May 4, 20169 yr Couple of construction updates on Delaware County's new courthouse complex being built in Downtown Delaware: - Contractor says the mild winter means the project is still on track for a Summer 2017 completion date: http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/delaware/news/2016/03/25/courthouse-begins-to-rise-from-dust-of-elks-building.html - Contractor also says that a tight Central Ohio labor market will raise the project's cost by $3 million to $38 million: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2016/04/04/tight-labor-market-pushes-up-price-of-new-delaware-county-courthouse.html
May 7, 20169 yr Funds for building plans OK’d by City Council By Gary Budzak, The Delaware Gazette First Posted: 12:31 am - April 14th, 2016 Plans to renovate three city-owned buildings were given the green light by City Council this week. Council on Monday approved $25,000 in supplemental appropriations to complete a study to renovate the second floor of City Hall; and buildings at 18 E. William St., and 20 E. William. The study will include concept drawings and construction estimates. MORE: http://delgazette.com/news/15282/funds-for-building-plans-okd-by-city-council
May 7, 20169 yr In the below linked article about state capital budget funds going to projects in Delaware County was the reporting of funds going to two projects within the City of Delaware: - $175,000 for the continued renovation of the 100-year-old Strand Theatre - $50,000 for an entrepreneurial incubator space in the old Gazette building http://delgazette.com/news/15437/four-projects-to-receive-nearly-1-million-in-funds-from-2017-18-capital-budget
May 7, 20169 yr Groundbreaking of a Cancer Center addition to the existing Delaware Health Center that is operated by OhioHealth: http://delgazette.com/news/15582/cancer-center-breaks-ground-at-ohiohealths-delaware-health-center
June 29, 20168 yr Ohio Wesleyan ramping up construction of 'small living units' Ohio Wesleyan University is building more housing dedicated to small groups of students sharing similar interests. More below: http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2016/06/29/ohio-wesleyan-ramping-up-construction-of-small.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
September 12, 20168 yr Downtown business boom BY THOMAS GALLICK, THIS WEEK NEWS Tuesday, July 26, 2016 - 11:54 AM When the Greater Gouda opened about a month ago, co-owner Terri-Lynne Smiles quickly learned the customer base of the specialty grocery store in downtown Delaware would not be limited to city residents. "(Downtown Delaware) really draws people in from the entire county," she said. ... Smiles and her husband moved from Worthington to a downtown-area residence in Delaware about a year ago. Although Delaware is growing rapidly, Smiles said she fell in love with the small-town atmosphere that still exists in the city. Sean Hughes, the city's economic development director, said Smiles' experience is far from unique. He said he routinely fields calls from business owners looking for a piece of downtown Delaware. ... Customers and new businesses have flocked to the downtown area in recent years. Hughes said about 95 percent of commercial properties in downtown Delaware are occupied -- up from about 75 percent when he took his position with the city in 2013. A lot of credit for the revitalization of the downtown, Hughes said, belongs to the restaurateurs who have located in the city. He said groups such as the Delaware Area Chamber of Commerce and Main Street Delaware also deserve special recognition. MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/delaware/news/2016/07/22/downtown-business-boom.html
September 12, 20168 yr Students join construction workers for another year Wide-ranging expansion and improvement efforts at Delaware schools continue, but officials expect 'minimal disruption' BY THOMAS GALLICK, THIS WEEK NEWS Monday, August 8, 2016 - 12:43 PM As students prepare to return to school next week, the Delaware City School District's $50 million construction effort remains in high gear at Hayes High School, among other sites. Jason Sherman, director of facilities for the district, said officials made an effort to ensure ongoing projects affect students as little as possible. For instance, after students return Aug. 17, work at Hayes will focus on the construction of additional space instead of renovations to existing classrooms. ... A new academic wing with updated classrooms for science and math could be completed by spring break. Renovations to existing classrooms, common areas and dining halls are scheduled to be completed before the start of the 2017-18 school year. The district also will reconfigure the front entrance and main office at the high school in an effort to improve security. Efforts to upgrade Dempsey Middle School, including a new wing for sixth-graders and an expanded cafeteria, are "pretty much finished," Sherman said. Workers should put the finishing touches on work at Carlisle and Conger elementary schools by the start of the school year and similar work at Smith and Woodward elementary schools is scheduled for completion by the 2017-18 school year. MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/delaware/news/2016/08/05/students-join-construction-workers-for-another-year.html
September 12, 20168 yr Developer building $4M spec warehouse in Delaware with incentives from city By Evan Weese, Staff Reporter - Columbus Business First August 18, 2016, 12:12pm EDT A Dublin-area developer is building a speculative warehouse in Delaware with financial assistance from city. Fed One Dublin LLC has broken ground on a 60,000-square-foot building at 105 Innovation Drive, southwest of Delaware, targeting use by small manufacturers and research-and-development companies. ( . . . ) Delaware officials tout the new building as having direct access to the new Sawmill Parkway extension, to be completed by November, around the time Fed One will begin leasing space. MORE: http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2016/08/18/developer-building-4mspec-warehouse-in-delaware.html
September 12, 20168 yr Final Hayes design revealed By Brandon Klein, The Delaware Gazette AUGUST 22, 2016 A committee interested in building a memorial to Delaware native Rutherford B. Hayes, the 19th president of the United States, approved the final designs for the project. OHM Advisors, an architect firm in Columbus, presented its designs at Thursday’s special meeting in City Hall. The memorial, which would be placed at the corner of Sandusky and William streets next to Amato’s restaurant, features a Hayes sculpture standing on a podium with his left hand slightly in his coat pocket, while carrying a top hat in the other hand. Other features of the memorial include a presidential seal located underneath the sculpture on the podium. Behind the sculpture is a granite water table with fountains to include educational components. The eight pillars of the fountain will represent the other presidents from Ohio. There will be an informational wall, which will include an encased American flag. OHM Advisors said the project would cost $392,517.31. The committee discussed ideas to raise funding now that the final design was completed. MORE: http://delgazette.com/news/30270/final-hayes-design-revealed
October 5, 20168 yr New Meeker Way helps 'clean up' intersection BY THOMAS GALLICK, THIS WEEK NEWS Friday, September 23, 2016 - 5:11 PM A new roadway named after one of the area's earliest settlers should help improve safety conditions at a busy intersection on Delaware's south side. The Ohio Department of Transportation on Sept. 15 opened Meeker Way, which runs east-west between U.S. Route 23 and Stratford Road. ODOT built the new roadway as part of a project of about $3.5 million to improve Route 23's intersections with state Route 315 and Stratford Road. ODOT and the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission are funding the work. MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/delaware/news/2016/09/23/new-meeker-way-helps-clean-up-intersection.html
October 5, 20168 yr Perkins Observatory, parks join forces, plan renovations BY THOMAS GALLICK, THIS WEEK NEWS Tuesday, September 27, 2016 - 10:54 AM A renovation and expansion project aimed at turning Perkins Observatory into an educational hub for central Ohio students could be written in the stars. A $1.9 million proposal to improve the observatory -- off U.S. Route 23 on Delaware's southeast side -- sprang from a recent partnership established between the observatory and Preservation Parks of Delaware County. The goals of the fundraising campaign range from building a new planetarium adjacent to the observatory to making the building accessible for people with disabilities. Tom Curtin, executive director for Preservation Parks, said the facility, founded in 1923 as part of Ohio Wesleyan University, also could see masonry and painting upgrades, as well as an updated heating and cooling system. MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/delaware/news/2016/09/23/perkins-observatory-parks-join-forces-plan-renovations.html
April 2, 20178 yr Leaders seek fruitful uses for buildings By THOMAS GALLICK, ThisWeek Community News Updated: October 8, 2016 at 8:59 PM Although the future of two vacant, city-owned buildings adjacent to Delaware City Hall is not completely clear, officials expect the properties to benefit the local economy in one way or another. Sean Hughes, the city’s economic development director, last week said he sees two potential futures for the former Delaware Gazette building, which sits directly east of City Hall. For the past few years, he said, city officials have discussed renovating the structure for use as a hub for local entrepreneurs and startups. He said he’s also received interest from a developer regarding the site and a neighboring city-owned building at 20 E. William Street. ( . . . ) If council determines commercial redevelopment is the best use for the Gazette building and the former home of the city’s engineering department, Hughes said he would look for another downtown-area space to grow businesses. Either option, Hughes said, would be better than demolishing the two buildings for a parking lot or deck. MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/delaware/news/2016/10/07/leaders-seek-fruitful-uses-for-buildings.html
April 2, 20178 yr Annexation will clear way for new fire station By THOMAS GALLICK, ThisWeek Community News Updated: October 28, 2016 at 9:17 PM The city of Delaware will annex about 3 acres of land from Liberty Township ahead of the construction of a new fire station on the city’s southeast side. Delaware City Council members Oct. 24 unanimously voted to annex 2.85 acres of city-owned land at the northwest corner of Cheshire Road and Glenn Parkway. According to city records, workers could begin construction on Fire Station 304 as early as April 1 and be completed by Dec. 1, 2017. City spokesman Lee Yoakum said via email city officials estimate the new station will cost about $4 million. The city will pay for the project with a portion of income-tax revenue earmarked to support fire and EMS services. MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/delaware/news/2016/10/28/annexation-will-clear-way-for-new-fire-station.html
April 3, 20178 yr An 80-acre development is being planned along U.S. Route 23 on Delaware’s southeast side. This development, to be called Coughlin’s Crossing, would include a big-box retail store, offices, apartments and single-family houses: - Site plans and elevations for Coughlin's Crossing: http://www.delawareohio.net/planning-and-community-development-projects/ - Aerial rendering of Coughlin's Crossing: http://delgazette.com/news/37223/development-project-presented-to-commission - Project approved by the Delaware Planning Commission: http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/delaware/news/2016/11/04/coughlins-crossing-commissions-nod-next-step-for-development.html - Project approved by Delaware City Council: http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/delaware/news/2016/12/19/coughlins-crossing-citys-great-project-on-to-next-steps.html
April 3, 20178 yr Just south of the proposed Coughlin's Crossing development sits an abandoned church. The state recently issued historic tax credits for an architect to renovate the church building for his practice: http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/delaware/news/2016/12/22/architect-will-resurrect-long-empty-church-building.html
April 6, 20178 yr Hard hats depart in district’s ’17 By THOMAS GALLICK, ThisWeek Community News Updated: January 9, 2017 at 4:04 PM Delaware City School District officials plan to mark a milestone mid-year when a years-long, multimillion-dollar project to improve the district’s buildings wraps up. Superintendent Paul Craft said the ongoing $50 million effort to renovate and expand the district’s facilities has gone “remarkably well.” He said the goal is to have remaining work completed by the start of the 2017-18 school year. The most-visible and work-intensive change to the district has been the construction of a new academic wing at Hayes High School. MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/delaware/news/2017/01/06/hard-hats-depart-in-districts-17.html
April 6, 20178 yr More student housing will rise at Ohio Wesleyan By THOMAS GALLICK, THISWEEKNEWS.COM Posted: February 3, 2017 at 7:05 PM Delaware’s planning commission on Feb. 1 unanimously approved Ohio Wesleyan University's plans to construct two buildings and add 51 units of student housing. Both projects are part of the school’s effort to replace older university-owned houses known as small-living units, or SLUs, with larger buildings known as “SLUplexes.” The university’s SLUs traditionally have housed students sharing a common area of study or interest. The first proposal approved by the commission allows the demolition of the university’s Honors House at 81 Oak Hill Avenue. Lance Schultz, the city’s planning and zoning administrator, said the existing structure, which houses 11 students, will be razed to make room for a new structure that can house 27 honor students. Schultz said the design of the building is similar to the SLUplexes already built on Rowland Avenue. ( . . . ) The commission also approved the development plan for new SLUplex on 1.4 acres on the north side of Rowland Avenue between Liberty and Washington streets. If built, it would sit between two SLUplexes already constructed by the university. The third SLUplex planned for Rowland Avenue would have 24 housing units. University officials plan to open it to residents at the start of the next school year. MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/news/20170203/more-student-housing-will-rise-at-ohio-wesleyan
April 11, 20178 yr City of Delaware is conducting a downtown parking study. Map of study area and recent linked articles below: http://delgazette.com/news/48107/downtown-parking-on-agenda http://www.thisweeknews.com/news/20170210/downtown-delaware-study-says-tweaks-could-help-parking http://www.thisweeknews.com/news/20170310/delaware-sets-targets-for-downtown-parking-fixes
April 11, 20178 yr December 2016 photo of the Delaware County Judicial Building under construction in Downtown Delaware. According to the below linked article, the $38 million, 94,450 square-foot building is scheduled to be completed in June 2017: http://delgazette.com/news/41530/judicial-building-taking-shape
April 17, 20178 yr Just south of the proposed Coughlin's Crossing development sits an abandoned church. The state recently issued historic tax credits for an architect to renovate the church building for his practice: http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/delaware/news/2016/12/22/architect-will-resurrect-long-empty-church-building.html When said building was an active church...
June 18, 20177 yr Update on construction of a new wing at Delaware Hayes High School: http://www.delgazette.com/news/56027/hayes-construction-moves-to-next-phase
June 18, 20177 yr Update on the construction of the new Delaware County Judicial Building. According to the below linked article, it is now scheduled to open by the end of July: http://www.dispatch.com/news/20170515/new-delaware-county-court-complex-to-be-spacious-secure
June 19, 20177 yr An 80-acre development is being planned along U.S. Route 23 on Delaware’s southeast side. This development, to be called Coughlin’s Crossing, would include a big-box retail store, offices, apartments and single-family houses: - Site plans and elevations for Coughlin's Crossing: http://www.delawareohio.net/planning-and-community-development-projects/ - Aerial rendering of Coughlin's Crossing: http://delgazette.com/news/37223/development-project-presented-to-commission - Project approved by the Delaware Planning Commission: http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/delaware/news/2016/11/04/coughlins-crossing-commissions-nod-next-step-for-development.html - Project approved by Delaware City Council: http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/delaware/news/2016/12/19/coughlins-crossing-citys-great-project-on-to-next-steps.html In May, Delaware City Council approved a final subdivision plat and a final development plan for the first phase of Coughlin’s Crossing. This allows for the construction of three main roads on the 80-acre property: http://www.thisweeknews.com/news/20170601/coughlins-crossing-development-roads-okd-buildings-tenants-come-later
January 21, 20187 yr Delaware development: Rental units meant to fill ‘unmet need’ A nonprofit organization’s plan to build rental units for people with disabilities in Delaware has led to some concerns among the site’s neighbors. Del-Mor Dwellings Corp. wants to construct up to 48 one-bedroom rental units on about 3.6 acres at 250 Curtis St. The proposed development would sit just north of Firestone Drive, south of the Hidden Ridge apartment complex. Del-Mor Dwellings plans to complete the project in two phases, with the construction of an eight-unit, one-story building and three eight-unit, two-story buildings slated first. In the second phase, the developer would raze an existing house on the site and build two more eight-unit, two-story rental buildings. http://www.thisweeknews.com/news/20180118/delaware-development-rental-units-meant-to-fill-unmet-need
February 1, 20187 yr On the east side of Delaware, an octagon-shaped structure that was part of a 1920-era gas station is being dismantled and will be moved to Kansas. It will be reassembled as part of a collection of vintage filling stations in Kansas. Below are two articles about this and two photos of the octagon-shaped structure in Delaware: http://www.delgazette.com/news/66028/octagon-building-headed-to-kansas http://www.dispatch.com/news/20180129/collectors-dismantling-prefab-delaware-gas-station-from-1920s-to-preserve-it
February 2, 20187 yr ^^^ Concerning the history of that location, there were two articles written about the 'Linco station' back in 2002 for the Delaware Gazette. I originally transcribed these articles for the Delaware County Historical Society back in 2011. Abandoned Linco Station a City Landmark Written by Larry Gibbs From the June 15, 2002 Gazette Extra. Every week, thousands of people pass through the intersection of East Central Avenue and Lake Street on Delaware's east side. No doubt some of them, particularly those stopped by the traffic light, glance towards the run-down brown octagon shaped building on the northwest corner "I wonder what that used to be?" some probably wonder. Many longtime Delaware residents know: It was a Linco service station operated by the Ohio Oil Co. And its architecture ranks among the most unusual of the state's surviving old-time service stations. In a 1989 study of Delaware's gasoline stations over the years, the late local author Ray Buckingham traced the origins of the Linco station at the East Central-Lake intersection to a January 5, 1925, story in the The Daily Journal-Herald of Delaware. "Mr. T.M. Henderson, the newly installed member of the city council, has acquired the McDonald property at the corner of Lake Street and Central Avenue and will construct a filling station there as soon as the weather permits," the Journal-Herald reported. "When the plant is established it will be one of the best in Delaware and all of the needs of the car owners will be found there." 'Mr. Henderson is a hustler,' the newspaper said, "and deserves commendation for his activities in commercial circles." The term "hustler" was meant as a compliment back then. In the 1930s there were two Linco service stations in Delaware. Arthur Cook opened one at the corner of South Sandusky and Spring Streets. The Linco station at Lake St. and Central Ave was featured in an advertisement in the 1937 Ohio Wesleyan University yearbook. It featured three young women around a car in front of the station and included this message: "Ohio Wesleyan coeds are keen, and do they know gasoline! They prefer Linco gasoline and motor oils, products of the Ohio Oil Co. Inc." Both Linco stations were popular hangouts for some local folks, including Delaware's second and last motorcycle officer, Lewis "Linco Lewie" Coover. In his 1993 book History of the Delaware Police Department, retired Chief Richard R. Browning recalled that Coover was appointed to the position of motorcycle officer on May 15, 1936, and served in that capacity for several years. "As rumor has it, he (Coover) spent a portion of his time hanging out at the Linco service stations, located at either Lake and Central or 50 S. Sandusky St," Browning wrote. "At any rate, he acquired the nickname of 'Linco Lewie' a name that old-timers know him by to this day." In 1962 the Cleveland based Ohio Oil Co. became Houston based Marathon Oil Co. The Linco station on South Sandusky St. became a Marathon station then, after it closed, the building was used for a while as a bus station. Today, it's the site of the Tobacco Warehouse. The former Linco station at Lake and Central, which Buckingham noted in 1989 had "long since been abandoned," remains pretty much in that condition today, although the occasional glances of passers-by still are drawn to its unique architecture. In September 1925, as more and more area gasoline stations were opening to accommodate increased automobile traffic, the Gazette carried two stories of note. On September 1 of that year, the newspaper reported that the price of a gallon of gasoline had dropped to 21 cents. "The long-looked for reduction in gasoline prices was announced throughout Ohio yesterday," the Gazette said. "Retail gasoline at the Standard Oil Company's filling stations declined 1 ½ cents to a new price of 21 cents per gallon, including the 2-cent state tax. It is generally expected that the independent stations will meet the cut." A week later, the Gazette carried the following story, which apparently illustrated the fact that some among the public had not yet learned to appreciate that gasoline and an open flame don't mix. "Excitement was caused at Waldo Saturday when Ezekiel Brown, a stockman, struck a match on the filling station pump at the Michel Garage to light his pipe," the Gazette reported. "Gasoline on the pump and in the truck was ignited with a flash, but the pump operator turned off the underground pump line and called for help. "Sheep which Brown was hauling in the back of the truck were liberated and the fire was put out by the use of chemicals kept at the garage. Damage amounted to $200." There was no mention of whether a "no smoking" sign subsequently was posted at the pump. East-side Linco-Marathon station and restaurant were 'a community gathering place.' By Larry Gibbs. (August 31, 2002) In June Gazette Extra featured a story about the abandoned Linco-Marathon service station, an octagon-shaped building that still draws the attention of passing motorists, on the northwest corner of the intersection of East Central Ave. and Lake St. on Delaware's east side. That story brought responses, and additional information, from readers who recalled the station in its heyday. In the 1930s there were two Linco stations, operated by Ohio Oil Co. in the city. The one at the corner of South Sandusky and Spring Streets later was used as a bus station. Today, it's the site of the Tobacco Warehouse. Some other early gas stations remain throughout central Ohio, some empty, some put to other uses. But the east side Linco station, whose address in the 1930s was 187 E. Central Avenue, surely ranks among the most unusual of America's surviving old-time service stations. During its peak years, the station featured a small garage and a 24-hour restaurant on its Lake Street side. Helen Courter was among the first to write or call after the June Gazette Extra story. "It brought back many memories, as it does every time I pass by that corner," she wrote. "Our dear friends, Floyd and Paul Jones (Brothers) ran that station years ago and Floyd's wife, Virgie, worked in the restaurant, right behind the gas station. They – Floyd and Virgie – are both gone now, but Paul still lives in Westerville. He is in his late 80s." Attempts by Gazette Extra to reach Paul Jones were unsuccessful. The Jones brothers ran the station in the 1930s when it was Linco station, then into the '40s after Ohio Oil Co. was purchased by Marathon Oil Co. The property was owned by Martin Flavin. With Mrs. Courter's help, Gazette Extra reached Floyd Jones' daughter, June Gouchie, in Florida. "My dad, Floyd, ran the station. John Flavin (Martin's brother) ran the restaurant and my mother, Virgie, baked all the pies," Gouchie said in a telephone interview. "At one time my Uncle Paul, who also was a deputy sheriff for a while, worked with my dad. There were a lot of different men who worked at the station. I can only remember two brothers by name, and only their first names – Earl and Merle. "I still have one of dad's business cards," Gouchie Said. "A picture of the station is on one side and 'Jones Marathon service' with other information is on the other. I just treasure it! I still remember the phone number: 8439." Like many other who lived on the east side in the '30s, Mrs. Gouchie remembers city motorcycle police officer Lewis "Linco Lewie" Coover, who got his nickname because of the amount of time he spent hanging out at the station. "I'll never forget Linco Lewie," Gouchie said. "I was talking to my brother in Tyler, Texas, the other night and we just laughed remembering him pulling into the station on his motorcycle, dressed in jodhpurs and high leather boots. He always used to sit us on his motorcycle. We'll never forget him." A succession of other station operators followed after the Jones brothers left in the mid 40s, but Flavin continued to own the property. The city directory listed the site as Walters & Ray Marathon in 1945. In 1946, Melvin Neff was listed as the station manager and James H.Scully as the operator of its Stop 42 Restaurant. In 1950, it was Delaware Marathon. From 1951 to 1962, the station operated as Arthur Welch's Marathon, according to city directories. There was no listing for the restaurant after 1954. The gas station became Ferguson's Marathon in 1963-64, Corum's Comet station, 165-68, and Van Way's Comet Station, 1969-70. After 1970, city directories listed the station site as "vacant." East side businessman Dick Bargdill, a Lake Street resident since he was 3 years old, purchased the gas station property from Genevieve Flavin of California, Martin's widow, in 1972. He has used the property as an office and as a place to park "historic" automobiles. He has operated a garage and towing service on Flax Street for many years. Bargdill, who volunteered that he will celebrate his 83rd birthday in September, recalled that a creamery business operated on the northwest corner of the Central-Lake intersection before the gas station was built. "I grew up in that neighborhood and attended St. Mary School," Bargdill said. "I was quite young when the creamery closed. One day after school I climbed through a window at the creamery to look around. Everything was gone except for some packages of chocolate, so I helped myself and took them to school the next day to share. "But the chocolate was quite bitter, and we couldn't eat it," he said with a laugh. "I guess that's why they left it behind!' Bargdill recalls the Linco-Marathon station and the adjacent restaurant, as "a community gathering place." In the 40s the restaurant was open 24 hours and Bargdill's wife, Janet, worked there for several years. The Bargdills have been married for 60 years. "That's how they built business," Dick Bargdill said. "People would go over to the restaurant while they were getting an oil change or having their cars repaired." Often, he said, men would gather at the station just to talk. He too remembers the Jones brothers, "Linco Lewie" Coover and others associated with the gas station. Bardgill acknowledged that he and the city have been at odds for years about the former gas station property, where he parks older cars. But, he said, the cars are antiques, as identified by the license plates issued by the license plates issued by the state, and he's entitled to keep them there. Retired Delaware attorney Ed Flahive, who also was born and raised on the east side, handled the sale of the property from the Flavin estate to Bargdill. Flahive said the city sued Bargdill some years ago because he had "six or eight" cars sitting on the site where the station had been. "Dick has always had 10 or 12 older cars – classic cars," Flahive said. "We filed an answer to the city's lawsuit, but they dismissed the complaint. City Hall, at least in the past, has had an anti-east side attitude." Flahive spoke affectionately of the Bargdills and other families with whom he grew up. "There was a strong sense of community among Irish Catholic families on the east side," he said. "We looked out for each other. "The Bargdills have been very respectable citizens. Dick is a nice guy, believe me."
February 17, 20187 yr The new Delaware County Judicial Building, which has been under construction for the past two years, opened in Downtown Delaware last year: http://www.delgazette.com/news/63176/new-courthouse-now-open This new judicial building is also being referred to as the new Delaware County Courthouse since it is replacing the court function of the historic Delaware County Courthouse building located across the street from it. The historic Delaware County Courthouse - located at the corner of North Sandusky Street and Central Avenue - will be renovated to house the Delaware County Commissioners’ Office, Human Resources Department, Economic Development Department, and Veterans Service Commission. Here are some photos of the new Delaware County Judicial Building (aka new County Courthouse) from the project architect's website: http://silling.com/work/delaware-county-courthouse/ The new judicial building is to the left is the below image. Another county court building that handles probate and juvenile cases is to the right. The historic Delaware County Courthouse is visible at the extreme left behind the church steeple: View of the east-facing side of the judicial building. The entrance to an attached parking garage is visible behind the flag poles in this image. The main entry point to the building on this side: View of the west-facing side of the judicial building facing Sandusky Street and the north-facing window wall that illuminates the upper-story courtrooms in the building:
May 15, 20187 yr http://www.delgazette.com/news/66799/historic-jail-for-sale In the same area of downtown Delaware as the new Delaware County Judicial Building and the historic Delaware County Courthouse building is the historic Delaware County Jail building. This Queen Anne-style building built in 1878 was also used as the county sheriff's residence and is currently the home of the county’s law library. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. Delaware County Commissioners are exploring the sale of this building located at 20 W. Central Avenue. The commissioners are seeking sealed bids to see if there is any interest for the building. The county did not set a minimum price reserved the right to reject all bids and retain ownership of the building.
May 15, 20187 yr A zoning change on Delaware’s northwest side could help spur a long-discussed roadway extension: http://www.thisweeknews.com/news/20171124/new-zoning-could-lead-to-key-road-extension-on-delawares-west-side
May 15, 20187 yr Proposal for 92 apartments on 20 acres at the north side of Route 37, just west of the Westfield Shopping Center in Delaware. The apartment development would be built with 55-and-older residents in mind, or so-called active empty nesters. This apartment complex would be the third of its type for this developer in Central Ohio: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2017/12/21/developer-creating-community-for-active-empty.html
May 15, 20187 yr The City of Delaware ended 2017 by pushing forward with a $25 million project to expand the intersection of U.S. Route 36 and State Route 37 - known locally as the Point. While the City has secured enough Federal and State funding to pay for about 75 percent of the project’s estimated cost, Delaware officials still need to come up with about $6.5 million to put toward the project. The project’s seemingly hefty price tag stems from a need to replace an existing railroad bridge with a longer span in order to widen the roadways. Although the site sits entirely within Delaware’s municipal boundaries, it has been called the single most-critical transportation need in the entire county. Because of its critical nature and the price tag, city officials are asking the county to split the local share costs at $3.25 million apiece. Below are some articles about the Point project and the city asking the county to share the local costs of the project: -- http://www.delgazette.com/news/63954/design-work-to-start-on-the-point-project -- http://www.thisweeknews.com/news/20180125/selling-point-will-county-chip-in-on-fix -- http://www.thisweeknews.com/news/20180222/delawares-plea-to-county-help-us-fix-point
May 19, 20187 yr http://www.delgazette.com/news/66799/historic-jail-for-sale In the same area of downtown Delaware as the new Delaware County Judicial Building and the historic Delaware County Courthouse building is the historic Delaware County Jail building. This Queen Anne-style building built in 1878 was also used as the county sheriff's residence and is currently the home of the county’s law library. The building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1990. Delaware County Commissioners are exploring the sale of this building located at 20 W. Central Avenue. The commissioners are seeking sealed bids to see if there is any interest for the building. The county did not set a minimum price reserved the right to reject all bids and retain ownership of the building. Delaware County Commissioners rejected the two bids they received for the former Delaware County Jail/sheriff's residence building: http://www.dispatch.com/news/20180511/delaware-county-rejects-two-bids-for-old-jail The Commissioners rejected a $156,000 bid from a local law firm to convert it into their attorney's office and a $10,000 bid to turn it into a bed-and-breakfast business. They are currently revamping their request for bids, with the possibility of adding some parameters (such as an historic easement) to preserve the historic character of the property. There is no timeline on when they will be accepting new bids. NBC4 also has a report about this, along with a video tour of the building: http://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/delaware-co-to-eventually-sell-historic-jail-which-will-be-preserved-under-provision/1187719929
June 7, 20187 yr Entrepreneurial center: City, county, OWU join forces for ‘milestone’ project Delaware City Council and county commissioners approved an agreement with Ohio Wesleyan University to move forward with plans to establish the Delaware Entrepreneurial Center at the university’s Stewart Annex. The two-story structure at 70 S. Sandusky Street sits about one-tenth of a mile south of Delaware City Hall. Under the agreement, OWU’s Woltemade Center for Economics, Business and Entrepreneurship will contribute $100,000 toward the renovation of the 6,000-square-foot building. The city and county each will contribute $50,000 annually toward the operation of the facility for five years. Sean Hughes, the city’s economic development director, said the former bookstore will feature classrooms, conference rooms, offices and less-traditional creative spaces for prospective and working entrepreneurs. He said the center also will host educational programs, lectures and networking events. MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/news/20180220/entrepreneurial-center-city-county-owu-join-forces-for-milestone-project
June 7, 20187 yr The City of Delaware is preparing to update its comprehensive plan: http://www.thisweeknews.com/news/20180426/delaware-seeks-help-in-updating-growth-guidelines -- Delaware's previous comprehensive plan - completed in 2004: http://delawareohio.net/wp-content/uploads/Comp-Plan-Consolidated.pdf -- More information about this latest updating of Delaware's comprehensive plan: http://www.delawareohio.net/comprehensive-plan/
August 8, 20186 yr Former Gazette building: Preservation commission mulls COhatch’s plans By PAUL COMSTOCK, THISWEEKNEWS.COM Updated: August 2, 2018 - 7:28 PM Windows and a patio were among the topics the Delaware City Historic Preservation Commission was concerned with July 25 when it reviewed plans for the former Delaware Gazette building, 18 E. William Street. The city purchased the building, next door to City Hall, in 2013 after the Gazette moved to North Sandusky Street in 2011. Earlier this year, the city entered into a 10-year lease with Worthington-based COhatch for the first floor and basement of the building. The city will use the second floor as office and meeting space and has said it eventually might build a “connector bridge” between the second floors of the building and City Hall. MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/news/20180802/former-gazette-building-preservation-commission-mulls-cohatchs-plans Rendering of the COhatch / City of Delaware plans for the former Gazette building: Streetview of the former Gazette building facing William Street - Delaware City Hall is located to the right in this image at the corner of Sandusky & William streets:
September 1, 20186 yr In case Coughlin's Crossing (near Stratford) doesn't have its own thread; update from the Delaware Gazette. https://www.delgazette.com/top-stories/70762/coughlins-crossing-update-presented
September 6, 20186 yr ??? Plan for 400 apartments in Delaware runs into resistance over density A developer hopes to build 400 apartments in two apartment complexes in Delaware, but city officials aren't so sure about the projects. More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2018/09/05/240-unit-apartment-complex-proposed-in-delaware.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
September 6, 20186 yr Developer tweaks plan for mixed-use project in Delaware After several years of work, a developer says she's starting to make progress at last on a planned mixed-use development in Delaware. Connie Klema, principal of Delaware Development Plan Ltd., unveiled updated plans for Coughlin's Crossing, on about 77 acres along Meeker Way, between Rt. 23 and Stratford Road. "It was a long winter, and we wanted to get in the ground last fall but couldn't," Klema told the city's planning commission Wednesday night. "It's finally moving along. We're through the worst part, and I'm looking forward to ... starting to go vertical." More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2018/09/06/developer-tweaks-plan-for-mixed-use-project-in.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
November 21, 20186 yr Historic building in downtown Delaware to be converted into 43-room hotel A plan to save a historic building in Delaware by converting it into a hotel is moving forward. Delaware City Council granted a conditional use permit for the renovation and expansion of the Hiram Perkins House at 235 W. William St. Dublin developer Jim Manos has proposed renovating and expanding the building into a three-story, 43-room hotel to be called the Wesleyan Inn. More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2018/11/21/historic-building-in-downtown-delaware-to-be.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
December 4, 20186 yr 5-story hotel proposed in downtown Delaware, along with new parking garage Downtown Delaware could get a parking garage and a new five-story hotel. The proposal is to demolish the PNC Bank drive-through at 53 E. Winter St. and surrounding parking lots. The plan is for a five-story Marriott Inn & Suites hotel and the city's first parking garage to be built in their place, with a 300-space parking garage to be constructed behind it. More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2018/12/04/5-story-hotel-proposed-in-downtown-delaware-along.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
December 27, 20186 yr Delaware County rejects bids for old jail redevelopment, turns to new strategy Delaware County commissioners have again rejected bids from developers who want to convert the old downtown jail into something new. This time, the commission turned down applications from three developers – Michael Cox, Roxlton Holding LLC and Connect Realty – and voted to transfer the historic building at 20 W. Central Ave., to the Delaware County Land Reutilization Corp., a land bank. More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2018/12/27/delaware-county-rejects-bids-for-oldjail.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
January 25, 20196 yr Apartments coming to historic building in downtown Delaware The three-story Italianette building is a part of a historic block of buildings constructed circa 1869. More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2019/01/25/apartments-coming-to-historic-building-in-downtown.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
October 23, 20195 yr Central Ohio college to invest $60M to improve campus housing Ohio Wesleyan University is embarking on a $60 million project to renovate its existing student housing and build modern, on-campus student apartments. The project will also involve the demolition of older student dormitories and the renovation of former fraternity houses owned by the Delaware private liberal arts university. Ohio Wesleyan has about 1,500 students. “This is probably the most significant facilities project the university has ever undergone at one time,” said Dwayne Todd, vice president for student engagement and success. “It’s a massive project.” More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2019/10/23/this-central-ohio-college-will-invest-60m-to.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
October 30, 20195 yr Delaware greenlights denser community with 263 homes – but not without pushback Powell-based developer Bob Grden, through Artlington Builders, has proposed rezoning over 102 acres of now rural land at 1241 Peachblow Rd. and building about 246 single-family homes. “Once we make the decision we can’t go back. ... Our community will have this forever.” More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2019/10/29/delaware-greenlights-denser-community-with-263.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
January 19, 20205 yr On 9/6/2018 at 4:18 PM, ColDayMan said: Developer tweaks plan for mixed-use project in Delaware After several years of work, a developer says she's starting to make progress at last on a planned mixed-use development in Delaware. Connie Klema, principal of Delaware Development Plan Ltd., unveiled updated plans for Coughlin's Crossing, on about 77 acres along Meeker Way, between Rt. 23 and Stratford Road. "It was a long winter, and we wanted to get in the ground last fall but couldn't," Klema told the city's planning commission Wednesday night. "It's finally moving along. We're through the worst part, and I'm looking forward to ... starting to go vertical." More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2018/09/06/developer-tweaks-plan-for-mixed-use-project-in.html Couple of updates on the Coughlin's Crossing project (shown above): https://www.thisweeknews.com/news/20190819/developers-work-with-delaware-neighbors-on-coughlin-crossing-site-at-rts-23-315 -- Aerial photo of the cleared site and the first roads paved. https://www.thisweeknews.com/news/20191129/delawares-coughlins-crossing-development-presses-on -- Project’s development agreement and development plan approved by Delaware City Council.
January 21, 20205 yr Delaware City Schools’ 2020 will see building overhaul Delaware City Schools will launch an upgrade of all its school buildings in 2020, starting with additions at Schultz and Carlisle elementary schools and Dempsey Middle School. The work will follow last May’s voter approval of a $36.5 million “no new millage” bond issue that allows the district to transfer payments from older, retiring bonds to the new bond. MORE: https://www.thisweeknews.com/news/20200103/delaware-city-schools-2020-will-see-building-overhaul
January 28, 20205 yr Not so good news from the Wesleyan campus...https://www.delgazette.com/news/81418/wesleyan-inn-plan-fizzles
March 7, 20205 yr Comprehensive plan’s update will guide Delaware in 2020, beyond Delaware leaders say 2020 will see the completion of two projects that have been years in the making: the addition of a left-turn lane along most of East William Street and a revision of the city’s comprehensive plan. The city started working on the East William project in 2016 and began construction in June to widen the street and add a new center left-turn lane from Lake Street to Foley Street. Work to revise the comprehensive plan -- called Delaware Together -- began in 2018. “Both projects will have a lasting impact on the city,” said city spokesman Lee Yoakum. “Delaware Together establishes a short- and long-term vision for the community, and the East William work will reduce daily congestion, delay and associated traffic accidents. “The significance of the comprehensive-plan update cannot be overemphasized,” he said. MORE: https://www.thisweeknews.com/news/20200103/comprehensive-plans-update-will-guide-delaware-in-2020-beyond
March 7, 20205 yr Four stores home in on long-vacant Delaware lot A long-empty lot at Delaware’s Glennwood Commons shopping center soon will be filled. Since 2007, the area between Meijer and Kohl’s at the shopping center along U.S. Route 36/State Route 37 on the city’s east side has held nothing but grass. But this spring, work is set to begin on a 96,100-square-foot building to occupy that space, housing retailers Hobby Lobby, TJ Maxx, Ulta Beauty and Five Below. Delaware City Council on Feb. 24 approved an ordinance allowing combined preliminary and final development plans for the project. MORE: https://www.thisweeknews.com/news/20200228/four-stores-home-in-on-long-vacant-delaware-lot Another article about this development plus a location map of the property at https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2020/02/06/planned-delaware-shopping-center-includes-four-big.html
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