March 20, 200718 yr Wahoo! "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
March 20, 200718 yr From ThisWeek Bexley, 1/18/07: Mansion exterior repairs could cost $1M Langner: City might consider pursuing grants Thursday, January 18, 2007 By INA HORWITZ-WHITMORE ThisWeek Staff Writer Repairing the exterior of Jeffrey Mansion would cost approximately $1-million, according to Bexley resident and architect Bob Loversidge of Schooley Caldwell Associates. The estimate did not include roof replacement or interior work. Loversidge reported the cost estimate to Jeffrey Mansion commission members on Jan. 10. The commission is a group created by city council to look at ways to fix and enhance the building. Bringing the mansion up to code -- exterior and interior -- has been estimated to cost $1.6-million. Currently, there is an ordinance before council to appropriate $650,000 to tuckpoint the mansion. Read more at http://www.thisweeknews.com/index.php?sec=bexley&story=sites/thisweeknews/011807/Bexley/News/011807-News-291286.html
March 20, 200718 yr From Bexley News, 1/31/07: Report gives council more arguments for maintenance The report points out problems resulting from water damage, previous repairs that caused brick to crack. By BRET LIEBENDORFER Bexley City Council members tabled an ordinance that would appropriate $650,000 for improvements to the Jeffrey Mansion after hearing a report that called for $1.2 million in repairs. The tabled ordinance called for the city to appropriate money for tuckpointing, the repairing of masonry joints. However, a report given by Bob Loversridge, president and chief executive officer of Schooley Caldwell Associates, indicated a wide range of additional exterior work is needed. Service Department Director Dorothy Pritchard said she recommends incorporating Loversridge's recommendations into an ordinance. Read more at http://www.snponline.com/NEWS1-31/1-31_bemansion.html
March 20, 200718 yr From ThisWeek Bexley, 2/8/07: Group moves forward with mansion plans Finance committee to hear consultant's proposal Feb. 13 Thursday, February 8, 2007 By QUINN BOWMAN ThisWeek Staff Writer The Jeffrey Mansion Commission is another step closer to figuring out exactly what to do with the historic Bexley landmark, voting Tuesday night to present a consultant's proposal for the project to the city finance committee Feb. 13. Donna K. Laidlaw, an urban- and community-planning consultant, presented her vision for Jeffrey Mansion and the commission Tuesday night. Because she is not under contract yet, she declined to comment on her plan. Commission chairman and Bexley City Council member Jeff McClelland said Laidlaw's proposal includes Laidlaw's fee, which he declined to disclose until council has an opportunity to see the proposal next week. Jeffrey Mansion was built in 1905 and was given to the city in 1942. Read more at http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/020807/Bexley/News/020807-News-303533.html
March 20, 200718 yr From ThisWeek Bexley, 3/1/07: Council holds back on Jeffrey Mansion hire Thursday, March 1, 2007 By QUINN BOWMAN ThisWeek Staff Writer In a busy night of city government meetings, Bexley City Council decided against putting a local consultant, and her five-figure fee, on the fast track to approval. Donna K. Laidlaw, who also chairs the Main Street redevelopment commission, is asking for $40,000 over the next five months to help the Jeffrey Mansion commission rehabilitate the local landmark. Council member Jeffrey McClelland, who serves as chairman of the Jeffrey Mansion commission, asked council to suspend the usual three-reading requirement for the ordinance allocating the money for Laidlaw, but several council members wanted to give the public more input before approving the contract. "I have a problem with suspension and adoption tonight," council member Mark Masser said. He said he had the duty to see the actual contract, which has not been written yet, and that he was scared of Laidlaw's fee. Read more at http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/030107/Bexley/News/030107-News-313466.html
April 27, 200718 yr From ThisWeek Bexley, 2/1/07: * PHOTO: The Bexley Gateway North project is expected to be completed by summer. The view above, looking north, shows the Alexander Residences. Photos by Ann Tormet/ThisWeek * PHOTO: Steve Neff of Comfortrol Inc. installs ducts on the fourth floor of the Alexander Residences. In the background are the Shoppes at Gateway, on the corner of South Parkview Avenue and Main Street. Bexley Gateway is taking shape Thursday, February 1, 2007 By JEFF DONAHUE ThisWeek Staff Writer With much of the exterior work completed or near completion, the focus has turned to the interior of the Bexley Gateway development according to developer Larry Ruben. Ruben, a Bexley resident and president and CEO of Plaza Properties, said the project is approximately 75 percent completed and he anticipates retailers opening in the early spring with residential unit models opening at the same time. Visit www.bexleygateway.com. Read more at http://www.thisweeknews.com/?story=sites/thisweeknews/020107/Bexley/News/020107-News-299456.html
April 27, 200718 yr Oooo...Mozart's! "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
October 1, 200717 yr Bexley Gateway's condos are selling, developer says Monday, October 1, 2007 - 6:43 AM By Mike Pramik THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH The developer of Bexley Gateway says he's encouraged about life at the top. Larry Ruben said potential buyers have spoken for five of the six penthouses he's building inside the Alexander, the condominium building at the Gateway project. Despite a tough overall housing market, Ruben said the upscale units are moving and that he expects more than half of the 31 condos to be spoken for when ready for occupancy in early 2008. Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2007/10/01/ZONE0309.ART_ART_10-01-07_C10_DDD4PD9.html?sid=101
April 11, 200817 yr Bexley likes park plan, just not price Old Woodland Meadows site is 53 acres Friday, April 11, 2008 By Alayna DeMartini, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH The plans are enticing, but there's at least one major obstacle to Bexley turning a vacant parcel in neighboring Columbus into a park: the price. Bexley's City Council and school board listened last night to resident after resident cite the need for more parkland, particularly athletic fields. However, no one offered specifics for how Bexley would pay for the site. The parcel is 53 acres just east of Bexley that used to be home to the rundown, crime-ridden Woodland Meadows apartments. "I'm not trying to dampen the mood," City Councilman Mark Masser said. "Are you willing to give up something to buy this piece or property?" City officials last night asked that Paul Kolada, who is spearheading the effort for the new park, get back to them with more information on how to pay for it. Kolada said he has heard it could cost between $2.7 million and $4.2 million to buy the land. Read more at http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2008/04/11/BEXMEET.ART_ART_04-11-08_B5_K99TA23.html?sid=101
April 11, 200817 yr ^I realize how cash-strapped the folks in Bexley are, but If you want a park, pay for it. End of argument.
April 11, 200817 yr ^I realize how cash-strapped the folks in Bexley are, but If you want a park, pay for it. End of argument. If they're cash strapped, it would be a result of their tendancy to gamble it all away. After all, Bexley has legislation prohibiting slot machines in outhouses.
June 6, 200817 yr Council ironing out guidelines for new commission Wednesday, June 4, 2008 By BONNIE BUTCHER, ThisWeek Staff Writer The new Bexley planning commission is scheduled to meet for the first time July 1, but the ordinance creating it has been tabled by city council. The new commission is being formed by combining the city's current planning commission with the Main Street Redevelopment Commission. In November, voters approved a charter amendment to allow council to restructure the current planning commission. At its May 27 meeting, council asked city staff to clear up whether the two current commissions have conflicting rules and guidelines. Council members wanted that determined before approving the creation of the new commission. MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/bexley/stories/2008/06/04/0605becouncil_ln.html "In the souls of the people the grapes of wrath are filling and growing heavy, growing heavy for the vintage." -- John Steinbeck
June 26, 200816 yr Council OKs police facility funding Wednesday, June 25, 2008 By BONNIE BUTCHER, ThisWeek Staff Writer Bexley City Council Tuesday night voted 5-1 to appropriate $6.6-million from the general fund to pay for the construction of the new Bexley police facility. Police Chief Larry Rinehart has said he hopes to break ground on the facility by Sept. 1. The facility will cover about 19,700 square feet and is estimated to cost about $6-million, which includes building the facility to achieve LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. The city recently entered a contract to purchase the land at 2771 Delmar Drive on which to build the facility. The city will pay $320,000 for the 1.638-acre lot. Rinehart has said the current facility, built in the 1950s as a fire station, is inadequate for police department needs. MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/bexley/stories/2008/06/25/0626bepolice_ln.html
July 28, 200816 yr Last council meeting before recess Professor, student share development ideas Wednesday, July 23, 2008 By GAIL MARTINEAU ThisWeek Staff Writer Bexley City Council tied up some loose ends Tuesday night before its annual recess begins in August. Ken Gold, an adjunct professor at the Fisher College of Business at Ohio State University, made a presentation about the future of Bexley development, along with one of his students who participated in a quarter-long course about real estate and development. Gold, a Bexley resident, had his class work with Bexley on development ideas for East Main Street, between Parkview and Drexel avenues. His students identified this area to have the greatest potential for development. Some of the students' ideas included putting in a hotel across from the new Bexley Gateway development at East Main Street and Parkview Avenue. They also showed plans to move City Hall to incorporate new shops and affordable apartments around it, as well as change the streetscape at Capital University by adding shops, restaurants, fountains and performance areas. He said his class of second-year MBA students worked with the Knowlton School of Architecture during the 10-week class. MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/bexley/stories/2008/07/23/0724becouncil_ln.html
August 20, 200816 yr Sorry about the delay for these pics. You know how people in Columbus are; either too busy with college football or too busy being gay. Watch out Graeter's. Older pic with the "brownstones" on the left. Across the street (not the same project).
August 21, 200816 yr You know how people in Columbus are; either too busy with college football or too busy being gay. Columbus people love nuts. Anyway, that looks like a nice project.
August 24, 200816 yr You know how people in Columbus are; either too busy with college football or too busy being gay. Columbus people love nuts. Anyway, that looks like a nice project. ^Can I nominate this for best reply of 2008? ...and I also think the project looks good.
December 2, 200915 yr State grant to fund mansion renovations Tuesday, November 24, 2009 By Tara Stubbs-Figurski, ThisWeek Staff Writer Bexley officials learned last week that they had been awarded a $475,000 Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission grant to fund Jeffrey Mansion interior renovations. The commission is a state agency that oversees capital improvement funds appropriated by the Ohio General Assembly and governor for planning, construction, renovation and expansion projects at Ohio's theaters, museums, arts and education facilities, historical sites and publicly-owned sports venues. According the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission, the Jeffrey Mansion grant will be used for HVAC upgrades; basement asbestos abatement; first-floor fireplace restoration and kitchen and restroom renovations; flooring replacement in the second-floor preschool; and third-floor remodeling to provide additional space for cultural programming. Jeffrey Mansion now houses Bexley's recreation and parks department offices; offers recreation, sports, cultural and arts education programs; and provides special event facilities for the community. Full story at http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/bexley/stories/2009/11/24/1126bestate-grant_ln.html
December 2, 200915 yr City awarded funds for solar panels Tuesday, December 1, 2009 - 6:46 PM By Tara Stubbs-Figurski, ThisWeek Staff Writer Solar panels might be installed at the new Bexley police station within the next year. Gov. Ted Strickland announced Monday that the Bexley project and 24 others would receive more than $13-million in grants awarded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's state energy program. The company Solar Vision LLC applied for the $335,328 grant to install solar panels on four carport structures that would be built at the new police station parking lot. A landscape architect brought the project to the city. Mark Schieber, of Schieber & Associates, said he liked the idea of Bexley saving $2,500 to $4,000 a year in energy costs through the solar panels. The Bexley project would be financed by Solar Vision LLC through a power purchase agreement. Dovetail Solar and Wind would install the solar panels, Pro-Tek Exterior Services would provide the steel and Schieber developed the idea for the project. Full story at http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/bexley/stories/2009/11/24/Bexley-awarded-funds-for-solar-panels.html
December 23, 200915 yr Nonprofit group assisting Drexel Theatre Friday, December 11, 2009 - 6:24 PM By Tara Stubbs-Figurski, ThisWeek Staff Writer A group of Bexley-area residents has formed a nonprofit organization "to help secure the future" of the Drexel Theatre. Ohio Business Roundtable president Richard Stoff and his wife, attorney and Bexley native Carol Zelizer Stoff, are leading the effort as chairman and vice chairwoman of the group Friends of the Drexel Inc. "Friends of the Drexel Inc. is currently examining a range of strategic options to create a sustainable business model for the Drexel and will soon be engaged in discussions with key stakeholders, among them city officials, the landlords, neighboring educational and cultural institutions and, of course, the community at large," Richard Stoff said in a statement Dec. 11. Initial meetings were held last spring to assess the condition of the Drexel Theatre, 2254 E. Main St., and examine its future, Stoff said. Articles to form the nonprofit were filed over the summer. Architectural firm Karlsberger is assisting with design concepts and construction cost estimates to refurbish the Drexel, and attorneys from Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease helped Friends of the Drexel gain its nonprofit status. Full story at http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/bexley/stories/2009/12/09/Nonprofit-group-assisting-Drexel-Theatre.html?type=rss&cat=&sid=104
December 23, 200915 yr Solar energy and a non-profit for the Drexel? Quite a bit going on there this month.
March 8, 201015 yr City requests grant to fund elevator for Jeffrey Mansion Wednesday, March 3, 2010 - 2:40 PM By TARA STUBBS-FIGURSKI, ThisWeek Staff Writer Bexley officials are hoping to secure an additional grant from the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission to help pay for the installation of an elevator in Jeffrey Mansion. Development director Bruce Langner told city council on Feb. 23 that he recently completed an application for the state's 2010-11 capital budget. The city is requesting $426,000 for the elevator, which is expected to cost $645,000. The city would be responsible for the remaining money, roughly one-third. The elevator project would be put on hold if the city doesn't receive the grant money, recreation and parks director Michael Price said. Bexley officials learned in November that they had been awarded a $475,000 Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission grant to fund interior renovations at Jeffrey Mansion. FULL ARTICLE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/bexley/stories/2010/03/03/0304bejeffrey-mansion_ln.html?sid=104
April 17, 201015 yr Bexley's tax abatements to include smaller condos Council widens incentives to spur growth, keep things fair Wednesday, April 14, 2010 - 2:51 AM By Elizabeth Gibson, The Columbus Dispatch Bexley has extended property-tax breaks to smaller condominium developments, after one company said it wanted the same perks that the Bexley Gateway received last year. Bexley City Council passed the new rules last night. Developers have said that tax breaks help win over buyers in a lackluster real-estate market. Some city officials, in turn, say that filling units helps a development be successful in the long run, keeping up property values and adding new residents to the tax base. Full article: http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/04/14/copy/bexleys-tax-abatements-to-include-smaller-condos.html?adsec=politics&sid=101
April 17, 201015 yr Capital University hopes to buy Bexley Square shopping center Tuesday, April 13, 2010 - 12:57 PM By TARA STUBBS-FIGURSKI, ThisWeek Staff Writer Capital University is on the verge of buying the Bexley Square shopping center across the street from its campus. The university has entered into an agreement to purchase the shopping center at East Main Street and College Avenue from current owner Casto. Casto is following a strategy of "divesting its non-anchor properties in the portfolio, one of which was Bexley Square," spokeswoman Sarah Benson said. Bexley Square is 21,830 square feet while Casto's other properties are significantly larger and have anchor tenants, Benson said. Bexley Square has a list price of $2.5-million on the NAI Ohio Equities Web site. Built in 1983, current tenants include the Bexley Monk, Bexley Copy Shop, Edward D. Jones and Co., the Pilates Studio of Bexley, Curves and a Cosi restaurant. Full article: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/bexley/stories/2010/04/07/Capital-hopes-to-buy-Bexley-Square_.html?sid=104
April 17, 201015 yr Capital University in tentative deal for Bexley Square Business First of Columbus - by Carrie Ghose Friday, April 9, 2010 Capital University has an agreement to buy the shopping center housing the Bexley Monk restaurant and other businesses, but intends to keep the property a commercial venture. The strip mall sits across East Main Street from the 3,400-student campus. The school would honor tenants’ leases, providing temporary revenue, Capital spokeswoman Nichole Johnson said. Bexley Square is 93 percent occupied. University administrators have several ideas for commercial development on the site, Johnson said. Neither parking nor classroom space is in the mix. “We’d much rather have a friendly partner own this property than some investor in California that only cares about the cash flow,” said Mike Simpson, also Bexley Planning Commission chairman. With the recent relocation of Bexley’s police department, city officials are willing to move or rebuild City Hall next door to Bexley Square if a good plan surfaces, said Bruce Langner, Bexley’s planning and economic development director. Ideas have been floated of combining the site with Bexley Square, since the city land is on a deep lot that could provide ample parking. “This shopping center sits in the middle of what could be five to six acres of really cool urban redevelopment, Simpson said.” LOCATION MAP FOR CAPITAL UNIVERSITY, BEXLEY SQUARE AND SURROUNDING PROPERTIES Full article: http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2010/04/12/story2.html
May 25, 201015 yr Public hearing set for Capital zoning request Thursday, May 20, 2010 - 5:58 PM By TARA STUBBS-FIGURSKI ThisWeek Staff Writer Bexley City Council has scheduled a public hearing for 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 25, to discuss zoning issues related to Capital University's possible purchase of the Bexley Square shopping center. Capital has requested a variance that would permit "campus uses" at the Main Street shopping center, which is located across the street from the university's campus. Bexley zoning officer Kathy Rose said campus uses currently are permitted only in the city's campus planning district, and not a mixed-use or commercial zoning district. The application indicates Capital wants to open a bookstore and some other retail uses, Rose said. The university announced in April that it had signed an agreement to purchase the shopping center from Casto. Capital was given a 75-day window to take a closer look at the property, review leases of current business and determine if the development was a good fit for the school's intended uses. The due diligence period ends in mid-June, Capital spokeswoman Nichole Johnson has said. Full article: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/bexley/stories/2010/05/19/Public-hearing-set-for-Capital-zoning-request.html?sid=104
June 1, 201015 yr Plans for shopping center under review Thursday, May 27, 2010 - 4:57 PM By TARA STUBBS-FIGURSKI ThisWeek Staff Writer Bexley City Council members want to compare Capital University's vision for the Bexley Square shopping center to existing development guidelines. At a May 25 public hearing, Capital representatives showed council possible plans for the shopping center, which is located on Main Street across the street from the university's campus. Capital, which is evaluating whether to purchase the shopping center from Casto, has requested a variance that would permit "campus uses" at the property. Another variance request deals with parking requirements. Ken Weixel, chair of Capital's resources committee, told council that the university planned to keep retail uses at the center that would benefit both residents and students. Plans could include a bookstore, conference or meeting space, a health center or clinic, and an art gallery. Several council members and Trinity Lutheran Seminary president Mark Ramseth were concerned about how Capital's plans would fall in line with the Southwest Master Plan that the city developed in partnership with the university and the seminary. After a discussion, council members decided to review the Southwest Master Plan before the Bexley Square matter returns to council June 8, when the third reading of legislation and a possible vote are scheduled. Full article: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/bexley/stories/2010/05/26/Plans-for-shopping-center-under-review.html?sid=104
June 24, 201014 yr Lots of news in the Capital University's proposal to buy the Bexley Square across Main Street from the university's campus. First an article from the Dispatch detailing the town/gown tensions arising from Capital's proposal in Bexley. Town, gown at odds on shopping center Capital University's potential purchase has Bexley on edge Sunday, June 20, 2010 - 11:10 PM By Gina Potthoff, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH The possible purchase of a Bexley shopping center has Capital University hoping to expand, and city officials concerned about losing property-tax dollars. Capital has been in talks to buy Bexley Square, a Casto-owned shopping center at E. Main Street and College Avenue, since fall 2009. Capital spokeswoman Nichole Johnson said that if the City Council lets the university use the center for campus purposes, a deal is possible by mid-July. Capital originally had 75 days to buy the center after Casto offered the property listed at $2.5 million, but Casto extended the deadline from mid-June to July 12 to let Capital discuss uses with the city. The city zoning committee is to review Capital's proposal Monday and take its recommendation to the Bexley City Council meeting Tuesday. Full article: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/06/20/town-gown-at-odds-over-shopping-center.html?sid=101
June 24, 201014 yr And those community concerns have led to Capital University dropping its purchase proposal. Here is the initial report from Business First of Columbus. Capital: No-go on Bexley Square Business First of Columbus - by Carrie Ghose Tuesday, June 22, 2010, 6:09pm EDT Capital University is dropping out of an agreement to buy the Bexley Square shopping center across Main Street from campus, the school said Tuesday. Several reasons, including concerns by the city about a request to rezone the parcel and “other developments,” prompted to the decision to drop the request from Tuesday’s City Council agenda and terminate the March 29 purchase agreement with developer Casto Inc., said Capital spokeswoman Nichole Johnson. The agreement gave the 3,400-student college until mid-June to make a decision. Full article: http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2010/06/21/daily24.html
June 24, 201014 yr And here is a follow-up article from the Dispatch on Capital University dropping its Bexley Square purchase proposal. Capital University backs off buying Bexley Square Wednesday, June 23, 2010 - 2:52 AM By Gina Potthoff, THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH Capital University will not buy Bexley Square shopping center, possibly to keep the peace with city residents and officials. Capital spokeswoman Nichole Johnson said that because of "a number of factors," the university decided yesterday afternoon to end its purchase agreement with Casto, the shopping center's owner, and withdraw its zoning change request from last night's Bexley City Council agenda. "We've decided to step back and re-evaluate the purchase," Johnson said. The university had been in talks since fall 2009 to buy the shopping center at E. Main Street and College Avenue, listed at $2.5 million. But it first needed Bexley City Council to change zoning for the space from retail to "campus purposes." University representatives who attended Monday night's zoning meeting heard an hour and a half of council and community concerns about Capital extending north of Main Street, where Bexley Square is, and about the loss of tax dollars if space there were converted to educational use. Full article: http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2010/06/23/capital-backs-off-buying-bexley-square.html?sid=101
July 1, 201014 yr Bexley City Hall draws redevelopment interest Monday, June 28, 2010 - 6:40 PM By JEFF DONAHUE, ThisWeek Staff Writer From an economic development standpoint, all eyes are on the intersection of College Avenue and Main Street in Bexley. Capital University's recent interest in the Bexley Square Shopping Center has revived interest in an adjacent property - Bexley City Hall. With the completion of the Bexley Gateway project and a number of other developments along the Main Street corridor, talk has once again returned to how the City Hall site could be best redeveloped. City Councilman Mark Masser is among those who feel the time has come to relocate City Hall. "That's the most valuable property left on Main Street," Masser said. "There's really no reason for City Hall to be there when it could be used for other things. So, we're looking at some other locations." Masser said the status of the Bexley Square Shopping Center, which has been for sale, bolstered his interest in the prospect of relocating City Hall. "The stimulus for me was that Casto has been and is interested in selling that piece of property," he said. "I'm hoping a developer would want to use both pieces of property." Full article: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/bexley/stories/2010/06/23/city-hall.html?sid=104
July 11, 201014 yr From the Bexley ThisWeekNews Community Newspaper: City ready to revisit SW Bexley Master Plan Wednesday, July 7, 2010 -12:54 PM By JEFF DONAHUE, Bexley Community Editor Although Bexley city and Capital University officials disagreed on Capital's plans for the Bexley Square Shopping Center, they apparently agree on the next step to take. After city council members voiced displeasure with Capital's plans to redevelop the retail site for campus uses, university officials voluntarily withdrew their request for variances for the project before council was able to vote on it. The shopping center sits on the north side of Main Street at College Avenue, adjacent to City Hall and across the street from the university's gateway entrance. City leaders have discussed the possibility of relocating City Hall and selling the current site for redevelopment. Thus far, all Capital University development has occurred on the south side of Main Street. Some city officials say they think the Bexley Square Shopping Center site would be more attractive to prospective developers if it were paired with the adjacent City Hall property. The solution might be found in a review of the Southwest Bexley Master Plan, a document that establishes development standards for that area of the city. Full article: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/bexley/stories/2010/07/07/city-ready-to-revisit-sw-bexley-master-plan.html?sid=104
August 4, 201014 yr Gateway's retail spaces all spoken for Wednesday, July 28, 2010 By JEFF DONAHUE Bexley Community Editor Bexley economic development director Bruce Langner says he is encouraged by progress at the $24-million Bexley Gateway mixed-use development despite a challenging economy. "I think the retail part of it has been good," Langner said. "They've got all the retail on the first floor filled. What's still a little bit disappointing is filling the office space on the second and third floors." Plans called for the first floor of the development to be retail uses, the second and third floors to be occupied by high-end office uses and an adjacent building to offer upscale residential. "They have a good amount of space left on both the second and third floors," Langner said. "Each floor is about half occupied. I think each floor is about 10,000 square feet and they have about half of each of those filled." Full article: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/bexley/stories/2010/07/28/gateways-retail-spaces-all-spoken-for.html?sid=104
November 1, 201014 yr CSG, DesignGroup to unveil expansion plans Monday, October 18, 2010 By TARA STUBBS-FIGURSKI ThisWeek Community Newspapers The Columbus School for Girls and the DesignGroup will unveil expansion plans for CSG at a public meeting on Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m. in CSG's Shedd Theater. In a letter to the community, head of school Liza Lee said, "Our building plans are modest: a wellness center, a performing arts addition and some interior and exterior renovation to our existing buildings." Conceptual plans include clear entrances and exits to the school's academic and athletic facilities, a new natatorium, a fitness room, a yoga/dance studio, reconfigured dining facility and theater with a lobby to accommodate school and community meetings. CSG has been working with the DesignGroup. Project manager Keith DeVoe, said higher education and private schools are one of the DesignGroup's important markets. He was quick to point out the full details of the project will be released on Oct. 27. MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/bexley/stories/2010/10/13/CSG-DesignGroup-to-unveil-expansion-plans.html?sid=104 From the CSG website: Conceptual Design Plans Presented to CSG and Bexley Communities
September 1, 201113 yr More about the Columbus School for Girls expansion plans in Bexley. Updated renderings of the expansion plans from the CSG website. Below is an exterior view from Drexel Avenue: Site plan of the CSG campus after expansion from the CSG website Description of the Columbus School for Girls expansion project from the CSG website: Landmark Project News from the project architect - Design Group - about the June 10th groundbreaking for the expansion project: Columbus School for Girls Celebrates the Groundbreaking of the Landmark Project
September 1, 201113 yr Big controversy over a relatively small single-family house on Bryden Road in Bexley. The current owners want to demolish it and rebuild a new single-family house on the same lot. They first needed approval from the Bexley BZA. They didn't get it and appealed to Bexley City Council. Here's the first article about it (and a Franklin County photo of the house after the article excerpt): City council to hear BZA appeal Wednesday, July 13, 2011 - 08:26 AM By JEFF DONAHUE ThisWeek Community Newspapers Bexley City Council members anticipate a big turnout for their July 26 meeting, when they will hear an appeal of a controversial Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) decision. John Behal of Behal Sampson Deitz is seeking approval of a plan to demolish an existing single-family structure and garage at 2325 Bryden Road, along with architectural review for a new single-family home to be built on the site. The property is owned by Sarah and Moshe Frank. After discussing the plan at three meetings this spring, BZA members denied the Franks' application by a 5-2 vote. After hearing the appeal, city council members may choose to let the BZA decision stand or override it with a simple majority vote. The Franks contend that the existing home is "dilapidated" and that remodeling it instead of replacing it would create a "substantial economic hardship." While some neighbors welcome the demolition and construction of a new home on the site, others think the home could be saved. READ MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/bexley/stories/2011/07/13/city-council-to-hear-bza-appeal.html PHOTO OF 2325 BRYDEN ROAD (taken 3-27-10 by Franklin County Auditor's Office)
September 1, 201113 yr After meeting on July 26, Bexley City Council did override the BZA decision by 6-0 vote: Council overturns demolition ruling Which led to two members of the Bexley Board of Zoning Appeals submitting their resignations following city council's reversal of the BZA decision: Two BZA members resign in protest And led Bexley Planning Commission member and architect John Reagan to also resign in protest: Bexley City Council decision prompts another resignation Which is summed up in the following article from Columbus Local Newspaper - Bexley Edition: Request to demolish house turns into divisive matter
September 19, 201113 yr Demolition proposal has Bexley in uproar By Quan Truong, The Columbus Dispatch Tuesday, September 13, 2011 - 3:27 AM Three resignations. An appeal in a Franklin County court. And plenty of angry residents. All because of the possible demolition of a home on Bryden Road. From the surface, it is a head-scratcher. Few involved can explain the sudden controversy over a house that has no historical designation or notable occupants. But the hubbub is not simply over the demolition of a home, said John Reagan, a former member of the Bexley Planning Commission. Reagan said the City Council has repeatedly disregarded the opinions of the commission and the city’s Board of Zoning Appeals in recent years. He resigned last month after the council voted unanimously to reverse the zoning board’s decision to deny the demolition of the house at 2325 Bryden Rd. Two members of the board also resigned in protest — Joe Kuspan and Tom Lewis. “It was just the final straw for me. I just said I can’t take this anymore,” Reagan said. “Council is supposed to rely on boards and planning commissions for advice, but they don’t want our advice. It doesn’t make sense for us to spend time away from our families when it doesn’t have any effect.” READ MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2011/09/13/demolition-proposal-has-bexley-in-uproar.html
January 10, 201213 yr Ballot and budget shape city's 2011 BY LISA PROCTOR, COLUMBUS LOCAL NEWS - BEXLEY EDITION Published: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 - 1:40 PM EST With 2011 being a local election year, much of what took place in Bexley had implications for the ballot. Whether it was a matter of how the city would relieve financial worries or who would provide leadership in years to come, multiple discussions pointed toward November. In between, the city celebrated some business developments and the continuation of some community traditions. Here's a look back at some of the year's top stories. MORE: http://www.columbuslocalnews.com/articles/2011/12/14/bexley_news/news/becityyir%20_20111213_1211pm_22.txt
February 21, 201213 yr Big controversy over a relatively small single-family house on Bryden Road in Bexley. The current owners want to demolish it and rebuild a new single-family house on the same lot. They first needed approval from the Bexley BZA. They didn't get it and appealed to Bexley City Council. Here's the first article about it (and a Franklin County photo of the house after the article excerpt): City council to hear BZA appeal Wednesday, July 13, 2011 - 08:26 AM By JEFF DONAHUE ThisWeek Community Newspapers Bexley City Council members anticipate a big turnout for their July 26 meeting, when they will hear an appeal of a controversial Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) decision. John Behal of Behal Sampson Deitz is seeking approval of a plan to demolish an existing single-family structure and garage at 2325 Bryden Road, along with architectural review for a new single-family home to be built on the site. The property is owned by Sarah and Moshe Frank. After discussing the plan at three meetings this spring, BZA members denied the Franks' application by a 5-2 vote. After hearing the appeal, city council members may choose to let the BZA decision stand or override it with a simple majority vote. The Franks contend that the existing home is "dilapidated" and that remodeling it instead of replacing it would create a "substantial economic hardship." While some neighbors welcome the demolition and construction of a new home on the site, others think the home could be saved. READ MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/live/content/bexley/stories/2011/07/13/city-council-to-hear-bza-appeal.html PHOTO OF 2325 BRYDEN ROAD (taken 3-27-10 by Franklin County Auditor's Office) Above is the original post about controversy in Bexley over the demolition of a single-family home at 2325 Bryden Road (photo is there if you click at the image removed link). It looks like the appeal of the demolition was been dismissed, meaning the demolition of the existing house and construction of a replacement house at 2325 Bryden will move forward. Below is a link to the report from This Week News: Bexley demolition appeal dismissed, Bryden Road residence will be razed
June 15, 201213 yr Two recent articles about Capital University and the City of Bexley doing two projects this summer that might help bring together each entity. Capital University is renovating its main library and adding an entrance facing Main Street. Bexley is redoing Main Street with a streetscape project. Bexley ready to redo Main Street Streetscape will connect to Capital University By Quan Truong, The Columbus Dispatch Tuesday, June 12, 2012 - 8:10 AM Bexley’s Main Street is a getting a face-lift. The main artery through the city may look significantly different by next year, when Bexley starts its $1.8 million streetscape project. Meanwhile, Capital University has started construction on its $1.3 million renovation of Blackmore Library, which includes a brand-new entrance off Main Street. Mayor Ben Kessler called the new entrance “symbolic of the strong relationship between the city and the university.” MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/06/12/bexley-ready-to-redo-main-street.html Capital University, Bexley agree on Main Street talking points Business First by Carrie Ghose, Staff reporter Date: Friday, June 1, 2012, 6:00am EDT A seemingly small detail in a library renovation at Capital University – adding an entrance facing Main Street – looks like a foot in the door for those eager for the school and city of Bexley to dust off aging master plans and work together on redeveloping the stretch. The library renovation, to be completed before the fall term in late August, is the university’s first major building project since buying a former senior apartment building for $4 million and converting it to student housing in 2008. The last time the Lutheran-affiliated university tried anything on Main Street, it didn’t go so well. In 2010, the school abandoned plans to buy the Bexley Square shopping center across from campus amid community concerns. Part of the problem in that case was a decade-old agreement that the university wouldn’t expand north of Main, said Bexley Mayor Ben Kessler. He’s soon to start talks with Capital and nearby Trinity Lutheran Seminary for a new vision. “If this plan isn’t working well, we need to figure out how to make it relevant again,” he said. Kessler said he could envision the university having a stake in a mixed-use development that includes student housing and retail. The city long has talked about selling City Hall for redevelopment. Whenever courting developers, he said, one of the first questions is student housing needs. MORE: http://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/print-edition/2012/06/01/capital-bexley-agree-on-main-talking.html
June 17, 201212 yr As if it already weren't obvious as to which city cares about Main St more Bexley is going to make it crystal clear if it hasn't already.
November 19, 201212 yr LIVINGSTON AVENUE Tim Hortons kicks off first redevelopment project By Jeff Donahue, ThisWeek Community News Wednesday, November 7, 2012 - 12:35 PM The first redevelopment project on the Bexley side of Livingston Avenue in decades has Mayor Ben Kessler excited about the future of the business corridor. Work is under way to transform an abandoned BP gasoline station at 2062 E. Livingston Avenue into a Tim Hortons restaurant. The site is adjacent to the entrance ramp for Interstate 70 West near Alum Creek. "I don't want to overstate what this means, but it is definitely a step in the right direction," Kessler said. "This is the first time in decades that new construction has come to the Bexley side of Livingston." Kessler said city officials worked closely with the developers to encourage them and help them navigate the Bexley planning process. "I'm very pleased with the result," Kessler said. "A new, attractive development is coming to Livingston, and the project is being built to site, building and landscaping standards on par with Bexley's Main Street Design Guidelines. With the case of this site, this is more than just new development. This site was also environmentally remediated prior to the new development commencing, and getting the old BP site cleaned and ready for redevelopment is a great achievement." READ MORE: http://www.thisweeknews.com/content/stories/bexley/news/2012/11/06/livingston-avenue-tim-hortons-kicks-off-first-redevelopment-project.html
November 19, 201212 yr That BP was one of those crappy ones with the convenience store it the middle of all the pumps. The selection in those kind is usually terrible as compared to the kind with the store in the back.
November 20, 201212 yr Nothing exciting about a Tim Horton's, but I bet Livingston will take it just fine. I hope to see some better development come along there, though.
December 13, 201212 yr More about the not-so-nice area of Bexley along Livingston Avenue: 2 streets a thorn to Bexley police Developer has plans for high-crime area By Quan Truong, The Columbus Dispatch Wednesday December 12, 2012 6:07 AM It’s also close to I-70 and to Capital University, and Columbus-based Kassel Equity Group hopes its $1 million investment there will pay off. Many who drive by this corner of Bexley, even those who live in the city, would hardly believe it’s part of the suburb. Despite its relatively small size, the area has caused big problems for Bexley leaders. Mayfield Place and Ferndale Place straddle the Livingston Avenue border with Columbus. The two dead-end streets don’t connect to the rest of Bexley, creating a small island of low-income housing and higher crime. The cluster of 20 or so properties generated about 300 police calls in the past 12 months. For years, city officials have been brainstorming ideas to rejuvenate the area. At one point, there were talks of building a road to connect Mayfield and Ferndale to Sheridan Avenue to integrate it into the rest of Bexley. But, Mayor Ben Kessler said that won’t happen until he starts seeing solid progress in that area. He hopes the new owners of the apartment complex will bring in good tenants. Kassel Equity is gutting most of the units and will start renting out the new one- and two-bedroom apartments at the beginning of the year. ... A new Tim Hortons is to open at Livingston and Mayfield at the end of the month. It’ll be the first new business on Bexley’s side of the street in decades, Kessler said. READ MORE: http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2012/12/12/2-streets-a-thorn-to-bexley-police.html
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