By 1808Delaware
The City of Westerville took a major step forward in its economic development Wednesday afternoon with the East of Africa Road Groundbreaking Ceremony. The event, held behind the historic Sharp House, marked the beginning of an ambitious infrastructure project that will expand the city’s thriving business landscape.
City officials, including City Manager Monica Dupee, Assistant City Manager Jason Bechtold, and City Council Members, gathered alongside representatives from the Westerville Industry and Commerce Corporation (WICC), Complete General Construction, and CBRE Global Commercial Real Estate Services to celebrate the milestone.
Expanding the Westar Business District
The East of Africa Roadway and Infrastructure Project is set to extend the highly successful Westar Place business district, which has already contributed to the creation of over 10,000 jobs in Westerville. The district is home to major corporate headquarters, including:
- Vertiv (Global HQ)
- DHL Supply Chain (North America HQ)
- Lancaster Colony/T. Marzetti Corp (HQ)
This new development ensures continued economic momentum, providing an attractive location for future businesses and corporate expansions.
Strategic Land Acquisition
Recognizing the need for additional commercial space, the City and WICC acquired 88 acres of land in 2023 to facilitate the East of Africa expansion. This strategic purchase capitalizes on the success of Westar Place, which is nearing full development.
With this acquisition, the City of Westerville and WICC are in the unique position of acting as master developers for both Westar Place and the East of Africa Road business district—ensuring a coordinated, high-quality approach to commercial growth.
Infrastructure Investment and Development Timeline
The project is now in the final stages of design and will receive over $30 million in funding for critical infrastructure, including:
- Roadways connecting to the regional transportation network
- Utilities to support future businesses and developments
- Five shovel-ready parcels for corporate and commercial use
Construction is scheduled to run through 2025 with private site development expected to run concurrently through the year.
Looking Ahead
The East of Africa business district will continue Westerville’s tradition of fostering business success in a walkable, amenity-rich environment close to a highly skilled workforce.
For more updates on development plans, visit www.westerville.org/shovel-ready-sites.
