Downtown apartment projects proposed

Developers propose two new Downtown apartment complexes, one of which would include the renovation of three century-old buildings.

The most complex of the two projects would transform almost a block of property into a multi-building residential and retail complex on the north side of E. Long Street east of N. 3rd Street.

The proposal includes the renovation of three buildings: a two-story retail and office building at 118 E. Long St.; a four-story empty retail building at 134 E. Long St.; and a five-story empty office building at 134 N. 3rd St. All were built around 1900, according to the Franklin County auditor’s office.

A five-story apartment building would be added to the N. 3rd Street building. Two parking garages would be added with rooftop decks between the buildings.

In all, the project would include 65,680 square feet of residential space — about 80 apartments — plus 13,680 square feet of retail space and 38 parking spaces.

The developer, Schottenstein Property Group, declined to comment on the project, according to a woman who answered the phone at the company’s offices.

The second apartment project would be built at the northwest corner of Grant Avenue and E. Broad Street.

The plan calls for ground- floor parking to be topped by five floors of apartments. The apartments would be a mix of studios and onebedrooms catering to students of nearby Columbus College of Art & Design.

A five- story, 1950 office building on the site would be torn down.

The development is the latest of several apartment projects built or planned for the area, including a proposal by Motorists Insurance to build apartments overlooking Topiary Park.

The developer, listed as “EB 2016,” could not be reached for comment.

The city’s Downtown Commission is scheduled to review the proposals at its meeting Tuesday morning.