COhatch, a Columbus, OH, membership-based co-working office concept, is one step closer to making Broad Ripple its 10th location and the flagship of its Indiana operations. A petition for variance of use received approval at the April 7, 2020, meeting of the Metropolitan Board of Zoning Appeals Division One. Part of COhatch’s business model involves adapting historic structures for office use. The American Gothic structure at 6151 N. Central Ave. was built in the 1940s and, until recently, was owned by Trinity Church, which will continue to hold its Sunday worship services on the site. According to DMD staff, the existing special use zoning permits office uses as an ancillary use of the property. The petitioner stated that no major changes to the exterior of the building are planned, though the interior will be updated with amenities including conference rooms, bathrooms, and break rooms. Members will have 24/7 access through a secure electronic access system. A COhatch team member will be on premises weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In its support for the request, DMD staff noted that the site has excellent transit connectivity. “The site has existing sidewalks, fronts on secondary arterial streets, and is near a bus stop at the intersection of Central Avenue and Westfield Boulevard for IndyGo Bus Route 18. This site is two blocks from College Avenue and the Red Line Broad Ripple Station. Staff is not opposed to additional low-intensity uses that comply with recommended uses for TOD development areas.”
