Preservation benefits granted to two development projects in Columbus

View a previous report on changes being made to the former Kroger Bakery complex in the video player above.

COLUMBUS, Ohio ( WCMH ) — Ohio has approved more than $68 million in tax credits to preserve historic buildings around the state, including the former Kroger Bakery complex and a century-old manufacturing building in Columbus.

The Ohio Department of Development recently announced 35 preservation projects across 12 Ohio communities would be awarded tax credits. The Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program aims to give financial incentives for the redevelopment of vacant and struggling historic buildings.

“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,” Gov. Mike DeWine said in a news release.

Kroger Bakery and Ford assembly plant

A project that would see the former Kroger Bakery complex at 457 Cleveland Ave. and the Ford Motor Company Assembly Plant at 427 Cleveland Ave. turned into “The Assembly,” a mixed-use development with hundreds of apartments, office and retail space, will receive a tax credit worth $10 million. The total cost of the project is expected to be more than $171.8 million.

“This unique project will help to transform this neighborhood for the next evolution of Columbus,” an application for the project stated.

Vacant since being sold in 2019, the historical industrial nature of the buildings will be maintained, with all new systems and finishes added. As of February, the nearly 700,000-square-foot site was expected to feature the creation of 363 apartments, interior parking, commercial tenant space, an entertainment area, and both indoor and outdoor amenities. It was projected to result in 628 construction jobs and 234 permanent jobs.

The former Kroger Bakery building was added to Columbus Landmarks’ 2019 list of Most Endangered Sites after its vacancy. Recently, the nonprofit released its 2024 version of the same list, which included the original Spaghetti Warehouse building.

Steelton Village

The redevelopment of the Columbus Carriage Manufacturing Co. building at 2050 S. High St. will become part of a 36-acre neighborhood development with more than 1,000 residences called Steelton Village. The project was approved for a $1.9 million tax credit. In total, the building preservation is expected to cost $19.4 million.

Built in 1895 and operating as a carriage manufacturer through 1919, the building also housed the Ohio Sheep and Wool Growers Association, Welch Plastics Manufacturing and other small businesses. It will now be made into multiple commercial spaces, including restaurants, retail, office and event spaces, according to the Department of Development. The building’s original brick, wood floors and ceiling joists will be restored as part of its preservation.

In 2022, plans for Steelton Village laid out a $350 million walkable community. Another historic building repurposed for this project was The Fort, a 19th-century ladder and fire truck factory.

“We are a reflection of not the past, but rather what’s coming next,” Columbus developer Kyle Katz said in 2022. “What we want to do with Steelton is really design and build for that next Columbus, not for the one that exists today.”

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