A proposal to build a three-story, 18-unit residential building at 966 S. High St. was presented to the Brewery District Commission last night.
The plan calls for the demolition of a two-and-a-half story building – along with its one-story front addition – that sits immediately north of the Valters at Maennerchor restaurant, where the Columbus Maennerchor currently meets.
The parcel was recently bought by Galbreath Properties for $460,000, one of three high-profile properties that were auctioned off by Columbus City Schools.
It was presented as a conceptual review, meaning no vote was taken at the meeting.
Becky West of the Columbus Landmarks Foundation said that she understands the challenges of the site but expressed hope that the existing building, which appears to be structurally sound, could be preserved.
“We think that integrating the existing historic building would improve not only the aesthetic value of the streetscape and retain the character and charm of the Brewery District, but add to the long-term success of the condo project,” she said.
West suggested that the developer look to a nearby project for inspiration – Treetops, a 2004 development that features a nine-unit condominium building behind restored historic homes at 866 and 874 S. High St.
“Also, if an objective of a portion of the project is to provide rehearsal space for Maennerchor,” she added, “why not the building they called home beginning in the early 1900s?”
A second major Brewery District project – the redevelopment of the Wasserstrom building at 477 S. Front St. – will likely be heard by the commission soon, but was not on this month’s agenda.
