Downtown Market - when it comes, where do you want it? « Columbus Underground Messageboard

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Downtown Market - when it comes, where do you want it?

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Started 1 year ago by CMH Gourmand
Latest reply from tourist19

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CMH Gourmand
(King of) the (Clinton)ville
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I have seen many posts asking for a downtown market to lure more people into living downtown and/or staying downtown, to add to the diversity of retailers and etc.

I don't live downtown so I am wondering where something like this should go and how much it is wanted.

There is a Kroger by CBC, Giant Eagle on the border of German Village, a few convenience type stores and The North Market to cover some basics at the Short North / downtown border. While not ideal, it seems that there are some options that are not unbearable.

That being the case - where is the "magic spot" for a market and what is downtown lacking that current and future residents need but more conveniently than now? Is the eastern edge of Franklinton / Sweeneytown too far away?

Do you think this would even be a viable business? Parking - for suppliers and customers could be a challenge. While urbanites are proponents of walking, biking and such, I imagine that several bags of groceries, toilet paper and such may not be non-carfriendly, so how does one deal with that?

Let the discussion begin!

Posted 1 year ago #
pedex

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A messenger bag holds a basket of groceries and then some, that is how you deal with that, been doing it for 9 years and counting. I routinely leave Kroger with sometimes as much as 40-50lbs in my bag. Those that don't ride, walk. I see that all the time. Walking a few blocks isn't really a big deal. I've done that too.

where city center used to be would be the best central location.....

if not there any of the empty buildings in the 200 block of south high would be fine or the empty buildings up around 90 north high

the only really serious lacking right now in the immediate downtown area is a dept store, if you need one of those you have to go to olentangy river road and king ave which isn't too far by bike but way too far to walk

if you live in the north part of downtown your kinda halfway tween grocery stores

Posted 1 year ago #
Walker
The KLD / Downtown
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Looking at a current map (Page Six) of existing Downtown residences and residential development, I'd say that multiple small Bodega-style stores would probably be a more optimal configuration Downtown rather than one large central grocery story.

Posted 1 year ago #
somertimeoh
Harrison West
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Agreed. Not sure why it has to be an all or nothing response. Why not a few options to meet different needs in different ways? And that goes for all of our urban neighborhoods. "Carry outs" have developed a negative connotation, but in the end, that's what I'd love to see revived in a fresher, cleaner way of course (i.e. less focus on satisfying vices, more focus on satisfying hunger/household needs).

Posted 1 year ago #
Walker
The KLD / Downtown
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I hit the carry out located on High just south of Gay from time to time. Usually just to grab something to drink, but that place carries everything from loaves of bread to frozen dinners in addition to the pop/chips/candy/cigarettes/lotto place that it appears to be from the outside. No produce that I've seen, which might be the missing ingredient. That and a NAME.
They are open on Saturdays though, so that's something. ;)

Posted 1 year ago #
pedex

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downtown already has a few carryouts plus CVS that has all sorts of stuff

the gas station at south 5th and rich actually has a decent amount of food, more than you'd think looking at it, just watch expiration dates and prices

I miss cappy's deli, another place like it would be good.

A small grocery store would be good, doesn't have to be a big kroger.

Posted 1 year ago #
Walker
The KLD / Downtown
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While we're on the topic... has anyone been inside P.O.D. yet? I keep meaning to stop in, but the weather has kept me from want to walk over there.

More info: http://www.campusdish.com/en-US/CSMA/CCAD/LocationsMenus/ThePOD.htm

MondayÃ¢â‚¬â€œFriday:
7:30 am - 10:00 pm
Saturday:
8:30 am - 10:00 pm*
Sunday:
11:00 am - 10:00 pm

First floor of the Design Square Apartments
Columbus, OH 43215
Contact: Chris Faulk, Food Service Director
Phone: 614-222-3271
Email: faulk-christopher@aramark.com

P.O.D. is the NEW convenience store located on the main floor of Design Square! Cash, FLEX, and debit/credit cards are all accepted to purchase those needed snacks and goods to truly make CCAD your home away from home!

Posted 1 year ago #
Columbusite
Minneapolis
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Agreed. Also notice that the map on page 6 shows what I've been saying about Town-Franklin in the SE corner of Downtown. There's a pharmacy on Main & Washington for residents, but no grocery store located within a few blocks from there, despite a high concentration of people. One in the NE part of Downtown would also seem to make sense near CCAD, CCSC, and all the new residents on Gay St, along with one in Riversouth further down the road. I go to C-town every now and then, which is a good carryout. If only the city would use it as a design standard for all of them. Notice that it looks nothing like this or since we're talking about Downtown that carryout just north of the High & Broad development.

Posted 1 year ago #
CMH Gourmand
(King of) the (Clinton)ville
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What about a SuperFresh downtown? Thanks for the ideas and feedback so far.

Posted 1 year ago #
cc

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Anyone check the prices on the CCAD POD market?

My fear is that is has the usual BS college flex plan surcharges. It is closer than the Big Bear on Neil Ave...

Posted 1 year ago #
tourist19
Merion Village
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Walker wrote >>
Looking at a current map (Page Six) of existing Downtown residences and residential development, I'd say that multiple small Bodega-style stores would probably be a more optimal configuration Downtown rather than one large central grocery story.

+1

I live in the Town-Franklin area of Downtown and I have no problem driving over the the Kroger in the Brewery District or sometimes even up to a Meijer (love Meijer) for my major shopping, but when I just need a grab a few things I hate having to get in my car. I would love to be able to hope on my bike or walk down the street to pick up basics (eggs, milk, tp, wine). C-Town is nice, but a bit far away from me, and the hours aren't the greatest. The BP on Rich and 5th does have a surprising amount of things, but honestly the people who run it creep me out. What I really really want is a real New York-ish bodega. I have gotten stuck in NYC for work more times that I care to think about. Several times I was anticipating being home the same day, and did not have any overnight stuff. I know there I will always be within walking distance of a bodega and able to buy contact lens solution and everything else the hotel won't give me. I know in the same trip I can buy breakfast for the next day (way cheaper than hotel or airport prices) and other basic sundries.

I know it's really a pipe dream, but it's nice to think about.

Posted 1 year ago #