Demolition, reconstruction proposed for High Street McDonald's

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A proposal suggests demolishing the McDonald's at 1972 N. High St., rebuilding the restaurant closer to High Street and adding a small rear parking lot off Pearl Street. 

The new building would continue the lot’s history with McDonald's, which has been on the site since 1965, according to records from the Franklin County auditor. 

The plan was presented to the University Impact District Review Board last week by Christina Sabula, project architect for local architecture firm BBCO, with help from Stephanie Kensler, principal planner for Columbus. This was the first presentation of the proposal for the board, which gave notes but did not vote on the project. 

The proposed construction would not alter the lots on either side of the McDonald's. Directly south is a parking lot, which McDonald's has been leasing for parking. However, Sabula said this may no longer be an option for the restaurant, increasing its need for parking of its own. 

According to the conceptual site plan, the proposed parking lot would have fewer spaces than the adjacent lot. The lot south of McDonald's has 31 spots, where the conceptual parking lot proposes only 10 spots.

The review board has guidelines for construction in the area. Recommendations include preference toward mixed-use buildings; however, Sabula said adding more than a McDonald's was of little interest to her client and out of their budget.

“They’re really interested in doing just a straight McDonald's, which has been successful since the 1960s,” she said. 

Sabula said she has changed portions of the typical McDonald's design to better fit in with neighboring buildings on High Street. 

She said the owner wants to prioritize pedestrian activity and make pick up easier for third-party delivery drivers. The proposal envisions couriers and delivery drivers entering via the front door on High Street rather than the rear parking lot. From there, they would be able to collect their orders through a small transaction window near the front door, Sabula said. 

The review board was generally receptive toward the design, although they requested more landscaping options. Board members also asked about adding a bike rack and the opportunity for exterior seating, as the current building has several options for outdoor seating between the current building and High Street. 

Sabula said those were not part of the design but that there was room for discussion.