High North (Worthington Mall)
January 2023 update
The Architectural Review Board and Municipal Planning Commission have approved the final development plans for the northern and southern buildings on the site of the current Worthington Mall. Now that both buildings have been approved, construction can begin once tenants have been identified.
City Council previously approved the rezoning of the former Worthington Mall to permit the redevelopment of the site with two professional office buildings and many other site improvements. The northern office building is to be approximately 102,000 sq. ft. + with a height of 10-stories. The southern office building is to be approximately 75,000 sq. ft. + with a height of 7-stories.
June 2022 update
Worthington City Council approved a financial incentive package and amended Development Agreement for High North at its June 6, 2022 meeting.
Details of the project have changed from the original proposal, approved by City Council in 2021. The new legislation replaces the previously approved Development Agreement and adds Tax Increment Financing and Economic Development Grant agreements. In addition, the legislation includes a Compensation Agreement with the Worthington Schools.
The Shops at Worthington Place were originally constructed in the mid 1970’s and have been renovated numerous times over the past five decades. The property transferred ownership at the end of 2019, and the new owner, DRP Worthington, LP, plans to redevelop the site into a mixed-use development called High North. This redevelopment project includes demolishing portions of the existing mall, constructing new restaurants, retail, and entertainment space, and constructing up to 200,000 square feet of Class A office space with multiple structured parking garages. The proposed redevelopment represents a good source of incremental increases in property tax revenue for the City.
June 6, 2022 - Memo and attachments (as introduced at the May 16, 2022 City Council meeting)
High North Development Approved
Worthington City Council previously approved a plan to redevelop The Shops at Worthington Place mall into a mixed-use Planned Unit Development (PUD.) DRP purchased the property in December 2019 with plans to revitalize the underperforming retail space and rebrand it as High North. Plans call for a phased approach to redevelop and revitalize the 15+ acre property southwest of the I-270/SR-23 interchange. 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 plan includes amenities such as a public plaza and additional dining options and entertainment.
Previous meeting and discussion materials
- February 10, 2022 - ARB/MPC agenda packet (upgrades to shared parking lot and drive)
- February 10, 2022 - Presentation
- April 19, 2021 City Council Presentation (approval of development plan)
- April 19, 2021 City Council packet (High North Memo and Materials begin on page 31)
- March 25, 2021 Presentation
- March 25, 2021 ARB/MPC agenda packet
- March 11, 2021 Presentation
- March 11, 2021 ARB/MPC agenda packet
- February 25, 2021 Presentation
- February 25, 2021 ARB/MPC agenda packet
- September 24, 2020 meeting agenda packet
- Original development application
- September 24, 2020 Direct Retail Partners Presentation to ARB/MPC