COLUMBUS – A Kansas developer is planning to demolish a 1970s-era apartment complex just north of the Ohio State University campus to make way for more modern student rentals.
The Prime Company is proposing a five-story, 274-bedroom complex at 200 W. Norwich Ave., near the intersection of Norwich and Neil avenues and a block north of Lane Avenue.
The Manhattan, Kansas-based firm is in contract to buy the property, owner Bryan Elsey said, and would tear down three of six buildings to make way for the development.
The University Area Commission’s zoning committee will review the proposal Monday.
“It’s going to be kind of a group housing concept… a building that’s got bedroom suites and then a community area on each floor,” Elsey told me. “Its kind of like a cross between a dorm and an apartment complex. They’re not traditional units – they’re going to have their own bathroom… but not a standard full-size kitchen.”
There would also be a rooftop patio. The complex also would have 132 parking spaces on three levels, partially underground.
Elsey said he would like to see construction begin next fall. He said he has met with Columbus officials to discuss the development, its first in Ohio. ( The firm lists its campus rentals through its My Prime Place brand.)
The UAC’s zoning committee won’t be voting on Monday.
“It’s really preliminary. They haven’t filled out any kind of variance application,” Susan Keeny, who chairs the committee, told me.
A cost estimate was not provided.
Evan Weese
Columbus Business First
