WalkerEvans

<b>Lindey’s Unveils New “Value Menu” Offerings</b> By Cbuzzz | March 9, 2009 <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/lindeys.png"> Lindey’s Restaurant & Bar officially debuts its new value menu at the German Village institution’s bar this evening. The Bar Menu will be offered from 4:30 to 6:30 PM daily and from 9 to 11 PM on Thursdays and 10 PM to Midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/lindeys-unveils-new-value-menu-offerings

<b>Downtown, suburban spots pegged for Wine Guy break-out</b> Friday, March 13, 2009 | Modified: Sunday, March 15, 2009 Business First of Columbus - by Dan Eaton <img src="http://assets.bizjournals.com/story_image/228225-120-0-1.jpg"> What once was a small store and restaurant with modest growth plans is on the verge of becoming one of Central Ohio’s chief purveyors of wine and small-plate meals. Craig and Laura Decker started the Wine Guy Wine Shop Wine Bar and Bistro in Pickerington in 2005. They expanded the store to include a restaurant in 2007 and opened a second shop and bistro at Gahanna’s Creekside development last year. But by early 2010, that portfolio is expected to grow to six stores, including one downtown in the former North High Street home of Experience Columbus, the city’s convention agency. The business is also planning sites in Dublin and near Grandview Heights that will offer more than wine and a meal, and the chain’s first shop in Cincinnati. “It became a monster overnight,” Craig Decker said. “This wasn’t something we’d been planning by any means.” MORE: http://columbus.bizjournals.com/columbus/stories/2009/03/16/story2.html?ana=e_ph

Nice article! Why was it rejected? :O

<b>Startup Weekend Columbus II - April 3-5</b> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/swc2.png"> The Columbus edition of <a href="http://startupweekend.com/open/columbus/">Startup Weekend</a> swings into its second year in 2009, this time running from April 3 to April 5. The event is being hosted at TechColumbus. For those who haven't heard about the event, it's a weekend long marathon session for the best and brightest minds in the region to come together, share ideas, brainstorm and launch a dozen (or so) small startup businesses. Everyone from web developers to marketing professionals to artists to entrepreneurs are all welcome to attend. Last year's <a href="http://startupweekend.com/sw-columbus-recap/">event</a> was the largest Startup Weekend event at that time, and this year's event is being planned to be even bigger and better. For more information, <a href="http://startupweekend.com/open/columbus/">click here</a>.

<b>At Home in The Buggyworks</b> By Anne | February 6, 2009 9:30am <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/l7.jpg"> Welcome to the first installment of a new feature on Columbus Underground called “At Home”. We will be touring homes in the downtown area and its surrounding neighborhoods. Our first home belongs to Jason and Kate Lyman. They live on the third floor of The Buggyworks. When Jason and Kate Lyman were looking for a new home about two years ago, they wanted something in a fun neighborhood with lots of happenings, but also some quiet time. They found that in The Buggyworks. Their 1200 sq. foot condo is unique in that it contains exposed brick walls from the firewall of the building. It is one of only a few of that square footage that has exposed brick. They fell in love with the look of the brick, the exposed beams, the wood floors and the large windows that let in lots of light throughout the entire condo. READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/at-home-in-the-buggyworks

Some new photos I took of Beck Place: http://beckplacecondos.com/ <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/beckplace1.jpg"> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/beckplace2.jpg"> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/beckplace3.jpg"> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/beckplace4.jpg"> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/beckplace5.jpg">

<b>At Home in German Village</b> By Anne | March 1, 2009 12:00pm <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/athgvclose.jpg"> When Brian Santin and Crystal Seamon were looking for a house three years ago, they started their search in German Village. Thirty-eight houses later, the first one they looked at became their home. Their home is a little over 1500 square feet. Originally it was 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, but they have completely renovated it to make it 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths. They love being a part of the neighborhood and the charm of German Village. Barcelona Restaurant was one of the main things that drove them to look in this neighborhood. They also participate in the German Village Society. READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/at-home-in-german-village

Very excited about this! :D

<b>Sandbox coworking community opening soon in Short North</b> By Walker | March 11, 2009 9:04am <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/sandbox.jpg"> The Short North will soon see the opening of its first coworking community space when Sandbox opens up its doors in a few weeks. This new space will provide a flexible working environment for creative professionals, freelancers, and independent entrepreneurs who need a spot to work outside of their home office or their local coffee shop. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept of coworking, then perhaps Tina & David from Sandbox can help shed some light on things. MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/sandbox-coworking-community-opening-soon

<a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/statehouse-to-kickballers-get-off-our-lawn">Statehouse to Kickballers: Get Off Our Lawn</a> By Walker | March 11, 2009 2:01pm <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/kickball.png"> For the past few years, the Ohio Statehouse lawn has been home to the Capitol Crossroads downtown kickball league where office workers, young professionals, and downtown residents have all been able to converge and participate some friendly intramural activities. But word has been handed down from the Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board (the organization that operates the Ohio Statehouse) that the kickballers are not going to be as welcome in 2009 as they once were. They felt that the grounds had been too trampled and want to see fewer games, fewer teams, and potentially a relocation of the playing area. The Ohio Statehouse Lawn is one of the few large grass field gathering places in the core of downtown big enough for activities such as this. I guess we collectively need to decide which is more important: maintaining a pristine grass plot that is untouched by the public, or providing the public with a gathering spot that actually gets utilized. If you’ve got an opinion to voice, you can contact William E. Carleton, the Executive Director at the Ohio Statehouse at [email protected] or 614-752-9777.

<a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/cu-podcast-episode-10-whats-new-in-franklinton">CU Podcast Episode #10: What’s New in Franklinton</a> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/franklinton.png"> In this week's podcast we sit down for a chat with Jim Sweeney and Reza Reyazi with the <a href="http://franklinton.org/">Franklinton Development Association</a> to discuss a variety of projects and developments in the Franklinton neighborhood. Jim & Reza discuss some of the history of this area, the challenges it faces in being revitalized, and several new initiatives including the conversion of an old church into a community space and the development of a new central park for Franklinton residents. Click <a href="http://blip.tv/file/get/ColumbusUnderground-ColumbusUndergroundcomPodcastEpisode10634.mp3">here</a> to download an mp3, click <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=301024381">here</a> to subscribe via iTunes, or click <a href="http://columbusunderground.blip.tv/rss">here</a> to subscribe to the rss feed.

Just to put things into perspective... the Polaris Mall is 1.5M square feet. This Dublin development essentially calls for <b>27 Polaris Malls</b> worth of high-tech office buildings. And again... this is currently planned on land inside Jerome Township that Dublin needs Columbus' permission to annex. Essentially, Columbus has the opportunity to leverage their agreement for a <b>partnership</b> in this deal, or they have the opportunity to hand the reigns over to Dublin and watch them reap all of the benefits themselves. ------------------ As mentioned earlier, Rickenbacker is a good example of a JEDD. From wikipedia: <em>"In 2006, a JEDD was established between the City of Columbus and three jurisdictions in Pickaway County. The purpose was to make infrastructure available to aid in the business development that will come due to the construction of an intermodal facility by Norfolk Southern Railroad, the presence of the Rickenbacker Freight Air Hub, business development by the Columbus Regional Airport Authority on property they own, and private industrial parks in the area. The JEDD provides for the provision of sanitary sewer, water, roadway, connectivity and other infrastructure that will be necessary for new business location in the Rickenbacker area. <b>In the past 20 years, almost 26,000,000 square feet of distribution space has been developed in the Rickenbacker area. The long-term projection for additional logistics development is in the area of $9 billion and almost 70,000 direct and indirect jobs. </b>Other partners include the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce, CompeteColumbus, Franklin County, the Villages of South Bloomfield and Ashville."</em> To not set up something similar for this project would essentially be handing Dublin jobs, revenue, and development while Columbus collects a few pennies for water lines. At the <b>VERY</b> least, it should be something that folks at City Hall should be <em>thinking</em> about. ------------------ From what I've been reading and researching, Dublin has been in specific talks with companies in Israel to build a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proton_therapy">Proton Therapy</a> Center here. This is not a private developer building your average office park. This is a community development plan put together by The City of Dublin to build high-tech high-density development unlike anything else being proposed in the region. <a href="http://www.dublin.oh.us/planning/community/pdf/OfficialFutureLandUseMap.pdf">MAP</a> (pdf)

<b><A href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/development-deal-in-jerome-township-may-be-the-answer-to-the-city-of-columbus-financial-woes">Development Deal in Jerome Township may be the answer to the City of Columbus’ financial woes</a></b> By Walker | March 13, 2009 8:05am <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/jeromes.png"> The City of Dublin is attempting to annex around 300 acres of land from Jerome Township for development. This would require Dublin to cut a deal with the City of Columbus and at would require water and sewer services from the City of Columbus. This 300 acres is the beginning of Dublin’s plan to create their very own Technology Corridor along St. Rt. 33. Dublin plans to locate a Proton Therapy Center within their city limits and gain land for research and office space with this newly annexed property. In fact, Dublin’s community plan calls for over <em>40 million square feet</em> of office and research space to be located here. About 25 years ago, the City of Columbus and the City of Dublin came to an agreement that requires each city to consent to any annexations that take place in what is called the “negotiated area” of Jerome Township. If the City of Columbus allows the City of Dublin to go ahead and annex this land it means that Dublin will become the Central Ohio leader in research and technology. They will benefit from many new high paying jobs and the income tax funding that goes along with it. Essentially all that Columbus would get out of the deal is the water/sewer contract. So why would the City of Columbus sign off on the beginnings of a development that will compete and poach jobs from Columbus? Well, they would receive a small pittance up front for the land, which might look good during the budget crunch of 2009. But in the long term this will create a huge competitor for The City of Columbus' 315 Tech Corridor plans, it would shift countless jobs further outward into this suburban development, and would give The City of Dublin complete control over the development of this land. <b><em>So what is the alternative?</em></b> The creation of a Joint Economic Development District (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_Economic_Development_District">JEDD</a>) may be one solution. A JEDD allows cities to collect income tax and receive other monies without the burden of providing city services such police and fire protection. A board of those involved in the JEDD is created, and the board enforces the agreement that has been created by the parties in the JEDD. The “negotiated area” of the original Columbus/Dublin agreement incorporates a total of approximately 3,000 acres of Jerome Township, Columbus could strike a deal with the Township for all 3,000 instead of this first 300. Columbus would still provide sewer and water, however, there would not be annexations to either city. A board would be created and ideally Columbus, Dublin and Jerome would craft a deal that would address revenue sharing, land uses and development standards. The City of Charlotte, North Carolina has utilized a similar type of JEDD. Rickenbacker is another good example of the use of a JEDD. If this course of action is taken it would mean that the City of Columbus would still provide water and sewer utilities, the City of Dublin can still develop their Proton Center, Columbus would have more control over development in this area, it would control job poaching by Dublin, and allow revenue sharing for the City of Columbus. Of course, the income tax money would be spread out over a longer term period for both cities, but the benefits gained over a longer term partnership would prevent Columbus from flushing their existing Tech Corridor plans down the drain. <a href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/jerome1.png"><img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/jerome2.png"></a>

Anyone here take advantage of this? (It continues through tomorrow (Sunday)) I've heard LOADS of great feedback so far, but always looking for more. I'm on the Board of Directors at Dine Originals Columbus and we'd love to hear comments and feedback to help plan for the next one. :D Lots of reviews here: http://www.columbusfoodie.com/category/restaurant-week/

Anyone here take advantage of this? (It continues through tomorrow (Sunday)) I've heard LOADS of great feedback so far, but always looking for more. I'm on the Board of Directors at Dine Originals Columbus and we'd love to hear comments and feedback to help plan for the next one. :D Lots of reviews here: http://www.columbusfoodie.com/category/restaurant-week/

I wrote a <A href="http://www.columbusunderground.com/new-convention-center-hotel-moving-forward">little something</a> up on CU the day this was announced, and one tidbit of info that I received (from a very reliable source) and published that I didn't see any other local news source reporting is this: <i>Rumor also has it that Nationwide could be considering additional private development adjacent to the hotel on currently unused land, bringing an additional 300,000+ square feet of office and retail space to the area situated between High St, Front St, and Nationwide Blvd.</i> Also... here are some site photos I took myself of the "back end" of the site. There's really a lot of unused land over here. <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/hotel6.jpg"> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/hotel7.jpg"> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/hotel8.jpg"> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/hotel9.jpg">

Thanks for the link. This was a really fun podcast to do. ;)

<b>Pizza Grand Prix III - Review and Results</b> By CMH Gourmand | March 8, 2009 10:39pm <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/pgp21.jpg"> The Pizza Grand Prix III had a great turnout: 60 plus people came to dine on a plethora of pizza pies. A few pizzas may have have been missed coming through the door at the beginning. I am not sure how many Bono Pizzas arrived. Few pizzas lingered around for long. My official count was 50 pizzas from 28 places. <b>Best of Gran Prix</b> Winner: Dewey’s Buffalo Chicken Runner Up: High Beck Smokehouse Combo <b>Best Homemade</b> Winner: Rocketmaster Mike’s Bacon Baccahanalia <b>Best Topping Combo</b> Winner: Mama Mimi’s BBQ Bacon Runner Up: Surly Girl Blue Cheese Cranberry <b>Best Vegetarian</b> Winner: Northstar High Street Veggie MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/pizza-grand-prix-iii-review-and-results

Two-wheel riders can still legally park in standard parking places (where cars park) and use coins if it doesn't make sense for them to purchase this parking pass. I agree though. $50/yr is much better than paying $50/mo if you work downtown and pay to park.

<b>83 Gallery: Putting the Art back into Gallery Hop</b> By Walker | March 5, 2009 8:12am <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/83gallery.jpeg"> The 83 Gallery might be a little bit off the beaten Gallery Hop path, but a visit this weekend might be worth your while. This new independent gallery attempts to capture the original spirit of Gallery Hop and focuses entirely on local "underground" art. Owners Geoff Collins, Mic Wesson, and Audra Cheek have made it their personal mission to reconnect local art enthusiasts with local artists. MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/83-gallery-putting-the-art-back-into-gallery-hop

<b>Spotlight on the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus</b> By Walker | March 13, 2009 <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/cgmc.png"> Next week, the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus will perform the popular Andrew Lloyd Webber music theater production “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” in conjunction with the Columbus Children’s Choir. We caught up with Matthew Arnold, the Executive Director of the CGMC to provide us with some details about the show as well as some background information about the organization. MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/columbus-gay-mens-chorus-19th-season

Interesting quote from the Dispatch article: <i>Before the casino proposal surfaced, Plaza Properties had proposed 1,000 condos and apartments, plus restaurants and offices on the site. Milligan said that if the casino plan fails, the earlier proposal could come back.</i> I'm not 100% anti-casino, but if I had to choose between: - 1000 new downtown residential units, plus offices and restaurants Or: - A casino I'd probably opt for the former rather than the latter.

<img src="http://www.walkerevanseffect.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/doclogo.gif"> For years many locals have drooled over the idea of a Columbus Restaurant Week event. Well, the wait is over. <a href="http://www.dineoriginalscolumbus.com">Dine Originals Columbus</a> has more than 40 local, independently-owned restaurants who are participating in Columbus' first annual Restaurant Week running March 9th through March 15th. Each restaurant will be offering a discounted fixed-priced menu to allow diners throughout Central Ohio to try out some new places and take advantage of some great deals. More information will be available online soon at <a href="http://www.dineoriginalscolumbus.com">DineOriginalsColumbus.com</a>. <em>Press Release:</em> <b>Dine Originals Columbus Brings City’s Inaugural Restaurant Week</b> More than 40 Central Ohio restaurants have prepared a package to stimulate taste buds without creating a deficit. Presented by Dine Originals Columbus, the city’s inaugural Restaurant Week offers diners the opportunity to enjoy dining out at more than 40 participating local eateries at a special price. From March 9 – 15, each restaurant is creating fixed-price menus ( $15 at some restaurants, or $30 at others) allowing diners to enjoy wonderful food at a very reasonable rate. “Whether you want to try a new restaurant or treat yourself to a favorite, Restaurant Week is a great opportunity for residents and visitors alike to sample the culinary skills of Columbus chefs,” said Diane Warren, president of Dine Original Columbus.” "Independent restaurants define the culinary diversity and culture of a city and this is a wonderful way to showcase the varied and unique restaurants in Columbus," added Warren who is also the owner of the popular Katzinger’s Delicatessen. Taking advantage of Restaurant Week is easy. Diners simply go to or make a reservation at a participating restaurant (it is strongly recommended that guests make a reservation at those restaurants that accept them). Participating restaurants and their Restaurant Week menus are available at <a href="http://www.dineoriginalscolumbus.com">DineOriginalsColumbus.com</a> along with contact information for each restaurant. “It is wonderful Dine Originals can bring this to Columbus,” said Warren. “Major cities throughout the country have some version of a restaurant week, some even twice a year. These events are popular because they are a win-win for every one. With such inviting prices diners have the opportunity to dine someplace new or return to a favorite normally reserved for special occasions, and restaurants have the opportunity to increase their business and introduce themselves to new guests.” Dine Originals Columbus has 42 member restaurants, including The Worthington Inn, The Refectory, Barcelona, Due Amici, Katzinger’s Delicatessen, The Clarmont, Rigsby’s, Columbus Brewing Company and many others. Dine Originals Columbus started in the spring of 2003 to promote and support independent restaurants and provide their customers with a unique and positive dining experience. For more information about Dine Originals Columbus please visit, <a href="http://www.dineoriginalscolumbus.com">www.DineOriginalsColumbus.com</a>.

(sigh)

I spoke with urban planner and OSU teacher Kyle Ezell yesterday about his new incubator concept called "FreeDigs". Essentially, it's a rent-free creative incubator designed to bring the best and brightest minds back to Ohio Cities. He's got some more info here: http://www.geturban.com/ And you can download or listen to an mp3 of Kyle and I talking about the project here: http://a19.video2.blip.tv/2090000664138/ColumbusUnderground-ColumbusUndergroundcomPodcastEpisode07591.mp3 What do you all think of this idea? Does Kyle's concept have any legs to it? <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/freedigs.png">