The plans for the new development replacing the Giant Eagle on E. Whittier Street are evolving.
The Schumacher Place Civic Association held a Zoom meeting for the presentation from the Pizzuti Companies, who are spearheading the project, back in September. The project has changed some since Giant Eagle announced in August that the Whittier location would be closing at the end of 2020.
The proposal presented in early September called for a five-story building with 330 apartments and storefronts along E. Whittier St. A 220-car parking garage would be accessible from Grant Ave. with one level at street level and one underground.
During the first meeting, which can be viewed in full on the Schumacher Place Facebook page, residents expressed concerns about the parking and increased density to the area. Residents were encouraged to contact City Council, who will ultimately make the decision regarding zoning variances for the project.
When the project came back up for discussion by the South Side Area Commission, it had been reduced by roughly 50 residential units.
Updated renderings for the development at 280 E Whittier Street were revealed in late October during a Columbus South Side Area Commission Meeting. The new renderings show the project in greater detail and give a better perspective of how the development will blend into the neighborhood around it.
The project will have a special meeting on November 17 via Zoom for presentations and discussions. To learn more info about the meeting, you can visit the Columbus South Side Area Commission website here.
After a vote by the South Side Area Commission, the new development will head to City Council.
