Creekside Reimagined
Creekside continues to be one of the most talked-about places in Gahanna; a place for getting together with friends and family, enjoying a night out, and connecting with others.
Building on years of feedback from members of the community, two proposed projects are now being considered to revitalize the downtown area. One is a project by the City of Gahanna that represents a public investment in the Creekside Plaza. The other involves a private investment by a development company to redevelop blighted and vacant properties in the Creekside District. Together, these initiatives represent a significant step forward in making Creekside a premier destination where people want to live, work, and visit – supporting a vibrant local economy and thriving community.
Public Investment
In 2020, the City recognized the need to mitigate flood impacts to the Creekside Garage and Plaza, and has been working with FEMA as part of those efforts. During this process, opportunities to reimagine the entire plaza and surrounding streetscapes into more usable and accessible space were identified.
Essential flood mitigation of the parking garage and along the Big Walnut Creek is needed to protect the District and strengthen the resilience of the area. Improvements to the plaza would include new plaza and trail features, easier access to the upper and lower portions of the plaza, and improved lighting and wayfinding in and around the District.
Private Investment
Alongside the City’s work, a developer-led project is being proposed to bring new housing, restaurant space, a boutique hotel, and parking to Creekside. This private investment aims to complement the City’s plaza improvements by creating more activity, supporting local businesses, and enhancing Creekside’s pivotal role as a community and regional destination.
The City will continue to gather input and listen to feedback as planning moves forward. The community is invited to join us on Thursday, October 9, from 4 to 7 p.m., on the Creekside Plaza for an open-house style conversation on the future of Creekside. For more details, view the Aug. 11 Council presentation, the Sept. 22 Council presentation, and the Sept. 24 community conversation summary.
Have questions? Email Creekside@Gahanna.gov to share your feedback.