Library selects Pizzuti to develop concepts for new Northside Branch

Columbus Metropolitan Library has selected The Pizzuti Companies to develop concepts for a new and expanded library that includes a mixed-use development on the site of the current Northside Branch, 1423 N. High St.

In a Request for Proposal issued in late January, CML outlined goals for the new library facility, including:

  • Expansion up to 27,000 sq. ft.

  • Highly visible from High St.

  • On-site parking

  • First-floor presence for the library

  • Secondary building use that complements the library

“This is an aspirational building project that will take advantage of our strong presence on High Street, while at the same time allowing us to be responsible stewards of tax dollars,” said Patrick Losinski, CEO of CML. “With a mixed-use approach, a new Northside Branch could be a community centerpiece that goes beyond what the library could accomplish on its own.”

Joel S. Pizzuti, president of The Pizzuti Companies, said the new Northside Branch will serve as an anchor along High Street between the Short North and the University District.

“This is an opportunity for Columbus Metropolitan Library to further establish itself as one of the leading library systems in the country,” Pizzuti said. “We believe that incorporating a new Northside Branch into a quality mixed-use project could produce a public-private partnership that can serve as a model for library systems throughout the country.”

Pizzuti and its project team of NBBJ and Pepper Construction are beginning the planning process, which is expected to last approximately six months. During this time, Pizzuti will work closely with CML to define the library’s facility requirements, conduct a market study, contact potential tenants and establish preliminary cost estimates and building layouts.

At the conclusion of the planning phase, CML will determine whether to proceed with the project, which would be developed by Pizzuti.

CML is committed to revitalizing Columbus’ urban core. In addition to Northside, CML is rebuilding or renovating seven more urban branches as part of its aspirational building program: Whitehall, Driving Park, Martin Luther King, Parsons, Shepard, Northern Lights and Main Library.

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