Massive Complex Could Come To The Brewery District On Whittier Peninsula
Columbus, Ohio — The Columbus skyline could soon gain a new 30-story building.
The Brewery District Commission met Thursday night and heard a proposal from North Carolina Builder Zimmer Development Company and architectural firm NBBJ.
According to developers, the massive, multi-building complex would be broken up into three phases. The first phase would be completed in three years, with the third phase completed in ten to fifteen years.
It would be on a 17-acre plot of land, currently owned by CSX next to railroad tracks, on West Whittier Street. It sits next to Scioto Audubon Metro Park along the Whittier Peninsula
It would have more than 370 apartments, 79-thousand square feet of office space, retail and restaurant space, outdoor patios and a nearly 600-car garage.
“We’ve been looking at this market for a while. We feel like the Brewery District offers, at least our site, offers something that’s very unique. You have 360-degree views,” said Adam Tucker, Director of Development for Zimmer Development. “We’re probably a year away from even having permits and zoning and things of that nature. The 24 months of construction probably. So, three years would be aggressive probably on opening.”
The buildings have a slick, modern look. Daniel Ayars with NBBJ Architects says he starting thinking about the development of the site about four months ago.
“This site is so unique because of its access to both the open space of the park, the riverfront, the city. Each of those aspects, we’re looking at how people are going to be living, working or playing in this location,” Ayars said.
One concern is that the land is on a flood plain.
“It is a fun piece to work with. It’s one of those elements that when we’re looking at it from a design side, the goal is to minimize any major issues that would come from the flood,” said Ayars.
Overall, commissioners said they’re excited about the project. But, there’s a lot of work ahead before we’d see site development.
“I think it largely looks great. It’s exciting for the city,” said Commissioner Daniel Mathur.
A similar reaction was echoed by Commissioner William Hugus.
“It’s a very exciting proposal for the Brewery District in general and the peninsula in particular.”