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New Year's Eve 2008 turning to 2009, I was worried where those stupid fucks were firing their guns.
Columbus Underground Messageboard » General Columbus Discussion » Development
Who Knows What About Olde Towne East?
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Snarf
Dystopia
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christylwilliams wrote >>
I know this is anecdotal, but I've never had a neighbor come up to me and introduce themselves in the first week of me moving there in any place other than in Olde Towne. There's an unspoken understanding between folks that live there. A feeling like we're all in this together.+1 my neighbor two doors up brought cookies and her name & ph# on an index card. ;)
Posted 1 year ago # -
thenakedredhead
Olde Towne East, the land of gratuitous E's
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OK, I'm just about convinced. :) (Actually, this has been awesome...thanks!)
The last little hesitation I would have is that it seems I'd still need to use my car for grocery shopping, etc. Where do residents usually shop? Are there amenities close by that I don't know about?
Posted 1 year ago # -
hugh59
Aboard the ultimate power in Olde Towne East
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thenakedredhead wrote >>
OK, I'm just about convinced. :) (Actually, this has been awesome...thanks!)
The last little hesitation I would have is that it seems I'd still need to use my car for grocery shopping, etc. Where do residents usually shop? Are there amenities close by that I don't know about?Cincinnati. Ikea and Jungle Jims. Nahhhhhhh...I'm must fooling with you.
We go to Krogers in the Brewery District or Giant Eagle in German Village. There is a Save-A-Lot (I may have that name wrong) on Main Street that is good for some things: eggs, milk, bread if you are in a hurry.
There is a carryout at Ohio and Oak, but it was pretty awful the one time we went in there. It is under new ownership now...but I don't have the courage to in there again.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Columbusite
Minneapolis
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Walker wrote >>
Columbusite wrote >>
It's worth keeping in mind that a couple of businesses/buildings are going to be knocked down on Parsons and the rest of the businesses are going to be hurting, possibly leaving, as a result of years of highway construction which will likewise put revitalization on hold or reverse it.Over-exaggerated.
According to a Real Estate Professional who lives and works in the area:
It’s going to be a pain for residents of KLD and OTE for the next 4-6 years and there will be inconveniences. I don’t think property values will be adversely affected in the short term. I do think that, in the end, with a solution in place that looks better, feels better and will be more connected than what is currently there, property values and interest in these areas will increase–with an obvious bump up for OTE and KLD which have so much more pricing room than German Village.
MORE: http://deliciousrealestate.com/2010/07/20/interstate-7071-split-fix-will-stress-neighborhoods-but-eventually-be-good-for-columbus-real-estate/A handful of businesses folded after just 15 months of construction on our main corridor, so one can imagine what would happen to Parsons if we allow it. Parsons is already going to lose around 50% of after-five visitors just by losing Carabar right off the bat and it is not a major business district, it is a tiny one. Losses here are going to hit much harder than they do on High, which is still languishing with those vacant spots, except Parsons is going to be dealing with bad conditions for at least two years, not just one. I emphasize that because ODOT's funding source, the Federal Highway Trust Fund had to be bailed out in 2008 and 2009 from going billions over budget.
If he can tell me how Parsons will weather a much larger storm than a smaller one that did some damage to High, I'd be intrigued to hear it. Otherwise that quote is unfounded optimism. It's not going to be "more connected" either. The chasm between neighborhoods is about to be almost doubled by the additional highway feeder streets on either side. Another optimistic sentiment not grounded in reality. I really like OTE a lot and would like to see it flourish (so that I have more places to head out to), but we already have seen in too many cases what is going to happen and it does no good to pretend it won't.
If he wants to see the neighborhood improve than he can demand a response from city council who had no qualms about ODOT presenting demonstrably false data to move split reconstruction forward. That or he can do nothing and let what happens happens.
Posted 1 year ago # -
bababoohi
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I look at OTE like a Range Rover, it may be a great experience or you may have nothing but trouble.
I will admit that I have not lived in OTE, but I looked in the area a few years ago b/c I too was curious. I'm not blanketing the entire OTE or everyone in it, but there's a reason you can get an absolutely stunning 2200 sq ft home there for $170K. Location, location, location. The same house would cost 2-3x as much in other parts of town. Why?
To me it came down to this, would I be afraid for my girlfriend to park her car a block away at midnight. The answer was yes.
I'll probably catch hell for posting that, but it's my opinion. It's no secret that OTE can be rough from street to street.
I think you're doing the right thing though. I'm sure if you pick the right place you'll be happy. Research is the key.Posted 1 year ago # -
NOBOPatriot
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This is all good advice - Research is key and check out the place on different times of the day and at night and differnt days, which is what we did before deciding to sell a beautiful expensive $300K Victorian Village house and move to OTE, I must admit was still nervous about noise before (actually) moving over to OTE, but based on (actual) experience (7 years) the noise has been less if not the same as Dennison and the people very welcoming and friendly. Granted you can't walk to High Street for dinner, but there are other benefits like Franklin Park, cost for value/upside.
For the record because it is less doesn't mean it is becuase of only the location (although this is why they aren't asking 250K it can also mean more value too and represent an opportunity given the economy, seller motivation and times.
The other evidence/testimony is the continued huge investment over the last 10 years in the neighborhood demonstrates that the area is improving steadily. This is fact (called dollars going in the ground)
Obviously each street is different - the other benefit if you buy smart and like the place it is very, very likely the value will continue to go up, up, up - not every place offers this type of UPSIDE - the other side of the coin - minimal risk on the downside too. Don't forget 1 mile away is Bexley and Parkview go West in you are in incredibly expensive condo land - check out Gay Street - do your homework and you will be fine
Posted 1 year ago # -
bababoohi
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For the record because it is less doesn't mean it is becuase of only the location (although this is why they aren't asking 250K it can also mean more value too and represent an opportunity given the economy, seller motivation and times.)
Absolutely true. But in this case, low home prices are primarily due to location.
Posted 1 year ago # -
NOBOPatriot
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True, location is primary, but also the foreclosure crisis and economy. Remember water finds it's own level. One positive thing about OTE (which can be a problem for sellers) is that prices are all over the board vs VV where they are all generally high -
Obviously GV and VV are super desirable locations on several dimensions - I lived in VV for 5 years paid rent on High Street and then purchased a single family home on Dennison near Goodale. Have been in OTE for 7 years (have had 0 issues) We still spend a lot of time in VV and GV so have a good perspective based on experience not hearsay.
Here is the deal: There are still streets in OTE that need to be rehabbed - there other streets that have have been compleletly rehabbed and others that are mixed. Not to sound like Greenspan, but "fact" the general level of prices have been and continue to go up despite the meltdown (this is the trend). This is not happening everywhere else. This is especially prominent at the lower end of the price continuum in OTE and KLD.
During the last 3 years renovation has continued if not accelerated in OTE (this has been building for 30 years). The smaller more modest houses on the side streets are being fixed up too because they are less expensive i.e. a small wood house that was bought for $50K 2 years ago now has a homeowner has ben renovated on Oak, Madison, Sherman, Fair, Hoffman, Franklin, Auburn, Latta etc, etc. 3 years ago some of the rundown houses or smaller footprints had a value say $50K (still great bones/style but needing lots of work, sweat and cash to rehab.
Today in this "bad" market this type of house might sell for $150K to $200K because the neighborhood is trending up. A SO house or 4 walls and a roof that 5 years ago might have brought $50K today might sell for $75K to $100K for a mere "shell." Someone will buy it for $75K - invest $50K and then that house will sell for $150K to $175K. There is a huge market for the single family home under $200K downtown.
At the other end are houses are selling for $300K to $400K - the average mid point is increasing (across the board) so even down property will appreciate based on the trend and rising midpoint.
These are the facts - drive around Franklin Park. Why is CPS closing neighborhood schools i,e Fair Alternative - B/C less demand for schoolrooms as more families of modest means move out to Burbs with the kids. Less subsidized housing and low rents in OTE
The tea leaves are pretty clear on a lot of fundamentals that have nothing to do with the economy or the cost of money or the interest rate - although these things accelerate (amplify) underlying trends - lots of good stuff in play here for the folks "doing their research" on the area and what the future represents a few years out. The decision is do you like the place and feel safe on the street and will you enjoy living there. The value proposition is obvious...
I think a lot of naysayers and sceptics will be very surprised 3 to 5 years out (granted much to do still, but granted much has been done and the reasons for optimism are numerous) despite the worst economy in 50 years. IMHO - there many other great downtown neigborhoods in Columbus too. In fact too many great and fabulouos places to live than can be mentioned like VV, GV, Clintonville, IV, etc, but OTE is clearly on this list.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Snarf
Dystopia
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A neighborhood pet peeve of mine is folks that list their houses for crazy wacko values. ETA: and the Realtors who allow/accept it.
My neighbor listed her house at 269.9, where in the FUCK did this person get those comps?
And even IF someone was crack high enough to buy it for that much they couldn't finance it bc it would never appraise.
Wackos.
Posted 1 year ago # -
ChrisSunami
King-Lincoln District
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^that's reasonable. part of real actual urban life is having "street smarts."
I agree 100% with Snarf (again!). You definitely have to be smart, aware and occasionally cautious in order to have a good experience in an urban neighborhood. Personally, I don't find it that much of a tradeoff, but then, I grew up with it.My neighbor listed her house at 269.9
A lot of homes all over Columbus, but particularly OTE, had hyper inflated sale prices for a while because of a group of mortgage scammers. Some of those houses were sold at 10 times their market value. I think most of those prices have already renormalized, but there are a few holdouts. If someone bought in at that price point, they may not yet have accepted reality.
During the last 3 years renovation has continued if not accelerated in OTE
We bought our house on 21st a year ago. Since then two other houses have been rehabbed on our street and the vacant building on the corner has been demolished to make room for the NOBO condos. Considering that we bought on foreclosure, we could probably sell today and make at least $30K over what we paid. If I had two dimes to rub together I would buy up everything in sight in this area.
Speaking of which, nothing against the condos, but have you considered buying a duplex? You could put some money into repairs, live on one side and rent out the other, probably for about the same price.
The last little hesitation I would have is that it seems I'd still need to use my car for grocery shopping, etc.
Shopping is a real weakness here. You have to leave the neighborhood. Other than the Brewery District Kroger and the Giant Eagle on Neil, your only other real option is the Kroger on Main in Bexley, which is not great, but which was just renovated. I hate to say it, but I personally wouldn't patronize the neighborhood carryouts --they make me nervous.Posted 1 year ago # -
Columbusite
Minneapolis
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Snarf wrote >>
^unfounded optimism vs. unfounded doom and gloom.
i'll go with optimism.The blue letters mean there's a link there. I have proof, where's yours? Unless you're telling me that this stretch of N High ended up with more businesses than less as a result of road construction. There are also other cities beside Columbus which have experienced the same phenomenon when serious, non-stop roadway construction takes place, but don't let facts get in the way. It doesn't have to be doom and gloom there if we don't want it to be.
I guess this is just a bunch of unfounded doom and gloom coming from someone who actually owns a business on Parsons, but I'm sure he has no clue and that your smart ass remarks alone will keep businesses here afloat.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Snarf
Dystopia
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Dear GTFO/Peach District -
You're sensationalizing and assumptions do no better than the construction. Will business hurt while road construction occurs? Of course. Is it the end of the Near East Side with rampant property values falling? Um, no. Will I miss Carabar? lol. Is Parsons the heart of OTE? Not imo.
Love,
SnarfPosted 1 year ago # -
NOBOPatriot
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Peach District - these are some very valid concerns - but still believe with the heightened awareness/neighborhood input/sensitivity -that this has the potential to be better than current state and do a lot of good (there will be some hassles during construction for sure).. Lets wait till the final plan is approved by City Hall in Spring of 2011 - there may be some concessions that mitigate some fears/concerns. I am concerned too - but also believe green treed caps to be superior to perhaps what is here now if they do streets consistent with city standards for pedestrians and bikes and make it GREEN - anyway good dialogue on the issues facing OTE and the still present challenges as the neighborhood transforms itself into a revitalized highly desirable urban neigborhood - as I'm sure you would agree the Potential is immense compared with other areas - that make not be as blessed with either superb architecture, investment, interest, proximity to a beautiful Franklin Park and a stone's throw to High Street or Bexley.
Posted 1 year ago # -
KingLincolnUrbanEnthusiast
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"as I'm sure you would agree the Potential is immense compared with other areas - that are not as blessed with either superb architecture, investment, interest, proximity to a beautiful Franklin Park and a stone's throw to High Street or Bexley."
OMG totally agree !!! Love CU (made my day)
Posted 1 year ago # -
Walker
The KLD / Downtown
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Columbusite wrote >>
A handful of businesses folded after just 15 months of construction on our main corridor, so one can imagine what would happen to Parsons if we allow it. Parsons is already going to lose around 50% of after-five visitors just by losing Carabar right off the bat and it is not a major business district, it is a tiny one. Losses here are going to hit much harder than they do on High, which is still languishing with those vacant spots, except Parsons is going to be dealing with bad conditions for at least two years, not just one. I emphasize that because ODOT's funding source, the Federal Highway Trust Fund had to be bailed out in 2008 and 2009 from going billions over budget.Will Parsons (between Bryden & Broad) be under construction or have limited access during the full two years of construction on Phase 1?
Columbusite wrote >>
If he can tell me how Parsons will weather a much larger storm than a smaller one that did some damage to High, I'd be intrigued to hear it. Otherwise that quote is unfounded optimism.His post is talking about the neighborhood as a whole, not just the two blocks of Parsons, and it sounds like you're using them interchangeably.
I guess if you want answers from Joe though, you should ask him directly, and not ask me.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Walker
The KLD / Downtown
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Columbusite wrote >>
The blue letters mean there's a link there. I have proof, where's yours? Unless you're telling me that this stretch of N High ended up with more businesses than less as a result of road construction.I don't think the two road projects are an apples-to-apples comparison in your factual report.
The N. High Project hindered the front door access to those businesses along the stretch.
The 70/71 Split will mostly hinder their back-door access as the New Parsons / Elijah Pierce Way road is constructed behind them. The old stretch of Parsons will be reconfigured near Bryden, but northward to Broad may only be resurfaced and not totally closed for two straight years as you seem to be implying.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Snarf
Dystopia
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KingLincolnUrbanEnthusiast wrote >>
"as I'm sure you would agree the Potential is immense compared with other areas - that are not as blessed with either superb architecture, investment, interest, proximity to a beautiful Franklin Park and a stone's throw to High Street or Bexley."
OMG totally agree !!! Love CU (made my day)here and i thought you two were the same poster.
Posted 1 year ago #
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