WalkerEvans

Ha! I think I can actually see my house in this one. We're just barely east of Downtown. <img src="http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d61/andrew0816/Columbus/DSC_0210.jpg">

Nice sunny day for taking photos. Did you go up in the Rhodes Tower for the sky-cam shots? :D

Nice photos! :D

Too bad it's all the way up on Sawmill. ;)

We're not 100% sure, but we've got a guesstimate of 1890-1900. There was a fire in 1920 in Columbus the destroyed a bunch of development/property records. So according to the Franklin County auditor our house is listed as either "Pre-1920" or "OLD". ;) But judging by some of the other records that exist (for our house and some of the other houses on our street) it looks to have been built sometime in that range. I need to do more digging and see if I can narrow it down further. :D

We held an event at Encore (inside Handke's) tonight. Great crowd that came out for a final hurrah, although everyone was sad to see them close. The space will be missed. :(

I'm more of a tech/electro house fan, but lately I've been getting into some fun dance/indie rock music. Lots of great remixes that fuze the two worlds together. Hipster/Dance/Electro/Rock/Party tunes!!! :D I also find Matt & Kim's happiness to be contagious:

Yeah, I took a photo of that fridge as I thought it looked a little silly. The dishwasher looked the same. But there was only one unit (that we saw) that contained those appliances. They had different kitchen appliance finishes in each unit, and thankfully most of them were more of the stainless-steel or solid black variety. ;)

Anne (my wife) and I went to the open house condo tour they held today to showcase the newer "Contemporary Building" along fifth street. We had been in some of the other model units before on the corner of Gay & Fourth, and while these are very different on the outside, the interior looks somewhat similar. Which is a good thing. ;) These are very nice spaces. A little pricey, but the location is definitely worth the money. I love how everything seems to be laid out in a very smart manner. These 5th street units all have garage access in the back, and there's semi-private walkways in between the garages and the units that make for a beautiful linear maze of porches and pathways. From the views on the top floors, you might notice some of the air conditioner units placed up on the roofs and mostly out of sight and out of the way. Every little space gets maximized. Very nice. Here's some photos I took today: <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/nl-01.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/nl-02.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/nl-03.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/nl-04.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/nl-05.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/nl-06.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/nl-07.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/nl-08.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/nl-09.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/nl-10.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/nl-11.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/nl-12.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/nl-13.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/nl-14.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/nl-15.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/nl-16.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/nl-17.jpg" />

Nice!!! :D

It sounds like you're looking for someone to cite the Theater as their main/only reason for building, but I'm willing to bet that many will consider it as one (of many) reasons for building. When we bought over here, the theater was one of our reasons for selecting this location and this neighborhood. I'm willing to bet others investing over here would say the same. Not everyone has to make such dramatic statements for explaining their actions. And I'm not trying to pass the area off as a neighborhood that anyone and everyone will see the potential in. Those types of judgements are very personal and subjective. But I still feel strongly that there are enough people who can (and do) see the potential over here and are slowly moving in, day by day.

Sure, each has a set of challenges that the city needs to address. But that's beside the point. What I'm trying to say is that as a private citizen and private investor... if I only have $50-150k to spend on a residence, then there are opportunities galore around the Lincoln Theatre and nothing in my price range around Capital Square. A small business owner/developer with a slightly larger budget looking to purchase a rehab building or build something new is also in the same situation with plenty of opportunity around the Lincoln, and nothing affordable downtown. To develop downtown it takes a LOT of money. And there are a very limited number of people and companies who can afford that. The number of small developers and potential homeowners who can buy into the area around the Lincoln Theatre is a much much larger pool. So your original comparison to the lack of development around the other downtown theaters is a completely different situation with a completely different set of expectations and costs when it comes to investment. Apples. Oranges.

I'm not saying those changes in KLD shouldn't be made. And I agree that more could be done to encourage development downtown. Simply pointing out that the area around The Lincoln is not apples-to-apples with the Capital Square area where those other theaters sit.

Also... this is from last night... cross-posted from CU: Tonight was the first show (Maurice Hines) at the Lincoln, which was completely sold out. I had meetings and things to do all evening and didn't get home until around 9:30 tonight, and was pleasantly greeted coming home to the KLD by the wonderful sight of hustle and bustle and life and activity and energy and excitement on East Long Street. I turned the corner and drove the block home and got my camera out and hurried back over. I passed several older couples headed back to their cars parked on my street, which seemed like a very out of place sight in this neck of the woods (to be walking down the sidewalk at almost 10pm at night). I made it a point to smile and say hi to everyone I saw. Welcome welcome welcome! Friendly friendly friendly! Around the corner, a mass of people stood in front of the Theatre post-show to hang out and chat and wait for their significant others to fetch their vehicles. A cop stood out in the street to direct traffic. Many ducked across the street in between cars to head into the open doors of the Zanzibar Cafe. People poured in as loud jazz music poured out. The music sounded live, but I didn't get a chance to go inside. I'm wondering if they're still working on that liquor license. I walked across the street to take more photos in front of the Theatre. I only managed to get a few before the sky opened up and rain dumped hard for five quick minutes, which sent everyone yelping for cover under awnings and overhangs. Not wanting to waterlog my digital camera, I decided to jog back home in my squishy flip-flops. Smiling all the way. I know not every show will sell out. But I can't help but be excited about this. Looking forward to more energetic evenings. <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln1.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln2.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln3.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln4.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln5.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln6.jpg" /> And a very short video of the music outside Zanzibar. I should have taken more, but again... was in a hurry. ;) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vc3VIjl0O1M

Do you know if there are even any Development opportunities surrounding those downtown theaters? Most are immediately surrounded by commercial office buildings and government buildings. To "invest" you essentially need to be a large scale developer with a very specific plan, and you need to find someone willing to sell their building (or parking lot if you're just talking about infill) for the right price. It's easy to point at a parking lot and say "something cool should go there" but if the owner doesn't want to sell it, and there's no developer that wants to buy it, then the only opportunity that exists is the imaginary one in your head. As for the Lincoln Theatre, it's surrounded by several blocks that include many single-family homes for sale, empty lots for sale, commercial buildings for sale, and quite a bit of real potential. You don't have to be a millionaire to invest over here either, and that's really the type of private investment that we're going to see occurring around this building. People who want an affordable option close to downtown that already has a few next-door amenities. So yeah... color me optimistic, but I really think that the complete difference in location for the Lincoln is exactly what makes the redevelopment potential that much greater.

Blackwell Restaurant re-launches as "Bistro 2110" - Review: <b>Upscale Campus Bistro Touts Local Ingredients</b> By Alexandra Kelley | May 22, 2009 <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/bistro-small.jpg"> At The Blackwell Inn’s Bistro 2110 you won’t find burritos as big as your head, but you might find yourself sitting two tables away from The Ohio State University President Gordon Gee. This happened to my handsome dining companion and I recently when we sampled the restaurant’s new spring menu. Specializing in American, European, and Asian fare, Bistro 2110 offers elegant tablecloth service and unbeatable views of Ohio Stadium in an area more known for Golden Tee and Beer Pong. READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/upscale-campus-bistro-touts-local-ingredients

<b>Thom’s on Grandview has turned Event-Only</b> By Walker | May 26, 2009 <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/thoms.jpg"> According to today’s On Restaurants report in the Dispatch, Thom’s on Grandview has closed to the general public and will only be open during special private parties and events. This news comes a year after owner Thom Coffman announced that the restaurant is for sale, and is instead focusing on a major renovation project at the site of his other restaurant, The Clarmont, on South High street. READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/thoms-on-grandview-has-turned-event-only

Gloria's re-opens on Near East Side - Review: <b>Restaurant Review: Gloria’s Soul Food</b> By crsimp01 | May 27, 2009 <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/glorias.jpg"> The best part about exploring and throwing caution into the wind is the fact that you will find the best places merely by taking a chance or by what would be described as total accident. That was the result of the drive Christine & I took on Saturday and Gloria’s Soul Food, along East Main Street, was our accident. READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/restaurant-review-glorias-soul-food

New Restaurant Opens in Grandview - Third & Hollywood - Review: <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/pork-chop-small.jpg"> <b>Third and Hollywood in Grandview</b> By Andrew Hall | May 29, 2009 The skinny: This is an MBA’s vision of fine dining, not a foodie’s. Food review or summary first? Hmmm. What I said above really sums it up. The restaurant has the feel and execution of a fine dining restaurant created in a boardroom by MBAs who’ve had no real and personal dining experience. The same relation to crunchy-style joints that Northstar has and the same portable concept. Some of the food was very good, but I have absolutely no desire to return. The space is very nice. Great use of natural lighting with the windows and mirrors on opposite walls. Odd choices like a layout of tractor seats seem to bespeak of what I was told the original concept was. READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/third-and-hollywood-in-grandview

You know... I was really skeptical at first when I saw the renderings for the first few buildings of Neighborhood Launch, but they've all really turned out nice. So while that rendering isn't quite the optimal design for me either, I'm willing to bed I'm going to find the completed project more impressive. Either way, I love the fact that this neighborhood they're building is comprised of completely different looking buildings, different layouts, and different styles. :D It's sort of the polar opposite of the all-brick Arena District. ;)

Thanks, all! :D Yeah, he was hanging out up there when I came through the second time with the camera. He was there pretty much all day to greet people. ;)

Took a bunch of photos today of the Lincoln Theater Open House Tour. Big crowds and a big turnout. Great weather for it, and lots of people hanging around outside to eat and drink and hang out. Good stuff! (And a quick side note... does this project have it's own page? We've been talking about it in the <A href="http://www.urbanohio.com/forum2/index.php/topic,1840.60/topicseen.html">NoBo/KLD Neighborhood Thread</a>, but this massive individual project really should have had its own page for years now... unless I'm missing something...) Anyway, on to the photos.... <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln_01.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln_02.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln_03.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln_04.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln_05.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln_06.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln_07.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln_08.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln_09.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln_10.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln_11.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln_12.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln_13.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln_14.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln_15.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln_16.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln_17.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln_18.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln_19.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln_20.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln_21.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln_22.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln_23.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln_24.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lincoln_25.jpg" />

Great photos! I'd say the addition looks even better than the original rendering. And if you haven't been by lately, the front entrance area from High Street is looking really fancy now that they've got a lot of the concrete poured. Also, big props to Grange for the giant new parking deck built next door. I'm willing to give them a pass on the skybridge connector because they actually spent the time and energy added ground-floor retail space to their parking garage (facing Front & Sycamore Streets) as well as making the parking structure kind of cool looking on its own. ;)

<b>Where we live | King-Lincoln</b> OSU geography class project reminds King-Lincoln residents of neighborhood's heyday Sunday, May 24, 2009 3:39 AM By Mark Ferenchik THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH <img src="http://dispatch.com/wwwexportcontent/sites/dispatch/images/may/02_king_lincoln_CLH.JPG_05-24-09_B1_BRDV1OK.jpg"> Mapping the King-Lincoln and Mount Vernon neighborhoods on the Near East Side turned out to be more than just an academic exercise for Ohio State University geography students. The students were charged with creating maps for residents so they could find employment agencies, food pantries and stores that stock fresh food. But they also mapped 24 points of pride for the neighborhoods, including the Alpha Building on E. Long Street, the first black hospital in Columbus, and the St. Clair Hotel, which provided rooms for black people when white hotels would not. MORE: http://dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/05/24/KING-LINCOLN.ART_ART_05-24-09_B1_BRDV1RQ.html?sid=101

More on that same topic here: http://www.columbusunderground.com/somali-population-in-franklin-co-estimated-at-15k <b>Somali Population in Franklin Co. Estimated at 15k</b> By jungaroo | April 27, 2009 3:00pm With continued civil strife in Somalia, dating back to 1991, the number of Somali refugees in the U.S. has grown over time. Columbus is host to the second-largest Somali community in the U.S., behind Minneapolis. While there is a need to better understand this community, estimates for Franklin County range widely, from less than 10,000 according to Census data to over 30,000 or 40,000 according to some local Somali organizations. Using local administrative data such as birth certificates and student records, we have determined that the county’s Somali population is approximately 15,000. <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/somali_births_m.jpg"> MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/somali-population-in-franklin-co-estimated-at-15k