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The Highland West business district not only is one of the densest in the entire city, but it is also in rather decent shape. When I was walking along here taking pictures of available storefronts I couldn't help but feel like I was walking down a yet to be explored extension of the Short North somewhere past 5th Ave. There are some very solid buildings, such as those pictured below which, which demonstrate the huge retail potential for urban entrepreneurs. Quite a few are more impressive than the typical commercial building in the Short North believe it or not.
The one thing missing is a destination spot that attracts visitors from established urban neighborhoods and the rent for your average storefront on this stretch of W Broad is only around $500-600 each month, meaning just a handful of entrepreneurs in one area would be sufficient to draw plenty of patrons: just look at Parsons in Olde Towne East which has done just that with a mere two blocks to work with. For interested entrepreneurs here is a little list of available retail spaces and contact info where available.
2211 W Broad (614-878-8443) This was a pizza joint called Red Rooster and located to the far east of the business district.
2345 W Broad (614-531-5665)
Used to be a bar called Dee's.
2379 W Broad (Right)
Formerly Tu Casa Market/Restaurant/Club and more recently Buchanan's Billiards. This place has a kitchen intact meaning it would be ideal for a restaurant-bar or coffeeshop-restaurant destination. The restrooms are currently routed through part of the kitchen, so that may have to be addressed. Or not (see Buckeye Donuts).
2373 W Broad (Left) (614-932-0855)
Just east and part of the same block in what used to be Rainbow Appliance. Another solid looking building that would work great as another destination spot next to the one next door and serve to breathe life into this entire little block and business district as a whole.
Here's a bonus "after" rendering of what this block can look like from the design charrette.
Image from Neighborhood Design Center
2395 W Broad
Covered in newspapers, it looks like it's empty, but I didn't see any "For Rent/Sale" signs. Searches bring up Rigg's Corner Market, which it may have been before, but Rigg's is right up the street at 2403 W Broad in a separate building.
2402 W Broad (614-263-6301)
Currently a church, this space is available.
2422 W Broad
Right on the corner, it doesn't take much imagination to see some windows installed to spruce up the place
2656 W Broad (614-263-6301)
Was one of the numerous cell phone stores and is no more. This is located on the western end of the district.
Keep in mind that the last time I was here months ago that there were numerous other places that were available, so others will likely be freed up in the near future for better businesses that enhance the community thanks to the high turnover rate likely due to over-saturation of the existing types of businesses. You can only have so many cell phone stores in a small area, for example.
For any urban entrepreneur looking to open a business I hope you'll take a stroll down this stretch on a sunny day like I did to get a feel of just what a great place this can be. It doesn't have to be the Short North and likely won't be, since there's only so many people who are willing to patronize the kinds of businesses located there. Here, I'm seeing more of what a couple of the neighborhood association leaders are envisioning: something more down to earth, a Columbus version of Yellow Springs.
http://columbus-ite.com/2010/09/07/high-hopes-for-highland-west-retail/
Launched in August 2010, TheMetropreneur.com is a local online resource devoted to small business development and entrepreneurship. Its aim is to tell the stories of Central Ohio's business community, foster regional economic development and assist entrepreneurs with its resource-heavy focus.