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Bengel Named General Manager of Two Arena District Hotel Properties

ahellebuyck — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 15:15:41 +0000

COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 16, 2012 — The Crowne Plaza Hotel^® Columbus – Downtown and The Lofts, located in the famed Arena District, have named Dirk J. Bengel as their new general manager. Both properties are owned by Nationwide Realty Investors (NRI) and operated by Columbus Hospitality Management.

In his new role, Bengel is responsible for the day-to-day operations at both hotels and a team of more than 200 associates.

Bengel has spent more than 25 years in the hospitality industry and has significant leadership experience with 13 hotels and resorts located in nine different states. Most recently, he was general manager at Embassy Suites Columbus Airport location where he was responsible for the successful opening of the new prototype hotel, which later achieved AAA Four Diamond Award status under his leadership.

He started his career with Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, where he spent 23 years in a variety of roles of increasing responsibility. During this time, he played an active role in all areas of hotel operations including managing renovations, increasing revenue, implementing programs to improve the customer experience and maintaining brand standards, among many others.

Bengel is active in the Columbus community and serves as a board member for Experience Columbus and for the Benefit Concert for Nationwide Children’s Hospital. He is also a guest lecturer at the Ohio State University School of Hospitality. Bengel earned his Bachelor of Science degree in restaurant, hotel and institution management from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind.

About The Lofts
The Lofts is a hotel like no other in the world. Located in the Arena District, each of its 44 rooms is distinctive, offering special features that truly set it apart. Its designer interior offers clean, contemporary lines, dramatically juxtaposed against the strength of a proud historic building. But beyond its rich history and great beauty, The Lofts offers guests a host of features and personal amenities to make it your home away from home. Learn more at www.55lofts.com/.

About Crowne Plaza^® Hotel Columbus – Downtown
Bustling Columbus is the place to be for a day of meetings and a night of fun. Our Arena District hotel is near event venues, restaurants, The Ohio State University and Greater Columbus Convention Center. It is ideally located adjacent to Nationwide Insurance World Headquarters and the convention center, which can be accessed with indoor, covered walkways. The hotel’s location is perfect for exploring downtown or attending concerts and sporting events. Whether you’re here on vacation, to attend a convention or to cheer on the Buckeyes or Blue Jackets, you’ll enjoy your stay at the Crowne Plaze Hotel Columbus – Downtown. Learn more at www.ichotelsgroup.com.

To view and download a photo, click here.

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Three-Legged Mare to Bring Irish Charm to Arena District

ahellebuyck — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 15:57:58 +0000

COLUMBUS, Ohio, November 8, 2011 – The Three-Legged Mare will be the latest addition to the Arena District when it opens this winter, bringing a distinctive Irish-themed menu and a proven formula for success.

Nationwide Realty Investors President and COO Brian J. Ellis shared that Three-Legged Mare owners—Natalie Darr, Michael Darr and Danny Cappocia—who own and manage the Arena District’s R Bar, are already hard at work on the new space.

The 5,300 square foot renovated space, formerly occupied by O’Shaughnessy’s Public House, will feature more than 40 draft beers, a second bar upstairs which will accommodate private parties and a stage for live music.

““We will have great food. I mean great food,” says Darr. “Everything will be fresh, never frozen. If you’ve been to the R Bar, you know that our ownership team focuses on creating great experiences. You will see the same hands-on approach and attention to detail at the Three-Legged Mare.”

Open for lunch and dinner daily, the pub will also cater to international sports fans, kicking off business as early as 7 a.m. on certain days of the week for European soccer and rugby matches. Entrees will be priced between $8-12 and signature items will include a Guinness barbeque sauce, shepherd’s pie and fresh seafood.

“If you are a hockey fan, you know the R Bar,” said Ellis. “We know that this ownership team is committed to making the Three-Legged Mare another long-term success. They understand this market and its opportunities.”

For more information about the Arena District visit www.arenadistrict.com.

NRI is the real estate development affiliate of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and the developer of the $750 million, mixed-use Arena District and Grandview Yard in Columbus, Ohio. Directly and through joint ventures, NRI owns more than $1 billion in real estate investments. For more information on the NRI, visit www.nationwiderealtyinvestors.com.

NRI Announces Grand Openings of Massage Envy and Schindler Dentistry at Grandview Yard

kschnell — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:10:40 +0000

COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 17, 2011 — Columbus, Ohio-based Nationwide Realty Investors (NRI) announced today the grand openings of Massage Envy and Schindler Dentistry at Grandview Yard. NRI President Brian J. Ellis made the announcement.

Located in the new 92,000-square-foot office building at 775 Yard Street, the 3,700-square-foot massage center is owned by franchisees Jonathan and Denise Turner. “This is the perfect location for our spa,” says Jonathan Turner. “Not only are we experiencing the great energy and momentum of this exciting project, we have outstanding visibility from both within the project and outward to the community.”

Schindler Dentistry’s 2,080-square-foot space is also located on the first floor of 775 Yard Street. Dr. Schindler has devoted more than 20 years developing a practice combining art, science and technology with personalized care. She has specially designed artistic dental studios to promote relaxation and comfort.

“We’ve elevated the dental visit to a whole new level with a warm, welcoming and thoughtful experience,” said Dr. Schindler. “Grandview Yard is a natural fit for us. The new space allows us to practice our unique approach to dentistry and add another element to this dynamic project.”

Massage Envy and Schindler Dentistry join the diverse list of Grandview Yard tenants, including Hyatt Place hotel, Urban Active Fitness, Jason’s Deli, M+A Architects and the Buckeye Hall of Fame Grill. Grandview Yard is a joint venture owned and developed by NRI and Capital Square, Ltd.

For more information on Massage Envy, call 614.484.6860 or visit www.massageenvy.com. For more information on Schindler Dentistry, call 614.467.4657 or visit www.schindlerdentistry.com.

About Grandview Yard

Located on the former Big Bear warehouse site and encompassing more than 80 acres, NRI’s Grandview Yard will include 1.5 – 2 million square feet of commercial space, including a significant specialty and anchor retail component, restaurants, office, and more than 600 residential (condo and apartment) units. Three new community parks and significant infrastructure improvements are also included in the master plan. When completed, Grandview Yard will bring 5,000 additional jobs to the City of Grandview Heights and will more than double the City’s income tax base by adding an additional $5 million annually.

NRI is the real estate development affiliate of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and the developer of the $750 million, mixed-use Arena District in Columbus, Ohio. Directly and through joint ventures, NRI owns more than $1 billion in real estate investments. For more information on NRI, visit www.nationwiderealtyinvestors.com.

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Dr. Sharon E. Schindler

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Schottenstein Homes Announced as First Builder at NRI’s Jerome Village

kschnell — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 16:04:13 +0000

DUBLIN, Ohio, August 12, 2010 — Nationwide Realty Investors (NRI) announced today that Columbus-based Schottenstein Homes will be among the first residential builders at its Jerome Village project in Dublin. NRI President Brian J. Ellis made the announcement.

“We are very happy to be making this announcement today,” said Ellis. “Schottenstein Homes is a recognized leader in quality and service in Central Ohio. We are going to do great things together in this project.”

Schottenstein, which purchased an initial 93 lots will offer 11 models with floor plans ranging from 1,539 to 2,900 square feet. These models will include ranch and multi-level layouts and feature poured concrete basements, designer garage doors and nine-foot first floor ceilings. Initial pricing will be between $249,900 and $325,000. Schottenstein plans to have at least one model open by spring and will begin delivering homes by late spring 2011.

The 1,435-acre master-planned Jerome Village will include the perfect blend of residential, commercial, retail and recreational spaces, all anchored by a vibrant town center. This will be a traditional and inclusive community, with distinctive and diverse housing, schools, a community center, a collection of local shops, amphitheatre, swimming pool, and a retirement village —all within walking distance of each other.

NRI plans to announce additional builders and other significant project updates in the weeks and months ahead. For more information on Jerome Village, visit www.jeromevillage.com.

About Schottenstein Homes
Founded in 2007 by Steve Schottenstein and Paul Coppel, Schottenstein Homes is the newest homebuilder in Central Ohio. With more than 40 years of combined experience in the homebuilding industry, this team has constructed more than 70,000 homes in hundreds of communities across the country. For more information on Schottenstein Homes, visit www.schottensteinhomes.com.

About NRI
NRI is the real estate development affiliate of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and the developer of the $750 million, mixed-use Arena District in Columbus, Ohio. Directly and through joint ventures, NRI owns more than $1 billion in real estate investments. For more information on NRI, visit www.nationwiderealtyinvestors.com.

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Arena Grand Movie Theatre to Host Premieres, Filmmakers

kschnell — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:52:15 +0000

COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 22, 2010 — Hollywood comes to Columbus as the Arena Grand Movie Theatre features a special screening of “The Dead Matter” on Friday, July 23, and the premiere of the film “Chosin” on Saturday, July 24 in the Arena District.

Producers Robert Kurtzman (“From Dusk Till Dawn,” Hollywood FX Legend) and Gary Jones (“Xena,” “Hercules,” “Boogeyman 3”) will be joining Director/Composer Edward Douglas for a question and answer session following the 7:30 p.m. showing. Additional showings will take place at 2 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Admission is $9 for adults, $7 for students and seniors.

According to the film’s website, www.thedeadmatter.com, the story takes place when a “guilt ridden young woman desperate to contact her deceased brother discovers a powerful ancient relic that can control the dead. Her dark obsession drags her into the tangled world of two warring vampire lords, each with his own sinister plans for the artifact and a hunter who will stop at nothing to destroy it.”

In recognition of the sixtieth anniversary of the Korean War, filmmakers Brian Iglesias and Anton Sattler will attend the Ohio premiere of “Chosin” at Arena Grand. The Best Documentary Feature winner from the 2010 GI Film Festival recounts the story of 15,000 US soldiers and Marines who found themselves surrounded by an overwhelming force of Chinese soldiers in the frozen mountains of North Korea. The men who survived finally tell their story. Admission for the 6 p.m. premiere is free. To reserve your seat, visit http://conta.cc/dAR1dq.

For more information, call (614) 469-5000 or go to http://www.arenagrand.com. The Arena Grand Movie Theatre is located at 175 W. Nationwide Blvd. in the Arena District.

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Arena District Athletic Club to Host Inaugural Rock and Ride Spinathon May 8th

bziomek — Mon, 03 May 2010 17:54:41 +0000

COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 3, 2010 – Columbus Fitclique and the Arena District Athletic Club will host the inaugural Rock and Ride Spinathon, benefiting Nationwide Children’s Hospital Center for Healthy Weight and Nutrition pediatric obesity prevention programs on Saturday May 8th. The 12-hour ride will kick off at 7am with the help of Monica Day from NBC 4 news, and each hour will be lead by one of the Arena District Athletic Club’s instructors.

This fun-filled family day will include events for the entire family, including boot camps, bike safety, equipment checks and stationary bike races presented by Roll, a bracelet making and nutrition station hosted by Follow Me!, the Rejuvenation Station presented by Muscle Milk and a demonstration of the new Johnny G Krank Cycles by 123 Wellness and Matrix.

“When Columbus Fitclique approached the Arena District Athletic Club about hosting a spin event, we could not have been more excited,” said Ryan Haslett, Arena District Athletic Club Member Relations Manager. “We have such a passion for healthy living and are pleased to have the opportunity to share this through an exciting event for a great cause.”

Pediatric obesity is turning into a national epidemic. Over 80% of chronic illness such as Diabetes, Cancer, Sleep Apnea, Asthma, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure and Hypertension are all directly linked to obesity. In Columbus alone over 30% of third graders are overweight; this number goes up to over 50% in urban areas.

“Fitclique is the premier social fitness network for the central Ohio area. Through the use of discount cards, programs, and unique events Fitclique is able to integrate the goal of providing the opportunity for community fitness while bringing awareness to the cause of pediatric obesity,” said Todd Schulze, founder of Columbus Fitclique. “Our network is proud to be working alongside Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Arena District Athletic Club to bring this amazing event to life.”

To register for this event, visit www.arenathletic.com or search Arena District Athletic Club on Facebook.

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Arena Grand Movie Theatre to Host 1980s Double Feature Event

bziomek — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 18:26:23 +0000

COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 23, 2010 — The Arena Grand Movie Theatre, located in the Arena District, is hosting a special 1980s-themed double feature viewing of the original Back to the Future and newly released Hot Tub Time Machine this Friday, March 26 at 7 p.m. Seats are now available at www.arenagrand.com and 614.469.5000.

Tickets for this event are only $12 and include admission to both movies, as well as 80s inspired snacks and beverages between films. Single tickets for Back to the Future can be purchased for $3.50, but will not include snacks or the second movie.

In addition, the Arena Grand Movie Theatre will also feature a contest for best 80s Male, 80s Female and 80s Movie Character for a chance to win great prizes. Partners for this event include Pepsi, Sunny 95 and The DeLorean Club of Ohio, which will provide several cars for display for all moviegoers to enjoy.

For those individuals unable to attend Friday’s viewing, there will be single features of Back to the Future on Saturday, March 27 and Sunday, March 28 at 7 p.m. Both viewings are on sale for the 1985 ticket price of $3.50. For show times, tickets and additional information visit the Arena Grand’s website at www.arenagrand.com or call the box office at 614.469.5000.

The Arena District is a $750 million, 75-acre mixed-use development located in downtown Columbus. The Arena District includes more than 1.5 million square feet of office, restaurants, entertainment, and residential uses.

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Arena Grand Movie Theatre and Cotters Restaurant Partner to Host “A Night of Giving: Dinner & A Movie To Fight Hunger”

esabo — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:21:14 +0000

COLUMBUS, Ohio, December 2, 2009 — The Arena Grand Movie Theatre, located in the Arena District, has joined with Cotters Restaurant to host a special fundraising event entitled “A Night of Giving: Dinner & a Movie to Fight Hunger” on Friday, December 11, 2009. The event will benefit The Children’s Hunger Alliance.

Beginning at 5:00 p.m., the Arena Grand Movie Theatre will donate $1.00 of the proceeds from each regular admission movie ticket sold to The Children’s Hunger Alliance. Additionally, for each patron who presents a movie ticket stub or mentions attending a movie at the Arena Grand Movie Theatre, Cotters Restaurant will donate 10% of the total food bill to fight hunger.

From 6:00-8:00 that evening, Arena Grand Movie Theatre guests will receive a box of homemade buckeyes courtesy of Cotters Restaurant and can enter to win fantastic prizes from the Theatre and Cotters Restaurant.

For show times, tickets and additional information visit the Arena Grand’s website at www.arenagrand.com or call the box office at 614.469.5000. For menus, location and further information about Cotters Restaurant, visit www.cottersdining.com.

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Erin Sabo
248.258.2333
esabo@identitypr.com

NRI Announces Tenants for Grandview Yard

esabo — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:41:23 +0000

COLUMBUS, Ohio, September 16, 2009 — Columbus, Ohio-based Nationwide Realty Investors (NRI) has announced the first tenants for Phase I of its $500 million mixed-use Grandview Yard project in Grandview Heights (Columbus), Ohio. NRI President and COO Brian J. Ellis made the announcement.

“We are pleased to be moving to the next stage of this project and to announce M +A Architects, Urban Active, Hyatt Place and Jason’s Deli as our first tenants in Phase I,” said Ellis. NRI will also be constructing a 509-space parking garage.

M+A Architects, a full-service architectural firm, will design and occupy a portion of a new, three-story, 92,000 square-foot class-A office building. Based in Columbus, Ohio, M + A provides design and sustainable solution services for a wide range of project types including office, residential, retail, hospitality and mixed-use.

Jason’s Deli will open a 4,875 square-foot restaurant in the first floor of the office building. Jason’s has opened more than 200 stores in 26 states since 1976. Jason’s was recently named one of the healthiest restaurants in the nation by Health Magazine.

Urban Active will open in a two-story, 42,000 square-foot, state-of-the-industry facility. “This dynamic brand has quickly become the industry standard of excellence with its energy-filled environment, focus on the latest equipment and technology, and depth and breadth of classes and programs,” said Ellis. “Urban Active will serve as an outstanding amenity for our office and retail tenants as well as the local neighborhood.”

“Hyatt Place will be a great fit at Grandview Yard,” said Ellis. “With our close proximity to the nation’s largest science and technology lab (Battelle), The Ohio State University and its Medical Center, and dozens of other community and business ‘engines,’ this is the right location for this best-in-class product.” The Grandview Yard Hyatt Place will be six stories and include 126 rooms.

Grandview Yard is a joint venture owned and developed by NRI and Capital Square. NRI will begin construction on Phase I of Grandview Yard this Fall.

Click to view and download renderings of Grandview Yard

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Cotter’s Restaurant to Host Wine Dinner Featuring Spanish and South American Food and Wine Pairings

esabo — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:52:48 +0000

COLUMBUS, Ohio, September 10, 2009 — Cotter’s Restaurant, located in the Arena District, will host an exclusive wine dinner, showcasing cuisine and wine from Spain and South America, on Wednesday, September 16 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Please call 614.221.9060 to reserve seats today.

The event will feature a unique culinary tour of Spain and South America with five distinct courses, each with a regional wine accompaniment. From Ceviche and Paella to wines from Spain, Argentina, and Chile, the wine dinner will offer something for everyone. Additionally, Flamenco guitarists Jim and Sylvia Kalal will perform regional music during the event.

This will be Cotter’s Restaurant fourth wine dinner of the season. Having explored the wines of Ohio, Italy, Spain and South America, Cotter’s will travel to France and various regions of the U.S. in the near future.

The dinner is affordably priced at $39 per person, and reservations can be made by calling 614.221.9060.

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Erin Sabo
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esabo@identitypr.com

Arena Grand Movie Theatre to Host Special Julie & Julia Premiere Event Featuring Complimentary Professional Cooking Demonstration

esabo — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:52:37 +0000

COLUMBUS, Ohio, August 4, 2009 — The Arena Grand Movie Theatre, located in the Arena District, has joined with Cotters Restaurant to host a special event in honor of the premiere of Julie & Julia this Saturday, August 8. Seats are now available at www.arenagrand.com and 614.469.5000.

The event will begin with hors d’oeuvres at 7:00 p.m., followed by a cooking demonstration on how to prepare the featured dish, a Camembert Tart with Red Onion Marmalade. Reed Woogerd, manager of Cotters, will perform the demonstration, providing expert tips on gourmet cuisine. The screening of Julie & Julia will begin at 7:30 p.m. The pre-screening festivities are free-of-charge, and standard admission rates will apply.

Additionally, the Arena Grand Movie Theatre will also offer a special promotion for the release of G.I. Joe: Rise of the Cobra beginning this Friday. In honor of those who have served in U.S. Armed Forces, the theatre is offering a $2.00 discount to those with military identification through August 21.

For show times, tickets and additional information visit the Arena Grand’s website at www.arenagrand.com or call the box office at 614.469.5000.

Click to view and download a photo of Arena Grand Movie Theatre

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Erin Sabo
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esabo@identitypr.com

Arena Grand Movie Theatre to Host Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince™ Film Premiere Celebration

esabo — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 21:03:29 +0000

COLUMBUS, Ohio, July 8, 2009 — The Arena Grand Movie Theatre, located in the Arena District, is asking movie goers to summon their seat for spellbinding suspense as the much-anticipated premiere of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince™, opens at the Arena Grand for a special midnight showing on July 15. Seats are now available at www.arenagrand.com and 614.469.5000.

In addition, the Arena Grand will be hosting a prize drawing for a weekend trip to Chicago to see Harry Potter™: The Exhibition at The Museum of Science and Industry. Those who attend the film between July 15 and July 19 can register to win a two-night stay at the Crowne Plaza Chicago Metro Hotel and four tickets to the special exhibit.

As part of the festivities, kids, teens, families and Potter fanatics will also have the chance to dust off their wands and robes to GO GRAND for Harry Potter, at the Arena Grand’s Wizard Fest on Saturday, July 18 from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Activities include:

Hogwarts™ House Sorting—Venture under the Sorting Hat to discover if you belong in Gryffindor™, Hufflepuff™, Ravenclaw™ or Slytherin™.
Craft an edible wand.
Have your fortune read.
And much more!

For showtime, ticket and additional information visit the Arena Grand’s website at www.arenagrand.com or call the box office at 614.469.5000.

Click to view and download photos of the Arena Grand Movie Theatre

Click to view and download a Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince movie poster