The Downtown Commission this morning got its first look at three development proposals that collectively could bring over 350 new residential units to the city’s central core.
The first project heard by the board was the smallest of the three – a seven-story building on a narrow lot that would hold between 50 and 60 micro units (small studio apartments).
Steve Reynolds, Founding Partner and Principal Architect of SHYFT Collective, presented two design concepts for the building. The first one featured different exterior materials arranged in two separate, rectangular sections, while the second one took a more “deconstructive” approach, according to Reynolds, with an outer layer of dark slats that peeled away in a jagged pattern to reveal a white surface underneath.
The commissioners were unanimous in expressing a preference for the first concept, and overall had plenty of positive things to say about the project.
Reynolds said that plans for the eastern wall of the building – which will not have windows – are still being developed, but the idea is to do something artistic that would feature lighting at night to give the building a different look after the sun goes down.
The second proposal reviewed was another seven-story building, but on a much larger lot (about 150 feet by 200 feet, a parcel that is currently occupied by surface parking). The building, presented by Jon Riewald of Riewald Development and Michael Suriano of NBBJ, would be located at 267 E. Spring Street and hold 132 apartments, a 112-space parking garage and first floor retail.
Board members praised the design of the building, which features brick arches that emphasize different entrances.
Riewald said that the idea behind the design was to focus on the pedestrian experience, and that future tweaks could bring some of the retail space down Neilston Street, instead of just facing Spring Street.
Board member Tony Slanec said that the design of the landscaping and other details along the sidewalk on the Spring Street side of the building will be important.
“I think you have to address the streetscape on Spring; I think that that’s going to be critical to slowing down traffic, to doing lots of things for your project,” he said.
Riewald said that his team is actively working with the city and a landscape architect to determine how much right of way will be available for things like trees and other plantings.
“I’m optimistic that, big picture, as this neighborhood continues to develop…there’ll be some considerations given to enhancements on Spring Street more broadly,” Riewald added. “In conjunction with all the work proposed at Columbus State, and as these surface lots fill in, there’s real potential here for this to be a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood…we’re excited about it.”
The last project discussed was the largest of the three – a 19-story building with 180 apartments and a 250-space parking garage, proposed for 175-199 East Rich St.
The initial design of the building received positive comments from the board.
Stanley Lan, CEO of developer Bluestone Brothers, said that he hopes to fill the first floor space along Rich Street with a “nice urban market” that would complement the existing block of business – mostly bars and restaurants – around the corner from the site, on South Fourth Street.
“What we’re doing is try to elevate the whole neighborhood around us,” he said. “By putting the marketplace in that neighborhood it will make [the environment] more mixed-use…we are not trying to compete with our neighboring restaurants, what we are trying to do is to preserve that.”
The three proposals were all heard conceptually, meaning they’ll need to be brought back to the board in the future for votes of approval.
For more information on the Downtown Commission, see www.columbus.gov.
Additional Reading:
Could the New Downtown Plan Lead to Changes with Downtown Streets?