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Three years ago, Wonder Bread closed their Columbus bakery located at 697 North Fourth Street in Italian Village. For a time it looked like the proposed Wonderland art studio redevelopment project would be located in this space, but those plans fell through last summer.
Since then, rumors have circulated that property owner Lykens Companies would be rehabbing the building to make way for a new residential development, and today we’ve confirmed that this project is moving forward.
The 70,000 square foot Wonder Bread building will be converted into 56 apartment units dubbed “Wonder Bread Lofts”. The building will also be home to a 2,500 square foot restaurant space, a 7,000 square foot event venue space, and the site will contain dedicated parking spaces for both residents and guests.
“These units will be developed as upscale apartments with condo style amenities,” said Kevin Lykens, owner of The Lykens Companies. “However, there’s no plan to convert to condos at this time.”
The unit mix will contain 38 one-bedroom units ranging from $850 to $1200, and 18 two-bedroom units ranging from $1200 to $1700.
“Supply is very limited in this section of Italian Village,” said Lykens. “We are experiencing the highest demand we have ever seen.”
Work on the building began several days ago, signaling the start of a new era for this historic property.
“We are currently completing all of the final demolition and preliminary site work in preparation of the construction being fully underway,” said Lykens. “The old glass block windows and previously bricked-in opening are being reopened in preparation of the replacement industrial style sashes.”
Once construction is fully under way, Lykens is projecting a 12 month construction timeline to completion.
I think that would be a great place to live. It is also nice to see more nightlife in IV away from High St.
I heard that they do not have enough parking even with the lot from the Church to accomodate all of the renters, much less their guests. Great for the existing residents wtih no off street parking – not.
glad to see the WONDER BREAD sign will stay…(I hope)
Now there’s a shocker.
“Now there’s a shocker.”
lol
I am glad that it isn’t sitting for too long. It really is a great location.
I love that area of Italian Village. It is nice to see that these will be apartments. I think it would be fun to splurge a little and live there for a year or two.
Oh, and it should be finished soon considering that they work late into the night including weekends. Sawcutting and demo are nice and quiet for the neighbors. Not to mention the construction dust getting all over the cars parked on the street. Off to a bad start showing an utter lack of respect for the existing neighbors. At least Wonderland “attempted” to keep us informed.
@Taz,
Don’t be surprised by this, there are plenty of folks who have had similar issues with Mr. Lykens’ behavior as a land lord (company owner); both tenants (including a number of commercial tenants) and neighbors of his properties. His lack of respect (in how he conducts business) that you’re referring to reminds me of a few years ago, when walking outside to enjoy my morning coffee I was met by one of his ‘employees’ pissing in my yard.
But, @Taz, if you and your neighbors want to ‘do’ anything about it, the first thing to check might be, to look into if Lykens Enterprises have their permits in order. For anyone thinking about possibly being a tenant, I suggest really giving the place a close look; in my experience they can be pretty good at making things appear well in order, but check for little things; its kind of amazing the kinds of simple installations can be screwed up.
Yes, thanks for the tips. That is the vibe I am getting from speaking with others in the hood. The police have already been called a few times on his ass for disobeying his own permit. What a mess. We have been struggling to get permit parking on these streets for ages and the City is being of absolutely no use to us. Almost of the residences surrounding it have NO off street parking and we are all about to get screwed as there are not enough spaces for the number of apartments and their guests. Anyone have any tips on whom to speak to about going permit? We submitted the petitions to the City and they have done nothing. Italian village Society didn’t help either.