The approval process for development projects was completely disrupted in 2020, just like every other aspect of our lives. The City of Columbus cancelled all neighborhood commission and review board meetings in early March, as did most suburbs. When virtual hearings were authorized in May and the groups starting meeting again online, some of them worked through an initial backlog of projects that had been waiting for approval, but the overall number of project announcements that we tracked in 2020 was still down compared to recent years.
As always, some of those projects were approved right away, others were revised and brought back for a final sign-off, and others are still working their way through the process. Scroll down for our list of the urban development projects announced in 2020 that have not yet started construction.
Downtown
A proposal from Schiff Capital Group to build a 30-story mixed-use tower Downtown got a good initial reception from CU readers.
A 13-story building proposed for East Broad Street would require the demolition of two historic structures.
A large historic renovation project is on tap now that the former Kroger Bakery facility has changed hands.
A renovation and new-build is planned for the southeast corner of Downtown.
The beginning of the year saw an announcement about future plans for the municipal courthouse.
A new plan for a parking lot on Grant Avenue also calls for the renovation of an adjacent three-story office building.
The 50-year-old Market Mohawk Center is to renovated to include first floor residential units after the project received state tax credits.
University District
Two different six-story buildings were proposed for the High Street corridor near OSU.
A much bigger proposal for Lane Avenue was unveiled at the end of the year.
Three significant developments were proposed for Weinland Park – one near the Gateway, one at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Fourth Street, and another farther east on Fifth.
Tuttle Park will be getting updates, including a skatepark.
Franklinton
A 13-story building with an artistic theme was proposed for West Broad Street.
A senior housing development on West Broad and affordable housing on Rich Street and Hayden Avenue are both moving forward after securing financing.
A plan was approved to renovate two historic buildings on Rich Street.
South Side
Giant Eagle’s decision to close its Whittier Street store accelerated the process for redeveloping the 2.3-acre site in Schumacher Place. Several different development proposals have been presented to neighborhood groups.
An apartment complex was proposed for a large South High Street site.
The Columbus Department of Recreation and Parks is taking over the former Stockbridge Elementary School site.
Near East Side
Recreation and Parks also has plans for the former Douglas Alternative Elementary School building.
A plan for a mixed-use development in the heart of Olde Towne East proved contentious with some neighbors but was eventually approved by the Near East Area Commission.
Italian Village
A 155-unit mixed-use development was proposed for East Second Avenue.
To the north of that project, a significant proposal for eight acres of the Clark Grave Vault site was brought before the Italian Village Commission.
Worthington
Two projects that could shape the future of the northern suburb were revealed late in the year – a redevelopment plan for the Worthington Mall and an updated proposal for the United Methodist Children’s Home site on High Street.
Other Neighborhoods
Two other suburban infill proposals made headlines this fall; one in Upper Arlington and the other in Westerville.
Earlier in the year, a plan for a major mixed-use project on 50 acres in Whitehall was unveiled.
A proposed Cleveland Avenue development is being touted as a new “Downtown Linden.“
A second vacant Giant Eagle store is being eyed for redevelopment
A plan to cover a large parking lot near Polaris with solar panels was announced in February, followed by a July announcement that a 173-acre former landfill site on the South Side would be converted into a solar energy facility.
Goodwill Columbus plans to partner with Elford to redevelop its property in Fifth by Northwest.
READ MORE: 40 Urban Development Projects Completed in 2020
READ MORE: 56 Urban Development Projects Under Construction in 2020
READ MORE: Still No Shovels in the Ground For These 56 Projects
