A new development proposed for Milo-Grogan would bring 192 new apartments to the southwest corner of Cleveland and Reynolds Avenues. The project, from local developer Avenue Partners, calls for eight three-story buildings, a clubhouse and a pool.
Although the neighborhood has seen some major investment in recent years – including the Rogue Fitness facility and affordable homes from Homeport (and before that, dozens of Habitat for Humanity houses) – this project represents something new.
Charles Thompkins is the chair of the Milo-Grogan Area Commission, which voted to approve the project at its March meeting. He grew up in the neighborhood and has served on the commission for 18 years.
“I’ve been here when Milo was flourishing, and also when it went down,” he said, adding that this might be the first new apartment development he’s seen in his 50-plus years in the neighborhood. “To see that growth coming back over here – overall, we think its going to be a good asset to the community and serve as a gateway to the neighborhood as you come across the bridge from Downtown.”
Thompkins said that the response from residents who have attended meetings about the project has been mostly positive. There are plenty of worries, too, but many of those stem from changes that have been apparent in the neighborhood for some time.
“There are a lot of concerns from the neighbors about property taxes…for (homeowners) who have been here a long time, especially elderly ones on a fixed income,” he said. “We know that communities change, and it’s a good thing, but during that change we want to make sure that our existing neighbors are taken care of.”
The Area Commission has been reaching out to City Council and others, according to Thompkins, looking for partners willing to help existing Milo-Grogan residents stay in their homes as real estate values in the neighborhood inevitably rise.
Jason Snyder, President and Partner of Avenue Partners, said that he and his team have been happy with the response to the project so far and are “excited to be a part of the neighborhood.”
“There was great turnout for the meetings,” he said. “It’s a very active, caring neighborhood that wants to see it grow.”
With approval from the commission secured, Snyder said that they are now finalizing the site plan and working with the city to address some staff comments on the project. It will proceed to the Development Commission and City Council, but neither has been scheduled.
Elford Development is a partner on the project and will serve as contractor, the same team behind another significant apartment development nearby that was recently approved by the Italian Village Commission.
The layout and design of the development will be similar to Trotters Park in Harrison West, and the apartments will be market-rate, although with “projected rents much lower than new projects in the Short North and downtown areas,” according to Snyder.
He added that the goal is to start construction on the development before the end of the year. Stayed tuned for Columbus Underground for updates.