WalkerEvans

<b>Hilltop Offers Affordable Housing Opportunities</b> By Walker | May 2, 2009 10:30am <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/hilltop.jpg"> Press Release: Looking for a housing value? Go West Struggling artists, young families with bills to pay and college graduates with student-loan debt may find homeownership within their reach – if they look to the Hilltop. Homes on the Hill Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit housing organization, has five move-in ready Hilltop homes for sale – all of them lead safe and comprehensively rehabbed. Two are available for lease/purchase. Qualified buyers will have household income of 80 percent or lower of Columbus-area median income. For a household of one, this is $38,400, or $44,000 for a two-member household. Down payment assistance is available. MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/hilltop-offers-affordable-housing-opportunities

<b>At Home in Woodland Park</b> By Anne | May 3, 2009 1:08pm This time we wander over to Woodland Park to tour the home of Matthew Arnold and Scott Ramsey. Woodland Park bills itself as Columbus’ Best Kept Secret, boasting many big, beautiful homes of exquisite architecture and two beautiful neighborhood boulevards that provide lush green spaces. The neighborhood is located in the Near East Side of Columbus and has also been called the “North Gateway to Franklin Park.” The proximity to Franklin Park and Wolfe Park are things Matthew and Scott both really like, as it gives them ample areas to walk their two dogs, Polu and Dusty. MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/at-home-in-woodland-park <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/wphouse1.jpg">

Here's two recent photos I took in the area a few months ago, which might give some more context to the great maps and descriptions above: Taken from the NE corner of the parking lot on this site facing NE towards the railroad tracks, Ohio Center Way, and the future site of the new hotel building: <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/hotel6.jpg"> Taken from the sidewalk on Nationwide Blvd directly above where the rail crossing sits below grade looking NE towards High Street. You can see the two grades pretty clearly here with the tracks down below and the High Street bridge going over top. <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/hotel7.jpg"> I'll try to take some more soon. I was mostly taking these of the new hotel site when that was announced and don't have too many looking at the parcel as a whole.

There's always plenty going on in Columbus. ;) Del the Funky Homosapien will be at Skully's on May 6th: http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/del-the-funky-homosapien-may-6th-skullys If you're in town through Saturday Night, Hercules & Love Affair along with 1/2 of LCD Soundsystem will be performing at BoMA: http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/hercules-038-love-affair-lcd-soundsystem-boma-50909 You can catch "Refefer Madness - The Musical" on Friday & Saturday nights: http://www.centerstageplayers.com/ Madlab is currently doing "Theatre Roulette" so you can catch different shows there on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday: http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/madlab-theatre-presents-theatre-roulette-2009 If you want something a little classier, The Columbus Symphony Orchestra will be doing a low-cost show called "Anatomy of an Orchestra" at the Palace Theater on Friday: http://www.columbussymphony.com If you want to do something really fancy, Taste of the Independents is on Thursday May 7th. it's $75 a ticket, but you get to eat at 40 of the top independent restaurants in Columbus. It's a fundrasiser for the Buckeye Ranch, so it's for a good cause too. Details: http://dineoriginalscolumbus.com There's a cool food/music event every Thursday at Dragonfly called Vegetate. $4 cover, but good local djs and the restaurant is nationally acclaimed for their plant-based cuisine: http://shopmilkbar.blogspot.com/2009/04/vegetate-tomorrow-at-dragon-fly.html If you're up for some good house/lounge music, DJs@11 happens at Eleven on the Cap on Friday and Saturday nights: http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/djseleven-on-the-cap-begins-this-friday

Great recap here: http://tacotruckscolumbus.com/2009/04/25/taco-truck-tour-recap/ The word on the street is that they'll be announcing another tour event soon featuring other trucks. Stay tuned! :D

Ha! Agreed! :D

My wife and I attended the tour today and had a lot of fun. :D The crowds around the trucks were fairly busy (15-25 people at any given time) but the truck owners were notified in advance of the rush and handled it like pros. We only had to wait around 5-10 minutes for our food. Anyway, we only stopped by #2 (Super Torta II) and #3 (Las Delicias) on the tour. At Super Torta we ordered two tacos (one adobada and one pollo) and a mandarina jarritos. Super deal at only $1.25 per taco and another $1.50 for the 20 oz drink. Good $4 lunch option for anyone on the west side. The tacos were of the simple meat, onion, cilantro variety with sides of cucumber, radish, and lime. Everything was very fresh, but without any sort of salsa it was a bit dry. Despite the dryness, the pork was pretty tasty, but my wife Anne said the chicken didn't seem to have any sort of seasoning added at all. The drink was great though! Can't recall the last time I've drank a carbonated beverage that was made with sugar instead of HFCS. The taste is so much different. At Las Delicias we decided to go bigger and order burritos. They were $5 each and I went with barbacoa while Anne got chicken. To my surprise they were larger than Chipotle burritos and extremely filling, which is why we cut the tour short. We both enjoyed these quite a bit, and the flavors were great, but I was surprised to find that the burritos were filled with lettuce and sour cream. I thought that was an american invention? Or perhaps I forgot to specify that I wanted the non-gringo version? ;) Either way, I tried my best to eat around the lettuce (which I don't like) and enjoy the rest of it. We'll definitely be back for more. ;)

Nice! :D

The general public. This thing is open to a public vote. So essentially, whichever city has the most people who casts votes in their online poll is the city with the best arts scene.

I have some friends in the Buggyworks who are looking to sell their unit. For anyone interested: http://www.columbusunderground.com/at-home-in-the-buggyworks :D

Looking forward to some of that delicious gretna grilling cheese from Blue Jacket Dairy. :D

Thanks for the comments everyone! :D

Last weekend while I was walking around the new Huntington Park Stadium, I decided to take a few other photos around the Arena District on my way back up to High Street to catch the bus home. These are mostly taken from the roof decks of parking garages in the area. I'm by no means a professional photographer... just like to play around with the camera... and parking garage roofs are one of my favorite places to do that from. Enjoy! <img src="http://www.walkerevanseffect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/downtown1.jpg"> <img src="http://www.walkerevanseffect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/downtown2.jpg"> <img src="http://www.walkerevanseffect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/downtown3.jpg"> <img src="http://www.walkerevanseffect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/downtown4.jpg"> <img src="http://www.walkerevanseffect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/downtown5.jpg"> <img src="http://www.walkerevanseffect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/downtown6.jpg"> <img src="http://www.walkerevanseffect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/downtown7.jpg"> <img src="http://www.walkerevanseffect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/downtown8.jpg"> <img src="http://www.walkerevanseffect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/downtown9.jpg"> <img src="http://www.walkerevanseffect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/downtown10.jpg">

<b>Want to Help bonoPIZZA Move Into a New Location?</b> By Walker | April 20, 2009 8:43pm <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/bill-bono.jpg"> Last weekend bonoPIZZA made their return with an outdoor parking-lot setup in front of the old Cowtown Pizza location. Due to the overwhelming response, Bill & Peggy Yerkes are looking to expedite the process in which they’re going to be moving back into a more permanent indoor venue. Bill notified us earlier today that they’ve found a great spot in the Grandview-Area that features loads of free parking, patio seating, and indoor seating space for 30-40 people. The only catch is that they’ve only got around 80% of the funds ready to get the location secured and opened, and are currently around $5,000 short. Always the non-traditionalist, Bill has put together a proposal for his loyal customers to help raise the extra cash quickly. He calls it the “bonoPIZZA Pay it Forward Plan”. Effective immediately, bonoPIZZA will begin selling half-price gift certificates in $100 and $200 increments. The $100 gift certificate will cost $50, and the $200 gift certificate will cost $100, making it a great deal for anyone planning on dining at bono in the future. The goal is to sell approximately 75 of these certificates to cover the cost of raising the additional $5,000. Once the $5,000 mark is reached, certificates will no longer be sold, so quantities are very limited. Bill stated that the certificates issued will be individually numbered with each contributor’s name labeled as a “bono savior”. If the $5,000 amount is not reached, all checks and payments will be returned in full, and Bill said that a “WTF, We Tried” certificate will still be issued to all who gave it a shot. To place an order you can reach Bill via phone at 614-441-2880, or send a check to: Bill Yerkes 1724 Northwest Blvd Columbus, Ohio 43212 MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/want-to-help-bonopizza-move-into-a-new-location

<b>Rosendales to Undergo a Dining Transformation</b> By Walker | April 20, 2009 6:35pm <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/rosendales_logo.jpg"> <i>Press Release:</i> Since its opening, Rosendales in the Short North has established itself as a rule-breaking, innovative restaurant. The Owner/Chef Richard Rosendale has accomplished a great deal in two short years. This rising star, not just in Columbus, but on the national stage as well, has had quite the ride. He has competed at the IKA, International Culinary Olympics, as the Team Captain in 2008, as well as competing in the Bocuse d’Or semi-finals in Orlando. Richard finished second from a chef from the French Laundry, and ahead of one chef from Charlie Trotter’s in Chicago. Both The French Laundry and Charlie Trotter’s are world renowned Mobil five star restaurants. And while all this was going on, he opened his second venture, Details Minibar and Lounge, next door to Rosendales. So what is next for Chef Rosendale? MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/rosendales-to-undergo-a-dining-transformation

<b>“Coffee and More” Coming Soon to Gay Street</b> By cab124 | April 17, 2009 12:05pm <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/coffeeandmore.jpg"> I just noticed on my jog this morning that the old Cornerstone Coffee at Third and Gay has signs in the window: “Coming Soon - Coffee and More.” There are already some new stools lining the window tables. Nice to see that that location is not going to sit there vacant for very long. Now… what ever happened to the new Gay St. Zen Cha location? MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/coffee-and-more-coming-soon-to-gay-street

<b>G. Michael’s Celebrates 10 Years in German Village</b> By Walker | April 15, 2009 <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/gmikes.jpg"> A decade in the restaurant business may seem like a long time, but G. Michael’s Bistro is still very much the new kid on the block compared to their German Village brethren. On May 1st, this fine dining establishment will officially celebrate their 10 year anniversary with live music, drink specials, and discounted appetizers followed by a month-long celebration that includes the launch of a new fixed-price menu for value-seeking diners. MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/g-michaels-celebrates-10-years-in-german-village

<b>Opening Day at Huntington Park</b> By Dan Wilburn | April 19, 2009 <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/clippers1.jpg"> A crowd of over 11,000 gathered to welcome the Columbus Clippers to their new home at Huntington Park on Saturday. Many fans were lined up hours before the 4pm opening pitch in hopes of getting one of the 1,500 tickets that were held until game day. Even though the Clippers ultimately lost to the division leading Toledo Mudhens 3-1, the event itself was able to supersede the final score. With clips of AC/DC blasting between innings, fan contests galore a la Columbus Blue Jackets games, and “Whoop There It Is” punctuating strong plays by the Clippers, the atmosphere is enough to keep any fairweather fan amused long enough to make it to the 7th inning stretch. READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/opening-day-at-huntington-park

Nothing yet. ;) But space for three commercial units: http://www.jacksononhigh.com/commercial.html

From here: http://www.walkerevanseffect.com/blog/photo-tour-of-opening-day-at-huntington-park/ <b>Photo tour of opening day at Huntington Park</b> Apr 18th, 2009 by Walker I’m not a big sports fan, but I am a fan of urban development of all varieties… and from that perspective the new Huntington Park is pretty amazing. I’ve been familiar with the area it sits for over a decade now as my first visit to the old Mekka nightclub (that is now the Buggyworks Condo Building) revealed a dirty abandoned gas station where the stadium would eventually be built. Similarly, I still recall my first game at the old Cooper Stadium over two decades ago when I was in kindergarten. And I’m glad that Anne & I got to take our son there last year for the final Clippers home game. But the location around the old stadium was a drag. A sea of parking lots, a graveyard, and a handful of auto body shops. There was little energy outside the stadium. Opening day at Huntington Park was the exact opposite. Hundreds of people outside the stadium trying to catch glimpses from the open viewing spots on the sidewalk. Dozens of restaurants and bars nearby will full patios, live music, and energetic fans. The stadium is seated in between several large condo buildings, a music pavilion, parking garages, offices, and a hockey stadium. There is density there. There is energy there. It feels like what a downtown city should feel like. I didn’t go to the game today, but I did walk around and take some photos of the action outside the stadium. Check em out: <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/huntington-park-01.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/huntington-park-02.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/huntington-park-03.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/huntington-park-04.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/huntington-park-05.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/huntington-park-06.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/huntington-park-07.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/huntington-park-08.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/huntington-park-09.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/huntington-park-10.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/huntington-park-11.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/huntington-park-12.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/huntington-park-13.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/huntington-park-14.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/huntington-park-15.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/huntington-park-16.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/huntington-park-17.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/huntington-park-18.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/huntington-park-19.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/huntington-park-20.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/huntington-park-21.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/huntington-park-22.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/huntington-park-23.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/huntington-park-24.jpg" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/huntington-park-25.jpg" alt="" />

Ha! I was actually surprised that both of those photos had me hiding my notecard behind my back. I felt like I was looking at it constantly. ;)

The reviews (and photos) on the website all look pretty awesome to me. :D http://tacotruckscolumbus.com/2009/04/06/las-delicias/

Thanks! It is an open forum and a very fun format. 20 Slides, 20 seconds each. Which means every presentation is only 6 minutes and 20 seconds long. I spoke about ColumbusUnderground and the various tasks I do on a regular basis. We had a lot of artists and designers speak about their work that time, but there's always such a mix of interesting people. One woman spoke who runs Yosick's chocolate shop in German Village and detailed the process that goes into hand-crafting chocolate treats. One guy spoke on making independent films. One guy did a hilarious presentation about 20 of his irrational fears (everything from dying in a plane crash to dropping his iphone). One woman read poetry she wrote while surviving the war in Iraq. Very fun to participate as a presenter as well as listen in as a viewer. More details here: http://www.pecha-kucha.org/cities/columbus I'd recommend attending one first (I think it's like a $2 suggested donation) to get a feel first before throwing your name in the hat to present. ;) It can be a little intimidating to present your work to a group of 200-250 people! Or at least for me it was. ;)

I have a new avatar photo. From a recent presentation at Pecha Kucha: <img src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs008.snc1/2855_1084886756899_1068293577_30256759_3541486_n.jpg"> <img src="http://photos-f.ll.facebook.com/photos-ll-snc1/v2390/95/39/1068293577/n1068293577_30200221_4189.jpg>

Ugh. Gross.