Work is about to begin on the first of several major housing developments planned for east Franklinton.

A group of prominent Columbus developers announced this morning that it will break ground in two weeks on "River & Rich," an eight-building development that will include 230 apartments and 25,000 square feet of retail space, in addition to a 292-car garage.

The development will include three-story buildings with garden and townhouse-style apartments in addition to five-story buildings with flat-style apartments above ground-floor retail.

The 285,000-square-foot project will occupy six acres on the west side of the Scioto River south of West Rich Street.

Work on River & Rich is scheduled to begin April 3, and the first apartments are expected to be finished in early summer 2018, according to Casto. Rents will range from $959 to $1,999.

“We’re excited to break ground on River & Rich, and to contribute to the vibrant community and growth of East Franklinton,” said Brent Sobczak, Casto’s director of multifamily development and finance.

Casto is developing the project with the Robert Weiler Company, Kelley Companies, Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority and Smoot Construction.

River & Rich is the first of several large private developments planned for Franklinton. It joins several public projects such as the National Veterans Memorial & Museum now under construction. The city has also sought proposals from developers for 21 acres immediately west of COSI.

jweiker@dispatch.com

@JimWeiker