Entertainment venue, restaurant and bar, planned near the North Market

A New York-based company plans to open a multi-purpose bar, restaurant, events and entertainment center called The Kee in a building on the north end of downtown.

The company, called Center Square, leased the 33,000 square foot building at 225 Neilston St.

“We will be scheduling our own on-site events, like concerts and comedy shows,” Adam Nestler, co-founder of Center Square, said in a press release.

“We will organize fitness classes, art exhibitions and markets, such as farmers’ markets. We will rent space and offer an onsite dining option for private parties, weddings and corporate events. We will also offer a range of recreational activities such as duckpin bowling, giant Jenga, sports simulators, swimming pool, table tennis and more, as well as delicious food and drinks. ”

Nestler said Center Square chose the site because of its historic character and proximity to Short North and Arena District.

“We love the authentic and artistic vibe of the neighborhood and are excited about all the development to come,” said Nestler, who said he hopes to open The Kee in July.

Center Square leases the building to Hackman Capital Partners, a Los Angeles-based company with offices in Columbus, where the Hackman family is from.

In addition to large industrial buildings around Greater Columbus, Hackman owns 11 office buildings and six parking lots in the downtown warehouse district along Neilston, East 5th, and East Naghten streets. Hackman presented plans for the building’s renovation – prepared by the Columbus Archall Architects firm – to the Downtown Commission in August.

“We are delighted to welcome The Kee to the Columbus warehouse district,” Philip Hackman, of the company’s Columbus office, said in the press release.

“The innovative concept speaks to our vision of the neighborhood as a vital urban hub attracting creative businesses of all kinds. The Kee is sure to create a buzz and draw people from across town for the all-in-one experience it will offer.

The space was recently leased by the Vital Statistics Office of the Ohio Department of Health.

Clayton Davis, managing director of JLL, who handled the lease with partner Alex Ashworth, said the lease is an important step in revitalizing the area.

“There’s nothing like The Kee in the Columbus area, and we’re excited to help bring this modern community space to the Warehouse District,” said Davis. “We also look forward to the further development of this historic district. With the increase in the number of retail businesses, we see this new space playing an important role in the growth of the region.

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@JimWeiker