When Road Opens, Powell Ready with New Stores

Haven't been to downtown Powell lately?

Don't worry - neither has anyone else, thanks to a road-widening project at Rts. 315 and 750 that has spanned the better part of six months.

During that time, though, the charming downtown has undergone a face-lift.

With the intersection set to reopen by the weekend, a party is planned.

On Saturday, downtown businesses will play off "315" with most shops planning to stay open three hours later and offering a 15 percent discount on items.

A highlight will be the grand opening of the second location of Elm & Iron, an industrial chic decor shop whose flagship store in the Clintonville neighborhood has been a popular destination.

The Powell store, at 23 W. Olentangy St., will peddle mostly home accessories and small furnishings. The opening party will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday and will include wine from Powell Village Winery and cookies from Sweet Tooth Cottage.

Owner Daniel McClurg said he is excited to bring his second store to the city where he lives.

"I feel like Powell's getting ready to turn the corner," he said. "There are a lot of exciting things happening here. We have new restaurants opening, new stores openings. I think a lot of good things are happening."

The women's clothing boutique Fringe recently opened at 94 W. Olentangy St. New restaurant Kraft House No. 5, at 5 S. Liberty St., opened earlier this month to impressive reviews. And next door, Prohibition Gastro Lounge is scheduled to open later in the summer.

"The new additions only add to the diversity and the eclecticism that we have," said Jaymie Kottenstette, executive director of Historic Downtown Powell Inc. Saturday's event is a wonderful way to reintroduce the ever-growing area to guests, she said, and to kick-start the summer.

-Kristy Eckert, @kristyeckert