Дублин планирует превратить офисный парк Metro Center в пешеходный микрорайон с жильем и магазинами

Dublin eyes major transformation of Metro Center as walkable mixed-use district DUBLIN, Ohio (WSYX) — Dublin officials are looking to transform Metro Center from a suburban office park dominated by parking lots into a more walkable, mixed-use district with housing, retail, restaurants, public spaces and expanded connections to the city’s trail network. The proposed redevelopment would encompass about 210 acres in the Metro Center area. More than 90 acres are currently parking and asphalt, representing about 7,700 parking spaces. The city’s Metro Center Revitalization Plan, adopted in December 2024, calls for the area to evolve into a walkable, mixed-use and sustainable district while maintaining Metro Center as an important employment center. The plan includes proposed zoning changes and design guidelines intended to create a stronger sense of place, encourage pedestrian connections and incorporate more green space and public areas. Michael Berlin, who works at Metro Center, said the location makes it well suited for redevelopment. “The location is perfect for this new development. They can bring in the housing, the retail, and make the space a lot more lively,” Berlin said. Berlin said he would also like to see existing walking paths connected throughout the area. “Being able to integrate the parks and the walking paths. Right now we have one that goes around our building, so it would be great to have it connected throughout and then the area is even farther off the site,” he said. The proposed district would include a mix of uses, including commercial, residential and civic spaces. The city also envisions connections to surrounding neighborhoods and Dublin’s existing trail network. One focus area is the Frantz Road Gateway, which calls for a connected trail corridor, linear park space and transitions between Metro Center and nearby neighborhoods. The redevelopment is not intended to duplicate Dublin’s Bridge Park district, city planners said. “We don't want to duplicate what that neighborhood looks like, but replicate the success we've had in that and creating transformational change that's advanced the city's goals for connectivity and sustainability,” said Chris Will, a senior planner with the city. Will said Metro Center presents an opportunity to accommodate change within an area that has already been developed rather than continuing to expand outward. “Metro Center is going to be a great example about reimagining and reinvesting in an area that's already developed so we're not continuing to grow outwards,” Will said. The city is currently developing zoning and design standards for the Metro Center plan area. A Planning and Zoning Commission work session is planned for Sept. 17, followed by commission review and a recommendation in fall 2026. Dublin City Council is expected to consider the proposed rezoning in winter 2026-27. Community input will continue throughout the process. For Berlin, the potential changes are about more than adding housing or office space. He said having everyday services closer to where people work could make the area more useful. “Having opportunities for different restaurants in the area, you know small stores that would help supplement what we do, it would be great, being able to go to a dry cleaner or even a dentist or something close by that's easy within that whole campus type environment,” Berlin said.