Real Estate Laundry » Is that an eyesore I see?

Is that an eyesore I see?

September 10th, 2007 categories: Columbus, Local Communities, Westerville

Having lived in Westerville for close to 10 years, I have seen lots of change. As I have suggested in previous posts, I think, all things considered, it has been for the good.

I am sure not everyone agrees that my “positives” are good choices for the City of Westerville. In recent years esthetics of new buildings has been a hot topic.

I recall going to a meeting covering the CVS proposal for Walnut and State streets. At the time, I wasn’t real happy with the concept of a “big box” pharmacy as the “gateway” to our uptown. Today, however, there is a nice looking building, which is very convenient, and looks far nicer to those entering Westerville than a vacant gas station did.

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Additionally, I have not heard complaints about the new Panera which has replaced the “cave-like” former CVS, or their neighbor Half Price Books which is an awesome spot to while away a few hours.

I live on Central Ave.. Turning on to Central, you are graced with a view of the former Dairy Mart, turned into $1.75 Dry Cleaners, turned into $1.99 Dry Cleaners.

Across Central from here sits an unsightly, “architect’s nightmare” which has housed Carpet Cove, a lamp shop, upstairs residents, and often, a “for rent” sign.

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That is until now!

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Oh yeah, there she goes! This picture is as of 11:30 AM Monday, September 10. Hurry if you want to see it before it is gone.

In its place will go a new NAPA auto parts store. The NAPA uptown will be closing down.

I will admit, at first I was not thrilled about an auto parts store at the top of my street. Upon further reflection, however I have come around. The building will be brick with some additional detail, not unlike the CVS. The City has required special attention be paid to landscaping, lighting elements, and exterior detail.

Again, the result will be far better than its predecessor.

I would suggest we are not done with the transformations of unsightly buildings and lots in Westerville. Watch for the opening of the retail strip center anchored by Guernsey Bank, south of Schrock. Replacing the car wash and Ponderosa, closed for so long, this change could not have come soon enough.

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It is true, the days of a “quaint” town are largely gone, but I contend much of the character still remains. The cost of growth and progress brings with it many challenges, upsides and downs. I urge our City leaders to continue to think critically about our growth, the look and feel of our town, and its history. Whether you agree or disagree with the direction Westerville is heading, you can certainly see maintaining tradition while moving forward is a balancing act.

This entry was posted on Monday, September 10th, 2007 at 3:09 pm and is filed under Columbus, Local Communities, Westerville. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Chris Johnson said at September 17th, 2007 at 11:39 am
What I want to know is what’s going to happen on Route 3 between Schrock and Morse Road. You’d think the proximity to westerville and the good schools would generate something other than buy-here, pay heres…check cashing places and cary outs.
Eric Ransom said at September 17th, 2007 at 2:44 pm
Yes, the area south of 270 along Route 3 is in need of some attention. I would think Westerville’s focus will be North of 270 for quite a few years to come. With the amount of residential areas south of 270 it would be great to see some improvements, new retailers, restaurants, etc.