WalkerEvans

Been awhile since I posted an update on these, but they look 90% finished now. Nice! <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/archives/whitney1.jpg"> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/archives/whitney2.jpg"> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/archives/whitney3.jpg"> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/archives/whitney4.jpg"> <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/archives/whitney5.jpg">

Right. Didn't want to see folks beating up on panelists for something that was misinterpreted through the news process. ;)

Take that article with a grain of salt before getting too upset with the panel. I heard from several people at the event (and one panelist herself) that the Dispatch article didn't do a very good job of relaying what they were actually saying in regards to parking, transit or otherwise.

<b>Whit’s Frozen Custard Now Serving Upper Arlington</b> By Walker | August 19, 2010 8:00am <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/archives/whits-ua.jpg"> Whit’s Frozen Custard has quickly grown from their original Granville location to include nearly a dozen stores throughout Central and Southeastern Ohio. Their newest store opened three months ago in Upper Arlington next door to Park Creek Kitchen. We recently caught up with Chad Wells at the Upper Arlington location for a quick Q&A about their dessert shop offerings. READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/whits-frozen-custard-now-serving-upper-arlington

<b>Foodie Cart Brings Japanese Crepes to Columbus</b> By Walker | August 9, 2010 2:00pm <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/archives/foodiecart2.jpg"> The Summer of 2010 may officially be known as the Summer of the Food Carts thanks to a wide variety of sidewalk dining options that have exploded over the past few months. One unique offering that has quickly gained a loyal following is “Foodie Cart”, which owners Kenny Kim & Misako Ohba created to serve Japanese-style crepes to Columbus diners. We recently caught up with Kenny for a quick Q&A about their new business venture and to find out how it’s been going for them so far. READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/foodie-cart-brings-japanese-crepes-to-columbus

Thanks, but I can't take the credit for that one. Our new Editorial Director Melanie McIntyre did that Q&A with Liz. ;) Thanks for the kind words about the new project. We're excited to finally have it launched and share some small business inspiration and resources with our readers. :D

<b>Entrepreneurs Turn To Delaware For Funding, Workforce Development</b> Regional Spotlight — By Melanie McIntyre on August 2, 2010 <img src="http://www.themetropreneur.com/columbus/wp-content/themes/yamidoo/scripts/timthumb.php?src=http://www.themetropreneur.com/columbus/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/delaware-ohio.jpg&w=390&h=228&zc=1"> It would appear the sky is the limit for entrepreneurs in Delaware, as both city officials and Columbus State Community College have made helping local go-getters grow their businesses and learn new skills a considerable priority. For its part, Delaware seems keen on using financial incentives to buoy upstart and established businesses, while CSCC’s Delaware campus emphasizes development assistance and on-the-job training. For instance, to aid expansion and retention, Delaware is offering low-interest business development loans to qualified applicants through its five-year-old Revolving Loan Fund. READ MORE: http://www.themetropreneur.com/columbus/entrepreneurs-turn-to-delaware-for-funding-workforce-development/

Two-part article on Local Yokel, bringing the farmers market to your home via delivery service: <b>Locals Can Turn to Yokel for Fresh Foods</b> By Melanie McIntyre | August 6, 2010 8:00am <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/archives/localyokelfoods1.jpg"> After living in five states over seven years, Josh Goodson has returned to Central Ohio −where he was born and raised− and launched a food delivery service specializing in local and organic produce, breads, dairy products, meats, and specialty items. READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/locals-can-turn-to-yokel-for-fresh-foods <b>Local Yokel is Passionate About Fresh Foods, Environmental Responsibility</b> Business Profiles — By Melanie McIntyre on August 6, 2010 at 8:00 am <img src="http://www.themetropreneur.com/columbus/wp-content/themes/yamidoo/scripts/timthumb.php?src=http://www.themetropreneur.com/columbus/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/localyokel.jpg&w=390&h=228&zc=1"> Two months ago, homegrown entrepreneur Josh Goodson started a food delivery service specializing in local and organic produce, breads, dairy products, meats and specialty items, like veggie burgers, jam, and salsa. READ MORE: http://www.themetropreneur.com/columbus/local-yokel-passionate-fresh-foods-environmental-responsibility/

<b>Tom Fortin Talks Shop on Real Estate Development</b> By Walker | July 14, 2010 1:15pm <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/archives/fortin2.jpg"> Tom Fortin has over 20 years of experience in the field of Real Estate Development in Central Ohio, with involvement in several high-profile projects including The Battleship Building, Carlyles Watch, The Cube, and G Living. We recently caught up with Tom to discuss his passion for urban redevelopment, and find out more about what he’s currently working on along Gay Street. READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/tom-fortin-talks-shop-on-real-estate-development

<b>Columbus Curbside Recycling Program Unveiled</b> By Walker | July 28, 2010 <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/featured/images/recycling2010.jpg"> Mayor Coleman and other city and community leaders unveiled their recommendations for a comprehensive curbside recycling program today. The program was put together utilizing information gathered from a recent community survey to gauge public opinion on various types of recycling options. READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/columbus-curbside-recycling-program-unveiled

<b>The Future of Retail in Downtown Columbus – Part 2</b> Community Support — By Walker Evans on August 2, 2010 <img src="http://www.themetropreneur.com/columbus/wp-content/themes/yamidoo/scripts/timthumb.php?src=http://www.themetropreneur.com/columbus/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/chris-boring-downtown.jpg&w=390&h=228&zc=1"> Walker Evans: Having identified all of the spending potential in these six downtown submarkets, what sort of tangible, actionable efforts can the city of Columbus or the SID take to attract private investment and development? Chris Boring: Let me first say that I think we are pretty early in the recruitment process. That being said, I did already have the opportunity to put this research into action. Joe Spinelli of Spinelli’s Deli was recently thinking about looking for another location and downtown seemed to be a logical choice. He called up retail recruiter Kacey Campbell (contact info) and she showed him several locations, and he settled on the space at 50 N. High St. READ MORE: http://www.themetropreneur.com/columbus/the-future-of-retail-in-downtown-columbus-part-ii/

<b>The Future of Retail in Downtown Columbus - Part 1</b> By Walker | August 3, 2010 <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/archives/retail-downtown.jpg"> In November 2009, the Capital Crossroads Special Improvement District announced a new retail incentive program that included the creation of a dedicated Retail Recruiter for Downtown. We spoke with Retail Recruiter Kacey Campbell in February, to find out more about what exactly she’d be working on, and one of the things she mentioned was an information gathering process and retail analysis already underway by Chris Boring of Boulevard Strategies. That report was completed earlier this year, and we recently had the opportunity to sit down with Chris to further discuss the findings in that report and what it could mean for the ongoing retail recruitment efforts of Capital Crossroads. READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/the-future-of-retail-in-downtown-columbus-part-i

<b>GCAC Presents: Independent Arts Groups Aid Artists</b> By Craig Sonnenberg & Jennifer Sadler | July 29, 2010 <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/archives/indie-arts.jpg"> Even in the best economies, making a full-time living as an artist can be daunting. Where, then, can an artist turn for assistance? Fortunately there is a growing community of groups that share ideas, cooperative learning environments and spaces. According to Caitlin Strokosch, executive director for the Alliance of Artist Communities, an international association of artists’ communities and residencies, there is a nationwide increase in artist co-ops. “It’s no longer ideal for an artist to work in isolation,” says, Strokosch. “Co-ops and exposure to other artists foster balance and inspiration.” Take a look at how these local collaboratives have excelled by doing just this. READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/gcac-presents-independent-arts-groups-aid-artists

Hi everyone! Just wanted to share the news of a new project I've helped to launch called TheMetropreneur.com: <b>Welcome to the Launch of The Metropreneur!</b> Announcements — By Walker Evans on August 2, 2010 <img src="http://www.themetropreneur.com/columbus/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/metro-logo-new.jpg"> Welcome to The Metropreneur, your online resource for all things related to small business development and entrepreneurialism in Central Ohio. Our mission at The Metropreneur is two-fold. First, we will provide you with regular news and informational updates about the growing small business community in Central Ohio. That includes small business profiles, topical features, governance and policy updates, spotlights on women-owned and minority-owned businesses, how-to guides, and other types of interactive editorial features. Second, we want to play a proactive role in economic development in Central Ohio. All of our content is planned through the lens of inspiration and education. We’ve also assembled a Local Resource Database that has launched with more than 100 local resources ranging from financial assistance providers and workshops to classes and marketing resources, and more. READ MORE: http://www.themetropreneur.com/columbus/welcome-to-the-launch-of-the-metropreneur/

I'm planning on writing up some indepth thoughts and observations in another week or so, but due to a car accident (no one seriously injured) my wife and kids and I have been carless for the past month and a half. It's been a challenge, and some tasks are quite tricky, but we've gotten by pretty well mostly thanks to our location adjacent to Downtown. It makes walking and riding the bus easy, and we're close enough to work and play and other amenities that we didn't have to make a lot of radical changes to adapt. I don't think the same could be said if we lived in a suburban community and were miles away from work, groceries and everything else with little or no bus access. That being said, I'm *beyond* ready to have a car again. It might sit parked in our driveway 5 days a week, but those two days a week you really need it are starting to become quite annoying without it. ;)

More indepth look at the two new Jeni's locations coming to Powell & Beechwold this fall: <b>Jeni’s Expanding to Beechwold, Powell and Beyond</b> By Walker | August 3, 2010 <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/archives/jenis-new.jpg"> The news broke about two months ago that Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams would be heading next to Beechwold. That news was later updated to include an expansion in Powell as well, marking the openings of their sixth and seventh stores in Central Ohio. We recently sat down with founder Jeni Britton Bauer to find out more about these new stores, their growing business, an upcoming recipe cookbook project, and more. READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/jenis-expanding-to-beechwold-powell-and-beyond BONUS... How Jeni's all got started, from a business perspective: TheMetropreneur.com: <a href="http://www.themetropreneur.com/columbus/building-an-ice-cream-empire-one-scoop-at-a-time/">Building an Ice Cream Empire, One Scoop at a Time</a>

This is more of a bar than a restaurant, but they will have food. ;) <b>Park Street Saloon Opening in September</b> By Walker | July 24, 2010 6:00pm <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/archives/park-street-saloon.jpg"> The nightlife venue formerly known as The Sugar Bar closed their doors three weeks ago, but the space won’t be sitting empty for long. In September, The Park Street Saloon will open at 525 North Park Street, which will feature a variety of live entertainment including dueling pianos, comedy acts and more. Currently, the 8,000 sqft venue is undergoing a remodeling that will transform the space into a “Chicago Burlesque” themed environment. The decor features a lot of dark woods, deep reds and saloon-style doors. READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/park-street-saloon-opening-in-september

<b>North Market Spices Opens in August</b> By Walker | July 16, 2010 <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/archives/nm2009.jpg"> For years, the North Market has served up quality meats and seafood through merchants including Bluescreek Farm, North Market Poultry and Game and The Fish Guys, but customers haven’t had a good place to buy seasonings, spices and rubs for those meats… until now. “North Market Spices” will be opening their their doors on August 1st and will offer over eighty varieties of spices, herbs, blends and rubs from all over the world. “North Market Spices will fill an important niche for our shoppers,” said North Market Executive Director David Wible. READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/north-market-spices-opens-in-august

It's actually worth noting that in both of those instances, the folks who originally opened/launched both restaurants had already sold them off to other parties. I'd agree that there may be a sort of "changing of the guard" going on in some areas, but with these two, the guard had already changed. ;)

<b>Columbus Food Adventures Gives Local Food Tours</b> By Walker | July 8, 2010 <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/archives/cfa1.jpg"> Bethia Woolf is the food blogger behind Hungry Woolf, Taco Trucks Columbus and the newer Alt Eats Columbus. Her latest project serves as a bit of a departure though, as she’s making the jump from the online world into the real world with a new “food tourism” business. Columbus Food Adventures is the name of that new business, which will serve as a food tour operation company beginning on July 27th. The tours will be guided, personalized experiences with some of the best restaurant and food vendors throughout Columbus. READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/columbus-food-adventures-gives-local-food-tours

<b>Lynnally’s Serves Up Breakast & Lunch Downtown</b> By Walker | July 8, 2010 <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/archives/lynnalleys1.jpg"> If you’ve taken a stroll down Lynn Alley recently, then you may have noticed the old Deli in the Alley space has been transformed into Lynnally’s, a new restaurant focusing on fast casual breakfast and lunch for the Downtown business crowd. “Speed is always a big issue Downtown,” said Natasha Moore, General Manager of Lynnally’s. “Our customers only have half-an-hour to an hour for lunch, so we strive to get people served in just three or four minutes.” The owners of Lynnally’s are not new to the Downtown market, having formerly operated Isabella’s Cafe Italia on State Street, which was sold prior to their opening of Barrel 44 in the Short North in 2008. READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/lynnallys-serves-up-breakast-lunch-downtown

I think I've heard someone else mention it here before, but I wish we could allocate some of the cleanup funds toward improving the entrance to the Audubon Center at Whittier & Front. It's very nondescript and borderline ugly. There are only sidewalks on the south of Whittier which means pedestrians have to enter only on one side of the street or walk in the grass. I imagine that a little bit of beautification (maybe an archway at the entrance) would go a long way.

Sorry if I didn't make that very clear. I consider the readership of Columbus Underground to be a bit more informed than the average "casual reader" but I didn't mean to leave this type of impression. My point in asking was more about having committed funds to circumvent the voting process to allocate funds for every single new rail project in the future, not to imply that any type of transit was completely self sufficient on those types of revenue sources.

There's also a new art gallery that just opened last month in the Short North... <b>Accessible Art Gallery in Ray’s Living Room</b> By Walker | June 25, 2010 <img src="http://www.columbusunderground.com/archives/ray2.jpg"> Earlier this month, the Short North gained a new art gallery space as “Ray’s Living Room” hosted their first exhibition at 17 Brickel Street. The venue has been named after Ray Hanley, the former long-time President of the Greater Columbus Arts Council who passed away in 2006. His personal friends Kent and Tasi Rigsby are behind this new project and are utilizing the space as both an art gallery and an event venue. We recently spoke with Kent to find out more about the latest addition to the Short North art gallery lineup. READ MORE: http://www.columbusunderground.com/accessible-art-gallery-in-rays-living-room

Excellent news!