Renderings show the Upper Arlington Community Center on the former Kingsdale Macy’s site

UPPER ARLINGTON, Ohio (COLUMBUS BUSINESS FIRST) – Residents of Upper Arlington can finally peek inside the long-awaited community center that stands on the former site of Macy’s Kingsdale Shopping Center.

Renderings have been released that show the facility, which will include an indoor pool, multipurpose event space, locker rooms, fitness areas, three gymnasiums, an adventure play area and a teen area, a for childcare, a walking/running track, senior programming, a multipurpose outdoor patio and shared classrooms, according to city officials.

“For years, Upper Arlington has needed a space for residents of all ages to gather,” Bill Hosket, honorary campaign committee co-chair, said in a statement. “We have waited so long for this moment in our UA history. We owe it to our residents to have the best community center for everyone.

Renderings aren’t finalized, but Upper Arlington City Manager Steve Schoeny said he doesn’t anticipate any major changes.

“We are currently going through the design process, hopefully the schematic design will be complete this month,” Schoeny said.

Elford and Continental will manage construction of the center in a joint venture, Schoeny said Columbus Business First.

The community center kicked off its fundraising campaign in August 2021 with a $2 million donation from the Crane family.

Its goal was to raise $5.4 of the $54 million needed to build the facility, but after surpassing $3 million in November 2021, it met that goal in December; and announced plans to expand that goal to $8 million, according to the release.

“Based on valuable community feedback and improvements recommended by the design team, we are increasing our commitment to $8 million from ‘Good to Golden’ so that we can increase our private funds to support the evolving vision of community,” Margie Pizzuti, co-campaign chair, said in the statement.

The city approved Continental Real Estate’s plans for the redevelopment in March 2021. The project will consist of three buildings, with dedicated community center space, senior housing, a restaurant, offices and apartments.

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