Community members on the Near East Side got their first look this evening at plans for a new $20 million mixed-use development on East Long Street in the King-Lincoln District. The proposal was presented for conceptual review to the Near East Area Commission (NEAC).
The project, proposed in partnership by Borror and Kingsley+Co, includes four three-story buildings on a two acre site, which would contain 135 apartment units and approximately 10,000 square feet of commercial retail space. The project would be supported by a surface parking lot in back of the site with accommodations for somewhere between 101 and 105 cars.
“We don’t have it all figured out just yet,” explained Kingsley+Co CEO Chinedum Ndukwe, who added that his team was meeting with the community tonight primarily to listen to feedback. “We look forward to having this be a true catalyst for Long Street with a diverse group of owners, and making it an innovative and inclusive project.”
The development site is positioned on the north side of Long Street between Garfield Avenue and Monroe Avenue. The site formerly housed the McNabb Funeral Home building, which was demolished last year. The developers of the project explained tonight that they see it having an impact beyond its immediate boundary.
“We’re working with the City of Columbus and having very active conversations with them right now,” stated Matt Canterbury, Senior VP of Design and Development at Borror. “We’re talking about proposed road improvements, utility improvements, lighting and pedestrian amenities. We’re calling this ‘neighborhood development’ and not just an apartment project because we know that’s very important for the area and for the success of the homeowners and businesses around here.”
Arguably, the most significant change to the streetscape proposed thus far is the conversion of a portion of Talmadge Street into a pedestrian-only outdoor plaza space, and the possible conversion of the remainder of Talmadge Street north to the King Arts Complex as an “arts alley” connector that carries over to the Lincoln Theater.
The general attitude about the project by residents in attendance of tonight’s meeting was primarily positive, with questions ranging from apartment pricing (it will be market rate with a percentage of workforce housing) to what types of restaurant and retail use can be expected (no leases have been signed as of yet). Some brought up concerns with parking, as more development is already being planned on Long Street, which will begin to fill in the area with more residents, more visitors and more automobile traffic.
“Parking is important,” stated NEAC Commissioner Willis Brown. “But this is an urban environment, so we have to manage it.”
No vote was taken on the project by the Commission, as it was only presented conceptually for review and feedback. Canterbury stated that they do not have a construction timeline to announce at this point in time, as their team needs to continue to collaborate on plans with the City of Columbus for the public infrastructure portions.
All visuals via Architectural Alliance.
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