The gas former Shell gas station on the corner of Lane Avenue and North High Street sits empty. Credit: Patrick Wiley | Lantern Reporter
After more than a year of vacancy, the southeast corner of East Lane Avenue and North High Street is finally seeing development. Come late 2017, the former Shell gas station will be transformed into another High Street apartment complex: The Wilson.
Schiff Properties, which has owned the parcel of land since late 2015, received zoning approval for the building in June. The firm plans to begin construction later this year, and plans to open the building in the spring of 2018.
“It’s going to be beautiful building,” said Jared Schiff, vice president of Schiff Properties.
The five-story building will feature 69 apartment units, said Karrick Sherrill, an architect of Shremshock Architects –– the firm responsible for The Wilson’s design. In addition, Schiff said each apartment unit will have a washer and dryer, dish washer and closet space.
The 130,000-square-foot building will also include a workout facility, study lounge and commercial space on the first floor.
Schiff also brought to attention four “wow factors,” which he hopes will attract incoming students.
“The four things we focused on specifically were location, security, parking and private bathrooms,” Schiff said.
The Wilson will also have a parking garage and a full-time security team.
“Security is something we’re big on,” he said. “We want to make students feel secure in this building.”
The greatest “wow factor,” however, comes in the form of private bathrooms, said Schiff, who lived off campus before he graduated from Ohio State three years ago.
“I would’ve loved to have my own bathroom right in my own bedroom,” Schiff said. “That’s amazing.”
Logan Davis, a fourth-year in marketing, has lived off-campus for the last three years. Davis was especially interested in The Wilson’s location.
“Living where I am now, walking to class is not always fun — especially in the winter,” Davis said. “I think the location alone is enough to sell prospective students on The Wilson.”
Schiff said he was looking forward to the building’s opening.
“We’re excited to offer the students The Wilson,” he said. “This project will be a beautiful addition to the campus area and we’re proud to say The Wilson will serve as the northern gateway to the University area.”
