Amid the ongoing conversation about how autonomous vehicles and “mobility as a service” could render parking garages in urban areas obsolete, proposals for two new parking garages were on the Downtown Commission’s agenda this month.
The larger of the two is the 650-space Ohio Center Garage, which will serve the Greater Columbus Convention Center and will sit in an area currently used as a loading dock, north of the Drury Inn and Suites on Nationwide Boulevard.
A presentation from representatives of Schooley Caldwell revealed a novel concept for the garage’s facade – a mesh-like material made of small interlocking pieces that will move and flow in the wind.
The artist, Ned Kahn, has designed many large-scale projects worldwide featuring what he calls “kinetic facades.”
The second garage is much smaller in scale and would provide parking for residents of the Edwards Companies’ Neighborhood Launch project, including the Normandy and Neilston apartment buildings.
Located on what is currently a surface parking lot at the northeast corner of North Sixth and East Long streets, the two-story garage would feature a corner retail spot as well as a small dog park.
Both garages were well received by the commission but were only reviewed conceptually, so they will need to return for a final vote of approval.
Also heard by the commission this month was a revised plan for a three-story residential building at 274 E. Long St. The new design, which will feature three townhome units with first-floor garages facing Neilston Street, was approved by the commission.
Related: New Plan Calls for Demolition of Four-Story Building Downtown