The 10-story Garden Park on High mixed-use development planned for The Short North got its stamp of approval from the Italian Village Commission this afternoon, allowing the project to take another step forward.
The building was first unveiled in January, and received some criticism from the commission. Some members of the review board took issue with overall height, lack of setback, and a desire for some form of historic preservation for the existing single story building at 1174 N. High Street.
While the building’s 10 story height remains unchanged, the front exterior of the building facing High Street steps back slightly, and the tile facade of the original building has been incorporated into the design of Garden Park. Additionally, a living green wall was added to the pedestrian experience at the ground floor of the building.
“I’m glad we were able to keep and incorporate the historic green brick facade of the former Garden layered alongside a two-story living wall,” stated Dave Hunegnaw, Partner at Black Gold Capital, the company funding and proposing the new development. “Everyone knows that iconic green brick. I love our new design and believe the community will love it, too.”
Garden Park includes approximately 60 one- and two-bedroom residential units, a ground floor restaurant spot, 10th floor amenities that include a fitness center, spa and retractable roof, as well as an interior three-level semi-automatic parking garage system for 60 vehicles.
“Working with the Italian Village Commission allowed us to consider and collaborate on how we preserve a bit of history of The Garden while reimagining the future of the Short North,” stated Ernie Malas, Managing Partner at Black Gold Capital.
The proposal will require approval by Columbus City Council before the next steps are taken toward construction. Black Gold is hoping to begin demolition next month and start construction in early fall.
“As a longtime developer providing housing at OSU, I believe campus will continue to move south and the Short North will continue to move north,” added Tom Heilman, an investment partner on the project. “Our goal is to become the new epicenter.”
All renderings and visuals by Jonathan Barnes Architecture & Design.