...or bring back the pole dancers from High Street circa 2001 and bring "retro" Columbus back!

I always wondered what those dancers thought seeing the same car full of 17-year-old boys driving back and forth 8 times a day. That car being my high school buddies and myself.

17 hours ago, ColDayMan said:

...or bring back the pole dancers from High Street circa 2001 and bring "retro" Columbus back!

 

You joke, but every new development story on social media is filled with people longing for an imaginary "better" version of those neighborhoods.  

Downtown's Citizens building apartments to be converted into condos
 

“The apartments at the historic Citizens building are being converted into condos.

 

Jeff Edwards of Edwards Cos., who developed the building, said there is more appeal in that location for a for-sale product. He also said he always planned to turn the building's apartments into condos, but he needed to own the property for five years first to comply with tax credit rules related the building's historic status.

 

There are 63 units at 51 N. High St., which will be called The Citizens Condominium. The building has access to the bar on the ground floor and a rooftop amenity. Residents can also make use of the pool at the neighboring Edwards apartment complex, The Nicholas. The Nicholas and the Citizens building are connected by an underground tunnel. 

The Nicholas will remain apartments, Edwards said.
 

Edwards said with many new jobs coming to the region attracting out-of-state employees, people coming from an urban environment might enjoy living in a place like the Citizens Condominium.”

 

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2021/12/28/citizens-bank.html

‘Dramatic’ Hanging Sculpture Concept Proposed for Downtown

 

A “dramatic” fiber art piece is currently being proposed for Downtown Columbus, hanging over the intersection at Gay and High streets.

 

The massive piece, dubbed “Current,” would be commissioned by international fiber artist and sculptor Janet Echelman. The Boston-based artist is known for similar works in Washington D.C., Seattle, London, Greensboro, North Carolina, the San Francisco International Airport and more, over her nearly 20-year career.

 

The piece was mentioned last year as a part of the Edwards Companies’ plan for more art and entertainment on Gay Street.

 

More below:

https://www.columbusunderground.com/dramatic-hanging-sculpture-concept-proposed-for-downtown-tm1/

 

21 hours ago, ColDayMan said:

‘Dramatic’ Hanging Sculpture Concept Proposed for Downtown

 

A “dramatic” fiber art piece is currently being proposed for Downtown Columbus, hanging over the intersection at Gay and High streets.

 

The massive piece, dubbed “Current,” would be commissioned by international fiber artist and sculptor Janet Echelman. The Boston-based artist is known for similar works in Washington D.C., Seattle, London, Greensboro, North Carolina, the San Francisco International Airport and more, over her nearly 20-year career.

 

The piece was mentioned last year as a part of the Edwards Companies’ plan for more art and entertainment on Gay Street.

 

More below:

https://www.columbusunderground.com/dramatic-hanging-sculpture-concept-proposed-for-downtown-tm1/

 

I'm very curious to see what the commission thinks about this. Per the CU article "The piece has required building permits to allow for significant structural modifications that will help some of the buildings withstand the sculpture’s lateral load." Three of the buildings this will connect to are historic structures so I wonder if those modifications will impact those exteriors. 

 

Also, this needs to be taken down every winter which seems like a recipe for this to just never come back one spring about 5 years after it first goes up. 

 

Personally, I'm all for public art, but I'm not convinced on this one. Based on the pictures I googled of other similar installations they look really dramatic when lit up at night, but kinda just like sky fishing nets during the day. I'd prefer something more permanent that could be seen all year round. 

13 hours ago, 17thState said:

I'm very curious to see what the commission thinks about this. Per the CU article "The piece has required building permits to allow for significant structural modifications that will help some of the buildings withstand the sculpture’s lateral load." Three of the buildings this will connect to are historic structures so I wonder if those modifications will impact those exteriors. 

 

Also, this needs to be taken down every winter which seems like a recipe for this to just never come back one spring about 5 years after it first goes up. 

 

Personally, I'm all for public art, but I'm not convinced on this one. Based on the pictures I googled of other similar installations they look really dramatic when lit up at night, but kinda just like sky fishing nets during the day. I'd prefer something more permanent that could be seen all year round. 

I still have high hopes for this.  Loving public art, especially when a local family/developer wants to kick in most of the costs (Edwards).  It seems to have been quite the sucess in many other international cities.  I'd rather give it a go and add to our public art with something quite dramatic and eye catching.  But art is subjective, so I suppose not everyone has to like it, but I would rather try for something different.

 

Here are a few from London, Vienna, Madrid, Perth and Boston by the same artist.

 

For me, the others seem to be in more open spaces as well. This seems like a tight space for such a large sculpture. I think when the idea was floated for somenthing like this over the 670 cap by Goodale, that was a great location with high visibility. I don't believe this location lends itself to a full appreciation or general observation of the piece. 

 

Otherwise I have no complaints. Especially since it's privately funded. Let them spend the money and if it becomes a plastic bag trap or it too cumbersome to take down and put up every year, oh well. It was their money. I don't necessarily have those concerns since other installations don't seem to highlight those issues. 

I think the fact that this is privately funded pretty much drives home why I support this. Plus, I don’t think we should prioritize one type of art over another. I’ll take all we can get, especially one that looks this cool. It’s funded by a private entity, and it adds to what Gay st is already becoming. The more art the merrier if you ask me

New York-based Zamir Equities buys KeyBank building
 

“New York City-based Zamir Equities has purchased the KeyBank building, a 21-story tower at 88 E. Broad St. 

 

The building’s prominent location on Capitol Square was part of the allure.  “It is a beautiful building, it is in a great location and we were very impressed with the current tenancy,” Asher Zamir, President and CEO of Zamir Equities, told Columbus Business First.  "The Intel announcement makes the building that much more attractive."
 

The building, which has 250,000 rentable square feet, is currently about 75% occupied.  Zamir said since the deal was finalized about two days ago, they have already signed an additional tenant, a government relations consulting firm. "We want to get the occupancy up to 100% in the next couple of years," Zamir said.

 

Zamir plans to keep all current tenants and make improvements to the building. The firm is also considering adding new amenities, Dunsmoor said.“

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/01/25/new-york-based-company-buys-key-bank-building.html

I love the modernist mid-century vibe of this building, the Chase tower and the Renaissance Hotel.

Intel already attracting more outside investment. Just awesome.

19 minutes ago, Zyrokai said:

Intel already attracting more outside investment. Just awesome.

 

Agreed, this was a fascinating point of the article. While we really don't know the reach Intel will have, I think a name like Intel investing in the city will serve is a kind of a beacon to developers/investors who have previously ignored or didn't know about the market.

 

Back to the Key Bank building though, I love this building but I need someone to develop the surface lot or something because I cannot stand the massive blank and depressing gray walls that face Broad St.

Edited January 27, 20223 yr by DevolsDance

48 minutes ago, DevolsDance said:

 

Agreed, this was a fascinating point of the article. While we really don't know the reach Intel will have, I think a name like Intel investing in the city will serve is a kind of a beacon to developers/investors who have previously ignored or didn't know about the market.

 

Back to the Key Bank building though, I love this building but I need someone to develop the surface lot or something because I cannot stand the massive blank and depressing gray walls that face Broad St.

For years that was the customer parking lot for City National Bank (now Chase). It was one of the reasons why the Broad St. median project never advanced - McCoy (the CEO) didn't want access from east bound Broad to his parking lot blocked.

On 1/26/2022 at 9:03 AM, Pablo said:

I love the modernist mid-century vibe of this building, the Chase tower and the Renaissance Hotel.

I agree! I always thought those buildings had a nice harmony.

On 11/29/2021 at 10:59 AM, Pablo said:

Then there's this proposal from 1970 for a 700' tower on the same site. I wonder if it's the same project.

 

 

 

 

Back in the 70's, there was quite the building boom for downtown. I remember reading about this and the reason it fell through. The developer was from Cleveland and wanted to build a 50+ story tower on the corner but there was one hold out who wouldn't sell him a parcel he needed. 

Sorry if you clicked here thinking an announcement about the Dispatch's Third Street project might be the third of recent big project news for Columbus/Central Ohio - but I've got a couple of news reports about the Rhodes Tower.

 

First, the four-year major renovation project of the Rhodes Tower - that involved replacing all of its windows and re-anchoring all of its granite panels - has finally wrapped up:

 

Rhodes Tower renovation wraps up

 

The four-year renovation of Rhodes Tower is now complete, removing scaffolding from a main thoroughfare downtown.  The project, which wrapped up Dec. 21, came in under budget, costing $65 million rather than the expected $70 million.

 

The building, located on Capitol Square at 30 E. Broad St., is the tallest in Columbus at 629 feet and 41 stories.

 

The project included re-anchoring of nearly 13,000 granite panels, replacing 204 granite panels, replacing more than 3,000 windows and 28.5 miles of sealant.  Challenges included building a protective canopy for the safety of pedestrians and to create storage areas for tools and materials, coordinating the shipment of windows and their installation, and dealing with Ohio weather.

 

MORE:  https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/02/02/rhodes-construction-finished-after-4-years.html

And another news item from yesterday - an elevator rehab project is likely next for the Rhodes Tower(!)

 

Firefighters break through wall to rescue attorney after Rhodes Tower elevator falls 6 stories

 

The state office building at 30 E. Broad St. across from the Statehouse has three banks of elevators: one for the lower floors of the 41-story building, another for the middle floors, and a third for the highest floors.  Brett Kravitz, the principal Ohio assistant attorney general for the environmental enforcement section, works on the 25th floor.  So he uses the elevator for the middle floors.

 

When Kravitz was on the elevator Tuesday, only one other person was on it with him.  That person got off at the 18th floor.  So Kravitz was all by himself a second later when the doors closed and he heard the cable break and hit the top of the elevator car.  After plummeting about six floors, the elevator's emergency brakes kicked in and the car ground to a stop.

 

But that wasn't the end of Kravitz's adventure.  He was at a lower floor that doesn't have an entrance to the elevators to the middle floors.  So while Kravitz quickly got through to security from the emergency communicator inside the elevator, would-be rescuers couldn't tell where he was. ... With no elevator doors where the car was, the firefighters had to smash through the wall to get to Kravitz.  Even then, rescuers were about three or four feet higher than him, so they had to reach down and pull him out through the broken walls.

 

Battalion Chief Steve Martin said Kravitz was extricated at 5:04 p.m. and indicated he was not injured and did not require medical attention - except for being badly shaken from a "near-death experience."(!)

 

MORE:  https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2022/02/02/state-worker-rescued-after-rhodes-tower-elevator-falls-six-stories-ohio-rhodes-tower-columbus-fire/9316529002/

1 minute ago, Columbo said:

Sorry if you clicked here thinking an announcement about the Dispatch's Third Street project might be the third of recent big project news for Columbus/Central Ohio - but I've got a couple of news reports about the Rhodes Tower.

 

The next person who posts anything here other than news of a 500' tower deserves a lifetime ban. I've had enough!!

7 minutes ago, Columbo said:

he heard the cable break and hit the top of the elevator car.  After plummeting about six floors,

This is nightmare fuel.

22 minutes ago, Columbo said:

Sorry if you clicked here thinking an announcement about the Dispatch's Third Street project might be the third of recent big project news for Columbus/Central Ohio - but I've got a couple of news reports about the Rhodes Tower.

Ngl, definitely had my hopes up for a very brief second lol

I’m worried about that Jackie Os patio expansion project. Feels as though it’s gone quiet, when it was announced it sounded like they wanted to get it going and completed super quick.
 

I hope it happens because frankly it looked badass but also I feel like it will continue to bring nightlife options into that pocket of downtown with Pins, Holy Trinity Brewing, Aura Lounge, Slammers, etc. I also want as much development to surround the sea of surface lots across from Wolfe’s Ridge so maybe we will finally see some development there.

 

if you’ve seen or heard anything that I’ve missed on this please send it my way!

1 hour ago, 614love said:

I’m worried about that Jackie Os patio expansion project. Feels as though it’s gone quiet, when it was announced it sounded like they wanted to get it going and completed super quick.
 

I hope it happens because frankly it looked badass but also I feel like it will continue to bring nightlife options into that pocket of downtown with Pins, Holy Trinity Brewing, Aura Lounge, Slammers, etc. I also want as much development to surround the sea of surface lots across from Wolfe’s Ridge so maybe we will finally see some development there.

 

if you’ve seen or heard anything that I’ve missed on this please send it my way.

Didn't they say at the time that they didn't have full control of the area where the patio is to go?  I'm pretty sure they said at the time they announced the project that they may have to scale down the patio depending on how negotiations go.

1 hour ago, 614love said:

I’m worried about that Jackie Os patio expansion project. Feels as though it’s gone quiet, when it was announced it sounded like they wanted to get it going and completed super quick.
 

I hope it happens because frankly it looked badass but also I feel like it will continue to bring nightlife options into that pocket of downtown with Pins, Holy Trinity Brewing, Aura Lounge, Slammers, etc. I also want as much development to surround the sea of surface lots across from Wolfe’s Ridge so maybe we will finally see some development there.

 

if you’ve seen or heard anything that I’ve missed on this please send it my way!

This was in a CU development roundup from April 28 2021: 

 

“Jackie O’s has the green light to move forward with its ambitious patio plans. The Downtown Commission approved the design of a multi-level patio that will feature green walls, murals and lots of different seating options. The commission also approved a smaller, scaled-down patio, though, that the brewery will build if an outstanding land ownership issue can’t be quickly resolved. Owner Art Oestrike told the commission that he thinks the issue – which involves a parcel last seen on maps from the 1840s – will be cleared up soon, and work on the super-sized patio could start in early summer, which means it could be open by fall.”

 

I wonder if they haven’t been able to work out the land issue. Maybe they are holding off a bit longer since covid stuff. 

8 minutes ago, Luvcbus said:

Didn't they say at the time that they didn't have full control of the area where the patio is to go?  I'm pretty sure they said at the time they announced the project that they may have to scale down the patio depending on how negotiations go.

If so, that’s a HUGE bummer because those original designs were PERFECT imo.

6 minutes ago, 614love said:

If so, that’s a HUGE bummer because those original designs were PERFECT imo.

I loved the original design as well.  I don't think it's "dead".  But I think I read that it could end up being scaled down.  I will try to find you the link.

14 minutes ago, 614love said:

If so, that’s a HUGE bummer because those original designs were PERFECT imo.

Someone beat me to it lol.  But there's a quote above as to why they may have to scale down the project.

Edited February 13, 20223 yr by Luvcbus

Downtown's future: Columbus leaders gather feedback on what's next

 

Twenty years ago, Columbus' leaders set out to draft the future of downtown. Now they're seeking ideas again, an effort former Mayor Michael Coleman said could be equally transformative.

 

In 2002, a Columbus Downtown Development Corp. strategic planning process focused on bringing more residential development downtown. A decade later, a similar effort led to the Scioto Greenways riverfront restoration, Columbus Commons, the Scioto Mile and The Peninsula mixed-use development.

 

A third strategic plan is currently underway.

 

"The other two plans have produced plans that have been city-changing," Coleman said.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/02/14/downtown-strategic-plan.html

 

Some plans for the 150 E Gay St tower redevelopment have been submitted. It is for roof alterations, they want to add a pool and some outdoor seating. 

1 hour ago, VintageLife said:

Some plans for the 150 E Gay St tower redevelopment have been submitted. It is for roof alterations, they want to add a pool and some outdoor seating. 

 

This will be fantastic. That rooftop is nearly 350 feet up-the views!

8 hours ago, VintageLife said:

Some plans for the 150 E Gay St tower redevelopment have been submitted. It is for roof alterations, they want to add a pool and some outdoor seating. 

Very cool idea. I didn't realize you could add roof top pools, I would figured you'd to have the structure designed for that from the beginning or else it'd be cost prohibitive. 

6 minutes ago, 17thState said:

Very cool idea. I didn't realize you could add roof top pools, I would figured you'd to have the structure designed for that from the beginning or else it'd be cost prohibitive. 

It isn’t a very deep pool as it is labeled a shallow pool. I’m sure it isn’t going to be huge.

Edited February 17, 20223 yr by VintageLife

https://www.reddit.com/r/Columbus/comments/sxy422/anybody_have_inside_scoop_on_when_the_jackie_os/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf

Someone else posted this on Reddit asking the same question about the Jackie Os patio. Apparently construction is starting NEXT WEEK! I’m assuming this is going to be the full build out patio they have planned and not just the abbreviated version they talked about after the fact. 

52 minutes ago, 614love said:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Columbus/comments/sxy422/anybody_have_inside_scoop_on_when_the_jackie_os/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf

Someone else posted this on Reddit asking the same question about the Jackie Os patio. Apparently construction is starting NEXT WEEK! I’m assuming this is going to be the full build out patio they have planned and not just the abbreviated version they talked about after the fact. 

 

It looks like they received final zoning clearance a few weeks ago. Based on the approved plans, it is the full build patio.

3 hours ago, 614love said:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Columbus/comments/sxy422/anybody_have_inside_scoop_on_when_the_jackie_os/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf

Someone else posted this on Reddit asking the same question about the Jackie Os patio. 

Lol guilty. I’m impatient and was looking for the inside scoop ha!

Gay and High hanging sculpture could go up later this year

 

 

The hanging sculpture planned for the Gay and High intersection downtown could go up later this year.

 

Artist Janet Echelman created the Columbus-inspired art that will be strung between the four buildings at that intersection: the Citizens building at 51 N. High St., The Nicholas at 12 W. Gay St., 14 E. Gay St. and 1 E. Gay. Two of the buildings are owned by prolific downtown developer Edwards Cos., the other two by Day Cos.

 

More below:

https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2022/02/23/gay-and-high-art.html

2021 State of Downtown is out.

 

We're up to 11,200 residents. 969 units are currently under construction with another 1,984 proposed.

 

https://downtownservices.org/2021-state-of-downtown/

24 minutes ago, aderwent said:

2021 State of Downtown is out.

 

We're up to 11,200 residents. 969 units are currently under construction with another 1,984 proposed.

 

https://downtownservices.org/2021-state-of-downtown/

Id be interested to see how those numbers stack up to cities we compete with. Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Nashville, etc.

Just now, 614love said:

Id be interested to see how those numbers stack up to cities we compete with. Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, Pittsburgh, Nashville, etc.

The 2020 U.S. Census showed Downtown's population reached 10,000 residents after years of construction. By comparison, the report said downtown Cleveland's population was 21,000 in 2021, and Cincinnati's was 14,013.

 

I have no idea how the "downtown" boundaries compare, or how they are determined, but those are the numbers for the 3Cs. 

7 hours ago, aderwent said:

2021 State of Downtown is out.

 

We're up to 11,200 residents. 969 units are currently under construction with another 1,984 proposed.

 

https://downtownservices.org/2021-state-of-downtown/

Based on these numbers and the amount of proposed residential units, I think it’s possible we could see a downtown population of 20,000 by the 2030 census. I would love to see the downtown population surpass its peak at some point in my lifetime. 

7 hours ago, cbussoccer said:

The 2020 U.S. Census showed Downtown's population reached 10,000 residents after years of construction. By comparison, the report said downtown Cleveland's population was 21,000 in 2021, and Cincinnati's was 14,013.

 

I have no idea how the "downtown" boundaries compare, or how they are determined, but those are the numbers for the 3Cs. 

I think cincinnati has the smallest downtown in area and Cleveland is the largest in size, with Columbus in the middle. 
 

I searched for the size, but might not have the exact info:

 

Cincinnati: 0.98 sq mi

Columbus: 2.4 sq mi

Cleveland: 3.019 sq mi

Edited February 24, 20223 yr by VintageLife

Columbus' Downtown is bigger than Cleveland and Cincinnati's combined at 7.45+ square miles. Part of this is due to the fact that the Arena District and Discovery District are officially part of Downtown. For some reason there is the "Uptown District" which includes most of the state government buildings. I've never heard anyone use that term. It is included since it is definitely Downtown. Also Downtown includes the part of Franklinton east of the railroad tracks for another .25 square miles or so not included in the 7.45 I listed above.

 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwithfObrJf2AhVrqVsKHRAtBFQQFnoECCwQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.columbus.gov%2FWorkArea%2FDownloadAsset.aspx%3Fid%3D2147491717&usg=AOvVaw1YNJVamOIoWntzcOc98nYO

Edited February 24, 20223 yr by GCrites80s

1 hour ago, GCrites80s said:

Columbus' Downtown is bigger than Cleveland and Cincinnati's combined at 7.45+ square miles. Part of this is due to the fact that the Arena District and Discovery District are officially part of Downtown. For some reason there is the "Uptown District" which includes most of the state government buildings. I've never heard anyone use that term. It is included since it is definitely Downtown. Also Downtown includes the part of Franklinton east of the railroad tracks for another .25 square miles or so not included in the 7.45 I listed above.

 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwithfObrJf2AhVrqVsKHRAtBFQQFnoECCwQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.columbus.gov%2FWorkArea%2FDownloadAsset.aspx%3Fid%3D2147491717&usg=AOvVaw1YNJVamOIoWntzcOc98nYO

This is from The Downtown Design Guidelines 

 

 

https://www.columbus.gov/uploadedFiles/Columbus/Departments/Development/Planning_Division/Document_Library/Library_Documents/PDFs/downtown design guidelines (screen).pdf

 

 

 

9 hours ago, VintageLife said:

I think cincinnati has the smallest downtown in area and Cleveland is the largest in size, with Columbus in the middle. 
 

I searched for the size, but might not have the exact info:

 

Cincinnati: 0.98 sq mi

Columbus: 2.4 sq mi

Cleveland: 3.019 sq mi

In the report they list the populations of the three Cs by number of people per acre. Converting to square miles you get:

 

Cincinnati: 1.70 square miles

Cleveland: 2.08 square miles

Columbus: 2.33 square miles

Downtown Columbus is around 2.45 square miles:

 

 

Limits are based on the map used in the zoning code that establishes the Downtown District:

 

Then what is this "Central Downtown" from my link? I can see that we might say the Arena District, Discovery District and "Uptown" are wrapped into it but that still puts it at 6.4 square miles. Does "Central Downtown" include things like the Brewery District, all of Franklinton east of 315 and German Village?

48 minutes ago, GCrites80s said:

Then what is this "Central Downtown" from my link? I can see that we might say the Arena District, Discovery District and "Uptown" are wrapped into it but that still puts it at 6.4 square miles. Does "Central Downtown" include things like the Brewery District, all of Franklinton east of 315 and German Village?

 

The document you posted says the neighborhood data is from City-Data.com. Looking at the Downtown Columbus neighborhood page there, this seems to be the area considered "Downtown" by City-Data.com:

 

 

Obviously, that includes a large area that is not part of downtown. Downtown Columbus is 2.45 square miles as I posted earlier.

Oh wow, that's all of the Near East Side.

Wonder why a Columbus city document uses City-Data's info rather than, say... the city's own.