David Collinsworth, Westerville's city manager, and Jason Bechtold, its economic development director, recently described the city as being “exciting,” with 2016 serving as a preview for what they expect to happen in this year.
In 2016, the number of projects, requests for permits, and construction were higher than they've been for about 12 years, and that leads both men to believe the next two years will be exceptionally busy.
Among the developments now under way are a new Aloft Hotel, located on Heatherdown Drive, and the Renaissance Marriott, located on Wester Place. Residential projects taking shape include the Courtyards at Village Crossing, the Villages at Central College, and Gingham Ridge.
Westerville officials have identified several “target industries” they feel will most help the community, including insurance and finance, healthcare, corporate headquarters, and tech support centers. Additional amenities like hotels, restaurants, and childcare facilities now being built will help attract the very industries important to Westerville's economic strength.
The city's centerpiece is Westar Place, which is 62 acres owned by the city. It cost over $4m for Westerville to prep the site with the necessary infrastructure, and it is now selling some of the land around the new Renaissance Marriott. While such sales could be a long process, Collinsworth says four prospects are already negotiating for various parcels, which is another indication of the city's strong economy.
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