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.

"High Street getting $15.8 million tune-up north of Lane" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: High Street getting $15.8 million tune-up north of Lane
Robert Vitale
The Columbus Dispatch
May 29, 2008

More arches are coming to High Street — but these won’t have lights.

Mayor Michael B. Coleman announced plans today for a $15.8 million spruce-up of N. High Street in the University District that will include new storm sewers and water lines below ground and new pavement, sidewalks, bike racks, streetlights, trees and arches up above.

“They won’t have lights, will they?” Coleman joked, referring to the city’s long-running battle to get arch lights working in the Short North. The two new arches — at Lane Avenue and Arcadia Avenue — won’t be lighted, but city officials said they’ll include everything needed if someone wants to add lights in the future...

"City begins North High Street revamp effort" Business First of Columbus

Link: City begins North High Street revamp effort
Business First of Columbus
May 29, 2008

City officials on Thursday kicked off a planned $15.8 million revitalization project on North High Street in an area known as Olde North Columbus.

The project, which will complement the South Campus Gateway district to the south, is aimed at making the three-quarter-mile stretch between Lane and Arcadia avenues more pedestrian- and business-friendly, Mayor Michael Coleman said in a release...

"High Street repairs to increase traffic" The Lantern

Link: High Street repairs to increase traffic
Eric House
The Lantern
April 25, 2008

...The proposed plan, which will cost $13.5 million, is part of the city of Columbus' Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization program, according to a project document.

The bulk of the construction will take place on High Street from Lane Avenue up to Arcadia Avenue, including all side streets up to the first alley, Dodridge Street to Neil Avenue and north on Neil to Glen Echo Ravine. Hudson Street work extends from Neil to East Avenue.

The focus of the construction will be on separating sewer lines that carry stormwater drainage from those which carry sanitary flow to comply with EPA guidelines...

"Library project enters pre-planning phase" The Lantern

Link: Library project enters pre-planning phase
Jacob Donham
The Lantern
April 7, 2008

After its shut-down in September 2006, The William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library has been partially shrouded behind large fences covered with green tarps. With a projected completion date still more than a year away, many large-scale changes can no longer be hidden as the library prepares to begin a new chapter in its life.

"We're aiming to be all set for fall term 2009," said Wes Boomgaarden, Ohio State University Libraries communication officer. The project is on-budget and on-schedule.

The library is currently in the pre-planning phase for the move back into the building, Boomgaarden said, with construction finishing up in May 2009. After construction, fire and safety systems will be tested and books will return following the 2009 Summer Commencement, Boomgaarden added...

"Killing tarnishes Gateway's safe image" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Killing tarnishes Gateway's safe image
John Futty
The Columbus Dispatch
April 7, 2008

Crime is an ongoing problem in the University District, but some residents were surprised by news of a second fatal shooting in the past nine months in the South Campus Gateway parking garage.

"I'm shocked," said Seth Golding, a University Area commissioner. "They have a stellar security presence at Gateway."

Golding is among the people who live north of Gateway and complain that the dining and entertainment complex has pushed crime and problem businesses in their direction...

"Gee defends two-year housing plan" The Latern

Link: Gee defends two-year housing plan
Briony Clare
The Lantern
April 2, 2008

...Gee defended his plan in a meeting with Lantern staff last week and discussed the benefits of his two-year residency program. He also addressed some of the criticisms of the plan, including financial concerns from students seeking more affordable off-campus living and the implications for campus-area landlords.

"It reminds me when I proposed that every student at Vanderbilt live on campus for all four years. It was greeted with about 80 percent negativity," Gee told Lantern staff, adding that a recent Vanderbilt poll indicated after the first year about 80 percent are now in favor of the policy...

"Police increase on-campus presence" The Lantern

Link: Police increase on-campus presence
Tom Knox
The Lantern
March 28, 2008

...Beginning this week and ending in early June, OSU police along with the Columbus Division of Police hope to increase their presence in the area east of High Street.

"We're increasing patrols, we're at high visibility, we're adding the element of Community Crime Patrol and we're incorporating the efforts of student government, Student Affairs and Off-Campus Student Services to help educate the students that live in the neighborhood," said Capt. Eric Whiteside, a coordinator of the initiative for OSU police.

"We're trying to reduce crime in the campus area, particularly areas where there are a large amount of students," Whiteside said...

"Landlords Fear Loss Of Thousands Of Potential Renters In Campus Area" WOSU News

Link: Landlords Fear Loss Of Thousands Of Potential Renters In Campus Area
Steve Brown
WOSU News
March 28, 2008

For more than 50 years incoming students at Ohio State have been required to spend their first year in a dorm. OSU president Gordon Gee has proposed requiring sophomores to do the same. University officials cite research that shows living on campus leads to higher student grade point averages and graduation rates. But some university-area residents fear removing a big chunk of renters will have an impact on the urban flavor of the neighborhood. WOSU's Steve Brown reports

Of the 6,000 or so OSU sophomores, about half live in the University District just east of High Street. With more than 10,000 residents per square mile, it's by far the most densely-populated zip code in the city...

...Moore is among the many residents and civic leaders who've raised concerns about how president Gee's proposal to move sophomores into residence halls could affect the neighborhood. Gee defended the proposal in a recent appearance on WOSU's Open Line, giving a host of ways he says student benefit from living on campus...

"Housing changes might hurt off-campus renters" The Lantern

Link: Housing changes might hurt off-campus renters
Elyse Coulter
The Lantern
March 25, 2008

President Gordon Gee's plan to make it mandatory for students live on campus for two years will affect not only parents and students, but landlords who own off-campus housing.

"Some landlords will probably find themselves in the position where they will start selling off a lot of their buildings because they don't want them anymore, because they're harder to rent, harder to take care of because of the type of tenants that they have coming in at a higher turnover," said Jay Kerr, property manager at Oxford Rentals...

"Housing planned on industrial site" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Housing planned on industrial site
Robert Vitale
The Columbus Dispatch
March 18, 2008

...Columbus City Council members gave their approval last night for an agreement with Wagenbrenner Development to clean and revive 17 acres in Weinland Park that once was home to the Columbus Coated Fabrics plant.

The project has been a year in the making, coming together just as the housing and mortgage industries began coming apart.

But Mark Wagenbrenner, president of the company, said he's counting on a mix of rental units and condominiums, selling prices set below central Ohio's average and a location near Downtown to make the project a success...

Mayor, Council, OSU President and Students join Campus Area Residents to Dedicate 150 New Streetlights

$1 Million Project Means Brighter Lighting, Safer Streets

press release
(Columbus)  Last July, Mayor Michael B. Coleman and Ohio State University students broke ground for 150 new streetlights in the campus area with a projected completion date of July 2008.  Today, four months ahead of schedule, the Mayor, OSU students, City Council, OSU President E. Gordon Gee and neighbors turned on the lights in a dedication ceremony near the Summit United Methodist Church.  The nearly $1 million project upgraded street lights installed in the 1970s to improve safety in the neighborhood.

“The City and OSU are committed to making campus area streets safer, and I am proud the students stepped up to ask for the lights and be part of this partnership,” Mayor Coleman said.  “Our investment in these street lights and construction of the new Moody/Hall Neighborhood Policing Center on 11th Avenue sends a clear message to criminals that we stand together against you.”

The new lights were installed on a dozen streets and are placed 160 feet apart which is closer together than the standard 180-foot spacing for street lights.  The closer spacing make the lights appear to be brighter.

“The culmination of years of Ohio State students working closely with the City have led to this great development for our campus,” OSU Undergraduate Student Government (USG) President Kate Christobek said.  “I can attest that students at Ohio State couldn’t be more excited about what an excellent change this new lighting brings to our neighborhood.”

“I am very proud of the leadership of our Undergraduate Student Government,” said Ohio State University President E. Gordon Gee.  “By working closely with officials from the City of Columbus to improve lighting in areas adjacent to the campus, these students are enhancing the safety of those who live in and visit the University District.”

Funding for the $938,000 project began with an initial investment of $295,000 from the City’s Urban Infrastructure Recovery Fund (UIRF) in the Development Department, with the balance included in the City’s 2007 Capital Improvements Budget.  The project’s original timeline called for its completion by November 2009.  However, Mayor Coleman in 2006 directed the Department of Public Utilities and the Development Department to work with OSU and City Council to make this project a priority and begin construction 18 months earlier than planned.  The accelerated construction scheduled brought completion of the project 21 months earlier than originally scheduled.

“This project continues a City Council commitment to improve the utilities infrastructure of Columbus neighborhoods,” said City Councilmember Andrew J. Ginther, Chair of the Safety and Utilities committees.  “These lights will provide a previously unmatched level of safety and security for those who live and visit this area.”

The lights were installed within the following boundaries:

• North:  Woodruff Avenue
• South:  Chittenden Avenue
• East:  Summit Street
• West:  North High Street

The 150 decorative street lights were installed on 12 streets:

• Indianola Avenue
• 12th Avenue
• 13th Avenue
• 14th Avenue
• 15th Avenue
• 16th Avenue
• 17th Avenue
• 18th Avenue
• 19th Avenue
• Waldeck Avenue
• Iuka Avenue
• Woodruff Avenue

"Campus neighborhood brighter, perhaps safer" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Campus neighborhood brighter, perhaps safer
Mark Ferenchik
The Columbus Dispatch
March 7, 2008

Columbus has turned on the last of 150 new streetlights east of the Ohio State University campus, four months ahead of schedule, to give students more of a sense of security in an area plagued by break-ins and other crimes.

After prodding by OSU's Undergraduate Student Government, the city spent $938,000 to put in the decorative lights, which some say make the area feel more like a neighborhood...

...The lights were installed along 12 streets in an area bordered by Woodruff Avenue, Summit Street, Chittenden Avenue and N. High Street: E. 12th, E. 13th, E. 14th, E. 15th, E. 16th, E. 17th, E. 18th and E. 19th avenues, and Indianola, Waldeck, Iuka and Woodruff avenues...

"Group works to help make University District greener" The Lantern

Link: Group works to help make University District greener
Patrick Sullivan
The Lantern
February 18, 2008

A group of more than 70 students, university area residents and University Area Commission members are working on a plan to improve the environment of the University District.

The project, called the "University Area Neighborhood Green Plan," was jump started in December when members of the UAC drafted a list of their major concerns for the neighborhood.

Ian MacConnell, president of the UAC, said four topics were highlighted: development, transportation, natural resources and recycling...

"New Parking Garage on West 9th" Necko Neighborhood

View Larger Map

Link: New Parking Garage on West 9th
Necko Neighborhood
February 13, 2008

• ...Construction of the new $18 million 1000+ space parking garage will likely start in June 2008 and be finished a year later
• The garage will be located along West 9th Avenue and replace the gravel lot north of the alley
• It will be separate from, but adjacent to the other West 9th garage (although connected via pedestrian bridges)
• The design of the garage is contemporary with metal screening, interesting lighting, and a glass tower to improve the appearance
• The height is similar to the existing 9th Ave. garage
• A new pedestrian walkway will connect West 9th Avenue to Michigan Avenue and run between the old garage and the new garage
• Entrances & exits on the garage will not lead into the neighborhood, but direct traffic instead to West 9th
• Currently, the gravel parking lot on West 8th (across from Michigan) is planned to be maintained as a gravel lot after the project is finished...

"Olentangy clean-up effort idled with absence of cash from feds" Business First of Columbus

Link: Olentangy clean-up effort idled with absence of cash from feds
Jeff Bell
Business First of Columbus
February 8, 2008

Columbus officials are crying foul over what they fear could be the loss of $1.2 million from the federal government that they were counting on to pay for a water clean-up project on the Olentangy River.

Without the federal dollars, the Fifth Avenue lowhead dam removal project could be shelved indefinitely, said Columbus Public Utilities Director Tatyana Arsh.

"We do not plan to finance it with (water and sewer) rate-payer money," she said. "It's always been our position that we that we need to find a funding partner."...

"Campus Partners snaps up more properties along North High Street" Business First of Columbus

Link: Campus Partners snaps up more properties along North High Street
[account required]
Brain R. Ball
Business First of Columbus
February 8, 2008

...The university's nonprofit real estate affiliate bought five properties with about 40 leased apartments at North High Street and West Ninth Avenue on Feb. 1 for more than $1.9 million. The deal follows Campus Partners' purchase of 19 properties along East Ninth and Eighth avenues in recent years.

"Because of the location, they're properties that Campus Partners is interested in for the long term, " said Doug Aschenbach, executive vice president.

While Campus Partners demolished 10 vacant rental buildings east of High Street, the most recent batch of properties will generate income for the organization as it considers redevelopment prospects for the parcels.

"We don't have any specific plans," Aschenbach said...

"Armeni hopes his newest project makes mark at Short North entrance" Business First of Columbus

Link: Armeni hopes his newest project makes mark at Short North entrance
Brian R Ball
Business First of Columbus
February 8, 2008

Short North developer Joe Armeni will edge into the southern reaches of the University District in Columbus this spring when he finishes transforming a Masonic lodge building into 25 condominiums.

Armeni's New Victorians Inc. bought the former York Lodge No. 563 at 1276 N. High St. three years ago for $500,000 and spent more than two years getting variances to permit reuse of the property as housing along a commercial corridor.

The York on High project, just south of East Sixth Avenue, marks a departure from Armeni's emphasis on developing housing in the Short North. But the developer said the former lodge likely will capture buyers interested in its proximity to the Short North rather than the area around Ohio State University...

Snippets: University District Kroger and Development at N. High and Fifth Ave

This is just a snippet from another article I quoted today that refers to the proposed renovation of the Kroger's in the University District at King and N. High St. and the proposed commercial development for the former gas station at the northeast corner of Fifth Ave. and N. High:

Link: Armeni hopes his newest project makes mark at Short North entrance
Brian R. Ball
Business First of Columbus
February 8, 2008

...In the meantime, Kroger Co. has tentative plans to redevelop its grocery store at High and East Seventh Avenue, while Columbus developer Day Cos. has its plans approved by the city for an 8,000-square-foot commercial development on the site of a demolished gas station at East Fifth and High...

"Indie-focused chain to take over Gateway theater" Business First of Columbus

Link: Indie-focused chain to take over Gateway theater
Business First of Columbus
February 8, 2008

A California movie theater operator that specializes in independent films will take over management of the South Campus Gateway's seven-screen cinema, the theater's owner said Friday.

Gateway owner Campus Partners for Community Urban Redevelopment said Los Angeles-based Landmark Theatres will take over management in March from Columbus' Drexel Theatres Group. Campus Partners, an Ohio State University-established redevelopment organization, on Tuesday said it would end Drexel's more than two-year stint as the Gateway's manager in an effort to boost its conference and event business.

Campus Partners said it chose Landmark, new to the state with the deal, for its experience in the conference and banquet business. The developer last May opened a 6,400-square-foot extension of the theater's conference area that accomodates more than 300 people...

"Drexel's run at managing South Campus Gateway theater to end in March" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Drexel's run at managing South Campus Gateway theater to end in March
Mike Pramik
The Columbus Dispatch
February 5, 2008

The theater at South Campus Gateway will be under new management in March when Campus Partners cuts ties with Drexel Theatres Group.

Drexel Gateway, an eight-screen movie theater at the South Campus development near Ohio State University, opened in November 2005 as a combination multiplex and art-movie venue. Operated by Jeff and Kathy Frank, of Drexel and Drexel Grandview, the cinema’s goal was to combine first-run blockbusters with independent films...

"OSU to invest $196 M in dorm changes" The Lantern

Link: OSU to invest $196 M in dorm changes
Richard Lichtenfeld
The Lantern
February 1, 2008

On-campus housing will improve significantly within the next four years, according to a presentation for Ohio State's Board of Trustees Thursday.

The Lantern Morrill and Lincoln towers are the most recognizable and popular student residence halls. Lincoln Tower will go under conversion to add 1,300 beds and eliminate quads - an investment that will cost the university more than $38 million.

Provost Joseph Alutto and Vice President of Student Affairs Richard Hollingsworth said OSU will invest $196 million in the next four years to improve existing dorms, eliminate quad-style housing and add up to 1,500 new beds. They also discussed a proposed plan to require sophomores to live on campus.

"Right now, we don't have enough room, especially if we want to talk about students staying a second year," Alutto said...

"Landlords oppose dorm plan" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Landlords oppose dorm plan
Kathy Lynn Gray
The Columbus Dispatch
February 2, 2008

Requiring Ohio State University sophomores to live on campus would be a disaster for the university neighborhood, a major landlord said.

"It would be like a bomb went off in the middle of the area," said Richard Talbott, whose In-Town Homes & Apartments company owns more than 600 rental units there. "You'd lose 33 percent of the customer base, and we'd all suffer."

Talbott was reacting to an announcement Thursday that OSU President E. Gordon Gee wants all 6,000 sophomores to live on campus, except the small number with family in town. OSU officials discussed the proposal with board members and plan to hire a consultant to see how it could be accomplished...

"Growing forward" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Growing forward
Debbie Gebolys
The Columbus Dispatch
February 1, 2008

Ohio State University is giving Campus Partners $50 million to buy more property near the campus, but it put the development group on notice it wants more accountability for its investment.

Campus Partners' South Campus Gateway project hasn't made the money consultants originally predicted.

"They aren't being fantastically successful," said William Shkurti, OSU senior vice president for business and finance.

Campus Partners, the university's nonprofit development arm, lost more than $400,000 in operating cash last year, according to a state audit...

"Sunflower Market parent closing all 3 area stores" Business First of Columbus

This annoucement includes the store in the South Campus Gateway:

Link: Sunflower Market parent closing all 3 area stores
Business First of Columbus
January 25, 2008

Central Ohio's three Sunflower Markets are set to close next month after little more than a year in the region for the organic grocery stores, the chain's parent company said Friday.

Eden Prairie, Minn.-based SuperValu Inc. said the three stores will close the week of Feb. 18, along with stores in Indianapolis and Chicago. Spokeswoman Haley Meyer said the stores' performance wasn't meeting company goals.

"Sunflower Market was an innovative approach to the national organics market and we'll take the learnings from the format and apply them elsewhere within our organization," she said.

"Rehabbed South Campus shedding its bad reputation" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Rehabbed South Campus shedding its bad reputation
Mike Pramik
The Columbus Dispatch
January 21, 2008

...Since the Gateway retail and residential project opened in 2005 -- and even before -- rental properties in the surrounding areas off campus have been in demand among investors and developers, owners say, and some have been snapped up when available...

...The partial gentrification of the three-block strip of High Street has firmed up rents and lowered vacancy rates, some landlords say. The Gateway project has set the high-water mark for rents in the area. The development contains 91 upscale units that bring in some of the highest rents per square foot in Columbus. Prices range from $750 per month for efficiencies to $1,150 for two-bedroom units...

..."Just about every one of those (nearby) buildings has been gutted and rehabbed and are getting some of the higher rents in the market," said Matt Brown, a real-estate agent with Marcus & Millichap, which represented both parties in the University Manors acquisition. "That's what these guys plan to do. They can put (work) into the units and still be $150 below the Gateway rents."...

"Weiler buys apartment buildings in south Ohio State campus area" Business First of Columbus

Link: Weiler buys apartment buildings in south Ohio State campus area
[account required]
Brian R Ball
Business First of Columbus
January 11, 2008

Robert Weiler Co. has invested $10.1 million in the student housing market south of Ohio State University.

An affiliated real estate partnership, Winkle OSU LLC, in December bought 250 apartment units primarily on West Ninth, Eighth and King avenues from the Francis W. and Joyce D. Kessler Irrevocable Trust. The partnership financed the deal through a $9.1 million mortgage from National City Bank, according to public records.

"It's a good housing area within that campus market," said Weiler Co. President Robert J. "Skip" Weiler Jr...

"Coated Fabrics in line for help with Wagenbrenner deal" Business First of Columbus

Link: Coated Fabrics in line for help with Wagenbrenner deal
Brian R. Ball
Business First of Columbus
January 4, 2008

The city of Columbus hopes to create a framework for redeveloping the former Columbus Coated Fabrics Corp. industrial site under legislation set for lawmakers' consideration as early as Jan. 14.

The proposed legislation gives city Development Director Boyce O. Safford III authority to complete an economic-development deal with Wagenbrenner Development Inc. The developer is expected to ask for a package of incentives to build up to 600 market-rate housing units on the 21-acre site off East Fifth Street and Grant Avenue.

"We need a lot of tools in the toolbox to make this work," said Mark Wagenbrenner the developer's president. The economic development agreement "really serves as an outline of how the tools fall into place."...

"Are Universities Really Locally Anchored?" CEOS for Cities

Link: Are Universities Really Locally Anchored?
CEOS for Cities
November 8, 2007

...The second is the news that the average tenure for university presidents and chancellors is now down to 3-5 years.

Universities, in other words, are beginning to sound a lot like corporations. And where once, corporations were the source of local community leadership, investment and distinctiveness, that is rarely the case today. Corporate leaders are too busy competing globally to have much time left for local affairs. And because CEO tenure is short and CEOs are increasingly mobile, there is little local loyalty at a personal level.

Just as a new relationship is being spawned between town and gown, will the movement stall as universities begin experiencing corporate-type pressures?

"Campus-area stakeholders call for better safety programs" Business First of Columbus

Link: Campus-area stakeholders call for better safety programs
Brian R Ball
Business First of Columbus
November 2, 2007

...Developer and attorney Scott Schiff hopes stalled efforts to form a special improvement district along High Street get jump-started with the infusion of private capital dollars.

Schiff would like special assessments on property to pay for video surveillance and police foot and bike patrols.

"If they had that, this place would be rocking," Schiff said...

"High Street development reaches northward" Business First of Columbus

Link: High Street development reaches northward
Brian R. Ball
Business First of Columbus
November 2, 2007

When Columbus attorney Scott Schiff purchased four commercial and residential buildings across from Ohio State University in the late 1990s, he figured the North High Street property was an A-plus location waiting for redevelopment.

"I knew some day it would have a higher and better use," Schiff said while sitting in a Noodles restaurant, one of four tenants in his new 12,900-square-foot retail center.

"That day," he said, "has arrived."...

Transforming the University District

press release
Columbus author and city planner Kyle Ezell and a class of students from The Ohio State University  will present “How to Immediately Begin to Transform the University District into a National Model for Urban Redevelopment” as a public discussion on Monday, October 29, at 7 p.m.

The presentation, sponsored by the University District Organization, will be given in the sanctuary of the King Avenue United Methodist Church, 299 King Avenue.  The presentation will be followed by informal discussion and refreshments.

Ezell, a lecturer in Ohio State’s City and Regional Planning Program, and students in his “City Innovations” class will demonstrate the tools needed for the University District to spark the changes necessary to make its neighborhoods extraordinary

Ezell is the author of Retire Downtown: The Lifestyle Destination for Active Retirees and Empty Nesters (2006) and Get Urban!  The Complete Guide to City Living (2004).  He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners.

Pre-registration is not required, but would be appreciated. To register, call 294-5113.

The presentation is part of the University District Organization’s Fifth Monday Series of community roundtable discussions.  The series offers programs on the fifth Monday of the month which focus on issues in the University District.

"OSU tops list of biggest schools" Business First of Columbus

Link: OSU tops list of biggest schools
Business First of Columbus
October 16, 2007

Ohio State University sports the largest campus enrollment in the nation for the second consecutive year, the school said Tuesday...

...The university's main campus has grown 1.4 percent from last year's 51,818 students, also tops in the nation. Arizona State's Tempe campus took the top spot in 2005...

"Streetlights going up soon" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Streetlights going up soon
The Columbus Dispatch
September 22, 2007

Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman has fast-tracked a nearly $1 million project aimed at throwing new, and brighter, light on the Ohio State University campus.

The project was spurred by concerns about crime from OSU's Undergraduate Student Government.

Beginning Monday, 150 new streetlights will be installed on a dozen campus-area streets, city officials said yesterday in a news release. They will be placed 160 feet apart, closer than the standard 180-foot spacing. The shorter distance will make the area brighter, officials said...

"Bar to stay closed pending appeal" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Bar to stay closed pending appeal.
The Columbus Dispatch
September 8, 2007

The Nuthouse bar near the Ohio State University campus will remain closed while the owner appeals the state's refusal to renew its liquor license...

...The commission's order cites the numerous police runs to the Nuthouse, at 2159 N. High St., for disturbances, fights, assaults, a narcotics complaint and burglary alarms...

"State sending $6M for 2 city brownfields projects" Business First of Columbus

Both Jeffrey Place and Harrison Park were awarded the millions of dollars from the Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund (CORF) in years past which allowed each project to pay for extensive environmental testing and any remediation that was deemed necessary due to the fact that both sites were used for manufacturing purposes. In both cases, the developers more than likely would not have progressed to far into their plans given the high cost of taking care of the brownfield sites they hoped to develop.

This CORF funding has been continuously helping move along a great number of projects in and around the downtown area and our urban neighborhoods that otherwise would have been cost prohibitive to have move forward.

And here we are seeing the results of the next round of CORF funding:

Link: State sending $6M for 2 city brownfields projects
Brian R Ball
Business First of Columbus
July 25, 2007

...The state Department of Development on Wednesday OK'd a $3 million grant to clean up the former Techneglas Inc. site on the city's south side. It approved another $3 million grant for cleanup of the former Columbus Coated Fabrics site at East Fifth Avenue between North Fourth Street and Interstate 71.

Columbus developer Marvin Katz and New York-based Greystone & Co. expect to spend up to $9 million redeveloping the 48-acre Techneglas complex into a combination of office and light industrial buildings that could employ up to 500 workers.

Columbus-based Wagenbrenner Co., working with Campus Partners for Community Urban Redevelopment Corp., could build up to 500 market-rate housing units on the 21.6-acre property most recently owned by Decorative Surfaces International Inc. The housing project could lead to the investment of $35 million on that century-old industrial site that closed in 2001...

Neighborhood Arts Impact Round Table in University Area

press release

Bryan W. Knicely, President of the Greater Columbus Arts Council, and Sherri Geldin, Director of the Wexner Center for the Arts, will be the guest speakers at the July 30 Fifth Monday Roundtable program sponsored by the University District Organization. The Wexner Center for the Arts will host the program, which will focus on the impact that the arts—and specifically public art—can have on revitalizing communities and neighborhoods. Following their presentation, audience members will be invited to ask questions and discuss the topic.

The program will be presented in the Center’s Film/Video Theater, 1871 N. High St. at 15th Ave. on the campus of The Ohio State University, at 7 p.m. There is no admission charge. A reception will follow in the Center’s café.

Knicely is an Ohio native who assumed the GCAC presidency seven months ago. Before returning to Ohio, he served for six years as the Assistant Director and Accessibility Coordinator of the Maine Arts Commission. In his six-year tenure at that organization, he received state awards for leadership, service, and outstanding marketing campaigns. Geldin has been Director of the Wexner Center since 1993, four years after its inauguration. Under her leadership, the Center has emerged as one of the foremost contemporary art venues in the nation, with a diverse array of innovative, international programs in the visual, performing, film, media, and design arts. Before coming to Columbus, Geldin was Associate Director of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles.

The July 30 Roundtable is the fourth in a series of Fifth Monday Roundtables presented by the University District Organization. The Roundtables are designed to explore the present and potential assets of the university area that make it a special place to live, learn, work and play.

Photo of the Day: The New Ohio Union at The Ohio State University

This was a little bit of a chore to find and convert these images of the new Ohio Union that is being constructed at The Ohio State University but alas, here they are. I was at the new Recreational and Physical Activity Center (RPAC) on campus and saw an architectural model they have on display there which sent me on a hunt to find these renderings.

"Steak n Shake near OSU campus closes" Business First of Columbus

Link: Steak n Shake near OSU campus closes
Business First of Columbus
July 20, 2007

Steak n Shake Co.'s attempt at a two-story, drive-through-less restaurant near Ohio State University's campus closed Friday amid slumping sales.

The 1918 N. High St. location opened in 1999. The restaurant had two stories and didn't feature a drive-through window or the restaurant's standard 60 parking spaces...

OSU Neighborhood Policing Center

Link: Policing Center.
City, university and community break ground on policing center
Campus Partners
June 8, 2007

...Located at 248 E. 11th Ave. between Summit and North Fourth streets, the 13,500 square-foot facility will serve as the new Columbus police substation for Precinct 4 and will include permanent office space for University Police, Community Crime Patrol and a Neighborhood Pride Center.  Meeting rooms will also be provided for residents and community organizations. Construction is scheduled for completion in summer 2008. Ohio State and the city will share equally in the cost of $4.4 million...

Section 8 housing in Columbus

Link: Broad Street affordable housing initiative.
Community Properties of Ohio becomes an asset in the urban fabric of
Weinland Park
Campus Partners
June 14, 2007

With involvement from the beginning by a large number of community partners, Community Properties of Ohio (CPO) is becoming a national model for quality supportive housing.  CPO owns more than 1,000 units of project-based, Section 8 housing in Columbus.  More than 500 of those units are in the Weinland Park neighborhood of the University District. Once labeled “housing of last resort,” these apartments are being extensively renovated and are under committed, caring management.  As a result, these housing units are increasingly being seen as a neighborhood asset...

Ohio State, City of Columbus, community members break ground on new Neighborhood Policing Center

press release from June 7th, 2007
Building to honor former Columbus Mayor Tom Moody and the late Ohio State administrator Bill Hall

COLUMBUS – Ground was broken today (6/7) on construction of new Neighborhood Policing Center in the University District, the result of a joint commitment between The Ohio State University and the city of Columbus to strengthen neighborhood safety and community ties. University President Karen A. Holbrook, Mayor Michael B. Coleman, City Council members Michael C. Mentel and Andy Ginther, and public safety officials joined area residents and community leaders in the ceremony.

“This policing center brings together law enforcement agencies and community organizations in an innovative and unique way to increase safety and visibility of police officers in the University and Weinland Park area,” said Mayor Coleman.

Located at 248 E. 11th Ave. between Summit and North Fourth streets, the $4.4 million, 13,500 square-foot facility will serve as the new Columbus police substation for Precinct 4 and will include permanent office space for University Police, Community Crime Patrol and a Neighborhood Pride Center. Meeting rooms will also be provided for residents and community organizations. Construction is scheduled for completion in summer 2008. Ohio State and the city will share equally in the cost.

“Today’s groundbreaking brings us one step closer toward realizing one of the most important partnerships between the university and the city,” Holbrook said. “The start of construction is a major step toward securing an increased police presence in this community for our students and longtime residents.”

Columbus police officers in Precinct 4 will continue to work out of the current substation located at 2636 Deming Ave., through the construction period. Columbus Fire Station No. 13 will remain at the adjacent Arcadia Avenue location.

Mayor Coleman announced that the building will be named to honor the legacy of two people whose concern for the community and the university has been unparalleled – Tom Moody, the 44th mayor of Columbus from 1972-84 and Bill Hall who amassed a 28-year career at the university. Hall served as vice president for student affairs at the time of his death in 2005.

Richard A. Hollingsworth, vice president for student affairs, added that the policing center will be complemented by a number of existing safety programs and services provided by the university, including a student escort service, residential weekday and late-night transportation services, and the Community Ambassadors Program.

“Bill Hall worked diligently to build stronger relationships between the university and other groups concerned about safety in the University District, particularly the officers of the Columbus Division of Police,” Hollingsworth said.

“He was a strong advocate for students and respected by all for his dedication and integrity. Including his name on this policing center is a fitting tribute to his memory and legacy of service.”

Mayor Coleman noted other University-area initiatives, including the investment of more than $953,000 in city funds to install streetlights between 12th and 19th avenues this fall. Adding street lighting in neighborhoods was a priority set by the city in partnership with leaders from Ohio State Undergraduate Student Government.

“These combined efforts, including the unique alliance between University Police and the Columbus Police Department, will have a significant impact on the quality of life for residents of this community,” Holbrook said.

Robert Caldwell, president of the Weinland Park Civic Association, added that the policing center will launch a new era in community relations between the Columbus Police Department and area residents.

“The additional neighborhood support services that will be provided through the policing center will allow residents to take a collaborative role in building a community that is safe and productive for families, schools and businesses,” Caldwell said.

Photo of the Day: Deconstructing the OSU Student Union

Lots of things coming apart at OSU...including the OSU Student Union on High Street. From the looks of it they are separating the debris, which I would assume is to minimize waste and hopefully to recycle the materials. I know they were taken a lot of thing out by hand before the demolition began. Waste not want not.

Photo of the Day: Deconstruction the OSU Main Library

If you are an OSU Alum and haven't been on campus lately, this picture should be a little shocking. The entire back half of the OSU Main Library was demolished completely as the renovations get well underway. The "dirt" road you see before you is actually Neil Ave, with The Oval being beyond the trees off to the right.

As a sidenote of interest, George Acock, the lead architect for the renovation of the library, is also the architect behind all of the projects at Jeffrey Place to date, along with everything you've seen so far for the proposed Ibiza Urban Oasis (sorry...no link yet. If you Google it you get RetroMetro). George is also responsible for a number of buildings in Arena District, just to name a few...

"Neighborhoods want to be part of civic groups" The Columbus Dispatch

Link: Neighborhoods want to be part of civic groups.
Residents seek help with crime, zoning
Saturday,  June 9, 2007 3:22 AM
By Mark Ferenchik
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

...Residents of the Glen Echo neighborhood, now represented by the University Area Commission, also want to join the Clintonville commission. Glen Echo residents will meet June 19 to discuss a petition drive to change their affiliation.

Glen Echo neighborhood leader Martha Buckalew said the character of her area -- from the style of its homes to its ravine to its homeownership rate -- is more in line with Clintonville than the University District. Houses for sale in the Glen Echo neighborhood are marketed as being in the "Clintonville area."...

Groundbreaking for University District policing center to be held Thursday

President Holbrook, Mayor Coleman will join residents, community leaders to mark start of construction

A groundbreaking to mark construction of a new Neighborhood Policing Center in the University District will be held at 2:15 p.m. Thursday (6/7) at 248 E. 11th Ave. Ohio State President Karen A. Holbrook and Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman will join area residents and community leaders in the ceremony.

The center, located between Fourth and Summit streets, will serve as the new police substation for Columbus Precinct 4 and provide permanent office space for additional support services. It is funded jointly by Ohio State and the city.

WHAT:
Groundbreaking for the University District Neighborhood Policing Center

WHO:
Ohio State President Karen A. Holbrook, Columbus Mayor Michael B. Coleman, area residents and community leaders

WHEN:
2:15 p.m. Thursday (6/7)

WHERE:
248 E. 11th Ave.    

"Man Reports Being Robbed Near Ohio State Campus" WBNS-10TV

Link: Man Reports Being Robbed Near Ohio State Campus.
WBNS 10TV
May 7, 2007

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Police said that they were searching for four men who allegedly robbed a man at gunpoint late Sunday near the Ohio State campus.

The alleged victim said he was approached by the men at West Ninth and Hunter avenues, police said.

One of the men had a handgun and punched the alleged victim in the face during the robbery, police said...

"Cities and Universities: New Opportunities for Mutual Benefit" CEOS for Cities

Link: CEOS for Cities - Cities and Universities: New Opportunities for Mutual Benefit..

A university library opening its doors to patrons from throughout the city? a city eagerly embracing its university and its city? Only in San Jose... The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library, the "largest, all-new library west of the Mississippi," is a fantastic, tangible example of the real impact that innovative partnerships between cities and their universities can have...

"OSU trustees get look at offices, garage complex" Business First of Columbus

Link: OSU trustees get look at offices, garage complex
Carrie Ghose
Business First of Columbus
April 13, 2007

Plans for a student services building and parking complex on Ohio State University's north campus are taking shape.

The project is expected to ease some of the school's parking crunch and improve the look of campus for visitors entering from Lane Avenue.

On April 6, OSU's Board of Trustees got their first look at the architectural drawings, which include a $32 million student academic services building that would house offices now in Lincoln Tower, including admissions, financial aid, registrar and minority affairs...

"Fashion merchants lead wave of Gateway's newest tenants" Business First of Columbus:

Link: Fashion merchants lead wave of Gateway's newest tenants
Business First of Columbus
March 30, 2007

Places for shoppers to drop their cash at South Campus Gateway in Columbus are multiplying.

Seven more retailers, a meeting and reception facility and an office tenant will take places at the $150 million development, which opened in 2005...