ColumbusTime
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Isn't this public land? I haven't paid a lot of attention, but with all of the buildings that need renovated downtown that would be perfect candidates for multifamily, why is the gov't letting a developer develop park space? Was there a competitive bid process?
This seems it will have an adverse impact on Picnic With The Pops attendance as well.
NerosNeptune
Goodale Park
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ColumbusTime said:
Isn't this public land? I haven't paid a lot of attention, but with all of the buildings that need renovated downtown that would be perfect candidates for multifamily, why is the gov't letting a developer develop park space? Was there a competitive bid process?This seems it will have an adverse impact on Picnic With The Pops attendance as well.
Putting apartments in was the plan since before they tore down the mall.
There will also be a commercial building eventually on the empty grass corner on 3rd and rich. thats why they left those parts empty.
columbusmike
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The park will look even better with the buildings - trust me, guys.
Pro Se
OTE-Franklin Park
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It's going to be great. Hopefully, the Carter project will get Casto or whoever owns the surface lots abutting the East Side of High Street just south of this to finally develop those lots. An added bonus is the upcoming High Street parking as well as the huge City Center parking garage next to it. I recall some talk awhile ago about this being developed into condos but nothing since the apartment boom.
Stephen43215
Downtown
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I want to see some new renderings! Has there been any changes to the design?
Pablo
Crestview Addition
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Pro Se said:
It's going to be great. Hopefully, the Carter project will get Casto or whoever owns the surface lots abutting the East Side of High Street just south of this to finally develop those lots. An added bonus is the upcoming High Street parking as well as the huge City Center parking garage next to it. I recall some talk awhile ago about this being developed into condos but nothing since the apartment boom.
Cap South owns this lot. I'm sure they'll develop it eventually.
ColumbusTime
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futureman said:
Nope, it is a private park owned by Capital South is my understanding.
But the City was involved in the eviction proceedings against the prior owner. The land has been owned by CSUR for a long time, but the City of Columbus owns the parcel at 3rd & Rich. This private-public partnership may be on the up & up but is uneasy with me since it seems to be a situation where the "right" people make sure their people get a piece of lucrative deals.
jpizzow
Above the American Apparel building
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Many of the concerns I have were brought up in the video; the "backyard" effect, the "out of sight, out of mind" effect and "but it will still be open to Rick Street"....??..... There is very little pedestrian traffic on Rich St. I guess it's all in how one perceives the park space. I just hope the park does not suffer from any of the aforementioned effects. This is one of those spaces downtown where I have been torn down the middle as to its future use. I guess I will just have to wait and see.
surber17
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jpizzow said:
Many of the concerns I have were brought up in the video; the "backyard" effect, the "out of sight, out of mind" effect and "but it will still be open to Rick Street"....??..... There is very little pedestrian traffic on Rich St. I guess it's all in how one perceives the park space. I just hope the park does not suffer from any of the aforementioned effects. This is one of those spaces downtown where I have been torn down the middle as to its future use. I guess I will just have to wait and see.
I agree with what you are saying, but I think steps can be taken to help the park thrive. One example .... make the entrance easily known. Use bright lights signs, etc. One issue I have with the downtown movie theater is I'm not sure how many people know its there. Few signs with an entrance off the street.
jbcmh81
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I'm a little confused about all this concern about the park suddenly not being seen. Are people really going to forget the park is there? Are they going to be any less likely to know about the events that take place there? I think if the park was being walled off, that would be one thing, but it's not. There are at least 3 different entrances. I really don't think it'll be any different than say, McPherson Commons.
jpizzow
Above the American Apparel building
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jbcmh81 said:
I'm a little confused about all this concern about the park suddenly not being seen. Are people really going to forget the park is there? Are they going to be any less likely to know about the events that take place there? I think if the park was being walled off, that would be one thing, but it's not. There are at least 3 different entrances. I really don't think it'll be any different than say, McPherson Commons.
McPherson Commons is easily seen from the main street (Nationwide Arena) of a bustling new(ish) neighborhood. Not to mention the fact that it has a physical gateway in the form of the old train station arch. The arch draws you in whether you like it or not. It's really hard to miss when walking by. That's kind of the point, particularly for those not familiar with urban Columbus. It's easy to walk by McPherson Commons and see the park. One can walk by Columbus Commons (after the apts are built) and not even know it's there. In order for a park to be successful, it has to appeal to not only residents of the city but to visitors as well. If they can successfully draw people into the park by physical means (signage, line of site, etc.) then I will finally shut my mouth about it and accept the fact that my theory was wrong. Until, then I remain skeptical of the future Columbus "backyard" Commons.
hugh59
Aboard the ultimate power in Olde Towne East
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I was volunteering at the Actors' Theatre presentation of THE COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE - ABRIDGED on Saturday night at the Columbus Commons. The company's artistic director John Kuhn was talking with a rep from the Columbus Commons. She told John that the ground breaking for the new apartments will be TODAY (Monday, August 27, 2012).
mrpoppinzs
Arena District
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Just wanr to mention that I have always felt McPherson Commons was underutilized and I fear that a similar fate will eventually befall the Columbus Commons after the apartments go in.
Walker
The KLD / Downtown / Gay Street
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mrpoppinzs said:
Just wanr to mention that I have always felt McPherson Commons was underutilized and I fear that a similar fate will eventually befall the Columbus Commons after the apartments go in.
Hundreds of events are scheduled every year at the Commons, many of which are big ones that draw thousands of people. If that continues, then why would it become underutilized?
mrpoppinzs
Arena District
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Walker said:
Hundreds of events are scheduled every year at the Commons, many of which are big ones that draw thousands of people. If that continues, then why would it become underutilized?
The current activity is event driven. There are also events at McPherson. My concern would be that after the apartments are built it would become more of a mews for those buildings as multiple interests will have to be taken into consideration. I believe the park was initially a way to solve the political problem of what to do with the dead City Center Mall which was financially and politically draining. The apartments are a great addition and put closure on the dead mall issue. My question is will the high level of programming at the park be in place five years from now? If the programming is curtailed after the apartments are finished I still think the Commons would be thought of as a success.
Basically I feel that at some point they will stick a fork in it.
columbusmike
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mrpoppinzs said:
The current activity is event driven. There are also events at McPherson. My concern would be that after the apartments are built it would become more of a mews for those buildings as multiple interests will have to be taken into consideration. I believe the park was initially a way to solve the politic problem of what to do with the dead City Center Mall which was financially and politically draining. The apartments are a great addition and put closure on the dead mall issue. My question is will the high level of programming at the park be in place five years from now? If the programming is curtailed after the apartments are finished I still think the Commons would be thought of as a success.Basically I am concerned at some point the city will stick a fork in it.
If I'm not mistaken, there is money set aside for the park programming as part of the deal with the new apartments. Either way, I think there are many other opportunities to do another Columbus Commons type park in another location downtown.
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