Lifestyle Communities Announces Groundbreaking at the New Downtown River South Community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 13, 2008
CONTACT: Grace Miller (614) 918-2069

June 13, 2008, Columbus, Ohio — Lifestyle Communities will break ground on their new River South community downtown on June 13, 2008.  Located on 2.8 acres along South Front Street between West Town and Rich streets, the new project is estimated to open in late 2009 and will include 210 residential units.  Lifestyle Communities hopes to target young buyers looking for moderately priced housing in an urban setting.   

“The beauty of downtown is that downtown is the amenity” says Michael DeAscentis Jr., CEO of Lifestyle Communities.  “There’s absolutely pent-up demand for this young demographic.  It’s a product at a price that they can afford”. 

The apartments will include one and two bedroom units, with rent in the $800's.  Condominiums will start at $125,000, and the average base price of units will be in the low $200,000's.   The residential development will include enclosed courtyards, a fitness center, rooftop terraces and outdoor green space, as well as attached parking for all units.  Lifestyle Communities plans to spend $30 million to build the project.

The new Lifestyle Communities project will be built on land formerly occupied by the old downtown Lazarus parking lots.  This development is a part of the revitalization efforts in the River South District, bringing moderately priced housing to Downtown Columbus.  As a part of the City’s efforts, a new 773-space parking garage is being constructed, Front Street will become a two-way street, and a pedestrian-friendly environment is being created along Wall Street. 

“This is a cooperative effort with the City and Columbus Downtown Development Corporation to bring affordable housing to the downtown,” says DeAscentis. “This project is being realized because of the commitment of Mayor Coleman to bring housing to the downtown, and is only possible because of the dedication and assistance of the staffs of Public Service under Director Mark Kelsy, Public Utilities under Director Tatyana Arsh, development under Boyce Safford Reese, and CDDC under the direction of Guy Worley.”

About Lifestyle Communities: 

Lifestyle Communities is the number one condominium and apartment developer in Central Ohio, having developed nearly 5,000 units including over 2,700 condominiums and over 2,100 apartments.  Lifestyle Communities specializes in designing and developing communities that attract the young and talented, delivering quality, moderately priced entry-level housing with exceptional customer service.  We are currently developing units in five exclusive locations in Central Ohio, as well as another location in Lexington, Kentucky.  Our key differentiator has been creating master-planned communities for the first-time home buyers' market and being the market leaders in terms of the quality and craftsmanship of units at our price point.  Lifestyle Communities is a full-service company, whose services include not only development, but property management, mortgage solutions, utility solutions, and construction services, among other services as a part of Builders Resource Group.  Our goal is to exceed the expectations of everyone involved in the development of a Lifestyle community, including our customers, our subcontractors and our lenders.   

Lifestyle Communities Development Efforts Moving Forward

City to invest $5 million to start new neighborhood in Downtown RiverSouth

(Columbus)  In his 2008 State of the City speech, Mayor Michael B. Coleman announced that Lifestyle Communities would break ground on more than 200 new apartments and condos along Front Street between Town and Rich streets. The Mayor is asking City Council to approve legislation tonight to invest more than $5 million in bond proceeds for public improvements to the area, including updated infrastructure like brick sidewalks and new granite curbs, that will beautify the area.   

“As more apartments and condos are built downtown, more affordable options are needed to attract more renters and buyers, especially young professionals,” Mayor Coleman said. “When it comes to building for the young and talented, Lifestyle Communities gets it and they are going to build a neighborhood in our RiverSouth area to enhance our Downtown housing options.”

The $25 million private construction project will create a new neighborhood replacing four empty surface parking lots along Front Street between Town and Rich streets.  Lifestyle Communities will bring both housing and on-site parking to the area, with 130 apartments starting from $750 to $990, and 76 condos selling between $125,000 and $250,000.

Recent public and private investments have made RiverSouth an emerging neighborhood. Construction for the Main Street Bridge has been under way for several years, and the Lazarus Building has been renovated into an award winning "green" office space and is 99% leased. The Scioto Mile Park is set to begin construction in May and the municipal garage at the corner of Front and Rich streets will be completed in the spring of 2009. Lifestyle Communities will move their corporate headquarters downtown in June.

In addition the City will begin the next phase of converting streets from 1-way to 2-way this summer, with completion expected in 2009.  Road Conversions around RiverSouth will include:

• Front Street (Broad to Rich)
• Ludlow Street (Town to Rich)
• Wall Street (Town to Rich)
• Rich Street (High to Ludlow)

The City of Columbus is helping lead the implementation of the Downtown Business Plan with the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation and local businesses.  2007 marks the fifth year of the 10-year plan to bring new investment, energy and activity into downtown.  The total new investment in downtown since 2000 is estimated at $2.19 billion, with $711 million in public funding helping leverage $1.48 billion in private investment.  This includes projects proposed, under construction, or built since 2000.

"Ohio Insurance Department sets Lazarus move date" Business First of Columbus

Link: Ohio Insurance Department sets Lazarus move date
Business First of Columbus
April 15, 2008

The Ohio Department of Insurance is joining the crowd at downtown's renovated former Lazarus building.

The department said it plans to close its office at 2100 Stella Court off Dublin Road on May 8, with an expected move-in at its new downtown space on May 12. The move will consolidate the department's 265 employees on one floor. The department is spread out on several floors in two separate buildings at the department's headquarters, spokesman Jarrett Dunbar said...

...Development manager Georgetown Co. also has recommended recruiting tenants for 50,000 square feet of retail space, beginning around mid-2008.

"Lifestyle To Break Ground on $25M Multifamily" GlobeSt.com

Link: Lifestyle To Break Ground on $25M Multifamily
Robert Carr
GlobeSt.com
March 20, 2008

COLUMBUS, OH-Lifestyle Communities Ltd. is going to build a $25-million multifamily project Downtown. The RiverSouth Residential Project, planned for Front Street between Town and Rich streets, will have 200 condo units and 130 rental units, said Mayor Mike Brown during his 2008 State of the City Address recently.

The company hopes to break ground this summer on the project. The average price of the condos will be $200,000, for an average 1,175 sf, and the rents will range from $750 for a one-bedroom unit to $990 for a two-bedroom unit, according to a spokesman for the mayor’s office. Amenities will include shared rooftop terraces, a central plaza and available underground parking, the spokesman tells GlobeSt.com...

...The developer is going to reportedly pay the city $3 million for the property’s four quarter blocks, and is getting financial incentives from the Columbus Downtown Development Corp. The company is one of central Ohio’s most prolific attached-housing developers, building more than 1,200 units per year. Michael DeAscentis Jr., CEO, did not return a call for comment on this story.

"Downtown housing for younger buyers targeted by Lifestyle project" Business First of Columbus

Link: Downtown housing for younger buyers targeted by Lifestyle project
[account required]
Brian R. Ball
Business First of Columbus
March 14, 2008

A developer best known for suburban housing has struck a deal to build apartments and condominiums near Capitol Square in a bid to create affordable housing in downtown Columbus.

Mayor Michael B. Coleman was expected to unveil in his March 13 State of the City address that Lifestyle Communities Ltd. will spend $25 million to build 130 apartments and 76 condos on 2.8 acres along South Front Street between West Town and Rich streets.

The project will target a market of young, professional workers with condos selling for less than $200,000 on average and rent beginning at $750 a month...

"Cheaper Downtown housing" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Cheaper Downtown housing
Mike Pramik
The Columbus Dispatch
March 14, 2008

A local developer plans to build a $25 million apartment and condominium project south of the old Lazarus building, continuing a renaissance in the city's RiverSouth district.

Lifestyle Communities plans to begin work this summer on 130 apartments and 76 condominiums that will be marketed to young people who can't afford some of the other Downtown living options. The units are expected to open in winter 2010. The project will cover two parking lots sandwiched between the Lazarus building and the former Lazarus parking garage...

"Downtown parking garage gains council approval" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Downtown parking garage gains council approval
Dean Narcisco
The Columbus Dispatch
February 4, 2008

Additional parking is essential to keep business Downtown, and plans will move ahead to build it, Columbus City Council concluded tonight.

Council’s unanimous vote came a week after charges that an eight-story, 773-space parking garage at Front and Rich streets would depreciate adjacent commercial property owned by Ohio House Minority Leader Joyce Beatty and her husband, Otto Beatty Jr., a Downtown Commission member.

The couple didn’t attend tonight’s meeting. But council was responding to objections that the Beattys had raised at a Jan. 28 council meeting, which prompted the tabling last week of legislation to move ahead on the project...

"Downtown parking garage gains council approval" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Downtown parking garage gains council approval
Dean Narcisco
The Columbus Dispatch
February 4, 2008

Additional parking is essential to keep business Downtown, and plans will move ahead to build it, Columbus City Council concluded tonight.

Council’s unanimous vote came a week after charges that an eight-story, 773-space parking garage at Front and Rich streets would depreciate adjacent commercial property owned by Ohio House Minority Leader Joyce Beatty and her husband, Otto Beatty Jr., a Downtown Commission member.

The couple didn’t attend tonight’s meeting. But council was responding to objections that the Beattys had raised at a Jan. 28 council meeting, which prompted the tabling last week of legislation to move ahead on the project...

"Downtown space to host first exhibits" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Downtown space to host first exhibits
The Columbus Dispatch
February 4, 2008

The new Ohio State University Urban Arts Space -- with 10,000 square feet of exhibit and performance space Downtown in the former Lazarus building at Town and S. High streets -- will open Tuesday with two exhibits.

"Midnight Robbers: The Artists of Notting Hill Carnival" (through April 4) explores the London event along with carnivals in general and includes costumes, costume designs, photographs and a multimedia computer program.

The show was curated by professors Lesley Ferris of OSU and Ruth Tompsett of Middlesex University in England...

"Parking garage put on hold" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Parking garage put on hold
Robert Vitale and Mark Ferenchik
The Columbus Dispatch
January 29, 2008

City Council members held up approval of a new Downtown parking garage last night after a high-ranking state lawmaker and a member of the panel that rules on such plans told them it would drive tenants from their nearby property.

Ohio House Minority Leader Joyce Beatty accused city officials of ignoring her calls and dismissing her fears that 15 months of construction and the street closings that come with it would kill off a clothing shop she owns at S. High and Rich streets.

Her husband, Downtown Commission member and former state Rep. Otto Beatty Jr., told council members the city should just buy the S. High Street buildings that the couple own. They house his wife's business and several tenants and are valued by the Franklin County auditor at more than $1.4 million...

"OSU arts center in Lazarus building set for February opening" Business First of Columbus

Link: OSU arts center in Lazarus building set for February opening
Business First of Columbus
January 23, 2008

Ohio State University's art space in downtown Columbus' renovated Lazarus building is set to open its doors next month.

The university said the 10,000-square-foot OSU Urban Arts Space on the ground floor of the former department store will open to the public with two exhibits beginning Feb. 5. Kelly Stevelt Kaser, former director of research and programs for an academy at the Jefferson Center for Learning and the Arts on the eastern edge of downtown, has been tapped as the manager for the Urban Arts Space.

Plans for the space - an outlet for student and faculty exhibitions and performances - have been in the works since fall 2005 when the Columbus Downtown Development Corp. outlined plans to open the center in the building. The corporation received the Lazarus department store building as a donation after Federated Department Stores Inc. closed in 2002. Following renovations that began in December 2004, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency moved in as initial tenants, while several mostly public development offices are set to occupy about 700,000 square feet early this year...

"Downtown Commission OKs revised courthouse design" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Downtown Commission OKs revised courthouse design.
Barbara Carmen
The Columbus Dispatch
January 16, 2007

..Smith stopped short of branding the northern face "ugly," but noted the southern facade is "unbelievably good" and the east and west sides look "OK."

The commissioners spent nearly two hours scrutinizing changes in drawings. Some adjustments will keep the county on budget; others bump up the building's "green" factor by cutting heating and cooling costs.

Architects shaved 4 feet from the height and 7 feet off the length they first proposed. They also ditched deep window ledges that decorated the north side of the building; those recesses reminded Downtown Commission members of a parking garage...

City Set to Build Two Downtown Parking Garages

City and Capitol South Partnering to add 1,455 spaces

press release
(Columbus)  Addressing one of the top concerns facing businesses, workers and visitors to downtown Columbus, the City and Capitol South are working together to build two new parking garages in the heart of the city, beginning in 2008. 

“Creating a great downtown requires us to focus on everything from pedestrians to bikes, housing to shopping, transit to traffic, and find solutions that work,” said Mayor Michael B. Coleman.  “Parking has long been the top concern of businesses thinking about moving downtown as well as the people already working in the area, and this plan will add more than 1,450 much needed spaces.”

The City and Capitol South commissioned a study in 2007 that noted additional parking is necessary in order for downtown to remain economically competitive.  The City asked Capitol South to facilitate the design and construction of the two new parking facilities.  Capitol South currently manages almost 6,000 parking spaces downtown, including the 4,600 spaces at the City Center garages and 1,200 spaces on the surface parking lots on the west side of the Scioto River.

"Our goal is to bring more residents, more workers, and more visitors into downtown," said City Council President Michael C. Mentel. "I hope there is a growing realization that the economic success of downtown Columbus impacts the entire Central Ohio region.  This understanding is important as we continue our efforts to bring people to the core of our city and parking must be a key priority in our comprehensive strategy for downtown redevelopment.  An additional parking garage near the new Courthouse and RiverSouth District is an encouraging first step."

Pending the approval of the Columbus City Council and the Downtown Commission, the City will begin demolition and site preparation in February for the first garage at the corner of Front and Rich streets, where the condemned, former Lazarus garage currently sits unused.  This eight-level, 773-space public garage will serve the growing employee base in the RiverSouth area.  Construction is set to begin in May 2008, with the garage set to open in May 2009.  The $14.5 million investment includes the costs of demolition and construction.  The Columbus Downtown Development Corporation currently owns the land and will donate it to City.

The City also plans to invest $15.267 million in building the second garage, a four-level, 682-space facility designed to serve the Fourth and Gay area.  Due to an expanding residential neighborhood, current surface parking spaces are being eliminated. This garage is still in the initial stages of development, and several approvals are necessary prior to finalizing a construction timeline and advancing legislation.

“With all of the dynamic projects occurring downtown, we need to ensure that one of the core focuses of downtown – employment – remains a top priority.  Providing access to adequate parking allows downtown to remain competitive, locally, regionally and nationally,” said Guy V. Worley, President & CEO of Capitol South.  “With 80% of the downtown employees driving to work, parking remains a top priority for downtown’s revitalization.”

Phase one of road conversions, from one way to two way, is set to begin this summer. Estimated cost of this phase of conversions and the associated streetscapes, utility upgrades, resurfacing, new sidewalks and ADA-compliant ramps is $9.5 million.

• Front (Broad to Rich) – Brick turn lanes, street trees, rain garden, ornamental street lights ($6.3 million)
• Ludlow (Town to Rich) – street trees, ornamental lighting, rain garden ($1.5m)
• Wall (Town to Rich) – street will be all brick, shrubs, ornamental lighting ($1m)
• Rich (High to Ludlow) – ornamental lighting, some plantings ($750,000)

Other sections of these roads will be converted in succeeding years as other downtown projects move forward.

The City of Columbus is helping lead the implementation of the Downtown Business Plan with the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation and local businesses.  2007 marks the fifth year of the 10-year plan to bring new investment, energy and activity into downtown.  There is a new market for downtown housing – with more than 4,700 housing units opened or opening soon, the opening of North Bank Park, AEP’s Foundation and the City’s commitment of $10 million each to the Scioto Mile Parks, and private partners looking at developing acres of surface parking lots into new housing and retail throughout the district.  Since 2002, the Mayor also has worked with 35 companies, keeping 583 jobs in the district and getting commitments for 2,385 more jobs to be created.  The total new investment in downtown since 2000 is estimated at $2.19 billion, with $711 million in public funding helping leverage $1.48 billion in private investment.  This includes projects proposed, under construction, or built since 2000.

Capitol South Community Urban Redevelopment Corporation is a private, non-profit development corporation designed to lead City-changing projects. The Board of Directors is made up of senior business and institutional leaders who have a strong commitment to the downtown revitalization. Created in 1974 to revitalize and redevelop the area just south of Capitol Square, the organization is now aligned with the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation and focused on making Downtown Columbus one of the most attractive center cities in the United States. Visit www.downtowncolumbus.com for more information about Downtown Columbus.

"New courthouse draws praise" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: New courthouse draws praise
Barbara Carmen
The Columbus Dispatch
January 11, 2008

Franklin County's new courthouse would shrink -- and so would its cost -- according to new drawings unveiled yesterday.

The changes, both subtle and sizable, drew praise from county commissioners, who ordered adjustments to keep the $105 million building at Mound and High streets on budget, "green" and attractive...

...Gone is a slab of concrete for the west face of the building, considered briefly as cheaper than the windows originally proposed but dismissed as ugly. The west facade will remain windows, to bring in natural light.

Designers also spiffed up the High Street front of the building in response to concerns by the Downtown Commission about respecting the civic importance of High Street. The commission, which has the power to kill a design it doesn't like, will see these design changes Tuesday...

"Downtown panel wants details on RiverSouth" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Downtown panel wants details on RiverSouth
Robert Vitale
The Columbus Dispatch
January 9, 2007

City officials have spoken for five years of grand plans for the south end of Downtown, an area that would include a new county courts building, a spruced-up riverfront, classier streetscapes and more.

One of the groups that oversees Downtown development said yesterday, though, that it wants to see more of those ideas in writing...

...Bids are due Friday for the sewer work, street conversions, sidewalk upgrades and other work in the area.

The Downtown Commission yesterday approved the demolition of a vacant Lazarus parking garage at Front and Rich streets. Capitol South Community Urban Redevelopment Corp. will build a replacement there that will be owned by the city...

"Courthouse price tag soars by $11 million" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Courthouse price tag soars by $11 million
Barbara Carmen
The Columbus Dispatch
October 19, 2007

Franklin County commissioners were reeling from sticker shock yesterday, after learning their dazzling, $105 million glass courthouse could run 10 percent over budget unless they make hard choices.

"It looks like $11 million in compromises," Commissioner Paula Brooks said after meeting with architects.

Designers described the proposed ways to stay on budget as "value engineering options."...

"Franklin County Courthouse design faces trials in gym" The Columbus Dispatch

All that talk about the outside of the new Franklin County Courthouse has been distracting us from the more important side: the inside. After all...it is a Courthouse so I suppose the conversation should move in that direction for a spell:

Link: Franklin County Courthouse design faces trials in gym.
Barbara Carmen
The Columbus Dispatch
August 19, 2007

...County commissioners and the Columbus Board of Education are expected to approve a lease deal Tuesday so courthouse designers can set up a mock courtroom in the school building at 2951 S. High St...

...Frye, a Common Pleas judge, said judges want to avoid the design mistakes that have made trials a trial in the old Hall of Justice.

Many of those courtrooms are round, forcing attorneys to turn their backs to the jury, judge or witness. The rooms also have acoustical dead spots and no sunlight...

"Courthouse's north side remains a sticking point" The Columbus Dispatch

I suppose we won't hear too much about the details of why the project was designed the way it was and what the conversation will be that will resolve this concern with the design of the north side, but I'm venturing out there to suggest is has to do, at least in part, with passive solar design.

To capture the highest benefits of passive solar advantages where you use the energy of the sun on the south face of a building to help heat it, one means to do this would employee excessive glass on the south side. You also typically avoid expansive glass curtain walls on the north side so as to retain the heat.

I'm no architect so I'll stop there before things get silly but I'd love to be a fly on the wall during the discussion between the architect and the county when they address these design concerns. I'm wondering how much of this is a form vs. function issue, if any of it at all:

Link: Courthouse's north side remains a sticking point.
By Barbara Carmen
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
July 29, 2007

A design review board told Franklin County last week that it could begin construction of its contemporary new courthouse at Mound and High streets.

But members of Columbus' Downtown Commission, which approved a permit to dig a foundation, told architects to come back with ideas to jazz up the side of the building that faces Downtown.

"It's a sensational building," Commission Chairman Harrison Smith said. "But I'm sorry. I am still bitterly disappointed in the north face. Get farther back and it can look like a parking garage...

"City vies for deed to S. High building" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: City vies for deed to S. High building.
Robert Vitale
The Columbus Dispatch
July 16, 2007

The drafty, leaky, too-hot, too-cold Franklin County Municipal Court building is in for a multimillion-dollar makeover.

Columbus plans to spend up to $7.7 million over the next five years to fix problems in the 28-year-old S. High Street building, a source of friction between city and county officials for years.

However, in exchange for pumping so much money into the Franklin County-owned building, Columbus wants the deed. The county borrowed money to construct the building in the 1970s, but the city's lease covers 85 percent of the payments...

...Plans never materialized for Municipal Court operations to be part of a new Common Pleas Court building for which Franklin County broke ground on July 3.

Taylor said Columbus now plans to remain in the Municipal Court building for some time.

"Officials go for gold standard with a 'green' courthouse" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Officials go for gold standard with a 'green' courthouse.
By Barbara Carmen
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
July 3, 2007

...Instead of volatile organic compounds that release gasses, visitors to the contemporary, seven-story building will get a whiff of the future.

Every inch is being designed to produce Ohio's first "green" county courthouse. County commissioners envision their building as a showcase of environmental responsibility...

...Commissioners will break ground this morning on the building at Mound and High streets. This common pleas courthouse, to open by 2010, is designed to replace the old Hall of Justice across the street...

...The building's spans of windows are positioned to take advantage of the path of the sun, bringing in natural light and helping with heating and cooling.

"Passive solar techniques can save between 20 (percent) and 25 percent of energy costs," Brehm said...

The DesignGroup's building at 515 East Main Street also employs passive solar heating and cooling advantages.

As folks put together their comments about the building's design, one thing to keep in mind is that in some cases we may be seeing form-over-function when considering the amount and placement of windows. FInding a balance between the two (form vs. function) is not without without it's challenges, especially when trying to take advantage of passive solar benefits.

Regardless, it seems the "green" movement which has been around for decades has finally reached a position of prominence high enough to gain the attention and interest of the masses, enough so to make its way into the way we are going about building our public facilities.

"Downtown workers watch dig at courthouse site" WSYX6.COM

Link: Downtown workers watch dig at courthouse site
wsyx6.com
June 14, 2007
 

...Before work on the 105 million dollar courthouse begins next month, Franklin County commissioners decided to give archeologists a chance to see if any historical items lie beneath.

So far archaeologists have identified a few bone fragments. But they appear to be from a chicken or cow, not a prehistoric human...

"Open courthouse" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Open courthouse.
County's new justice showcase would feature 7 stories of glass
By Barbara Carmen and Bruce Cadwallader
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
June 6, 2007

If you want to see justice at work, you won't need to flip on Court TV come 2010. You can just stand on a sidewalk at Mound or High Street and gawk.

Commissioners told designers they want their new Franklin County courthouse to stand as a symbol of the transparency of the American justice system. Architects took them literally.

Preliminary designs, to be publicly unveiled this morning, show a sharp-angled, contemporary building with seven stories of glass walls...

"Courthouse designs ready; now, about paying for it ..." The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Courthouse designs ready; now, about paying for it ...
The Columbus Dispatch
June 6, 2007

Just after Franklin County commissioners unwrap designs this morning for their new $120 million courthouse, they'll go into a special session to see if they can pay for it.

Commissioners have called a rare Wednesday meeting to vote on whether they may legally hire their longtime legal firm to oversee bonds to finance the new courthouse...

Downtown Commission - County Courthouse Meeting this Wednesday

from the Downtown Development Resource Center

The Chairman of the Downtown Commission and the Franklin County Commissioners have scheduled a special Downtown Commission meeting to unveil the architectural design of the new County Courthouse.

The new County Courthouse will be a 300,000 sq. ft. building on the block bordered by Main Street to the north, High Street to the east, Mound Street to the south and Front Street to the west.  The County has hired Puzzuti to be its project manager, the Miami design firm of Arquitectonia (the designer of Miranova) to be its project architect and the local firm of Design Group to be its architect of record.  All three County Commissioners would like to formally unveil the architectural design of the new Courthouse for the City.  Since the Downtown Commission is also the beginning the City of Columbus' formal design review process, the County Commissioners have asked to unveil the Courthouse design at a special Downtown Commission meeting.

This special Downtown Commission meeting will be held in the Downtown Commission's hearing room, as follows:

DATE & TIME:   WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6 - 9:00AM
LOCATION:        109 N. FRONT ST

The County and their representatives will bring the design presentation materials to the June 6 meeting.  The Courthouse project is being heard at this meeting as a conceptual review.  This will be the only item on the meeting agenda.

"Lazarus landing more state workers" Business First of Columbus

Link: Lazarus landing more state workers
Brian R Ball
Business First of COlumbus
June 1, 2007

Conversion of the landmark Lazarus department store building in Columbus into an office-and-retail complex is gaining momentum with the signing of a third state agency as a tenant.

The Ohio Department of Insurance plans to consolidate next March into 71,500 square feet at the downtown building from two office buildings near Grandview Heights.

The Office of the Ohio Insurance Liquidator, an affiliated operation, also has tentative plans to move into 24,000 square feet of the Lazarus building if its proposed lease is OK'd...

"Third courthouse might have charm" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Third courthouse might have charm
County officials want a distinctive complex
Wednesday,  March 28, 2007 10:09 AM
By Debbie Gebolys
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH 

...In nearly every other county seat in Ohio, courthouses sit on high-profile, landscaped public squares. Most have turrets or domes, statues and pillars that tell passers-by in a blink of an eye that they've arrived at an important place.

In Columbus, the puzzle of buildings surrounding Mound and High streets has none of that street presence. The buildings look more like office towers than the county's administrative center.

But Franklin County will join its Ohio brethren with a $111 million courthouse complex. Construction might not be complete until 2010, but when it is, the county will have its own courthouse square at Mound and High, and a courthouse that will be easily identifiable...

"People in high-rise condos throw stones at ramp plan" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: People in high-rise condos throw stones at ramp plan
New I-70/71 split might include ramp that soars beside Miranova, Waterford Tower
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Mark Ferenchik
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

...Brown is among residents of the Miranova and Waterford Tower condominiums Downtown who are concerned that one of the plans for the rebuilt I-70/71 split includes a new ramp near their buildings that would funnel traffic to the freeway from Mound Street, which would become westbound-only.

Noise and pollution are two of the biggest worries, said Brown, who is president of the Miranova Condominium Association. The proposed ramp between Mound Street and I-70 would be five stories high where it passed Miranova...

View "Comparing Plans of New Ramps"

"Lazarus, reborn" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Lazarus, reborn
The building that once housed the Downtown department store is finding new life under the city’s direction
Friday, February 23, 2007
Mike Pramik
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

...With about 70 percent of its available office space updated and leased, the century-old Lazarus building is well on its way to a new life. Developer Georgetown Co. recently unveiled a towering galleria that has become the building’s main entrance off Town Street, offering unique access to the offices in the 1.1 million-squarefoot structure...

"It’s a natural" The Columbus Dispatch

By industry standards Columbus is just getting to the point of being more than just an idea when we talk about "green" building. The Lazarus is a great start but we have a long way to go to really understand and grasp the concept of "green" and what it means.

I'll save that topic for one of those future RetroMetro meetings I keep promising...:

Link: It’s a natural
Downtown projects taking steps to be more environmentally friendly
Monday, September 25, 2006
Debbie Gebolys
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

A rooftop garden will insulate the former Lazarus department store Downtown and collect rainwater to flush the building’s toilets when it is reborn as government offices in January.

Such environmentally friendly building principles were little more than wishful thinking when the Columbus Green Building Forum organized its first seminar in 2004.

Now, they’re the order of the day for some of the highest-profile projects in development...

"Lazarus to return as 'green' project downtown" ThisWeek News

An update on the Lazarus Building which is still in the thorws of a major "green" renovation downtown:

Link: Lazarus to return as 'green' project downtown
Thursday, September 21, 2006
By KEVIN PARKS
ThisWeek News

...One aspect of the redevelopment project that has gained considerable attention is a rooftop garden. Work on turning a section of the roof into a garden, which improves insulation and storm water runoff as well as reducing the amount of heat bounced back into the atmosphere during the summer, should begin in about a week, Moore said. He estimated that cranes would begin lifting sod and plants to the roof in under a month...

"County approves bids for courthouse design, construction" Business First of Columbus

Progress with the new courthouse in the RiverSouth District. This is the only topic that has gotten any press in RiverSouth for months now. We were supposed to hear about the plans for RiverSouth back around June or July but all is quiet on the river front. Not a peep, rumor or buzz about the project.

Something brewing, or at least I've got this aching feeling about it:

Link: County approves bids for courthouse design, construction
Business First of Columbus
September 6th, 2006

Franklin County Commissioners accepted bids from DesignGroup and Gilbane Building Co. to design and construct a new courthouse, the county said Wednesday.

The new courthouse will be located north of the existing building, located at 373 S. High St., and will be bordered by Mound, High, Main and Front streets. Construction for the $100 million project is expected to begin next year and be completed by fall 2009...

"Courthouse architect, contractor recommended" Business First of Columbus

While I believe the county is still sorting out their approach to labor on the new Courthouse project, they are making progress on other fronts with the recommendation of the DesignGroup for taking on the role of architect for the project. The DesignGroup, based in the Market Exchange District in the southeast corner of the Central Business District dowtnow, has a fairly substantial portfolio of work in the urban arena of Columbus, to include Connextions Lofts and a number of other urban residential and civic projects that already under their belts with more on the way:

Link: Courthouse architect, contractor recommended
Business First of Columbus
June 21st, 2006

...Pizzuti Solutions LLC, the owner's representative managing the $110 million downtown project, has recommended the county negotiate a contract with DesignGroup Inc. of Columbus as the project architect. It also has recommended that Gilbane Building Co., which is based in Providence, R.I., be hired as the construction manager...

"New theater to help CAPA?" Business First of Columbus:

You can find the urban news buried under the most seemingly unrelated articles some times...

This article refers to a CASTO project that was formerly, and may still be, referred to as "The Lofts on High" and was slated for development on the little expanse of land which is nestled between the City Center Mall parking garage and N. High St..

Bringing the arts into the fold is exactly the type of thing we need to see a lot more of:

Link: New theater to help CAPA?
Business First of Columbus
Brian R. Ball
July 7, 2006

...The 7,500-square-foot theater, budgeted to cost $2.85 million, would be part a 75-unit apartment project that Columbus developer Casto has had planned for 260 S. High St. The proposed four-story complex has been in limbo since Casto unveiled it in April 2002...

Quite frankly, the type of discussion that this article is talking about, integration of a theatre space with retail and residential, would hands down do extremely well even despite it's location just south of a major bus stop area just north of Main St. and High St. The area is also right on the line of the new RiverSouth District which is also overdue in terms of news on the proposed plan for the entire area.

Just to the north of this proposed project is the parcel of land that is home to a lot of grass and the mural covered exterior walls of the decaying City Center Mall. Bust down those walls, throw in some ground floor retail, and turn that area into a combined green space and open public square and we might just have something going.

Now we've seen a lot of disappointing hype with presales but I have a feeling that if the project was designed, approved and then announced and marketed thoroughly, the very day that the shovel hits the ground they'd be able to sell the units.

That little statement has nothing to do with a hot condo market...it's about buying a home that has true arts & culture potentially built right in. With the Southern Theatre and Palace Theatre within a block or two and Studio One in the Riffe Center not that much farther, you've got a very potentially unique product. Thrown in a tax abatement and a life-time pass to all the theatres as some part of a promotional deal and you've got yourself one hot ticket...

Of course, that's just my opinion. 

C'est Si Bon: First Glimpse

Developer Tom Fortin's next project takes another step forward as he nears the process of beginning to market his recently named project in the RiverSouth District. C'est Si Bon, or "It's so good" if I'm not mistaken, will rise from the former shell of the Kaiser Machine Works at 328 Civic Center Drive and is an adaptive reuse that promises to be a unique addition to the downtown housing stock. Have a look at the DesignGroup's overview of the project:

Link: DesignGroup: C'est Si Bon.
DesignGroup's website
May 18th, 2006

Highlights:

• Development consists of six, 2,500 square foot townhome style units and four 1,000 square foot residential flats
• Features include a full private roof deck for each townhome, private terraces for the upper flat units, open plan living, private two car garages, and exposed existing heavy timber construction
• Adaptive re-use and addition project transforms aging manufacturing building into a daring contemporary development
• Unique challenge is the site's compact size and existing structure

"New courthouse may offer more" The Columbus Dispatch

Whether or not it makes it off the drawing table is entirely another topic but to see thinking that is outside the box in Columbus is a good thing. Mixing public/government facilities with commercial and residential get an eyebrow raise from me if for nothing more than creating the exercise that will explore the idea:

Link: New courthouse may offer more
Developer urges county to add shops, restaurants, housing to offset costs
Monday, March 20, 2006
Robert Vitale
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

...The developer whom county commissioners want to oversee the county’s biggest construction project in more than a dozen years says officials should consider adding restaurants, stores and even condominiums to cut costs and liven up the south end of Downtown.

"We see this as being more than a court building," said Ron Pizzuti, chief executive of Pizzuti Cos. "We want something that works for the county, works for the judiciary and enhances Downtown."...

...County Administrator Don L. Brown said the courts building could open by 2009.

It's reassuring that the developers and government officials "get it" when it comes to thinking about urban development here in Columbus. Now, I don't say that as if it's coming from an authority on the topic but having the concept presented for developing the new Franklin County courthouse in the RiverSouth District that includes the term "mixed-use" is a great thing to see from my position as an armchair developer.

Developer behind Carlyles Watch Starts Next Project

Another project by developer Tom Fortin goes in front of the downtown commission this week for approval on a 10 unit condo project directly to the south of Waterford Tower in the RiverSouth District. Mr. Fortin is also the man behind Carlyles Watch along with his associated company, Urban Loft Ventures:

Link: Downtown seeing more condo deals
Business First of Columbus
March 17, 2006
by Doug Buchanan
Business First

...More solid plans are being put forward by the developer of the Carlyles Watch condo building just blocks away from the Edwards land buy.

Tom Fortin plans to turn a 55-year-old building at Civic Center Drive and West Noble Street into 10 residences. Fortin's Urban Loft Ventures affiliate is asking the city's Downtown Commission for approval to expand the Kaiser Machine Works building near the Waterford condo tower to accommodate six townhouses and four loft condos. He's going to add two stories to the one-story section of the 9,600-square-foot building and one story onto the two-story portion...

"Pizzuti picked for courthouse job" Business First of Columbus

Looks like this is a big month for Pizzuti with their potential win for the developer's slot for the Whittier Peninsula and now the new Franklin County Hall of Justice which will house the new courthouse at the corner of Mound and High Streets in the RiverSouth District:

Link: Pizzuti picked for courthouse job
Business First of Columbus
March 16th, 2006

Franklin County commissioners have chosen Pizzuti Solutions LLC as the lead candidate to manage construction of the county's $100 million Hall of Justice in Columbus.

The commissioners said Thursday they plan to negotiate an agreement with the Pizzuti Cos.' division to serve as owner's representative in the construction of the downtown complex for the county Court of Common Pleas. Columbus-based Pizzuti beat out two other finalists.

"Nationwide Realty lands new gig" The Columbus Dispatch

With the official announcement of the selection of Nationwide Realty as the developer for the RiverSouth District we are witnessing, in my opinion, the next step in what is hopefully a continued path to recovery for downtown Columbus. The announcement, made late last week, came sooner than even I expected.

As you may or may not be aware, the city's Strategic Business Plan for Downtown Columbus, which has been the guidebook for downtown's revitalization, has a significant portion of its success pinned to the redevelopment of the RiverSouth District. With this announcement we are now that much closer to achieving that core objective:

Link: Nationwide Realty lands new gig
First, Arena District; now, it’s RiverSouth
Friday, January 20, 2006
Debbie Gebolys
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH 

...Nationwide Realty Investors has been chosen to help redevelop RiverSouth, 23 Downtown blocks that are mostly warehouses and parking lots that also include Columbus City Center mall and the Franklin County Justice Center. Columbus Downtown Development Corp., the city’s nonprofit development organization, selected Nationwide to develop five blocks that the group owns and to work with other property owners to redevelop the rest...

"NRI chosen as development manager for RiverSouth" The Daily Reporter

Another RiverSouth / Nationwide announcement article:

Posted by: Walker Evans

Last Thursday, the Columbus Downtown Development Corp named Nationwide Reality Investors as the development manager for the RiverSouth project. Just one more step closer to seeing the 23-acre project slowly come to life:

Article: NRI chosen as development manager for RiverSouth
The Daily Reporter
January 20th, 2006

The Columbus Downtown Development Corp. yesterday named Nationwide Realty Investors Ltd. as development manager for revitalization of 23 acres in the heart of the city.

The area being redeveloped, RiverSouth, is bounded by the Lazarus building to the north and the proposed Franklin County Court Complex to the south.

The CDDC intends to develop its land - five quarter-blocks extending from Town Street south along Front Street for one block on the eastern side of Front Street and for one block on the western side of Front Street - in a manner that not only would further the "2002 Plan," but be consistent with the RiverSouth Master Plan.

The RiverSouth plan envisions the transformation of the area, and those adjacent to it, into a "vibrant 24-hour mixed-use neighborhood that will accommodate a variety of retail, entertainment, residential, and institutional uses," according to the RFP...

"What's with City Center?" Columbus Business First

Business First published the first hint at potential progress on the plans for City Center last Friday:

Link: What's with City Center?
Kathy Showalter
Business First
December 23rd, 2005

Mills Corp., which assumed 50 percent ownership of City Center from General Motors Asset Management Corp. and took over its management a year ago, is working on a second life for the 16-year-old mall. Columbus officials won't forecast an outcome, but they're confident City Center's future won't be the same as its high-flying past.

"They periodically give us information as to what they're looking at," said Mark Barbash, director of development for the city. "It's nothing specific, but from their perspective, we're looking at a new downtown in the future ... and that's a very different City Center than we have today."

But of course I am one to speculate so I say watch for two things to happen in regards to City Center and it's new neighbor the RiverSouth District in downtown Columbus:

1) Aside from the fact that the RiverSouth District recently stepped up the hunt for a developer and a development manager, I have hopes that we will hear more details sometime in the first half of 2006.

2) As the news for RiverSouth is announced, I would expect that an announcement for City Center would be delivered shortly thereafter, if not in conjunction with it.

Of course this is only speculation on my part but to have two such impactful projects develop without any collaboration seems very counter-intuitive for all the parties involved...especially we the people.

From the sounds of the article, the two projects seem to be developing in isolation so only time can tell for sure but I expect to hear and see good things from RiverSouth and City Center this year. I'm an eternal optimist.

RiverSouth will be a significant draw for Columbus's urban revitalization once it comes out the ground or at least produces some solid plans. It will also do for downtown Columbus what Jeffrey Place is doing for Italian Village...sounding the charge for developers to follow suit and come into the area.

"CDDC seeks proposals for RiverSouth site" Columbus Business First

This is the first publicly broadcasted movement with the RiverSouth project in several months:

Link: CDDC seeks proposals for RiverSouth site
Tny Goins
Business First
November 1st, 2005

Columbus Downtown Development Corp. is seeking a company to manage the redevelopment of the RiverSouth district.

Request for proposals for the site, which covers five quarter-blocks just south of the former downtown Lazarus, were sent out Monday. Some developers received a copy of the request last week, said Larry Fisher, president and CEO of the development corporation...

"County OKs money for proposed courthouse" Columbus Business First

The proposed new county courthouse in the RiverSouth District passed another hurdle today and funds are being set aside to purchase the land:

Link: County OKs money for proposed courthouse - 2005-08-17.
Columbus Business FIrst
August 17th, 2005

Following an environmental review, the Franklin County Commissioners voted Tuesday to allocate $10.9 million to buy land for a new courthouse...

...Commissioners haven't decided how large the courthouse will be or when they expect to finish...

...The overall cost for the project is estimated at $110 million.

"Council mulls bonds for RiverSouth" Columbus Business First

The more I think about, I do find it curious that the RiverSouth Authority is requesting more money already.

Results from the outside consultant, Beyer Blinder Belle, on a master redevelopment plan for the RiverSouth district have not been officially released to the public, at least to my knowledge, and were due this month ("Firm hired to develop plan for RiverSouth" The Columbus Dispatch). The Authority is asking for $40 million more on top of the expanding budget for the Town Street bridge,  a separate but adjoining project.

I was at the cursory planning session for RiverSouth back in April and was hoping we'd hear something more official in regards to the big-picture plan for RiverSouth. I would be led to believe that the RiverSouth Authority has gotten some word back on the plan, otherwise how could they be in a position to ask for more money?...hmmm:

Link: Council mulls bonds for RiverSouth - 2005-07-21.
Columbus Business First
Tony Goins
July 21st, 2005

Columbus City Council will vote Monday to allow the RiverSouth Authority to issue $40 million in bonds.

The authority plans to issue the bonds, although the ordinance council will consider Monday pledges the city will pay off the bonds. The payments will total around $4 million a year for 16 years, starting in 2008.

More Money Sought for RiverSouth Initiative

Initial results of the master plan for RiverSouth that the city has an outside consultant working on are due this month according to the last accounts I heard. While there is no word as of yet on the plans, an interesting news bit popped up in my e-mail today.

The city is looking for another $40 million to funnel into the RiverSouth Project. From the articles I am reading and by utilizing my superior 4th grade level math skills, that would make $80 million that would be invested in the RiverSouth district if the request for additional funding is granted.

If I'm not mistaken, the RiverSouth dollars are completely separate from the Town Street Bridge project that sits at $35.8 million and the Main Street bridge project which at last account sits around $30 million.

80 plus 35 plus 30, carry the five...$145 million potentially in play