Borror Properties has submitted plans to redevelop a prominent site that straddles the University District/Clintonville line. The parcels, which once held a White Castle restaurant and Patrick J’s bar, are located at 2711 and 2725 N. High St.
The proposal calls for a mixed-use development featuring 53 residential units, about 11,000 square feet of office space, and a total of 72 parking spaces.
The first floor will hold a corner restaurant space with outdoor seating and a second, smaller retail bay facing High Street.
The part of the development closest to High Street will be two stories and designed to mesh with the existing, historic brick buildings south of Dodridge Street. A four-story rear portion of the project would be set back an additional 30 feet from the street.
“Borror is excited to once again partner with White Castle and introduce our first project in the University/Clintonville area,” said Jeff Baur of Borror Development.
The project cleared its first hurdle when the zoning committee of the University Area Commission signed off on the required variances, which include a reduction in parking (from 77 to 72 spaces), and a total building height eight feet over the maximum height allowed.
The next step is a conceptual review by the University Impact District Review Board (UIDRB) on Thursday.
The site spans Glen Echo Creek, which flows through a tunnel that passes under the Tim Horton’s parking lot, High Street, and the former White Castle parcel. The proposed buildings are all situated to the south of that tunnel, while a parking lot serving the project sits to the north. Because Glen Echo Creek serves as the boundary between the neighborhoods, none of the proposed buildings will need to go before the Clintonville Area Commission.
A walkway through the parking lot will allow pedestrians to access an overlook of the ravine that continues west of the property, to the Olentangy River.
A statement included in the submission to the UIDRB said that the architecture is “informed by the varied history of the site, beginning with respect for the natural resource of the ravine, and continuing to include references to the streetcar gateway to the Olentangy Park amusement park, which formerly stood on the site, and the 85-year presence of White Castle.”
Additional Reading: Borror Properties Planning New Old North / Clintonville Development