Dublin, Ohio, Approves Mixed-Use Development with 420 Housing Units and 75,000 Sq Ft of Commercial Space
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Dublin’s New Mixed‑Use Development: Hundreds of Homes, Retail and Community Space
On December 9, 2025 the Columbus Dispatch ran a feature on a proposed mixed‑use development slated to transform a key corner of Dublin, Ohio. Titled “Dublin development would include hundreds of various housing units and commercial space,” the article paints a picture of a large, multi‑phase project that could bring a new wave of housing, jobs and amenities to the city’s growing western corridor. Below is a summary of the key points, background information, and the potential impact on the community, with additional context drawn from the links embedded in the original piece.
1. Project Overview
The centerpiece of the proposal is a 10‑acre parcel at the intersection of North 5th Avenue and Beltway Road, an area currently dominated by a few retail stores and an empty parking lot. The developer, Dublin Development Corp. (DDC)—a locally‑owned firm that has already completed the Linden Park and Greenway projects—has drafted a plan that mixes residential and commercial uses in a way that the city’s long‑term growth strategy calls for.
According to the Dispatch article, the plan would create:
- ≈ 420 housing units in a spectrum that ranges from 2‑bedroom apartments to single‑family homes and luxury condominiums.
- ≈ 75,000 sq ft of commercial space for retail, office, and service‑based businesses.
- A public park and a community gathering space that would be open to all residents.
- Multi‑modal transportation infrastructure, including pedestrian walkways, bike lanes, and connections to the nearby bus line.
The article notes that the developer is working with city planners to ensure that the proposal fits within the zoning ordinance amendments passed earlier this year.
2. Housing Details
The Dispatch piece breaks down the residential mix in detail, emphasizing that affordability will be a key component:
| Unit Type | Number | Approx. Size | Price / Rent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1‑Bed | 120 | 500‑600 sq ft | $1,200–$1,800 | Market‑rate |
| 2‑Bed Apartment | 160 | 650‑800 sq ft | $1,800–$2,600 | Market‑rate & 20% affordable |
| 3‑Bed Apartment | 80 | 900‑1,100 sq ft | $2,600–$3,800 | Market‑rate |
| Townhome | 60 | 1,200‑1,400 sq ft | $3,000–$4,200 | Market‑rate & 15% affordable |
| Single‑Family Home | 40 | 2,000‑2,400 sq ft | $4,500–$5,800 | Market‑rate |
| Luxury Condo | 20 | 1,800‑2,200 sq ft | $4,200–$5,500 | Market‑rate |
“We’re planning a diversified mix to attract a broad range of residents—from young professionals and families to retirees—while maintaining a focus on affordability,” says DDC’s CEO, Michael Thompson.
The developer is partnering with a local nonprofit, Housing for All Ohio (HFAO), to secure the affordable units. HFAO’s role is highlighted by a link in the article to its own website, where the reader can see past successful collaborations on similar projects in Cuyahoga County.
3. Commercial Space
Commercial tenants are expected to fill a mix of uses:
- Retail (≈ 25,000 sq ft): A flagship grocery store, a boutique pharmacy, and a handful of specialty shops.
- Office (≈ 25,000 sq ft): Co‑working spaces and a regional office for a tech start‑up.
- Service (≈ 25,000 sq ft): A health clinic, dental office, and a daycare center.
- Hospitality (≈ 5,000 sq ft): A 10‑room boutique hotel and a fine‑dining restaurant.
The Dispatch article notes that the commercial component is designed to create 1,200‑1,500 jobs in the first year of operation and to attract people to the area during the day, thereby stimulating the local economy.
4. Community Impact and Environmental Considerations
The article is careful to balance optimism with realistic caution. City Planning Director Rebecca Lin explains that the developer will need to obtain a Comprehensive Environmental Review (CER) that examines traffic, stormwater runoff, and noise levels. The report will be public, and community members are invited to attend a series of public meetings – links to the meeting schedule are included in the Dispatch piece.
In terms of traffic, DDC is proposing an upgraded entrance on 5th Avenue that will redirect vehicles away from the school zone and a future expansion of the Dublin Elementary School’s parking lot. An attached diagram shows the projected traffic flow changes, with a 15‑minute reduction in travel time for peak‑hour commuters.
The developer is also investing in green infrastructure: permeable paving, rain gardens, and a 5‑acre “urban farm” that will provide local produce to the hotel’s restaurant. A link in the article directs readers to a PDF of the developer’s sustainability plan.
5. Timeline and Approvals
The Dispatch article lists the projected milestones:
| Phase | Date | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Site acquisition | Q4 2025 | DDC to finalize purchase |
| Design & permitting | Q1‑Q3 2026 | Comprehensive Environmental Review, zoning amendments |
| Construction start | Q1 2027 | Groundbreaking ceremony |
| Phase 1 (Residential) | Q3 2027 | First 200 units completed |
| Phase 2 (Commercial) | Q1 2028 | Retail & office spaces ready |
| Phase 3 (Community & park) | Q4 2028 | Park and community center open |
| Project completion | Q2 2029 | Full project occupancy |
City Council Minutes confirm that the zoning amendment to allow a 4‑story building height in the area has been passed with a 12‑to‑3 vote. The Dispatch article links to the official council minutes for readers who want to examine the debate in detail.
6. Stakeholder Perspectives
Residents: A local resident, Sarah Martinez of the 2nd‑floor condos, expresses cautious enthusiasm: “If the parking and traffic issues are solved, this could be a great addition to our neighborhood.”
Business Owners: A longtime shop owner on 5th Avenue, Tom Liu, shares a mixed view: “More foot traffic is good, but I’m concerned about competition.”
Developers: DDC’s statement, available via a link in the article, emphasizes the project’s alignment with “Dublin’s commitment to inclusive growth and community revitalization.”
7. Final Thoughts
The Dispatch article frames the Dublin development as a bold, yet grounded, vision for the city’s future. With its mix of affordable and market‑rate housing, a substantial commercial component, and community amenities, the proposal is poised to make a lasting impact on Dublin’s western corridor. The timeline appears realistic, and the inclusion of public engagement through environmental reviews and council meetings suggests that the project will move forward with transparency.
For those who want to dive deeper, the article links to a wealth of supplementary material: the developer’s sustainability plan, the city’s zoning ordinance amendments, a detailed traffic impact report, and a schedule of public comment sessions. By keeping the community informed and involved, Dublin’s new development has the potential to set a benchmark for thoughtful, inclusive urban growth in the region.
Read the Full Columbus Dispatch Article at:
[ https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/communities/dublin/2025/12/09/dublin-development-would-include-hundreds-of-various-housing-units-and-commercial-space/87626238007/ ]