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The New York Times wrote
A Waterfront Revival in Columbus, Ohio
By KEITH SCHNEIDER
Published: December 2, 2008
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A decade ago, a 75-acre area along the Scioto River less than a mile west of this capital city’s downtown was an industrial no man’s land, consisting of barren railyards, old warehouses and a shuttered 19th-century penitentiary. But that was before Nationwide Realty Investors turned the area into the Arena District.
The mixed-use district embodies three influential theories of urban redevelopment of the last decade: energetic and walkable street and neighborhood designs, as advocated by prominent architects who call themselves “new urbanists”; urban settings that let creative young professionals weave work and play, as advanced in the writing of Richard Florida; and sports venues, which some experts see as essential to civic economic health.
Mayor Michael B. Coleman has also started planning a new streetcar line that would tie downtown to the Ohio State University campus, to the Arena District and other parts of Columbus. “Downtown is the engine that drives our economy and the epicenter of life as we know it in central Ohio,” Mr. Coleman said. “We are making progress.”
Related Stories:
- Arena District vying for last piece of puzzle
- Columbus Streetcar proposal is being revised
- The Arena District turns 10 years old and growing
I really cannot wait until Huntington Park opens up. It’s a sport I enjoy at a price a student can afford! :-p
Although I wasn’t here ten years ago when this area was essentially dead, I’ve seen it grow so much in the four years I’ve lived in Columbus. I’ve even had multiple friends move into the Buggyworks and the Arena Crossing, and it seems they have no intention to leave. This is only good for downtown Columbus.
“Dead” is relative.
I recall that the area hosted a nightclub, condos, many small businesses in need of cheap rent, a recording studio, and more than a few artists. I also seem to recall some pretty kickass parties that happened down there.
I’m not saying “bring the the good old days back” or even that they were “good old days”. I’m just saying “Dead” is a relative term.
It’s great for the city and developers to be recognized and overall a great article. That said, I thought writer’s mention and assessment of downtown in relationship to the Arena District was irrelevant given the way the city is evolving. Especially since his description of Columbus’ “new urbanists” had no inclusion of the Short North in the article whatsoever. Who is taking these writer’s in and around town and what pipe are they smokin’ out of? Give me some of that good shit.
I don’t think the Short North was intentionally snubbed. The article was about downtown, and the Short North is technically outside of downtown while the Arena District is not.
This seems worth bearing in mind:
It’s not the overnight success we’d all hope for, but it is a big move in the right direction.
obviously the guy can’t count. those aren’t 3-4 story buildings, they are 7 stories, unless he was just talking about the buildings on front st.
I commend Nationwide for taking the lead in redeveloping downtown, they’ve done a somewhat stellar job. I still think the neighborhood is in need of much more housing and some retail to become a true vibrant neighborhood. I only wish another large institution would step forward and do the same for downtown as Nationwide has. Riversouth is a good target. any takers??
does anyone know the timetable for construction of the last phase of the arena district. i was thinking spring.
“Dead” is relative.
I recall that the area hosted a nightclub, condos, many small businesses in need of cheap rent, a recording studio, and more than a few artists. I also seem to recall some pretty kickass parties that happened down there.
I’m not saying “bring the the good old days back” or even that they were “good old days”. I’m just saying “Dead” is a relative term. Don’t forget the infamous original Betty’s.
Sad, however, that the headline photo frames the Arena District with the Union Station Arch… and off-handledly mentions that it came from the old train station. If a new station is built in or near the Arena District, I hope the Arch is moved one last time and incorporated into the “new” Union Station.
I like the word “revival” and the feeling it gives me.
i thought the arch was from the penitentiary…why would i think this? besides the fact that i may have received bad information.
Here’s the building it came from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Columbus_Union_Station_(third_building).JPG
More info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Station_(Columbus,_Ohio)
Here’s the building it came from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Columbus_Union_Station_(third_building).JPG
More info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Station_(Columbus,_Ohio)
hmmm…
thanks, Walker. i have been misinformed…
Thanks for the link, Walker. As many of us know, that wasn’t just any “old train station” as ID’d in the NY Times caption. What a shame that one arch to nowhere is all we have left of a beautiful building that was a portal to the world :cry: .
I think the only reminder of the Ohio Pen is O’Henry books and GHOSTS!
What happened to the pile of facade that was saved and was sitting on the huntington park site until they started construction?
the remains have been moved just a few blocks away behind fencing
Because a portion of the facade of the Pen was salvaged. I know there was an article a couple years back that suggested incorporating the pieces into the new ballpark.
I like page 2 of the article quite a bit.
Here’s the building it came from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Columbus_Union_Station_(third_building).JPG
More info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Station_(Columbus,_Ohio)
Ok I had always thought that was part of the penitentiary also. i think the confusion is that was where the penitentiary was, so I always assumed that arch was part of it. But when they demo’d Union Station (which was on High Street where the convention center is now) they took that piece and put it over there.
It was a great article on a city that does a lot to make itself attractive for business and residents alike.
However, big developments aren’t for everyone – I’ve lived here for 4 years and can count on two fingers the number of times I’ve spent more than 15 minutes in the Arena District. Not that I’m sad the Arena District exists – I just don’t think plopping another Arena District in River South is going to work.
Also, where is the waterfront they speak of?