Metropolitan Holdings of Columbus is proposing a $25 million, 128-unit apartment complex at the Creekside development in Gahanna.

The apartments would be built on 2.3 acres on the east and west sides of Mill Street, south of Carpenter Road and at the northern boundary of the Creekside development.

Michael Blackford, Gahanna’s deputy development director, said the developer approached the city in June 2018 about the complex, which would consist of two buildings on either side of Mill Street.

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The Gahanna City Council finance committee discussed the proposal Sept. 9 and is scheduled to continue that discussion Monday.

Council President Brian Metzbower said council members are seeking more information about the project.

"I do feel projects like this are very important for the continued growth and development of our community, but we are still very interested in what the public has to say," he said.

The proposed development would replace Blank Slate Coffee, a former car wash and an office building on the east side of Mill Street, and the Gahanna Convention & Visitors Bureau and Worthy Total Fitness on the west side.

Matthew R. Vekasy, founder and CEO of Metropolitan Holdings, said the Mill Street project is a new design for the company, based on an old mill along Big Walnut Creek for which Mill Street was named.

Vekasy said monthly rents would range from $995 for a one-bedroom unit to $2,100 for a two-bedroom, two-bath apartment with a den.

“We will have one-bedroom townhomes in both buildings that will have front doors that front Mill Street,” Vekasy said.

The developer has asked the city for a 15-year, 100% tax abatement on all improvements, Blackford said.

According to Metropolitan, revenue generated from the project is expected to be significantly greater than what is currently generated at the site, including property tax and income tax collections from construction operations, property-management staff and residents.

In February 2014, the Gahanna planning commission approved a plan by Strathmore Development for what was called the Creekside District Apartments, at 152 Mill St.

That plan called for a four-story, 29-unit apartment building with parking below it on a half-acre at Mill and North streets, at the site of the car wash.

Kneeland said that deal “went away” and Doug Maddy of Brookewood Builders and Developers bought the car wash.

Blackford said city administrators expect to finish their analysis of Metropolitan's incentive proposal by Monday.

mkuhlman@thisweeknews.com

@ThisWeekMarla