The conceptual plans illustrated above show a proposed design from Como Development and OutdoorFX to create several buildings of flex space for light industrial uses. The road pictured at far left is Jefferson Avenue, while the existing building immediately to the left of the retention pond is the existing OutdoorFX showroom.
(Graphic submitted)
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Plain City officials said plans for a new, 90,000-square foot industrial development are a sign that the recent residential development is now driving the commercial growth officials desire.
“This is kind of one of our goals we’ve been working toward,” Hutchinson said. “As we’re getting a lot more residential, we’re now starting to see the benefits of more interest in commercial and light flex, industrial.”
Leland Vogel, with Como Development, agreed, adding that he sees the proposed development at 265 S. Jefferson Ave. as an “economic development tool” for the village.
Como Development and OutdoorFX have plans to create a flex industrial site of “small, wide open suites that can attract a variety of users” adjacent to the existing showroom.
Conceptual plans for the project were shared with the Planning and Zoning Commission and Council in late June.
Vogel said just under eight acres of a 16 acre site will be developed.
Hutchinson said the water and sewer needed for the development are available, so it will not require an extension of the utility mains.
Conceptual project plans indicate three, one-story warehouses will be built – a 20,400-square foot, 35,700-square foot and 34,000-square foot building.
He explained that the buildings will be split into approximately 3,000-square foot suites with open interiors that can be built out depending on the occupant’s needs.
Vogel said he envisions the flex space as a good option for new businesses and existing businesses ready to expand.
The site is not intended to accommodate “high-speed distribution facilities,” Vogel said.
There will not be docking bays for semi-trucks, as Vogel said the businesses will mostly use box trucks. There will be about a 20-foot clearance for trucks.
Vogel said most businesses of the size intended for this space use forklifts that only reach 16 feet, so the building itself will encourage less intense uses.
He noted that the area is surrounded by primarily industrial uses, so the proposed plans aim to maximize the developable land.
Although Vogel described the site as somewhat tucked away, he said developers still plan to create facades that match desired styles in Plain City.
When Council member Tyler Harriman said they appear to be a barn or farmhouse style, Vogel said that is “exactly right.”
He said the exteriors of the buildings will match that of the existing OutdoorFX building. The conceptual site plans do not yet have colors included, but Vogel said he anticipates darker gray siding lower on the exterior and a lighter shade higher on the building.
Vogel also noted that a walking path will be constructed around the retention pond on the site.
Hutchinson said the next step in the process is for a preliminary development plan to be submitted, which will likely be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Commission in July. A recommendation from the commission to approve or deny the plans will then be sent to council for affirmation.
Council President Michael Terry told Vogel that he feels council is open to holding joint meetings with the commission to move the process along a bit more quickly.
Vogel said he appreciates the offer, as developers are currently working on engineering for the project with the goal to begin construction in the fall.
“If there’s a way we can break ground this fall, we will,” he said.