The latest installment of our ongoing Development Roundup series features news from Berwick, Victorian Village, Downtown and more. Read on for an assortment of project updates, new proposals and other nuggets from the world of Columbus development:
National Church Residences has a new project under construction in Berwick, at 2685 E. Livingston Ave. Brookwood Point is a 103-unit senior housing development that will feature 77 market-rate apartments and 26 apartments priced more affordably (for renters earning between 80% and 100% of the area median income). Brookwood Presbyterian Church once stood on the site – the building was demolished last fall and the Brookwood congregation is now worshipping as Unity Presbyterian in Reynoldsburg. Construction is due to wrap up in late summer of 2023.
Rumpke Waste & Recycling announced plans this week to build a $50 million recycling center at 1178 Joyce Ave., just south of the American Addition neighborhood. Renderings show a large building with truck bays, a partial green roof and solar panels. The new facility, which the company says will be the fifth-largest of its kind in North America, will bring new “high-tech” jobs to the area and will also “feature a unique research and development initiative and educational opportunities,” according to a press release.
The Columbus Development Commission will hear a number of rezoning requests at its meeting on February 10, including a proposal to add two stories above a one-story dental office at 910 Dennison Ave. in Victorian Village. Also scheduled to be heard is a plan from Preferred Living to build more apartments at 980 Old Henderson Road (next to its Luxe 88 development), and a commercial renovation of a former car dealership at 1199 Franklin Ave., a project that landed historic tax credits in 2020.
In January, the German Village Commission unanimously approved a plan to renovate and update the Saint Mary School on South Third Street. The school’s historic rectory building will not be moved – as was previously proposed – but a small rear addition to the Rectory will be demolished, and the main classroom building of the school will be expanded.
The first community workshop for the 2022 Downtown Strategic Plan took place on January 25. A presentation from the virtual event can be viewed on the plan website, and there is still plenty of time to fill out a survey and add to the interactive map and the ideas wall on the site. A second workshop is planned for the spring.
City Council recently approved the allocation of more federal relief funding for rental and utility assistance. The $8 million in funding will go to 12 different local organizations that are working to distribute the money. Information on accessing the funds – for both renters and landlords – is available at www.rentful614.com.
Pizzuti Companies announced in late January that the third phase of its Library Park development is complete and is now leasing. The six-story building, located at 50 S. Grant Ave., offers a pool, fitness center and co-working space as amenities. An art installation planned for the corner of Grant and Oak Street – made of perforated aluminum panels – will depict a black-and-white photo of silent film starts Greta Garbo and John Gilbert. It is based on a mural that was visible for years on the side of the two-story building at 394 Oak St., before being blocked by the Library Park building.
The Short North Alliance is looking for feedback on parking and transportation issues in the neighborhood. Fill out this survey before Friday, February 11 and be entered to win a $100 parking meter gift card.