Mixed-use, 13-unit development proposed for Franklinton

Franklinton continues to attract new projects, with a developer proposing a 13-unit apartment building with ground-floor restaurant space on what is now a vacant lot at West State and South Mill streets.

Oxide Real Estate Development has submitted conceptual plans to the East Franklinton Review Board for a three-story residential building with 13 “efficient” apartments of about 550 square feet at 548 W. State St. A rooftop deck would take advantage of skyline views of Downtown.

Oxide founder and principal Shawn Kichline is based in Columbus, though he has focused mainly on urban projects in Chicago. In an email, Kichline, a St. Louis native, said he thinks East Franklinton “has the potential to be a really authentic, walkable, historic and gritty neighborhood with a distinct identity.”

The ground floor of the building would have about 1,100 square feet of space for an “eating and drinking establishment,” according to the application. The goal is to create a “neighborhood gathering spot” that is open from morning through evening.

The project “has the potential to catalyze further small-scale infill and redevelopment projects” in the area, it adds.

The board is set to meet Tuesday to review the conceptual plans.

The property is about six blocks west of COSI. The asking price for the 4,800-square-foot lot is $195,000.