By 1808Delaware
The community of Powell is gearing up for an exciting new chapter as COhatch prepares to break ground at its soon-to-be construction site. This transformative project will take its first public step with a groundbreaking event scheduled for 2:30 PM on Wednesday, November 13 at 50 E. Olentangy Street. Situated between North Liberty Street and Grace Drive, this development is set to change the face of downtown Powell, bringing a fresh mix of workspaces, social opportunities, and infrastructure growth.
Powell’s Vision Approved and in Motion
In June, Powell City Council gave a unanimous green light to the COhatch project. The upcoming 13,900-square-foot building will be developed on a 0.64-acre parcel at the heart of Powell. Owned by developer Matt Davis, COhatch will feature a mix of shared and private workspaces, event facilities, and a rooftop bar offering views of the scenic downtown area.
City Manager Andrew White expressed his enthusiasm for what COhatch will bring to Powell: “COhatch is the perfect addition to downtown Powell’s northeast quadrant,” said White. “Not only will it bring enhanced work and gathering spaces for local businesses and residents, but this project will help the city launch into other downtown redevelopment initiatives.”
What COhatch Will Bring to Powell
The COhatch development promises to be more than just a building—it’s a community catalyst. With nearly 200 employees expected to work in the new space, COhatch is projected to generate $1.5 million annually in payroll. It will provide affordable workspace options, giving local businesses a boost, and will also establish annual scholarships for nonprofit organizations to make use of the office spaces. These efforts align with Powell’s broader vision of fostering local business growth and community engagement.
Moreover, the COhatch project will pave the way for future infrastructure improvements. One of the key initiatives in this regard is the extension of Scioto Street from Liberty Street to Grace Drive. This extension will be accompanied by a substantial public parking lot, aimed at alleviating parking congestion in the downtown area. The parking facility will be located behind existing buildings on Liberty Street and Olentangy Street, with access made convenient via the new Scioto Street extension and a freshly built access drive along the COhatch property. On-street parking will also be introduced in front of the new building and neighboring structures, ensuring ease for both workers and visitors.
Strategic Growth and a New City Bypass
The extension of Scioto Street carries additional significance beyond parking. During peak hours, the new bypass will help ease the traffic load at Powell’s “four corners,” a well-known intersection that often experiences congestion. The goal is to create a more seamless flow of vehicles through the area, making downtown Powell more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
City Manager White sees projects like COhatch as pivotal to Powell’s future: “Projects such as this allow the city to use development to foster community growth by leveraging investments and programs to create opportunities for our residents and businesses,” said White. “This is the kind of transformative development we want in downtown Powell.”
A New Era for Downtown Powell
COhatch will not only change the landscape of Powell’s downtown but will also help foster a culture of collaboration and growth for local businesses and residents. The integration of modern workspaces with community-focused features like a rooftop bar and event space speaks to Powell’s intention to create an inclusive, vibrant downtown area.
As COhatch prepares to break ground, the community is invited to join the celebration. The November 13 ceremony will mark the beginning of an exciting phase for Powell, promising growth, opportunity, and a stronger connection between development and community well-being.
Source: City of Powell; Image by The Walker Group from Pixabay
