The Linworth Center, a familiar shopping destination at 2145-2185 West Dublin Granville Road, is set for a complete transformation after receiving unanimous approval from the Worthington Architectural Review Board on December 11, 2025.
Fire Sparks Opportunity for Full Renovation
The renovation comes after a fire earlier this year damaged the eastern portion of the building. Rather than simply repairing the damage, the property owner and architect Wellogy Architecture saw an opportunity to give the entire 1957-era center a fresh, unified appearance.
"What they'd like to do now is not only replace the roof on that portion and rehab it, but also put a new facade on the whole center," explained Planning Coordinator Lynda Bitar during the staff presentation.
The center was originally built in 1957 and has been modified over the decades, with gable roofs added in the 1980s and an additional gable in the early 2000s. The fire damage prompted a more comprehensive approach to updating the property.
What Neighbors Can Expect
The approved renovation plans include:
New Unified Look: The center will feature darker brick on three gabled portions of the building with aluminum board and batten siding between sections. The siding is designed to have a wood-like appearance with wider battens.
Improved Roofline: The eastern gable, previously lower than the west end, will be raised to match the height and pitch of the western gable, creating better symmetry across the building.
Better Equipment Screening: Rooftop mechanical equipment, which previously required individual screening structures, will now be hidden behind a parapet—a cleaner solution that improves the building's appearance.
Modern Storefronts: Dark bronze storefronts with standing seam metal awnings (12 inches between seams) will replace the existing facades. The east end will have transom windows above the storefronts, while the west end will have panels designed to create similar proportions.
Consistent Signage: A new sign criteria system will allow future tenants to install signs without returning to the board for approval. Signs will use a consistent white color scheme in illuminated boxes with downward-facing lights.
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Quick Approval Reflects Thorough Preparation
The application sailed through with minimal discussion, reflecting the collaborative approach between the design team and city staff. Board member David Foust said he was "comfortable" with the proposal, noting "I think it's appropriate to what the building has been and hopefully will be when it's back together."
Frank White of Wellogy Architecture praised the city staff for their collaboration: "Working with Lee and his staff has been really very easy to work with. We got in early, got their opinions, we worked with them."
Chair Mikel Coulter, who recused himself due to a professional relationship with the architect, echoed this sentiment when he returned to the dais: "I think if you do your homework early, you get through pretty easy."
What's Next
With ARB approval secured, construction can proceed on both the fire-damaged repairs and the comprehensive facade renovation. The timeline for completion was not specified during the meeting.
The Linworth Center houses multiple retail tenants and sits along the busy Dublin-Granville Road corridor near the intersection with Linworth Road. The renovation represents a significant investment in this established commercial property and should provide an updated, cohesive appearance for the neighborhood.
The Architectural Review Board voted 5-0 to approve the application, with Chair Mikel Coulter recused due to a professional relationship with the project architect.