In June of 2009, the Duke-Hemisphere Redevelopment team explored the massive 1.5 million square foot Delphi Automotive plant near Columbus, Ohio. 

Despite its former glory as a hub for thousands of workers and families, the plant faced bankruptcy due to the decline in the American automotive industry. The site, which had been on the market for years, presented both environmental and development challenges. It boasted a storied history of heavy manufacturing, including automotive component production, stamping, welding, and more. Railroad tracks bisected the property, and remnant of coal piles dotted the landscape. Asbestos-filled buildings added to the complexity of redeveloping this brownfield site.  

In November 2009, Ohio voters granted licenses to construct casinos in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Toledo. Despite previous failed attempts, the need for job creation and tax revenue swayed voters in favor of casino gaming. Penn National Gaming secured licenses for casinos in Columbus and Toledo. While Toledo’s casino was planned for a remediated brownfield site, the Columbus site faced controversy due to its original location near downtown. After discussions with community stakeholders, Penn evaluated alternative locations and settled on the 121-acre former Delphi facility. The deal involved intense negotiations, substantial due diligence, and the understanding that this brownfield site offered a unique opportunity for redevelopment. The team engaged with Ohio’s Voluntary Action Program and received technical assistance from both Ohio EPA and U.S. EPA to address regulatory issues related to redevelopment.

Due to this collaborative approach, both demolition and site remediation necessary to construct the casino were completed a mere 10 months after closing and 8 months ahead of schedule. This process included asbestos abatement in and complete demolition of nearly 1.5 million square feet of heavy manufacturing buildings, the remediation of soils and the characterization of groundwater issues in accordance with the Ohio Voluntary Action Program’s requirements. Nearly 1.5 million square feet of building pads have been recycled and were used as a part of the new casino development. Penn’s project team targeted LEED Silver certification and the development will consist of a multi-phased, 300,000 square foot casino. Subsequent phases of this development are planned to include a significant convention/hotel facility. Ultimately, the project anticipates a total investment of $400 Million and will create 5,000 new jobs at the facility, spurring substantial new development in the surrounding area.  The redevelopment team’s creativity in redeveloping this brownfield has been highlighted in a case study published in 2014 by Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

Scope of Work:

• Phase I and Phase II ESA
• Risk Assessment
• Remediation Planning
• Agency Interaction
• Remediation Oversight
• Demolition Oversight
• Preliminary Engineering
• Ohio VAP No Further Action Letter Preparation
• Government & Community Relations
• Funding Assistance