Explanation
BACKGROUND: The need exists to enter into an Enterprise Zone Agreement with Middle West Spirits, LLC. The Ohio Enterprise Zone law O.R.C. Section 5709.62(C) requires the City to enter into a Council-approved agreement between the City and participating companies.
Middle West Spirits, LLC (“MWS”) is Ohio’s award-winning craft distillery founded in 2008 by Brady Konya and Ryan Lang. The company has three operating locations in the Columbus area and produces small batch craft spirits including its flagship brand OYO product lines (pronounced “O-Why-O”) and Vim & Petal Dry Gin. MWS opened its distillery for commercial production and selling in June 2010. Recently, to help serve the community and combat the spread of COVID-19, in March 2020 MWS created a recipe and sought necessary approvals to produce hand sanitizer that has been distributed throughout the community.
MWS is proposing to invest a total project cost of approximately $6,205,000, which includes approximately $3,920,000 in acquisition cost, $2,000,000 in real property improvements, and $285,000 in machinery and equipment to redevelop a vacant industrial warehouse site for the purposes of relocating and expanding its office and warehouse operation. The proposed industrial site includes (parcel numbers 010-113456 and 010-112129, 1165 Alum Creek Dr. consisting of approximately 35,189 sq. ft.), a vacant lot parcel (parcel number 010-009409, 1185 Alum Creek Dr. consisting of .890 acre and two vacant warehouses (parcel number 010-114985, 1195 Alum Creek Dr. consisting of approximately 17,044 sq. ft. and parcel number 010-099174, 1221 Alum Creek Dr. consisting of approximately 47,139 sq. ft.), Columbus, Ohio 43209, (collectively, and hereinafter referred to as the “Project Site”). MWS received notice from its current landowner stating their current lease on Starr Avenue will be terminating early, and the building is scheduled for demolition in March 2021 and they must vacate the premises. Wi...
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