Renderings via Mode Architects.

A new six-story parking garage will soon take the place of a surface parking lot in the Discovery District. Representatives from Grant Medical Center (via OhioHealth Corp. Real Estate) and The Daimler Group submitted plans to the Downtown Commission for a new parking structure at 371 E. Rich St. (southeast intersection of Rich Street and Grant Avenue), which received approval this morning.

The new garage would provide 1,050 parking spots for hospital employees, leaving a small area as temporary green space that could be built out in the future.

“Don’t make it look too nice,” joked Commission Chair Stephen Wittmann.

Commissioner Mike Brown asked if the hospital had explored residential development to anchor the garage, and representatives with the project indicated that all options are on the table, adding that the value of the land is very high for Grant Medical Center, which has continued to grow and expand their Downtown campus.

The project was approved unanimously by the Commission with one abstention.

Renderings via Mode Architects.