The structure at 1515 Lane Avenue in Upper Arlington has been through a lot of planning revisions over the past year and a half. In late 2014, a proposal surfaced that would see the existing building demolished and replaced with a new two-story Northstar Cafe restaurant and company offices. That plan fizzled out, and in October 2015 a new developer proposed the construction of a new three-story mixed-use building on the site.
Yesterday, the City of Upper Arlington Board of Zoning and Planning approved a third proposal for the site that involves the restoration of the existing two story building, with additions made to the front and back portions of the building.
“The proposal was approved with about six conditions, so there will be no more public review on this plan,” stated Upper Arlington Planning Officer Justin Milam. “The Board felt that the design, landscaping and parking were appropriate and the project would be good addition to the Lane Avenue corridor.”
The project has been submitted and will be developed by the Upper Arlington Veterinary Hospital, who would relocate their practice from 2447 North Star Road to occupy the ground floor while leasing out the second story offices.
“We’re excited to see this project come to fruition,” added Milam. “There’s been many different plans looked at and approved for this site. This one keeps an existing offices here in Upper Arlington — a practice that has been here for a long time — while improving this building.”
Milam said that the developer expects to close on the property within the next few weeks and is slated to begin construction this spring. No timelines are definitive at this point, but he said that the company plans to be finished with construction and moved into the new building later this year.
Meanwhile, two more proposals are being considered for development on Lane Avenue in Upper Arlington.
Renderings/visuals provided by the City of Upper Arlington.