City of Columbus, Ohio, Columbus, OH
Planning an arts and innovation district while preserving long-term affordability
In 2011, the mayor of Columbus called for the creation of an arts and innovation district on 200 acres of distressed, partly industrial land just west of downtown. The mayor sought a plan to guide market-based development of a community that could attract primarily younger “creative class” residents, nurture innovation and interaction, and join the ring of successful revitalized neighborhoods around Columbus’s vibrant downtown.
The plan, informed by a comprehensive market analysis, calls for 1,450 to 2,000 new lofts, live/work row houses, and single-family houses to be built over the initial 10 years; roughly 50,000SF of stores, cafés, and galleries; and potentially more than 100,000SF of adaptive reuse of industrial buildings for artist studios and entrepreneur/small business incubator space. These elements translate to a projected 3,600 to 4,800 new residents and will play a key role in shaping a decidedly urban, mixed-use district where both existing businesses and new investment can prosper.
IMPLEMENTATION
- Creation by the city of a dedicated development corporation to guide development
- Establishment of a 30-year TIF district
- Over 70,000SF of art and innovation work space built out; 10,000SF of retail/restaurant built out
