Uptown Overgrown, Chicago Comes To Westerville, and Cell and Water Tower Refurb
Westerville Welcomes Tropics To Uptown as Overgrown Opens Its Doors This Friday
A new haven for plant lovers opens this Friday in Uptown Westerville. Overgrown, a tropical plant shop, will celebrate its grand opening at its new location at 10 N. State Street. The store’s new sign went up on Wednesday, just after the awning was removed.
The shop is the second for owner Nathan Hurst, who also operates a successful Overgrown store on the Courthouse Square in Sunbury. The Westerville location will take over a historic State Theater storefront, a space formerly occupied by Westerville Jewelers.
Earlier this month, the Westerville Uptown Review Board approved Hurst's plans for the storefront, which include a fresh coat of paint and a new, wall-mounted sign. The changes are intended to breathe new life into the historic facade while signaling the arrival of the unique retail experience. The shop's entry will retain its natural wood finish, preserving a piece of the building's character.
Overgrown is known for its selection of tropical plants, offering a diverse range of foliage to both seasoned collectors and novice plant enthusiasts.
The expansion into Westerville marks a significant step for Hurst and his growing business. Hurst hopes the new store will become a vibrant addition to the Uptown district, offering residents a local spot to cultivate their passion for greenery.
"Chicago" Comes to Westerville This Friday
The roaring twenties are coming to Westerville this weekend as the Westerville Parks and Recreation Civic Theatre (WPRCT) presents its teen production of the iconic musical, "Chicago." The show opens this Friday, June 20, for a three-day run at Westerville South High School.
The curtain will rise at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Sunday, June 22. The production will take place at the Westerville South High School auditorium, located at 303 S. Otterbein Ave.
This presentation of "Chicago" is the latest production by WPRCT, a division of Westerville Parks and Recreation. The civic theater is committed to bringing people together to create, perform, and inspire. Its mission focuses on building a genuine multi-generational company where performers of all ages can learn and thrive, strengthening community bonds with each production.
The theatre group is no stranger to accolades. WPRCT was named “Theater of the Year” in both 2018 and 2019 by BroadwayWorld.com, sweeping major awards including Best Musical, Best Director, and Best Choreography. It has also been celebrated at the Jebby Awards, with recent wins in 2024 for Monica Pedrozo as Local Breakthrough Performer and Cindy Straub for Local Technical Achievement in choreography for "Bye Bye Birdie."
Tickets for "Chicago" are $12 and are required for all attendees. They can be purchased online at www.Westerville.org/Tickets.
Otterbein Tower Gets Major Refurbishment and Cellular Upgrade
The Otterbein water tower, a familiar landmark in the small park on Otterbein Avenue near Westerville South High School, is undergoing a significant refurbishment. This project includes not only a fresh coat of paint but also a complete upgrade of the cellular antennas mounted at its peak. This is the second of two water towers in the city to be renovated this summer.
The project involves a complex, multi-stage process that begins with extensive groundwork. Groundcrews are assembling new, larger cellular antenna arrays and constructing a substantial temporary platform. This platform, made of large, interlocking concrete and steel sections, is a critical foundation for the heavy crane that will perform the high-altitude work.
According to workers at the site, once the crane is erected, it will remove the old cellular equipment. Following this, the tower will undergo its full refurbishment. During the sandblasting and painting phases, the entire structure will be enclosed in a large, protective shroud. This containment system, similar to the one used on the recently refurbished water tower off Maxtown Road, prevents paint and debris from contaminating the surrounding area. Inside the enclosure, crews will strip the old coatings, make any necessary repairs, and apply a new, durable finish to protect the steel structure. Such maintenance is crucial for the longevity and safety of water storage facilities.
After the tower's facelift is complete, the crane will hoist the new, pre-assembled antenna arrays for installation. Water towers are ideal locations for cellular equipment, as they provide the necessary height for broad signal coverage without the need to construct new towers. This practice, known as co-location, saves money for telecommunication companies and can generate revenue for Westerville.
A fisherman preps himself and his rod, reel, and bait before casting into the waters of Hoover Reservoir at Red Bank Park.
The Westerville News is a reader-supported publication by Gary Gardiner, a lifelong journalist who believes hyper-local reporting is the future of news. This publication focuses exclusively on Westerville—its local news, influence on Central Ohio, and how surrounding areas shape the community.
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