Three businesses near the corner of West 11th and Neil Avenues – including campus mainstay Adriatico’s Pizza – would be relocated under a plan unveiled by The Ohio State University yesterday.
Two buildings would be demolished to make way for a $28 million, 93,000 square feet building that would hold an optometry clinic, retail space, and office space for Health Sciences faculty.
Adriatico’s occupies one of the buildings, while the University Flower Shop and a Huntington Bank branch occupy the other.
OSU has owned the land that the businesses sit on since 1993. Adriatico’s has had an OSU location for over 30 years.
A press release stated that construction could start as soon as 2018, pending future approvals from the OSU Board of Trustees. The first request of the board will be for $600,000 for the design of the building and other professional services. It also said that “Ohio State is working closely with each business to identify possible relocation opportunities.”
The plan follows the general vision laid out in the university’s Framework 2.0 plan.
“The University Flower Shop has been helping turn moments into memories in the campus area since 1932,” said the shop’s owner, Christine Spangle, in a statement. “We look forward to growing with the university and the hospital community in their newest ventures.”
Adriatico’s addressed the news in a series of tweets made shortly after OSU made the announcement:
Don’t panic! Although the rumors are true that our current building will be replaced within the next year, we are working hard with Ohio State and others to secure our new location for a seamless transition. We will keep everyone updated as soon as possible on all developments. Adriatico’s will not leave you!