"Main Street Bridge Arch Complete" WOSU NewsRoom

Link: Main Street Bridge Arch Complete
Sam Hendren
WOSU NewsRoom
July 15, 2008

The new Main Street Bridge in Columbus has moved one step closer to completion. Tuesday marked the topping of the incline arch.

When it's completed in November 2009, the new Main Street Bridge will be the first in North America to have as part of its superstructure an incline arch.

Mayor Coleman stood on the east shore of the Scioto River and watched as cranes raised the 63-foot-long, 150,000-pound center section that will connect the east and west pieces of the arch together. Coleman says the unusual design will become an icon for the city of Columbus...

"New Downtown TIF will benefit only Downtown area; Other states do it differently" WOSU NewsRoom

Link: New Downtown TIF will benefit only Downtown area; Other states do it differently
Mandie Trimble
WOSU NewsRoom
July 10, 2008

Columbus City Council approved another TIF district that's supposed to help with Downtown's revitalization. WOSU took a deeper look into the TIF structure and how one other state handles TIFs.

"This should have been the first TIF."

That's what Columbus City Councilmember Mary Ellen O'Shaughnessy said of the city's 50th TIF district that city council approved this week...

...Property taxes from any new development in Downtown Columbus over the next 30 years will be spent only on downtown projects. The money would be used for building new parking garages and making other infrastructural improvements. That means new property tax revenue from downtown will not be shared with the rest of the city. And agencies that depend that revenue like Children's Services, Columbus Metropolitan libraries and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium could stand to lose millions of dollars. They'll still get their portion of existing property taxes which totals nearly $43 million...

Just to clarify their explanation of how the TIF works, the property tax revenue that is diverted by the TIF is any increase beyond what is their today, not all the propery tax. In other words, if a piece of property pays $2000 a year in property taxt today, that sum will still get split to the various organizations and programs as it does today. In 5 years, assuming property values go up, if that same property was taxed $2500 because of the increased value, the $500 increase would go to the TIF and the rest would still continue to go where it has always gone.

"Tax district spread, swallowed Downtown" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Tax district spread, swallowed Downtown
Mark Ferenchik
The Columbus Dispatch
July 13, 2008

At first, Columbus leaders simply wanted to make sure they had enough money to pay for some Downtown parking garages.

Last year, they looked at creating a small tax-increment financing district around N. 4th and Elm streets, where one garage was planned. New property taxes generated there would help pay for the garage.

That idea has since blossomed into a 735-acre Downtown district to funnel property taxes to not only parking garages but potentially a host of other public improvements including caps -- platforms for parks, shops and restaurants built over freeways...

"The final countdown begins for walkway" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: The final countdown begins for walkway
Bobby Pierce
The Columbus Dispatch
July 13, 2008

S. High Street will lose what some call an eyesore when the City Center sky bridge to the Lazarus building is removed this fall.

The walkway connecting the mall and former department store was in vogue in the 1980s, but city leaders and urban planners now see it as a barrier to Downtown commerce.

"Holistically, these buildings are widely falling out of favor," said Andrew Overbeck, an Urban and Regional Planner at MSI. "They rob the Downtown streets of pedestrians and activity."

The Columbus Downtown Development Corp. is managing the demolition and looking for contractors for the job, set to begin around October and finish in a couple of months...

"Columbus council directs tax revenue downtown" Business First of Columbus

Link: Columbus council directs tax revenue downtown
Business First of Columbus
July 8, 2008

Columbus City Council has approved a 30-year tax shift that will redirect city property taxes to projects in downtown.

The council established a city Tax Increment Finance district, bound to the north by the Arena District, south by the Brewery District, east by Interstate 71 and west by the Scioto River.

Funding for the TIF district is targeted at public infrastructure improvement projects, including parking garages, streets, improvements and parks, according to the city. Specific projects have not been identified...

"Downtown gets big tax change Columbus Dispatch Politics" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Downtown gets big tax change Columbus Dispatch Politics
Mark Ferenchik and Robert Vitale
The Columbus Dispatch
July 8, 2008

For the next 30 years, property taxes from every new building Downtown will stay Downtown to pay for parking garages, roads, parks and other improvements.

The Columbus City Council approved creating a 735-acre district last night that will shift new tax money -- likely millions of dollars -- to Downtown projects and away from Columbus Metropolitan Library operations, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, social-service agencies and others that rely on property taxes...

...Columbus has 50 TIF districts. The Downtown district is surrounded by several others, including those in the Arena District, Brewery District, Short North and the Jeffrey Place development along N. 4th Street in Italian Village. In 1999, voters upheld a TIF district at the Polaris Centers of Commerce on the Far North Side...

"Will Columbus ever get another skyscraper?" Business First of Columbus

Link: Will Columbus ever get another skyscraper?
[Account required]
Carrie Ghose
Business First of Columbus
July 4, 2008

...The building boom that created the Columbus skyline in the 1970s and '80s is long past. The city has not added a downtown office skyscraper in 10 years, though it picked up housing bookends with Miranova and the Condominiums at North Bank Park.

Technically, the city is adding high-rises outside downtown, such as 12-story additions planned for OSU Medical Center and Nationwide Children's Hospital. But for now, no buildings of 20 stories or higher - the kind that can be seen from Lithopolis - appear to be on anyone's drawing table. A few plans are tucked in drawers, perhaps, but developers say the market is far from ripe.

And that's just fine with Mayor Michael Coleman.

"Our greatest need is to fill in the acres and acres and acres of underdeveloped land in our downtown," he said. The fastest way to do that is building low...

"City's oldest, newest skyscrapers helped end construction droughts" Business First of Columbus

Link: City's oldest, newest skyscrapers helped end construction droughts
[Account required]
Carrie Ghose
Business First of Columbus
July 4, 2008

The oldest and newest skyscrapers in Columbus stand apart in time, in the skyline, in form and in function. Yet the bookends in the city's high-rise history share a few common elements.

The 47-story art deco LeVeque Tower opened in 1927 but presaged the mixed-use mantra of today's developers by housing a theater, hotel and offices. Equal parts leviathan and confection, the white terra cotta edifice studded with eagles and archangels soared alone in the center of the city for more than three decades and is still its second tallest building.

The sleek 20-story Condominiums at North Bank Park was completed this year and holds only housing. On the Scioto River apart from the two downtown high-rise clusters, the round-cornered structure ended a seven-year drought for high-rise construction, but its glass walls reflect the sky more than penetrate it...

"Galbreaths gave shape to the Columbus skyline" Business First of Columbus

Link: Galbreaths gave shape to the Columbus skyline
[Account required]
Carrie Ghose
Business First of Columbus
July 4, 2008

Look at any Columbus postcard with the favored skyline view, looking east from across the Scioto River, and it's impossible not to see the imprint of the Galbreath Co.

Once among the nation's largest developers, the Columbus company was behind several landmarks in the 1970s and '80s: One Nationwide Plaza, the William Green Building and headquarters for American Electric Power Company Inc. and Columbia Gas of Ohio. Continuing east, Galbreath developed the former Borden Building, Capitol Square and both downtown Hyatts, as well as several low-rise yet notable projects such as the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

"They were very instrumental," said Bob Vennemeyer, CEO of DesignGroup, a Columbus architecture firm. "That was a boom time in corporate development."...

Downtown Retail Re-Development Activities Moving Forward

For immediate release                           
July 7, 2008
Contact:  Dan Williamson, Mayor’s Office, 645-5300                                     
Cynthia Rickman, Development Department, 645-8795
Steven Michalovich, Columbus Downtown Development Corporation, 545-4732

Demolition of Lazarus Sky Bridge will help prepare High Street for Active Retail

(Columbus)  In his 2008 State of the City Address Mayor Michael B. Coleman announced the creation of a new district downtown, The Mile on High District to focus on rebuilding the High Street Corridor with active retail, office and housing to bring more people and new investment back into the area.Today Columbus City Council will consider ordinance 1090-2008 to authorize the release of $503,670 of bond proceeds currently held in the RiverSouth Area Redevelopment Project Fund in support of Columbus Downtown Development Corporation’s plan to repair the two alleys adjoining the northwest portion of The Lazarus Building to complete a plan to demolish the sky bridge connecting the Lazarus Building to City Center and repair the Lazarus facade, preparing it for street-level retail.

“High Street is the spine of our City and for our City to work best, our backbone must be strong,” said Mayor Coleman. “With more than 100,000 workers and an increasing number of residents moving downtown, we need to spur economic development and create new retail opportunities along High Street by demolishing the cavernous City Center walkway. We are grateful to Governor Strickland and our legislative partners for helping to secure money for this worthwhile project.”

The sky bridge that once connected City Center with Lazarus has been dormant for years and is a strong impediment to creating a thriving retail environment. Demolition of the Lazarus Sky Bridge will provide a catalyst for retail along the High Street corridor in front of The Lazarus Building helping to spur economic redevelopment. The total cost of the project is approximately $3 million with the State of Ohio contributing $2.5 million from the 2008 state capital budget.

Recent public and private investments have made RiverSouth an emerging neighborhood. Construction for the Main Street Bridge has been underway for several years, and The Lazarus Building has been renovated into an award winning "green" office space and is 99 percent leased. The Scioto Mile Park began construction in April 2008 and the municipal garage at the corner of Front and Rich streets will be completed in the spring of 2009.  Last month, Lifestyles Communities broke ground on a moderately priced housing development, featuring both rental and for-sale units on four empty lots just south of The Lazarus Building, providing an important housing product downtown.

Council will also consider ordinance 0973-2008 for the creation of a downtown Tax Increment Financing District (TIF). The TIF will cover a large area of Downtown approximately bounded to the north by the Arena District, south by the Brewery District, east by I-71 and west by the Scioto River and is targeted to fund a variety of public improvements including parking garages, roadways and parks.

The City of Columbus is helping lead the implementation of the Downtown Business Plan with the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation and local businesses.  2008 marks the sixth year of the 10-year plan to bring new investment, energy and activity into downtown.  The total new investment in downtown since 2000 is estimated at $2.19 billion, with $711 million in public funding helping leverage $1.48 billion in private investment.  This includes projects proposed, under construction, or built since 2000.

"Small hotel is possible on High" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Small hotel is possible on High
Mike Pramik
The Columbus Dispatch
June 26, 2008

Jim Jackson's latest off-the-court move could help transform a sleepy Downtown block into a place where people would sleep in style.

The former Ohio State University basketball star is looking into developing a boutique hotel at the northwest corner of Gay and High streets. His Toledo development company is trying to make the numbers work for a four-story, 150-room property on what is a parking lot.

Jackson's Q3 Development has an option on the land controlled in part by local developer Bob Long. Jackson said he is working with Diversified Development Group and Daimler Group of Columbus.

"We're taking our 120 days to see what's under the ground and what would work," Jackson said yesterday. "It's a great idea, but at the end of the day, it has to make economic sense."...

"Couple Finds Gas Perks By Living Downtown" nbc4i.com

Link: Couple Finds Gas Perks By Living Downtown
Denise Yost
nbc4i.com
June 24, 2008

...The Shinns aren't alone. Almost 5,000 people call downtown Columbus home and there are about 200 bars and restaurants within walking distance.

"The first concert we ever went to at Nationwide Arena, we went to because we lived here and we could walk right over there," Steve said.

Another perk for the couple comes from their wallet. They walk everywhere and rarely drive...

"No merger for Hexion, Huntsman" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: No merger for Hexion, Huntsman.
Tracy Turner
The Columbus Dispatch
June 19, 2008

Hexion Specialty Chemicals' planned purchase of a major competitor likely won't happen after all, the company said yesterday.

The deal, first announced last summer pending regulatory approval, called for Hexion to buy Huntsman Corp. for $10.6 billion. The move would have nearly tripled the size of Hexion, an outgrowth of the former Borden Chemical.

But in a filing in the Delaware Court of Chancery, Hexion said it believes the merger with "Huntsman is no longer viable."...

Just keeping tabs on downtown investments. Typically when a company doesn't deliver on their promises, any special incentives are eventually revoked. Not sure what the case would be here:

"City, state wooing Hexion to stay" The Columbus Dispatch
December 5, 2007

"Former High Street Wendy's getting Latin makeover" Business First of Columbus

View Larger Map

This spot marks for me the real entry into downtown coming down from the Short North since it somewhat signifies the first stretch of retail after comging through the Nationwide campus. What happens with the former Wendy's location is somewhat symbolic for downtown so I take this as good tidings:

Link: Former High Street Wendy's getting Latin makeover
[account required]
Dan Eaton
Business First of Columbus
June 13, 2008

Sam Horner told Columbus Business First when he and his father bought the old Wendy's on High Street in Columbus two years ago that he hoped it could be turned into a restaurant with a Due Amici feel.

He'll get his wish.

Horner, a real estate appraiser, is teaming up with Jeff Mathes, the owner of Due Amici in the city, to open a Latin eatery there by fall. Mathes said Barrio will cater to the same high-end casual crowd as Due Amici, his Italian restaurant on Gay Street, but with a South American flair...

"Retail market study spots downtown potential" Business First of Columbus

Link: Retail market study spots downtown potential
[account required]
Dan Eaton
Business First of Columbus
June 13, 2008

...City Hall and the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District, based on findings from a downtown retail market study, are calling on merchants like Daniels to lead the charge back into the central city. But it could take more than the spending power of residents, workers and visitors to bring businesses downtown.

The study, conducted by Boulevard Strategies, said downtown retailers - a segment spanning goods, services, dining and entertainment - reap $190 million in annual sales, but the total could grow to $300 million. The existing crop of retailers is capturing 14 percent of total spending. A wider offering of stores could get up to 23 percent, not accounting for growth.

"Clearly this is an opportunity," said Mike Brown, urban ventures coordinator for the city. "How we act on it is the question."...

"Seneca, other first-timers on City Hop tour" Business First of Columbus

Link: Seneca, other first-timers on City Hop tour
Brian R. Ball
Business First of Columbus
June 9, 2008

The 2008 City Hop tour of 17 downtown residential projects will have a handful of first-time projects this year.

New to the tour set for June 14 are developer SJS Real Estate's Courthouse Condominiums at South High and East Mound streets; Campus Apartments Inc.'s Seneca Apartments at 367 E. Broad St.; Edwards Cos.' East Gay condominiums and Wagenbrenner Development's Harrison Park project at 575 W. First Ave.

Arms Properties, developer of the Ibiza condo tower in Italian Village, also is new to the tour. It will have a tent on the site of that planned project at 830 N. High St...

Capital Crossroads Releases Downtown Retail Study, Vision for Pearl Market and New Support for Entrepreneurs

For immediate release   
June 3, 2008
Kacey Campbell  614-645-5095
Ruth Milligan 614-348-0760

Columbus, Ohio – What’s the most untapped retail market in Columbus?  A report released today at the kick off of the 2008 Pearl Market season by Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District details how Downtown is under spending its potential by $110 million.

Retail Analyst Chris Boring, in his study,  “An Untapped Market,” explains how  100,000 employees, 5,000 residents, 65,000 nearby residents (in Short North, German Village and other surrounding areas), 31,000 students and 250,000 visitors make up the downtown market  - and how the 280 existing retailers do not fulfill the buying potential for the area.   Currently, $190 million worth of sales exist in the downtown retail sector, while nearly $300 million could be realized if more retail existed.

“The closure of City Center should finally be looked at in a different light.  Downtown now has a wide-open field for small businesses to take advantage of a place that not only has available storefronts, but huge buying potential from the market segments that live, work, visit and play downtown every day,” said Boring.  “Lack of retail activity in City Center clears the field for new retail nodes to evolve in all corners of downtown.”

Real  estate vacancies for retail locations are obvious downtown.  At least 45 storefronts exist on High Street alone. The challenge is that they are located in properties that are largely focused on leasing  commercial office space.  There is no coordinated retail marketing in downtown.  Even well executed recruitment efforts, however, might produce few results because independent and start-up  retailers are very difficult to identify and locate.  “In many cases, you can’t find them.  They have to find you,” said Boring   “Understanding how the market segments behave, providing demographic information and traffic counts and creating opportunities to connect with other retailers is where Capital Crossroads plans to step in.   

“If you are a mom-and-pop business and have any interest in expanding or relocating, we want to talk to you, “ said Cleve Ricksecker, Executive Director, Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District. “We want to hold your hand and , provide encouragement, data, relationships and enthusiasm for bringing your business downtown. “

Capital Crossroads also released a visioning sketch to show the retail potential specifically of the Pearl Market and surrounding area.  Produced by downtown architectural and retail-specialty firm, Lusk Architects, the sketch is meant to inspire and create dialogue.  It shows a mature market with permanent fixtures, awnings and retail kiosks where Pearl market farmers and temporary vendors to can maximize their retail potential downtown.   It also shows how existing buildings can be designed to accommodate small, inexpensive retail space for start-up and independent retailers.  The sketch will be used by Capital Crossroads in an ongoing effort to raise awareness and funding  and for the market.

View the Downtown Retail Study

Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District is comprised of 550 commercial and residential property owners  who have come together to to support the development of a safe, clean, attractive, unique, and user-friendly downtown, establish the center of Columbus as the foremost business, cultural, entertainment, and residential location in the region, and position Columbus as one of the premier downtowns in the nation.

"Organization Looks To Rebuild Downtown Retail" nbc4i.com

Link: Organization Looks To Rebuild Downtown Retail
Ashley Brown
nbc4i.com
June 4, 2008

...But it is a challenge, Ricksecker said. "If you're a small retailer, it's overwhelming to try and come down here."

That's why Ricksecker said Capital Crossroads is hoping to work with interested owners.

"We'll do a lot of hand holding for anyone who wants to start a store down here," he said...

"Study: Columbus Downtown Can Support More Retail" WOSU NewsRoom

Link: Study: Columbus Downtown Can Support More Retail.
Tom Borgerding
WOSU NewsRoom
June 4, 2008

A Columbus retail analyst says as City Center empties the city's downtown is now a wide open field for retailers. The new study estimates untapped buying potential of nearly $300,000,000.

Analyst Chris Boring of Boulevard Strategies says downtown Columbus has become what he calls an "untapped market" for retailers.

"Retailers don't understand what the market is for downtown." Says Boring...

"Need for area shops 'unmet'" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Need for area shops 'unmet'
Tracy Turner
The Columbus Dispatch
June 3, 2008

Despite the demise of Columbus City Center, the potential for retail Downtown is strong, according to a new study released today by a Downtown property-owners' group.

In fact, $110 million more in annual spending could be generated Downtown if more retailers took advantage of the market, according to the study by Columbus retail analyst Chris Boring done for the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District.

The group hopes to attract retail businesses to the area with information and guidance, but no specific financial incentives.

The study showed that the current mix of Downtown employees, residents, students and visitors, in addition to near-Downtown residents, could support an additional 450,000 square feet of shops, restaurants and service businesses in the area, Boring said...

View the Study

"Two farmer's markets to sprout Downtown" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Two farmer's markets to sprout Downtown
Monique Curet
The Columbus Dispatch
June 2, 2008

...The market, which is open from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Fridays through Oct. 31, also will feature 34 merchants selling nonfood items.

Other changes this year include the appearance of some booths on Broad Street, at the mouth of the alley, “to give a little more visual aid” to the market, said Adam Schroeder, the market manager.

The Pearl Alley Growers' Association, meanwhile, has kept its name but will open its farmers' market July 10 near Nationwide Arena, said Marcy Musson, market manager. The group also will add a market at Columbus Square shopping center on the Northeast Side beginning July 8...

"Contemporary Condos Now Under Construction" Neighborhood Launch

Link: Contemporary Condos Now Under Construction
Neighborhood Launch
May 31, 2008

The Edwards Companies released plans for the next residential building at Neighborhood Launch.

The new building features a truly contemporary exterior and features 21 condominium residences, both townhomes and garden flats. Each unit offers garage parking and personal outdoor living spaces. A few units even include balconies on the top floor. Prices range from $179,900 to $492,900.

The building, located at Gay and Fifth streets, is now under construction with expected completion date set for January 2009...

Columbus Metropolitan Club Forum: Developments on the Urban Frontier

This Wednesday at noon I'll be moderating another Columbus Metropolitan Club forum on "Developments on the Urban Frontier: After the initial downtown boon, have we done what it takes to entice our urban pioneers?"

The panelists that have been selected for this discussion will offer a pretty broad stroke perspective on the state of downtown:

Ken Danter, President, The Danter Company

Ken's company has produced numerous studies of the downtown market, including reports on downtown housing and the impact of the proposed Columbus Streetcar system. Ken knows downtown by the numbers and can shed some light on what they mean. I don't know Ken personally (yet) but whenever the City needs to check out the feasibility of some of its downtown projects, I've come to know his work.

Marilyn Vutech, Real Living, Vutech & Ruff

Marilyn has been part of the downtown housing ebb and flow since well before the boon that kicked up in about 2004. With her continued involvement in representing such real estate developments as 8 on the Square, The Dakota and Ibiza in the Short North and an extensive representation of home sellers in German Village, her insight into the downtown market couldn't get any clearer. Marilyn knows downtown housing.

Liz Lesener, Proprietor, Betty's Fine Food & Spirits, Tip Top Kitchen & Cocktails and Surly Girl Saloon

What can I say about this woman? She is one of my idols when it comes to entrepreneurialism here in Columbus. If you want to talk about the reality of running a restaurant business in and around the downtown area, she the woman. She is the truest of urban pioneers and has not only started one new restaurant in the downtown area, Tip Top, but is nearing the opening of her second venture. If you want to know how business is doing downtown, and what opportunities exist...Liz is money.

As for me, I'm excited to be able to come back to the discussion and conversation from two years ago when I hosted the pre-City Hop downtown forum for the Columbus Metropolitan Club with Larry Reuben of Plaza Properties, Kyle Katz of the Buggyworks and John Rosenberg, formerly of the Capitol South Community Urban Redevelopment Organization.

The housing boon has come and gone. The streetcar project is behind the scenes for the moment, strategizing and educating. And the Columbus Symphony Orchestra is the first of the non-profit arts organizations in Columbus to stumble into the public spotlight as funding issues begin to rear their heads for subsidized Arts & Cultural organizations.

Where does downtown's future lie?

For more information on the Columbus Metropolitan Club or to register for this event, click here.

"Is There A Plan Yet For City Center?" nbc4i.com

Link: Is There A Plan Yet For City Center?
Denise Yost
nbc4i.com
May 22, 2008

...It's taken months for the City of Columbus to decide what to do with the large property. Currently, the mayor's spokesman, Michael Brown said no official decision has been made -- and that the city is still in talks with several developers on what exactly to do with the area. There has been talk of residential and business development along with office space, but no decision has been made.

While Central Ohioans are still waiting on a definite plan for City Center, Mayor Michael Coleman is moving forward with his plan to implement street cars downtown.

The rail car system would cost $103 million and would run almost miles down High Street from The Ohio State University campus gateway to Mound Street...

"Turn that Frown Upside Down, Dirty Frank’s set to arrive in the RBD" The Red Brick District

Link: Turn that Frown Upside Down, Dirty Frank’s set to arrive in the RBD
The Red Brick District
May 16, 2008

Well it’s fairly old news to most by now, but The Queen Bee spot has already found a replacement.

We are very very thrilled to have Harold Larue and Liz Lessner set up their Dirty Frank’s restaurant in our hood. Welcome to the RBD you two!...

"Safety ambassadors: Downtown's security blanket" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Safety ambassadors: Downtown's security blanket
Debbie Gebolys
The Columbus Dispatch
May 12, 2008

...As shopkeepers lock their doors, a kind of friendly quiet takes over. People stroll leisurely, stopping to wave to friends driving by and stepping aside to make way for bicyclists.

But it's not utopia out there. Downtown has its share of criminals, drug addicts and homeless people, elements that scare away some central Ohioans. For more than six years, a group whose members say they are extra eyes and ears has patrolled night and day to keep that grittier part of street life in the background.

"Safety ambassadors" on foot and bike canvass more than 70 square blocks of Downtown. Connected by radios and backed up by two special-duty police officers, 10 of them are out until 11 p.m. on weekdays and 2 a.m. on weekends to reduce crime and make people feel safer...

"On Restaurants | Taverns fuel owner's love: civic involvement" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: On Restaurants | Taverns fuel owner's love: civic involvement
Bill Chronister
The Columbus Dispatch
May 13, 2008

..."What I've always sought is the power to cause change," said Lessner, 34. "People always say you have to be motivated by the money to open a restaurant. But I've always wanted something to generate some money so I could do things socially."

Lessner has three successful restaurants: She started with Betty's Fine Food and Spirits in 2001, and followed up with the Surly Girl Saloon in 2005 and the Tip Top Kitchen and Cocktails in 2007.

She just took possession of the former Queen Bee Restaurant, 248 S. 4th St., and plans to turn it into Dirty Frank's Hot Dogs by mid-July...

Ohio Statehouse to Hold Civil War Encampment

press release
Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10, 2008 on the Lawn of the Statehouse
See you at the People’s House!

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY - 1st Ohio Statehouse Light Artillery, Battery A Civil War re-enactors will offer living history lessons during an 1860s-era encampment of Union Army Troops on the West lawn of the Ohio Statehouse; Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.  This event is free and open to the public.  The events will recreate proceedings very similar to the actual camp life at the Statehouse during the Civil War.  Union Army Troops used the Ohio Statehouse grounds and interior as they awaited their orders to depart for combat between 1861 and 1864 at the height of the American Civil War.

The Statehouse Encampment will educate visitors about Ohio’s role in the Civil War and foster interest in the study of Ohio and American history through living history activities. Encampment activities will include interactive talks, demonstrations, ceremonies; and reenactments of camp and civilian life in mid-19th century America. These activities will take place at the Ohio Statehouse and will involve the safe use and demonstration of four original Civil War cannons that reside on the Statehouse grounds. Civil War cannon firing demonstrations will take place every hour on the hour beginning at 9 a.m. both days.

There will be special crafts and activities for children.  Visitors of all ages may observe or join in games such as hoops and graces, tug-of-war, jump rope, croquet and other traditional leisure activities often pursued in Victorian times.

Battery A exists to serve the state of Ohio and its citizens by being accomplished living history educators and the best Civil War artillery unit in the United States. Battery A’s mission is to promote the Ohio Statehouse and its identity as a site of civic involvement, education and visitation; and also to promote awareness of state government and the state legislature.  Battery A is an extension of the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board and the Statehouse Education & Visitors Center. 

A 30 second PSA promoting the event can be viewed at www.ohiostatehouse.org.

Direct Link: http://www.ohiochannel.org/your_state/ohio_statehouse/multimedia/videos.cfm?file_id=110708

"Sky-high living" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Sky-high living
Story by Tim Feran Photos by Fred Squillante
The Columbus Dispatch
April 27, 2008

Anyone can live in an architectural masterpiece and look down on everyone else in town -- literally.

Anyone, that is, who wants to pay $4,500 a month to rent the penthouse pad in the LeVeque Tower.

The octagonal apartment, perched on the 43rd and 44th floors of the iconic Columbus skyscraper, is newly available after its tenant moved out...

"Downtown living: Here comes the Neighborhood" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Downtown living: Here comes the Neighborhood
Mike Pramik
The Columbus Dispatch
April 28, 2008

...Now, the challenge for developer Edwards Cos. is to convince potential buyers that expectations for the rest of its Gay Street neighborhood will match the promise the first building has provided.

"Based on our experience in the Brewery District, and the experience Nationwide has had in the Arena District, there's no question that any development of size makes people feel better about their living decision," developer Jeff Edwards said. "Building a building in an island of parking lots, it's not as appealing as a planned neighborhood."

It will take several years to complete the neighborhood, bounded by Long, 6th, Gay and 4th streets. The first phase will include about 40 condominiums ranging in price from about $150,000 to $660,000...

"City Center can spur Downtown's rebirth" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: City Center can spur Downtown's rebirth
Tom Fortin
Letter to the Editor
The Columbus Dispatch
April 22, 2008

Since 2004, I have witnessed over $500 million of investments in Downtown by local and national investors. They are forward-thinkers with the positive attitude to recognize great potential. My partners and I have invested more than $20 million during this period. Two developers who made unsuccessful attempts to buy Columbus City Center made disparaging comments and said our Downtown could not attract retailers (Dispatch article, April 7). It just doesn't make any sense.

"What's different now from before?" you ask The advent of three new malls and the exodus of some major Downtown employers hurt. In addition, high rent common to new malls gave City Center a bloody lip. Recently, however, our city purchased the City Center at a price that allows it to rent space at prices suburban developers cannot afford to match. Our city can offer tax incentives and abatements suburban malls cannot always offer. With these new tools, sensitive management and the right attitude, we can attract a major retail anchor to City Center...

"Work begins on Scioto Mile park project" Business First of Columbus

Link: Work begins on Scioto Mile park project
Business First of Columbus
April 14, 2008

Backers of a $38 million transformation of the downtown Columbus riverfront broke ground on the project Monday, three years ahead of the scheduled opening of the city's Scioto Mile park.

The groundbreaking comes about a month before roadwork is set to begin on Civic Center Drive, which will be transformed from a five-lane, one-way route to a two-way road with two lanes in each direction. With additional space, the city plans to add a Myers/Schmalenberger Inc.-designed promenade to the road between West Broad and West Rich streets, said Amy Taylor, spokeswoman for Columbus Downtown Development Corp.

Another key facet to the park, a central element of the city's move to revitalize downtown in time for its 2012 bicentennial, is a revamped Bicentennial Park featuring a permanent band shell and a fountain...

"Retailers shunning Downtown" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Retailers shunning Downtown
Mike Pramik
The Columbus Dispatch
April 7, 2008

...Significantly improving the Downtown shopping scene is all but a hopeless cause, say two of the city's pre-eminent retail developers.

During a forum last week presented by the local chapter of the Urban Land Institute, developers Don Casto and Frank Kass painted a bleak picture of Downtown's retail fortunes.

Yaromir Steiner, co-developer of Easton Town Center, said better times could be coming -- in about 40 years, if planning begins today...

Nationwide no longer developing the City Center plan

This is a little factoid that popped up in yesterday's Columbus Dispatch article about downtown retail: Nationwide is no longer putting together the master plan for City Center.

In yesterday's weekly metrospective I talked about a concern I had with the fact that Nationwide Realty Investors is looking to build its mixed-use development, Grandview Yard, over in Grandview Heights. I mentioned that I thought it would be in direct competition with any hopeful downtown retail development.

Interestingly enough, from the article I linked above, Nationwide is no longer developing the future of City Center at this point. This is the first I have heard of it:

"...When the Columbus Downtown Development Corp. bought City Center last year, it tapped Nationwide Realty Investors to hammer out a future for the mall. However, that's no longer the case, said Nationwide Realty spokeswoman Tina Guegold.

Guegold said Nationwide Realty has backed off creating a master plan while the development corporation strives on its own to find tenants for the mall. Amy Taylor, a spokeswoman for the development corporation, said it's working on a plan for City Center and expects to have details "in May or June."..."

"Ann Fisher commentary: Queen Bee in clover, thanks to lender" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Ann Fisher commentary: Queen Bee in clover, thanks to lender
Ann Fisher
The Columbus Dispatch
March 12, 2008

...She pointed to the parking lot across S. 4th Street from the Queen Bee, a Downtown casual-dining institution since 1949 that Perry and her husband took over in January 2007. "If that lot is full, I'm usually busy."

When it's not, when times are slow, Perry said, she is especially grateful for her relationship with the Economic and Community Development Institute.

Through December, the nonprofit group that was started in 2004 has channeled local, state, federal and private dollars to nontraditional borrowers for 156 business startups and 125 expansions. Fifty percent were immigrant-owned, and 83 percent were minority-owned...

...Other loan candidates might need more training than the Perrys and a longer timeline to get started, said Inna Kinney, president and founder of the Economic and Community Development Institute (www.ecdi.org)...

Casto announces first retail and office clients move-in at Broad and High project in Columbus

press release
Columbus, Ohio – CASTO, one of the country’s leading real estate organizations, opens doors at Broad and High project to first retail tenant, Café Lola and office tenant, Paul Werth Associates.

Paul Werth Associates, a full-service public relations, advertising, public affairs and research firm, occupies 10,441 square feet of office space at Broad and High.   In business for 45 years, Werth decided to make their first move in 44 years, just blocks away from the firm’s old offices.  “We are committed to downtown and moving to the most exciting corner of the city is an extraordinary occasion for our firm”, says Sandy Harbrecht, President of Paul Werth Associates.

Café Lola, owned and operated by restaurateurs Lori and Kevin Ames occupies 1,600 square feet of space.  Open Monday to Friday from 7:30am-4pm, they offer an array of delicious breakfasts and sandwiches with great price points.  After being open a few days, their lunch crowd is already booming with a line out the door just yesterday!

The rest of the project anticipates an opening this Spring, including the condominium component, 8 on the Square, with available homes ranging from $219,000 to over $1 million.  For more information on retail, office and residential availability, please visit www.broadandhigh.com.

About CASTO
CASTO, a fully integrated real estate organization based in Columbus, Ohio since 1926, is a recognized leader in the ownership, management, acquisition and development of commercial shopping centers and multi-family residences, office buildings and corporate parks. CASTO’s growing portfolio currently includes over 20 million square feet of commercial property in 90+ shopping centers and more than 4,000 residential units in 14 apartment communities located primarily throughout the mid-western and southeastern United States.  CASTO currently has more than five million square feet of retail in development.  CASTO also has offices in Sarasota, Florida, Raleigh, North Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina which specialize in real estate development, brokerage and management primarily in Florida and the Carolinas.  To learn more about CASTO, visit www.castoinfo.com.

Casto Lifestyle Properties, based in Sarasota, Florida, focuses on the development of mixed-use lifestyle centers and is at the forefront of this niche of the industry.  Following the successful development of Winter Park Village, in Winter Park, Florida, Casto Lifestyle Properties has developed and opened five mixed-use lifestyle projects in Florida and North Carolina and has two new projects underway in Morrisville/Cary, North Carolina and Mt. Prospect/Chicago, Illinois.  To learn more about Casto Lifestyle Properties, visit www.castolp.com.

"Altered bridge design shaves millions off tab" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Altered bridge design shaves millions off tab
Robert Vitale
The Columbus Dispatch
March 9, 2008

The last time Columbus planned for a Downtown bridge over the Scioto River, bids for a Main Street span came in almost $15 million higher than expected.

So here's a bit of welcome news: When it's to build a companion bridge between Town and Rich streets, city officials say they've found ways to do it for $9.5 million less.

By tweaking the design for the bridge connecting the Downtown side of the river with Franklinton, Public Service Director Mark Kelsey said Columbus will get its next big project done cheaper and faster...

"Softened market prods new approach for downtown-area condos" Business First of Columbus

Link: Softened market prods new approach for downtown-area condos
[account required]
Brian R. Ball
Business First of Columbus
February 29, 2008

A high-end Columbus condo tower that struggled to find buyers in 2007 has had little trouble landing renters, just as the developer of a Short North-area condo project moves toward a similar strategy to combat the effects of a sluggish housing market.

The 54-unit Carlyles Watch has filled 28 of 31 condos at rents from $950 to $3,300 a month in less than three months. The other 23 condos have been sold.

Urban Loft Ventures I LLC, which developed the building at 100 E. Gay St., took the condos off the market last fall, putting up to 36 units on the auction block in hopes of improving the pace of sales. The company closed on seven of eight condos sold at the auction, and it rejected offers it deemed insufficient from 21 other bidders...

"ON RESTAURANTS | New wave of dining in store" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: New wave of dining in store
Bill Chronister
The Columbus Dispatch
February 26, 2008

...Hynde and restaurant manager Daniel Duplain are looking for sites in the Downtown area for a second edition of their VegiTerranean Restaurant and Bar.

The original restaurant opened a little more than three months ago in Akron.

"Chrissie and I were in town (two weeks ago) to scout for locations," Duplain said. "We've made a commitment to ourselves that we want to be in the Downtown or in the Short North."...

A Good Night's Sleep You Literally Can Put in the Bank: Concord Hospitality Opens Residence Inn in Downtown Columbus, Ohio

$24 Million Renovation Transforms Landmark Bank Building into Extended Stay Hotel

press release
COLUMBUS, Ohio and RALEIGH-DURHAM, N.C., Feb. 25 Concord Hospitality Enterprises, one of the nation's top-ranked hotel developer/owner/operators, today opened the 126-room Residence Inn Columbus Downtown in Columbus, Ohio, following a $24 million, 18-month renovation of a historic former bank building. Concord, which acquired the 83-year-old building in 2005, also will manage the property. The Residence Inn Columbus Downtown marks the 10th addition to Concord's hotel portfolio so far in 2008.

Located at 36 E. Gay Street, the renovated high-rise hotel with 40-foot, brass-plated ceilings and marble floors and columns, maintains the architectural integrity and classic revival style of the original structure, built as Buckeye Savings & Loan in 1925. Guests will enjoy a breakfast buffet served in what used to be the bank's vault, in addition to the view of the marble-and-brass-trimmed lobby from the lounge located on the mezzanine level.

The 15-floor, extended-stay property features Residence Inn's spacious suites with fully equipped kitchen, living and work area, luxury bedding and free high speed Internet. It also includes two meeting rooms with more than 1,000 square feet of meeting space and wireless Internet access throughout the hotel. Prior to the restoration, the building remained vacant for more than 10 years.

"This building is strategically located in downtown Columbus and represents a key opportunity to revitalize the downtown corridor and generate new revenue for the city," said Haydn Kramer, Concord's vice president of operations. "It's also a familiar downtown landmark that has been a part of the city landscape for close to 85 years.

"This renovation has both financial and sentimental value, as it creates an important source of revenue and also revives a chapter of this city's history. We expect this hotel to be something the city can brag about, and we also expect it to become the go-to place for Columbus residents for weddings, parties and big events."

The hotel already has benefited from a strong Columbus market prior to opening. "By the time we officially opened, we had already booked $400,000 in business," said Robert Kennedy, hotel general manager. "We also hosted a corporate event a few days before we opened. People are already starting to recognize us as part of the community, and we're pleased about that. Our intention is to be a valuable asset for this city for a very long time."

About Concord Hospitality

Concord Hospitality Enterprises Company, an award-winning hotel management and development company based in Raleigh-Durham, N.C., manages 49 hotels with over 6,000 guest rooms in 11 states and two Canadian provinces under such well-known brands as Renaissance, Marriott, Courtyard by Marriott, Residence Inn by Marriott, Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott, SpringHill Suites by Marriott, Hampton Inn and Suites, and an independent boutique hotel. Formed in 1985, the company was recently listed as one of the top management companies in the nation. Concord properties are some of the most awarded hotels in the country, having won nearly 30 honors in the past two years alone. For more information, visit http://www.concordhotels.com

"Former Buckeye Federal building opens as Residence Inn" Business First of Columbus

Link: Former Buckeye Federal building opens as Residence Inn
Business First of Columbus
February 25, 2008

The former Buckeye Federal Savings & Loan building made its debut Monday as the Residence Inn by Marriott.

The opening comes after 18 months and $24 million in renovations to the building at 36 E. Gay St. The 15-floor building is equipped with 126 suites and 7,800 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor.

The project began in 2005 when Raleigh, N.C.-based Concord Hospitality Enterprises Co. bought the 83-year-old building, which had been vacant for more than 10 years. Lubert Adler Real Estate Funds of Philadelphia partnered with Concord, the property manager, in the renovation by Columbus-based Ruscilli Construction Co.

The new hotel is at the center of city efforts to revitalize the downtown area for residential and commercial growth. The push has included a nearly $8 million project to allow two-way traffic on Gay Street, which has the most densely packed residential area - and a notable spike in restaurants - in downtown's central business district in the few blocks surrounding it...

"Downtown haberdasher Lynch makes run for retirement" Business First of Columbus

The comment about the "perks for developers" caught my eye in this article from Business First of Columbus on the closing of Woodhouse Lynch Clothiers in downtown Columbus. While I don't think perks for small businesses from the city are necessarily the way to go, his comment may offer a little insight into the mind of small business owners downtown.

Link: Downtown haberdasher Lynch makes run for retirement
[account required]
Dan Eaton
Business First of Columbus
February 15, 2008

Tom Lynch, a man who has been on his feet for almost 50 years, is ready to sit down.

Woodhouse Lynch Clothiers Inc., the iconic Columbus men's clothing shop that Lynch has owned and run for 36 years, will close at the end of the month...

...But retailing became tougher downtown with the decline of Columbus City Center mall, once a magnet for pulling shoppers to the city, and the closing of the landmark Lazarus department store. The difficulties weren't lost on Lynch.

"There are so many perks to developers for condos, etc.," he said. "Sometimes the small person seems left out."...

I've recently re-initiated my investigations into the downtown business environment so these types of articles are more on my radar these days.

With Grandview Yard on the boards as a potential regional destination that is slated to include a significant amount of retail, visions of downtown regaining status as a retail destination move farther from a possible future in my mind. The question is, what does downtown's future hold...which turns to my thoughts about evolving downtown's regional destination factor by highlighting and tying together all of our existing assets.

"Parking is pricier at City Center garages" The Columbus Dispatch

Short-term sacrifices for long-term gain. We have to keep in mind that the city of Columbus no longer has a company paying rent on the City Center Mall and, if I'm not mistaken, the garage is one of the only avenues to income for the property at this point.

Since the city has things rolling with RiverSouth now and are currently in the planning stages with City Center itself, I just see this as a way of patching a big funding gap as all the other pieces of the City Center and RiverSouth plan are patched together and put into motion:

Link: Parking is pricier at City Center garages
Mike Pramik
The Columbus Dispatch
February 11, 2008

...Standard Parking, the company that Capitol South recently hired to run the garages, raised hourly prices overnight last week. It eliminated the low rates in favor of higher charges, which it thinks the market will bear. The first three hours now cost $5 in the garage under the mall and $4 for the Rich Street garage.

The move angered lots of motorists, facility manager Greg Goss said.

"I expected people to yell and scream," he said. "We heard it all day long."...

"ColumbusChamber completes lease deal at Lazarus building" Business First of Columbus

Link: ColumbusChamber completes lease deal at Lazarus
[account required]
in article Campus Partners snaps up more properties along North High Street
Business First of Columbus
February 8, 2008

The ColumbusChamber has completed a lease deal to move into a part of the former Lazarus department store downtown but has yet to finalize a move date.

The business association will fill 14,000 square feet on the second floor of the building off West Town and South Front streets, said spokeswoman Susan Merryman.

The chamber will share the offices with the Columbus Downtown Development Corp. and the city Department of Development's economic development office.

The move to the Lazarus building is expected to occur by late this year, Merryman said.

"We still have not sold our building" at 37 N. High St., she said.

Marriot's Residence Inn on Gay St. Slated to Open in February

Marriot's 126 room Residence Inn on Gay St., in the former Buckeye Finance building, is slated to open February 20th according to another snippet in the print edition of Business First last Friday. They still do not have a commercial tenant for their massive ground