Short North Developments

Kroger Redevelopment Plan Moving Forward
The University District Commission approved modified plans in May for the redevelopment of the Kroger property at 7th and High. Plans include demolition of the existing store and construction of a new Kroger on the south end of the lot. The store will sit perpendicular to High Street and have a zero setback. Additionally, a separate retail building will be constructed at the north-west corner of the lot. 


Original plans for the separate retail building were modified to accommodate an additional 15 parking spaces for Kroger. Ultimately, the site will have less parking than the current store. The city has approved building permits for construction, which will begin following the re-bidding process this summer. Once complete, the new Kroger will fill a significant pedestrian gap along High Street between the Short North and South Campus Gateway.

Hubbard Grille Plans for Summer Opening in Former Rosendale's Space
If all goes well, Sheila Trautner and Jon Cohen of Mezzo Italian Kitchen in Gahanna will be moving to the Short North this summer, taking over the former Rosendale's space at 793 N. High Street. The new Hubbard Grille will feature casual American dining staples such as steak, ribs, chicken, and salads. The majority of entrees will be under $20, with sandwiches and salads in the $10 - $13 dollar range. General Manager Jon Cohen noted that the Hubbard Grille menu, like Mezzo's, will be seasonal and include fresh locally grown ingredients. The restaurant will open at 11am with the kitchen staying open to 10:30 or 11:00 p.m.

Jackson on High Residents Begin Moving in this Summer
The Jackson on High (www.jacksononhigh.com) condominium project had its first residential closing on May 28th, with six more set to close in the next 45 days. According to developer Brad Howe, 18 of the project's 44 units are currently in contract, with the first buyers expected to move in by the end of June. Also coming on-line in the next month: the Jackson's new roof-top pool. Although the pool is opening this summer, a winter opening would also work surprisingly well: Brad noted that the 15'-by-26' structure can also function as a hot tub, allowing potential residents to relax in what may be "the largest hot tub in Ohio."

Beyond the roof-top pool, the project brings a number of unique features to the Short North. The second floor units are unusually spacious, with tremendous ceiling heights - up 28 foot to be exact (photo). Even lower-floor residents can see downtown. The Jackson boasts 28 unique floor plans. Brad comments: "We want to appeal to a broad demographic, just like the Short North does." Residents at the Jackson will have access to 91 parking spaces in the building, with additional parking available via a lift system that will allow a few tenants to "stack" two cars.


Despite a difficult economic climate, Brad says the Jackson will include a number of higher-end finishes as standard features. The units include newer amenities such as flex walls in internal spaces and nana doors leading to the balconies. These features allow residents to transform their space into open vistas or separate areas. The intent is to create contemporary spaces that have staying power, both in durability and style. "We want something (in terms of design) that still works in 20 years," said Brad. The project was boosted by the announcement in December of 2009 that it would receive a 10-year, 100% tax abatement. This will be passed on to the buyers of the units.

The Jackson on High will also bring new business to the neighborhood in the form of Short North Fitness (www.shortnorthfitness.com), which will fill the entire ground level retail space. The northern retail space will include room for yoga and other classes, and according to the developers will also be available to the Short North community for special events and exhibits. The 4,600 square foot fitness center is scheduled to open in July, and will be accessible to the public. Jackson residents will receive a discount on membership to the club.