Photo by Walker Evans.

Construction fencing has gone up, lane closures are in effect and the entire block between 16th Avenue and 17th Avenue is scheduled for demolition.

The first set of eight buildings — which stretches from the former Huntington Bank to the former Bernie’s Bagels & Deli — will be coming down soon to make way for a six-story mixed-use apartment and retail building from Edwards Communities. As previously reported, the new building will include a 161-unit apartment facility that will house up to 448 students, on top of 50,000 square feet of ground floor retail and a 171-space parking garage.

The building is the first of several new developments for the area. A larger plan unveiled in June details how the entire 15th and High area will be repositioned over the next several years as a signature gateway for both The Ohio State University and the off-campus University District neighborhood.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to provide connectivity between the university and the community,” said Keith Myers, Ohio State’s associate vice president for Planning and Real Estate and chair of the Campus Partners Board in June. “A signature public space east of High Street, soon to be known as University Square, will complement Ohio State’s dynamic arts district on the west side of High Street.”

The new Edwards Communities building is slated to be completed by the start of fall semester in 2018.

CLICK HERE to read our indepth interview about the 15th and High plan

CLICK HERE for photos of all buildings that could be impacted by the 15th and High plan

Photos by Walker Evans.