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Commission approves demolition and construction of 5‑story Aspire housing at 360 S. Third St.
Summary
The Downtown Commission granted final approval for demolition of an existing building and construction of a five‑story, 82‑unit multifamily building (Aspire) proposed by the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority; the project includes income‑restricted units and an MOA tied to Section 106 review.
The Downtown Commission approved a final application from the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) to demolish the existing structure at 360 South Third Street and construct a five‑story multifamily building named Aspire.
CMHA Vice President of Planning and Development Bob Itzenhofer and Anoop Janardhan of Moody Nolan presented the proposal, which calls for 82 units, 67 parking spaces, first‑floor amenity and client services space, and a covered fifth‑floor outdoor amenity deck. Materials include brick veneer, metal panels and vinyl windows (applicants specified a Pillar 250 series vinyl window with enhanced sound control performance required by HUD review). The project team said some units will be supported by housing tax credit financing and project-based vouchers.
Staff noted the site is within the Market Mohawk area and that a memorandum of agreement (MOA) executed under Section 106 review with the State Historic Preservation Office has been submitted in draft form and was routed for signature. The MOA commits the applicant to historic documentation of the existing building, consideration of lighting and the submission of a national register determination application for the Market Mohawk district. Commissioners discussed window materials, exterior finishes, rooftop screening, landscaping, parking counts and the lack of a defined ground‑level green space; CMHA representatives said a partially covered fifth‑floor outdoor space will serve as the primary outdoor amenity.
A motion to approve demolition and the proposed design passed by voice vote. Commissioners clarified the approval includes demolition and final design; signage and minimal exterior lighting will return in separate submissions, and staff will track completion of the MOA and related historic documentation.
