The November 13th Architectural Review Board and Municipal Planning Commission meeting featured extensive discussion of Bridgewell Commons, a proposed medical office development at 127-145 East Wilson Bridge Road. The project would bring the Diabetes and Endocrinology Center of Ohio (DECO) to Worthington in a new three-building complex.
The Project
Dr. Venu Reddy and Pallavy Reddy are developing Bridgewell Commons, which would house DECO's practice in the first building with plans for two additional medical office buildings on the site. The project represents a significant investment, with the applicants committing over $12 million in new construction across all three buildings.
DECO has operated in Dublin since 2005, currently serving thousands of patients with four providers and plans to expand to eight providers in the new facility. The practice emphasized its independent status, allowing it to serve patients across all major health systems including OhioHealth, Ohio State, and Mount Carmel.
Design Changes and Compromises
The applicants returned to the board with significant modifications following an October 23rd meeting with city planning staff and commission members Mikel Coulter and Edwin L. Hofmann. Key changes included:
- Raising the entire building height by approximately 2 feet to meet the 18-foot requirement
- Enlarging front facade windows to 9 feet from floor to ceiling
- Changing spandrel glass to clear glass
- Adding architectural detailing including brick window framing and soldier courses
- Changing the primary exterior masonry to an orange spot brick suggested by board member Susan Hinz
The modifications added approximately $150,000 to the project cost, according to architect Joe Trepicone.
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Site Plan and Variances
The development would feature a front-facing building with a single row of parking at the front, departing from East Wilson Bridge Road corridor guidelines. The applicants are requesting variances for:
- Building placement (closer than typical setbacks allow)
- Parking placement in front of the building
- West side setbacks
These variances would be considered by City Council following Planning Commission recommendation. Unlike typical projects, Wilson Bridge Corridor variances go directly to City Council rather than the Board of Zoning Appeals.
An emergency exit would be provided onto Westview Drive, though details on how it would be restricted to emergency use only remain to be finalized. The signage for the complex would be located on the second parcel, with monument signs added once tenants are determined.
Community Response
The meeting drew significant public comment, with perspectives split between neighboring property owners and supporters of the medical practice.
Support came from multiple sources:
- Current DECO patients praised the quality of care and emphasized the need for accessible healthcare in Worthington
- Developer Ohm Patel of Moment Development, who developed the Worthington Gateway project on the west side of Wilson Bridge Road, spoke in favor, noting the need for diverse modern architecture along the corridor and the economic benefits of attracting medical offices from Dublin
- DECO Practice Manager Roseanne Pellerite highlighted the economic impact the practice could bring, with patients traveling from across Ohio and spending time and money in the local community
Concerns were primarily focused on process and design:
- City staff expressed ongoing challenges with receiving complete application materials and adherence to submission requirements
- Staff noted the design doesn't match the established character of Worthington, though they support the use
- Board members gave mixed feedback on the contemporary design approach
Board Discussion and Direction
The commission provided guidance rather than a vote, as several required items were still missing including:
- Traffic analysis (requested by city engineer)
- Updated landscape plan matching current building placement
- Complete lighting plan details
- Civil engineering details showing utilities, drive widths, and storm water retention
Board members generally indicated support for:
- The variance allowing front-facing building with front parking (lessons learned from Worthington Gateway)
- The basic site layout and functionality
- The building massing and form
Several members expressed desire for more "warmth" in the building design, though opinions varied:
- Board member David Foust found the project generally acceptable, noting Wilson Bridge Road doesn't need to adhere to strict architectural requirements and could benefit from fresh modern design
- Board members Edwin L. Hofmann and Susan Hinz suggested additional materiality or brick colors could bring more warmth to match the described welcoming nature of the practice
- Some members felt the building could use more personality and "story" in its architecture
Traffic and Engineering Considerations
City staff confirmed the project requires a traffic analysis, not a full traffic study. This analysis will feed into broader modeling work the city is undertaking for the High Street and Wilson Bridge Road intersection area, where several hundred thousand dollars in roadway improvements are under consideration.
The city engineer and Department of Service and Engineering reviewed the site plan and felt the proposal represents a safety improvement over the previous wide curb cut, with structured parking and the addition of sidewalks.
Next Steps
The project was tabled at the applicants' request to allow time to compile all required materials. City planning staff indicated that if everything is submitted properly, the project could return for a combined preliminary and final plan approval at the December meeting.
The consolidated approval process would still require the applicant to secure variance approvals from City Council (Wilson Bridge Corridor variances do not go to the Board of Zoning Appeals) and meet all final engineering and planning requirements.
Chair Coulter emphasized the city's desire to see the project succeed while ensuring all documentation is complete and the design meets community standards for this gateway location along East Wilson Bridge Road.