The Pizzuti Companies and Haslam Sports Group today released new details regarding the mixed-use neighborhood adjacent to New Crew Stadium in downtown Columbus.
Anchored by Columbus Crew SC’s new world-class, modern stadium, the cohesive neighborhood features internationally inspired Class-A offices with ground-floor retail, sophisticated multi-family living, easy access to serene natural resources, and a globally recognized and carefully curated art program which will be displayed throughout the neighborhood. The master plan ultimately focuses on creating an active, pedestrian friendly neighborhood within a park-like, riverfront setting.
“We are committed to designing and programming a walkable neighborhood that not only adds to the vibrancy of the community, but provides opportunities for people to gather, live with art, enjoy outdoor activities, and experience one of the nation’s most dynamic, world-class soccer stadiums,” said Joel S. Pizzuti, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Pizzuti Companies.
Astor Park sets a new standard for work, life, and leisure, and is conveniently positioned within a 10-minute drive of many of Columbus’ great neighborhoods, including Grandview, Franklinton, the Arena District, the core of downtown, the Short North, Upper Arlington, and The Ohio State University.
“We love how Astor Park is evolving and are excited for the Columbus community to experience the neighborhood in so many unique and exciting ways,” said Dee Haslam, Chief Executive Officer of Haslam Sports Group. “We’re certainly thrilled that New Crew Stadium within Astor Park points to the exciting future of Crew SC, Major League Soccer and the world-class city of Columbus. While the name Astor Park was derived from its historic soccer roots, we know the neighborhood itself will be vibrant and dynamic with great energy year-round from people working, living, and enjoying the beautiful green space.”
Nestled in a previously untapped nook of downtown, Astor Park provides even further connectivity to surrounding communities via its two-acre public park and a new pedestrian bridge, currently under construction by the City of Columbus. Situated on the east bank of the Olentangy River, the park will connect Astor Park to the west side of the Olentangy River where visitors and locals will have direct access to the Olentangy Trail and the Central Ohio Greenway (COG) network. Due to its accessibility, this access point is positioned to be one of the region’s most utilized access points in the COG network.
With a name derived from the birthplace of American soccer, Astor Park pays homage to the location where the game was officially made a national sport. Founded in New York City in what was the time’s most noteworthy hotel – Astor House – where, in April 1913, Thomas Cahill founded the United States Football Association, which later became the United States Soccer Federation.
Pizzuti, Haslam Sports Group, and their development team have released new contextual renderings of the neighborhood, which highlights the stadium; office and residential components; a public parking garage; and the riverfront park. Scheduled to open in July 2021, the stadium is slated to host soccer, entertainment, and corporate events year-round. The second phase of construction within the neighborhood will focus on the residential component and is expected to break ground in Q4 2021 with an estimate completion date of Q2 2023.