Kaufman Development’s proposal to build a five-story mixed-use building at 500 West Broad Street has cleared its first hurdle, receiving overall approval last week from the East Franklinton Review Board.
The project’s unusual site plan – a six-story building would face Broad but its shape would create a series of angled plazas, while a more traditional four-story parking garage would sit behind that – was approved by the board, as were the proposed uses, height and parking plan.
Kaufman and project architect NBBJ will have to go before the board again for final design approval, which will include a closer look at materials, landscaping and lighting.
A 60-page document submitted to the board prior to the meeting outlined the site’s context and the overall vision for the development, stating that its goal is to “create a catalyst for sustainable change which will inspire urban livability, connect downtown neighborhoods, and set a standard for new development within the Midwest and in Central Ohio.”
Also provided were renderings and diagrams of everything from pedestrian circulation to food truck access, as well as details on possible amenities like an outdoor movie screen, a climbing wall and a plaza designed for outdoor yoga.
The development, which will replace the existing National Office Warehouse and Phillip’s Original Coney Island restaurant, will include about 40,000 square feet of office space, 250 residential units, over 30,000 square feet of restaurant and retail space, and a 564-space parking garage. A spot has been reserved on the site plan for a reconstituted Phillip’s restaurant.
“We really relate to the neighborhood and feel like we can do something really unique and special there,” said CEO Brett Kaufman when the project was first announced last month, “different from any other part of the city.”