Bexley may be a small suburb, but that does not mean that the city does not have big plans in store. Next year will bring many things including more retail, renovations, and food options.
Talk of a Giant Eagle Marketplace taking over the old Bexley City Hall site has been in the works for some time, leaving many students to wonder when construction will finally begin.
Mayor Ben Kessler said the transformation will start this month. Environment work will come first, followed by a complete demolition. The official construction of the new building will start early next year. It is set to open by Thanksgiving 2016. It is going to serve Market District grab-and-go food with a two-story patio that looks out over Main Street. Kessler also added that a Starbucks is expected to be inside the Giant Eagle Marketplace. He thinks this will be a great place for students to study.
Kessler also mentioned plans for the old Cup O’ Joe site located across the street from the Bexley Public Library. It is set to be torn down this month. The first floor of the new building will be dedicated to retail. The exact stores that will be included have been decided, but that information has not yet been released. The shops are expected to appeal to students and Bexley residences alike.
Drexel is in the process of working on an addition as well as a renovation. The addition will be added on to part of the City Hall site, allowing for new and improved restrooms. The renovation of the lobby will take place soon after.
Just down the block from Drexel is the Hammond Harkins Gallery, which is moving to the Short North, Kessler said.
Considering all of the upcoming projects that will be happening on Main Street, the recent additions to the area are thriving. Zoe opening last spring helped Bexley’s thriving Main Street drag. As Kessler said, the restaurant is known for great breakfast options and has had much success with their 360 degree indoor/outdoor bar during the summer months. Zoe is owned by Tasi Rigsby, who is also the owner of Tasi, a stylish daytime café in the Short North.
Aab is another addition to the Main Street fare that serves Indian cuisine. Aab originated in the Cincinnati area and has since been brought to Grandview and Dublin.
Another local spot to stop by includes Bexley Coffee Shop on North Cassady Avenue. The coffee shop switched owners in the spring resulting in, as Kessler said, a “new vibe.” This vibe includes baked goods, small lunches, a big outdoor patio, and locally roasted coffee.
Also on North Cassady Avenue is Art With Anna, a fun creative space for adults and children alike. They hold many paint-inspired events including “Wine Your Art Out,” which allows attendees to bring their own wine and paint while you enjoy a glass.
Be sure to keep an eye out for an upcoming project that will add a Wing Stop next to the Tim Horton’s on East Livingston Avenue.
