Frequently Asked Questions

Alongside the city’s work, a private developer-led project is being proposed to bring new housing, a hotel, and additional restaurant options to Creekside. The private investments aim to complement the city’s public redevelopment project by creating more activity, supporting local businesses, and enhancing Creekside’s role as a regional destination. 

In 2022, the Gahanna Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) conducted a plan that incorporated public input and a market analysis to envision a new development for the  Creekside District. The result was a mixed-use development with a significant housing component to create new residents, commercial uses like retail or restaurant, and a hotel to attract more visitors. A developer was then identified who had the expertise, high-quality product, and resources to execute the vision. Local companies, Connect Real Estate and Benson Capital were selected for the proposed project.  

City Council is in the process of discussing and ultimately voting on the the development agreement between the City, the Community Improvement Corporation and Connect Real Estate and Benson Capital.  It is anticipated that this agreement will be voted on in November 2025. If approved, that will begin the formal design and approval process.  The Planning and Engineering Departments will both receive application that will proceed to a formal hearing with the City Planning Commission. This process is anticipated to take approximately 12 months with construction likely begin in 2027.

The site assessment, design, and plan approval process is expected to take about 10-12 months. Construction would likely begin on the private mixed-use project in 2027 and will be completed within three years. Construction on the Phase II High Street townhouses will start after the larger mixed-use project has begun. Completion for both phases is expected by the end of 2029.  

The public redevelopment project of the plaza and flood improvements to the Creekside Garage would likely start prior to the private mixed use development.  The construction schedules would overlap.  Both projects would be closely coordinated to lessen the impacts on the Creekside District. 

The private mixed-use project will add more residents living within the Creekside District increasing foot traffic to local businesses and the plaza, creating a more active area.  

Phase I of the private mixed-use development will be fully self-parked through the addition of an aboveground parking facility. This new facility will ensure the mixed-use development will not add to the parking needs of the district.  

Phase II of the private mixed-use development would eliminate the municipal parking lot located on the corner of High and Towne Street. The City is currently studying ways to replace a portion of these spaces by increasing on-street parking and exploring other shared parking opportunities.  

Of note, improvements to the existing Creekside parking garage emphasizing safety and security are planned as part of the public redevelopment project. Additional updates being considered include AED lighting enhancements, new signage and painting (wayfinding), and the potential to add electric vehicle facilities.

The Gahanna Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) received grant from the State of Ohio, funding the demolition of the structure currently located on the Phase I properties that front Mill Street (north of Walnut).  Demolition of these structure must take place by the end of 2025 as a requirement for the grant funding. 

The private mixed-use project is privately funded through Connect Real Estate and Benson Capital.  This investment group is brining there development experience and approximately $100 million in financial resources to Gahanna. The Gahanna Community Improvement Corporation (CIC) in cooperation with the City has contributed the land towards the project. 

The Harry Bouser house is of particular interest to some residents because of its architectural and historical significance to the City of Gahanna. The land the house sits on is part of Phase II of the private mixed-use development. The City and CIC are currently evaluating if the house can be relocated or if it must be torn down. If it must be, then architectural features, like woodwork, will be salvaged. The island at Creekside is named after the former occupant of the house, Harry Bauer. The City is currently evaluating ways of commemorating Mr. Bauer.  

The current conceptual designs show two apartment structures, between six and seven stories, with a total of up to 263 apartments would face Mill Street.  The renderings being show are not final designs but provide an overall flavor of what the development could look like. The complex, along with hotel victors, would have access to a pool, workout facility, and co-working space. The entire development would be self parked and not add to the parking needs of the district.  

The development agreement between the City, Community Improvement Corporation (CIC), and the developer has strict timelines for permitting and construction to not only start but also complete.  There are provisions in the agreement that could be enacted if timelines are not met or the developer does not execute the shared vision for the project. 

Traffic, and utility impact studies are required by city code to be reviewed and approved by City personnel before engineering and building permits can be issued, and construction can begin. The studies will determine if any improvements are needed to infrastructure and roads to accommodate the impacts from the development.

The City’s Economic Development Team is always actively working to attract new businesses to Gahanna. It uses public feedback and current data to determine what new businesses will be an ideal fit for our community and visitors to Gahanna. Using its network of business development resources it can contact businesses and entrepreneurs who would be a good fit. It is important to note that the private mixed-use and the existing Creekside development are privately owned and while the City works cooperatively with these owners they have the final say in what businesses move into certain spaces.

The Creekside Redevelopment Strategy, conducted by CIC in 2022, incorporated the public’s feedback about the type of businesses and activities they would like to see in the Creekside District. Through the past few years, the CIC has still been guided by this vision. Since the project was announced, the City has hosted 4 public engagement sessions to gather feedback and questions on the proposal.

The developers have pledged to extend the multi-use path from where it currently ends behind Creekside over to Carpenter Road. They will install a public art feature, support organizations with a presence in the Creekside District, and create internships for local students.

The apartments will be 1- and 2-bedroom units that rent at a market rate, similar to other local new construction apartments. The exact sizes and types will be determined through the permit approval process. City Council required that 10% of the units be reserved for households that earn 80% of the Area Median Income.

You can submit feedback by visiting the Contact Us page of this website or you can email the City directly at Creekside@Gahanna.gov. In addition, you can stay informed by subscribing the the City's Newsletter and social media channels.  

You can also visit the developer website for more information on the unique construction process.