28 S. State St. Sells for Transformation

Former post office/ WPD bureau to become restaurant.

In the next two months, the Westerville Division of Police (WPD) will begin their move to the new Justice Center on Huber Village Blvd., vacating a historic building in the center of Uptown Westerville. The building, known simply by its address - 28 S. State St. - has a history as a federal building, local government use and soon, a modern restaurant that will add a vibrant new dining and entertainment destination to Uptown.

The site has long been on the list of for sale properties as the City pledged to reposition properties after housing all WPD divisions in their new headquarters. After distributing a request for proposal last year, Westerville investor John Brooks purchased the building with the intent to add to Uptown’s amenities.

“We have a vision for this building to bring something new to the Uptown district,” said Brooks. “We’ve been in discussions with local restaurants and partners who have had their eye on Westerville. We’re going to showcase this project with great experiences paired with a restaurant concept that will offer amazing menu and drinks.”

A timeline for renovation has not yet been established. Westerville Economic Development Director Rachel Ray says the project starts with City planning offices first, and must go through the typical Planning Commission and Uptown Review Board review processes.

“The public process is designed for quality planning purposes, taking into account parking, access, character and so much more,” said Ray. “But with strong partners who care about Uptown, we are excited about the prospect of its use and opening this historic building to residents and visitors.”