The iconic building that was once home to an open multi-level market bazaar and one of the most well known Max & Erma’s locations will be razed this month to make way for a new apartment development next year.
“The building is interesting in its design and the story it has to tell,” said Elizabeth Buchenroth, Vice President of ZBP Properties, which bought the building in 2006. “It has been an neighborhood icon for almost four decades.”
This building, located at 4550 Kenny Road, opened in 1973 as the Colony Bazaar marketplace. It was later occupied by Whites’ Furniture Store, Whispers Night Club, Benchmark Outdoor Outfitters, The Ski Shack and several other businesses.
Real Estate developer Tom Fortin had planned to re-purpose the building two years ago for a development concept known as G Living — a retail center focused on businesses that feature environmentally-friendly and healthy goods and services.
“The challenges of that building is that it was built on multiple levels,” explained Fortin in an interview with Columbus Underground in July 2010. “That has stymied the demand for it. I had the concept, but I couldn’t find enough tenants.”
ZBP Properties is planning to redevelop the land into a multi-family apartment concept known as Benchmark Apartments, which is scheduled to open in the Fall of 2012. The units will feature modern living spaces, open floor plans, and sustainable designs that will incorporate elements salvaged during the demolition of the old building.
“We want to adapt the site to a new use while incorporating the principles of design innovation from the existing building,” said Buchenroth. “It’s a new chapter of the story.”
