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A pair of Columbus developers is proposing a 15-story tower on West Broad Street in Franklinton, continuing the transformation of the neighborhood.
The $50 million tower, on the southwest corner of West Broad and South Gift streets, would include 206 apartments in the top 11 stories, above parking, commercial and retail levels. A rooftop lounge with a view of Downtown would sit on top of the T-shaped building.
About 75% of the apartments would be priced to be affordable for families making 80% to 100% of the area median income, which in Franklin County is $58,700 for a one-person household and $83,800 for a family of four.
The plan expands and modifies a November proposal for the site, which called for 80 apartments in a 13-story tower.
Downtown Columbus residential population is expected to reach 10,000 this year despite Covid-19 and an uncertain economy and office market.
The State of Downtown Columbus report by the Capital Crossroads and Discovery special improvement districts, unveiled during Wednesday s Columbus Metropolitan Club forum, said that 9,855 people live Downtown, with an apartment occupancy rate of 85.7%. That was down from 94% the year before.
One reason: Six apartment buildings opened in Downtown Columbus, bringing the total number of housing units Downtown to 8,062. Another 1,169 units, a $128 million investment, are under construction, with an additional 1,591 units totaling $506 million proposed.
Brad DeHays, founder of Connect Realty and one of three panelists at the forum, said he believes there will continue to be demand for Downtown housing. He said the number of new projects in the works shows that developers remain bullish.
The Columbus Development Commission will take up those ideas Thursday.
According to the plan, residential and commercial developers would have to pay a one-time fee of $15,000 per parking space if they don t meet city requirements for parking. But there would be a cap as to how much a developer would pay, said Amanda Ford, a manager with the city s parking services section.
It would cover only future development, and would not be retroactive to projects already announced, she said, such as developments now rising on the Scioto Peninsula just west of COSI.
Affordable housing projects also may receive breaks in fees if they don t meet parking standards, she said.
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