Commission approves updated design for 317 West Street mixed‑use tower; lighting and landscape to return

The downtown design commission on June 24 granted approval to the updated design for the proposed mixed‑use development at 317 West Street in the Scioto Peninsula, while asking the applicant to return with final exterior lighting, landscaping and signage plans.

Architects and developers with MBBJ presented a revised design that broke the long Broad Street façade into smaller articulated bays, adjusted massing at the Broad & Bell corner, moved residential massing northward to create south‑facing amenity decks, and introduced varied material palettes including brick at the podium, vertical panel material for portions of the upper residential bar, and metal battens to screen the parking garage. The project includes a grocery at ground level, parking and loading entries on Bell and the west side, a residential lobby off Highwater Alley, podium amenity decks and approximately 250 residential units across multiple floors.

Commission discussion focused on material choices (brick palettes, EIFS vs. metal panel for upper bars), garage screening (aluminum battens), balcony guard types (glass vs. metal pickets depending on façade), and the detailing of battens and perforated panels to avoid a monotonous garage expression. Commissioners praised the articulation and gateway treatment at Bell & Broad but emphasized careful detailing of battens, consistent color/texture choices, and high‑quality materials on the Broad Street frontage. Several commissioners also asked the applicant to consider bus rapid transit interactions along Broad and the grocer’s access and circulation.

The commission approved the design as presented, subject to return with full lighting, landscaping and signage packages for additional review. Staff and the applicant agreed to provide the finalized material selections and illumination specifications in subsequent submittals.