How Dublin could redevelop outdated Metro Center district

DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH) -- The city of Dublin has unveiled the latest plans to redevelop Metro Center, a 210-acre office district built in the 1970s, into a mixed-use neighborhood.

The city's October economic development strategy event showed off renderings and a 3-D model of the Metro Center revitalization, including the construction of a multi-family residential development, shopping and dining options, an art and cultural space, and a water feature snaking through the district.

Located southeast of Interstate 270 and U.S. 33, Metro Center is home to "Dublin's largest, oldest and most visible multi-tenant office buildings," the city's "Reimagine Metro Center" booklet states. The city argues, that while the area may have been successful for decades, the center's office model is having a difficult time competing with office space in more vibrant communities.

This is the city said it has drafted a plan to transform Metro Center from a "single-use employment center into a vibrant mixed-use destination," characterized by high-quality employment and residential uses, food and beverage options, retail services, cultural and entertainment venues and recreational amenities.

"The new identity for Metro Center is a vibrant, walkable mixed-use neighborhood which connects development and nature," the city said. "Our distinct Dublin identity will continue to be expressed through high quality architecture, landscape, public art and thoughtful design that distinguishes Dublin as a global city of choice."

The proposal argues Metro Center will be "a new model for streets and mobility," with a focus on walking and biking made easier in the district thanks to connecting trails to other neighborhoods in the Dublin community. Open space and enhanced landscaping will reclaim surface parking areas, invigorating "the district's ecology" and providing amenities for residents and visitors.

Next, Dublin said it will continue tinkering with the revitalization effort before outlining a development plan and proposal. The city said it will communicate with the community each step of the process, and is also identifying collaboration opportunities between development partners, landowners and businesses.

The reimaging of Metro Center has been a long-time effort in Dublin, and has included talks of possible development around the office district. Earlier this year, developer Pizzuti submitted a proposal for a series of apartment buildings to be built on nearly 19 acres on Blazer Parkway, between Metro Center and the Blazer Research District.

Keystone Hotel Group has proposed building a five-story mixed-use building on 2.55 vacant acres north of Metro Center. The conceptual plan called for the building to include 159 one- and two-bedroom units, 3,500 square feet for a restaurant and bar, and 4,180 square feet of co-working space.