Dirty Frank’s, 16-Bit and more could be torn down to make way for new development

Downtown Columbus might soon get a dramatic facelift, but at what cost? Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace, 16-Bit Bar+Arcade, and a few other beloved local establishments on S. Fourth Street could be making way for a shiny new 23-story skyscraper, according to plans submitted to the Columbus Downtown Commission. Enter The Estrella, a bold new development from Bluestone Brothers Capital that promises to add some serious skyline sizzle.

The Estrella, a mixed-use development would take up much of the block surrounded by East Rich, South 4th, East Cherry, and East Young streets. The Downtown Commission will hear the proposal at its next meeting on Tuesday. If approved, the project would see the demolition of Downtown stalwarts Dirty Frank’s Hot Dog Palace and 16 Bit Arcade + Bar.

Dirty Frank’s owner Miriam Ailabouni shared her thoughts on the potential changes: “We are always excited by the continued growth in Downtown Columbus and are confident Bluestone Brothers will properly engage with us regarding our hopes to remain part of this community’s fabric and future. For now, we plan to remain at 248 S. 4th St. for the remainder of our lease, which ends in 2027. Downtown Columbus is where we started, where we belong, and we hope to stick around for a long time. Thank you to all who’ve sent us kind words of support.”

A representative from Rise Brands, the company behind 16-Bit Bar+Arcade, echoed this sentiment: “As for 16-Bit, we’re aware of the tower proposal and we’re working with our partners to determine the best path forward for the downtown 16-Bit Bar+Arcade. We’re committed to continuing to offer the 16-Bit experience to our Columbus fan base.”

Plans submitted to the Downtown Commission call for nine structures on the block, including Dirty Frank’s, 16-Bit, Psychic Gallery, and the former Red Velvet Cafe, to be torn down. The proposed 23-story, 467,000-square-foot building will feature 290 residential units and a 347-space parking garage, accompanied by a five-story commercial building.

Initially proposed as a 19-story building with 180 units, The Estrella has seen substantial updates since its last presentation to the commission in April 2023. The new proposal includes an additional four stories, 110 more units, and exciting modern amenities like an “urban market retail concept,” an amenity deck with a pool, and a rooftop restaurant with Columbus’s first 360-degree patio sky deck.

Despite these updates, the Downtown Commission’s staff report indicates that while the proposal generally meets the recommendations of Downtown guidelines, the commission will need to assess if the development aligns with the community’s vision and allows for meaningful growth.

As the community awaits the Downtown Commission’s decision, the fate of hangouts like Dirty Frank’s and 16-Bit hangs in the balance.

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