The Pizzuti Companies has closed on the purchase of the former Grant Oak Apartments, and construction is scheduled to begin immediately.
Located at the southeast corner of Grant Avenue and Oak Street in the Discovery District of Downtown Columbus, the redevelopment is a combination of renovation, new construction, and site improvements.
Phase one of the redevelopment focuses on a renovation of the four westernmost buildings and will result in 70 market-rate, studio and one-bedroom units. Interior renovations include restoring the original parquet floors, wainscoting, and built-in bookcases. Exterior renovations consist of masonry tuckpointing and painting, both of which complement the changing area.
Units will also undergo extensive upgrades, including all new baths and kitchens featuring quartz countertops and stainless-steel appliances, brand new mechanicals and electrical systems, as well as complete common area improvements. Exterior improvements include modern new entry doors with Thermo-Ash wood surrounds and new entry stoops and handrails. Construction on phase one will begin immediately and units are scheduled to welcome the first residents in the Spring of 2020.
“We are excited to breathe new life into these historic buildings and bring a unique living option to this area of Columbus,” said Jon Riewald, Director of Development for The Pizzuti Companies. “The project team has done an excellent job of maintaining the historic charm and character of the units, while simultaneously blending in modern-day finishes and amenities the market expects.”
Helping to define a strong presence within the neighborhood, the redevelopment consists of site improvements and re-landscaping including burying of aerial utilities along Library Park North, updating the existing courtyards, streetscape improvements along Oak Street per downtown streetscape standards, an art program to highlight the public spaces, and an entry plaza situated between an existing building and the new building. Acting as an extension of the residential lobby, the plaza will also serve as the transitional space that ties the new and the renovated portions of the project together.
Phase two includes a new construction, five-story residential building, with a mix of studio, one-, and two-bedroom units, and structured parking. The 80-unit building will include walk-up units along Oak Street and 9th Street, highlighting pocket gardens, and has been designed to complement Topiary Park and the surrounding residential developments. Levels two to five will be wood framed construction and will consist of a top-floor amenity space, including a clubroom and rooftop terrace overlooking Topiary Park. Phase two is scheduled to break ground in the Fall of 2019 and will be delivered in late Summer 2020.
“The Discovery District is a vibrant, urban community defined by its educational institutions, cultural attractions, medical campus, and a growing residential community,” said Joel S. Pizzuti, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Pizzuti Companies. “We are thrilled to be a part of the neighborhood.”
Sullivan Bruck Architects oversaw the design of the renovated portion and Lupton Rausch Architects, Inc. designed the new construction building. Elford, Inc. will serve as the general contractor on both portions of the project.
For more information, please contact Jon Riewald at jriewald@pizzuti.com or 614.280.4000.