Photos by Brent Warren

A proposal to build a six-story building at the southeast corner of North High Street and East Norwich Avenue will be heard by the University Impact District Review Board (UIDRB) on Thursday.

The developer is Chicago-based CA Ventures, the company behind the six-story Uncommon building at the corner of Seventh Avenue and High Street. The plan calls for a six-story building featuring apartments over ground-level retail. Parking would be provided on the first floor and in a basement garage.

The proposed development would require the demolition of five existing buildings, all built in the early 1900s. Retail businesses currently occupying the High Street frontage of the buildings include Fate Tattoo, City Cut, Waterbeds n’ Stuff and Studio Posh.

“It would be a shame to not reuse the existing buildings,” said Becky West, Executive Director of Columbus Landmarks. “This is a stretch of High Street that retains its sense of place. These historic buildings, while not our most significant landmarks, help define the character of the neighborhood.”

A site plan submitted to the city in advance of the meeting shows the project will have a total of 154 parking spaces, 154 apartment units, and about 5,000 square feet of commercial space.

Although approval from the UIDRB will be required before the project could move forward, it likely will not have to go before the Board of Zoning Adjustment or City Council, since no zoning variances are being sought. A letter submitted by the project’s architect, BBCO Design, stated that the building “will provide all parking required for residential and commercial use, and will meet all requirements of the current zoning code, and our intention is that we will not be seeking any variances for this project.”

Council approved changes to the zoning code last year that placed the site within the Regional Commercial category, allowing for buildings up to 72 feet in height.

The project is scheduled to be reviewed conceptually, meaning no vote will be taken.

Also scheduled to be heard at Thursday’s meeting are a pair of proposals from Buckeye Real Estate that are being brought back to the board for further review.

The UIDRB meeting is scheduled for 4pm Thursday at 111 N. Front St., room 202.