Commissioners Approve Deal To Raze Vets Memorial

Franklin County Commissioners today approved a deal to raze Veterans Memorial downtown, despite calls from local vets and the facility's board to renovate the structure. The deal with the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation requires the county to spend 3 million dollars to demolish the building by early 2015 and replace it with an amphitheater, memorial and veterans museum. Local billionaire Les Wexner is donating 25 million dollars to build the new structure. The corporation will lease the site and will operate a parking lot nearby, with the proceeds going toward operating costs at the new facility. That facility is part of a plan by the city and county to redevelop the Scioto Peninsula.