NEW CONCEPTS PROPOSED FOR UPTOWN Uptown Westerville, the historic heart of the City, is a thriving system of modern amenities set within old-world architecture. Despite more than a year in a pandemic, Uptown continues to evolve and thrive. While the variety of restaurants and retail operations may seem to come together organically, much effort is made to ensure newcomers are a good fit for the area and can adhere architecturally to maintain that Uptown charm. Developments in Uptown must be reviewed and approved by the Uptown Review Board. If significant property changes are required, the Westerville Planning Commission may be asked to review. Up next in complementary developments causing a buzz in Uptown is a new independent book store and a proposed multi-use development. The owner of Birdie Books & Cafe at 86 N. State St. has big ideas for the Victorian-era Queen Ann houseturned-independent bookstore and cafe located next to Joe’s Automobile Repair Shop. Design renderings show plans for a patio, replacement of the existing front porch, a garden and other exterior design elements that were determined by the Uptown Review Board to be appropriate for Uptown. A proposed multi-use development at 32 W. College Ave. would create retail and residential opportunities in a relatively landlocked area. The City purchased this property in 2014 with the goal of redeveloping the site.
The project is in the conceptual review phase, but it is a significant redevelopment that meets the goal of the City’s Uptown Plan. Originally the property included a home built in the early 1900s that was converted into a commercial use building. Given its current state, the building needs to be demolished for the redevelopment that will include a multi-story building designed to fit the style and look of Uptown. The building will feature four residential units above 2,800 sq. ft. of retail space with accompanying parking. Decisions to redevelop in Uptown in this manner are not made haphazardly by applicants or the City boards and commissions charged with reviewing plans. Kontogiannis & Associates presented their concept for 32 W. College Ave. for an informal design review to the Uptown Review Board and the Planning Commission this spring. From there, the applicant will determine how to use the informal feedback and decide if they will proceed with a formal review process. Once final approval is received through the Planning Commission, developers can proceed to apply for permits and then begin construction. Stay up-to-date about developments, proposed or otherwise, in the City. Visit www.westerville.org and click the “Public Meetings” button.
Planning is underway for reuse of the land at 32 W. College Ave.
Rendering of plans for Birdie Books at 86 N. State St.
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