Two long-vacant buildings in Old North could soon be transformed into a new indoor-outdoor food and drink destination near Clintonville.
Plans recently filed with the City of Columbus propose turning the properties at 21 E. Arcadia Ave. into a multi-tenant dining and gathering space featuring eight modular kitchen units, indoor seating areas, a rooftop terrace, bar and lounge space, and a shared outdoor courtyard for events and everyday use.
The project would redevelop two red brick buildings that have sat largely unused for years just east of North High Street in the University District.
According to project documents submitted to the city, the goal is to create “a vibrant community hub” while preserving the site’s existing architectural character.
The proposal splits the concept across two separate buildings.
The west building would include four vendor kitchen spaces, a dining hall, service areas, storage, and office space. The east building would also house four kitchen vendors, along with a central dining area on the first floor and expanded seating, a bar, lounge area, rooftop terrace, and balcony on the second level.
Renderings submitted with the application show a modernized industrial-style space with large windows, communal seating, exposed brick, and an open courtyard connecting the two buildings.
The courtyard itself is designed to function as a flexible outdoor gathering space capable of hosting both daily dining traffic and larger events.
The buildings were originally constructed in 1949 for Columbus and Southern Ohio Electric Company, according to Franklin County Auditor records. Over the years, several redevelopment attempts for the property have fallen through.
Project plans were submitted to the University Impact District Review Board, which will need to approve the proposal before it can move forward. The board’s next scheduled meeting is June 25.
