High North (Worthington Mall)
Plans Submitted to Revitalize The Shops at Worthington Place
The City of Worthington has received a proposal to redevelop The Shops at Worthington Place mall into a mixed-used space rebranded as High North.
Direct Retail Partners, a development team from Dallas, Texas, purchased the property in December 2019 with plans to revitalize the underperforming retail space. They have filed a development application with the City of Worthington, seeking to rezone the property to a Planned Unit Development. Plans call for a phased approach to redevelop and revitalize the 15+ acre property southwest of the I-270/SR-23 interchange.
The City’s Municipal Planning Commission and Architecture Review Board reviewed the application at its September 24, 2020 meeting. No formal action was taken. Details of the proposal will continue to be studied and refined. It is anticipated that the High North project will go before the MPC/ARB multiple times before a vote occurs. If recommended for approval by the MPC, the Planned Unit Development would ultimately go on to City Council for consideration.
September 24, 2020 Direct Retail Partners Presentation to ARB/MPC
Phase 1 plans call for the demolition of a portion of the mall’s northern and western sides to make room for the construction of up to 125,000 square feet of Class A office space and an outdoor plaza. The office building would be situated on the northern edge of the property and be 8-10 stories in height, including a structured parking garage on the lower levels. The restaurant and retail space on the eastern portion of the mall would remain. If Phase 1 is successful, Phase 2 plans would include a second office building, a boutique hotel, and additional retail/restaurant space.
The City has been pursuing Class A office space to help attract and retain businesses with a desire for nearby quality of life amenities for their employees. In addition to the economic impact of the project, the proposal includes amenities such as a public plaza, additional dining options, and a potential new hotel.