Downtown Hilliard's Old Chase Bank Set for Restaurant and Apartments

A closed bank in downtown Hilliard could get a second life. The plan turns the former Chase branch at 4056 East Main Street into a sit-down Italian restaurant with apartments nearby. The developer is a local firm called The Westwood Collective. The city announced the plan in June 2026, as first reported by the City of Hilliard.

Here is the plan. The old bank building would be preserved and become an Italian restaurant. The bank vault would be turned into a wine display, and the restaurant is being called La Volta, which means vault in Italian. A new mixed-use building would go up on the adjoining parking lot. That building would hold more dining and retail space on the ground floor and luxury apartments on the upper levels. The site is about 0.836 acres. The plan also adds more parking than exists there today.

The Westwood Collective is led by Andy Warnock, a Hilliard local. Warnock said it is especially meaningful to invest in the community his family calls home. Downtown Manager Angela Zody said the project is a tremendous investment in the future of downtown Hilliard. Design partners include SSOE Group and Studio 3e, and coverage from Hoodline notes the drawings are still conceptual.

Why does this matter to you? Downtown Hilliard, also called Old Hilliard, has been building momentum for years. It already has the Center Street Market food hall, Crooked Can Brewing, and the Station Park splash pad. A chef-driven restaurant and new apartments would give people more reasons to walk downtown and stay a while. When people linger, nearby shops do better and property nearby holds value.

Be careful, though. This project is early. There is no signed purchase agreement yet. The Hilliard Development Corporation still needs to negotiate terms, the HDC board must approve it, and the city must review permits. So the details, including the exact number of apartments, could change. Do not count on a specific opening date yet.

Here is what to watch. Watch for a signed purchase agreement and HDC board approval. Those are the real green lights. Watch the final apartment count and the rent levels, since these are described as luxury units. And watch whether the restaurant concept holds, since a strong anchor tenant makes the whole project work.

Here is your takeaway. Downtown Hilliard keeps adding walkable dining and homes, and that trend supports values across the district. If you own a home or small commercial space near Old Hilliard, this is a positive signal, but it is still a plan and not a done deal. If you are looking to live in a lively, walkable spot, keep an eye on this corner and find a home nearby as the district grows.

Sources: City of Hilliard, Hoodline