POWELL — Have you wondered what’s being built next to the Columbus Running Company in downtown Powell?
The under-construction, two-story building at 147 W. Olentangy St. will be a restaurant and event space, according to Powell Development Corporation Director Sean Hughes.
Hughes said Transform Construction is building with that use in mind. Meanwhile, Hughes is marketing the 4,500 square-foot space to prospective tenants.
He compared his vision for the space to Local Roots; the downtown restaurant has its main dining area and a separate banquet hall.
The building should be finished with construction and have an occupant by this coming March or April, Hughes said.
After that, the tenant will complete the interior build out and hopefully open to the public sometime in summer 2027, he said.
Ideally, Hughes hopes to see a higher-end restaurant, such as a steakhouse, occupy the space — something he said downtown Powell currently lacks.
“We’re missing that genre of restaurant right now,” he said.
Hughes said both he and the building’s owner want to see a restaurant occupy the space, reflecting what they’ve heard from residents.
He pointed to the 2025 Community Attitudinal Survey, where 58% of respondents said it was a high priority for them to have “a broader assortment of restaurants, including specialty food shops,” according to the survey.
And 36%, the highest share for this question, said having a broader assortment of restaurants was their highest priority, with more pedestrian-friendly features and more parking following at second and third.
So far this year, several new restaurants have opened in Powell, including:
- Lani Rooftop Lounge, which offers higher-end sampling menu and specialty cocktails.
- CoccoKay Bites, which offers Indian specialities and baked goods.
- The Grateful Griddle, which serves American food in a brick-and-mortar location, compared to the previous food truck establishment.
- Hoseki Sushi and Grill, serving sushi, ramen and other Japanese cuisine.
- Glazed Over Donuts, serving donuts and other bakery treats.
Hughes said beyond this property, he will soon advertise a space in the proposed new arcade building downtown. The space has room upstairs for another tenant that will complement the activity space.
