Short North Developer Proposes Parking Solution

Public parking is in short supply in the Short North area of Columbus. But Arms Properties, a central Ohio development group, has announced plans to address that need as part of a residential proposal. Arms is floating an idea to build a 250-space public-parking garage as part of a project that would include a 10-story, 179-unit condominium building. Ibiza Urban Oasis would rise in the place of a nondescript office building in the 800 block of N. High Street. The classic urban-infill project is across the street from Arms Properties’ Dakota condo building, which is expected to be occupied in February. Rajesh Lahoti, a co-owner of the development company, said he thinks Ibiza’s biggest asset could be a three-level, publicparking garage.

"The lack of public parking in the Short North has held us back, especially the business district," Lahoti told the Columbus Dispatch. Lahoti, who with his partners owns three Short North nightclubs and three residential projects including the Dakota, said Arms Properties would operate the garage through a third-party company. He said they’re still working out financial details, but he thinks the condos and garage could be built by the end of 2008.

Short North development projects have been generally successful. But the biggest objection I hear from businesses that like the area for a future move is lack of parking. This proposal would be a boost the area sorely needs.