From ThisWeek newspapers, 4/28/05:

 

 

NBBJ, Turner hired to create Worthington Square's new look

By CANDY BROOKS

ThisWeek Staff Writer 

 

The firm NBBJ has been hired to design and Turner Construction to build the changes planned for Worthington Square.

The multi-million dollar project, which is set to get started later this year, includes separating Kroger from the rest of the shopping center, adding a two-story facade to the east side, and creating a more accessible entryway from the parking lot.  NBBJ is an international firm with an office in Columbus. It will be responsible for redesigning and planning the changes to Worthington Square, formerly called the Worthington Mall.

 

Read more at http://www.thisweeknews.com/thisweek.php?edition=common&story=thisweeknews/042805/Worthington/News/042805-News-571053.html

 

And here I thought that maybe "Worthington Square" referred to the central square in Worthington that it's a little hard to tell even exists.

yeah, without looking at a map closely, it is hard to tell worthington's square is there.

and i was also hoping this would be about it, not some strip mall up by 270 :|

From ThisWeek Newspapers, 7/7/05:

 

 

Worthington Foods site

City council approves office complex

Thursday, July 7, 2005

By CANDY BROOKS

ThisWeek Staff Writer

 

When Kellogg announced in May 2004 that it would close its Worthington Foods plant on Proprietors Road, it seemed like the bottom was dropping out of the city's already sagging economy.  Not only was the plant one of Worthington's biggest employers, netting the city $250,000 a year in income tax revenue, but it carried with it a name and a history that was a source of local pride.  On Tuesday night, Worthington City Council approved a development plan that could fill the Proprietors Road site with 12 new office buildings, and perhaps mend some of the damage to the city's tax base.

 

http://www.thisweeknews.com/thisweek.php?edition=Worthington&story=thisweeknews/070705/Worthington/News/070705-News-615205.html

 

From ThisWeek Newspapers, 7/21/05:

 

 

PHOTO: The owners of the Worthington Inn have won the approval of the Worthington Architectural Review Board to convert the hotel rooms to condos.  By Joy Parker/ThisWeek

 

Worthington Inn

Condo conversion to usher in another era

Thursday, July 21, 2005

By CANDY BROOKS

ThisWeek Staff Writer  

 

When the Worthington Inn is converted from a hotel into condominiums next year, it will be the latest of many transformations Worthington's landmark structure has gone through over the years.  The Inn was built in 1835 as a two-story home for Rensselaer W. and Laura Kilbourn Cowles and their seven children.  A rear section was added in 1852, and the first record of rooms being rented to travelers was in 1854.

 

http://www.thisweeknews.com/thisweek.php?edition=Worthington&story=thisweeknews/072105/Worthington/News/072105-News-620421.html

 

From ThisWeek, 8/4/05:

 

 

Worthington Square

Bookstore could be part of 'new' mall

Thursday, August 4, 2005

By CANDY BROOKS

ThisWeek Staff Writer

 

Worthington Square management is working hard to fill a new anchor space with the kind of store that Worthington wants most.  "Our customer wants a bookstore," mall manager Matthew Klutznick told the Architectural Review Board/Municipal Planning Commission last Thursday.  The shopping center has been without a bookstore since Little Professor went out of business in January 2001.

 

Bookstores typically require visibility, which is something the mall will be able to provide as part of its planned renovations.  The storefront at the northeast corner of the mall will be expanded to 20,000 square feet, a new entryway will lead directly into the space, and the front will be visible from the new driveway through the mall.

 

"Read more at http://www.thisweeknews.com/thisweek.php?edition=Worthington&story=thisweeknews/080405/Worthington/News/080405-News-629271.html

 

A National bookstore?  Hello Waldenbooks.  :oops:

 

From Suburban News Publications, September 21-28, 2005:

 

 

Twelve office buildings to replace Worthington Foods

Demolition of the old building is set to begin Oct. 3; construction will take 18 to 30 months.

By BRITTINY DUNLAP

 

When the clock strikes 10 a.m. Oct. 3, it will mean the end of the Worthington Foods building on Proprietors Road. The building will be demolished and a new development of office condos will be built in its place. The development, called Worthington Station, will consist of 12 office buildings, including 10 single-story and a pair of two-story buildings.

 

http://www.snponline.com/NEWS9-21/9-21_wotaxabatements.htm

 

From ThisWeek Worthington, 10/6/05:

 

 

PHOTO: Demolition began Monday at the former complex of Worthington Foods as crews from Construction Plus handled the razing of the buildings.  By Joe Maiorana/ThisWeek

 

PHOTO: This 300-year-old tree stands in front of the old Worthington Foods complex. Arborists have been hired to protect the tree during the demolition of the old plant and construction of the new office complex.  By Joy Parker/ThisWeek

 

PHOTO: A plaque dedicated during the America's Bicentennial recognizing the tree as being alive during the country's Revolutionary War.

 

Worthington Foods complex hits dust

Steps taken to guard old oak tree

Thursday, October 6, 2005

By CANDY BROOKS

ThisWeek Staff Writer 

 

Lois Lewis worked in accounting at Worthington Foods for 45 years. She saw a lot of changes, a lot of people come and go before she retired in 1986.

 

But as she was passing by her old Proprietors Road office on Monday morning, she noticed a crowd gathered, and stopped to see what was happening.

 

What she found was something that probably seemed unimaginable during the glory days of Worthington Foods, back when it was the largest producer of vegetarian foods in the country, when it was Worthington's largest employer.

 

Worthington Foods was being demolished and construction started on an office condominium complex to fill the 7.75-acre site.

 

 

http://www.thisweeknews.com/thisweek.php?edition=Worthington&story=thisweeknews/100605/Worthington/News/100605-News-22654.html

 

From Suburban News Publications, 10/26/05:

 

 

City mulls bed-tax increase to offset inn's transformation

The visitors bureau fears loss of revenue when the Worthington Inn's rooms become condominiums.

By BRITTINY DUNLAP

 

Visitors staying at hotels in Worthington will see a slightly higher total on their bill when they check out after the first of the year.  Worthington City Council has introduced an ordinance to raise the local bed tax to 6 percent to make up for the loss of revenue when the guest rooms at the Worthington Inn become condominiums.

 

If passed, the increase will take effect Jan. 1. The ordinance is set to be voted on at City Council's Nov. 7 meeting.

 

http://www.snponline.com/NEWS10-26/10-26_wohoteltax.htm

 

Exactly, where is this?

It's in Worthington.  I Google mapped it and it looks like it's somewhere near the intersection of High St. (US-23) and New England Ave.  It's not very far from OH-315.

 

it is on high st. one block south of 161 in the heart of downtown worthington

In the same area.  From ThisWeek Worthington, 12/8/05:

 

 

Proprietors Road condo complex receives final nod

Thursday, December 8, 2005

By CANDY BROOKS

ThisWeek Staff Writer

 

The three-story, 32-unit condominium complex proposed for Proprietors Road received final approval from Worthington City Council on Monday.  The two matching brick buildings, with parking on the first level, will be built on the west side of Proprietors, just north of East Granville road.

 

http://www.thisweeknews.com/thisweek.php?edition=Worthington&story=thisweeknews/120805/Worthington/News/120805-News-60323.html

 

From Worthington News, 2/22/06:

 

 

Work at mall to begin soon

Worthington Square upgrades will include a bookstore, restaurants and aesthetic improvements.

By BRITTINY DUNLAP

 

After three years of discussion and planning, construction at Worthington Square may start as early next month, said Matthew Klutznick, the mall's general manager.  "We're in the very final stage before we break ground," Klutznick said.  He said he turned in building permits to the city in January and currently has bids out for contractors. He expects bids to be completed by the end of the month.

 

 

http://www.snponline.com/NEWS2-22/2-22_wosquaremallupdate.htm

 

From Worthington News, 3/15/06:

 

 

PHOTO: The Worthington Inn in a July 2005 photo.  File photo

 

Historic inn's antiques for sale

The Worthington Inn's first step toward becoming condominiums is next week's auction of its furniture.

By BRITTINY DUNLAP

 

Those who have stayed at the Worthington Inn or toured the rooms often marvel at the antique furniture. Some of the pieces date back to the founding of the inn in 1831. Now, a chance to own an antique and a historic piece of Worthington is only a week away. On March 24 and 25, the furniture from the Worthington Inn will be on the auction block, in a sale organized by Apple Tree Auction Center. The auction is the first step in the inn's conversion to condominiums.

 

http://www.snponline.com/NEWS3-15/3-15_woinnauction.htm

 

From Worthington News (SNP), 5/10/06:

 

 

City's first TIF may benefit development

By BRITTINY DUNLAP

 

Last year, Worthington city created the community reinvestment area. In April, City Council approved the city's first tax abatement. At Monday's meeting, council will discuss the city's first tax-increment finance fund. "A TIF is a way to pay for public improvements for a development that will benefit the general public," said Paul Feldman, assistant city manager and economic development director. Examples listed by Feldman include streetscape improvements, work on sewer and water lines and roadwork.

 

http://www.snponline.com/NEWS5-10/5-10_woconsideringtif.htm

 

Sold! City owns annex and 752 building

ThisWeek Worthington, 5/18/06

 

It's official.  The city now owns the Packard annex building at Thomas Worthington High School and the old school administration building at 752 High Street.  On Monday night, with school and Worthington Arts Council leaders in the audience, Worthington City Council approved the subdivision plats and purchase agreements that transfer ownership from the Worthington City Schools to the city of Worthington.

 

The city will pay $500,001 dollars for the package deal -- $1 for the annex, $500,000 for the administration building, which is now referred to as the 752 building.

 

The 90-year-old annex building -- the original high school built on the West Granville Road site -- will be transformed into the McConnell Arts Center, if the Worthington Arts Council raises enough money.  If that does not happen within five years, ownership reverts to the schools.  The city has no plans for the 752 building, which has been vacant since school administrators moved to 200 E. Wilson Bridge Road about five years ago.

 

North Street land will house condominium complex

Worthington News, 7/5/06

 

The largest undeveloped piece of land in the city of Worthington will become the home of eight condominiums.

 

Developers of land at 347 E. North Street have started to clear the property to make way for construction of North Street Village, which is scheduled to start within the next month, said Vel Janovski, developer and president of ADD-TAC Custom Builders.  "I think it will bring quality homes to the area," Janovski said.  "It will improve the value of the area because it will be a nice development, layout and quality building materials."

 

The first phase of the project is scheduled to be completed by December with total project completion by July 2007.

Butterfield wants arts center in 752 building

ThisWeek Worthington, 7/13/06

 

For more than five years, the local arts community has been raising funds and drawing up plans to transform the old Packard Annex building into an arts center.  On Monday night, two Worthington City Council members said they would prefer to see the arts center located in the building at 752 High St., which is the former school administrative offices recently purchased by the city.

 

"Our community needs an arts center and it would be a shame to miss an opportunity to investigate 752 and the adjacent property at Kilbourne Middle School," said council member John Butterfield.

 

Council member Lou Briggs said she always believed the 752 building on the northeast quadrant of the Village Green would be the best site for the arts center.  The building is vacant and located just steps from the entrance to the auditorium at the middle school.

 

From ThisWeek Worthington, 8/17/06:

 

 

Demolition work at Worthington Square predicted within 60 days

Thursday, August 17, 2006

By KEVIN PARKS

ThisWeek Staff Writer

 

A major piece of the puzzle in the delayed major renovation of Worthington Square fell into place recently, it was a cause for celebration, a reason to pop the cork. The Kroger store in the shopping center off Wilson Bridge Road recently established its own sanitary sewer connection, according to mall manager Matthew Klutznick.

 

http://www.thisweeknews.com/?edition=Worthington&story=thisweeknews/081706/Worthington/News/081706-News-207781.html

 

From ThisWeek Worthington, 10/5/06:

 

 

Worthington Square Mall under new management

Future of improvement plans still uncertain

Thursday, October 5, 2006

By CANDY BROOKS

ThisWeek Staff Writer

 

A shake-up in the management of Worthington Square has city officials wondering about the planned expansion and improvements at the city's only shopping center.  Matthew Klutznick, general manager since January 2003, announced last week that he has resigned to manage a shopping center in Sacramento, Calif. Friday is his last day here.  At the same time, the firm of CB Richard Ellis will take over for Boston-based Carpenter & Co. as property managers.

 

City leaders will sit down with the new management team next week, said assistant city manager Paul Feldman. They are eager to learn if plans will proceed with a construction project that was announced in January 2005.  Those plans call for a new High Street facade, some new store areas, and a redesigned parking lot.

 

http://www.thisweeknews.com/index.php?sec=worthington&story=sites/thisweeknews/100506/Worthington/News/100506-News-236399.html

 

Developers reveal plans to replace Jubilee building

 

By BRITTINY DUNLAP 

 

A rendering shows a High Street view of three buildings proposed by developers to replace the former Jubilee Foods building at the corner of High and North streets. The first building would house a CVS store; developers would court retail stores for the other two.

 

 

http://www.snponline.com/FRONT/Stories/2.HTML

From ThisWeek Worthington, 11/16/06:

 

 

Civic group urges city to take hard line in approving CVS plans

Thursday, November 16, 2006

By CANDY BROOKS

ThisWeek Staff Writer

 

The city must take a hard line in to protect the historic integrity of Old Worthington as it reviews plans for the new CVS proposed for the old Jubilee site.  That is the advice of the Old Worthington Association (OWA), a civic group made up of residents and supporters of Old Worthington, which last week sent a letter and resolution to the city's Architectural Review Board. 

 

The ARB last month saw, and roundly criticized, plans for the pharmacy and two separate retail building proposed for the old Jubilee site. The grocery, which closed its doors on Labor Day, is to be demolished.  The ARB is scheduled to review revised plans at its Dec. 14 meeting.

 

http://www.thisweeknews.com/index.php?sec=worthington&story=sites/thisweeknews/111606/Worthington/News/111606-News-262769.html

 

From Worthington News, 12/13/06:

 

State adds to arts center funding

Budget includes $250,000 in state dollars for center's construction

By BRITTINY DUNLAP

 

Money from the state capital budget will bring the Worthington Arts Council one step closer to constructing the Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center.  It was announced last week that $250,000 from the state's capital budget would be set aside for the center.

 

Read more http://www.snponline.com/NEWS12-13/12-13_wostatefunding.html

---

From same:

 

Corporation will take reins at center

By BRITTINY DUNLAP

 

Worthington City Council spent more than an hour Monday night discussing four models to construct the proposed Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center of Worthington.  In a 3-2 vote, with council members Mike Duffey and Bonnie Michael dissenting and John Butterfield abstaining, council approved the formation of a new community improvement corporation to handle the construction.

 

Read more at http://www.snponline.com/NEWS12-13/12-13_wocicestablished.html

 

From ThisWeek Worthington, 12/14/06:

 

 

New CVS plans show 2-story buildings

Thursday, December 14, 2006

By CANDY BROOKS

ThisWeek Staff Writer

 

Revised CVS plans reflect a less contemporary style than those that met a critical review by the Architectural Review Board in October.  Both the proposed drug store and the two buildings to be built immediately to the south are shown as one-and-a-half or two stories, with living quarters above the two smaller buildings.  Two smaller two-story buildings would be also be built on the site. Both would be for retail uses on the first level, with living areas on the second floors.

 

http://www.thisweeknews.com/index.php?sec=worthington&story=sites/thisweeknews/121406/Worthington/News/121406-News-279312.html

 

From ThisWeek Worthington, 12/21/06:

 

 

ARB likes CVS changes, but wants to see refinements

Thursday, December 21, 2006

By MARK MAJOR

ThisWeek Staff Writer 

 

The designers of a proposed Worthington CVS store are headed back to the drawing board.  Members of the Worthington Architectural Review Board voted unanimously Thursday to table consideration of plans for the project after taking a look at designs presented by Anthony Ricciuti, a project manager for Norr, LLC, which is designing the project.

 

http://www.thisweeknews.com/index.php?sec=worthington&story=sites/thisweeknews/122106/Worthington/News/122106-News-282597.html

 

From the 2/23/07 Dispatch:

 

Tax break for condos on table

Worthington wary of granting abatement for residences

Friday, February 23, 2007

Dean Narciso THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

 

Worthington needs more housing for empty nesters and young professionals.  But City Council members are debating whether they should offer tax breaks to encourage a condominium complex when the city also needs revenue from commercial development.  Such tax breaks are rare in Franklin County, where 840 residential properties have some form of tax discount: 164 in Obetz; 120 at Miranova and 556 in other parts of Columbus, mostly Downtown lofts and condominiums, the Franklin County auditor’s office says.

 

Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/news-story.php?story=dispatch/2007/02/23/20070223-B1-01.html

 

From ThisWeek Worthington, 3/29/07:

 

RENDERING: This is an artist's rendering of the upscale homes that would be built in the proposed Michaela subdivision, on the east side of Olentangy River Road, south of state Route 161.

 

Subdivision plan moves onto council without MPC approval

Thursday, March 29, 2007

By CANDY BROOKS

ThisWeek Staff Writer 

 

A proposed subdivision of 14 upscale homes along Olentangy River Road will be presented to Worthington City Council without the recommendation of the Municipal Planning Commission.  MPC defeated by a 2-2 vote the final subdivision plat for the Michaela subdivision last week. Three positive votes are needed for approval. James Sauer was absent.

 

Catherine Cunningham, attorney for developer The Bigler Co., said after the Thursday meeting that her client intended to pursue the subdivision plat approval. City Council has final authority in subdivision plats.  Last week was the third hearing before the commission and again drew neighbors who object to the density of the proposed project and to the alleged damage that will be done to the land.

 

Read more at http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/032907/Worthington/News/032907-News-328056.html

 

From ThisWeek Worthington, 2/1/07:

 

 

CVS to return with project changes

Thursday, February 1, 2007

By MARK MAJOR

ThisWeek Staff Writer

 

Representatives of CVS and members of Worthington's Architectural Review Board and Municipal Planning Commission say they are getting closer to an agreement.  Though last week's meeting between MPC/ARB members and representatives of project developer Skilken ended without approval of the pharmacy's site development plan, both sides said they were optimistic an agreement can be reached within weeks.

 

"I don't think we're more than a couple of meetings away from coming to an agreement," said ARB member Dave Foust after the meeting. "Conceptually, we're 95 percent of the way there."  The project will be constructed on property at 900 High St., site of the former Jubilee Foods at the corner of High and North streets. Plans are to demolish the old store and build a new 13,013-square-foot CVS on the corner.

 

http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/020107/Worthington/News/020107-News-299428.html

 

From ThisWeek Worthington, 2/15/07:

 

 

* RENDERING: An artist's sketch of the proposed CVS plans.

 

CVS takes one more step toward approval with revised plans

Thursday, February 15, 2007

By CANDY BROOKS

ThisWeek Staff Writer  

 

If the city and CVS can see through the window issues, the proposed reconstruction of the old Jubilee site could soon be approved.  Looking at a new drawing of plans incorporating some of their past recommendations, members of the Municipal Planning Commission and Architectural Review Board last week complimented the progress being made, but tabled the CVS plans.

 

 

http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/021507/Worthington/News/021507-News-306821.html

 

From ThisWeek Worthington, 3/15/07:

 

 

CVS plans get final approval from ARB, MPC

Thursday, March 15, 2007

By CANDY BROOKS

ThisWeek Staff Writer

 

After five months of scrutiny and public debate, CVS representatives last week received the approvals needed to build a new drug store on one of Worthington's most visible corners  The new CVS, plus two brick buildings which will be first-floor retail with apartments above, will be built on the southeast corner of High and North streets, where the abandoned Jubilee Foods stands.

 

The Worthington Architectural Review Board and Municipal Planning Commission worked out final details before granting approvals at the meeting last Thursday.

 

http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/031507/Worthington/News/031507-News-321424.html

 

From Worthington News, 3/21/07:

 

 

Late idea envisions 'green' complex to replace Jubilee

By MEREDITH SOMERS

 

Those who oppose the CVS development plan at 900 N. High St. may have found a hero -- but his arrival may be too late.  Monday night's City Council meeting featured a presentation by Darren Grundey.  A Thomas Worthington High School graduate, Grundey received his bachelor's degree in fine arts at the Rhode Island School of Design, and his master's degree from Ohio State University.

 

http://www.snponline.com/NEWS3-21/3-21_woCoop.html

 

From Worthington News, 4/4/07:

 

 

'Green' plan still doable, man insists

By MEREDITH SOMERS

 

When Darren Grundey presented his alternative plans for 900 High St. to Worthington City Council two weeks ago, his concepts were met with commendation -- but also concern for appropriateness and timeliness.  Targeting a more economically friendly and sustainable construction offer, Grundey proposed three buildings on three corners of the intersection of High and North streets. A park or grass labyrinth could fill the fourth quadrant, he said.

 

 

http://www.snponline.com/NEWS4-4/4-4_woCouncil.html

 

From ThisWeek Worthington, 4/12/07:

 

 

Council approves final CVS plans

Thursday, April 12, 2007

By CANDY BROOKS

ThisWeek Staff Writer 

 

The CVS development proposed for the former Jubilee site received its final approval from Worthington City Council on Monday night.  Council voted unanimously to allow Skilken Properties to build a 13,013-square-foot CVS pharmacy on the southeast corner of North and High streets, with two additional buildings to the south.  The southern buildings will be retail on the ground floor, with a total of four apartments on the second floor. The retail spaces have not yet been leased, according to Skilken vice president and general counsel Joanne Goldhand.

 

Council members praised the final plans and the Architectural Review Board (ARB) and Municipal Planning Commission (MPC), which have worked with the developers to improve the proposal for six months.  The stores will be built in an "urban style," with the fronts close to the sidewalk and parking to the rear. Council approved generous setback variances to permit the configuration, which was prescribed in the city's 2005 Comprehensive Plan.

 

Read more at http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/041207/Worthington/News/041207-News-336365.html

 

Council takes next step toward arts center

ThisWeek Worthington, 6/7/07

 

"This may be an albatross around our necks, or it may be a stunning achievement."  That was the summation offered by Worthington City Council member Dave Norstrom on Monday night as council took another step toward helping to build and operate an arts center to serve the Worthington school district. 

 

Before an audience of enthusiastic arts center supporters, council voted unanimously to move on to the next design step, and voted 6-1 to authorize the city to enter into a complex agreement that would share construction responsibilities between the city and the Worthington Arts Council.  If all goes as presented on Monday, construction would begin on the addition and renovation of the old Packard Annex building in June, 2008.

 

MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/060707/Worthington/News/060707-News-368793.html

First bricks fall at former Jubilee site

New CVS building expected to be done in late spring or early summer

BY CANDY BROOKS | THIS WEEK NEWS

November 29, 2007

 

WORTHINGTON - The first bricks tumbled down at Jubilee Foods last week, setting off a domino action that will end with a whole new look for one of Worthington's major intersections.  "That entire corner will be completely new," said Frank Petruziello, partner in Skilken Properties, which is developing the southeast corner of North and High streets with a CVS and two additional retail buildings.

 

The new building is expected to be complete and ready for occupancy in late spring or early summer, depending on the weather, according to Skilken spokespersons.  Once the new CVS is under roof, a new tenant - possibly a grocery store - could move into the current CVS site on the northeast corner.

 

After months of talks, the city in April approved plans for a new 13,013-square-foot CVS and two additional buildings to the south.  The building will be built "urban style," with fronts close to the sidewalk and parking to the rear.  That type of configuration is prescribed in the city's latest comprehensive plan.

 

Read more at http://www.thisweeknews.com/?sec=home&story=sites/thisweeknews/112907/Worthington/News/112907-News-461705.html

Council reviews proposals for tools to aid in city's development

BY CANDY BROOKS | THIS WEEK NEWS

Wendesday, May 14, 2008

 

Worthington City Council is reviewing two proposed ordinances designed to give the city new development tools.  One proposal would create the Olentangy River Road Corridor Overlay District.  The second would create Planned Unit Development (PUD) zoning that could be used throughout the city.  Both could come before council for a vote at next Monday's meeting.

 

MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/worthington/stories/2008/05/14/0515wocouncil_ln.html

Allmon studio gallery nearly ready to open

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

By CANDY BROOKS, ThisWeek Staff Writer

 

An artist who knows how to establish galleries in historic communities will bring her talents to downtown Worthington next month.  Jan Allmon will begin moving into her new space next week with plans to open the Jan Allmon Studio Gallery at 650 High Street in mid-August.

 

The 1,240-square-foot storefront is part of the newly refurbished center on the northeast corner of High Street and New England Avenue.

 

MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/worthington/stories/2008/07/16/0717woallmon_ln.html

First arts center board of trustees is appointed

Wednesday,  August 6, 2008 

By CANDY BROOKS

ThisWeek Staff Writer

 

Thirteen community members -- all with impressive backgrounds in the arts, business or communications -- have been named to the inaugural board of trustees for the Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center of Worthington.  They will direct the nonprofit that will operate the center, and they will be responsible for arts programming for the Worthington community.

 

The center will be located in the old Packard Annex, located at the corner of West Granville Road and Evening Street.  The building is being renovated and a small addition built.  Projections call for it to be ready to open in 2009.

 

MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/worthington/stories/2008/08/06/0807woarts_ln.html

 

Worthington CIC to look at future of 752 building

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

By CANDY BROOKS, ThisWeek Staff Writer

 

What to do with the 752 building?  For eight years, ever since school administrators moved out, that question has haunted the school district, then the library, now the city.  Now, Worthington City Council has turned the nagging issue over to the CIC.  The CIC (Community Improvement Corporation) is a council-appointed board that acts on behalf of the city in business and real estate issues. 

 

The 752 building, also known as the James Kilbourne Memorial Library and as the old school administration building, is located on the northeast quadrant of the Village Green.  It was built as a library in 1927, and was used as either a library or a school building until 2000, when school administrators moved to the current school administration building at 200 E. Wilson Bridge Road.

 

After an unsuccessful effort to sell the building, and fruitless community meetings seeking a use, the schools sold the building to the city for $500,000 two years ago.  The deal included the sale of the Packard Annex to the city for $1.  The annex is now being developed into the Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center of Worthington, but the 752 building still sits empty.

 

MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/worthington/stories/2008/09/03/0904wocic_ln.html

Simsbury Place Condos to be sold at sheriff's auction

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

By CANDY BROOKS

ThisWeek Staff Writer

 

Simsbury Place Condominiums, the first Worthington condo complex to be built in decades when it was constructed two years ago, will be sold at sheriff's sale Friday. The completed, 16-unit building at 805 Proprietors Road and the land next door have been appraised at $2.37-million, according to the Franklin County Sheriff's Web site.

 

The upscale condos were built to suit Worthington empty-nesters, co-owner D.J. Falcoski told ThisWeek when he unveiled the model unit in August 2007. The units ranged in size from 1,065 square feet to 1,783 square feet. Prices ranged from $224,000 to $424,000. In August 2007, Falcoski said that ten of the units were under contract. The building appears to be unoccupied. The second building was to match the first, with 16 more units. A gravel lot remains on that site.

 

The land was formerly a parking lot for Worthington Foods, which was once located across the street. The Worthington Station office condominium complex with a dozen separate buildings has been approved for the former Worthington Foods site. Three of those buildings are completed.

 

MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/worthington/stories/2008/10/08/1009wocondos_ln.html

South Side of East Wilson Bridge

City looking at redevelopment in area

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

By CANDY BROOKS

ThisWeek Staff Writer

 

The small, ranch-style homes that line the south side of East Wilson Bridge Road could someday be torn down to make way for commercial redevelopment.  The city's Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) has hired the planning firm CSI to evaluate the capacity of the 15 contiguous single-family properties between Westview Avenue and McCord Park.

 

Both the 2005 Comprehensive Plan and an earlier economic development plan called for the land to be developed either with offices or as mixed use, with townhouse residential uses mixed with offices.

 

With its offices aging and few areas remaining that can be developed, this strip of land just might be what Worthington needs to spur economic development, Greeson said.  "Worthington has few sites that are properly zoned, have the proper infrastructure and are ready for redevelopment," he said.  "This is one of the few possible greenfield sites in the city."

 

MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/worthington/stories/2008/10/01/1002woredevel_ln.html

OLDE WORTHINGTON

Historic area nominated for register

Saturday, August 29, 2009

By Alan Johnson, The Columbus Dispatch

 

A portion of Olde Worthington described as a "living history lesson" has been nominated by the state for designation on the National Register of Historic Places.  The nomination of the Worthington Historic District -- bounded by North, Morning, South and Evening streets -- was approved yesterday by the Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board.  The final designation must be made by the National Park Service, which administers the historic sites program nationwide.

 

Several structures in the area already are listed on the National Register.  Worthington city and business leaders made a successful pitch to the state, arguing that it is important to recognize the "integrity of the original town plan … developed in New England in 1803 to its current status in a vibrant residential town in the greater metropolitan Columbus area."  That original plan, with a grid pattern of streets, a village green and common building setbacks, was developed in Connecticut by a group of 41 investors.  It was brought here in 1803, just as Ohio became a state.

 

Full story at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/08/29/HISTORIC_WORTH.ART_ART_08-29-09_B3_C7ETHJJ.html?sid=101

Years in the making, arts center opens

 

The city of Worthington will embrace the arts this weekend as it welcomes the community to the new Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center.  After years of fundraising and a $4.9 million makeover, the former school at 160 W. Dublin-Granville Road will host its first performance Saturday, Oct. 17, in the center's newly renovated 219-seat theater.  The original 1914 school has been renovated to include four art studios, two classrooms, a dance studio and a main exhibition gallery in its 20,000 square feet.

 

The opening of a dedicated arts center of Worthington has been envisioned since 1998, after a three-year exploration of interest in the idea led to the Worthington Arts Council joining the city of Worthington and the Worthington City School District to take up the task.  The project received a boost in 2005 when John McConnell, founder of Worthington Industries, donated $1 million to the cause in memory of his wife Peggy and her passion for the arts.

 

Video of the McConnell Art Center from Columbus Local News

 

For a schedule of upcoming events, visit www.mcconnellarts.org.

WORTHINGTON

Wilson Bridge redevelopment study expands east and west

Wednesday,  December 23, 2009 - 2:11 PM

By Candy Brooks, ThisWeek Staff Writer

 

How can the 1980s-style Wilson Bridge Road office buildings be transformed into a 21st century mixed-use development, combining office, retail and residential uses?  That question is expected to come more into focus in 2010 as a study designed to look at the development of the south side of East Wilson Bridge Road expands to include the possible redevelopment of the city's entire north office corridor.

 

The need to look at the whole area -- taking in all of Wilson Bridge Road, including Worthington Square and existing houses and condominiums -- became evident at a recent meeting of the East Wilson Bridge Planning Study Steering Committee.  The committee includes city representatives, residents and consultants from Bird Houk Collaborative, which was hired by Worthington City Council in October to conduct a study of the possible redevelopment of the south side of East Wilson Bridge Road, from the curve just west of Westview Drive to McCord Park. 

 

Full story at http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/worthington/stories/2009/12/23/1224wowilson-bridge_ln.html?sid=104

Worthington Square may get $5-million facelift

Wednesday,  February 10, 2010 - 1:11 PM

By Candy Brooks, ThisWeek Staff Writer

 

The new owners of Worthington Square have submitted to the city plans for a $5-million facelift for the struggling retail center.  The south, east, and northeast entryways will be upgraded; an exterior presence will be created for some stores; the traffic pattern will be changed; and a public plaza will be created in the currently abandoned lot between Kroger and the mall.

 

The Municipal Planning Commission and Architectural Review Board will get its first view of the proposals at their meetings Feb. 11.  Besides architectural approval, the plans require an amendment to the development plan and several variances for sign plans.

 

The mall, which appears to be approximately half occupied, was purchased last year by General Electric Credit Equities from Stanford University.  City officials said they had high hopes that the new owner and its local management representatives, Colliers, would bring life back to the mall.

 

Full article at http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/worthington/stories/2010/02/10/0211woworth-aquare_ln.html?sid=104

Evening Street's solar panels will be fired up next week

BY PAMELA WILLIS, COLUMBUS LOCAL NEWS

Published: Tuesday, February 23, 2010 - 5:28 PM EST

 

District leaders and the SolarVision company soon will activate Worthington schools' newest and largest solar panel installation at Evening Street Elementary School.  Director of Facility Management Tim Gehring said the solar activation presentation will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 2, at the school, 885 Evening Street.

 

Worthington schools signed a contract with SolarVision that guarantees the district will pay 15 percent less for energy than it normally would spend, Gehring said.  Under the contract, the district buys energy directly from SolarVision.  Gehring said the contract with SolarVision basically leases the school's roof to SolarVision and it in turn provides energy to the district at a reduced cost.  SolarVision will maintain ownership of the panels, so maintenance would not be the district's responsibility.

 

Plans are under way for an even larger installation at Worthingway Middle School, where 300 panels could be installed, making it the largest middle school in Ohio to add solar energy, according to the SolarVision Web site, www.solarvisionllc.net.

 

Full article at http://www.columbuslocalnews.com/articles/2010/02/26/worthington_news/schools/wosolar%202-_20100223_0209pm_2.txt

Worthington school jumps into solar power in a big way

Monday,  March 8, 2010 - 3:46 AM

By Candy Brooks

THISWEEK NEWSPAPERS

 

Maybe they should move it four blocks to Morning Street - or at least change its name.  After all, Worthington's Evening Street Elementary School is going to be paying a lot of attention to the rising sun.

 

Last week, students, teachers and government officials flipped the switch - their version of cutting a ribbon - on an array of rooftop solar panels that will supply about one-fourth of the school's electricity.  On hot summer days, when the panels generate more power than the school can use, surplus electricity will flow to nearby residences.  Potentially, officials said, the system could meet the energy needs of as many as two dozen homes.

 

Although other schools in central Ohio, including three in Worthington, already get some power from solar panels, the Evening Street project is the largest of its kind in a five-state region, officials said.

 

FULL ARTICLE: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/03/08/school-jumps-into-solar-power-in-a-big-way.html

ARB: 752 plans 'wonderful,' but where's the parking?

Wednesday,  March 3, 2010 - 2:32 PM

By Candy Brooks, ThisWeek Staff Writer

 

The city needs to take the lead in creating parking if it expects to attract restaurant, retail or office tenants to the old Kilbourne Library building.  That was the advice of the Architectural Review Board last week as it gave conceptual approval to designs showing the former library/school administration building transformed into a restaurant with terrace seating on the Village Green. 

 

The city owns the building at 752 High St., on the northeast quadrant of the Village Green.  The city hopes to lease the building to tenants who might want to modify the exterior.  Architect Jack Hedge of DesignGroup, working for the Community Improvement Corporation (CIC), presented conceptual drawings of how the building could be altered to change its use and to provide handicap accessibility.  The drawings will be used in negotiating a lease or leases for the building, and will probably be changed before a final approval.

 

Review board members said that was fine, saying such a use would energize the Village Green.  Parking is the challenge, they pointed out.  There are only 13 dedicated parking spaces for the building.  But the parking abuts lots for the Huntington National Bank, the Old Worthington Library, and Kilbourne Middle School.  Assistant city manager Robyn Stewart said that those property owners have been contacted about a plan to combine parking lots.

 

FULL ARTICLE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/worthington/stories/2010/03/03/0304woarb-752_ln.html?sid=104