A Vision Worth Exploring
What if Worthington became the blueprint for innovation and sustainability in Central Ohio?
As the President/CEO of the Worthington Area Chamber, I’ve spent countless hours listening to our businesses, engaging with community members and reflecting on the opportunities that lie ahead. And let me tell you—there’s a lot to be excited about.
Today, I want to invite you to think about the Northeast Corridor of Worthington that consists of Huntley Road, Proprietors Road and Lakeview Plaza corridors. Once dismissed as purely industrial, the Northeast Corridor is now on the brink of something extraordinary. With City Council’s adoption of the Northeast Area Plan last July, Worthington has a community-supported vision to transform this corridor into a “future-forward Eco Innovation District.”
The Northeast Corridor: A Hidden Gem
Let’s start with what’s already here. The Northeast Corridor is home to an incredible lineup of businesses that are thriving in their own unique ways. Let’s begin with Movement Lab Ohio, owned by American Ninja Warrior pioneer Michelle Warnky-Burrma, this area is attracting attention from national athletes competing up the American Ninja Warrior ranks. Add in Zaftig Brewing Co., whose craft beers are a hit at Lower.com Field with one of the top selling local brews for Crew games, and Dirty Frank’s, serving up world-class hot dogs from their Worthington headquarters and you’ve got a corridor that’s already making waves. Let’s not forget Boxland Media, making Worthington the podcast capital of Ohio and the producers of Worthington’s #1 business podcast, Amplify Worthington. Then I recall a year ago learning, Shakers Public House served over 14,000 pounds of wings in their first month (their previous record as 6,000), this corridor is already a hidden gem for greater Worthington.
But here’s the exciting part: this is just the beginning.
Imagine what this area could become with intentional redevelopment and a bold vision for the future with an ambitious timeline one that this current City Council has adopted and is moving on soon. Not to mention this sparks conversation when the comprehensive plan kicks off with community input.
What Could Be: A Vision for the Future
The Northeast Area Plan lays out a framework for transforming this corridor into a hub for innovation, sustainability and community connection. Here’s how we can turn “what if” into “what’s next” while addressing numerous needs of our community:
- Class A Office Space: A Must-Have for Growth Since December, I’ve heard from a handful of businesses who have left or will be leaving Worthington because we lack the modern office spaces they need to grow into their next phase. Class A office space isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for attracting and retaining businesses. By investing in updated, flexible office environments, we can ensure that Worthington becomes a competitive destination for companies of all sizes. To quote Field of dreams, “if you build it, he (they) will come.”
- Rezoning for Revitalization Rezoning is the key to unlocking this corridor’s potential. Imagine a mix of industries, second- and third-tier Intel suppliers and innovative startups calling this area home. The Northeast Corridor is primed for mixed-use development, but we need to act now to ensure it is zoned properly for the future. One of the primary “next steps” as presented to City Council in June of 2024 (link), stated this essential need to update the zoning code for the Northeast area to include land use, development standards and more. Items we should hear about through the Comprehensive Plan in the months ahead.
- Trails and Transportation: Connecting Our Community Central Ohio has a transportation system conundrum… by addressing the Northeast Corridor, we can advocate for improved transportation options, such as a potential COTA route along 161 connecting Dublin to New Albany which is currently being studied. Additionally, redevelopment could possibly help secure funding for better trails and sidewalks, bridging east-to-west gaps and enhancing mobility for residents and businesses alike. In this proposal there even are renderings of how this project could include more trails and enhance the connectedness of our community.
- Housing: The Foundation of Community Did you know that 97% of our workforce doesn’t live in Worthington? The housing assessment from May 2024 made it clear: Worthington needs more diverse housing options to support growth. With its proximity to I-71, I-270 and roads leading to Westerville, the Northeast Corridor is an ideal location to address this critical need. By incorporating housing into the redevelopment plan, we can create a vibrant, inclusive community that attracts new residents and supports our workforce.
This isn’t just about a plan or a study—it’s about the future of Worthington. It’s about creating a community that meets the needs of today while preparing for the opportunities of tomorrow. This plan addresses so many needs to support our City’s economic development efforts, checks off many boxes for our business community and in return contributes greatly to the economic vitality of our community for decades to come.
This bold vision ensures that Worthington remains not just a place to live and work, but a community that thrives.
