Approach
Along the scenic US Route 33 that borders Upper Arlington, OH, a suburb of Columbus, MA Design was charged with designing a new mixed-use development to replace an underdeveloped 1960s-era strip center, with the goal to create an energetic landmark for the community to live, work and play. The Golden Bear development is a five-story structure that accommodates retail on the first floor, office on the second floor, and a 79 unit condominium community on the remaining floors; all while wrapping around a three-story parking garage. The building’s design is a strong mix of classic masonry architecture with more modern materials like metal panel and fiber cement allowing the building to cater to the city’s desire towards classic materials and details while ushering in a more modern interpretation to the composition. The building form was created to capture the scenic views afforded by the building’s surroundings – a natural ravine to its East and the Scioto River to its West.
