Bier Stube, a longtime bar near The Ohio State University campus, is facing possible demolition.
A proposal to replace the bar with housing goes before the University Area Commission next week.
Buckeye Real Estate wants to replace the bar with a six-story apartment building. The development would also mean the closure of several businesses including 14-0 Express, Portofino's Pizza and Yau's Chinese Bistro.
Brian Williams serves on the commission's zoning committee. He's optimistic the bar's character can be preserved while accommodating the growing need for housing. "Because there's a need for housing, there's a need to preserve character. How do we find balance? Very often people on both sides of the arguments see it as black and white and it never really is," Williams said.
Some students have also said the new apartments' prices will be out of reach for many.
The commission will take up the plan on March 15. If passed, the fate of Bier Stube will be up to Columbus City Council.
The bar's owner did not respond to requests for comment.
A compromise has not yet been ruled out.
"There is some interest on the part of the developers, the property owners, and the operator of the Bier Stube to look into putting the Bier Stube into the new building," Williams said.
If passed, Williams said he cannot confirm the construction timeline as that will be up to the developer.