The plan by the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation (CDDC) to remake the Scioto Pennisula took another step forward this week as the Downtown Commission approved the demolition of the existing Vets Memorial auditorium and convention facility at 300 West Broad Street. The commission also approved the latest design for its immediate replacement; an Ohio Veterans Memorial and Museum.
The new building is designed to honor Ohio’s 900,000 military veterans. Plans call for a green roof, an outdoor ceremonial space, and extensive landscaping around the new building, including a grove of trees on its western side.
The renderings presented to the commission show two mid-rise buildings on the other side of the grove – no plans have been submitted for this portion of the peninsula, but the CDDC’s master plan suggests a mix of residential and retail for the area, to be privately developed.
Franklin County is taking the lead on the demolition, which should get started this year. Amy Taylor of the CDDC Â said they expect to begin construction in the spring of 2015, with a goal of completing the new museum and grounds by the end of 2016.
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