With the assignment to redevelop the land containing the old trolley barn, Petricorp wanted to preserve the history of the space while creating a new, exciting business for the neighborhood. We would rehab the old trolly barn to still have a historic, rustic feel while turning it into a multifunctional venue, a space available to rent for weddings, corporate dinners, theater productions, or even a small concert. On the east side of the property would be a restaurant, containing a courtyard for outdoor dining. The inside of the restaurant would feature an actual trolley, along with other historic Columbus memorabilia. In-between the barn and the restaurant would be a garden and a greenhouse, growing fruits and vegetables for the restaurant whenever possible. Throughout the entire property would be garden-like landscape, to be somewhat cohesive with Franklin Park.
This redevelopment would benefit the community by providing a new, local restaurant with a sustainable garden while it could also draw people temporarily into the neighborhood with the venue. Preserving a piece of Columbus history would hopefully inspire more building conversations instead of brand new developments.
