The Grandview Commerce Mixed Use District (District) was created to enable a mixed-use commerce area on the vacated manufacturing zone at the east end of the City. This District presents an opportunity to attract a large employment base while at the same time building a vibrant neighborhood that will complement the balance of the City. The Grandview Heights Commerce District Plan adopted in 2005 in support of the Grandview Heights Community Plan clearly articulates the objectives and planning principles of the community and as such constitutes the purpose of this District.
The Grandview Heights Commerce District Plan establishes the planning and design framework for the District. Infrastructure such as streets, parking, and water and sewer along with design elements such as connectivity, walkability, and places for people, will be used to guide development within the planning framework of the Grandview Heights Commerce District Plan. The regulatory approach of the District is in keeping with the vision of mixed use developments which require a more flexible and innovative approach than can be provided by more traditional zoning techniques. The framework and principles of this District were adopted rather than traditional standards in the belief that greater flexibility will lead to better results.
The District helps ensure the implementation of the vision called for by the Grandview Heights Commerce District Plan. To achieve this vision, the District and any future standards shall adhere to the following general principles:
(a) The District should be an energized urban district consisting of a mix of land uses, diverse development, a grid of streets and pedestrian connections, attractive development and public spaces, energized activity and graphics, and respect for the existing neighborhood edge to the west and commercial edge to the north.
(b) The District should always permit a diverse mix of land uses and development.
(1) The District should allow for redevelopment that utilizes a mix of uses including employment-oriented office, medical and technology-centered office, national, regional and local retail, and range of residential uses.
(2) The District should allow for multiple-story buildings that may integrate a vertical mix of uses.
(c) The development pattern for the District shall extend the existing neighborhood street pattern and make appropriate connections with the rest of the City.
(1) Yard Street will serve as the primary centerpiece street for orienting buildings, spaces, pedestrian connections, activity, and graphics.
(2) Bobcat Avenue & Rail Street will provide access to the parking reservoir areas and back of house operations and be attractively landscaped and accommodate pedestrians.
(3) Streets and sidewalks surrounding the District shall be extended and connected into the District in an attractive manner to reinforce its integration into the community fabric.
(4) Goodale Boulevard will continue to serve as an existing arterial city street for orienting buildings, spaces, pedestrian connections, activity and graphics.
(d) Compatible, high-quality development will be a signature of the District.
(e) The District will create a walkable district that is enhanced by a quality public realm and open space.
(1) Public open space should consist of plazas, pocket parks, and visual landscape relief to the surrounding built environment for the enjoyment of residents and visitors to the District.
(2) This urban open space should be distributed throughout the District.
(f) The District will be an energized, activated, and retail-supported environment that encourages strolling, shopping, and people watching.
(1) The District should be supportive of opportunities for community interaction, festivals, and gathering.
(2) The District will allow for vibrant graphics and signage that attracts crowds and retail tenants.
(g) The District should respect the existing neighborhood edge to the west, the offices and retail businesses on Goodale Boulevard, and the commercial district to the north while taking advantage of the railroad tracks to the east.
(h) Large Format Retail will be allowed (i) in the northern third of the District, and (ii) with the approval of Planning Commission, in other areas of the District. Retail uses of 20,000 square feet or less in floor space will be permitted throughout the District. (Ord. 2019-05. Passed 2-4-19.)