A transformation of Ohio State's west campus area along Olentangy River Road is under way, with the University City Shopping Center preparing to meet the wrecking ball.

The 56-year-old strip center, which has been anchored by Kroger and Big Lots stores, is emptying out as the Robert Weiler Co., which has owned the center since 2000, prepares the 12-acre site for redevelopment.

The estimated $75 million project will include 266 one- and two-bedroom apartments on five floors above a grocery store larger than the current 33,000-square-foot Kroger and several other restaurant and retail spots, said Skip Weiler, president of the development firm.

The project, which will have both underground and surface parking, replaces the existing one-story strip center with a six-story development more in keeping with the drive to build more urban-style, dense projects in the university area.

Kroger announced three weeks ago that it will close its store and gas station at the center on Oct. 16, and is offering positions to its 63 employees there at other locations. The Big Lots there has already closed in anticipation of opening a new-concept store in half of the former Giant Eagle store on Fifth Avenue, just outside Grandview Heights.

The redevelopment project has received the approval of the Columbus Development Commission. Weiler said his company is still working on renderings of what the new development will look like.

The project will join several other new and under-construction projects along Olentangy River Road. New hotels include a Marriott, a Residence Inn by Marriott and a Staybridge Suites. To the north, OhioHealth has begun building its new headquarters, and Crawford Hoying has still-developing plans to redevelop the 17-acre site anchored by the Kohl's store on Olentangy River Road.

mrose@dispatch.com

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