A Columbus contractor is taking the offensive after a city commission again recommended against his proposal for an apartment tower on a 31-foot-wide lot in the heart of Franklinton.
"This is the development we’re going forward with," said Robert Ellis, owner of Pink Development and Construction. "We’re ready to litigate if necessary."
Ellis said he has already compromised on the project, called The Ivy, by dropping its height from 20 stories to eight stories and the number of apartments from 180 to 62.
The lot, at 278 S. Glenwood Ave., is 129 feet deep and sits between two nondescript manufacturing buildings in a manufacturing zone. Ellis has applied to rezone the site and is seeking variances that would allow an eight-story building without parking, instead of the 101 units now required.
The Columbus Development Commission wasn't satisfied with the changes, and, in a second vote, again unanimously recommended against the proposal Thursday, following similar recommendations by the city's development staff and the Franklinton Area Commission.
Development staff said the plan did not allow enough parking. In addition, staff noted that the project's height and use are inconsistent with the neighborhood, which is dominated by a mix of single-family homes, and small industrial, commercial and apartment buildings.
"The proposal is not compatible with surrounding properties or the general pattern of adjacent areas," the development department staff wrote.
The Franklinton Area Commission also cited the incompatibility of the project with the neighborhood in its decision to recommend against it in June.
"The highest use of this property that will benefit Franklinton is a manufacturing facility," the commission's zoning committee noted.
Other concerns from the commission included the lack of experience in such projects by the developer; the price of the apartments, which are not low-income; the lack of parking; and the fact that the project is backed by an out-of-town investor (in New Rochelle, New York).
Ellis insists he is moving forward on The Ivy and is pushing the Columbus City Council to take a vote on the plan.
"If these proposals continue to get pushed down, the housing problems will continue," said Ellis, who said he has been a general contractor in Columbus for about seven years and has worked as a subcontractor on large projects around town.
Ellis has been battling with the city since proposing the 20-story tower in May on the 31-foot lot he owns between Sullivant Avenue and West Rich Street.
The latest version of his plan calls for a lobby, convenience store and nail bar on the first floor, topped by seven floors containing 62 micro apartments and a rooftop pool and deck. Apartments would be studios, ranging from 239 square feet to 280 square feet, and all include balconies.
Ellis said The Ivy would accept housing vouchers but would be market-rate price. A financial analysis of the project Ellis shared with The Dispatch estimated the average apartment rent at $1,177 a month and the total project cost at $7.7 million.
Ellis knows the plan isn't popular with the commissions.
"None of them wanted to see 20 stories there," he said. "The development commission’s stance is that we haven’t spent any time with this. They think this is drawn on a napkin. It’s extremely offensive."
But he insists the project is viable and a good use for the site.
"This is about property rights," Ellis added. "We know this can be built."
jweiker@dispatch.com
@JimWeiker
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Contractor threatens suit if city rejects apartment tower on narrow Franklinton site
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