Development News

Reimagining Gahanna’s Creekside District: Gahanna CIC Purchases Property in Creekside District to Promote Redevelopment

By Dan Pearlman

In July 2021, the City engaged the architectural firm MA Design to develop an overall master plan for the City’s Creekside neighborhood – not only informing current needs of the area, but also aiding in future redevelopment projects to promote vibrancy within the City’s downtown. The plan identified key parcels for acquisition that ultimately would serve to catalyze future mixed-use development.

Taking the first step in bringing the MA Design strategy from paper to reality, the Gahanna Community Improvement Corporation (CIC), a separate 501(c)(4) non-profit organization tasked with supporting the City’s economic development-related efforts, entered into an agreement to acquire several parcels from Gahanna-based Homestead Development Company and MJM Investments along the Mill Street corridor. Additionally, under a separate agreement, the CIC moved to control property currently owned by locally based Schneider Properties with a plan to close by mid-2023.

“The work of MA Design has provided the CIC with a roadmap of not only what could work best, but what strategic properties are needed to bring this vision to reality,” said Betty Collins, President of the CIC. “We appreciate the local partnerships these agreements bring forward, and we look forward to bringing this vision to reality.”

The initial strategy calls for the development of three key areas focusing on new multi-family housing, destination retail to complement the existing Creekside mixed-use property, and a boutique hotel to maximize visitor engagement to the area as well as the City’s proximity to John Glenn International Airport.

“The Creekside District is the heart of our downtown and the heart of Gahanna,” said Gahanna Mayor Laurie Jadwin. “Ensuring the vibrancy of the Creekside area is critical to our city’s future success - both for the quality of life of our residents and the economic success of our small businesses. These agreements are the next critical step in reimagining the downtown area that our residents and businesses both need and deserve.”

As part of the development of the initial strategy, the Mayor’s Office and the Department of Economic Development Department held a town hall discussion in June 2022, to share information with and gather input from the community. (The town hall discussion can be viewed on the City’s YouTube page, @CityofGahanna.) As the project continues to move forward, more opportunities for public discussion and engagement will take place throughout 2023, and updates will be shared on the City’s website and social media pages.

To learn more, visit: GahannaCIC.com

The Dolphin Lounge looks back on a half-century of Gahanna entertainment

By Laurel Bocka

When Nancy Ebright helped to open the Dolphin Lounge in 1972, she could not have guessed the impact that her business would make on the music scene in Gahanna and around Central Ohio. Now, 50 years later and after her passing, her daughter, Lori Ebright, owns the bar and continues her legacy.

The Dolphin Lounge is a Gahanna landmark. It has always been known for great music, its 70s décor, a sunken bar, open mic nights, and a welcoming atmosphere. Ebright works hard to make sure that every visitor to the bar is introduced to the regulars so they can feel right at home.

“The City of Gahanna is centrally located, so the Dolphin Lounge draws people traveling into town and from all over Central Ohio,” she said.

In 2019, the Dolphin Lounge was named one of the 50 Best Dive Bars in America by Big Seven Travel. Thousands of musicians, bands, vocalists, and comedians have been hosted and supported by the venue through its nightly music, karaoke, and comedy events each week. Included on the long list of musicians who have played at the Dolphin Lounge is Eric Clapton, who made his way to an Open Stage night in the 90s.

Most notably, the Dolphin Lounge is home to the longest running continuous blues jam in the world. Founded by Gahanna native Ric Boals in 1984, some of the highest profile blues players from around the world have participated in the 38-year jam session. Each Monday, blues musicians from a variety of bands and backgrounds gather and combine their musical talents. The Dolphin Lounge is also a longtime supporter of the Columbus Blues Alliance, hosting fundraisers and music events to support the players and fans of the local and international blues communities.

The Dolphin Lounge is always finding new ways to give back to the community through fundraisers and bar crawls. Ebright, known as the “Queen of Fundraisers,” has a passion and drive to help her customers get through the hard times in life with love, respect, and financial support. With her dedication and vision, the Dolphin Lounge has hosted over 75 fundraisers.

“We have a rich history of bringing people together for great times and great causes with awesome music week after week,” she said.

Ebright is excited to continue her mother’s vision for the Dolphin Lounge. She is thankful for all of the customers who have made the last 50 years possible, and she is eagerly looking forward to another 50 years of jam sessions and community in Gahanna!