Mayor and Neighborhood Leaders Kick Off $15.8 Million High Street Revitalization Project

press release
(Columbus) Flanked by business owners and residents, Mayor Michael B. Coleman and City Councilmember Hearcel Craig officially kicked off the $15.8 million neighborhood revitalization project today on High Street, between Lane and Arcadia avenues, in an area known as Old North Columbus.

“The City is investing in the future of this commercial corridor just north of the Ohio State campus to make it safer and more attractive for people to ride their bikes, walk and shop in area small businesses,” said Mayor Coleman. 

Details of the project include:

• Storm sewers to alleviate flooding during heavy rain storms;
• Water lines;
• Sidewalks, curbs and ADA curb ramps;
• Traffic signals and 85 decorative street lights;
• Street trees;
• 40 bike racks;
• Two over-the road arches to welcome people to Old North Columbus;
• Street resurfacing.

In addition, Hudson Street will be widened between Neil and East avenues to make turning onto High Street easier, and new sewers will be installed on W. Dodridge Street, from High to Neil, and on all side streets from High to the first alley within the projects boundaries.

"The small businesses that line High Street are essential portions of the fabric that make the University Area so unique among our many energetic and vibrant neighborhoods," said Councilmember Hearcel Craig, Chair of the Minority and Small Business Development Committee. "These businesses will benefit greatly from the infrastructure improvements we as a City are making."

“When completed late next year, this project will greatly improve the aesthetics as well as the infrastructure of the High Street corridor and the northern gateway to the University District,” said Ian McConnell, president of the University Area Commission.

The project will complement the South Campus Gateway, a neighborhood revitalization partnership between Ohio State, Campus Partners and the City of Columbus completed in 2004 and the $5.3 million Clintonville Streetscape Project completed in 2005 on High Street between Arcadia and Torrence avenues.