Kroger Bakery, 'Steelton' and two banks receive millions in tax breaks for redevelopment

Two central Ohio banks, one former bakery and one former carriage factory, all over a century old, received state tax breaks Wednesday to help with their redevelopment.

The four buildings, which will receive $14.6 million in tax breaks, were among 35 buildings statewide to receive Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credits worth $68 million.

“As our downtowns and neighborhoods grow and evolve, it’s important that we preserve Ohio's historic spaces in a way that drives further investment into our communities,” said Governor Mike DeWine in a news release. “By supporting these renovations, we're reviving historic buildings that stood prominently in the past so that they can contribute to Ohio's strong economy and growth in the future.”

Central Ohio projects to benefit:

Columbus Carriage Manufacturing Co. Building

Address: 2050 S. High St.

Year built: 1895

Project cost: $19.4 million

Tax credit: $1.9 million

Developer: Justin McAllister, Kyle Katz

The building is one of the anchors of what is called Steelton Village, a South Side industrial complex that is being renovated and expanded . The building, part of which has been redeveloped into what is called The Fort, is part of a larger project that is eventually expected to include a full neighborhood of restaurants, entertainment, workplaces and 1,000 residences on both sides of South High Street.

The 73,155-square-foot, three-story building to receive tax credits served until 1919 as a carriage factory before becoming the distribution center for the Ohio Sheep and Wool Growers Association and, in 1960, the Welch Plastics Manufacturing company. For several decades the building has been occupied by smaller businesses but is now slated to be fully redeveloped into commercial uses including restaurants, shops, offices and event spaces.

Kroger Bakery Complex

Address: 427-457 Cleveland Ave.

Year built: 1914

Project cost: $171.9 million

Tax credit: $10 million

Developer: Half-Baked Holdings (Casto, the Robert Weiler Co. and the Kelley Cos.)

Announced in 2021 , this 679,754-square-foot project would convert the former Kroger bakery and warehouse, which closed in 2019 , and the former Ford Motor assembly plant into a largely residential complex which would include 363 apartments including new buildings.

The credits will apply to the renovation of the two older structures. The former Ford factory will include 90 apartments, parking and a lobby; while the former bakery building will include parking, 13 apartments and 60,000 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor and fourth floor. Three new buildings will add 260 apartments to the site. The project has also been granted $8 million in federal historic tax credits and $3.5 million in state "Transformational Mixed-Use Development" tax credits.

Ohio National Bank

Address: 167 S. High St.

Year built: 1911

Project cost: $14.7 million

Tax credit: $1.45 million

Developer: Harsax Management Co.

A Cleveland developer has proposed redeveloping the former 33,000-square-foot bank, which closed in 1999, into dining and entertainment spaces on the main and lower floors, and seven residences on the top three floors. The plan no longer includes replacing a historic building to the south of the bank building with a 15-story residential tower, which was part of Harsax's original proposal .

"The main level will be focused on creating a fine-dining experience with various food options focused on a refined food hall concept while having access to the lower level which is focused on a Speakeasy/Club dynamic focused on entertainment (i.e., Comedy/Variety Acts)," wrote Harsax in its application.

Home Building Association Bank

Address: 1 N. 3rd St., Newark

Year built: 1915

Project cost: $12.5 million

Tax credit: $1.2 million

Developer: Licking County Foundation

Built by famed Chicago architect Louis Sullivan, the bank opened in August 1915 as one of Sullivan's eight "jewel box" banks in the United States. The Licking County Foundation has led an effort to renovate the building since 2013 as a visitor center for Explore Licking County. The current work will focus on features such as the mosaic tiles, exterior signs and terra cotta, and interior painted murals.

Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, the building served as a jewelry store, butcher shop and Tiffany’s Ice Cream Parlor from 1974 to 2007. The foundation hopes to wrap up the project in May 2025, according to the application.

jweiker@dispatch.com

@JimWeiker

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Kroger Bakery, 'Steelton' and two banks receive millions in tax breaks for redevelopment