From the steel bones of the city’s past, we’re building a community for the future.
How one crazy idea energized a village.
In 2016, local business owner Justin McAllister had an idea: move his family business into the old Seagrave fire truck factory in Steelton Village and see if anyone wanted to lease the leftover space—about 200,000 square feet of abandoned factory.
To most, that idea sounded crazy.
The decision honored Justin’s grandfather who started the business on the South Side over 90 years ago. But since then, change hit hard. The industrial boom that fueled pillars of fire (true story) slowed down, left, or died. Families and a handful of shops remained, but the Steelton Village name was more memory than thriving community.
Six years later, over 50 like-minded individuals have joined Justin at The Fort. And Steelton Village is getting noticed. In 2020 Kyle Katz partnered with Justin. Says Katz, “Through the dozens of makers and creatives Justin has brought to Steelton, he’s produced powerful sparks. I’m here to provide fuel by channeling his vision into an actionable plan.”
The plan
So much has happened since 2016.
And we’re just getting started.
Source: Rapid5.org
Steelton Village's development will include expansion on both sides of South High Street, including a connection to active trails and greenspace.
Come inside.
Download our PDF for a vision of upcoming development, and learn why The Fort is the first of many exciting things coming to Steelton Village.
Honor. Gather. Grow.
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Honor
Steelton Village is a gritty story of industry, immigration and change. We honor that story and treasure the authenticity of this place. And our future success depends on protecting that authenticity. Telling the stories of our community’s history. Preserving a place that built our city.
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Gather
“It takes a village” is not a cliché to us. It’s how our community continues its tradition of diversity. Steelton Village attracts makers, dreamers and investors who are willing to lean into each other. And we’re grateful for support from the City of Columbus and our neighbors.
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Grow
Since 2016, over 50 businesses have moved into Steelton Village. And more people are waiting to make the village home, as we pursue expansion. That includes updating historic structures for modern business needs. And careful consideration for how life can flourish here in new residential and recreational spaces.