhaps one of the modified yet smaller 2 story models of Giant Eagle like the one they put in on Main St. in Bexley.  As the population grows in this area of town, I think that could be an awesome option perhaps.

^I read somewhere that Columbus is the largest city without a downtown Whole Foods. Indy has a nice one.

I can literally not see Columbus getting a downtown Whole Foods. At least not for another 10 years or more.

Edited January 17, 20205 yr by Zyrokai

58 minutes ago, Pablo said:

^I read somewhere that Columbus is the largest city without a downtown Whole Foods. Indy has a nice one.

 

Downtown Indy has a population approaching 30,000. Columbus is still sitting around half that. Another factor that helped them is they only had one in Indy prior in the affluent far north suburbs. Putting one downtown draws from a large portion of the city for Indy. 

 

I would agree with zyrokai that it will be a long time until Columbus sees a whole foods Downtown with already having 3, including one well inside the outer belt, a downtown whole foods is not going to draw as much. 

 

Population is the number one thing holding downtown back. Bringing up to 1000 units online each year is not going to bring a population boom downtown needs to get some amenities other cities have anytime soon. Columbus doesn't benefit from having started with 20k+ residents in old housing stock downtown in the 90s. There isn't a ton of room for population growth without a massive expansion and if we want to hit the 30k point generally seen as a tipping point anytime soon, we are going to need to see 2-3k units brought online annually. Otherwise, columbus will continue the steady climb and just have to be patient. But in all reality, the lack of historical housing stock as a base for the resurgence of downtown has been the biggest factor in Lower population numbers despite faster growth. 

Edited January 17, 20205 yr by DTCL11

12 minutes ago, DTCL11 said:

 

Downtown Indy has a population approaching 30,000. Columbus is still sitting around half that. Another factor that helped them is they only had one in Indy prior in the affluent far north suburbs. Putting one downtown draws from a large portion of the city for Indy. 

 

I would agree with zyrokai that it will be a long time until Columbus sees a whole foods Downtown with already having 3, including one well inside the outer belt, a downtown whole foods is not going to draw as much. 

 

Population is the number one thing holding downtown back. Bringing up to 1000 units online each year is not going to bring a population boom downtown needs to get some amenities other cities have anytime soon. Columbus doesn't benefit from having started with 20k+ residents in old housing stock downtown in the 90s. There isn't a ton of room for population growth without a massive expansion and if we want to hit the 30k point generally seen as a tipping point anytime soon, we are going to need to see 2-3k units brought online annually. Otherwise, columbus will continue the steady climb and just have to be patient. But in all reality, the lack of historical housing stock as a base for the resurgence of downtown has been the biggest factor in Lower population numbers despite faster growth. 

 

My argument would be to look at the populations of SN/VV/HW, German Village, OTE & now Franklinton.  Add those in with downtown because technically SN is our "Midtown" and we have a population that far exceeds the 30k mark.

Columbus and Indy are a bit different because Columbus has highly and densely populated neighborhoods with relatively high incomes just North and South of downtown in a way that Indy does not. We would be much more likely to see an urban Whole Foods or Giant Eagle or Kroger or something similar in a future development on one of the last remaining lots in the Short North or in a redevelopment of the old Giant Eagle site on Neil than we seeing one go in downtown. 

 

Our downtown area is just in an awkward point in its growth where the population is starting to become significant, but it still needs a major bump before one of these urban grocery stores will make the jump. 

1 minute ago, wpcc88 said:

 

My argument would be to look at the populations of SN/VV/HW, German Village, OTE & now Franklinton.  Add those in with downtown because technically SN is our "Midtown" and we have a population that far exceeds the 30k mark.

 

We might look at it that way but generally, corporations probably won't. And while the surrounding neighborhoods have the population and growing, counting on them to support a downtown amenity would also require building the parking infrastructure to support the commute. Goodness knows they could not count on Columbus transit to reduce parking if they are aiming for most if the business coming elsewhere. And while the 'core' might hit that mark, until downtown hits that mark on it's own, downtown won't feel hustling and bustling and probably won't for some time. And if downtown wants to have truly more urban amenities, corporations probably aren't going to be sold on the surrounding area idea, especially with grocery stores as moderately abundant as they are.  I'd be happy to pitch it to a company but also not surprised if they don't bite with the surrounding area argument until downtown hits it's own population target and can stand alone for support. Same reason campus has an urban target before anywhere else in the city. I agree with cbussoccer that such an amenity is likely to go to a denser spot before downtown right now with as relatively sparse downtown is for the time being. 

 

Then there is the flip side that what happens if one can be convinced, will that jump start more downtown development? It's a chicken and the egg scenario and I'm not sure the grocer is willing to play it. 

5 hours ago, DTCL11 said:

 

 

Then there is the flip side that what happens if one can be convinced, will that jump start more downtown development? It's a chicken and the egg scenario and I'm not sure the grocer is willing to play it. 

 

With them being tied into Amazon I wouldn’t be surprised if they did take that risk. The Indy one is essentially in their Short North, but not necessarily centrally located to ALL of their downtown population. And their transportation is no better than Columbus’. I think it would be smart to be built in the RiverSouth area because you would attract GV, OTE or even Bexley. Short North would still have the option of there or UA.

 

To get somewhat back on topic I love the idea of this DGX. I had read somewhere that some cities were banning Dollar Generals and the like from urban areas and food deserts. Love that they have these as an option.

Edited January 17, 20205 yr by wpcc88

From https://www.columbusunderground.com/construction-roundup-january-2020-we1

 

Part of the Matan development at the corner of Front & Main - viewed from Main Street:

Windows in at the Crawford Hoying "tower" (Fri. 2-7-20)

I'm not sure I can ever like this building no matter how meh it turns out. 

 

*Internal rage intensifies*

Wow! How about that ground floor reta..................

On 1/17/2020 at 2:24 PM, wpcc88 said:

 

With them being tied into Amazon I wouldn’t be surprised if they did take that risk. The Indy one is essentially in their Short North, but not necessarily centrally located to ALL of their downtown population. And their transportation is no better than Columbus’. I think it would be smart to be built in the RiverSouth area because you would attract GV, OTE or even Bexley. Short North would still have the option of there or UA.

 

To get somewhat back on topic I love the idea of this DGX. I had read somewhere that some cities were banning Dollar Generals and the like from urban areas and food deserts. Love that they have these as an option.

 

I'm sure all retailers are watching the DT DGX very closely.

The DGX is amazing. It's like so cheap and convenient, lol.

 

DGX was busy the 2 out of 3 times I've been in there, lol. I think CVS slowed down a lot because of it. I needed one thing from CVS that DGX didn't sell and CVS is usually busy but it wasn't when I went.

 

All anecdotal, of course. 

 

I also strongly believe that this will be the last grocery store for a very long time to go in downtown.

 

 

Edited February 8, 20205 yr by Zyrokai

There needs to be no or very little loss of business at the CVS for other retailers to say the DGX was a success. Otherwise it's a zero-sum game that no other retailers want to play.

On 1/17/2020 at 9:50 AM, DTCL11 said:

 

Downtown Indy has a population approaching 30,000. Columbus is still sitting around half that. Another factor that helped them is they only had one in Indy prior in the affluent far north suburbs. Putting one downtown draws from a large portion of the city for Indy. 

 

I would agree with zyrokai that it will be a long time until Columbus sees a whole foods Downtown with already having 3, including one well inside the outer belt, a downtown whole foods is not going to draw as much. 

 

Population is the number one thing holding downtown back. Bringing up to 1000 units online each year is not going to bring a population boom downtown needs to get some amenities other cities have anytime soon. Columbus doesn't benefit from having started with 20k+ residents in old housing stock downtown in the 90s. There isn't a ton of room for population growth without a massive expansion and if we want to hit the 30k point generally seen as a tipping point anytime soon, we are going to need to see 2-3k units brought online annually. Otherwise, columbus will continue the steady climb and just have to be patient. But in all reality, the lack of historical housing stock as a base for the resurgence of downtown has been the biggest factor in Lower population numbers despite faster growth. 

You have to be careful when comparing "downtown" populations as Indy has a downtown that is officially over 6 square miles!-compared to about 2 square miles for Columbus. Triple the size of downtown Columbus and I wonder what the population would be?

Just now, Toddguy said:

You have to be careful when comparing "downtown" populations as Indy has a downtown that is officially over 6 square miles!-compared to about 2 square miles for Columbus. Triple the size of downtown Columbus and I wonder what the population would be?

Had this conversation in another thread. If we had a similar sized downtown by miles, I feel like columbus would be bigger or extremely close to Indy in terms of population. 

1 minute ago, VintageLife said:

Had this conversation in another thread. If we had a similar sized downtown by miles, I feel like columbus would be bigger or extremely close to Indy in terms of population. 

We are at nearly ten thousand now in the 2 square miles of downtown. If we got to that 6 square miles that Indy has by adding a mile south to include German Village, and another 3 miles north up to nearly Lane avenue, I bet we would exceed 30,000 easily. 

 

Some of these demarcations are very arbitrary-just like city limits are and to a lesser extent, metro areas. I think urban area populations are fairly spot on compared to the rest.

10 minutes ago, Toddguy said:

Some of these demarcations are very arbitrary-just like city limits are 

 

Hey guys! Fun fact for ya: Did you know Columbus is the 15th largest city in the country?

 

I hate when people use city limits population numbers to compare cities. 

8 minutes ago, cbussoccer said:

 

Hey guys! Fun fact for ya: Did you know Columbus is the 15th largest city in the country?

 

I hate when people use city limits population numbers to compare cities. 

We are # number 14!!!  We passed San Francisco and became a larger city than San Francisco..(lol)..remember??  ?

9 minutes ago, Toddguy said:

We are # number 14!!!  We passed San Francisco and became a larger city than San Francisco..(lol)..remember??  ?

 

Oh yea, we left San Francisco in the dust!

From https://www.columbusunderground.com/construction-roundup-april-2020-we1 -- Crawford Hoying's High + Cherry building:

Also from https://www.columbusunderground.com/construction-roundup-april-2020-we1 -- The Matan building by Lifestyle Communities at the northwest corner of Front & Main, which is being built around the existing historic 88 W. Main Street building:

10 hours ago, Columbo said:

From https://www.columbusunderground.com/construction-roundup-april-2020-we1 -- Crawford Hoying's High + Cherry building:

Too bad it lost a third of it's height(among other things)but it does cover up more of the blank wall of the blank wall it is next to than I thought it would. Wonder what it will look like when done?  Lost opportunity but trying to be glass half full here.

4 hours ago, Toddguy said:

Too bad it lost a third of it's height(among other things)but it does cover up more of the blank wall of the blank wall it is next to than I thought it would. Wonder what it will look like when done?  Lost opportunity but trying to be glass half full here.

 

I thought the same thing when I was driving up High Street the other day. It's incredibly annoying that it was shortened by so much, but from the street level you don't really notice too much of the blank wall. 

Took a drive during lunch - lots of progress. 
 

 

Every time I pass by that building it infuriates me. It looks like the building itself will turn out fine but it will always look terrible with that blank wall above it.

33 minutes ago, .justin said:

Every time I pass by that building it infuriates me. It looks like the building itself will turn out fine but it will always look terrible with that blank wall above it.

 

If we could get some 8+ story buildings on the surface lots in the foreground of that picture, it should hide the blank wall issue. But you are right, it's infuriating. I can't believe it was allowed to move forward.

Does it have an activated rooftop? With that blank wall there it would be perfect spot for murals, art, trees, outdoor spaces, etc.-but I am sure this is not happening. A lost opportunity. That blank wall does not have to remain a blank wall.

On 6/10/2020 at 1:40 PM, .justin said:

Every time I pass by that building it infuriates me. It looks like the building itself will turn out fine but it will always look terrible with that blank wall above it.

 

Yep. I feel *exactly* the same!

 

Maybe a mural or something someday. Who knows. Just ugh.

Seems like the progress of this project has stalled over the past several weeks

This project makes me sad all over. The original proposal, that blank wall - I just can't unsee it. I know I shouldn't complain about another surface lot disappearing, but damn. ☹

When we say "stalled", what exactly does that mean? Why would it stall? It looks almost done. It wouldn't be abandoned, would it?

Maybe they're just doing interior stuff now that the windows are installed 

2 hours ago, CMHOhio said:

This project makes me sad all over. The original proposal, that blank wall - I just can't unsee it. I know I shouldn't complain about another surface lot disappearing, but damn. ☹

I really hope we can get a mural on that wall

41 minutes ago, TH3BUDDHA said:

I really hope we can get a mural on that wall

The way this city is with murals it’ll probably just be a temporary sticker or something smh

You guys ready to hear a joke?

 

And the long-proposed 28-story, $150 million Millennial Tower pitched by Arshot Investment Corp. is still on the table, said Andy Mills of Elford Realty, who is representing the project.

 

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2020/07/21/high-rise-proposals-moving-ahead-in-pandemic-times.html

11 minutes ago, cbussoccer said:

You guys ready to hear a joke?

 

And the long-proposed 28-story, $150 million Millennial Tower pitched by Arshot Investment Corp. is still on the table, said Andy Mills of Elford Realty, who is representing the project.

 

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2020/07/21/high-rise-proposals-moving-ahead-in-pandemic-times.html

Damn.  You beat me to it.  I was going to post this article in the Millenial Tower thread and ask if it justified moving it out of the dead projects section lol

Just now, TH3BUDDHA said:

Damn.  You beat me to it.  I was going to post this article in the Millenial Tower thread and ask if it justified moving it out of the dead projects section lol

 

Oops...forgot about the Millennial Tower thread lol