March 30, 201015 yr New Orange Johnson roof will be historically accurate Wednesday, March 17, 2010 - 12:59 PM By CANDY BROOKS, ThisWeek Staff Writer The Orange Johnson House will get a new roof that is befitting the home of a wealthy 19th century real estate investor. The new roof will be wood shingle, which is historically accurate for a home of that era and was the material used when Johnson built it around 1816. "It will go back to the way it was when Orange Johnson lived there in the early 19th century," architect Steven Frazier told the Architectural Review Board on March 11. The ARB unanimously approved the roof application filed by the Worthington Historical Society, which owns the home and operates it as a museum at 956 High Street. Only the front portion of the home will receive a new roof, which is the final step in refurbishing the exterior of house by the historical society. The oldest portion of the house, which faces south, was built in 1811 by Aurora Buttles and sat on 35 acres of farmland in the newly settled village. Johnson purchased the home in 1816 and built the Federal-style addition facing the main road through the village, which is now High Street. Full article: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/worthington/stories/2010/03/17/0318woorange-jhn_ln.html?sid=104
August 17, 201014 yr Wilson Bridge Road plans unveiled Wednesday, August 11, 2010 By CANDY BROOKS ThisWeek Staff Writer An interconnected community of offices, shops, hotels and condominiums and apartments is how planners envision the Wilson Bridge Road corridor of the future. A draft plan was presented to the public at a meeting on August 4. The plan shows a mix of uses pulled together with pedestrian gathering spaces and walkways and bikeways, including a pedestrian/bike bridge over North High Street just north of Worthington Square. "We're trying to create a walkable, bikeable corridor where you don't have to get in your car to go from here to there," said James Houk of Bird Houk, the design firm hired by the city to create a development plan for East and West Wilson Bridge Road. The plan must be approved by Worthington City Council, then followed with a second phase detailing how the city can encourage such development. Those plans will probably include development incentives, changes to allow denser development than now exists and the construction of amenities such as the walkway by the city. Large size architectural rendering from BirdHouk of the Wilson Bridge Road corridor plan Full article: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/worthington/stories/2010/08/11/wilson-bridge-road-plans-unveiled.html
September 6, 201014 yr Worthington Square Sale of mall may ignite city's future Wednesday, September 1, 2010 By CANDY BROOKS ThisWeek Community Newspapers City leaders are hailing the sale of Worthington Square as the starting point for the community's future. "Over time this is going to be one of the strongest assets the community has," city manager Matt Greeson said. He was reacting to the Tuesday announcement that a team of successful mall developers, including Worthington resident Tom Carter, is under contract to purchase the mall. They plan to reinvent the floundering retail center, turning it into a partially open-air center with new restaurants, public areas, and stores. They may even build apartments or condominiums on the extended site, just as is recommended in the newly developed Wilson Bridge Corridor Plan. "This will truly be a place where you can live, work, and play," said Bill Morris. He and Walter Floyd are principals in Morris Capital Partners from Texas. They have joined with Carter, one of the developers of Easton, to purchase the mall from GE Equities. GE purchased the mall in 2008. They originally announced plans to renovate the mall, then withdrew their plans from the city. Greeson said he will be thrilled to see the mall in the hands of a local owner who will work with the city. Full article: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/worthington/stories/2010/09/01/sale-of-mall-may-ignite-citys-future.html?sid=104
September 6, 201014 yr More about the Worthington Square Mall purchase: BUSINESS FIRST: New owners bag Worthington Square Mall COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Worthington Square Mall to change hands
November 29, 201014 yr Links to a couple of recent articles about Tax Increment Financing (TIF) talks that would help fund improvements and renovations to the recently purchased Worthington Square Mall: THIS WEEK NEWS: Board, council to hammer out TIF for Worthington Square COLUMBUS LOCAL NEWS: TIF primes Worthington Square area for development
November 29, 201014 yr Will Riverlea become part of Worthington? Officials open to discussion By BRET LIEBENDORFER, COLUMBUS LOCAL NEWS Published: Wednesday, November 24, 2010 Talks of Riverlea being annexed into Worthington are becoming serious after a recent petition drive. More than 40 percent of eligible voters in the village - 130 residents - have signed a petition over the last three weeks that would allow voters to decide on the annexation. Only 25 percent is required by law. Volunteer Deb Barman said the village was easier to manage when it was founded in 1939 before there were regulations such as those by the EPA that are calling for infrastructure upgrades. If Riverlea was annexed by Worthington, Barman said that would bring in full-time professionals to solve the village's problems. There also would be services such as leaf and snow removal, a tree program and facilities such as the senior center and community center. The annexation also makes sense, Barman said, because of recent talk about consolidating government entities to save on funding. Riverlea currently contracts for Worthington's police and fire services, and children attend Worthington schools. Despite passing a replacement 4.5-mill operating levy with an increase of 0.5 mills Nov. 2, which is expected to generate $117,000 per year, the village still faces infrastructure repairs expected to cost in the millions. From here, the petition would need to be certified by Franklin County commissioners, said Ben Piscitelli, public information officer for the Franklin County Board of Elections. Next, it would need approval by Riverlea Village Council, which includes members who have publicly stated their approval of annexation. Lastly, Worthington City Council would need to vote in favor of the move. MORE: http://www.columbuslocalnews.com/articles/2010/11/25/worthington_news/news/woannexweb_20101124_0209pm_1.txt
December 13, 201014 yr WORTHINGTON SQUARE City ready to approve 30-year TIF Wednesday, December 1, 2010 BY CANDY BROOKS ThisWeek Community Newspapers The city and schools are about to sign a deal that could divert more than $3-million of their tax dollars back into the development of Worthington Square over the next 30 years. The amount returned to the mall developers pales compared to the revenue expected to be collected by the schools and city in additional property and income tax dollars over the 30-year-time period covered by the tax-increment-financing (TIF) agreement. The tax dollars that the school district will forgo range from $1.2-million to $2.4-million over 30 years, depending on how much the mall increases in value. But the funds directed back into the mall would be between 15 percent and 20 percent of the new dollars collected by the school district. If the value of the mall increases by $18.5-million, the schools could earn as much as $9.5-million in additional property tax revenue over 30 years. MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/worthington/stories/2010/12/01/city-ready-to-approve-30-year-tif.html?sid=104
December 24, 201014 yr Mall's new owner ready to make big changes Tuesday, December 21, 2010 By Marla Matzer Rose THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Worthington Square Mall officially has a new owner, who hopes to begin renovations on the long-languishing, nearly 40-year-old property by May and complete them by November. Worthington resident Tom Carter closed on the previously announced purchase with partners Bill Morris and Walter Floyd of Texas-based Morris Capital Partners. They bought the 168,000-square-foot property near Rt.23 and I-270 for about $6.5 million from GE Credit Equities, which took over the property in 2008 when the previous owner defaulted on the loan. The new owners plan to invest more than $10 million in the project, including updating the infrastructure, improving traffic flow around the buildings and creating a more open, walkable feeling to the exterior of the enclosed mall. MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2010/12/21/malls-new-owner-ready-to-make-big-changes.html?sid=101
December 28, 201014 yr More about the 483 residents of the Village of Riverlea considering annexing into the adjacent City of Worthington: Time for Riverlea to join Worthington's fold? -- Residents of tiny village are an independent lot, but more and more they're seeing advantages to being annexed by Worthington.
January 28, 201114 yr Worthington Square Mall owners OK renovation plan as Talbots, Chico’s, First Watch sign lease extensions Business First - by Dan Eaton Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 11:02am EST After years of trying to get more shoppers inside Worthington Square Mall, the center’s new owners want them outside. Columbus developer Tom Carter and Fort Worth, Texas-based Morris Capital Partners acquired the 22-acre, 40-year-old property in December for $6.5 million. A $20 million renovation, which will turn part of the mall into more of an outdoor lifestyle center, is ready to move forward after Worthington City Council this month approved the creation of a tax-increment financing district for the site. The TIF will divert a portion of property tax dollars toward public improvements on the site. Other changes will include more soft seating, natural light, exterior-facing space, new tile, fountain improvements and better signs. Worthington Square includes 138,724 square feet of enclosed retail space, 16,950 square feet of office and multiple outparcels. The renovation is expected to begin in May with a grand opening scheduled for November. MORE: http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2011/01/25/worthington-square-mall-owners-ok.html
February 14, 201114 yr WORTHINGTON Mall will be big business news in 2011 Wednesday, February 9, 2011 By CANDY BROOKS ThisWeek Community Newspapers The proposed revitalization of Worthington Square may be the best business news coming out of Worthington in recent years. City manager Matt Greeson summed up the city's response in three words. "We are ecstatic," he told the Worthington Area Chamber of Commerce at the annual Groundhog Day Breakfast on Feb. 2. Asked to forecast the coming year in business, he began with the plans to bring back the mall, which has been failing for many years. This past December, it was purchased by Worthington resident Tom Carter and a group of Texas investors. Plans for renovation are expected to be submitted to the city in the spring, with construction set to begin in the summer. The Wilson Bridge Road corridor study is also due in the spring. The land use and market analysis will be a blueprint for what the city hopes will be the redevelopment of East and West Wilson Bridge roads. MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/worthington/stories/2011/02/09/mall-will-be-big-business-news-in-11.html?sid=104
February 14, 201114 yr Riverlea a step closer to annexation Elections board validates petition Wednesday, February 9, 2011 By Dean Narciso THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH The village of Riverlea has cleared the first hurdle toward a possible annexation by neighboring Worthington. The Franklin County Board of Elections ruled Feb. 2 that a petition by the village Jan. 31 contained enough signatures to advance the proposal. The Riverlea Village Council has 22 more days to pass an ordinance declaring its intent to negotiate with another town, said Nathan Burd, deputy director of the board of elections. If the village finds a potential annexation partner - Worthington or another town - both sides would then appoint three representatives to negotiate. Finally, Riverlea residents would vote on the proposal within 90 days of an agreement. MORE: http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2011/02/09/copy/riverlea-a-step-closer-to-annexation.html?adsec=politics&sid=101
March 27, 201114 yr Riverlea annexation headed toward Worthington council vote Thursday, March 24, 2011 By Candy Brooks ThisWeek Community Newspapers Worthington is set to make a quick decision on annexing the village of Riverlea. Riverlea, with 545 residents living west of N. High Street and south of W. Riverglen Drive, is surrounded by Worthington on three sides. The law requires the Worthingon City Council to pass an ordinance entering into negotiations within 30 days of receiving a notice from Riverlea seeking annexation. Worthington received the notice on March 11. Worthington City Council has scheduled a special meeting at 7:30 p.m. April 10. The council can either reject annexation or appoint three commissioners to work with three from Riverlea to negotiate annexation. MORE: http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2011/03/24/copy/riverlea-annexation-headed-toward-vote.html?adsec=politics&sid=101
March 27, 201114 yr Insight Bank buys Worthington site for HQ, branch Business First - by Adrian Burns Wednesday, March 16, 2011, 6:40pm EDT Insight Bank is in contract to acquire the former Dalt’s restaurant building and attached offices next to the Worthington Square Mall where it will develop its headquarters. The Columbus bank, launched in 2006, has been considering a move for years as its focus turned more toward retail banking, an approach that often requires a highly visible branch office near retail and residential concentrations. The bank’s existing headquarters and branch are at the back of an office complex off Orion Place in the Polaris area, far from passing traffic or housing developments. The bank plans to close the Orion Place office before moving to 150 W. Wilson Bridge Road, which includes the 5,500-square foot former Dalt’s restaurant that the bank will convert into offices. It also is acquiring the attached 11,000-square-foot office building, where it will open a branch and keep other offices. Both properties are vacant. MORE: http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2011/03/16/insight-bank-buys-worthington-site-for.html
May 9, 201114 yr Riverlea, city set for annexation talks Wednesday, May 4, 2011 By CANDY BROOKS ThisWeek Community Newspapers The city of Worthington should assume the cost of fixing the village of Riverlea's roads and sewers without assessing village residents, according to a list of proposals from Riverlea annexation commissioners. That is one of the proposals presented to the city in an April 15 memo. That and other issues are expected to be addressed by the three Riverlea and three Worthington commissioners as they negotiate an annexation agreement over the next 100-plus days. The second meeting of the commission is scheduled for (Thursday, May 5) at the Worthington Municipal Building, 6550 N. High St. The commission is charged with coming up with an annexation agreement to be presented to the councils of Riverlea and Worthington before it goes before voters of both municipalities. The work of the commission must be completed within 120 days of April 10, when Worthington City Council voted to proceed with the request from Riverlea to consider annexing the village into the city. READ MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/worthington/stories/2011/05/04/riverlea-city-set-for-annexation-talks.html
May 11, 201114 yr Worthington Square mall getting new look, name Wednesday, May 11, 2011 By Marla Matzer Rose, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Worthington Square mall is being renamed the Shops at Worthington Place as the new owners proceed with a plan for a multimillion-dollar renovation of the property to begin this summer. The shopping center was bought last year by Worthington resident Tom Carter and Texas-based Morris-Floyd Capital Partners, and they recently closed on a $10 million renovation loan from WesBanco. The developers launched a website using the new name, www.shopworthingtonplace.com, and they plan to put up permanent signs with the new name later this year. Improvements will include a new open-air section toward the back of the center, new landscaping and children's play areas. They are expected to be finished by the holiday season. READ MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2011/05/11/worthington-square-mall-getting-new-look-name.html?sid=101
July 8, 201113 yr WORTHINGTON MALL RENOVATION PROJECT First changes to mall include new entryways Wednesday, June 29, 2011 - 07:40 AM By CANDY BROOKS ThisWeek Community Newspapers The fluted pillars and 1980s-style gazebo at the main entry to the Shops of Worthington Place will be removed, replaced by a brick entryway with benches and a fire pit. The south entry will be replaced as well, and Talbots will move into the southernmost tenant space, with its own exterior doors. The north entryway will also get some attention, with outdoor and indoor play areas added near the site of the former Gap store. And though the eyesore created where stores were torn down at the north end of the mall will not be finished until next year, a mural will go up to hide the area while construction occurs. Those are a few of the improvements to Worthington Place (the new name of Worthington Square) approved by the Worthington Architectural Review Board at its June 23 meeting. READ MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/worthington/stories/2011/06/29/first-changes-to-mall-include-new-entryways.html
July 12, 201113 yr Jeweler’s expansion gets under way in historic Worthington Business First - by Brian Ball Date: Tuesday, June 28, 2011, 12:54pm EDT Contractors have started work on a three-level, 3,000-square-foot addition on Worthington Jewelers’ historic building at 692 N. High Street in what the company has billed as the most significant architectural change to the village green in Worthington in 50 years. The owners of Worthington Jewelers broke ground June 24 on the $420,000 expansion of showroom and office space. The project includes the creation of a main level section as a bridal jewelry showroom and second-floor offices and meeting room. READ MORE: http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/blog/2011/06/jewelers-expansion-gets-underway-in.html
July 12, 201113 yr More about the Worthington Jewelers construction project on the village green from Columbus Local News: Shop begins rare Old Worthington construction project: Worthington Jewelers hopes a 3,000-square-foot expansion will be open by November PHOTO OF CONSTRUCTION SITE READ MORE: http://www.columbuslocalnews.com/articles/2011/07/06/multiple_papers/news/allwojewel_20110705_1131pm_18.txt
July 16, 201113 yr Annexation of Riverlea by Worthington backed by joint panel Friday, July 15, 2011 - 02:50 AM By Dean Narciso THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH After three months of studying ledgers and operations, a six-member commission has decided to move ahead with Worthington's annexation of Riverlea, a move that both sides say will benefit each community. But residents of each municipality first must approve annexation in the November election. Before then, the challenge for annexation advocates will be to convince residents they have nothing to lose. Both the village and city councils must formally sign off on the deal for the Franklin County Board of Elections to certify the ballot language before the Aug. 10 filing deadline. Final approval would mean that Riverlea would no longer exist as a political subdivision. All assets and liabilities of the village would be assumed by Worthington. READ MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2011/07/15/annexation-of-riverlea-by-worthington-backed-by-joint-panel.html?sid=101
August 10, 201113 yr A couple of updates about the Worthington Mall renovation project: THIS WEEK NEWSPAPERS: Worthington mall's first new tenants announced COLUMBUS LOCAL NEWS: Dirt turned at Worthington mall; new tenants named
October 12, 201113 yr Former Methodist Children’s Home to sell Worthington campus By Carrie Ghose, Business First Date: Monday, October 10, 2011, 4:52pm EDT Prime real estate along High Street in Worthington is about to hit the market. Reflecting its change in services from residential care, the former United Methodist Children’s Home plans to sell most of its 38-acre campus and put the proceeds into an endowment to augment services, the organization said Monday. The organization is hoping to raise more than $10 million, interim CEO Bill Wilkins. MORE: http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2011/10/10/former-methodist-childrens-home-to.html Prime property for sale in Worthington Officials thinking big for old youth-home site By Dean Narciso, The Columbus Dispatch Wednesday, October 12, 2011 - 7:42 AM The United Methodist Children’s Home for troubled youth, opened almost a century ago as an orphanage, is for sale. The 38-acre site is the largest undeveloped property in Worthington and one that city officials have hoped would generate substantial tax revenue. (. . .) Potential for redevelopment is large, city officials said. The site likely would include both office and residential components, according to the city’s comprehensive plan. LOCATION MAP & MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2011/10/12/prime-property-for-sale-in-worthington.html
October 13, 201113 yr One more article about the 38-acre Children's Home land that is now up for sale in Worthington. And a location map showing how close this propoerty is to the heart of historic Worthington (i.e. The Village Green at High Street and 161/Dublin-Granville Road). The below article also has a photo of some of buildings on the property. Children's home will sell Worthington property As UMCH mission changes, campus no longer needed; land should draw 'a lot of attention' By BRET LIEBENDORFER, COLUMBUS LOCAL NEWS Published: Wednesday, October 12, 2011 - 7:08 AM EDT Citing changes in how child welfare agencies now operate, the United Methodist Children's Home has put its Worthington property up for sale, with plans to evolve its mission. The moves follow the closing of the group's residential program a year ago following several violent incidents in the community instigated by children who ran away from the unsecured 38-acre campus located on High Street just north of Old Worthington. MORE: http://www.columbuslocalnews.com/articles/2011/10/12/multiple_papers/news/allwoumch%20_20111011_1014pm_54.txt
October 13, 201113 yr An update about the upcoming Novomber vote on the proposed merger between the City of Worthington and the Village of Riverlea: Commission takes questions on merger of city, village Residents of Worthington and Riverlea will decide next month whether to join the two communities into one. By BRET LIEBENDORFER, COLUMBUS LOCAL NEWS Published: Tuesday, October 11, 2011 - 5:06 PM EDT Residents of Riverlea and Worthington spoke openly to commissioners during a forum held last Wednesday to discuss merging the two communities. One of the first questions from one of around 50 members of the public was about how Riverlea would benefit from becoming a neighborhood of Worthington and adopting its neighbor's laws and governing body. The annexation requires support from a majority of voters in each community on the Nov. 8 ballot. MORE: http://www.columbuslocalnews.com/articles/2011/10/12/worthington_news/news/woannex%2010_20111011_0244pm_60.txt
November 10, 201113 yr Tuesday's election day had a proposed merger of the Village of Riverlea (545 residents) with the neighboring City of Worthington (13,575 population) on the ballot of both communities. Technically, it was an annexation of the Village of Riverlea by the City of Worthington - but it was the idea of the Village of Riverlea. Riverlea is facing mandated sanitary-sewer improvements by the Ohio EPA and has very little income to pay for this and future roadway repairs in the village. So, Riverlea elected officials reached out to Worthington for a merger. Over the past year, a joint committee of Worthington and Riverlea officials negotiated an annexation agreement. State law required that both communities pass the agreement at the polls. In Tuesday's vote, Worthington residents passed the agreement with 64%. However, in the Village of Riverlea, where the idea originated, it was defeated 45% to 55%! So, nevermind all that. Below is the article from The Columbus Dispatch: Riverlea won’t join Worthington
January 7, 201213 yr Jeweler’s expansion gets under way in historic Worthington Business First - by Brian Ball Date: Tuesday, June 28, 2011, 12:54pm EDT Contractors have started work on a three-level, 3,000-square-foot addition on Worthington Jewelers’ historic building at 692 N. High Street in what the company has billed as the most significant architectural change to the village green in Worthington in 50 years. The owners of Worthington Jewelers broke ground June 24 on the $420,000 expansion of showroom and office space. The project includes the creation of a main level section as a bridal jewelry showroom and second-floor offices and meeting room. READ MORE: http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/blog/2011/06/jewelers-expansion-gets-underway-in.html Worthington Jewelers owner ‘ecstatic’ over addition to store By Candy Brooks, ThisWeek Community Newspapers Thursday, December 22, 2011 - 2:35 PM When plans were being reviewed for the addition to Worthington Jewelers last year, there were plenty of doubters. A two-story, glass and wood addition to an old brick building? Craftsman style? On the Village Green? Yes, yes, yes. And now that it is complete and open for business, the finished product seems to have quieted the critics. MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/worthington/news/2011/12/20/owner-ecstatic-with-addition-to-store.html
January 7, 201213 yr Seeds for major redevelopment planted in Worthington's 2011 By BRET LIEBENDORFER, COLUMBUS LOCAL NEWS Published: Friday, December 23, 2011 - 9:57 AM EST Despite the sluggish economy, many of 2011's top stories in Worthington centered around development. The area that served as the center of attention was the Wilson Bridge Road corridor, which saw plans for private and public developments that would transform the city's largest economic center. This year also saw a rare major development in Old Worthington and a large parcel along High Street put up for sale. Voters had plenty on their plates in November in deciding whether the village of Riverlea should be annexed and choosing from nine candidates running for five seats on City Council. Here's a look back at 2011's top stories in Worthington. MORE: http://www.snponline.com/articles/2011/12/23/multiple_papers/news/allwocityy_20111223_0951am_91.txt
January 9, 201213 yr A look at prospective projects for Worthington in 2012 from Columbus Local News - Worthington edition: Planned Worthington projects will see fruition in '12 - Work at the mall and on Wilson Bridge Road picks up speed, while prime High Street sites will tempt buyers.
February 9, 201213 yr Children's home, gas station properties drawing interest The Old Worthington BP station is in contract, though no sale has been reported; the former UMCH is still for sale By BRET LIEBENDORFER, COLUMBUS LOCAL NEWS Published: Tuesday, February 7, 2012 - 5:06 PM EST Despite plenty of interest in two prominent High Street properties in Worthington, neither location has reported a sale. In October, UMCH Family Services announced its 38-acre property at 1033 High St. was on the market. The site is one of the largest undeveloped properties along High Street in Central Ohio. . . . The site is expected to be redeveloped as mixed use with the likely combinations of residential, retail or office as indicated by a 2005 a land-use study by the city. Redevelopment would require rezoning if the new owner uses the site differently and would be subject to the city's Architectural Review Board guidelines. (. . .) A similar situation exists less than a mile south at 641 High St., where a Realtor's "in contract" sign has stirred the community's interest in what will become of the BP gas station, whose gas pumps and fuel tanks have been removed. Sara Bonnie of Bonnie Realty Services said the site's history as a gas station is not holding up the deal so much as a prospective buyer finalizing plans to make sure they are compatible with the neighborhood's strict zoning code. "We're giving them time to get their ducks in a row," she said. MORE: http://www.snponline.com/articles/2012/02/08/worthington_news/news/woumch%202-8_20120207_0218pm_20.txt
March 2, 201213 yr More about the possible redevelopment of a closed BP gas station at the southeast corner of High Street and New England Avenue. The site is only one block south of Worthington's Village Green. Very prominent location across the street from La Chatelaine French Bakery & Bistro and diagonal from The Worthington Inn restaurant. Below is an article detailing a proposal to replace the gas station with new building for Dewey's Pizza. It would be dramatic improvement. Dewey's Pizza planned for downtown Worthington By Candy Brooks, ThisWeek Community Newspapers Tuesday, February 28, 2012 - 5:53 PM Dewey’s Pizza could replace the BP station in downtown Worthington. The city has received an architectural-review application that calls for demolishing the service station at 640 N. High Street. The station closed except for repair service several weeks ago, and the underground tanks have been removed. (The service station would replaced with) a proposed 3,500-square-foot, redbrick building would include an outdoor plaza at the corner, with room for outdoor seating. Parking is proposed for the rear of the lot. MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/worthington/news/2012/02/21/Deweys-Pizza-planned-for-downtown-Worthington.html
May 11, 201213 yr ^The Dewey's Pizza project, which included the demo of a closed gas station at High and New England, was approved by the Worthington Architectural Review Board in March. Below is a project approved by them in April for the former Worthington Mall (now called The Shops at Worthington Place). With reservations, ARB approves design for Orvis By CANDY BROOKS, ThisWeek Community News Thursday, May 3, 2012 - 1:18 PM Despite some concerns about losing the 1970s charm of the mall, the Worthington Architectural Review Board approved plans for a new Orvis store April 26. The store is proposed for the south side of the main, east entrance to the mall. The former Caribou Coffee shop will be demolished and the taller, larger Orvis store built. It will have high ceilings to accommodate fly-fishing poles and other outdoor equipment. It also will take over the former Franklin Covey store located immediately inside the east door. MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/worthington/news/2012/05/02/with-reservations-arb-approves-design-for-orvis.html
October 2, 201212 yr The former United Methodist Children’s Home property in Worthington is in the news again. Previous posts about it from October 2011 are here and here. In the first news report from mid-September, developer Frank Kass from Continental Real Estate is trying to convince Worthington residents that a "big-box" Giant Eagle would be a good replacement use for the UMCH property: Proposed grocery arouses opposition By Dean Narciso, The Columbus Dispatch Wednesday, September 19, 2012 - 6:25 AM Residents shared their anger equally last night, aiming it at a plan to develop the site of the former United Methodist Children’s Home in Worthington, and at the developer who wants to put a large grocery there. Continental Real Estate Chairman Frank Kass told about 200 at Worthington United Methodist Church that in his 40-year career, he has developed about 50 grocery-store-focused projects. And he said he plans to move ahead with another, on the 38-acre Worthington site along High Street between Rt. 161 and I-270. Plans for apartments, medical offices and a gas station also were mentioned as part of Kass’ project. But, Kass said, “the key to the project for us is to put a Giant Eagle on the site.” “Some of you would like a nice new Giant Eagle here. Some of you might not,” said Kass, followed by boos, downturned thumbs and grumbling from among the crowd. READ MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/09/19/proposed-grocery-arouses-opposition.html
October 2, 201212 yr However, before any "big-box" plans can be approved for the UMCH land: - the property needs to be rezoned - approvals need to be obtained from the city’s planning commission - and the city's architectural-review board - and eventually City Council So, given all of that and the neighborhood opposition, in late September the developer backed off his big-box Giant Eagle push for the UMCH property: Giant Eagle might not nest in former children’s home property By Jim Weiker, The Columbus Dispatch Saturday, September 29, 2012 - 5:26 AM Continental Real Estate is backing off plans to put a Giant Eagle grocery store in Worthington on the site of the former United Methodist Children’s Home.Company Chairman Frank Kass told The Dispatch this week that “there won’t be a large Giant Eagle there anymore.” Kass did not elaborate, saying he plans to meet with church and city officials to discuss the development. Last week, Kass presented a plan to the community that called for a Giant Eagle on the 38-acre site, on the west side of High Street about a half-mile north of downtown Worthington. After audience members vigorously criticized the plan, Kass said he would modify it. Kass said Continental remains interested in the site even without a large grocery store “if a lot of other things happen.” Some audience members said last week they would welcome a smaller grocery on the site, similar to the former Jubilee store in Worthington. Giant Eagle has experimented with a “neighborhood grocery” concept called Giant Eagle Express. The stores are about 14,000 square feet instead of the 84,000 to 93,000 square feet store that Kass presented last week. The company has built two of the stores in the Pittsburgh area, which are open 24 hours a day and feature the company’s GetGo gas stations along with pharmacies and delis. READ MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/business/2012/09/29/giant-eagle-might-not-nest-in-former-childrens-home-property.html
October 2, 201212 yr But it appears that the door might be open for a smaller footprint grocery store at the UMCH property in Worthington: Worthington residents hope for neighborhood grocer Other suburbs enjoy the service at local markets By Dean Narciso, The Columbus Dispatch Tuesday, October 2, 2012 - 5:45 AM After residents vigorously objected to the idea, Continental Real Estate backed off plans for a large Giant Eagle supermarket at the former United Methodist Children’s Home site in Worthington. Frank Kass, Continental chairman, hasn’t ruled out other plans, including a small grocery. Since losing Jubilee Foods six years ago, Worthington officials and residents appear to have an appetite for a small grocery. While a big-box grocer might offer lower prices, ample parking and longer hours, it also would bring noise, traffic and daily delivery trucks to the surrounding neighborhoods. READ MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/business/2012/10/02/worthington-residents-hope-for-neighborhood-grocer.html
October 15, 201212 yr The Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center in Worthington received a Merit Award at the 2012 American Institute of Architects Columbus Design Awards. Below is a photo and project information from Business First and Columbus Underground: Peggy R. McConnell Arts Center Where: 777 Evening Street, Worthington Owner: City of Worthington Architect of record: DesignGroup Landscape architect: DesignGroup Cost: $5.5 million Contractor: Hanlin-Rainaldi Construction Project Description: “This community arts center project is an addition to and adaptive reuse of the vacant 1916 Worthington Elementary School Building, originally designed by renowned Columbus architect Frank Packard. The program brings together a diverse collection of community art offerings in one place: theater, dance, choir, instrumental music, fine arts, photography, ceramics and more. The expanded and renovated building provides a performance space with 220 seats, gallery/display spaces, dance studio, art and ceramics studios, and office space for the director and staff. All programs are housed within the existing 18,000 SF building with an 8,000 SF addition.” Juror comments: "This community-scaled project made our jury feel optimistic about how simple and modest architecture can complement existing structures, striking a balance between new and old," wrote Tom DeAngelo, Architectural Alliance design principal. MORE: http://www.aiacolumbus.org/categoryblog/256-2012-aia-columbus-design-awards
November 1, 201212 yr Intriguing residential proposal for some of the parking lots at the Shops at Worthington Place (aka the Worthington Mall prior to its current renovation). SHOPS AT WORTHINGTON PLACE Apartments proposed for west, north parking lots By CANDY BROOKS, ThisWeek Community News Wednesday, October 24, 2012 - 10:00 PM Apartment buildings have been proposed for the parking lots on the west and north sides of the Shops at Worthington Place. The proposal will receive its first review by the Municipal Planning Commission and the Architectural Review Board on Thursday, Oct. 25. The proposal shows a four-story apartment building over a parking garage on the west side of the mall, with two rows of head-in parking between the two buildings. Two buildings with three-story, two-bedroom town homes are proposed for north of the mall, facing Old Wilson Bridge Road. (. . .) The four-story building would be U-shaped, with an amenity deck on top of the garage. The deck might include a pool, a garden space and a terrace, according to a city planning department memo. The building would have 70 one-bedroom and efficiency apartments and 51 two-bedroom apartments. READ MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/worthington/news/2012/10/23/shops-at-worthington-place-apartments-proposed-for-west-north-parking-lots.html
November 5, 201212 yr More about the residential proposal next to the Shops at Worthington Place from Business First - which includes a rendering of the four-story apartment building over a parking garage proposed for the west side of the mall. High-end housing proposed for Worthington Place redevelopment Business First by Brian R. Ball, Staff reporter Date: Friday, November 2, 2012, 6:00am EDT Redevelopment efforts at the Shops at Worthington Place are getting a boost with high-end rental housing. Crawford Hoying Development Partners unveiled plans before the Worthington Planning Commission and the Worthington Architectural Review Board in late October for 21 townhouses and 129 flats along Old Wilson Bridge Road, north of the shopping center. “The idea is to create a new edge to the mall,” said Crawford Hoying Development principal Nelson Yoder. “It’s a way to upgrade the whole area.” The project is designed to attract young workers in Worthington and the nearby Polaris Centers of Commerce as well as older adults who no longer have children in their single-family homes, said Brent Crawford, another principal in the Columbus development company. “There’s huge demand,” he said. “Many people are drawn to a walkable development.” (. . .) The project will return to city panels for more review Nov. 8. If they approve the project, Worthington City Council will review and consider the proposal, perhaps by the end of the year. The rental apartments could be ready in mid-2014 if the approvals process runs smoothly. MORE: http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/print-edition/2012/11/02/housing-options-to-add-component-to.html
November 19, 201212 yr APARTMENTS AT WORTHINGTON PLACE Developer: Fifth story would be cost-prohibitive By Candy Brooks, ThisWeek Community News Wednesday, November 14, 2012 - 5:01 PM Construction costs would prohibit the addition of a fifth story to the apartment building being planned at the Shops at Worthington Place. Developer Nelson Yoder, representing Crawford Hoying Development Partners, told the Architectural Review Board on Nov. 8 that an additional story to allow for some larger, three-bedroom apartments is not cost-effective. That means the building would be four stories over an underground garage, as originally was proposed for the Worthington Place residential community apartment building. The ARB is reviewing plans for the 100-plus-unit building and the 18-unit townhouse complex. The plans have had two hearings before the review board, and more changes will be made before plans are approved, according the board members. If approved, the apartments and townhouses will be built in the north and northwest parking lots at the mall, which recently underwent extensive renovations. READ MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/worthington/news/2012/11/14/apartments-at-worthington-place-developer-fifth-story-would-be-cost-prohibitive.html
December 13, 201212 yr Novel property-tax plan tied to apartment project By Josh Jarman, The Columbus Dispatch Wednesday, December 12, 2012 - 5:41 AM Franklin County officials hope a soon-to-be-signed deal with Worthington will be a road map for future tax incentives. The county commissioners passed a resolution yesterday that ultimately will result in a 30-year tax-increment-financing agreement with the city. That agreement will set aside new property-tax revenue near a proposed 150-unit apartment complex behind the Shops at Worthington Place to pay for sidewalk, road and other improvements near the development. READ MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/12/12/novel-property-tax-plan-tied-to-apartment-project.html
January 29, 201312 yr Kessler appeals council decision on development By CANDY BROOKS, ThisWeek Community News Saturday, December 29, 2012 - 8:10 PM A developer has asked the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas to overturn a Worthington City Council decision regarding the two vacant lots just south of CVS. MK&K Realty Inc. filed an appeal Oct. 5, asking the court to overturn council's Sept. 10 decision to not allow two commercial buildings on those lots unless those buildings include second-story apartments. Council voted unanimously to deny an amendment to a development plan that would have allowed Rick Kessler, of MK&K, to build at 890 and 910 High Street. Both the city's comprehensive plan and a 2007 approved plan to build three buildings in place of the former Jubilee Foods included two southern buildings that included apartments on the second floors. CVS was built the following year on the former Jubilee site, but the two other lots remained vacant. Last summer, Kessler presented plans to construct smaller buildings on the lot, without the second-story apartments. The Municipal Planning Commission reviewed the amended plans and recommended approval, but council opted to not take the MPC's advice in front of a council chamber filled with residents who wanted the city to stick to its original plan and require two-story buildings. Council members said CVS never intended to build the two buildings, only agreeing to the original plans to win council's approval to proceed with the drug store. ... The case has been assigned to Judge John Bender and the next hearing is set for Jan. 4. READ MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/worthington/news/2012/12/19/second-story-apartments-kessler-appeals-council-decision-on-development.html
January 29, 201312 yr From ThisWeekNews - a look back at 2012 and a look forward to 2013 for the City of Worthington: Looking back on 2012 - Mall's revival was biggest story of Worthington's year 2013 Preview - City's leaders 'ecstatic' to see 270/23 work begin
July 11, 201311 yr MODERATOR NOTE: Reposting articles wiped out by the server crash Apartment plan wins ARB/MPC approval, moves on to council By CANDY BROOKS, ThisWeek Community News Wednesday, March 20, 2013 - 9:48 PM After five hearings and scrutiny of dozens of details, the Worthington Place Apartments won the approval of the Worthington Architectural Review Board/Municipal Planning Commission on March 14. The two apartment buildings proposed for lots adjacent to the Shops at Worthington Place next will go before Worthington City Council for approval of a subdivision plat and an amendment to the development plan, both of which the ARB/MPC recommended for approval. Most of the changes to the plans covered during the March 14 hearing were refinements of details, such as changing the exterior brick on the building to full-depth bricks instead of the partial bricks originally proposed; the addition of sidewalks along West Wilson Bridge Road and throughout the internal site; and the addition of a fourth elevator to the apartment building facing Wilson Bridge. The project is being developed by Crawford Hoying Development Partners, the same company that is constructing a similar apartment-office building on Lane Avenue, across from the Shops at Lane Avenue. The Worthington development will be two buildings, one facing West Wilson Bridge Road on the former James Tavern site and one immediately west of the mall, near the northwest entrance. The larger building will be 50 feet from the West Wilson Bridge right of way. The first two stories will be 22,000 square feet of office space, with three stories of apartments above. MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/worthington/news/2013/03/19/shops-parking-lot-apartment-plan-wins-approval-moves-on-to-council.html
July 11, 201311 yr Council clears way for 203 apartments near Shops at Worthington Place By CANDY BROOKS, ThisWeek Community News Thursday, April 4, 2013 - 12:29 PM Worthington City Council gave final approval for the Worthington Place apartments April 1, clearing the way for construction to begin as early as July. The two buildings will be constructed west and southwest of the Shops at Worthington Place, providing 203 one- and two-bedroom apartments and 22,000 square feet of Class A office space. Council voted 6-0 in favor of a subdivision to create the new lot and an amendment to the development plan for the property; those were the final two approvals needed. (. . .) Construction will begin in July and take about 15 months, said Nelson Yoder, of Crawford Hoying. The smaller building, which will be immediately west of the mall, should be completed in a year, and the larger building, which will face West Wilson Bridge Road on the old James Tavern site, should be completed in October 2014, he said. The larger five-to-six-story James Tavern building will have 22,000 square feet of office space on the first two stories, with 116 apartments above and behind the offices. Parking will be on two interior levels behind the offices. MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/worthington/news/2013/04/03/near-shops-at-worthington-place-council-clears-way-for-203-apartments.html
July 11, 201311 yr Finally, Business First has a report about the mixed-use/apartment development next to the Shops at Worthington Place (called The Worthington Mall before its recent renovation). They also have an updated rendering of the taller of the two buildings that will be built. Crawford Hoying adding offices to Worthington Place apartment project By Brian R. Ball, Staff reporter Business First - May 10, 2013, 6:00am EDT What began last fall as plans for a 150-apartment complex next to the Shops at Worthington Place has become a $16.6 million mixed-use project that will include offices and more rental residences. Crawford Hoying Development Partners expects to begin construction in July on 140 apartments and 23,320 square feet of class A office space at the site of the former James Tavern restaurant on West Wilson Bridge Road. An additional 60 apartments will be built behind the retail center. Both sections will have structured parking and shared surface parking with the Shops at Worthington Place. MORE: http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/print-edition/2013/05/10/crawford-hoying-adding-offices-to.html
August 8, 201311 yr Columbus Underground had a recent profile on the Worthington Place mixed-use development project that was approved earlier this year. The CU report (linked below) contains two detailed renderings and a site plan showing where the two-building, mixed-use development will be built next to the Shops at Worthington Place: CU: Project to Add Apartments and Offices to Shops at Worthington Place
August 21, 201311 yr Worthington Place Apartments one step closer as Crawford Hoying buys land for complex By Brian R. Ball, Staff reporter Business First - August 20, 2013, 5:05pm EDT Crawford Hoying Development has closed on its purchase of 2.5 acres next to the Shops at Worthington Place where it expects to begin construction of an apartment and office complex as soon as it finalizes its construction loan. Crawford Hoying principal Brent Crawford told me Tuesday that the developer’s Worthington Square Acquisition LLC affiliate paid cash for the $2.4 million land purchase until a $25.8 million construction loan from First Niagara Bank gets completed likely next week. (. . .) The project unveiled this spring calls for a building with 59 apartments that should be completed in mid-October 2014 and another building with 141 apartments and 23,323 square feet of commercial space with a delivery target two months later. MORE: http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/blog/2013/08/crawford-hoying-buys-worthington-place.html
October 17, 201311 yr Business First reports plans for a 40,000-square-foot neighborhood retail center at the southwest corner of Linworth Road and Route 161 in (mostly) Worthington. The retail development would be called Linworth Crossing and would replace the former Volvo dealership on the site. Certainly, the 5.2 acre property is split between Worthington and Perry Township and will need to be fully annexed into the City of Worthington before the project can proceed. - More about the Linworth Crossing development at http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2013/06/05/retail-center-planned-in-worthington.html - Beginning of the annexation process at http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/worthington/news/2013/07/10/annexation-process-begins-on-2-8-acres-in-perry-township.html - More Linworth Crossing annexation news at http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/worthington/news/2013/10/08/west-dublin-granville-at-linworth-site-clears-another-annexation-hurdle.html
October 17, 201311 yr More about the 41-acre former United Methodist Children’s Home property in Worthington that went on the market in 2011 and was in the news in 2012 - previously posted here in this thread. ThisWeekNews: Planning for the future - Residents take tour of UMCH site
October 17, 201311 yr News about the 45-acre Harding Hospital property located south of 161/Dublin-Granville Road and is about 1/2 mile from the Village Green at High & 161. Link to the report from the Dispatch below: Columbus Dispatch: Autism center set to buy Harding Hospital site in Worthington
December 19, 201311 yr Columbus Underground had a recent profile on the Worthington Place mixed-use development project that was approved earlier this year. The CU report (linked below) contains two detailed renderings and a site plan showing where the two-building, mixed-use development will be built next to the Shops at Worthington Place: CU: Project to Add Apartments and Offices to Shops at Worthington Place New website for the 200 apartment unit, 23,000 sq. ft. office space, 300 structured parking space, mixed-use development being built in two buildings next to the Shops at Worthington Place (i.e. the renovated Worthington Mall). The project also has a new name, The Heights at Worthington Place: http://www.heightswp.com Brief video of the Heights at Worthington Place posted on YouTube:
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