Worthington City Council approves plans for LCNB National Bank branch relocation to former Anthem property
LCNB National Bank’s planned branch relocation from 6877 N. High St. to a 1.3-acre parcel of the former Anthem property at 6700 N. High St. in Worthington is making progress.
Worthington City Council on Nov. 15 approved the parcel’s subdivision for the new branch, clearing the way for the bank to begin formulating its development plans. The location currently is a parking lot adjacent to the former Anthem building.
City planning and building director Lee Brown said the next step in the process is for the bank to communicate with the city its building plans and begin the approval process with the Worthington Architectural Review Board and Municipal Planning Commission.
“The thing they need to do next is get their building plans together and file for approval,” Brown said.
Brown said the bank could begin this process in January, though no timetable is set for development or construction.
LCNB president and CEO Eric Meilstrup previously told ThisWeek that the bank is intending to relocate the 6877 N. High St. branch to expand the branch’s retail presence.
He also previously said the new branch would have a drive-thru, which the current location lacks, and would allow for additional jobs.
Meilstrup could not be reached for further comment before publication of this story.
The former Anthem property was purchased in 2017 by Lawyers Development Corp., with plans to renovate the building from B- or C-class to A-class office space and attract new tenants.
City economic-development director David McCorkle said he wasn't certain of the status of LCNB’s purchase agreement with Lawyers Development Corp. for the parcel.
As of Nov. 23, the property owner still was listed on the Franklin County Auditor's Office website as Worthington 17 LLC, an affiliate of Lawyers Development Corp.
McCorkle, who said he has sent LCNB a note congratulating them on their “continued investment in the city,” previously told ThisWeek he would have preferred to see a different business develop that parcel.
“LCNB has been a great corporate partner and the City appreciates their desire to invest in finding a long-term home here in Worthington,” McCorkle previously said in a statement. “However, for this particular location we would prefer to see a more significant building constructed with a mix of uses that activate this stretch of High Street and support the office users in the corridor."
Council President Bonnie Michael said regardless of council members' positions on LCNB’s relocation to that site, they have an obligation to assist the bank in its development of that location. The Nov. 15 vote on the subdivision was unanimous.
“Realistically, if someone owns property we have no control over who buys it,” Michael said. “The reality is, if somebody purchases something for a business, and they want to do something with it, it’s our responsibility to work with them.
“If somebody purchases property, and they want to develop it, it’s our responsibility to do the best job we can to make sure it’s developed in the best way we feel is best for the community.”
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This article originally appeared on ThisWeek: Worthington City Council approves plans for LCNB National Bank branch relocation to former Anthem property
