(Photo by Columbusite)
The fan-favorite nomination for our “Best Urban Development of 2008” was actually not contained to one specific project, but a whole cluster of development that occurred along Gay Street in the past year.
The new Residence Inn hotel opened in February at the corner of Gay & Pearl. The Neighborhood Launch project continued construction through out the year, and the first units were sold and moved into. The first of the downtown scooter parking lots were also opened on Gay Street over the summer.
There were several major events happening on Gay Street as well. The first annual Independents’ Day Festival was held there in September, and a very active spot could also be found on Gay during ParkING Day.
In 2009, Gay Street should see the completion of the new CCAD dorm building located at Gay & Cleveland, the beginning of a redevelopment of the Modern Finance Building at Gay & High, and newly remodeled businesses along the street including the expanded Grip Technology offices and the 1400 Downtown salon.
Second Place: Ibiza
Third Place: Lazarus / OSU Urban Arts Space