Local Developers Unveil Steelton Plans to Build on Success of The Fort
New Residential and Greenspace to Join Adaptive Reuse Commercial Space
Where horse-drawn fire engines and ladder trucks once rolled off factory floors, a captivating community is rising to breathe new life into one of Columbus’ most historic neighborhoods.
Developers of The Fort – already home to furniture makers, coffee roasters, architects, web designers and photographers – are preparing to add residential options, entertainment, arts and dining to the 36-acre Steelton Village that surrounds their repurposed 130-year-old urban warehouse just south of Downtown.
Pending city approval, the partnership of Justin McAllister and Kyle Katz will combine the creative vision of the acclaimed developer of Columbus’ Buggyworks with the committed craftmanship of Fortner, which has been building and upholstering fine furniture for nearly a century.
McAllister, owner and president of Fortner, acquired the 240,000-square-foot former Seagrave Company fire equipment complex at 2050 S. High St. in 2017. He soon recognized the potential of the four linked buildings as he witnessed all available spaces being leased quickly. He also recognized the potential held by the acreage surrounding The Fort and began making area acquisitions in 2018. Based on his experience with large adaptive reuse projects, Katz was introduced to McAllister by John Mally of NAI Ohio Equities, and the two formed a partnership.
McAllister’s enthusiasm and vision complement Katz’s experience and resources. The two have engaged MKSK to showcase their plan for repurposing the sturdy historic warehouses and surrounding brick-paved alleyways while adding over 1,000 residences on 26 connected acres across High Street. Given the size of the endeavor, they anticipate the inclusion of another developer and are currently meeting with several national firms.
The site was once part of Columbus’ renowned manufacturing prowess, anchoring jobs and industry that allowed the city to prosper while populating areas like the Reeb-Hosack neighborhood and Merion and Hungarian Villages. Across bordering rail lines, the former Buckeye Steel Castings site is being redeveloped as a $100 million light industrial park.
“Steelton was Columbus’ furnace and forge as the city helped industrialize America over a century ago. There were pillars of fire here that burned 24 hours a day year-round,” Katz said.
“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.”
Stretching west toward the lower Scioto River greenway, McAllister and Katz see The Fort and Steelton Village as an endcap to the energy and investment spilling south from Downtown. Steelton will be connected by biking and hiking trails to nearby recreational attractions such as Berliner Park and Audubon Metro Park. “We hope to be a jewel on the Rapid 5 necklace,” said McAllister. The site’s view of the city skyline is unobstructed with Merion Village, German Village, the Brewery District and Downtown mere minutes up High Street.
Already committed to The Fort at Steelton Village is City Winery, a New York-based wine producer, concert venue and restaurant planning to open late this year or early in 2023 in a space at 2108 S. High St.
City Winery has 13 locations orchestrated by owner Michael Dorf, an acclaimed music impresario who has built a national reputation for redeveloping historic properties as nightlife destinations. Dorf plants his venues in undiscovered neighborhoods and drives growth. After a thorough search of Columbus, he chose Steelton.
Securing City Winery helps realize a differentiator McAllister and Katz seek for Steelton. “Live music will be a big part of our community; we’re encouraging all our restaurants, bars and taprooms to include stages. We’re also building opportunities for live music throughout our outdoor areas and greenspaces,” McAllister said.
A newly formed brewery and taproom has also signed on to join Steelton Village. Honest Friend, a craft brewer that promises “good beer for good people,” is eyeing a summer 2023 opening at 2140 S. High St. and building a buzz on social media via @honestfriendbrewing.
Brian Kellett, co-founder of Stump Plants, said he and his wife and business partner, Emily, enjoy working with McAllister and are excited about the vision to add new housing near The Fort. The Kelletts have had shipping and receiving operations there for several years and are discussing expansion plans. “Convenience-wise it just makes sense,” he said.
“This will liven up the area in a way that hasn’t happened,” Kellett added. “It’s unlike anywhere else in Columbus; that’s 100 percent why we’re drawn to be working with them.”
About 75% of the anticipated 400,000 square feet of commercial space in the village will be repurposed existing buildings. “Beyond sustainability and a high green quotient, adaptive reuse delivers authenticity, and authenticity is both rare and cherished by our audience,” Katz said.
McAllister and Katz do not anticipate portions of The Fort being converted to residential space. All residential offerings will be new construction with market-rate rent structures. The pair have already met with Erin Prosser, assistant director of housing strategies for the city of Columbus, to discuss creative integration of affordable options.
McAllister and Katz are lifelong Columbus-area residents with family roots on the South Side. “It’s incredible, when people join us for tours, they marvel at how close to the city’s center the project is and yet they had no idea anything like this was down here,” McAllister said. “Kyle and I share a passion for historic buildings that have so much character and history in them. Being able to celebrate that in these walls and being able to reintroduce people to the potential of the South Side is a lot of fun,” he added.
“I’m just thrilled to see this happening,” said Bob Leighty, a Merion Village resident and a south Columbus community activist for 30 years. Calling himself “an old-building-hugger,” Leighty has been working with McAllister to create a nonprofit, Steelton Rising, that will offer a business support center at The Fort to assist entrepreneurs throughout the South Side.
The developers see over $350 million being used to transform the underappreciated acreage into a pulsating, walkable village that draws area visitors for markets, festivals, and the arts. “Justin started with a dream, but the growth we’re experiencing in Columbus, the demand for housing and the existing energy at The Fort are fast making his dream a reality,” Katz said.
Katz’s career has gravitated toward development for the creative class and entrepreneurs, whether through real estate, restaurants, artist lofts or coworking space. The opportunity that McAllister found in Steelton paralleled Katz’s work as founder of The PenWest District (now the Arena District) and as the developer of The Buggyworks.
“You just don’t get these opportunities that often; we have 36 acres two miles from Downtown and three minutes from German Village that connects green space to High Street,” Katz said.
With a nod to the young entrepreneurial, socially conscious makers who comprise several dozen tenants of The Fort, Katz said, “Justin and I are dedicated to bottling the existing DNA and amplifying it.”
Katz added, “We’re not developing for today. We’re developing for Columbus’ next and taking this area from nondescript to noteworthy. Steelton Village has the opportunity to combine a storied past with a future that reflects Columbus at its best: smart, open, vibrant and engaging. We’re dedicated to fulfilling this potential.”
To learn more about the history of The Fort and Steelton Village, go to https://www.thefortcolumbus.com/history
