Commission grants concept approval for 317 West mixed-use tower; asks for lighting and landscape details at return

Commissioners gave general approval to a major infill project for the block bounded by West Broad, Bell, Capitol and Garden streets (referred to in the packet as 317 West). The proposal calls for a podium with grocery and service uses at the ground floor, a multi-level parking garage, and approximately 10 residential floors above, totaling roughly 250 dwelling units and associated amenities. The project had earlier received conceptual feedback in October and returned with developed residential facades and material options.

Why it matters: This is a large-scale downtown infill project that will shape Broad Street frontage and the Scioto Peninsula streetscape; commissioners and staff emphasized facade articulation, garage screening and high-quality materials.

Applicants from MBBJ (Mike Seriano and Daniel Ayers) walked commissioners through massing changes, the decision to break the long Broad Street façade into smaller vertical components, and material palettes that include brick base, aluminum batten garage screening, EIFS or metal panels on certain vertical elements, and differentiated balcony treatments. Commissioners commented favorably on the attention to proportion, asked the team to finalize battens and vertical rhythms for the parking screening, and requested that exterior lighting, landscaping and signage return for subsequent review. The motion approved the package conceptually and explicitly required return submittals for final lighting and landscape plans; the motion passed by voice vote.