Board approves 5-year renewal for temporary parking at Astor Park stadium site

The Downtown Commission of Columbus has approved a five-year renewal for a temporary parking lot at 96 Columbus Freeway, home to the performance cruise office. This decision comes as part of ongoing construction efforts related to the nearby stadium and Astor Park. The site has been maintained in good condition, allowing it to serve as an essential parking area during event days.

Phil Dangerfield from Hazen Sports Group presented the renewal request, highlighting the progress made since the original approval in October 2020. He noted that the parking garage has been completed, and a new commercial building with 120,000 square feet of space has recently opened. Additionally, construction on a residential block with 260 units is set to begin next month, with plans for further development in the coming years.

Despite the approval, the proposal does not fully meet the city’s parking lot standards or design guidelines regarding screening and landscaping. However, the commission expressed understanding of the need for flexibility given the ongoing development in the area.

In a related discussion, the commission also reviewed an application for new illuminated signage for a building on West Goodale Street. The signage, which includes three illuminated towers, was deemed consistent with downtown design guidelines and was approved administratively.

The commission's decisions reflect a commitment to balancing development needs with community standards, ensuring that the downtown area continues to evolve while maintaining its aesthetic integrity.