As a result of a generous $50,000 grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, paid through the National Trust's Preservation Development Initiative program, MidTown, Inc. was able to hire the renowned planning firm of Tunnell-Spangler-Walsh (TSW), to assess the redevelopment potential of the Wynnton/Macon Road corridor through its intersections with I-185 (to the West) and 10th Avenue (to the East).  This strategic planning analysis took the next step beyond the December 2005, MidTown Project 25 Year Master Plan to determine what specific redevelopment opportunities existed, and which are economically viable.  This strategic analysis looks to minimize public risk of reinvestment and revitalization, while maximizing private investment to those ends. 

Through a review of demographic data and growth patterns, as well as the existing inventory of underdeveloped property along the corridor, TSW was able to identify 47 sites, totaling some 266 acres that are ripe for renewal.  Each of the 47 potential redevelopment sites were analyzed for its redevelopment potential base on:

• The recommedations of A Master Plan for MidTown Columbus;
  
• Consideration of the nature and size of available properties;
  
• Consideration of adjacent land uses;
  
• Land owner intentions; and
  
• Impacts on historic resources within MidTown Columbus.

The assessment of each potential redevelopment site includes density and height assumptions that were used to estimate the maximum potential development that each could accomodate.  This maximum potential development scenerio mapped out build-out potential of 5,732 residential units and some 3 million square feet in commercial space.  The study then categorized the properties into those likely to redevelop within the next 7 years, and, those that are likely to redevelop within 7-15 years or 15-20 years. 

It was determined that in order to obtain a maximum redevelopment scenerio within 20 years, there would need to be $19 million in road improvements/streetscape plan investment; and $70 million in road access/parking structures/other.  This amount represents roughly 7% of the total redevelopment project costs.  Based on assumptions of capturing a significant amount of the future expected growth in the region; $85 a square foot value in new commercial space; $150,000 per loft/condo; and $225,000 per townhouse, it was determined that MidTown Columbus has the potential for a maximum increased value in commercial and residential properties of $569,294,953 in the first 7 years; $529,851,668 in maximum increased value in 7-15 years; and $73,008,137 in 15-20 years. 

Again, these are maximum potential increases in value and are helpful to gauge MidTown Columbus's capacity for renewal under professional standards used to assess other redevelopment efforts across the country. 

To view the professional planning report compiled from property owner, investor and stakeholder input click here. 

Public Meeting and Workshop

One hundred and seventy-five (175) neighbors, property and business owners, elected officials and other MidTown stakeholders turned out December 11, 2007, to participate in the community forum and workshop regarding revitalization opportunities along the Wynnton Road Corridor.  The crowd also reviewed the details fo the Wynnton Road Corridor streetscape plan. 

TSW met with six selected property owners during the morning session of the Wynnton Revitalization Workshop.  These property owners were chosen by the consultants because their properties are believed to be prime opportunites for renewal due to their size or proximity to the Wynnton streetscape plan, and other important revitilization criteria setforth in the MidTown Project Plan.  All invited property owners (or their representatives) chose to participate in the visioning process.  We express our deep appreciation to these participants.  Their willingness to participate jump-started the process of imaging what this corridor might become.   

Click here to view a video clip from the workshop.

*The video clip of the Wynnton Workshop provide by the courtesy of WTVM.