COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – The City of Gahanna is considering revitalizing its Creekside Plaza by adding an amphitheater, splash pad and other amenities.
Located at 117 Mill St. in the heart of Gahanna, the plaza houses retail shops, restaurants and apartments in addition to hosting a variety of community events. Now, about two decades after its construction, city officials want to refresh the mixed-use hub.
Gahanna Mayor Laurie Jadwin presented a preliminary concept called “Gahanna Creekside Reimagined” at a city council meeting last month. The proposed project came about while city leaders worked on a flood improvement plan that has been underway since 2020, and includes updates required by FEMA, according to Jadwin.
“As we have gone through this process of understanding, OK, what does this flood-proofing work look like, we have recognized that Creekside itself is in need of an overall refresh,” Jadwin said.
Along with flood-proofing, the proposal calls for updates to the district’s upper and lower plazas, trail improvements and improved accessibility for people with disabilities.
The flood work plan includes mitigation efforts along Big Walnut Creek and within the parking structure adjacent to the plaza, which needs to be protected from creek overflow, the proposal says. The city intends on installing a flood barrier in the garage and a creek bank erosion control system.
Other updates in the proposal include an amphitheater and splash pad in the lower plaza, as well as a redesign of the existing water fountain. It also suggests improving accessibility on local trails, the lower plaza and Mill Street.
The project additionally calls for replacing the red brick that currently spans the upper plaza and Mill Street with more neutral concrete flooring, along with installing shade structures in the upper plaza.
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Renderings of the proposed updates to Gahanna’s Creekside Plaza. (Photo courtesy/City of Gahanna) -
Renderings of the proposed updates to Gahanna’s Creekside Plaza. (Photo courtesy/City of Gahanna) -
Renderings of the proposed updates to Gahanna’s Creekside Plaza. (Photo courtesy/City of Gahanna) -
Renderings of the proposed updates to Gahanna’s Creekside Plaza. (Photo courtesy/City of Gahanna)
The total cost of the proposed project is estimated between $18.9 million and $22.9 million, with the mandatory flood-proofing work representing just over $5 million of the price tag, according to the presentation.
If approved, the proposal would be added to Gahanna’s capital improvements plan, a financial tool the city uses to leverage public funds for major investments, according to Gahanna’s website.
Gahanna Senior Director of Operations Kevin Schultz estimated the project would likely take at least 18 months. Jadwin said city officials are discussing how they would support local businesses through the process.
The city will hold a meeting where residents can provide feedback on the suggested updates on Sept. 24 at the Creekside Conference and Events Center from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
