Big changes might be on the horizon for downtown, with a significant new development proposal currently under review. Bluestone Brothers Capital has submitted plans for The Estrella, a 23-story mixed-use building that could transform a large portion of downtown Columbus.
What is The Estrella?
The Estrella is an ambitious project planned to occupy most of the block surrounded by East Rich, South 4th, East Cherry, and East Young streets. The proposed development would feature 290 residential units and a 347-space parking garage, spread across a 467,000-square-foot structure.
Additionally, a five-story commercial building would be built alongside the apartment tower. The 23-story building would front Rich Street, while the commercial building would front 4th Street.
Demolition of Existing Businesses
To make way for The Estrella, nine existing structures would need to be demolished. Among these are the buildings that house well-known spots like Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace, 16-Bit Bar+Arcade, Psychic Gallery, and the former Red Velvet Cafe.
These businesses have long been staples of the downtown area, and their potential removal is a significant aspect of this proposal. Red Velvet Cafe has been closed since 2019, and Rise Brands announced it would close the downtown 16-Bit when the second phase of The Peninsula was announced in 2023. Bluestone Brothers has expressed hope that Dirty Frank’s could return to the development once construction is completed.
Evolution of the Proposal
The Estrella has undergone several updates since it was first proposed. Originally, the plan called for a 19-story building with 180 units. The updated proposal now includes an additional four stories and 110 more units. The new plans also feature an “urban market retail concept,” an amenity deck with a pool, and a rooftop restaurant with a 360-degree patio sky deck—the first of its kind in Columbus.
Bluestone Brothers is also committed to bringing a grocery store downtown, an addition they believe will enhance the vibrancy of the Mohawk Market District. “Our goal from the beginning has been to enhance the vibrancy of the Mohawk Market District,” Stanley Lan, CEO of Bluestone Brothers, told Columbus Business First. “We are excited about these recent additions to the development.”
What’s Next?
The Downtown Commission is set to review the proposal for The Estrella at its next meeting on Tuesday. This review will be a crucial step in determining whether the project moves forward and how it might reshape the downtown Columbus landscape.
