The $100 million Market Tower project is seen as a savior for the city's North Market.
The market, which is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, is fighting for customers to visit it's 35 locally owned shops.
"Density and the people that's what we need to prosper and grow," Rick Harrison, Wolfe Executive Director of the North Market, said.
If approved, the 35 story tower would house 200 people. Most of the units would be apartments. Condos would be on the top floors.
But before dirt can be turned, the developers will need to deal with a piece of Columbus' past.
Underneath the parking lot where the project would be built is a portion of the Old North Cemetery where some of the city's first pioneers are buried.
David Karlak said his research shows his great, great, great grandmother is buried there.
"The graves in the parking lot whether they are my ancestor's graves or someone else's that they are treated with respect," he said.
It's just one of several issues the public had about Market Tower. But there are other questions like parking.
Underground parking will replace the spaces north market has now, and 160 additional spaces would be built inside Market Tower.
"We think of any places in the city to live without a car this is the place to do it," Steve Schoney, Development Director for the City of Columbus, said.
Rents are expected to align with others nearby and the city is confident people will pay for this high-rise lifestyle.
"This is why we are the strongest housing market in the Midwest," Shoney said.
The developers quality for a 100 percent tax abatement for 15 years.