ADVERTISEMENT

    Construction Begins on SPARC Race Track Project

    Demolition has officially begun at the old Cooper Stadium site, located just southwest of Downtown Columbus. Portions of the baseball stadium are being removed for a renovation project that will turn the land into the Sports Pavilion & Automotive Research Complex, also known as SPARC.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    The project first made public waves in 2008, before the Columbus Clippers had even finished their final game prior to their relocation to Huntington Park in 2009. After much public discussion over noise issues, economic development, neighborhood integration with Franklinton and other concerns, the race track was announced as moving forward.

    Our last major update came in the form of an in-depth two-page interview with SPARC developer Bill Schottenstein in October, 2012. Other than a partnership announced with Midwestern Auto Group, there’s been little activity at the stadium, leading some people questioning whether or not the whole thing had been cancelled. But Schottenstein assured us yesterday that the project is still moving forward.

    “What transpired is that our partner Michael Waltrip took the project to heart and wanted to work on the design of the track,” explained Schottenstein. “So we had to work around his schedule, which was more difficult but very rewarding to work with him on it. It took a lot longer to get the design finished, and then work through a second architect and make sure we got the inspections completed.”

    Schottenstein said that he does not want to rush the project too quickly, and anticipates that some of the phases of SPARC will come online in mid-to-late 2015 with other phases wrapping up in early 2016. This summer will see focused demolition work continue on the conversion of the old stadium.

    “Obviously, portions of the stadium will be gone and some new construction will be going on with the site,” he stated. “We have some areas that will be maintained and we might start seeing the track coming together.”

    Another announcement is slated sometime in the coming weeks, where Schottenstein expects to be able to announce additional partnerships that have formed at SPARC over the course of the past few years.

    “For us to feel this project is successful, we have to help the area,” added Schottenstein. “The impact has got to spill out into the community, otherwise we haven’t accomplished a whole lot. We’re confident that we’ve done that and people will be very excited.”

    For ongoing discussion and updates on SPARC, CLICK HERE to visit our Messageboard.

    More information can be found online at www.sparcohio.com.

    Photos by Walker Evans.

    cooper-stadium-03

    cooper-stadium-01

    cooper-stadium-04

    cooper-stadium-05

    cooper-stadium-07

    ADVERTISEMENT

    Subscribe

    More to Explore:

    CCAD Wants to Uncover Historic Building, Fill in Parking Lot

    The Columbus College of Art & Design has submitted...

    Intel Gets More Federal Funding for Ohio Production Plants

    Nearly $20 billion in federal grants and loans is on its way to Intel to support work on semiconductor fabs in Ohio and around the country. The funding is part of the CHIPS Act, signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2022. Ohio’s New Albany-area Intel facility currently under construction stands to benefit substantially.

    Updated: Madison County Solar Farm Would Be One of the Largest in U.S.

    UPDATE (3/21/24): The Ohio Power Siting Board voted seven...

    The Confluence Cast: Downtown with Michael Brown

    We're exploring the evolution of downtown with Michael Brown, who has been a cornerstone in the city's development planning and worked both in and outside city government to cheer on its growth. Columbus Underground editor Walker Evans and Mike delve into the city's challenges and triumphs, the synergy between projects, the balance between iconic and neighborhood-level public art investments, and the concerted efforts to address systemic issues like homelessness and affordable housing. Through anecdotes and insights, they highlight Columbus's young, creative energy and the dynamic urban policies that continue to drive its growth.
    Walker Evans
    Walker Evanshttps://columbusunderground.com
    Walker Evans is the co-founder of Columbus Underground, along with his wife and business partner Anne Evans. Walker has turned local media into a full time career over the past decade and serves on multiple boards and committees throughout the community.
    ADVERTISEMENT