Westerville Entrepreneurs Introduce High Bank Co. to Uptown

Adam Hines lives in Westerville. John Brooks grew up in Westerville. They also happen to be entrepreneurs leading successful businesses. Brooks, an investor and developer, whose projects have revitalized buildings and attracted new amenities to Uptown. Hines is the co-founder and master distiller of one of central Ohio’s hottest brands: High Bank.

In May, High Bank Co. announced the brand’s first restaurant in Uptown, set to feature Westerville’s only speakeasy concept. The project is expected to be complete by next spring.

Brooks and Hines crafted a concept that nods to Westerville’s historic role in Prohibition. Of special interest to Hines is the legend of Henry Corbin, who opened a saloon on Main Street in 1875 that was blown up by those opposed to alcohol. Not once, but twice. Corbin’s defiance and persistence is believed to have ignited the “Whiskey War” of Prohibition, launching the Anti-Saloon League.

“We want to honor and preserve the history of Westerville by bringing our third location to a city with such a rich story,” said Hines. “It’s exciting to tell stories and create experiences for the community through both our restaurant and distillery. We are renovating the old post office building into two entirely new spaces. Actual Prohibition and AntiSaloon League propaganda was mailed out from this building, which is amazing to me.”

The Hines’ family moved to Westerville in 2014, drawn to the culture and community of the Uptown District.

“I have seen how much the community has grown over the last decade and am excited to continue to raise my family here,” said Hines. “It has always been my dream to have a High Bank location here to contribute to the culture and community of Uptown Westerville.”

The site was previously a post office, decommissioned in 1985, and last owned by the City for Westerville Division of Police operations. Brooks purchased the property in 2023, focusing on partnering with High Bank to introduce another amenity in Uptown.

“I grew up just down the street from this new High Bank location,” said Brooks. “As a local resident and business owner, playing a part in bringing a nationally award-winning operator to our nationally recognized community is special. We are two locally owned and operated companies with shared values coming together to bring unique experiences to this great neighborhood.”

Brooks’ company BTTS Holdings is located in Uptown. He is co-developing the $2.7 million project with Steve Wathen of Equity, representing continued significant private investment in Uptown. The complex building conversion will be led by another local company, WSA Studio.

“No community in central Ohio has an Uptown like this,” said Brooks. “We are pairing our unique history with the perfect brand. The vision for this space is going to continue Uptown’s appeal throughout the region and beyond, drawing people who want a truly special entertainment and dining experience.”

The State Street High Bank will be the third in the Columbus region and the first in Westerville, featuring a 3,600+/- square foot full-service restaurant and bar, including two patios, a retail store, and an exterior DORA window (Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area).

The speakeasy portion will be a smaller 2,000+/square foot space located in the renovated basement. A separate menu will feature High Bank’s elevated and creative cocktail menu with light eats. Residents and visitors can expect an exterior design that keeps the historic building intact with crown molding and original brickwork, paired with an interior featuring modern furnishings in High Bank’s classic industrial aesthetic.

Watch the project develop with special features in this publication, upcoming video features, and more at www.westerville.org. Find information on BTTS Holdings at www.btts.biz.

Find High Bank at www.highbankco.com and visit their locations in Gahanna/New Albany and Grandview while awaiting the completion of the project.