What's next for Upper Arlington's stalled Golden Bear redevelopment

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Two years after the Golden Bear Center was demolished, the land at the corner of Fishinger Road and Riverside Drive remains empty, surrounded by a large chain-link fence.

The midcentury shopping strip at 3700 Riverside Drive, which was once home to Figlio's restaurant, a U.S. post office, a coffee shop and several other small businesses, was set for redevelopment in 2019. Arcadia Development purchased the property and proposed a plan for luxury condominiums and commercial space, called Golden Bear at Riverside.

The project, which was once expected to be completed as early as late summer 2025, has encountered delays. Scott Patton, the managing partner of Arcadia, stated that work is currently on hold due to the company's acquisition of an adjacent lot, formerly an Arby's, that will be integrated into the overall development.

“The 0.78-acre parcel meaningfully expands the Golden Bear project footprint to roughly 5 acres, giving us the ability to increase density, improve efficiency, and create a more cohesive master plan,” Patton told NBC4.

Patton said the $1.2 million purchase of the additional site required a reworking of the original design. Franklin County records indicate that the property was transferred to Golden Bear Development, LLC on Aug. 25.

“Golden Bear will still include more than 200 residential units, retail/restaurant, and office space, though with updated size and scope to match the opportunity,” said Patton.

The City of Upper Arlington's website states that the building permit was extended by the State's Board of Building Appeals from March 3 to Oct. 1. Patton said that more updates regarding the city would be available soon.

“We anticipate submitting revised plans to the City of Upper Arlington in the coming months and look forward to sharing more details before year-end,” Patton said. “Combining these sites will allow us to deliver a stronger, more impactful project for the community — one that reflects the momentum of Upper Arlington and the broader Columbus market.”