Kroger Bakery Mixed-Use Development Officially Breaks Ground

Columbus, OH – July 1, 2026 – CASTO has officially broken ground on Assembly, a dynamic mixed-use redevelopment project located at 457 Cleveland Avenue on the site of the former Kroger bakery. The project marks a major milestone following the property’s purchase of the buildings in 2020 by CASTO in partnership with Kelley Cos. and The Robert Weiler Co., culminating six years of planning and design.

Spanning approximately 11 acres, Assembly will thoughtfully blend historic preservation with modern development. Plans include the restoration of the iconic Kroger bakery building and the former FordMotor Co. factory, alongside the construction of three new buildings. The development is designed to create a vibrant community that honors the site’s industrial heritage while introducing contemporary living and retail experiences.

“The groundbreaking of Assembly marks an exciting milestone for both our team and the city of Columbus,” said Brent Sobczak, President of CASTO Communities. “After years of thoughtful planning, we’re proud to begin bringing this vision to life and to create a destination that will serve residents, businesses, and the broader community for years to come.”

Upon completion, Assembly will feature approximately 350 residential units offering a variety of floorplans and modern finishes tailored to diverse downtown lifestyle. This property also includes 590total parking spaces and 3 acres of programmed open space. In addition, the project has secured a commercial lease with a hospitality tenant set to occupy approximately 70,000 square feet within one of the two historic warehouse buildings, further activating the site.

Residents will have access to a range of thoughtfully designed amenities, including a resort-style pool and pool deck, a 24-hour state of the art fitness center, as well as landscaped green spaces intended to foster community and relaxation.

As CASTO marks its 100th anniversary, Assembly stands as a testament to the company’s enduring commitment to thoughtful development and community-focused investment. The project will play a central role in revitalizing the Cleveland Avenue corridor, introducing new housing, retail, and economic energy to the area. Construction is currently underway, with the first residential units expected to be delivered by the end of 2027.

About CASTO
CASTO, a fully integrated real estate organization since 1926, is a recognized leader in the ownership, management, acquisition and development of multifamily residences, commercial shopping centers and office buildings. CASTO’s growing portfolio currently includes over 6,200 multifamily units and over 26 million square feet of commercial property located throughout the midwestern and southeastern United States. CASTO is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio and serves a variety of clients from five offices in Ohio, Florida and North Carolina. To learn more about CASTO, visit castoinfo.com.