Initial Building Alteration Application Filed for Mount Vernon Plaza Renovation
Chicago TREND and Moody Nolan are revitalizing the Near East Side shopping plaza and seeking zoning approval for site upgrades.
An initial commercial building alteration application was submitted to the City of Columbus on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, on the Near East Side. Municipal permit records show the filing proposes commercial alteration for Phase 1 renovation of Building 1 at Mount Vernon Plaza, located at 307 N. 20th St.
The suburban-style strip center at the corner of Mount Vernon Avenue and North 20th Street was completed in 1978. The property is undergoing revitalization led by developer Chicago TREND alongside architect Moody Nolan for the commercial site.
Under case number BZA26-119, a zoning variance application seeks relief for dumpster screening between the building and side street. The variance application notes that the primary purpose of the project is pavement rehabilitation, consisting primarily of asphalt replacement. Columbus planning staff issued review comments generally supporting the requested variance, but requesting additional screening of the proposed dumpster enclosure. Final materials for the zoning application are due Nov. 6 ahead of a scheduled Nov. 24 hearing before the Columbus Board of Zoning Adjustment.
According to city permit records, the commercial alteration filing remains a pending temporary application for the property. The initial submission awaits detailed construction scope, contractor selection, and official city approval before building permits can be issued.
How we know this
The sources and records behind this story, with the facts they support.
26TMP-100080 · Alteration | Commercial — 307 N 20TH ST, COLUMBUS, OH 43203
Supporting evidence (2)
Municipal permit records show the filing proposes commercial alteration for Phase 1 renovation of Building 1 at Mount Vernon Plaza, located at 307 N. 20th St.
Read supporting passage
26TMP-100080 · Alteration | Commercial — 307 N 20TH ST, COLUMBUS, OH 43203 Mount Vernon Plaza Renovation Phase 1- Building 1
According to city permit records, the commercial alteration filing remains a pending temporary application for the property.
Read supporting passage
Record=26TMP-100080, Series role=pending, Type=Alteration | Commercial
Supporting evidence (3)
The suburban-style strip center at the corner of Mount Vernon Avenue and North 20th Street was completed in 1978.
Read supporting passage
Located at the corner of Mt Vernon Avenue and N. 20th St., the suburban-style strip center was completed in 1978
The property is undergoing revitalization led by developer Chicago TREND alongside architect Moody Nolan for the commercial site.
Read supporting passage
Chicago TREND is planning to spend about $20 million to renovate and expand the 47-year-old center
The property is undergoing revitalization led by developer Chicago TREND alongside architect Moody Nolan for the commercial site.
Read supporting passage
Moody Nolan will be the architect for the project.
BZA26-119 · BZA Variance — 1040 MT VERNON AVE COLUMBUS OH
Supporting evidence (1)
Under case number BZA26-119, a zoning variance application seeks relief for dumpster screening between the building and side street.
Read supporting passage
BZA26-119 Proposal: To reface an existing permanent ground sign. Variance(s) from 34.G.20.040.B.4, Screening, dumpster and bulk refuse pick-up area screening, To allow a dumpster to be located between the prinicpal building and side street.
Supporting evidence (1)
The variance application notes that the primary purpose of the project is pavement rehabilitation, consisting primarily of asphalt replacement.
Read supporting passage
The primary purpose of this project is pavement rehabilitation, consisting primarily of asphalt replacement with limited full-depth pavement reconstruction.
Supporting evidence (2)
Columbus planning staff issued review comments generally supporting the requested variance, but requesting additional screening of the proposed dumpster enclosure.
Read supporting passage
Planning is generally supportive of the requested variance, but request additional screening of the proposed dumpster enclosure.
Final materials for the zoning application are due Nov. 6 ahead of a scheduled Nov. 24 hearing before the Columbus Board of Zoning Adjustment.
Read supporting passage
Final materials must be submitted to Adam Trimmer by Friday November 6th, 2025 to be placed on the November 24th BZA meeting.