Campus Partners change the Landscape of High Street

Adison Niese

It seems that High Street has suffered from an identity crisis. It was once full of bars and local businesses on both the east and the west side of the street. Now, businesses are closing or moving, in particular between 16th Avenue and 17th Avenue.

The reason? Campus Partners, an affiliate organization with The Ohio State University that’s focus is on community development, has purchased several of the buildings on High Street resulting in the change in scenery in the University District.

Ohio State authorized Campus Partners with $7.6 million so that they could purchase real estate on High Street, according to a 2000 Ohio State press release.

The rezoning of the district began in 2015 when the City of Columbus rezones nine acres for the Campus Partners project, 15+High, for a commercial district, according to the another press release from The Ohio State University.

Campus Partners bought several spots on the east side of High Street, which has resulted in several new apartment complexes including the Wellington and the Wilson Place.

The Wellington is located right next to the 15+High spot, between 16th Avenue and 17th Avenue.

The 15+High project has been rezoned, however nothing has been decided for the lot between 16th Avenue and 17th Avenue.

Erin Prosser, the director of community development for the Campus Partners, said they “have not finalized building designs yet.”

One thing has been finalized though. Multiple businesses used to be present across from the Wexner Center, where the 15+High project is planned, have had to make a tough decision.

Too’s Under High, the Campus Convenience Store, Cuzzins Yogurt, Jimmy John’s, and the I Bar have all either relocated or closed for good.

“Development that is currently underway has been initiated by private property owners. They are responding to opportunities they have identified in the real estate market,” Matthew Hanson, a spokesmen for the University District organization, said through email.

There is some good news. The University Impact District Review Board recently approved a Chick-Fil-A, Chipotle, White Castle, and a Starbucks into the University District for the counterpoint of the several businesses gone.

As fourth years round out their last semester here at Ohio State, the will spend one last Spring Pub Crawl at the O Patio and Pub, which will close shortly after the spring semester.

O Patio and Pub will be closing shortly after the semester is over.